Alex Aroy first trained as an amateur boxer under the Maasin City Sports Council, with me as the Chairman, and with the late Tiny Espina, then with Ramil Entia as trainers. He was later managed by Rex “Wakee” Salud under trainer Anol Jaca. He was so proud being a Maasinhon that he used the alias “Maasin Bomber” and “Batang Maasin.”
I accompanied Alex and company to Cebu City in 1999 when they competed in the National Youth Amateur Boxing Championships. His companions at that time were Darius Dag-uman, Jegner Ayaay, Mario Caube, and Adonis Aguelo, all of Maasin City. When they turned professional, Dag-uman was with the Omega Boxing Club, Ayaay was once taken by the ALA Gym, Aguelo is now training under Brix Flores, while Caube did not turn pro and has retired from boxing.
During the said tournament, Alex won his initial bout but lost in the next fight. He had weight problems and we had to cover him with a large plastic to perspire in order to reduce. It took a tool on his second fight. Weigh-in in the amateurs is done daily before each fight. But like in his professional career, Alex was never been knocked down in his amateur days.
It was Darius who introduced Alex to trainer Anol Jaca. I took the initiative of promoting five of his fights in Maasin City to let our local fans witness how the rising hometown boxer swiped opponents with his stinging punches. The Maasin City Sports Council tied up with Salud to sponsor his fights in Maasin and Alex did not fail his kababayans.
He had his pro debut in Jakarta, Indonesia in October 23, 2003 by winning on points against Indonesian Donny Suratin in eight rounds despite hostile crowd. Since then, he compiled straight wins against Roy Fuentes, Ruther del Castillo, Rogelio Bardon, Rex Madrid, Elmar Francisco, Michael Rodriguez, Allan Dugang, and over Rolando Baclayo, in his first fight in Maasin.
He tasted first defeat in the hands of Rollen del Castillo. He had a technical draw with Noel Veronque at the City Gym in his first pro fight in Maasin. He lost a technical decision over Milan Melindo in a six-round non-title fight in the undercard of the Z Gorres-Fernando Montiel bout in the Cebu City Sports Center.
He did not lost in his hometown and he won the Philippine Boxing Federation light-flyweight title against Dennis Juntillano at the City Gym, becoming the first Maasin boxer to win a national title.
His father Nemesio “Benny” Aroy in Barangay Maria Clara was a former boxer and it was he who was his son’s first trainer. He had high hopes that his son someday would become an international or even a world champion. It was not an impossible dream because of his performance in an international championship in South Africa.
The people of Maasin City pinned our hopes on Aroy as our first world champion. We had produced such nationally rated boxers as Romy Roa, Al Tan Lee, Bert Lozano, Jun Tan Sato, among others.
All went for naught in that forgettable evening in South Africa and the hopes of producing another World Boxing Council (WBC) international champion, in the same category as that of Manny Pacquiao, were vanished.
WBC International minimumweight champion Zukisani Kwayiba of South Africa was on the verge of getting floored by the hard-hitting Aroy in rounds six and seven, but the lights in the boxing ring mysteriously went off. While the other parts of the hotel-casino were still well with electricity.
When the ring power failure occurred, Kwayiba immediately went down the ring and took off his gloves, sensing the lights will never return, while Aroy stayed on top of the ring waiting for the power to be restored. Seven minutes had passed and the judges decided to go to the scorecards per WBC rules and Kwayiba won by Majority Technical Decision in round seven. Very oddly, the lights were back immediately after the verdict was announced.
Unfortunately Aroy was behind on points as he was known as a slow starter and was relying heavily on his superb knockout punch. But South African fans were not all highly-partisan as they booed the notorious outcome of the fight. It was quite astonishing that a prestigious hotel and casino such as Carousel in South Africa has no standby power while hosting such a reputed WBC international title fight.
Aroy became an instant hero in South Africa forcing promoter Branco Milenkovic to let him fight again in this country. Everywhere he went in Temba, boxing fans would be shouting “Aroy! Aroy!” Because of the dream turning a nightmare, Aroy turned into an instant celebrity in the world of boxing. He became known not only in the country but in the international boxing scene as well.
South African promoter Branco Milenkovic was so disgusted by the performance and the controversial victory of Kwayiba that he considered staging a rematch even if WBC did not order so. We were offered by Salud to host the WBC international title fight involving Alex in Maasin, but we refused because the budget involves millions of pesos and the city government was not ready to spend such a hefty sum.
Although the rematch with Kwayiba did not materialize because Aroy exerted a lot of effort in reducing to get the 105-lb. mini-flyweight limit. It also contributed to the sluggish first few rounds he had with Kwayiba. So he had to fight on the next higher weight category.
Aroy again failed to win the World Boxing Council international crown without throwing a single punch in the same jinxed South African venue which is famous for hometown decisions and controversial outcomes in boxing. His South African opponent WBC international light-flyweight champion Phumzile Matyhila was stripped of his title when he failed to make the weight limit when he tipped the scales three kilograms overweight. Organizers cancelled the bout and Matyhila was stripped of his belt.
The return bout with Arnel Tadena was considered by many in Maasin as conceded in favor of our local hometown boxing hero. For during the first encounter with Tadena on Maasin fiesta vesper day on August 14, 2007, Alex was very much ahead on points in the three judges’ scorecards when an accidental head butt cut Tadena’s head in the second round. Upon Dr. Teodulo K. Salas, Jr.’s advice, Tadena was declared unfit to continue and the bout was declared a technical draw.
Maasin boxing fans were dismayed not seeing the imminent knockout coming through. They wanted to see Alex sending Arnel kissing the canvass, but to their disappointment. Thus, a rematch was the order of the day. But the “Maasin Bomber” was slated to fight Kwayiba in South Africa so the rematch did not materialize.
Prior to the rematch, Aroy had a 12-5-2 (6 KOs) win-loss-draw card, while Tadena’s professional record was 7-3-2 (4 KOs). Aroy was rated RP No. 7 light-flyweight contender, while Tadena was the RP No. 6 mini-flyweight contender. The fight was scheduled for ten rounds for the PBF light-flyweight title.
The much-awaited rematch with Tadena occurred on that forgettable Villaba, Leyte encounter. Already feeling weak because there were reports that he had a fever a few days before the fight and he did not have adequate practice for the bout, he lost by unanimous decision to the fighter who had prepared well for the rematch.
But with a warrior-like attitude that he had, he did not retreat from a challenge to prove who was the better fighter from among the two protagonists. Unfortunately though, the Divine Providence had favored to take away his life at a very early age of 23. He did not live long enough to get another crack at the WBC international title we longed for him to take.
I received an early morning cellular phone call on February 5, 2008 from Rex “Wakee” Salud matchmaker Willie Flores breaking the news about the death of our local boxing hero. Willie was in tears as he narrated Alex’s heartbreaking situation, how he had the difficulty in urinating before collapsing in his dressing room after the fight. I was tasked to inform his parents about the dreadful incident.
But just minutes later, Alex’s parents came to our house to air their grief on the shocking death of their son. They said they were informed by Alex’s co-boxer Darius Dag-uman. I ordered a vehicle to transport both father and mother from Maasin to Villaba, which is more than three hours drive. The boxer’s remains were already laid at the Puso Funeral Home in Palompon, Leyte, more than forty kilometers from Villaba.
The promoters and GAB personnel proposed an autopsy on Alex’s remains, but upon learning that it will be brought to Tacloban, more than four hours drive from Palompon, because the town lacks the necessary facilities, the parents decided to waive the planned autopsy and bring the body back immediately home. According to his parents, we could not bring Alex back to life even if an autopsy had to be conducted.
I always regarded our boxers as my adopted sons and Alex had been a pet since he brought honor and glory not only to the city but as well as to the country. Whenever he was in Maasin, he never failed to visit me in the office to pay a courtesy call. If ever they had problems, his mother would visit me at home or at the office.
One of the many controversies that hounded Alex was when he fought for the WBC Youth championship and lost to Thai Oleydong Sithsamerchai in Petchaboon, Thailand and was not paid his purse by the Filipino promoter. His mother cried and aired his misery to me when the incident happened. It was just one of the many tempests that Alex encountered in his short pro career.
I went to Manila just right after his shocking death and had a meeting with Games and Amusements Board Chairman Eric Buhain and GAB Boxing Division Chief Dr. Nasser Cruz. The amiable doctor explained that probable causes of Aroy’s death could be a failure in pancreas, spleen, liver or bladder. He added only an autopsy can verify officially the real cause of the ring death.
While I told him that Alex had a fever prior to the fight, he said that several boxers had experienced fever before their scheduled encounter and still won. No less than Manny Pacquiao, according to Dr. Cruz, suffered from a fever but still was able to fight after receiving medical treatment. However, Buhain and Cruz assured me that the investigation was already in the works through GAB Visayas in Cebu City.
