Sunday, July 24, 2011

2013 Foundation Anniversary

By Isagani P. Palma                                                     


MALUNGON Sarangani – Several known celebrities led by boxing icon and Sarangani Rep. Manny D. Pacquiao graced the celebration of the weeklong 4th Slang Festival and 42nd foundation anniversary of Malungon town in Sarangani last July 15.

Dubbed ‘Subida ta Malungon’  (let’s go up to Malungon), the weeklong ‘Slang’ festival is celebrated every month of July with the staging of various cultural presentations and revitalization of ethnic practices aimed at preserving the cultural tradition of the Blaan, Kalagan and Tagakaolo tribes.

 “Slang is the annual festival of our town that is celebrated to continue the tribal practice of barter trading, socializing and conflict resolution among different indigenous tribes. This is to remind our people that even with the influx of settlers, peaceful co-existence flourished in our municipality up to these days,” said Mayor Reynaldo Constantino, a half-blooded Blaan. “The younger generations and immigrants should be aware of the cultural history so that respect to the forebears and the good examples they showed shall be always valued as a people.”

Famous movie actor-directors Christopher De Leon, Tirso Cruz III and Philip Salvador played during a basketball exhibition game staged between the All Stars and the Sarangani-PCL team,

The actors also served as judges to the Media Photo-Safari II competition that was launched to unveil the municipality’s rich cultural areas, scenic views and different tourist destinations. 
        
Among the town’s tourist attractions include the Datal Bila Waterworld which is located within the Mt. Matutum Nature Park and habitat to some 91 endemic flora and fauna; the Nanima Watershed below Kolonbarak skyline, which is the habitat to the world’s smallest monkey, the Philippine Tarsier whose population in the area is denser compared to Bohol.   
     


The Tarsier is considered a sacred creature by the indigenous peoples of Malungon, the Blaan and Tagakaolo tribes.



Other destinations are the JQ and La Hermosa Farms, Pacman Farms, Sitio Rancho and the Peak Restaurants, Villareal Garden Resort, Busagan Falls, the wide-stretched  banana and pineapple plantations, the moneyed pile of town’s famous sweet golden mango farmlands, and the Community Museum and Home of Living Traditions, where most Blaan women, through the assistance provided by the National Commission for Culture and Arts, now manufactures “mabal” (loom weaving) and ‘tabih’ or the traditional Blaan beaded cloth with colorful design, which is a rare native craft in the local market in the country nowadays.

Fruit-wine maker Elbert Pigtain entered a joint venture with Pacquiao to put up a multimillion fermentation plant in Malungon known for its Sarangani Golden Mango and other local varieties of fruits.

Local entrepreneurs said the venture will certainly turn Malungon into the Napa Valley of the Philippines, a project which will not only help the fruit-growers of Malungon but the adjacent towns as well, if being materialized.  In line, this will encourage more land owners to plant fruit trees in their areas for sustainable farming.     
   
 “Tourism expands the market for our farm produce and by-products. In this way, local savings become bigger as meager farmers gradually anchor their produce to a much better cost,” says Board Member Eleanor Constantino-Saguiguit, the mayor’s  elder sister, who chairs the provincial tourism committee and served as overseer to the festivity.

One of the highlights of the festivities was the ground breaking of the P4.5 million tourism center that was part of P21 million sunken area development project funded under the Countrywide Development Fund of Pacquiao.

The ground breaking ceremony was graced by Pacquiao, Constantino, and Gov. Miguel Dominguez.

“I really admire the unity of Malungonians even during the time when I was not yet the congressman of Sarangani. The same unity which swept me to the House of the Representatives, and will push this municipality to lead in terms of development not only in Sarangani, but the entire Central Mindanao Region,” said Pacquiao.

The congressman pledged to provide funds for the development projects in Malungon town, of which 40 percent of the population belong to local indigenous tribal groups.

Dominguez, in a message, congratulated the local government and constituents of Malungon for taking the lead in terms of progress and development in the entire province based on economic indicators.

“I have seen how this town has risen to achieve its aspiration for development driven by the unity of the local leaders and people,” Dominguez said.  

