Into the World of Local Cyclists

Our town offers a distinct opportunity for local cycling enthusiasts to prove their prowess and grit by trekking to the hillsides and the rural country which is literally straddling the broad shoulders of mighty Mt. Isarog. More than many times, the asphalted roads turn to gravel roads then trails, then eventually the vast uncharted land.

Some villages of the town are located on this part of the dead volcano, which local folks regard as the “navel of the world” due to one particular tale. It goes like this: one man dropped a marked object designed to float on the mountain’s cratered lake and much, much later found the same somewhere in San Miguel bay towards the vast Pacific Ocean. But of course, the story is more mythical than true.

But for the cyclists, myth or no myth, the experience is always exhilarating. It gives them the kind of “high” and accomplishment once they reach the goal and what was left is the opportunity to marvel at the sight- either the lush vegetation or the absence of it, and the commanding view of the area and beyond and below as far as the eyes can see. Or explore the place by foot when the wheels can’t navigate the rugged uphill/downhill tracts no more.

For sometime now, our cousin Tony has been going with his friends on treks like this, and good enough, always bring his trusted digicam and capture the moments. By this post, he joins our blogging team by sharing his many photos.

A very common whistle stop for the crew is a refreshing snack of fresh harvest of young coconut fruit. Both the coco meat and water tastes cool and sweet. On this particular jaunt, they challenged themselves to the high rolling landscape of Comaguingking. The village has a population of 1,518 (as of the 2007 census) with main source of income derived from farming and the reliable coconut plant.

This is my post for This is My World. Many thanks to Klaus, Sandy, Wren, Fishing Guy and Louise for hosting this wonderful meme: My World - Tuesday.

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Heroes of Youth, or A Matter of Point of View

Many thanks and photo courtesy of League of Filipino Students and the Arkibong Bayan

The great divide, nay, a chasm, between poverty and opulence both obtained in the urban centers like mega Manila and the rural areas is an encouragement for courageous and idealist youths to take up a different challenge in their own perspective.

But it is not the only factor or reason enough, there should be more which brings forth the "sudden" awakening of students into the political realities on hand, some embrace bold and daring decision that consumes their passion, effort and lives.

Later in their immersion and experience in the communities some "graduate" and rejoin the mainstream of the society. Others become political activists. Many do not finish their “apprenticeship” and community organizing task and join the countless batch of youths etched in an unwritten memorial of young martyrs and heroes of the people (bayani ng bayan).

One of whom is Kembery Jul Luna, an AB English student at Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT). She was found lifeless in the forest of sitio Bulacao of barangay Concepcion in Valencia city. A bullet pierced her chest and nape as a result of an encounter with the military on the 15th of December, last year.

We have to resurrect one poem of ours written for some dear friends who went ahead of Kemberly. Yes, we dedicate the same to her, too:

isang tanghaling tapat sa buhay ni cesar, rommel at mark
Dec. 12, 1994

walang atubili ang hatid ng mga kalatas
na balot ng bakal sa inyo dumatal
winarak ang utak tumarak sa dibdib
mga bisig dinipa sa langit
piping labi humalik sa mamad na lupa

sige, sa inyong paghimlay isalin ang pag-asa
damhin ang pag-usbong
ng bagong pakikibaka na inyong punla
gabayan ng alaala ang sunod na pagpula
sa dakong silangan
hayaan luksang parang ay lagumin
ng luntiang halaman hitik sa bunga
anihin ng karet pandayin ng maso
mga kamao ay itaas pamuli ng libong kasama.

tanghaling tapat na naman, cesar, rommel at mark.

(Note: This is reposted on Arkibongbayan.org do check out for more.

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Deviating Our Norm, PC Virus and Malware

The other night, I have to "combat" an infection of my daughter’s notebook. It was an oversight on my part the real antivirus software expired a week ago. The pesky virus "internet security 2010" suddenly breathed life on her screen when my son used the unit surfing.