Buhain said that no less than WBC international secretary Mauro Betti of Italy handed the WBC condolences thru email. According to them Alex was a great loss considering that he was a world rated boxer. Prior to the tragedy, Aroy was rated No. 31 by the WBC in the entire world in the light-flyweight division.
Milenkovic, the South African promoter, was also saddened of the untimely death. He was working a future WBC international fight for Alex which could no longer materialize. No less than world boxing pound-for-pound king Pacquiao extended his condolences and donated assistance thru Salud. Antonio L. Aldeguer of the famed ALA Gym also extended his condolences and assistance too.
In Alex’s wake, I gathered all boxers, pro and amateur, who were present. Not one of them decided to stop boxing because of the ring tragedy and Aroy’s death challenged them more to give honor to Maasin City where Alex had left. Alex, their inspiration, was buried on February 12, 2008 at the Maasin Cemetery. But the passion among my other “sons” to fight and redeem Alex’s death will not be buried.
Saturday, August 1, 2015
INFLUENCE OF EDSA REVOLUTION
According to President Corazon Aquino: "I would rather die a meaningful death than to live a meaningless life."
My first important involvement in politics was the memorable elections of 1986 which drastically changed the course of history of this nation.
When then President Ferdinand E. Marcos called a snap presidential election in February 7, 1986, my sympathy went to the widow Cory Aquino of the slain Senator Benigno Aquino, Jr. Twenty years in power and abuses by the military during Martial law was a bitter pill to swallow. The assassination of Ninoy in August 21, 1983 fueled massive protests in the urban centers of the country.
First involvement in politics
When I worked at the then Ministry of Public Works and Highways (MPWH) in 1984, I voted for the candidates of Marcos’ Kilusang Bagong Lipunan (KBL) candidates. Most especially then Assemblyman Nicanor Yñiguez who was slated for Speakership during that time.
I just graduated from college and was planning to work with the government so I had to go with the current. But I believed also that the Speaker was a good man and an astute politician.
Snap election campaign
Then I worked as a full time instructor at the Saint Joseph College Engineering Department starting in the first semester of school year 1985-86. The School President Bishop Vicente Ataviado was pro-Cory during the presidential campaign and so did the majority of the faculty members. Our stand was Martial Law had good intentions and people were disciplined especially the bad elements of the society. Only that Marcos had lost control of his military and his close allies.
I openly campaigned in the classroom and in the gatherings of different organizations against Marcos and favored Cory to become President because of pure sympathy to Ninoy and the strong clamor for change.
It was against the will of my mother, who at that time worked at the MPWH. Her sympathy was with Cory but she could not voice out her sentiments as government employees were forced to vote for Marcos.
Cory may not have the experience as compared to Marcos. But Cory had the sincerity to serve and the fear of God. Human rights abuses by the military, massive cronyism and corruption, and the downfall of the nation’s economy were the main issues against Marcos. Gone were the days when the Philippines was number two to Japan in the Asian economy. Now we are second to Bangladesh at the bottom.
When the results of the snap elections came out, Marcos was ahead by millions. The COMELEC final tally had Marcos winning with 10,807,197 votes against Aquino's 9,291,761 votes. While the National Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL), an accredited non-government poll watcher, had Aquino winning with 7,835,070 votes against Marcos' 7,053,068 votes.
There were reports of manipulation of votes and terrorism and the counting was marred by the walkout of 29 COMELEC computer technicians because of the fraud. It ignited the spirit of revolt among the people. Marcos was proclaimed by the Batasang Pambansa as the duly elected president. Protests mushroomed all over the Philippines as reports of massive cheating abound everywhere. Campaign of civil disobedience came to Maasin by the Cory Aquino Movement national officials.
The snap elections proved to be very divisive in the local scene. We had debates and heated arguments with friends, relatives and classmates who were backers of the KBL especially if they were working or their parents were connected with the government. Conflicts were everywhere as disputes on who won the elections were widespread.
Start of a revolution
We, Cory sympathizers were threatened to be arrested. My mother was threatened to be transferred to a far district outside Region 8. But the will of God prevailed as Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile and Vice Chief of Staff Fidel Ramos led a military revolt against the embattled president. Cory and Cardinal Sin called on the people to support the renegade soldiers and millions flocked to Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) at Camp Crame and Camp Aguinaldo.
That time we had a ringhop and necklacing ceremonies for engineering students at the SJC Social Hall and my colleagues in the Cory Aquino movement called on me at the school where the activities were still ongoing. We rejoiced and monitored the proceedings over radio. There was no clear television signal that time in Maasin.
The rest is history. People power prevailed. On February 25, 1986, Cory took her oath as President of the Philippines. While Marcos took also his own oath, then he left with his family for Hawaii. In Maasin, we had a big celebration among Coryistas. There was a motorcade but it was harassed by followers of the toppled regime.
But it did not stop the enthusiasm of the supporters of the new-found freedom. Democracy again prevailed. Dictatorship was overthrown. It was a revolution of the people, a bloodless one, by the Filipino people. The fruits of EDSA are for democracy for us the people of the Philippines.
People power II
EDSA People Power II came when President Joseph Estrada was impeached in the later part of 2000 and people gathered once again at EDSA calling for his resignation. It culminated in the swearing in of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, then Vice President, as President of the Philippines on January 20, 2001.
I joined calls for the resignation of Erap, myself being a member of Lakas-NUCD, the party of former President Fidel Ramos and Vice President Arroyo. It was based on the alleged receiving of Estrada of P220 million in jueteng money and P70 million excise tax on cigarettes. It was also the call of our party and the Catholics Bishop Conference (CBCP) and likewise of former President Cory Aquino.
We worked for Gloria from the time she campaigned as Senator then as Vice President. My brother Milko was the coordinator of the group Kaibigan ni Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (KGMA).
When Gloria was President, we enjoyed closeness to Malacañang, being partymates. Projects poured to Southern Leyte and Maasin City. Although it was Estrada who signed the cityhood law of Maasin and then San Juan Mayor Jinggoy Estrada helped follow up the cityhood in the Palace, but we had to part ways with the short-lived Erap presidency for the sake of our constituents.
Noynoy's turn
Then came the 2010 presidential elections when our group supported the Lakas-Kampi official candidate Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro, the former Secretary of Defense. Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III was the Liberal Party bet. Because of Cory’s death due to colon cancer Noynoy’s popularity soared high and this brought him to Malacañang.
We could not even let Gibo win in Maasin City and Southern Leyte as most of our people voted for Noynoy. He was the darling of the media at that time welding so much influence on our TV viewing constituents.
But the Cory spirit was still inside of me as EDSA People Power was the true symbol of the restoration of democracy. In the spirit of EDSA unity we supported the administration of President Benigno Aquino III as the leader of this nation.
My first important involvement in politics was the memorable elections of 1986 which drastically changed the course of history of this nation.
When then President Ferdinand E. Marcos called a snap presidential election in February 7, 1986, my sympathy went to the widow Cory Aquino of the slain Senator Benigno Aquino, Jr. Twenty years in power and abuses by the military during Martial law was a bitter pill to swallow. The assassination of Ninoy in August 21, 1983 fueled massive protests in the urban centers of the country.
First involvement in politics
When I worked at the then Ministry of Public Works and Highways (MPWH) in 1984, I voted for the candidates of Marcos’ Kilusang Bagong Lipunan (KBL) candidates. Most especially then Assemblyman Nicanor Yñiguez who was slated for Speakership during that time.
I just graduated from college and was planning to work with the government so I had to go with the current. But I believed also that the Speaker was a good man and an astute politician.
Snap election campaign
Then I worked as a full time instructor at the Saint Joseph College Engineering Department starting in the first semester of school year 1985-86. The School President Bishop Vicente Ataviado was pro-Cory during the presidential campaign and so did the majority of the faculty members. Our stand was Martial Law had good intentions and people were disciplined especially the bad elements of the society. Only that Marcos had lost control of his military and his close allies.
I openly campaigned in the classroom and in the gatherings of different organizations against Marcos and favored Cory to become President because of pure sympathy to Ninoy and the strong clamor for change.
It was against the will of my mother, who at that time worked at the MPWH. Her sympathy was with Cory but she could not voice out her sentiments as government employees were forced to vote for Marcos.
Cory may not have the experience as compared to Marcos. But Cory had the sincerity to serve and the fear of God. Human rights abuses by the military, massive cronyism and corruption, and the downfall of the nation’s economy were the main issues against Marcos. Gone were the days when the Philippines was number two to Japan in the Asian economy. Now we are second to Bangladesh at the bottom.
When the results of the snap elections came out, Marcos was ahead by millions. The COMELEC final tally had Marcos winning with 10,807,197 votes against Aquino's 9,291,761 votes. While the National Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL), an accredited non-government poll watcher, had Aquino winning with 7,835,070 votes against Marcos' 7,053,068 votes.