Vice Mayor Benjamin Guilley who is himself a Tagakaolo, said the celebration of Slang features customary ways and cultural diversity of the tribal communities who helped shape the development of their once ancestral lands.    “This celebration reminds the young generation and immigrants as well, that atop this hilly portion of Sarangani dwells the promising indigenous entrepreneurs with friendly culture and a vista of different tourist destinations,” Guilley said.

Among the activities held during the event were the PCL and Leaders’ Night, Concert at Sunken Arena which featured several local bands and young female singer-celebrities from Manila, the showcasing of the local products of the 31 barangays; RFC mass feeding program, COYUGG variety show, Search for Mutya ng Malungon, Agro-Trade Fair, Band and Lyre competition, RFC Day for free clinic minor surgery and bloodletting, floral offering, and the Tourism Night. Sport activities include boxing, motocross, the launching of the first Volkswagen-Honda Civic exhibition race and fireworks display.

Other movie actors who came to the event were Joko Diaz, Gene Padilla, Bong Hawkins, Bayani Agbayani, Carlos Morales, Jason Abalos, Jong Hilario, Jordan Herrera, John Hall, Joross Gamboa, Joseph Bitangkol, Onyok Velasco, Julie Anne San Jose, Jennylyn  Mercado, Paulo Contis, Ms. Alma Moreno and Max Surban. (MALUNGON INFORMATION OFFICE) 


Floral offering - MALUNGON, Sarangani (July 15, 2011) - Mayor Reynaldo Constantino and  brother Engr. Felipe Constantino Jr. assist their matriarch and barangay captain Delia Constantino in offering flowers in honor of their late father Felipe Constantino Sr. who became a vice governor of Sarangani in a floral offering as the town’s weeklong Slang Festival celebration culminates Friday, July 15. (Cocoy Sexcion-PIO).

‘Slang’ ride - a contingent of 'dare-devil' dirt bike racers from all over Socsagen and neighboring regions battle to finish, a motocross competition amid the recent celebration of the 4th Slang Festival and 42nd Foundation Anniversary of Malungon town in Sarangani. (Jonathan Manila-MALUNGON INFORMATION OFFICE).

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

SAPOL Bulletin, namayagpag sa “Slang” photo safari-II

Miss Malungon ’11 – Ang bagong mutya ng bayan, Miss Roxanne Pasamanero ng Brgy. Malandag kasama sina (L-R) Smart  telecom Gensan manager Ruel Remiterre, Provincial Administrator Vic Camacho, maybahay ng alkalde na si FL Rosalyn at Mayor Bong Constantino. (JoJo Gocotano-MALUNGON INFORMATION OFFICE).

MALUNGON, Sarangani (July 15, 2011) - Governor Migs Dominguez   congratulates the leaders and constituents of Malungon for taking the lead in development in the whole province based on all indicators as he delivers his inspirational message during the culmination program of Slang Festival and the towns’ 42nd anniversary Friday, July 15. (Cocoy excion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)

MALUNGON, Sarangani (July 15, 2011) - “Aim high, aim for the top and aim for the best” are some words of encouragement of Mayor Reynaldo “Bongbong” Constantino to his constituents as he delivers his anniversary message Friday, July 15, during the culmination program of Slang Festival 2011 and the towns’ 42nd Foundation Anniversary at the Sunken Arena. (Cocoy Sexcion/SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)
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MALUNGON, Sarangani – Nanguna ang pahayagang SAPOL News Bulletin sa paligsahan sa pagkuha ng mga larawan na direktamenteng nagpapahayag ng etnikong pamumuhay ng mga katutubo’t katangi-tanging yaman-kalikasan sa pagtatapos ng sanlingong selebrasyon ng 4th Slang Festival at 42nd Foundation Anniversary ng bayan.
 
Pumangalawa naman kay SNB photographer Jay Galindez si Arnel Arsolon ng pahayagang Abante Socsargen, samantalang pumangatlo naman si Rey Remegio ng Periodico Banat.

Ayon sa beteranong actor na si Christopher “Boyet” De Leon na isa rin sa mga naging hurado noong nakaraang Photo Safari noong 2009 ay naging mas mabigat na umano ngayon ang kompetisyon kung ihahambing noon dahil sa kapansin-pansing pagtaas ng kalidad ng mga larawang ipinasa ng mga nagsipaglahok sa kompetisyon.  