There are more resources online educating users about and how to remove the virus, here, as a starter. But surely, just search and tons of info will pop out. One needs another "clean" PC to do so, while working on the infected unit.

Anyway, I tried many ways as recommended by the sites visited. In the end, had to reformat the computer and did a clean install of the system as the simple recovery function was also disabled by the virus. Don't worry, we were able to save documents on a separate removable drive.

Now the unit is back to its worthy state after having re-placed other programs. O yes, have installed a new McAfee internet antivirus 2010, too.

Earlier in the week, I also helped my friend remove the scam malware "personal security" from her desktop even as she has an active AVG antivirus working on the background.

And just in case you’re scouting for a free antivirus freeware, take a look of the CNET review on Avira AntiVir Personal where download link of the software is just a click way.

To what extent us users will be subjected to this kind of threat is only limited by the imagination of computer virus and malware progenitors. Or is it time to switch to an Apple desktop now?

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White orchids from Aunt's garden

A fresh band of white blooms of orchid from my Aunt's garden.

Thank you for hosting Luiz, Denise, Laerte and Valkyrien. See more flowers here at: Today's Flowers

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A Peek of the Balongay Sky

This is a sky photo taken during our visit of the village of Balongay here in Calabanga. Do enjoy a peek through the motorcycle’s side mirror.

Thanks to Sky Watch Team of Klaus, Sandy, Ivar, Wren, Fishing Guy, Louise and Sylvia. See more skies on this link.   Skywatch Friday

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The Fifteen Bicol Martyrs of 1897

The story of the Bicol martys began with the discovery of the Katipunan secret society. And the message sent by then Manila-based Governor-General Blanco to all civil governors precipitated mass arrests throughout the country.

All over the Bicol region Spanish authorities arrested persons suspected of having connections with the Katipunan and its aims. From September 6 to October 10, 1896 the people were terrorized by summary arrest of Bicolanos suspected of being rebels. At the same time, death penalties were arbitrarily handed down by the Spanish military courts.

Of the hundreds of patriots apprehended, tortured and killed, fifteen became known as the Fifteen Bicol Martyrs. They were: Manuel Abella, a wealthy philanthropic landowner; Domingo Abella, one of the sons of Manuel Abella; Fr. Inocencio Herrera, native of Pateros, Rizal, he grew up in the Bicol region and studied for priesthood, later became choir master of the Cathedral of Nueva Caceres; Fr. Severino Diaz, a parish priest of the Cathedral of Nueva Caceres; Fr. Gabriel Prieto, parish priest of Malinao, Albay; Camilo Jacob had a photography studio in Nueva Caceres; Cornelio Mercado and Mariano Melgarejo, employees of the department of public works in Camarines Sur; Florencio Lerma, a successful essayist, playwright, theater owner and musician; Tomas Prieto, known to be a man of intellect; Macario Valentin, chief of the night patrol; Leon Hernandez, a school teacher of Libmanan; Ramon Abella; Mariano Arana, a man of compassion and advocate of a native (national language) tongue for Filipinos; and Mariano Ordenanza, employee of the finance administration of Camarines Sur.

Four of the fifteen did not make it to the firing squad. Hernandez died in the provincial jail as the result of tortures suffered, while Ordenanza was believed to have died in a prison in Spain. Ramon Abella and Mariano Arana were banished to Fernando Poo island in Africa. Arana perished in the island due to malaria while Abella was granted pardon but later died in Cartagena, Spain.

Don Mariano Ponce, writing in 1912 on the events he personally witnessed on the execution of the eleven, recounted: "The sentences which followed the recommendation of the prosecution was carried out on the morning of January 4, 1897, in the historic field of Bagumbayan in Manila were five days before our national hero fell before a firing squad…"

After the execution a newspaper praised the gallant martyrs:  "They died bravely. They died like those who are sustained by a sacred ideal."