There were reports of manipulation of votes and terrorism and the counting was marred by the walkout of 29 COMELEC computer technicians because of the fraud. It ignited the spirit of revolt among the people. Marcos was proclaimed by the Batasang Pambansa as the duly elected president. Protests mushroomed all over the Philippines as reports of massive cheating abound everywhere. Campaign of civil disobedience came to Maasin by the Cory Aquino Movement national officials.
The snap elections proved to be very divisive in the local scene. We had debates and heated arguments with friends, relatives and classmates who were backers of the KBL especially if they were working or their parents were connected with the government. Conflicts were everywhere as disputes on who won the elections were widespread.
Start of a revolution
We, Cory sympathizers were threatened to be arrested. My mother was threatened to be transferred to a far district outside Region 8. But the will of God prevailed as Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile and Vice Chief of Staff Fidel Ramos led a military revolt against the embattled president. Cory and Cardinal Sin called on the people to support the renegade soldiers and millions flocked to Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) at Camp Crame and Camp Aguinaldo.
That time we had a ringhop and necklacing ceremonies for engineering students at the SJC Social Hall and my colleagues in the Cory Aquino movement called on me at the school where the activities were still ongoing. We rejoiced and monitored the proceedings over radio. There was no clear television signal that time in Maasin.
The rest is history. People power prevailed. On February 25, 1986, Cory took her oath as President of the Philippines. While Marcos took also his own oath, then he left with his family for Hawaii. In Maasin, we had a big celebration among Coryistas. There was a motorcade but it was harassed by followers of the toppled regime.
But it did not stop the enthusiasm of the supporters of the new-found freedom. Democracy again prevailed. Dictatorship was overthrown. It was a revolution of the people, a bloodless one, by the Filipino people. The fruits of EDSA are for democracy for us the people of the Philippines.
People power II
EDSA People Power II came when President Joseph Estrada was impeached in the later part of 2000 and people gathered once again at EDSA calling for his resignation. It culminated in the swearing in of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, then Vice President, as President of the Philippines on January 20, 2001.
I joined calls for the resignation of Erap, myself being a member of Lakas-NUCD, the party of former President Fidel Ramos and Vice President Arroyo. It was based on the alleged receiving of Estrada of P220 million in jueteng money and P70 million excise tax on cigarettes. It was also the call of our party and the Catholics Bishop Conference (CBCP) and likewise of former President Cory Aquino.
We worked for Gloria from the time she campaigned as Senator then as Vice President. My brother Milko was the coordinator of the group Kaibigan ni Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (KGMA).
When Gloria was President, we enjoyed closeness to Malacañang, being partymates. Projects poured to Southern Leyte and Maasin City. Although it was Estrada who signed the cityhood law of Maasin and then San Juan Mayor Jinggoy Estrada helped follow up the cityhood in the Palace, but we had to part ways with the short-lived Erap presidency for the sake of our constituents.
Noynoy's turn
Then came the 2010 presidential elections when our group supported the Lakas-Kampi official candidate Gilbert “Gibo” Teodoro, the former Secretary of Defense. Senator Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III was the Liberal Party bet. Because of Cory’s death due to colon cancer Noynoy’s popularity soared high and this brought him to Malacañang.
We could not even let Gibo win in Maasin City and Southern Leyte as most of our people voted for Noynoy. He was the darling of the media at that time welding so much influence on our TV viewing constituents.
But the Cory spirit was still inside of me as EDSA People Power was the true symbol of the restoration of democracy. In the spirit of EDSA unity we supported the administration of President Benigno Aquino III as the leader of this nation.
Saturday, July 25, 2015
SPORTY MAYOR
In his column Sports Eye in the April 8, 2014 issue of The Freeman, Raffy T. Uytiepo wrote about me in an article entitled "Sporty Mayor."
"I took a week-long sojourn to Maasin City in Southern Leyte for a little rest but ended up climbing the mountain shrines.... Just before leaving, I dropped by at City Hall to visit the city’s mayor, Maloney Samaco, undoubtedly a sportsman in his own right. Mayor Maloney may not look athletic but he’s been supporting Maasin City’s sports programs. He is also responsible for the city’s hosting of numerous sports activities and national events...
"Chess is also a favorite sport of Mayor Maloney who said since he was frail and sickly during his younger days, he took to chess which does’nt require too much physical efforts. Oh by the way, Mayor Maloney has participated in several runs in Cebu City. He even ran in the Cebu City Marathon but only in the 5K side together with our very own Mayor Mike Rama...With running and triathlon starting to become popular here, Mayor Maloney plans to do more events...Keep the good work Mayor!"
Yes because I was skinny and had hernia during my elementary days, I was not able to play basketball, the game that I love. I played only mini-basketball using small basketballs or tennis balls which were a fad during that time using miniature goals.
I played chess which required only mental abilities. In my elementary days I played with the best chess players of Maasin, even with the adult champions, until high school. Papa's store and tailoring was a chess center where all chess experts of the town assembled.
I placed third in the whole of Maasin in the elementary level chess tournament. I won the high school level chess game during the SJC Loyalty Day. I stopped playing chess when I was in college.
Only when the Batang Pinoy Visayas Qualifying Leg was held in Maasin City on September 26, 2013 did I play chess again. It was a simultaneous chess game against Grandmaster Jayson Gonzales as I joined the inmates and some jail guards at the City Jail in challenging the national chess trainer.
I was the only one to draw the GM while others lost. It was a great honor for a stagnating chess player to play with a grandmaster to a draw.
I was the only one to draw the GM while others lost. It was a great honor for a stagnating chess player to play with a grandmaster to a draw.
I started to play lawn tennis in my first year high school. But my hernia came back causing stomach aches during and after each game. So I stopped playing lawn tennis for good.
My deficiency in physique was countered by my viewing of sports competitions on television. After he closed his tailoring business, Papa operated the No.1 sports home video in Maasin and it showed mostly boxing matches and basketball games.
I was fascinated by the Olympics, Asian Games, NBA, PBA and championship boxing. When Radio Station DYDM opened, I had a regular broadcast entitled Sports Roundup. I also reported with sports update daily in the morning news of the radio.
I also became a sportswriter as I wrote a column Sports Roundup in the Southern Leyte Times then at the Maasin Mail then back to the Southern Leyte Times. I became a sports blogger at the globally popular Philboxing.com.
My deficiency in physique was countered by my viewing of sports competitions on television. After he closed his tailoring business, Papa operated the No.1 sports home video in Maasin and it showed mostly boxing matches and basketball games.
I was fascinated by the Olympics, Asian Games, NBA, PBA and championship boxing. When Radio Station DYDM opened, I had a regular broadcast entitled Sports Roundup. I also reported with sports update daily in the morning news of the radio.
I also became a sportswriter as I wrote a column Sports Roundup in the Southern Leyte Times then at the Maasin Mail then back to the Southern Leyte Times. I became a sports blogger at the globally popular Philboxing.com.
When I was Vice Mayor, I began playing competitive basketball, this time for the forty-uppers. It all began with an exhibition game between elected officials and heads of office. Then we played against the barangay captains during city employees week. We also played in the employees week of the province against the 40-uppers basketball teams of the Province, Nationals, DILG and Soleco.
Our elected officials and heads of office team played with the executive team of Gov. Oscar Moreno from Misamis Oriental. I was vice mayor that time and Damian Mercado was the City Mayor. It was a part of the City Charter Day celebration.
When I became City Mayor I organized the Mayor's Squad basketball team for 39-below hoopsters and 40-upper basketeers. We played in barangay fiestas, anniversaries and LGU month celebrations. We 40-uppers would face either the barangay officials or barangay tanods team. And the 39-below team would engage with the senior selection of the barangay.
Our elected and heads of office team played against our provincial counterparts. I also joined the game of the MCC Faculty Team versus MCC Staff. I also played in our MCC Faculty and Staff Team against DepEd City Division.
Then came a time when I was engaged in running with Chona. My sister Mabel convinced us to join the trend of running. We started jogging at the port area every morning. We ran around the poblacion too. We went also to the Mama Mary Shrine at Jalleca Hills and Montecueva.
Our first run at Cebu was the Citigym Half-Marathon "A Halloween Run" where we ran three kilometers starting and ending at the Waterfront Hotel, Cebu City on October 3, 2010. We ran our first 5k on November 7, 2010 at the "Run for IT" starting and finishing at the IT Park, Cebu City.
On November 28, 2010 we went to Manila to join the "Bonifacio Global City (BGC) Run" where we run 5K at Taguig City.
Then runs at Cebu City followed. On December 5 , 2010 the "Red Cross Run" 5K at Ayala Center. On December 11, 2010 the "Run to Build - The Sci Hi Fun Run" 5K at SM City. Then the "Run for Sta. Teresa de Avila 2" good for 6K followed at Talisay City on December 30, 2010 where the whole family joined.
