JE Hydro & Bio-Energy Corporation sponsors Libreng Tubig Festival in Barangay Indahag

Residents of Barangay Indahag and nearby upland communities can avail of free potable drinking water for the next five days.

“As a sign of gratitude to everyone who made this project a success, JE Hydro and Bio Energy Corporation (JEHBEC) will sponsor a 5-day Libreng Tubig Festival to anyone who wants to avail of it from today until Sunday,” said Joel A. Baldelovar, JEHBEC Director for Business Development  in his welcome remarks during the November 23rd blessing and inauguration of Cagayan de Oro’s first ever upland water treatment plant at Sto. Niño, Barangay Indahag.

Indahag residents queue up for JE Hydro’s Libreng Tubig Festival.

“JE Hydro provides clean and safe drinking water.  Aside from Barangay Indahag, the new facility will also service residents in Upper Camaman-an and Upper Gusa with round the clock water supply straight to Indahag households and establishments,” said Engr. Joffrey E. Hapitan, JEHBEC Chairman in a message from Cebu where the company recently inaugurated the revolutionary 20MLD Water Treatment Plant (WTP) in Barangay Lusaran, Cebu City which now provides water to nine previously waterless upland barangays, on top of providing much  needed bulk water to Metro Cebu Water District.

Mayor Klarex Uy leads the ribbon cutting for the Indahag Water Treatment plant on Nov. 23. Also in photo are Kag. Imee Moreno, Indahag Bgy Chair Joy Dahino, Vice Mayor Bebot Rodriguez and former COWD Chairman and Oro Chamber President Ruben Vegafria.

“We wish to thank JE Hydro for helping us bring potable water to Barangay Indahag and our nearby communities,” said City Mayor Rolando “Klarex” Uy in the vernacular in his message during the event. “We appreciate how you have invested your own resources in this project, and hope you can still help bring water to our other waterless barangays which cannot be serviced by our Cagayan de Oro City Water District (COWD).”

Mayor Klarex also acknowledged the support given by the past city council for unanimously approving the project, as well as the current city council headed by Vice Mayor Jocelyn “Bebot” B. Rodriguez who likewise pledged their support for similar private-public partnerships which can provide safe drinking water to the city’s waterless barangays.

The Indahag Level III Water Treatment Plant ushers in a new day of safe potable drinking water delivered 24/7 to its households and establishments.

The Cagayan de Oro City Council unanimously approved earlier without objection during its regular session Monday, March 1, 2021, Resolution No. 2021-47 endorsing and/or imposing no objection to the application of the JE Hydro & Bio-Energy Corporation to develop, build and maintain a Level-3 Water Supply and Distribution System in Barangay Indahag, this city with the intent to supply and distribute a safe drinking water to households and establishments in said barangay.

With a population of 16,179 per the 2015 Census representing 2.4% of the city’s population, the upland barangay in the second congressional district may soon be one of its fastest growing. Lately barangay officials estimate its population has risen to approximately 21, 000.

Luis Ramon P. Lorenzo, Jr., chairman of the LLJ Water Resources Corporation, is interviewed by the media following the blessing and inauguration of the Indahag Level III Water Treatment Plant.

Also present during the event were Luis Ramon P. Lorenzo, Jr., chairman of the LLJ Water Resources Corporation, (one of three firms undertaking the project), Indahag Punong Barangay Jocelyn N. Dahino, Balubal Punong Barangay Pablo Bactong, City Councilor &  Majority Floor Leader Ian Mark Q. Nacaya and City Councilors Imee Moreno, Ivy Emano, Ian Achas, James J. Judith and Malvern Esparcia, and former COWD Chairman and Oro Chamber President Ruben A. Vegafria, currently the regional governor for Region X (Northern Mindanao) of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry. (PCCI)

Barangay Indahag Level III Water Treatment Plant

The Indahag Water Treatment Plant (WTP) constructed by JEHBEC has a capacity to deliver 5 million liters daily (MLD) of clean and safe potable water at no cost to the barangay. The project is funded by the Land Bank of the Philippines who were represented yesterday by Account Officers Ramil Lumayag and Laiza Lou Ting.

The WTP will source surface water from Bubunawan River in Barangay Pualas, Baungon, Bukidnon with water rights secured from the National Water Rights Board (NWRB) for 10MLD, to provide for future expansion.

JE Hydro has a proven track record of construction of Water Treatment Plants as well as operation and management of water distribution. The Indahag WTP and distribution system was undertaken by LPL Contractor Richard Mercado.

During an earlier committee hearing, Indahag Kag. Carmelito Damo said Indahag’s population has been expanding due to the city’s Sendong relocation projects (Habitat Phase1 and 2, over 1,000 HH ; Caritas Village, over 100 HH) and private subdivisions such as  Mersville del Mondo which has not yet been  occupied, and Villa Vita with over 1,800 units, but only has about 50 occupied because of the lack of water supply.

Private subdivisions such as Eco-Verde Homes are expected to boom with the coming of a safe and reliable 24/7 potable water supply from the Indahag Level III water treatment plant.

Nalipay mi kay almost 26 years wala mi tubig gikan sa kagamhanan tungod kay layo kaayo among barangay ug dili makasaka ang tubig sa water district,” Damo, himself a former Indahag Punong Barangay stressed.

To further emphasize the urgency of the situation, Barangay Indahag passed Barangay Resolution No. 017-2021 during its 5th regular session on March 1, 2021 requesting JE Hydro & Bio-Energy Corp. to fast track its Level-3 Water Supply Network  to service Bgy. Indahag and its adjacent communities.

Sports and Entertainment events are similarly expected to benefit from the 24/7 water supply which makes venues like the Cagayan de Oro City Civic & Convention Center a viable venue.

The resolution rued how Bgy. Indahag had been suffering from insufficient supply of safe and potable water for decades, stressing how the barangay has not yet been served the Cagayan de Oro City Water District (COWD), and they have just been making do with water delivered by water tankers (at P75 per barrel of unfiltered water) and unreliable deep wells, further putting the health and well-being of residents at risk during the global pandemic.

“If we already have water in Indahag, Cagayan de Oro will not be so congested. We are flood-free.  This will also help develop our barangay,” he added.

Despite already having a reservoir constructed 12 years ago during the term of former city mayor Constantino G. Jaraula, the barangay remained waterless until now for want of a viable water supply.

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New COMC Management cites first quarter gains

First ever admin floor dedicated on 53rd anniversary

It took all of five decades and some, but one of Cagayan de Oro’s premier medical institutions finally has its own floor devoted to the hospital’s administration.

The new facility was inaugurated on November 15 with a blessing of the premises and a simple brunch for the employees at the 4th floor of the Cagayan de Oro Medical Center Inc. (COMCI) Building 3 along Tiano Brothers corner Nacalaban Street.

The new facility includes the Boardroom, offices of the President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Finance Officer, Human Resource Manager, Director of Nursing Service, Accounting Office, Nursing Service Office, Payroll in-charge, and Philhealth Office.

According the COMCI President & Chief Executive Officer Ferdinand A. Floirendo, this is the first time ever COMC will have an entire floor devoted to its administrative offices which will significantly improve its administrative services for its patients, employees, suppliers and other stakeholders.

Ferdinand A. Floirendo, COMCI President & Chief Executive Officer

“The keys to a successful healthcare delivery system are access, convenience and speed,” Floirendo stressed. “By placing all our administrative functions on the same floor, we significantly improve the quality and speed of delivery of our services to all our stakeholders.”