Today, a fitting memorial dedicated to the memory of the Fifteen Bicol Martyrs stand in the sun-baked Plaza Quince Martires in Naga city. It was formally unveiled on November 30, 1923, twenty six years after their martyrdom.

While Bicol Martyrs Day used to be commemorated with spirit and color before World War II, observance has waned in fervor since war’s end and it is likely that the Fifteen Bicol Martyrs Day passed just like any ordinary day henceforward, although January 4 of every year was finally declared a special public holiday here in Naga city in 1972 by the president.

(This is a snippet from our article "Notes on the Bicol Activists of 1896" published by a national magazine. It is of interest, though, to this writer why only fifteen were and are being honored and built a monument while there should have been more. An error by ommission or by commission? Will discuss this in a future post.)

This is my post for This is My World. Many thanks to Klaus, Sandy, Wren, Fishing Guy, Louise & Sylvia, for hosting this wonderful meme: My World - Tuesday.

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The Children of a Restive Mayon Volcano

Bicol University folks in one of the centers. The lady in blue dress on second row is this blogger's sister, on her right side is our sister-in-law.

It’s been more than two weeks now (and counting), the evacuees of about forty seven thousand people are huddled in designated safe centers in the province of Albay. The “former” residents who called their home the slopes of restive, almost perfect-coned Mayon volcano, spent their first Christmas and New Year, in cramped and crowded surroundings.

In Travesia Elementary School evacuation center located in barangay Maninila, Guinobatan town, there are more than four hundred children from infants to sixteen years old. In all other centers, there are many children of varying age who suffer in silence and discomfort, albeit with constant fear and uncertainty about their present predicament.

Yesterday, the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council chaired by Governor Joey Salceda ordered the Albay Electric Cooperative, the National Power Corporation and the local water utilities provider to cut-off electricity and water supply on all barangays within the permanent danger zone. Also, delivery of other government services will be cut off in the area. The move was arrived at upon confirmed reports that evacuees still return to their abandoned homes to cook food for the traditional “Noche Buena” on new year’s eve, aside from tourists who cannot be refrained from stepping into the “no man’s land”. The governor went on a late night radio broadcast urging residents and the general population to follow the gvernment’s call in support of the zero casualty drive during this time of Mayon alert level four emergency.

The governor made known that family-evacuees in twenty nine centers around the province will receive food packages for media noche. He also assured the continuous daily distribution of firewood, allocation of 24 liters of potable water and bath water. Evacuation of farm animals is also underway.

On a more positive note, the United Nations World Food Program has sent 20 metric tons of high-energy and vitamin-packed biscuits for the evacuees. A temporary warehousing storage was set up at the Legazpi city navy base for the relief items. Many local and international humanitarian organizations are visible working hand in hand with the local government help set up additional tents, latrines, water and sanitation facilities.

There were 60 volcanic earthquakes yesterday and 267 rock fall occurrences as detected by the seismic instruments located in Lignon hill. A lower volume of sulfur dioxide emission was measured at 1,158 tons compared to previous days.

On Tuesday, the government issued mudflow warning in view of the predicted rain this weekend that may hit the vicinities of the volcano. Todate, thousands of tons of lava and potential lahar components are deposited on the shoulders of Mayon and rain is not a welcome occurrence in the place at this time. Read why rain is unwelcome this time on this link.

Will post a rejoinder on this (later) on Cbanga360 on Facebook.

Thanks to Sky Watch Team of Klaus, Sandy, Ivar, Wren, Fishing Guy, Louise and Sylvia. See more skies on this link.   Skywatch Friday

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More Signs of Unrest Observed Within Mayon

Resident volcanologists declared on Monday Mayon volcano continues its ash explosions which are more becoming stronger despite the evacuees eagerness to return to their homes within the danger zones. They are being misled by the restive mountain’s seemingly lull in activity as compared to the previous days. Closely watched is the continuous flow of lava slowly rolling down the gullies. In immediate danger are the lush vegetations being wiped out, nay, scorched by the molten lava as it finds its level.