On January 9, 2011 we joined the prestigious "Cebu Marathon" starting and ending at the IT Park, Cebu City where we ran for 5K.
On January 23, 2011 we had our first trail run at the "Argao Mud Run" where we participated the 7K category at the mountains of Argao, Cebu.
The first fun run we participated starting and ending at SM City Cebu was on Feb 13, 2011 "SM 2 SM Run" for 6K. Then another one at APM Mall Cebu City on April 24, 2011 the "Run for a Child's Future" for 5K.
We also organized and participated the fun runs in Maasin City in 2011: On February 11 the "Run for the Heart" for 6K, on March 25 the "Run for the Philippine First Mass" for 6K, on May 23 the "Takbo Kontra Tabako" for 6K, on June 12 the "Freedom Run" for 3K, on August 7 the "1st Maasin City Half Marathon" for 10K, and on September 6 the "Takbo Laban sa Krimen" for 3K.
There were fun runs in Maasin organized by other institutions which we also joined: On February 19 the "1st Seminary Fund Run" for 6K by the Pope Paul VI Seminary, on October 29 the "Metro Hi-Per Fun Run" for 3K and on December 4 the "Red Cross Million Volunteer Run" for 3K.
Chona and I joined two days of successive runs in Luzon. On February 26, 2011 we ran the "Run with the Heroes" for 5K at the Basa Air Base, Floridablanca, Pampanga and the next day February 27 at the "EDSA Run" for 5K finishing at People Power Monument, Quezon City.
Ayala Center of Cebu City was the start and finish of some of the runs that we had took part: On March 13, 2011 the "Family Back Pack Fun Run" 6K; on April 10, 2011 the "C24/7 Fun Run" 5K; and on July 31, 2011, the "POGS Run" 8K.
We went to other towns and cities to enter their runs: On April 16, 2011 the "BSF Earth Run" 10K at Bato School of Fisheries, Bato, Leyte; April 21, 2011 the "Bantayan Beachathon" 5K at Sta. Fe, Bantayan Island, Cebu; on May 1, 2011 the "Mayor's Cup Run for Change" 6K at Parkmall, Mandaue City; on May 21, 2011 the "1st Matalom Fun Run" 6K at Matalom, Leyte; on May 29, 2011 the "Greenfield City Clean Air Run" 5K at Sta. Rosa City, Laguna; Aug 14 iRun for Ormoc 5K at Ormoc City; on August 28, 2011 the "Run for 100% Smoke-Free Environment" 5K Talisay City; on September 11, 2011 the "ERUF Run 161 11.11.11" 6K Parkmall, Mandaue City.
We joined one fun run outside the country. On June 23, 2011 we ran the "Olfener City Jubilaumslauf" 5K in Olfen City, Germany.
Wednesday, July 22, 2015
CHILDHOOD IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD
According to English writer Agatha Christie: "One of the luckiest things that can happen to you in life is, I think, to have a happy childhood."
I had a very colorful childhood at Purok Molave, Barangay Tunga-tunga, Maasin, Southern Leyte. Our purok was named after the big molave tree or tugas just across the street of our home. We lived at Simplicio Bantug Street, named after the former town mayor, at the back of Saint Joseph College (SJC) high school building. SJC belonged to Purok Molave geographically and so does the Public Plaza and the Church.
The street was not concreted then and we enjoyed playing in the dusty municipal road. There were very few motor vehicles so there was less disturbance in our games.
We played tubig-tubig, kingkingay, hatum, bato-lata, katibo, tago-tagoay, dakpanay, ikid-ikiray and other indigenous games. Indoors we engaged with matchbox car races, jackstone, sungka, and other parlor games.
Children's sportsfest
I organized all children, boys and girls, of Purok Molave in sports games we called Loyalty Day named after the athletic meet of Saint Joseph College. We divided the children into two factions during summer vacations and played mini volleyball, basketball, baseball games as well as badminton, table tennis, runs and relays around the block and parlor games.
We camped at the grounds of our neighborhood, fetched and slept in tents. We cooked rice and food using gathered firewood in our miniature camp. We sang songs and I told stories to our child neighbors to have some fun.
We played insects, had them fought each other, such as spiders and bugs, and placed ants on glass jars with sand to view their tunnels. We caught fish, like guppies, at the canal and placed them in aquariums. We also captured birds using hook and line with a grain of corn as bait.
Sometimes we went swimming with neighborhood friends at the beach where the city hall is now situated. And also we climbed at the Hilltop of the College of Maasin and at the Telecom tower at Combado to view the town of Maasin.
We climbed trees and ate their fruits in the purok because there were many of them during that time. There was a chico tree and water apple or tambis tree at the residence of Lola Daday, Papa's mother. We climbed kerson or manzanitas tree and star apple or caimito tree and ate the fruits. We also gathered tiesa, iba, and balimbing which were found in the neighborhood.
Service in the church
"I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." - Matthew 18:3-4.
During Holy Week I directed passion and crucifixion plays where some friends acted as Jesus Christ, Virgin Mary, the apostles, Roman soldiers and other Biblical characters. We recorded our dramas in the tape recorder.
I led also some boy neighbors in devoting time to work for the parish church. Our house was just one block from the Cathedral. We attended catechism classes and joined the Flores de Mayo even if we are boys. I also had the chance to join the Santacruzan at the end of May processions as a prince and as one of the characters.
We served during masses at the Cathedral and acted as altar boys. We rang the bell at the steeple signalling the preparations and start of the holy masses. From the top of the church tower we can get a good view of the town. Sometimes I read the first reading during the mass we served as acolytes.
There was still a communion rail that time so we had to accompany the priest in moving back and forth the lines of people kneeling at the rail to receive the host. We assisted the priest using the paten to protect the host from dropping to the floor.
Cultural presentations
Every New Year was a grand celebration at Purok Molave because there was an annual dance or bayle. We presented intermissions during the occasion in the form of dances. But in the later years we presented comical skits such as a boxing match, a rendition of MacArthur's "I Shall Return," a sword fight, a cowboy duel, and a resurrection from the dead.
In the school I also directed comical skits and dramas like these. I did it from Grade 5 to 4th year high school in SJC. We presented these plays at classroom programs and during convocation programs.
When we were in the Grade 6, I was the emcee of our elementary Christmas Program. It was one good break given to me which ushered my showmanship.
We played lots of chess games and even dama, checkers, game of the generals and other board games at my father's refreshment store and tailoring just one block from the house.
We also had mini basketball using tennis balls at Papa's store. I organized two on two basketball tournaments, using the tennis ball and small goal.
I was also fond of drawing cartoons and made stories out of them. Sheets and sheets of bond paper were consumed on these comic strips. I also wrote different serialized stories and collected them.
I also read the Bisaya magazine which we subscribed weekly. I read the comics and stories which were all written in the Cebuano vernacular.
Radio and TV programs
I had also an affection of listening to radio dramas before the advent of television. My favorites were Diego Salvador, Magnon and Ang Manok ni San Pedro. I also composed dramas like those on the radio stations and recorded them on tapes.
When Papa was able to purchase television, children all over the neighborhood flocked at home to watch the shows. It was still a black and white Radiowealth TV. We were the only TV owner in the area who allowed neighbors to view the small screen.
My favorite children's show was The Electric Company and Batman. We also watched PBA games especially the Toyota-Crispa rivalry. Banahaw Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) was the only channel with the clear reception.
We visited Ormoc City at Lola Cande's house during vacations. Sabang beach was not reclaimed yet and there was a big coral reef or hunasan. During low tide, we caught and played sand bubbler crabs also called agukoy.
I dearly cherished those sweet childhood memories. They contributed much to what I am now.
"I spent my whole childhood wishing I were older and now I'm spending my adulthood wishing I were younger." - American actor Ricky Schroder.
I had a very colorful childhood at Purok Molave, Barangay Tunga-tunga, Maasin, Southern Leyte. Our purok was named after the big molave tree or tugas just across the street of our home. We lived at Simplicio Bantug Street, named after the former town mayor, at the back of Saint Joseph College (SJC) high school building. SJC belonged to Purok Molave geographically and so does the Public Plaza and the Church.
The street was not concreted then and we enjoyed playing in the dusty municipal road. There were very few motor vehicles so there was less disturbance in our games.
We played tubig-tubig, kingkingay, hatum, bato-lata, katibo, tago-tagoay, dakpanay, ikid-ikiray and other indigenous games. Indoors we engaged with matchbox car races, jackstone, sungka, and other parlor games.
Children's sportsfest
I organized all children, boys and girls, of Purok Molave in sports games we called Loyalty Day named after the athletic meet of Saint Joseph College. We divided the children into two factions during summer vacations and played mini volleyball, basketball, baseball games as well as badminton, table tennis, runs and relays around the block and parlor games.
We camped at the grounds of our neighborhood, fetched and slept in tents. We cooked rice and food using gathered firewood in our miniature camp. We sang songs and I told stories to our child neighbors to have some fun.