53rd Anniversary

COMCI marked its 53rd anniversary on September 15, 2022 with simple rites preceded by a mass presided by Fr. Neil Pagalan, followed by a short program  including an anniversary message from Floirendo, the recognition of the Employee of the Year who was awarded a token and cash gift, followed by a luncheon for all employees who all received a 53rd Anniversary cash gift.

“When COMCI marked its 53rd anniversary last September 15, 2022, we took pride from the fact that we reached 53 years of continuous quality healthcare service for the community of Cagayan de Oro City and its neighboring municipalities,” Floirendo said.

“But we can’t take it easy at 53. Rather, we need to further step up and improve  in the succeeding years for widen the scope of our services to our fellow Kagay-anons and patients from adjacent areas as the city and its environs undergo metropolization.”

90-Days Achievements & Milestones

Since Floirendo and his Management Team assumed office three months ago, COMCI has made significant strides in its journey toward realizing the vision of being a leading healthcare provider in Cagayan de Oro City.

Among these are affiliations with various government agencies, schools and other healthcare institutions expected to significantly contribute to the hospital’s cash flow, upgrading and repairs of facilities resulting in significant savings, compliance with government mandated standards similarly expected to result to significant savings, participation in government trainings and programs aimed at improving the quality of healthcare services, improved collections and additional payment modes to improve the quality and convenience of payments and collections for all affected stakeholders, establishment of the Occupational Safety and Health Department under Dr. Gilbert Gille with the institutionalization of emergency protocols (Code Red/Fire; Code Blue/CPR Cardiac Arrest); and Dr Strong/Security), and improved compensation and benefits for key employees.

“For the past few months since the new Management assumed office under the leadership of Pres. Floirendo, we have been able to accomplish several developments,” said COMCI Chief Operating Officer & Hospital Administrator Jonathan T. Casio.  “We have substantially improved our relations with our staff, consultants, investors, patrons, suppliers, government agencies, and the community in general. Our goal is to provide the best care possible for our patients; thus, room renovations, equipment upgrades, and customer comfort are now prioritized.”

“Enhanced employee benefits are in the process of implementation to better serve our workforce which we believe is the backbone of this institution. Training and updates are now being lined up to better empower our staff and make them even more efficient and compassionate healthcare providers,” he added.

Brief History

Cagayan de Oro Medical Center, Inc. (COMCI) was established by six pioneering medical practitioners in 1969.

Dr. Roberto Nery (Surgery); Dr. Zenaida A. Floirendo (Obstetrics-Gynecology); Dr. Pedro Mende, Jr. (Internal Medicine); Dr. Santiago Mercado Jr. (Eye, Ear, Nose, Throat); Dr. Jose Gaerlan (Pathology) and Dr. Maximo Llido, (Pathology) formally incorporated COMCI on April 10, 1969.

Its first building  was originally located at Don Apolinar Velez Street and grew to a 25 bed capacity hospital by 1971, with two Resident Physicians, Dr. Emmanuel Verendia, and Dr. Regenita Estrera, who was also an Anesthesiologist.  After two years, they transferred to a leased building at Don Sergio Osmeña Street and bought new hospital equipment and apparatus.

On March 17, 1974, a modern hospital building with additional equipment and facilities was inaugurated at the hospital’s present location at the corner of Tiano Brothers-Nacalaban Streets. The new P5-million COMCI Building 1 quickly became a landmark of Cagayan de Oro City.
Except for Dr. Pedro Mende and Dr. Maximo Llido, the group remained intact and were joined by Dr. Francisco Oh (Internal Medicine); Dr. Pedro Abalos (Pediatrics); Dr. Jesus Seriña, Jr., (Anesthesiology) and Dr. Rito Nangcas (Radiology).

When Dr. Roberto Nery left for Australia, Dr. Hernando Emano, an equally dynamic and competent surgeon was invited to take his place.

Mr Rafael Floirendo & Dr. Zenaida Alcantara Floirendo.

Mr. Rafael Floirendo, father of the present President & CEO, served as Chairman of the Board for 15 consecutive years.

More doctors joined COMCI in 1986: Department of Obstetrics, Dr. Ruth Semilla-Betran; Department of Pediatrics, Dr. Rosario de Venecia-Cabrera, and Dr. Evelyn Estorba; Department of Radiology, Dr. Ronald Caumban; Dermatology, Dr Jessica Soriano. Joining Dr. Francisco Oh in the Department of Internal Medicine were Dr. Vicente Jose Velez, Cardiology,  Dr. Edna Ricarte, Gastroenterology and Dr. Dennis Tudtud, Oncology.

Since 1987, the hospital invited Fellow and Diplomate Consultants to hold their clinics at CMIC with specialties ranging from Internal Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics-Gynecology, Pediatrics, Anesthesiology, Ophthalmology, Neurology, Otorhinolaryngology, Radiology, and Urology, among others.

Today, the second generation of the original incorporators are now members of COMCI’s medical staff: Dr. Fe Marissa Mercado, Ophthalmology, and Dr. Melissa Floirendo-Diawatan, Obstetrics-Gynecology, and Dr. Alan Chang, Endocrinology.

In 1993, the four-story Building 2 along Nacalaban Street just across  Building 1 was built, with two more floors added in January 2005.

In 2004, COMCI opened its doors to nursing schools of Lourdes College in April, Liceo de Cagayan University in June 2004, and Capitol University in November 2005.

Following a set of criteria, the Accreditation Committee approved the following doctors as active members of COMCI’s medical staff: Dr. Rustan Hautea, Dr. Augusto Dejos, Dr. Antonio Carpio, Dr. Fausto Tancongco, Dr. Antonietta Sison, Dr. Franco de la Serna, Dr. Raul Winston Andutan, Dr. Joseph Garcia, Dr. Christy Caumban, Dr. Leah Floirendo, Dr. Leah Tancongco, and Dr. Hiyasmin Hernandez.

In February 2009, the Nuclear Medicine Department was inaugurated.

On October 22, 2013 Building 3 was constructed and on May 21, 2016 the Oncology Department moved into the new facility.

On January 11, 2017 the 12-unit Hemodialysis Department started operations.

At present, COMCI is accredited as a general hospital with  a 120 bed capacity.

The Future

For the not so distant future, Floirendo said COMCI already envisions having a medical arts complex with pharmacy, diagnostic laboratory set up, hemodialysis unit, radiology, ang urgent care to serve patients beyond the immediate city limits.

“This will include a mobile clinic for Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) where COMCI will come to the patient, instead of the patient coming to the  hospital,” Floirendo said.

The New COMC Management Team envisions to be a bridge from the past to a better future.

“As part of the COMCI family, we work not just for our own livelihood, but strive beyond expectations since health and wellness is an avocation where our true passions for service to others comes to life when we render a competent and compassionate service that is more than what’s expected to our patients and other stakeholders,” he emphasized.

“We want everyone to know we’re in the business of making people better, be they our patients, our officers, employees, suppliers, and other stakeholders. And we’re here for good.”

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SM City CDO Uptown rebrands on 20th Anniversary

SM Supermalls first mall in Cagayan de Oro City has rebranded with a new moniker to mark its 20th anniversary milestone.

Now officially known as SM City CDO Uptown to differentiate it from its downtown sibling, the rebranding was also part of its 20th commemoration to mark its redevelopment.

“We started our 20th year commemoration last June 30, 2022 with the opening of the North Wing, an expansion building that features fresh, open and enjoyable spaces for a unique uptown feel,” said Oliver John R. Tiu, SM Supermalls Vice President for Operations- Mindanao, during a virtual press briefing with some members of the press on 15 November 2022.