Kasama ni De Leon na tumayong mga hurado ay  sina Gng. Tirso Cruz III at Philip Salvador, sa ilalim ng masusing superbisyon nina Celi Ayuste, presidente ng Mindanao Tourism Council, at MTC secretary general, Jonllier Perez.

Ang Media-Photo Safari-II ay nilahokan ng mga photo journalists mula sa iba’t-ibang tangapan ng mga mamamahayag na samasamang umakyat sa mga liblib na pook ng bayan para maisalarawan ang mga preserbadong pook na nagpapahiwatig ng nakagisnang tradisyon ng mga katutubong Blaan, Kalagan at Tagakaulo. Lakip dito ay ang pagsa-larawan ng mga potential tourist spots at mga katangi-tanging bagay na makikita sa Busagan Falls, Nanima Watershed, Villareal Garden Resort, Pacman Farm at Lamlifew Community Museum and Home of the living Traditions, kung s’an nakalagak ang mga antigong kagamitan ng mga sinaunang lideres ng tribo. 

Ang ilan sa mga ipinasang larawan ay kuha mula sa sanlingong kapistahan at parada ng mga kabataan na suot-suot ang mga samot-sarinbg desenyo ng kasuotang katutubo. 

Sa pakikipagpanayam kay Mayor Reynaldo 'Bong' Constantino ay sinabi nito na 'di ito nagkamali sa kanyang pagiging malapit sa mga mamamahayag dahil sa ipinakitang kooperasyon at pagtulong nito sa kanyang bayan.  
        
Kasamang nakiisa para ikatatagumpay ng naturang kompetisyon  ay ang  mga pahayagang: The Mindanao Bulletin, Bandera, Philippine Star, Punto News, The Frontliner, Sultanate News, Southern Review, Escalera News, Dadiangas Times at Dadiangas Balita. (MALUNGON INFORMATION OFFICE/ ippalma)

Wednesday, July 13, 2011


Tourism Center Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao assisted by his close political ally, Mayor Reynaldo “Bong” Constantino ( with better half Roselyn) and Gov. Miguel Dominguez, spearheaded the inauguration of P4.5m Pacman’s Tourism Stage Sunday, amid the celebration of  Malungon’s 4th Slang Festival and 42nd Foundation Anniversary in Sarangani. Also in photo are board members Eleanor ‘Nene’ Saguiguit, BM Virgilio Tobias, and SB members led by Vice Mayor Benjamin Guilley. (JoJo Gocotano-MALUNGON INFORMATION OFFICE/ ippalma).

Malungon Beauties



S’lang Beauties – Contestants for search of Miss Malungon 2011 beauty pageant Cristine Joy Malagante of Datal Tampal, Carie Jane Dolor of Malandag, Sarah May Orcullo of Malandag, Princess Babor of Kibala, Mary Ann Bordones of Brgy. Poblacion, Lee Dela Cruz of Atlae, Kimberly Nillama of Malalag Cogon, Jolle Jee Paler of Nagpan, Glezyl Cañon of Banahaw and Roxanne Pasamanero of Malandag shows off their charm on a pictorial facade amid Malungon town’s weeklong celebration of its 4th Slang Festival and 42nd  Foundation Anniversary in Sarangani.   (JoJo Gocotano-MALUNGON INFORMATION OFFICE/ ippalma).

Philippine Councilors League Night

PCL NIGHT - PINURI ni Philippine Councilor League president at Paranaque Councilor Alma Moreno  ang mga Sarangans sa pagkahalal kay Rep. Manny Pagquiao sa isinagawang ‘PCL Night’ noong Martes ng gabi sa bayan ng Malungon, Sarangani. “Sarangani is lucky for having Pacquiao as congressman,’ ani Moreno, na kasamang dumating ni Mae Rivera para  makiisa sa  sanlingong pagdiriwang ng 4th Slang Festival at 42nd the Foundation Anniversary ng naturang bayan. (JoJo Gocotano-MALUNGON INFORMATION OFFICE).