We played insects, had them fought each other, such as spiders and bugs, and placed ants on glass jars with sand to view their tunnels. We caught fish, like guppies, at the canal and placed them in aquariums. We also captured birds using hook and line with a grain of corn as bait.
Sometimes we went swimming with neighborhood friends at the beach where the city hall is now situated. And also we climbed at the Hilltop of the College of Maasin and at the Telecom tower at Combado to view the town of Maasin.
We climbed trees and ate their fruits in the purok because there were many of them during that time. There was a chico tree and water apple or tambis tree at the residence of Lola Daday, Papa's mother. We climbed kerson or manzanitas tree and star apple or caimito tree and ate the fruits. We also gathered tiesa, iba, and balimbing which were found in the neighborhood.
Service in the church
"I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." - Matthew 18:3-4.
During Holy Week I directed passion and crucifixion plays where some friends acted as Jesus Christ, Virgin Mary, the apostles, Roman soldiers and other Biblical characters. We recorded our dramas in the tape recorder.
I led also some boy neighbors in devoting time to work for the parish church. Our house was just one block from the Cathedral. We attended catechism classes and joined the Flores de Mayo even if we are boys. I also had the chance to join the Santacruzan at the end of May processions as a prince and as one of the characters.
We served during masses at the Cathedral and acted as altar boys. We rang the bell at the steeple signalling the preparations and start of the holy masses. From the top of the church tower we can get a good view of the town. Sometimes I read the first reading during the mass we served as acolytes.
There was still a communion rail that time so we had to accompany the priest in moving back and forth the lines of people kneeling at the rail to receive the host. We assisted the priest using the paten to protect the host from dropping to the floor.
Cultural presentations
Every New Year was a grand celebration at Purok Molave because there was an annual dance or bayle. We presented intermissions during the occasion in the form of dances. But in the later years we presented comical skits such as a boxing match, a rendition of MacArthur's "I Shall Return," a sword fight, a cowboy duel, and a resurrection from the dead.
In the school I also directed comical skits and dramas like these. I did it from Grade 5 to 4th year high school in SJC. We presented these plays at classroom programs and during convocation programs.
When we were in the Grade 6, I was the emcee of our elementary Christmas Program. It was one good break given to me which ushered my showmanship.
We played lots of chess games and even dama, checkers, game of the generals and other board games at my father's refreshment store and tailoring just one block from the house.
We also had mini basketball using tennis balls at Papa's store. I organized two on two basketball tournaments, using the tennis ball and small goal.
I was also fond of drawing cartoons and made stories out of them. Sheets and sheets of bond paper were consumed on these comic strips. I also wrote different serialized stories and collected them.
I also read the Bisaya magazine which we subscribed weekly. I read the comics and stories which were all written in the Cebuano vernacular.
Radio and TV programs
I had also an affection of listening to radio dramas before the advent of television. My favorites were Diego Salvador, Magnon and Ang Manok ni San Pedro. I also composed dramas like those on the radio stations and recorded them on tapes.
When Papa was able to purchase television, children all over the neighborhood flocked at home to watch the shows. It was still a black and white Radiowealth TV. We were the only TV owner in the area who allowed neighbors to view the small screen.
My favorite children's show was The Electric Company and Batman. We also watched PBA games especially the Toyota-Crispa rivalry. Banahaw Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) was the only channel with the clear reception.
We visited Ormoc City at Lola Cande's house during vacations. Sabang beach was not reclaimed yet and there was a big coral reef or hunasan. During low tide, we caught and played sand bubbler crabs also called agukoy.
I dearly cherished those sweet childhood memories. They contributed much to what I am now.
"I spent my whole childhood wishing I were older and now I'm spending my adulthood wishing I were younger." - American actor Ricky Schroder.
Sunday, July 5, 2015
STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS AND MAYOR'S REPORTS
The Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act 7160 known as The Local Government Code of the Philippines under RULE XXIV, Article 189: "On or before March 31 of each year, every local chief executive shall submit an annual report to the sanggunian concerned on the socioeconomic, political and peace and order conditions, and other matters concerning the LGU, which shall cover the immediately preceding calendar year..."
The IRR further mandates the City Mayor in RULE XV Article 85: "(iii) Present the program of government and propose policies and projects for the consideration of the sangguniang panlungsod at the opening of the regular session of the sangguniang panlungsod every calendar year and as often as the general welfare of the inhabitants and the needs to the city may require..."
SOCA
Similar to the President who delivers his State of the Nation Address (SONA), I delivered my State of the City Address (SOCA) every first quarter of the calendar year. It narrated the projects, plans and programs that were achieved and those that were to be undertaken.
The 1st State of the City Address was delivered at the City Gym on January 16, 2008. I spoke before heads of office and barangay captains and other invited guests.
MASAM Addresses
The IRR further mandates the City Mayor in RULE XV Article 85: "(iii) Present the program of government and propose policies and projects for the consideration of the sangguniang panlungsod at the opening of the regular session of the sangguniang panlungsod every calendar year and as often as the general welfare of the inhabitants and the needs to the city may require..."
SOCA
Similar to the President who delivers his State of the Nation Address (SONA), I delivered my State of the City Address (SOCA) every first quarter of the calendar year. It narrated the projects, plans and programs that were achieved and those that were to be undertaken.
The 1st State of the City Address was delivered at the City Gym on January 16, 2008. I spoke before heads of office and barangay captains and other invited guests.
The 2nd State of the City Address was done on January 9, 2009 at Ampil Function Hall. The audience was made up of city heads of office and barangay captains.
The 3rd State of the City Address was on March 23, 2010 at City Gym. In attendance were barangay captains, heads of offices and city employees.
MASAM Addresses
The 4th State of the City Address was on February 1, 2011 at the Sangguniang Panlungsod session hall. We invited only the office heads. It was made simpler because I had just seated on my second term as city mayor for six months.
The 5th State of the City Address was entitled Midterm Address on the State of Affairs of Maasin (MASAM) on February 14, 2012 at the City Gym. This time we invited the city employees and students of Maasin City College to listen to the report in addition to the barangay captains. Since it was Valentine's Day, I used pick-up lines as ad lib to my address to the delight of the crowd especially the students.
The 6th State of the City Address was entitled Mayor's Address to Sanggunian and Maasinhons (MASAM) on March 18, 2013 at the City Gym after the flag ceremony. It was attended by city hall employees, barangay officials, non-government organizations and Maasin City College students.
The 7th State of the City Address was on February 17, 2014 at the City Gym after flag ceremony. It was attended by city employees, MCC faculty and students, barangay officials and non-government organizations. Meeting with barangay captains and press conference followed. Then we had dinner at the SP Session Hall with barangay officials and guests.
The 8th State of the City Address was on March 16, 2015 at the City Gym after the flag ceremony. The SOCA was entitled Health + Sports + Action.
Other reports
In addition to that I delivered my First 100 Days Report on October 8, 2007 during the flag ceremony exactly 100 days after I first assumed into office. It was a Monday, a most appropriate time to report to the employees my accomplishments for the first hundred days in office.
I also delivered my One Year Report also during the flag ceremony on June 30, 2008 exactly one year after I first assumed office. Same as the First 100 Days, my first anniversary in office was a Monday and a very opportune time to render the account of my accomplishments for the first year in service.
The Oath-Taking for our first term was on June 12, 2007. It was the first time I delivered my Acceptance/Inaugural Speech where I launched my favorite 13 Point Agenda. The occasion coincided with the DepEd Maasin City Division 5th Founding Anniversary and 109th Independence Day Celebration. It was attended by the teachers of the city division and employees of the city hall.
The Oath-Taking for our second term was on June 28, 2010. It was a Monday so it was held during the flag ceremony.
The Oath-Taking for our third term was on June 24, 2013. It was also a Monday so it coincided with our flag ceremony.
Maiden sessions
I also addressed the City Council every Maiden Session of the Sangguniang Panlungsod at the start of our term in 2007, 2010 and 2013. I presented our priority projects and programs for the three years of our term.
Being a former vice mayor, I found it a necessity to formally convey to the city council my greetings on the start of our term of office. I professed on them the efforts that we were going to exert in exchange of the fresh mandate given to us by our electorate.
Every Monday during the flag ceremony I give a talk to the city employees after every speaker. My speech would cover accomplishments, activities and memoranda which concern the city hall offices and employees.
When I was not on official business outside Maasin City, the Monday or first working day of the week speeches became a regular activity for me as a mayor or even as a vice mayor when the local chief executive was not around.
The 6th State of the City Address was entitled Mayor's Address to Sanggunian and Maasinhons (MASAM) on March 18, 2013 at the City Gym after the flag ceremony. It was attended by city hall employees, barangay officials, non-government organizations and Maasin City College students.