SM City CDO Uptown’s North Wing was inaugurated June 30, 2022 to kick off the mall’s 20th Anniversary.

“We also launched the mall’s new name to SM City CDO Uptown to kick off the mall’s redevelopment project, another expression of our commitment to provide a world-class mall experience for the Uptown CDO market,” Mr. Tiu added.

SM City CDO Uptown was the 1st SM Mall in Cagayan de Oro, its 13th mall nationwide, which has now grown to a network of over 80 malls two decades later.

Mr. Tiu reminisced how Uptown Cagayan de Oro was still quite sleepy during that time with very few businesses and residents, yet SM was committed to serve the community and serve as an instrument to change the landscape of the area.

“Twenty years later, here we are, looking back with gratitude to the community for giving us a home in Cagayan de Oro City,” he said. “Today is also a fitting time to give back as a symbol of renewing our commitment to continue to provide uplifting and fun mall experience that makes every day better for everyone.”

The Garbage Compactor Truck donated by SM Supermalls will service Pueblo Business Park locators.

As part of its 20th Anniversary commemoration, SM Supermalls donated a  Garbage Compactor Truck to the Pueblo de Oro Association of Commercial and Institutional Establishments, Inc. (PACE). 

“This simple gesture is a testament to SM City CDO Uptown’s pledge to the partnership with the Pueblo de Oro Development Corporation by supporting programs that are socially responsible and environmentally sustainable,” Mr. Tiu stressed.

The donation was received by Engr. Chrysler Acebu, VP and GM of Pueblo de Oro Township in his concurrent capacity as President of PACE.

SM Regional Operations Manager Joey M. Tumolva turns over the keys to the garbage compactor truck to PACE President Chrysler B. Acebu.

“SM is actually donating this garbage truck to PACE and not Pueblo de Oro, to clarify,” Engr. Acebu said. “PACE is the association of business establishments in the 25 hectare Pueblo Business Park which includes the Xavier Ateneo integrated grade school and high school campus, as well as the St Francis Parish Church.”

Engr. Acebu said the donation was discussed with Mr. Tiu as early as 3 years ago, since SM City CDO Uptown was an anchor locator occupying six hectares and had the biggest foot traffic among its locators.

SM City CDO Uptown officers Carlston B. Maglangit, PR Officer; Feli Jan Wenson K. Bagares, Asst. Mall Manager; Bernadette Flores, Mall Manager & Joey M. Tumolva, Regional Operations Manager pose for posterity during the turnover with Engr. Chrysler B. Acebu, PACE Pres. & concurrently Pueblo de Oro VP & GM; Glen C. Motol, Sr. Manager for Township Relations,  & Engr. Adrian D. Alcayde, AVP for Township Administration.

“With SM expanding its leasable area with the recently opened NorthWing, they initially offered to donate a fire truck,” he noted. “However, since Pueblo already has two fire trucks, they  eventually agreed to instead donate a compactor type garbage truck to address the solid waste generated by locators in the business park.”

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Bringing the Flavours of India to Diwali Night in Cagayan de Oro

When the Embassy of India Manila and the India Business Forum Association of the Philippines Inc. joined the recent Mindanao Food Congress as a “Partner Country”, it marked the first time that the Oro Chamber as the congress organizer ever had a partner country.

However, the Embassy and the IBF wanted to bring to Cagayan de Oro not only their business networks but also a glimpse of their culture as well.

Thus, on the first night of the congress on 26 October 2022, the two organizations joined forces for the India Cultural Night highlighted for the first time ever in the city by a glimpse into India’s celebrated Diwali Festival, famous the world over as India’s “Festival of Lights.”

Dancers from the Indian Community in Manila do the Bhangra, originally performed during the Baisakhi harvest festival, of Punjab province.

Besides the lighting of all participants’ tea lights to evoke the spiritual ambience of Diwali, the night’s festivities were also highlighted by the performance of the famous Bhangra dance, and most especially, by the food tasting of Indian dishes by three of India’s most famous Manila-based restaurants.

The highlight of the evening came with the serving of a traditional meal of chicken biryani, murgh makhana (butter chicken) and laddu, a dessert that’s often served during festive or religious occasions.

Messrs Happy Singh & Tumkesh Khera of Flavours Restaurant did the Biyrani and Butter Chicken.

H.E. Shambhu  S. Kumaran, India Ambassador to the Philippines, said the first two dishes were prepared by Messrs. Happy Singh and Tumkesh Khera of Flavours by Vana’s Authentic Indian Cuisine in Makati City, while the laddu was prepared by the staff of Mr. Rameash TK’s Annappoorna Restaurant in Mandaluyong City. He lauded the owners and staff of the two restaurants for being up to the challenge of preparing the dishes at short notice in a far-off location.

Chicken biryani is a popular Indian dish served on special occasions which is made with long-grained rice (like basmati) flavored with fragrant spices such as saffron and vegetables and a thick gravy.

Chicken Biryani with Laddu.

As remarked by a local chef, there are several main types of biryani specific to certain communities which are named after the place where it was created like Sindhi biryani, Hyderabadi biryani, Malabar biryani (from H.E. Kumaran’s home province of Kerala), Calcutta/Kolata biryani, Ambur biryani, Lucknowi biryani, Mughlai biryani, and Kalyani biryani, to name a few.

Murgh Makhani (better known as butter chicken) is a type of curry made from chicken with a spiced tomato and butter (makhan) sauce known for its rich texture. Chicken is marinated for several hours in a mixture of lemon juice, dahi (yogurt), Kashmiri red chili, salt, garam masala, ginger paste, and garlic  paste then cooked in a tandoor (traditional clay oven), but may also be grilled, over-roasted, or pan-fried.

A Perfect Dawali meal with Chicken Biryani and Butter Chicken. (Lavlav Ferolino)

The sauce is a tomato, garlic, and ginger-based sauce that is simmered until smooth and much of the water has evaporated. There are many variations on the composition and spicing of the sauce, which is strained to make it velvety smooth.

Not the least, Laddu (or laddoo) is a spherical sweet primarily made from flour, fat (ghee/butter/oil) and sugar or jaggery. They are often made of gram flour but can also be made with semolina. Sometimes ingredients such as chopped nuts and/or dried raisins are added, but vary with each recipe.

The Ladoo was prepared by the staff of Annapoorna Restaurant in Mandaluyong city.
(photo courtesy of Engr. Ambrosio Ferris S. Tangco III).

 In a recent correspondence with this author, Mr. Tumkesh Khera of Flavours by Vana’s Authentic Indian Cuisine in Makati City shared his experience in bringing in the flavors of India to Cagayan de Oro.

Flavours by Vana’s Authentic Indian Cuisine (photo courtesy of Vinod Soundararajan)

It is said “If you have good intentions to do something, the entire forces of the universe will support you to achieve,” Mr. Khera said.

“This is exactly what happened when we were invited by the first secretary Mr. Nishikant Singh – (Economic & Commerce) and the team of India Business Forum (IBF) to support the Mindanao Food Congress held in Cagayan de Oro.”

1st Secretary NIshikant Singh (right) with the Dharamdas Family during a visit to Wadhu’s Quality Store, the oldest store in Cagayan de Oro, and the store’s iconic 1931 NCR cash register.