Malungon Media Photo Safari II Participants


MALUNGON Media Photo Safari-II participants pose for memento on Saturday at Villareal Garden Resort, as they prepare to scour Malungon town in Sarangani. (L-R) Jessie - Escalera News, Paul Bernaldez-Bandera, Bong Dela Rosa- (rep) The Mindanao Bulletin , Ramil Bajo-The Philippine Star, Toto Mina-TaTak News, Rey Remegio-Periodico Banat, Arnel Arsolon-Abante Socsargen, Jey Galindez-SAPOL News Bulletin, Isagani Palma-MIO Malungon, Rolly Fabrigar-Sultanate News, Julius Golez-The Southern Review, Juan Manoloto - Frontliner Balita, Richard Basilio-Punto News and Blanch Cordero, representing Dadiangas Balita. (JoJo Gocotano-MALUNGON INFORMATION OFFICE/ ippalma).

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Inagurasyon ng P4.5M tourism stage, pangungunahan ni Rep. Pacquiao sa Slang Festival



Makikita sa larawan si Brgy. Capt. Yolanda Santos habang personal na inaasikaso ang mabilisang pagsaayos ng Brgy. Datal Bila “Kubo-house” na siyang magiging replica ng kanyang barangay sa loob ng Sunken Arena sa darating na 4th Slang Festival ng Malungon, Sarangani. (JoJo Gocotano-MALUNGON INFORMATION OFFICE/ ippalma).      
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MALUNGON, Sarangani – INAASAHAN ang personal na pagbubukas ni Rep. Manny Pacquiao sa proyekto nitong P4.5M Tourism Stage sa darating na ‘sanlingong selebrasyon ng 4th Slang Festival at 42nd Foundation Anniversary ng naturang bayan.

Ayon sa bagong itinalaga na Municipal Tourism Chairman ni Mayor Reynaldo F. Constantino na si Amelia “Beng” Constanino-Zuleta ay pangungunahan umano ni Rep. Pacquiao ang gagawing inagurasyon sa darating na araw ng lingo (July 10), kasabay na rin sa opisyal na pagbubuikas ng iba’t-iba pang kaganapan para sa sanlingong selebrasyon na hangang sa ika a-15 ng kasalukuyang buwan.

 “Ang proyektong ito ay kalakip sa P21M na pondong inilaan ng aming kongresista para sa pagpaganda ng Sunken Arena,” ani Zuleta.

Kaugnay nito ay inaasahan din ang sunod-sunod na pagdatingan ng mga kilalang tauhan ng sining mula sa Kamaynilaan tulad ng ‘All Stars Basketball team na inaasahang maglalaro laban sa Pacman Team ni Pacquiao at ni Philippine Councilors League (PCL) president, Alma Moreno sa municipal gymnasium.

“Sa pagkakaalam ko ay darating din si Ms. Alma Moreno na siyang president ng Philippine Councilors League, kasama ang at least limang artista para samahan ang mga meyembro nito sa PCL sa gagawing pagdiriwang,” dagdag pa ni Zuleta.

Sa pakikipagpulong ni Pacquiao sa mga lokal na opisyales ng bayan kamakailan lang ay personal din nitong ipinarinig sa lahat ang pagtawag nito sa Maynila para imbitahan si Ms. Mirian Rivera o kinikilala ngayon bilang si “Amaya” sa telebisyon.

“Malaki ang paniniwala ko na sa aming pinagsamahan (Ms. Rivera) sa iba’t-ibang programa sa telebisyon ay maaring ‘di ako tatangihan ni Mirian sa aking imbitasyon,” ani Pacquiao.

Ayon naman kay Constantino ay naniniwala ito na ang Slang Festival ngayong taon ay magiging isa sa mga pinakamasayang sandali na sama-samang ipagdiriwang ng kanyang mga kababayan.

"Alam ko na sa pamamagitan ng Slang Festival ay hindi lamang ang  magandang tradisyon ng mga nitibong Blaan, Tagakaolo at Kalagan ang maaaring mapansin ng mga dayuhan, kundi maging ang mga magagandang tanawin at yaman din ng aming mga batis at kabundokan," ani Constantino. (MALUNGON INFORMATION OFFICE/ ippalma).