In what appeared to be smoke emanating from the flowing lava, we opined on our post on Cbanga360 on Facebook, was somewhat short of detail. Some of the acrid smoke actually was coming out from the fissure or vent on the slope of the mountain.

Even if the volcanic activity has indeed decreased, volcanologists assured, it should be construed otherwise as explosions have become stronger in comparison to the earlier occurences. On the early hour of Monday alone, the volume of volcanic debris was estimated to have accumulated 24.1 million cubic meters already even as the flow of the steaming lava continues downslope. Ash emission full of sulfur dioxide now reaches to 4,329 tons from a low of 2,304 tons on previous eruptions. Explosions were visible and happens every thirty minutes. About forty-four Mayon earthquakes were felt.

Seen from afar, the lava looks like a red glowing, smoking, flowing river of molten rocks cascading down the mountain. From its (crater) origin the excursion of downflow had already reached almost six kilometers already. On this phase, much affected are the towns of Daraga, Sto. Domingo and the city of Legazpi.

On emergencies like this, some side stories and people tend to grab attention and add burden to the maintenance of order and discipline. Two international tourists and their local guides were spotted within the perimeters of the permanent danger zone. They were riding an all-terrain vehicle. I was about to expose my educated guess here after finding photos taken by a team of foreign photo-video journalists and they flaunted on their website having gone beyond the allowed limit and ventured into the no man’s land.

As a result of this break in security the military task force assigned in the area opined frustration and disgust for instead of their focus on the evacuation and security of the people affected, their time and efforts were also wasted. (Check out a rejoinder post on cbanga360 on facebook for more on this which link is also available on the Fanbox on the right column).

This is my post for This is My World. Many thanks to Klaus, Sandy, Wren, Fishing Guy, Louise & Sylvia, for hosting this wonderful meme: My World - Tuesday.

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The Ubiquitous Flower of the Season

This post should be less wordy. We’re churning one for Cbanga360 on Facebook, which should be online much later. And that would be about Mayon volcano update.

Thank you for hosting Luiz, Denise, Laerte and Valkyrien. See more flowers here at: Today's Flowers

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Christmas with Mt. Mayon on Verge of Eruption

It is Christmastime here in the areas surrounding the perfect-coned volcano of Mt. Mayon. And instead of snow, the towns experience ashfall showers and ground rumblings. This photo was taken Tuesday morning of December 15, when lava starts oozing from the mouth of the volcano, tracing the galley way down to about 1.5 kilometers from its crater.

At night time, the volcano can be seen with its top glowing, a dangerous sight to behold.

The government placed into strict enforcement the "no man’s land policy" in the designated danger zones around the mountain. Disaster authorities are overseeing that no person remain inside the six to eight kilometer permanent danger zone and the seven kilometer extended danger zone in the southeast region of the volcano. Officials are aiming at a zero-casualty during the increasing imminent danger of major eruption(s).

As of 8 a.m. Wednesday, a total of 47,137 persons (9,880 families) from 32 villages are currently housed in evacuation centers, according to PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Leonardo Espina.

On the same day, Mayon shoots ash column as major eruption nears, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology. The agency awaits for the final sign – a mass of chocolate-colored ash column shooting up into the air as high as fifteen kilometers from the crater. "Parameters are high until now and the intensifying activity might force us to raise the alert level to its highest level but it would happen only when Mayon shoots a straight ash column containing pyroclastic materials and molten, burning rocks as big as houses or buses from its crater accompanied by intense rumbling and jittering of the ground felt as far as Legazpi city," said resident volcanologist Eduardo Laguerta.

Will post chronology of events and updates on Cbanga360 on Facebook, later. (Had just recovered from a technical problem which consumed our time, hence our silence for many, many days.

Thanks to Sky Watch Team of Klaus, Sandy, Ivar, Wren, Fishing Guy, Louise and Sylvia. See more skies on this link.   Skywatch Friday

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