Initially, the management and staff were a bit apprehensive to commit themselves for the said event as there was an expected heavy work load during the congress days which were in  conflicting with the Diwali- the Festival of Lights of the Hindus,

The cause seemed to be perfect, with  ‘India’ being highlighted as the ‘Partner Country’ in the ‘Mindanao Food Congress’ with an India Pavilion set up by the Embassy of India to showcase the success stories of Indian businesses, and most important, celebrate the Diwali Festival with Filipino friends in Cagayan de Oro.

“This was motivating and very aspiring for Flavours to say yes,” Mr. Khera admitted. “We did not only have an opportunity not only to showcase the Festival of Lights , but also to bring the Flavours of India at the door step of Cagayan de Oro as well.”

Challenges

However, preparing Chicken Biryani and Butter Chicken for 600-700 people presented quite a bit of hurdles.  Among them was moving raw materials like Special Basmati rice (Long Grain rice that is the only rice used for Biryani, a popular Indian dish served on special occasions which is made with long-grained rice (like basmati) flavored with fragrant spices such as saffron, herbs and vegetables, with meat and a thick gravy cooked and smeared for hours to bring those Flavours); special spices and herbs which had to be moved from Manila to CDO, as well as the special cooking utensils to be used in preparing the dishes.  

Flavours Restaurant Chef Balbir Singh with CDO Bloggers Irene Dayo, Lav Ferolino & Chen Siwagan.

“The next big challenge was the chef and the assistant cooks who are specialized in cooking these two Flavourful dishes,” Mr. Khera related. “Our head chef Balbir Singh started training the local cooks to handle the workload. So while he is out for those two days in Cagayan de Oro, we still had to ensure that our operations back in Manila did not suffer during that most important Diwali Festival week.”

D-Day

D – day finally came on October 25th when the party  reached Cagayan de Oro. They approached a few fellow Indians who wholeheartedly agreed to open their humble homes set up their kitchen. They were also supported by the organizers and everyone who was a part of the event.

“During the evening of October 26th , we witnessed the crowd enjoying various cultural presentations of India, the lighting of the lamps by Filipino friends marking a close bond of friendship between the two countries, was surely a sight not to be missed,” Mr. Khera noted.

Participants to the Mindanao Food Congress lift their tea lights during Indian Cultural Night highlighting the Diwali Festival.

Everyone was served with Chicken Biryani and Butter chicken to the satisfaction of the very tired but satisfied cooks who enjoyed the sight of everyone enjoying the Flavours of India.

“Truly we made the right choice bringing Flavours – Indian and Mediterranean  restaurant from Manila to the door step of Cagayan de Oro,” Mr. Khera noted. “We are looking forward to celebrating more such occasions with Filipino friends again.”

Naawan levels up local tourism with Pasalubong Delicacy Contest

The Municipality of Naawan, Misamis Oriental recently took a step forward to improve its tourism potentials with a competition designed to develop a pasalubong item carrying the town’s brand.

The Naawan Pasalubong Delicacy Contest, a project of LGU Naawan in cooperation with Monster Kitchen, Province of Misamis Oriental, Department of Tourism Region 10, and Congressman Bambi Emano challenged participants to concoct a pasalubong delicacy highlighting the use of coconut and cacao/tablea as a component, ingredients which are indigenous to Naawan.

The  October 3 first round of the competition held October 3 was  at the Training Center, Provincial Capitol, Cagayan de Oro City with an esteemed panel of judges including Chef Catherine Dano (CEO Thai Me Up), Chef Ramon Cardenas (CEO, Desserts by Mon Cardenas) and Chef Nova Lumactod (Kitchen Operations Pro).

The top five competitors who emerged from the first round were Andrew Quiñones (Naawan); Khevin Faith P. Cabactulan (Calaanan, CDO); Nash Ong (Carmen, CDO); Gabriel C. Gonzaga (Macabalan, CDO); Loui Rejay D. Derecho (Tagoloan, Misor).

The top five proceeded to the second and final round held at the Monster Kitchen Cogon Market Branch in Cagayan de Oro City with the following Panel of Judges: Chef Catherine Dano (CEO Thai Me Up); Atty. Jeffrey C. Saclot (Misamis Oriental Tourism Officer); Chef Albert Chiu (All Seasons Kitchen Expert); Chef Ramon Cardenas (CEO of Desserts by Mon Cardenas) and Decius Esmedalla (OIC-Chief Tourism Operations Officer, DOT-10).

As a follow-up activity to the competition, a Product Development Training with Chef  Albert Chiu for the five Naawan Pasalubong Delicacy Contest Winners was held at the same venue on October 24.

HINUKAY PILIT BALLS by Nash Ong made with glutinous rice filled with coconut jam, cacao, and desiccated coconut. (photo courtesy of Tourism Naawan)

Nash Ong emerged as the Grand Prize winner with his Hinukay Pilit Balls made from glutinous rice filled with coconut jam, cacao, and desiccated coconut formed into balls.

Loui Rejay Duran Derecho’s Tabnut Sweet Basket made tableya and coconut.
(photo courtesy of Tourism Naawan)

2nd Prize went to Loui Rejay Duran Derecho’s Tabnut Sweet Basket made tableya and coconut.

Gabriel Gonzaga’s Linukot, a soft kakanin stuffed with tableya and caramelized bukayo.
(photo courtesy of Tourism Naawan)

3rd Prize Winner was Gabriel Gonzaga for his Linukot, a soft kakanin stuffed with tableya and caramelized bukayo.

Andrew Quiñones’ Naawan Hugs. (photo courtesy of Tourism Naawan)

Andrew Quiñones  won 4th Prize with his Buko De Cacao Tart(Naawan Hugs) while Khevin Faith Cabactulan won 5th Prize for his Pandecocao, a modernized and enhanced pandesal with tableya and coconut milk.

Khevin Faith Cabactulan’s Pandecocao, a contempory and enhanced pandesal with tableya and coconut milk. (photo courtesy of Tourism Naawan)

The competition awarded P50,000 as First Prize; P20,000 Second Prize,P10,000 for Third Prize, and P5,000 for consolation prizes. All winners will likewise be featured in the Naawan Pasalubong Center as the town’s pasalubong food items.

“I’m glad to have been a part of the Naawan Pasalubong Delicacy Contest. This laudable initiative of LGU-Naawan complements the food product development focus of the Provincial Tourism Office, as encouraged and promoted in our annual Food Exhibit during our provincewide celebration of the National Tourism Week,” said Atty. Saclot.

“Our target for next year is to come up with a similar activity so that more discoveries will be done relating to uniquely made food items which are potential as pasalubong”, he added.

The Winners.
(photo courtesy of Tourism Naawan)

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Lanao del Norte hosts Pagana Meranaw for Mindanao Food Congress 2022

Lanao del Norte Governor and newly appointed Regional Development Council Region 10 (RDC-X) Chairperson Imelda “Angging” Dela Cruz Quibranza- Dimaporo, hosted a Pagana Meranaw for the government and executives of the various chambers of commerce of Mindanao at a local hotel following the October 26 launch of the twin exhibits of the recently concluded Mindanao Food Congress 2022.

The Hosts with CDO Mayor Klarex Uy, Misor Gov. Peter Unabia, Oro Chamber Pres. Ray Talimio, & the Indian delegation led by HE Shambhu S. Kumaran & IBF Pres. Dileep Tiwari.

The delegation from the India Business Forum (IBF) led by H.E. Shambhu S. Kumaran, Ambassador of India to the Philippines graced the occasion along with Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Rolando “Klarex” Uy, Misamis Oriental Governor Peter “Sr. Pedro” M. Unabia, and chamber executives led by Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Vice President for Mindanao Art Milan, PCCI Region X Governor and Mindanao Food Congress Director Ruben A. Vegafria, and Oro Chamber President Ray Talimio, Jr. The Pagana was also graced by members of the Lanao del Norte Sangguniang Panlalawigan headed by Vice Governor Allan Lim.