The 7th State of the City Address was on February 17, 2014 at the City Gym after flag ceremony. It was attended by city employees, MCC faculty and students, barangay officials and non-government organizations. Meeting with barangay captains and press conference followed. Then we had dinner at the SP Session Hall with barangay officials and guests.
The 8th State of the City Address was on March 16, 2015 at the City Gym after the flag ceremony. The SOCA was entitled Health + Sports + Action.
Other reports
In addition to that I delivered my First 100 Days Report on October 8, 2007 during the flag ceremony exactly 100 days after I first assumed into office. It was a Monday, a most appropriate time to report to the employees my accomplishments for the first hundred days in office.
I also delivered my One Year Report also during the flag ceremony on June 30, 2008 exactly one year after I first assumed office. Same as the First 100 Days, my first anniversary in office was a Monday and a very opportune time to render the account of my accomplishments for the first year in service.
The Oath-Taking for our first term was on June 12, 2007. It was the first time I delivered my Acceptance/Inaugural Speech where I launched my favorite 13 Point Agenda. The occasion coincided with the DepEd Maasin City Division 5th Founding Anniversary and 109th Independence Day Celebration. It was attended by the teachers of the city division and employees of the city hall.
The Oath-Taking for our second term was on June 28, 2010. It was a Monday so it was held during the flag ceremony.
The Oath-Taking for our third term was on June 24, 2013. It was also a Monday so it coincided with our flag ceremony.
Maiden sessions
I also addressed the City Council every Maiden Session of the Sangguniang Panlungsod at the start of our term in 2007, 2010 and 2013. I presented our priority projects and programs for the three years of our term.
Being a former vice mayor, I found it a necessity to formally convey to the city council my greetings on the start of our term of office. I professed on them the efforts that we were going to exert in exchange of the fresh mandate given to us by our electorate.
Every Monday during the flag ceremony I give a talk to the city employees after every speaker. My speech would cover accomplishments, activities and memoranda which concern the city hall offices and employees.
When I was not on official business outside Maasin City, the Monday or first working day of the week speeches became a regular activity for me as a mayor or even as a vice mayor when the local chief executive was not around.
Saturday, July 4, 2015
CITY MAYOR AND ARMY MAJOR
Serving the military is accomplishing a prime duty to our country. Defense is the concern of every citizen of the Philippines even in times of peace.
My first taste of military training was when I took up the Cadet Officers’ Candidate Course (COCC) of the Citizens’ Army Training (CAT). Being an officer of the CAT-I in high school was a prestigious position which every student-leader aspired especially if you are fighting for honors in the graduation.
That was in the month of January 1978, when we took the entrance examination for the COCC. We were third year students then and our senior officers were the CAT officers from the fourth year. Our grades were also screened and there should be no grades below 80% in all subjects. There were physical examinations also like push-ups, pull-ups, set-ups and running. Of course a medical certificate is required to be physically fit for the training.
Amidst all discouragements and insults because of my frail physique, I was able to qualify for the COCC training. All types of humiliation were given to us. Our haircut was army cut or white side wall. We wore dog tags whenever we were in the campus. We always saluted our senior officers whenever we met them at the campus or even on the streets.
We were given difficult assignments like looking for roses, chocolates, gifts, and other items for the officer’s girlfriends or idols. We made some of their assignments. We cleaned our dummy rifle and if it was not clean we were made to lick the rust. We took turns leading the flag ceremony and the pledge of allegiance to the flag. We were made the laughing stock of the whole campus.
Hazing was very common during Saturdays. After the usual lecture and drills, we were taken to some close classrooms and we underwent physical contacts from our officers. We ate bananas passed from on mouth to another. We pushed up on smelly toilet bowls in the school comfort rooms.
Snake crawls, squat thrusts, mountain climbing, roll like a barrel and even helicopters were part of our initiation. There was road run every morning. It was like we were training for the real Philippine Army.
After more than one month, the COCC was suspended because of the reports of how we were treated reaching the administration. It was continued during summer and our training was purely military, minus the hazing. After another one month plus of training we were “baptized” at Pugaling Beach. We ate square meals and made to drink tuba with chilli. At last we became full-pledged CAT Officers!
I was designated as Staff or S2 in charge of Intelligence with a rank of Cadet Captain. Our CAT-I Unit, the Bloodhound Battalion of Saint Joseph College, was the number one unit in the whole of Southern Leyte. Our Commandant was Second Lieutenant Eduardo Sibi. We had CAT training every Monday and Tuesday. Wednesdays were for Music and Health and Fridays were for Physical education. We were the Annual Tactical Inspection champions in the whole province.
During college I took up the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC), the military program for college students, intended to train them to prepare for national defense. It included problem solving, military discipline, systematic planning, proper ethics, and leadership skills.
I did not take up the COCC in ROTC and preferred to be only among the ordinary cadets. I was just a squad leader with a rank of Cadet Sergeant. I was not tempted to pay a considerable sum of money for my ratings in ROTC to be exempted from training and just get good grades. That was the most common corruption in ROTC during our time.
We had half day ROTC training in the first semester and whole day in the second semester done every Sunday. We were able to dismantle and assemble the Garand or US Rifle Caliber .30 M1. We had road run every Tuesday and Thursday early morning. We also experienced marches and bivouacs. The Annual Tactical Inspection was done at the later part of the school year. After two years I was able to graduate ROTC in March 1981.
Just as we had just passed the two years college military training, the Philippine Army through its Army Reserve Command (ARESCOM) recruited reservists during the first ever mobilization test and training at the Tomas Oppus Pilot School Oval right after ROTC. We prepared thoroughly for the mobilization by jogging every morning and refrain from drinking too much.
We organized the first Southern Leyte Reserve Battalion together with ROTC graduates and ex-armies throughout the province. We underwent lectures, drills, and exercises for one week. We had road runs every morning. We were able to fire the ArmaLite M16 assault rifle. It was one hell of an experience for we had to sleep in tents and train like real armies. When I passed the training, my reserve rank was Corporal.
In 2001, Republic Act No. 9163 established the National Service Training Program (NSTP), which allowed students to choose to undergo training for civic service other than the ROTC. They may choose from the ROTC program which provides military training, the Literacy Training Service which gives training on teaching basic reading and math, and the Civic Welfare Training Service which enables students to be active in community welfare, such as caring for the environment, public safety, health, sports, and entrepreneurship. The ROTC program was made optional and voluntary.
After I graduated ROTC, I was also inactive in my paramilitary life. Until the call to be commissioned as a reserve officer came. With the position as City Mayor, my rank in the Philippine Army would be Major. So I processed my application with all the clearances from the barangay, city, police, court, and NBI. Plus medical and dental certificate and scholastic records were also required.
After three months, my reservist rank was approved. On March 2, 2012 I was donned in time for the opening of the reservist training of some city hall employees. I became Major Maloney Samaco of the Army Reserve Command. While the employees underwent Special Basic Citizens Military Training (SBCMT) Class 01-12 every Saturday and Sunday which is equivalent to one month.
It served as part of our program in disaster preparedness. The group also undertook socio-civic activities. Thus one company was formed from the city hall employees consisting of enforcers, rescue team, and men at the frontline of disaster.
"A young man who does not have what it takes to perform military service is not likely to have what it takes to make a living. Today's military rejects include tomorrow's hard-core unemployed." These are the words of United States President John F. Kennedy.
My first taste of military training was when I took up the Cadet Officers’ Candidate Course (COCC) of the Citizens’ Army Training (CAT). Being an officer of the CAT-I in high school was a prestigious position which every student-leader aspired especially if you are fighting for honors in the graduation.
That was in the month of January 1978, when we took the entrance examination for the COCC. We were third year students then and our senior officers were the CAT officers from the fourth year. Our grades were also screened and there should be no grades below 80% in all subjects. There were physical examinations also like push-ups, pull-ups, set-ups and running. Of course a medical certificate is required to be physically fit for the training.
Amidst all discouragements and insults because of my frail physique, I was able to qualify for the COCC training. All types of humiliation were given to us. Our haircut was army cut or white side wall. We wore dog tags whenever we were in the campus. We always saluted our senior officers whenever we met them at the campus or even on the streets.
We were given difficult assignments like looking for roses, chocolates, gifts, and other items for the officer’s girlfriends or idols. We made some of their assignments. We cleaned our dummy rifle and if it was not clean we were made to lick the rust. We took turns leading the flag ceremony and the pledge of allegiance to the flag. We were made the laughing stock of the whole campus.
Hazing was very common during Saturdays. After the usual lecture and drills, we were taken to some close classrooms and we underwent physical contacts from our officers. We ate bananas passed from on mouth to another. We pushed up on smelly toilet bowls in the school comfort rooms.
Snake crawls, squat thrusts, mountain climbing, roll like a barrel and even helicopters were part of our initiation. There was road run every morning. It was like we were training for the real Philippine Army.
