Iligan's New Nick

I never thought of this worst scenario that could ever happen in Iligan. And gone is the day that Iligan was called an "Industrialized City of the South."

Anyone who would like to guess the new nick?!

Watch this video so you can have a hint.
Any idea? Okay, I'll not hold you any longer.

It's now the "Bombing Capital of the Philippines."

It would be so mean to say this but I'm sorry, this is the reality. And it is so sad. I hope peace would really prevail someday. I said, someday.

18th Day of the Month

Another blast had occur in my hometown this month. After the traumatic August 18 of this year, Iligan has been challenged again to fight back with terrorism. Yes! I say terrorism. This move ain't rebellion anymore.

Luckily, I was still at the student government's office that time, doing some paper stuff. Then a text from my mom and boyfriend caught my attention that I should be careful because a bomb has just exploded. Yeah right, it was really true. I heard my schoolmates who were having their duty talking about what had just happened at the emergency unit. Really, I wasn't in the mood to be so nosy since some paper works kept me busy as well.

How poor are those baggage boys who got killed by the planted bomb, and same with those passers by. They are innocent. Where is the love? Wow! I shouldn't have said it anyway.

Well, I guess, as long as there is still resistance; hope you get what I really mean, this will still go on. If they want it lifelong, well be it. We would still do the same, RESIST!

The Nation Wants an Explanation

I woke up in this world with a pro-life and pro-democracy perception. I am young and I know my mind isn’t yet poisoned with such matters. But what I can see that today is totally different from yesterday; there are changes in values and alterations in norms. Sadly, every one of us became the witness of our very own tragedy: the inevitable downfall of Philippines , not just its economy but the integrity as well as a nation. Where will I start, from 1900’s? But the most recent would be much better I guess, from ZTE Deal issue to sudden rice and oil price hike and then now is the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Government of Republic of the Philippines (GRP). How will you react to such hidden conspiracy? Are you going to act like a sheep sold to the slaughter? Aren’t you going to fight for your right? Would you allow them to run our lives? I’ve been hearing the word "sold" from the people around me to the radio, television and even in the cyber world. Reviews have been posted regarding the MOA whether they’re pro or anti. Newspapers here and there. Public ideas were expressed! No more hidden conspiracy, silence has broken. The supposed surprising MOA signing scheduled to be signed in Kuala Lumpur gave us a pause. It made us realize our worth as a citizen, to take action against unfavorable moves. The rallies and public meeting that had happened mirrored the real public opinion which was deprived to be heard but luckily we still have some living heroes who are with us. Thank you so much to the negative force being exerted to the said proposal. Alas! I can still say we aren’t yet sold! But why is this happening? Why is the present administration in a hurry to authorize the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on Ancestral Domain with the pro-autonomy Moro Islamic Liberation Front? Do they really think that signing the intriguing Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) is the last resort to solve the impending peace in Mindanao ? It has been nine years that the present administration has been governing the nation but still the whopping issue in Mindanao is not yet deciphered. The lost virtue, peace is still lost. With this insistence, if God’s will then Arroyo can now have the legacy, the agreement itself really is the reward. How are they going to do this? An agenda is composed of options; it could be from plans A-Z. If the prioritized one would fail, of course, the next one would follow. If the present administration would fall short to instigate the deal, then the separatists would now find a valid reason to affirm autonomy. The process would be so difficult for the people of the Philippines for it will necessitate a plebiscite and a shift of constitution to federal system a.k.a Cha-cha. But are we going to make it happen? It really makes me want to laugh out loud. I don’t know how to call this event but correct me if I’m wrong, politicking, right? I hate to think that people in Mindanao will be threatened again with chaos. I know for sure that we aren’t yet at the peak of the peace process. The ceasefire is being implemented, but would it really last forever? USAID said that we should support the ceasefire since it has been the single greatest success of the peace process, but it remains fragile. True that! But what can I say? How can we support this truly if some of us are still stuffing small slices of cake into the mouth of thugs? How worst could this issue get? There may be a good justification for this mysterious grant but how can we understand and appreciate it when we don’t see it. The nation hungers for an explanation so don’t sign the MOA yet.

Home Base

My parents raised me in Mindanao --- the Land of Promise. If you ask where's my place specifically? I'll answer you these:

1. City of Waterfalls --- Indeed, it has 23 waterfalls with 8 springs + 15 caves if you love spelunking. Oh well, not to forget our pride: Timoga Spring Pools.

2. Industrial City of the South --- You can find 12 manufacturing plants varying its products from food to steel.

3. Center of Excellence in Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology and Physics --- It is where Mindanao State University-Iligan Institue of Technology is situated. It was acknowledged as one of the best universities in Philippines.

Technically speaking, Iligan is about 800 kilometers southeast of Manila. You can reach the place by plane via Cagayan de Oro city or a vessel from major ports like Manila and Cebu. Iligan is very rich in culture, and the living proof: existence of cultural minorities. Much to my surprise, "kalesa" is still used as a mode of transportation up to this time. I am also gratified to see people with different faith live in this place harmoniously. Most of the Iliganons are Roman Catholic, they patronize Saint Michael the Archangel and celebrates a lavish festival every 29th day of September.

I am contented with the kind of life I have here in Iligan. The standard of living is not costly. I don't enjoy nightlife that much so I guess I really suit here. I love nature of which Iligan is so blessed with it. I have visited most of the renowed waterfalls, I have climbed up to Mt. Agad-agad, done spelunking with my co-marshals during the adventure race, enjoyed summer time at the spring pools and so much more. You can also find the ancestral home of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo near the spot of Timoga where you'll surely enjoy the icy-cold and crystal-clear flowing spring pools.

I have had a joyous childhood memories here in Iligan. No matter where my fate will bring me hereafter; sure enough that my mind, heart and soul will find its way home and get a rest to a place called -Iligan.