Pagana Meranaw is a traditional feast of the Meranaws to welcome special guests and visitors with foods and delicacies.

Guests to a Pagana Meranaw are seated by fours around the dishes. (Discover Lanao del Norte PH)

Pagana is a Meranaw term literally means to serve halal food for the guests and visitors in the tabak (a food tray with stand made of gold brass) setting on a floor just like the old ways in a wide and spacious living area of a torogan (traditional Meranaw houses).

Pagana would also means treating the visitors and very important guests with the highest form of hospitality, kindness and respect. This also signifies the host’s level of civility and indicates the degree of the host’s grace. Sitting on the floor reminds everyone that we are all equal and our utmost humility as host. Pagana is given utmost significance by Meranaw of Lanao because it fosters peace, solidarity and unity.

Traditionally, the hosts and the guests of a Pagana Meranaw are dressed in  malongs or tutubs, the Meranaws traditional attire. All the guests present were given malongs as gift with a customized lampanakanay basket by the kind and generous Gov. Angging.

Rep Bobby Dimaporo enjoying the Pagana Meranaw with HE Shambhu S. Kumaran, Indian Ambassador to the Philippines. (LdN PIO)

Rep. Abdullah “Bobby” D. Dimaporo explained that the Pagana is a customary and traditional banquet depicting their innate hospitality, carried out in an elegant festivity and gaiety in a manner acceptable to Islamic laws and principles.

Pagana is afforded to guests during special occasions such as enthronements, weddings, graduations, engagements, merrymaking, and homecoming of people who had gone to the Hajj or Islamic pilgrimage—and during the two religious feasts, Eid’l Adha and Eid’l Fitr.

The occasion began with a solemn prayer, followed by a welcome message from the host Gov. Angging.

Gov. Angging Dimaporo welcomes honored guests to the Pagana Meranaw hosted by Lanao del Nortre LGU during the Mindanao Food Congress on October 26, 2022. (Province of Lanao del Norte)

“I want you all to know that by sitting on the floor, I am not punishing you. This is just the way we do it the Meranaw way,” Governor Angging explained .

This was immediately followed by a cultural presentation from the LaNorte Dance Artists for Peace.

MSU-LNAC Culture Affairs Coordinator, Bongbong Umpa Busran (who headed the Pagana venue decoration) then briefed the guests with an overview of the Pagana Meranaw.

Kalumbayan sa Ranao performs a Kapagonor , traditional Meranaw kulintang performance showcasing the unique skill and artistic ways of using the basal.

Kalumbayan sa Ranao followed with their presentation of Kapagonor (traditional Meranaw kulintang performance showcasing the unique skill and artistic ways of using the basal (decorated stick used to strike the kulintang) in a musical performance, after which guests were lavishly treated with a sumptuous banquet, and a Cultural Performers Showcase of Maranao Music and Dance as they enjoyed their meal.

The banquet is arranged in a dulang dining set, with traditional Maranao dishes served on tabak (brass food trays) around which four guests are seated on cushions. The food trays are covered with ampas (decorated tabak cover). Utensils and plates are upside down to stress sanitation.

The KaVe dining hall dressed up as a living room in a traditional Torogan decorated with accents of gold & silver, symbolizing prestige & nobility. (Photo courtesdy of Bongbong Umpa Busran)

The whole display in the dining hall (dressed up as a living room in a traditional Torogan) was decorated with accents of gold and silver, symbolizing the colors of prestige and nobility.

Since Meranaws are Muslims, food should be Halal (permissible under Islamic law). Pork is strictly prohibited.

The typical yellow hue of Maranao dishes, which can be seen in many dishes like kuning (yellow rice), comes from kalawag (turmeric powder), which is believed to have medicinal properties.

Yellow (benaning) is also considered as the Royal Color of Meranaws. This explains why the dominant color in a Pagana is yellow and the food prepared are mostly yellow because it is a Royal Occasion.
(photo courtesy of Bongbong Umpa Busran)

The entrees served include beef, chicken, and fowl which are cooked and served with coconut shavings as the main ingredient, fried with vegetables or cooked in other ways. Another salient feature of the Pagana is the palapa spice made from onion bulbs, ginger, and chili pepper simmered in coconut oil.

The spirit of hospitality is highly valued by the Meranaws seeing that it fosters a sense of belongingness, peace, unity, and harmony in their society. Thus, the Pagana remains a signature of the timeless beauty of Meranaw culture in the Land of Beauty and Bounty.

Gov. Angging & Rep. Bobby Dimaporo (center) with (L-R) Vice Gov. Allan Lim, Datu Said (Husband of Supt. Indihra), Dr. Indihra B. Dimaporo-Tawantawan and Bongbong Umpa Busran and Cultural Performers.
(photo courtesy of B.U. Busran)

This Pagana Maranao was made possible through the efforts of the Lanao del Norte Provincial Tourism Office headed by Alerma Grace Y. Montañez, and the MSU-LNAC through the Office of Cultural Affairs headed by Bongbong Umpa Busran as Coordinator, and Campus Head, Dr. Indihra B. Dimaporo-Tawantawan for appropriately decorating the venue befitting a traditional Pagana Meranaw. (with Bongbong Umpa Busran, Ruby Leonora R. Balistoy/PIA-10 & PIO-LDN)


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Villa Chorale upholds Pinoy Pride at the 18th Busan Chorale Festival

Villanueva’s home-grown talents has brought honor and prestige not only to the municipality and Misamis Oriental, but held high Pinoy Pride as well during the recently concluded 18th Busan Chorale Festival and Competition.

Composed entirely of residents from the fast-rising municipality, the Villanueva Chorale brought home two gold medals in two categories besides finishing runner up in the Grand Prix event held at the Sohyang Theater, Busan Cinema Center in Busan, South  Korea on October 19-22, 2022.

Photo courtesy of Tourism Villanueva.

Although they were only organized only two years ago and were participating in their first ever foreign competition, the chorale under the baton of Maestro Ralph Ramos bagged First Prize and a Gold Diploma in the Pop & Acappella Category, another Gold Diploma in the Folk/Ethnic Category, and finished runner up in the Grand Prix.

Villanueva Chorales performs Ahibakle (Ifugao Folk Song) at the recent 18th Busan Chorale Festival & Competition which won them a Gold Diploma in the Folk/Ethnic Category. (photo: Tourism Villanueva)

The group performed When You Believe (arr. Robert Delgado), I Believe (arr. Robert Delgado) and It’s Raining Men (arr. Arnel de Pano) for their winning repertoire in the Pop & Acappella Category, and Ahibakle (Ifugao Folk Song arr. Bienvenido Constantino Jr), Sa Kadagatan (arr. Jandel Cabasura) and Tephaeyg (arr. Bienvenido Constantino Jr) for their second Gold Diploma in the Folk/Ethnic Category.

Aside from the Villanueva Chorale, other Finalists to the 2022  BCFC were the Diponegoro Engineering Student Choir (Indonesia) who won the Gold Diploma for Classical Mixed & Equal Category; and the Vocalista Harmonic Choir ISI Yogyakarta (Indonesia​)​ which topped the Folk/Ethnic Category.

For the Grand Prix Final, each winners were asked to perform only one piece from their winning category. Villanueva Chorale reprised their earlier winning rendition of I Believe (arr. Robert Delgado).