After more than one month, the COCC was suspended because of the reports of how we were treated reaching the administration. It was continued during summer and our training was purely military, minus the hazing. After another one month plus of training we were “baptized” at Pugaling Beach. We ate square meals and made to drink tuba with chilli. At last we became full-pledged CAT Officers!
I was designated as Staff or S2 in charge of Intelligence with a rank of Cadet Captain. Our CAT-I Unit, the Bloodhound Battalion of Saint Joseph College, was the number one unit in the whole of Southern Leyte. Our Commandant was Second Lieutenant Eduardo Sibi. We had CAT training every Monday and Tuesday. Wednesdays were for Music and Health and Fridays were for Physical education. We were the Annual Tactical Inspection champions in the whole province.
During college I took up the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC), the military program for college students, intended to train them to prepare for national defense. It included problem solving, military discipline, systematic planning, proper ethics, and leadership skills.
I did not take up the COCC in ROTC and preferred to be only among the ordinary cadets. I was just a squad leader with a rank of Cadet Sergeant. I was not tempted to pay a considerable sum of money for my ratings in ROTC to be exempted from training and just get good grades. That was the most common corruption in ROTC during our time.
We had half day ROTC training in the first semester and whole day in the second semester done every Sunday. We were able to dismantle and assemble the Garand or US Rifle Caliber .30 M1. We had road run every Tuesday and Thursday early morning. We also experienced marches and bivouacs. The Annual Tactical Inspection was done at the later part of the school year. After two years I was able to graduate ROTC in March 1981.
Just as we had just passed the two years college military training, the Philippine Army through its Army Reserve Command (ARESCOM) recruited reservists during the first ever mobilization test and training at the Tomas Oppus Pilot School Oval right after ROTC. We prepared thoroughly for the mobilization by jogging every morning and refrain from drinking too much.
We organized the first Southern Leyte Reserve Battalion together with ROTC graduates and ex-armies throughout the province. We underwent lectures, drills, and exercises for one week. We had road runs every morning. We were able to fire the ArmaLite M16 assault rifle. It was one hell of an experience for we had to sleep in tents and train like real armies. When I passed the training, my reserve rank was Corporal.
In 2001, Republic Act No. 9163 established the National Service Training Program (NSTP), which allowed students to choose to undergo training for civic service other than the ROTC. They may choose from the ROTC program which provides military training, the Literacy Training Service which gives training on teaching basic reading and math, and the Civic Welfare Training Service which enables students to be active in community welfare, such as caring for the environment, public safety, health, sports, and entrepreneurship. The ROTC program was made optional and voluntary.
After I graduated ROTC, I was also inactive in my paramilitary life. Until the call to be commissioned as a reserve officer came. With the position as City Mayor, my rank in the Philippine Army would be Major. So I processed my application with all the clearances from the barangay, city, police, court, and NBI. Plus medical and dental certificate and scholastic records were also required.
After three months, my reservist rank was approved. On March 2, 2012 I was donned in time for the opening of the reservist training of some city hall employees. I became Major Maloney Samaco of the Army Reserve Command. While the employees underwent Special Basic Citizens Military Training (SBCMT) Class 01-12 every Saturday and Sunday which is equivalent to one month.
It served as part of our program in disaster preparedness. The group also undertook socio-civic activities. Thus one company was formed from the city hall employees consisting of enforcers, rescue team, and men at the frontline of disaster.
"A young man who does not have what it takes to perform military service is not likely to have what it takes to make a living. Today's military rejects include tomorrow's hard-core unemployed." These are the words of United States President John F. Kennedy.
THE MAYOR AS MEDIAMAN
American Muslim minister Malcolm X said: "The media's the most powerful entity on earth. They have the power to make the innocent guilty and to make the guilty innocent, and that's power. Because they control the minds of the masses."
Media should be used accurately to spread trustworthy information to help other people. My media practice helped me what I am now.
I was an Associate Editor of our school organ The Josephinian in my Alma Mater Saint Joseph College from 1981 to 1984. It was my first taste of writing for a publication. I would have been editor-in-chief in 1983-84 but I waived it because of an existing academic scholarship and the vice presidency in the College Students Supreme Council.
When I was in the fifth year college, I tried out for a slot in the Philippine Information Agency through examinations by written essays. I passed handily the writing tests. But when I was orally interviewed, I was informed that they would want a graduate. Nonetheless, I experienced a good passing grade in my writings.
When Radio Station DYDM opened on January 6, 1991, it was the first time Maasin had its own radio broadcasting from within its area. I joined the DYDM broadcast in March 30, 1991 with my program entitled “Sports Roundup.” At first it was a block time program and went on air every Saturday at 10:30 A.M. Later it became station produced and I went on board at the station every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 1:00 P.M.
I admitted that the radio exposure helped me a lot in my joining the politics in 1992. Although a media ban is imposed on candidates 45 days prior to the election as mandated by the Omnibus Election Code.
When I became Municipal Councilor, I reported as the Sportscaster for the sports segment of daily newscast “Pamahaw Balita.” I delivered information every morning regarding basketball, boxing and other sports. Most notable were my updates on the Philippine Basketball Association
(PBA) and the National Basketball Association (NBA) where I had many followers.
There was no internet in Maasin yet and there were not enough sports information on TV so my sports news gave the opportunity for sports buffs to be updated on what's going on in the sports world.
The span of the broadcast was from 1993 to 1998 when I became Municipal Vice Mayor. Then I went back to every Saturday broadcast at 8:00 A.M. because of my pressing schedule as number two man of Maasin.
I had also other broadcasts which were not about sports. I had a program “Public Affairs Bureau” and “Kalamboan” but both were short lived.
Tony Reyes approached me when the Southern Leyte Times (SLT) was at the planning stage and I readily accepted the offer to write a column on sports. I missed writing in print media and it so happened that the subject was my forte. I had been buying and reading Sports Weekly Magazine and other sports magazines since I was an elementary student until at present.
SLT printed its maiden issue on August 1998 and I became a pioneer editorial staff, as Sports Editor and as columnist. My column was entitled “Sports Roundup” similar to that of my DYDM broadcast. Every week my sports stories would be printed.
My first column was about the Sporting Greats of Southern Leyte. In the succeeding issues I wrote about Ramon Fernandez, Joaquin Rojas, Ringo Navarrosa, Tacy Macalos and Rod Sequinan.
I met Manny Pacquiao with Quinito Henson at Bayside Restaurant in Manila. I congratulated him on his win. He was still a budding Philippine champion at that time and was still unknown in the entire country and I wrote about him in the SLT. Henson, the Philippine Star sports columnist is really my idol as a sports writer.
At the height of the cityhood movement for Maasin, I had a program over Maasin Cable Television called “Alagad sa Katawhan - Aksyon Solusyon Inisyatibo.” At first it was called “Kapihan sa Maasin” where other mediamen were invited to be panelists. It was also simultaneously broadcasted over DYDM. It reported the accomplishments of the Mercado administration. It was also our media for the campaign for the cityhood of Maasin. It was aired every Wednesday.
In 2001, I resigned from the SLT. I transferred my Sports Roundup column to the Maasin Mail owned by Congressman Aniceto Saludo, Jr. I was also the Sports Editor where I was allotted one whole page for my sports column and other sports news. The reason was political, the Mercado camp was allied with the Saludo camp, while Southern Leyte Times was associated with the Lerias camp.
The Maasin Mail was edited by former Provincial Board Member Dodong Herrera, a seasoned journalist-politician. I learned from him many tips about journalism and so many rules about publications.
When the Mercados parted with then Cong. Saludo in the 2004 elections, I resigned from the Maasin Mail. After the elections, I went back went back writing at SLT from 2005 to 2008 until there
was a media ban already for candidates.
I had also a brief stint at the Leyte-Samar Daily Express Southern Leyte Edition with my column “Sportsman” until the edition was disbanded. I also wrote the same column “Sportsman” for the ANS or AMSL News Service. I also had a brief writing stint with Southern Leyte Balita, the vernacular version of the news, also writing about sports.
I also had a column at the thereporteronline.com called “Missions And Sights And Motions.” It stopped when there was a media ban for candidates nearing the 2010 elections.
When I became City Mayor, I stopped writing for any newspaper but I began to write for the website philboxing.com which is also covered by the website mannypacquiao.ph also called “Pacland” and now pinoygreats.com. I became a contributor along with such great sportswriters as Ronnie Nathanielsz, Manny Pinol, Sev Sarmienta, Recah Trinidad, Ed Picson, Salven Lagumbay, Dr. Rene Bonsubre, Jr. Even Manny Pacquiao and Gerry Penalosa were also columnists of Philboxing.
It was The Freeman Cebu sports editor Emmanuel Villaruel who introduced me to philboxing.com through web editor Dong Secuya. I met Villaruel when they were covering an Alex Aroy fight in Maasin. My first column was about the PBF light-flyweight champion entitled “Aroy Deserves a Rematch” on September 30, 2007. Until now, I kept writing for the website.