Diponegoro Engineering Student Choir edged Villanueva Chorale for the Grand Prix, with the Vocalista Harmonic Choir ISI Yogyakarta finished as second runner-up.

Villanueva Chorales upheld Pinoy Pride in the recent 18th Busan Choral Festival & Competiton held in South Korea by finishing second in the Grand Finals, and First Prize in the Pop & Acapella Category, and earning Gold Diplomas in the Folk/Ethic and Pop & Acapella Categories. (photo: Tourism Villanueva)

“We would like to extend our gratitude to all the people whose assistance was a milestone from the start to the end— with physical and financial support,” said Maestro Ralph Ramos on behalf of the Villanueva Chorale. “To the Local Government Unit of Villanueva, headed by Hon. Mayor Jennie Uy-Mendez, Former Congresswoman Juliette T. Uy, Team Unity Chairman Atty. Julio Uy, proud parents and families, we extend our warmest appreciation to all of you. Truly, the Villanuevanon can shine to the World!”

Villanueva Chorale performs at the Busan Station for an outreach concert together with all the participating choirs of the 18t h Busan Choral Festival and Competition. (photo: Tourism Villanueva)

Villanueva Chorale performed at the Busan Station for an outreach concert together with all the participating choirs of the Busan Choral Festival and Competition on the eve of the finals.

According to Joane Jude Tabique, Villanueva LGU Media Relations Officer, the Villanueva Chorale was created through the initiative of Mayor Jennie Uy- to perform during the town’s various activities, rather than hire performers from outside.

“With the help of the Villanueva Tourism Office, auditions were conducted for students, municipal employees, workers from private companies, and anyone from the town who wished to share their vocal talents,” Tabique disclosed. “After a series of interviews led by Mayor Jennie, we also selected Ralph Ramos, who had previous experience conducting choirs in Cagayan de Oro, as the choir conductor.”

The choir practiced every night and became the pride of Villanueva performing in the town’s various events. When they were afforded the chance to audition (via online video) for the Busan Chorale Festival, they were selected to represent the Philippines from among the 20 chorale groups from the country who auditioned (the other four were the Balanga Choral Artists, Bataan Peninsula State University Chorale, Imusicapella, and Sing Philippines Youth Choir).

However, the audition was only the first of many trials the group faced on the road to Busan.

“They had to provide for their own round trip air fares to Busan, in-country accommodations, expenses in securing their Korean visas, meals and other expenses,” Tabique relates.

Courtesy Call of the Villanueva Chorale at the Embassy of the Republic of the Philippines in Seoul, Republic of Korea.

“Besides their daily practices for the two categories they were competing in, they still had to perform in other towns around Misamis Oriental to raise funds for their trip, as well as lobby with senators and congressmen for financial and logistics assistance. They had to raise at least a million pesos for their trip to Busan. They faced a ton of challenges along the way, some fell sick, many were discouraged, almost all kinds of trials arose but with the support of Mayor Jennie, all were made possible.”

Villanueva Chorale, the official choir of the Municipality of Villanueva, Misamis Oriental performs at the Limketkai Center Atrium. It was founded October 2020 by the Villanueva Performing Arts Guild and Municipal Tourism Office of LGU-Villanueva. (photo: Tourism Villanueva)

Luckily, through sheer grit and determination, the group managed to raise the necessary funds for their trip to Busan, have their visas to South  Korea approved, and the rest is history.
 

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Indian Cultural Night highlights Diwali Festival

Kagay-anons and visitors from all over Mindanao were treated for the first time ever to dazzling glimpses of India’s Diwali Festival as the Indian Embassy Manila and the Indian Business Forum brought highlights of India’s Festival of Lights to the Limketkai Atrium Wednesday evening.

The show was the highlight of the first evening of the Mindanao Food Congress Tri-Event hosted by the Oro Chamber on October 26-30, 2022 at the Atrium of the Limketkai Center in Cagayan de Oro City.

Diwali, India’s biggest and most important holiday of the year, celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil and the human ability to overcome. It is a post-harvest festival celebrating the bounty following the arrival of the monsoon in the subcontinent which has become celebrated as a national Indian festival.

The Diwali illuminations with lighted diyas bring the supernatural brightness and joy with the hope of finding light in darkness, achieving knowledge where there is ignorance, and spreading love amidst hatred. Diwali is also known as the Festival of Lights. Light is significant in Hinduism because it signifies goodness. Thus, during the Festival of Lights, ‘deeps’, (oil lamps), are burned throughout the day and into the night to ward off darkness and evil.

Diyas symbolize goodness and purity, and lighting them denotes dispelling darkness and going into light. And since Deepavali is celebrated on the new moon day, a time of darkness everywhere; light these lamps are a means to get rid of darkness.

Lighting the lamps also denotes dispelling anger, greed and other vices, and also stands for good luck. The traditional diyas were lit using ghee (clarified butter) but today people also use oil. The lore goes that as per Indian tradition, the little diyas are bought on Ashwin Purnima, which is a full moon day, which is about two weeks prior to Diwali. Then diyas are soaked in water so as to make them ready for the Diwali pooja.

India Business Forum President Dileep Tiwari presides over the Indian Cultural Night Festivities

After a warm welcome from H.E. Shambhu S. Kumaran, Indian Ambassador to the Philippines, the evening’s festivities led by Mr. Dileep Tiwari, president of the Indian Business Forum, started with  the lighting of tea candles by all present which they shared with one another in the spirit of Diwali.

Rep. Bobby Dimaporo, Lanao del Norte Gov. Angging Dimaporo, Indian Ambassador HE Shambhu S. Kumaran and PCCI X Gov. Ruben Vegafria raise their tea lights in the spirit of Diwali.

This was followed by multiple dance numbers by volunteers from the Indian Community of Manila doing the  Bhangra, the most popular folk dance of Punjab.

Bhangra represents the liveliness and dynamism of its people. The dance mainly involves men, who perform to the fast beats of drum and music.

Dancers from the Indian Community in Manila do the Bhangra, originally performed during the Baisakhi harvest festival, of Punjab province. (N. Singh)

“The Bhangra was originally performed on the Baisakhi festival, the harvest festival of Punjab, hence we chose to feature it because of its agricultural origins in deference the theme of the Mindanao Food Festival,” said Mr. Nishikhant Singh, First Secretary for Economic and Commerce of the Indian Embassy. “However, bhangra is now performed at festive occasions today, such as our Mindanao Food Festival.”

Bhangra originated as a dance form during the Indo-Scythian period of Punjab, from 2000 BC. Traditionally, the dance was a fusion of music, song, beats of the dhol (drum), and music from a single-stringed instrument called the iktar (ektara), the tumbi and the chimta.

The dances showcased traditional bhangra costumes consisting of a kurta that is similar to a silk-buttoned shirt, has embroidered patterns and is loose to wear. It is combined with lungi – a cloth tied around the dancers’ waist that is usually decorated and jugi – a waistcoat with no buttons.

Traditionally, Bhangra is performed with a number of male dancers, who move around a drummer in a circle. They start with a slow movement of their feet. As the tempo increases, first the hands and feet, and then the whole body comes into action. They whirl round and round, bending and straightening their bodies alternatively, hopping on one leg, raising their hands, clapping with their hands and exclaiming Bale! Oh Bale!

The highlight of the evening came with the serving of the traditional meal of chicken biryani, murgh makhana (butter chicken) and laddu, a dessert that’s often served during festive or religious occasions.

H.E. Kumaran said the first two dishes were a prepared by Messrs. Happy Singh and Tumkesh Khera of Flavours by Vana’s Authentic Indian Cuisine in Makati City, while the laddu was prepared by the staff of Mr. Rameash TK’s Annappoorna Restaurant in Mandaluyong City.

Ambassador Kumaran lauds Messrs Happy Singh & Tumkesh Khera of Flavours Restaurant who prepared the Biyrani and Butter Chicken for the night’s festivites at short notice.

The diplomat lauded the owners and staff of the two restaurants for being up to the challenge of preparing the dishes at short notice in a far-off location.

Chicken biryani is a popular Indian dish served on special occasions which is made with long-grained rice (like basmati) flavored with fragrant spices such as saffron and vegetables and a thick gravy. As remarked by a local chef, there are several main types of biryani specific to certain communities which are named after the place where it was created like Sindhi biryani, Hyderabadi biryani, Malabar biryani (from H.E. Kumaran’s home province of Kerala), Calcutta/Kolata biryani, Ambur biryani, Lucknowi biryani, Mughlai biryani, and Kalyani biryani, to name a few.

A Perfect Dawali meal with Chicken Biryani and Butter Chicken. (Lavlav Ferolino)

Murgh Makhani (better known as butter chicken) is a type of curry made from chicken with a spiced tomato and butter (makhan) sauce known for its rich texture.  Chicken is marinated for several hours in a mixture of lemon juice, dahi (yogurt), Kashmiri red chili, salt, garam masala, ginger paste, and garlic  paste then cooked in a tandoor (traditional clay oven), but may also be grilled, over-roasted, or pan-fried.

The sauce is a tomato, garlic, and ginger-based sauce that is simmered until smooth and much of the water has evaporated. There are many variations on the composition and spicing of the sauce, which is strained to make it velvety smooth.

Laddu with Chicken Biryani (Tito Mike)

Not the least, Laddu (or laddoo) is a spherical sweet primarily made from flour, fat (ghee/butter/oil) and sugar or jaggery. They are often made of gram flour but can also be made with semolina. Sometimes ingredients such as chopped nuts and/or dried raisins are added, but vary with each recipe.

CDO Bloggers covering the India Cultural Night (Photo : Laag & More with Awesome ChenS)

The Diwali Festival being an annual homecoming and bonding period for families, communities and associations, particularly those in urban areas, was not lost on the organizers.

The Dharmdas and Moorjani families with Indian Ambassador HE Shambhu S. Kumaran.

Members of the local Indian community joined the festivities, foremost among them the Dharamdas Family which started Wadhu’s Quality Store which is now the oldest store in Cagayan de Oro, and the Moorjani Family, another of the pioneer traders who now own two stores in Cogon market.

The Singh Family of the Guru Nanak Indian Temple with HE Shambhu S. Kumaran. Bhupinder Singh Sandhu (right) is the Region X FNKN President.

Also present were the Singh Family who are more recent arrivals to the community and members of the Guru Nanak Indian Temple at Aluba, Upper Macasandig, Cagayan de Oro City led by Bhupinder Singh Sandhu, Region X President of the FNKN (Foreign National Keepers Network).

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MisOr Artist represents PH in ASEAN-India Artists Camp

An artist from Jasaan, Misamis Oriental represented the Philippines in a recent artists’ camp held in Udaipur (City of Lakes) a city in the western Indian state of Rajasthan, India, and formerly the capital of the Mewar Kingdom, as a celebration of 30 years of  India-ASEAN ties.

Rajasthan Land of Kings (or Land of Kingdom) is India’s largest state by area. It is located in the northwest part of country and is a melting pot of cultural diversity. Its features include the ruins of Indus Valley Civilization, Temples, Forts and Fortresses in almost every city.

Melissa Abuga-a (5th from left) represented the Philippines in the ASEAN-India Artists’ Camp celebrating 30 years of ASEAN-India ties.

Melissa Abuga-a, a freelance  illustrator, independent arts and crafts professional, was one of the 20 artists that participated in the camp titled Oceans of Connectivity at Taj Aravali Resort and Spa, Udaipur, organized by the Ministry of External Affairs and creative arts company Seher.

“Seher India requested the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) for the names of Filipino Artists who would be interested to participate, and I was nominated by the NCCA’s National Committee on Visual Arts (NCVA),” Meling (as she is known to friends) said.

“NCVA asked me to submit the requirements and a week later Seher India informed me I was chosen to represent the Philippines,” she added. “All artists from the ASEAN also underwent a similar selection process.”

Melissa Abuga-a (2nd from left, back row) with fellow artists from ASEAN who attended the camp.

ASEAN artists from Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Laos, and recommended by their respective culture ministries joined Indian artists from Gogunda, Bhopal, Bhilai, and other Indian cities and provinces.

“Oceans connect these countries. Oceans also give them livelihood, with maritime trade. Interestingly enough, these very oceans are the borders that separate them too. So, it’s interesting to see the artists’ interpretation of this theme,” says Sanjeev Bhargava, Seher founder, in an article published in The Hindu newspaper.

The camp seeks through the medium of the arts to understand and appreciate what makes each culture unique as the means to public diplomacy.

A community in progress

Over nine days, several hours of conversations, some workshops and a day out in the city, a mostly abstract display came to fruition. While some experimented, others stuck to their preferred styles.

Meling’s large canvas entitled There’s Transcendence in Persistence (श्रेष्ठता में अटलता ) was described as quintessentially Rajasthani with a twirling folk dancer, her skirt revealing a world of exuberance that is so characteristic of the eastern State. A bright yellow piece of fabric picked up from a nearby market and mirror work that pays homage to the State’s craftsmanship complete the canvas.

Meling with her chef d’oeuvre and camp staff who helped her set it up.

The flare of the skirt leads one to the ocean, as the artist draws parallels between the dancer’s exultation at liberation to that of dancing underwater.

“The water, you see, is from home [the Philippines]. When anybody is dancing, it feels like they are underwater and when you are underwater, it’s like moving around with a skirt on. Heavy, but once you get the flow, you are good,” Meling noted.

She adds that she discussed her work with fellow Indian artists almost on a daily basis.

“When they share their opinions, and what I can do better, I start again,” she says with a chuckle. “The camp made me realize that I can work with other people after all. There’s transcendence in persistence.”

Besides interacting with other artists, Meling also got the opportunity on the fifth day of the workshop to interact with students at the Maharana Mewar Public School (MMPS, an English medium school) along with Indonesian artist Eddy Sulistyo and their Indian camp mentor.

The artists pass on the creative knowledge and the nuances of art and how it connects the world to the young students of Maharana Mewar Public School ,Udaipur (Sehar India)

“One of the privileges I had during the camp was to spend time (talk, paint, laugh!) with kids from MMPS-Udaipur, not only once but twice!” Meling exclaims.

Meling enjoying an art appreciation session with MMPS, an English middle school in Udaipur.

“Although I was told we were to merely talk about our art, we were surprised to see a blank canvas set up at the school located inside the city palace. I was amazed at their appreciation for art. Instead of me just painting on  the canvas, I also asked them to paint along with me.”

The nine-day camp culminated with an exhibition in the presence of the Minister of State, Ministry of External Affairs, Dr Rajkumar Ranjan Singh.

Minister of State for External Affairs and Education Dr Rajkumar Ranjan Singh graced the concluding ceremony of the ASEAN-INDIA ARTISTS’ CAMP. (Seher India)

After nine days of working together, they are now more aware of the similarities in cultures that their countries share.