I was also given a chance by Villaruel to contribute articles to the Sports Section of The Freeman Cebu where I wrote sporting news from Southern Leyte.
Since I became City Mayor, I had also a regular radio program paid by the city government called “Maasin City in Action.” The Tuesday edition is anchored by Zaldy Olita and it is usually where I was interviewed on my accomplishments and programs. The Thursday schedule was anchored by Royen Segovia and the Saturday edition was anchored again by Zaldy Olita where I also reported.
When DYAS Viper-FM opened in Maasin, we started a new program entitled "Healthy and Sporty Maasin City." It was aimed at promoting our anti-smoking and anti-drug campaign especially the youth with sports as a way of getting away from these vices.
We also published a monthly report at the Southern Leyte Balita (SLB) called “Maasin City in Action.” It was a newsletter before but we decided to print it in the newspaper so that other municipalities can read about the programs of the city. I had a message every month on our publication at SLB.
I am also a founding member of the Associated Media of Southern Leyte (AMSL). We organized it at the old Philippine Information Agency (PIA) office at the Lim Building in the commercial area. Jani Arnaiz of The Reporter and Philippine Daily Inquirer was the first and only President until now. Jani is the son of the legend of journalism Gus Arnaiz, the dean of journalists in Eastern Visayas and publisher of The Reporter, the first Leyte-Samar weekly.
AMSL is composed of newspaper writers, radio reporters of DYDM and DYSL-Sogod, and the PIA staff. I joined their Christmas Party every year. I also called on them whenever we had important events for media coverage in the city.
I had all these experiences in the newspaper, radio, television and internet media. And I am honored to be given this rare opportunity to serve the quadri-media.
According to Russian leader Vladimir Lenin: "The press should be not only a collective propagandist and a collective agitator, but also a collective organizer of the masses."
Media should be used accurately to spread trustworthy information to help other people. My media practice helped me what I am now.
I was an Associate Editor of our school organ The Josephinian in my Alma Mater Saint Joseph College from 1981 to 1984. It was my first taste of writing for a publication. I would have been editor-in-chief in 1983-84 but I waived it because of an existing academic scholarship and the vice presidency in the College Students Supreme Council.
When I was in the fifth year college, I tried out for a slot in the Philippine Information Agency through examinations by written essays. I passed handily the writing tests. But when I was orally interviewed, I was informed that they would want a graduate. Nonetheless, I experienced a good passing grade in my writings.
When Radio Station DYDM opened on January 6, 1991, it was the first time Maasin had its own radio broadcasting from within its area. I joined the DYDM broadcast in March 30, 1991 with my program entitled “Sports Roundup.” At first it was a block time program and went on air every Saturday at 10:30 A.M. Later it became station produced and I went on board at the station every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 1:00 P.M.
I admitted that the radio exposure helped me a lot in my joining the politics in 1992. Although a media ban is imposed on candidates 45 days prior to the election as mandated by the Omnibus Election Code.
When I became Municipal Councilor, I reported as the Sportscaster for the sports segment of daily newscast “Pamahaw Balita.” I delivered information every morning regarding basketball, boxing and other sports. Most notable were my updates on the Philippine Basketball Association
(PBA) and the National Basketball Association (NBA) where I had many followers.
There was no internet in Maasin yet and there were not enough sports information on TV so my sports news gave the opportunity for sports buffs to be updated on what's going on in the sports world.
The span of the broadcast was from 1993 to 1998 when I became Municipal Vice Mayor. Then I went back to every Saturday broadcast at 8:00 A.M. because of my pressing schedule as number two man of Maasin.
I had also other broadcasts which were not about sports. I had a program “Public Affairs Bureau” and “Kalamboan” but both were short lived.
Tony Reyes approached me when the Southern Leyte Times (SLT) was at the planning stage and I readily accepted the offer to write a column on sports. I missed writing in print media and it so happened that the subject was my forte. I had been buying and reading Sports Weekly Magazine and other sports magazines since I was an elementary student until at present.
SLT printed its maiden issue on August 1998 and I became a pioneer editorial staff, as Sports Editor and as columnist. My column was entitled “Sports Roundup” similar to that of my DYDM broadcast. Every week my sports stories would be printed.
My first column was about the Sporting Greats of Southern Leyte. In the succeeding issues I wrote about Ramon Fernandez, Joaquin Rojas, Ringo Navarrosa, Tacy Macalos and Rod Sequinan.
I met Manny Pacquiao with Quinito Henson at Bayside Restaurant in Manila. I congratulated him on his win. He was still a budding Philippine champion at that time and was still unknown in the entire country and I wrote about him in the SLT. Henson, the Philippine Star sports columnist is really my idol as a sports writer.
At the height of the cityhood movement for Maasin, I had a program over Maasin Cable Television called “Alagad sa Katawhan - Aksyon Solusyon Inisyatibo.” At first it was called “Kapihan sa Maasin” where other mediamen were invited to be panelists. It was also simultaneously broadcasted over DYDM. It reported the accomplishments of the Mercado administration. It was also our media for the campaign for the cityhood of Maasin. It was aired every Wednesday.
In 2001, I resigned from the SLT. I transferred my Sports Roundup column to the Maasin Mail owned by Congressman Aniceto Saludo, Jr. I was also the Sports Editor where I was allotted one whole page for my sports column and other sports news. The reason was political, the Mercado camp was allied with the Saludo camp, while Southern Leyte Times was associated with the Lerias camp.
The Maasin Mail was edited by former Provincial Board Member Dodong Herrera, a seasoned journalist-politician. I learned from him many tips about journalism and so many rules about publications.
When the Mercados parted with then Cong. Saludo in the 2004 elections, I resigned from the Maasin Mail. After the elections, I went back went back writing at SLT from 2005 to 2008 until there
was a media ban already for candidates.
I had also a brief stint at the Leyte-Samar Daily Express Southern Leyte Edition with my column “Sportsman” until the edition was disbanded. I also wrote the same column “Sportsman” for the ANS or AMSL News Service. I also had a brief writing stint with Southern Leyte Balita, the vernacular version of the news, also writing about sports.
I also had a column at the thereporteronline.com called “Missions And Sights And Motions.” It stopped when there was a media ban for candidates nearing the 2010 elections.
When I became City Mayor, I stopped writing for any newspaper but I began to write for the website philboxing.com which is also covered by the website mannypacquiao.ph also called “Pacland” and now pinoygreats.com. I became a contributor along with such great sportswriters as Ronnie Nathanielsz, Manny Pinol, Sev Sarmienta, Recah Trinidad, Ed Picson, Salven Lagumbay, Dr. Rene Bonsubre, Jr. Even Manny Pacquiao and Gerry Penalosa were also columnists of Philboxing.
It was The Freeman Cebu sports editor Emmanuel Villaruel who introduced me to philboxing.com through web editor Dong Secuya. I met Villaruel when they were covering an Alex Aroy fight in Maasin. My first column was about the PBF light-flyweight champion entitled “Aroy Deserves a Rematch” on September 30, 2007. Until now, I kept writing for the website.
I was also given a chance by Villaruel to contribute articles to the Sports Section of The Freeman Cebu where I wrote sporting news from Southern Leyte.
Since I became City Mayor, I had also a regular radio program paid by the city government called “Maasin City in Action.” The Tuesday edition is anchored by Zaldy Olita and it is usually where I was interviewed on my accomplishments and programs. The Thursday schedule was anchored by Royen Segovia and the Saturday edition was anchored again by Zaldy Olita where I also reported.
When DYAS Viper-FM opened in Maasin, we started a new program entitled "Healthy and Sporty Maasin City." It was aimed at promoting our anti-smoking and anti-drug campaign especially the youth with sports as a way of getting away from these vices.
We also published a monthly report at the Southern Leyte Balita (SLB) called “Maasin City in Action.” It was a newsletter before but we decided to print it in the newspaper so that other municipalities can read about the programs of the city. I had a message every month on our publication at SLB.
I am also a founding member of the Associated Media of Southern Leyte (AMSL). We organized it at the old Philippine Information Agency (PIA) office at the Lim Building in the commercial area. Jani Arnaiz of The Reporter and Philippine Daily Inquirer was the first and only President until now. Jani is the son of the legend of journalism Gus Arnaiz, the dean of journalists in Eastern Visayas and publisher of The Reporter, the first Leyte-Samar weekly.
AMSL is composed of newspaper writers, radio reporters of DYDM and DYSL-Sogod, and the PIA staff. I joined their Christmas Party every year. I also called on them whenever we had important events for media coverage in the city.
I had all these experiences in the newspaper, radio, television and internet media. And I am honored to be given this rare opportunity to serve the quadri-media.
According to Russian leader Vladimir Lenin: "The press should be not only a collective propagandist and a collective agitator, but also a collective organizer of the masses."
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