“New learnings emerge when you share your music, dance and art with artists from other countries,” reflects Yogendra Tripathi of Bhilai . “That is precisely what has happened here. One got to learn, even when we ate together or went on walks.”

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Indian Envoy pays homage to Cagayan de Oro’s Oldest Store

During the recently concluded Mindanao Food Congress, an official from the Indian Embassy in Manila made it a point to find time to visit Cagayan de Oro’s oldest store.

“I saw a tourism video of Cagayan de Oro which started with a picture of Wadhu’s Quality Store and decided I would visit it the next time I came to the city since I had a very tight schedule previously,” said Mr. Nishikant Singh, the First Secretary for Economics and Commerce.

1st Secretary NIshikant Singh (2nd row, right) with the Dharamdas Family and the store’s iconic 1931 NCR cash register.

On October 28 the envoy finally visited the store accompanied by two delegates from the India Business Forum, Mr. Devadatta R. Sirdeshphande, President and General Manager of Bioseed Research Philippines, Inc. and Jigar Y. Gauswami, ‘Jiyo’ Sales & Marketing Director of Riddhi & Zarana Enterprises Corp.

The visitors had a grand time chatting with the owners Penelope ‘Penny’ Laplap-Dharamdas, wife of the late Wadhu “Dodong”Jr., his only sibling Linda Dharamdas-Chauhan,  and the third generation grandsons of the founder, Haresh and Wadhu John III.

First on the agenda for the visitors was a picture with the store’s iconic 1931 NCR cash register, bought by the store’s founder by mail order from Sears & Roebuck in the United States 86 years ago. During World War II, the owner wrapped it in grease and buried it in his backyard. After the war, he dug it up and it still serves the same store now run by his grandsons.

Wadhu John Dharamdas III shows visitors from the India Business Forum how to operate their iconic 1931 NCR cash register.

That cash register is the living testimony of the traditions that has made Wadhu’s Quality Store Cagayan de Oro’s oldest surviving retail store, a tradition established by the store’s patriarch and carried on by the third generation who now runs it.

“It indeed was a refreshing visit to the store and what amazed me was the fact that the cash register was buried under ground wrapped in a poly cover for four years during the world war II. The fact does not end there, but was a simple cleaning with oil that made it function normally again. No rust, no stain nor any termite and the shine retained,” remarked Mr. Sirdeshphande.

“I was lucky to operate it and the nostalgic feel is a lifetime experience. I plan to visit with my family and friends some time in future,” he added.

Eighty six years ago, Wadhumal Dharamdas Uttamchandani set up in Cagayan de Misamis (as Cagayan de Oro was then known) Wadhu’s Home of Quality near Plaza Divisoria, the town’s social and commercial center.

Mr. Wadhu arrived in the Philippines in 1924 as a 12-year old boy from Poona (now called Pune) in the western Indian state of Maharashtra.

He was employed at the Indian Bazaar owned by his uncle Nebhraj Ramchand Buhdrani in Zamboanga City for 12 years where he gained his basic knowledge and business savvy in the retail trade. In 1936, he felt he had enough seed money, contacts and experience to establish his own store in Iligan, but eventually decided on Cagayan instead.

Wadhus House of Quality circa 1936 at Plaza Divisoria.

His thatched roof store featuring items bought by mail order from Sears & Roebuck was set amidst stores run by Japanese nationals near the Heroes de Cagayan monument. Divisoria was the Escolta of Cagayan in those days, and the nearby public market ensured the fledgling store flourished until World War II exploded.

His late son, Wadhu “Dodong” Jr. related how his father survived the war by bartering his goods for food and clothing. He married Trinidad Babiera Valmores of Balingasag, Misamis Oriental in 1943 and had two children, Wadhu Jr. and Linda.”

In 1946, Mr. Wadhu (as he was fondly called by friends and customers) reopened at a new location in Plaza Divisoria just across the public market, but moved to the next block after two years, when its present name Wadhu’s Quality Store was first seen.

The store moved to its present site in the corner of J.R. Borja and Pabayo streets when Mayor Justiniano R.  Borja moved the city public market to the Cogon area in 1958. He didn’t want to be too close to the Cogon market where competition would be fierce, but likewise didn’t want to be too far from the former site in Divisoria and his regular customers.

In 1973, the elder Wadhu felt the younger generation was ready to take the reins of the business and turned over the store’s management to Dodong.

And not too soon. By 1975, retails giants Ororama and Gaisano came into the picture, forcing other stores to fold up due to the intense competition.

But the indomitable little store welcomed competition believing it was the only way to serve the public with better service and cheaper prices.

Thus, when more people from Butuan, Surigao, Bukidnon and Iligan began coming to Cagayan, Wadhu’s still multiplied its customers despite stiff competition from the bigger stores.

The 1990s brought even stiffer competition from malls like SM City and Limketkai Mall which featured a wide variety of stores and merchandise and attractive amenities like national food chains and cinemas all under one roof.

But Wadhu’s Quality Store kept its loyal clientele and even added more thanks to its personalized service. While most of the sales clerks in big malls are hired on a casual basis, they were no match for better paid and motivated sales staff of smaller stores who have better experience and training, not to mention knowing the customers on a first name basis.

“Everyone is equally served and each person is attended to no matter how small their needs are,” the late Wadhu Jr. used to stress. “We train our sales people never to look down on anyone and treat them as regular adult customers regardless of age, gender or appearance.”

The visitors said Wadhu’s Quality Store is a lot like typical stores in India which still sell quality merchandise such as watches and sporting goods through their personalized service.

Some years ago, a ruggedly dressed barefoot gentleman wanted to buy an expensive watch. Sensing the sales clerk was at a loss on how to deal with him, Dodong stepped in to personally entertain him and he paid in cash. They later found out he owned a big building with many stores in Bukidnon, and told Dodong that Wadhu’s was the third store he went to, and the only one who gave him any attention.

When traders from Mainland China, Taiwan and Korea swamped the city with low quality merchandise at very low prices, and ukay-ukay vendors selling smuggled garments and shoes at rock bottom prices began crowding the city’s sidewalks and even areas fronting regular stores, Wadhu’s did not buckle under the pressure.

The third generation of Wadhu’s take all the competition and changes in stride, having been born and raised in Cagayan de Oro under the tutelage of their father and grandfather. They remain confident the “Open Door” policy of the original Wadhu’s Home of Quality will see them through the next 86 years and beyond.

3 Generations: Haresh Dharamdas looks up at the picture of his grandfather Wadhumal Uttamchandani and father Wadhu Jr. who managed the Wadhu’s Quality Store since its founding in 1936 and 1972, respectively.

“We grew up in this store and we don’t see any reason to change how it looks or operates,” said Haresh, who now runs Wadhu’s Quality Store with his brother Wadhu John III.

“Since my grandfather first started this store, he insisted to my Dad to leave the store’s doors wide open. So, even people from the rural areas would not be shy to come in and window shop. They don’t feel pressured to buy something and can look as much as they like.”

The iconic 1931 NCR cash register continues to serve Wadhu’s Quality Store 86 years after it was first bought by the owner from the US through a Sears & Roebuck mail order catalog.

In the center of the store, Wadhu-John III rings up another sale in the NCR cash register. If the sale totals more than the P99.00, he uses a small calculator. It looks like the old machine could easily outlive a dozen or so of its modern counterparts, just like the store it serves in the corner of J.R. Borja and Pabayo streets in Cagayan de Oro has done for the last 86 years.

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