An Unforgettable Week in Sydney

I couldn't believe this. It's been quite a time since I last posted here, and here I am, sitting beside MindaNews editor Carol Arguillas, doing what we both love to do: writing. Or rather, typing and 'encoding' thoughts.

We're both in Sydney, as she is on a visit to Australia's entertainment capital for a five-day conference which I myself have attended: the International Peace Research Association 2010 Conference. Held at the University of Sydney, with my research supervisor Jake Lynch as conference director, IPRA 2010 was a great learning experience.

It felt good meeting Ryan Rosauro once again. Ryan and I are together in the Peace and Conflict Journalism Network (PECOJON), and practically co-members of the (in)famous Buang Club.

Yesterday afternoon though, Atty. Lemuel Lopez joined us, and together we headed towards Circular Quay where Carol and Lem had an impressive duet, having performed selections from Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables. Of course, I took the video footages, and for the four of us who had bonded at the Sydney Opera House, it was a night to remember. In fact, it was my best memory of the Opera House.

It feels good to have this time to look at my blogsite--which I'd say, needs to be updated further, with past writings I had done that I'd just like to "keep" here online.

Indeed, it has been an unforgettable week here in Sydney. And the very thing that am glad of is that--it was my best week ever since I got here. (Frencie L. Carreon)

Should i tell myself, 'Welcome back'?

It's been five months now since I last posted an entry in this blogsite. Although i have viewed this twice or thrice in between today and that date, I just didnt feel like putting in here any of my other entries.

Not until today.

But then again...there is always a reason for everything.

im getting up. that's it.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

As the world celebrates Christmas Day tomorrow, Documented Features greets all readers of Zamboanga Today a happy Christmas.

I wish the best and the merriest for all my friends and colleagues in Zamboanga Today--Miracel Calvo, Rachel Elumbra, Eugene Lasprilla, Monch Follosco, Hader Glang, Nonong Santiago, Mila Arieta, Romil Arieta, Cecil Abuy, Bro. Rafael 'Boy' Santos, Cez Abuy, Rolly San Juan, Jonas Vegas, and of course, Arsenio 'Rawhide' Nuevo.

May Christmas carols and good tidings fill the homes of my friends in Daily Zamboanga Times--Roy Ramos, Rey Rebollos, Noning Antonio, Jemuel Mojica, Dan Toribio. Dante Corteza, Jimmy Villaflores, my mentor Bob Jaldon, the president of the Zamboanga Columnists Club Betty Elago, and the sweet Divine Reyes.

I extend warm Christmas greetings and thanks to Rebecca Thompson (gracias, Rebecca!) and Karen Schinnerer of the US Embassy Information Office, Jeng Crudo of DOLE, Nikki Meru and Marlon Libot of USAID-GEM, Joy Wee of TESDA, Vilmar Marquez and Carousel Concepcion of the Mein College Language Center, Dolly Galvan of Zamboanga City Water District, Dreama Tolosa, Michelle Baird, and Tess Magtangob of the USAID-EcoGov.

Felices Pascua y Prospero Año Nuevo to friends in media--Gerry Lacastesantos, Vic Larato, Sheila Covarrubias, Bong Garcia, Malu Cadeliña-Manar, Carol Arguillas, Amy Cabusao, Liza Jocson, Dave Santos, Julie Alipala, JV Francisco, Darwin Wee, Al Jacinto, Tess Fernandez, Joemeleth TaboTabo, Jun Feliciano, Bernie Concepcion, Edgar and Analy Soberano, Lulu Gerolaga, Soring and all staff of ABS-CBN, RJ Rosalado, Leila Vicente, Jewel, Queenie Casimiro, Vic Alvarez, Joey Bautista, Negra, Jordan, and Roel Pareño.

Malipayong Pasko sa mga barkada sa Pecojon Buang Club--Froilan Gallardo, Richel Umel, Dennis Jay Santos, Ryan Rosauro, Therence Koh, Charlie Saceda, Rommel Rebolido, Bhong Simbajon, Peter Bergado, Jay Mallaga, Len Manriquez, Antonia Koop, and our dear trainer who probably got psychologically sick because of our nutty ideas, Matthias Witzel.

Merry Christmas to all friends in Kiwanis, in Tzu Chi, the Zamboanga Press Club, the Defense Press Corps, the Zamboanga Columnists Club, PECOJON, and the National Union of Journalists in the Philippines.

Of course, I won't forget to say Merry Christmas to Ditos Lobregat-Balaguer, Tessie Sebastian, Eddie Cheong, Mike Saavedra, Ryan Sta. Maria, Congresswoman Beng Climaco, Congressman Erbie Fabian (thanks for tugging a smile on my gloomy Sunday afternoon), friends in the City Council--Nonong Guingona, Rudy Lim, Sir Aman and Maam Lilia Nuño, Mel Sadain, Luis 'Noning' Biel, Charlie Mariano, and Gerky Valesco. Merry Christmas, Mayor Celso Lobregat and Vice-Mayor Mannix Dalipe.

Joyeux Noel as well to General Alex Yano, Lt. Gen. Nelson Allaga, Col. Bill Coultrup, Philippine Marine Lt. Col. Melvin Ordiales, Lt. Col. Joe Allegretti,Lt. Col. Antonio 'Jun' Torres, Maj. Brian Kaiser, Cpt. Michelle Pascua-Gordon, Seman Shan, Sgt. Angel Moure, Sgt. Matt Dunne, CPO Rich Parkllan, PO Lanae Galang, Cmdr. Len Schilling, Maj. Brad Wallace, and the rest of JSOTFP in Camp Navarro.

To everyone in Mein College--wow that was such a great party I attended last Saturday. You guys really got bonding--the academic community is more than family to each other!

Para con el editor de Ares Prensa, de Bogota en Colombia, felices pascuas, Nestor Diaz Videla. Esperare por tu llegada en Islas de Filipinas, particularmente aqui en Zamboanga--verdad Ciudad Latina en Asia. Ojala, la investigacion por causa de lenguaje Chavacano de Zamboanga (que diferente contra con el Chavacano de Ternate) hay guinda con la colaboracion mutua delos dos paises (Colombia y Filipinas).
And to everyone else, readers, subscribers, and advertisers of the region's most widely-read community newspaper, have a happy Christmas! (Frencie L. Carreon)

(Documented Features is the feature section of Zamboanga Today. Contributions and reactions may be sent to editor.zambotoday@gmail.com.)

Christmas in other countries

by Frencie L. Carreon

One observation that foreigners have of the Philippines is the nation’s period of celebration of Christmas.

“Your Christmas here starts as early as October, just when we are still looking forward to Thanksgiving Day (in November),” an American once remarked. And I thought he was only considering Zamboanga City, especially when the festivities for the season actually kick off with the city’s celebration of the Feast of the Lady of the Pillar, the city’s patron. (This also drives us to another point—the religiosity of Filipinos, particularly Zamboangue?os.)

“You Filipinos decorate your homes as early as September,” a Dutch photojournalist said. And I remember how department stores busy themselves with their displays just when the ‘ber’ months start.

Well, I’d say Filipinos do exaggerate a bit celebrations on Christmas—but who cares? Definitely, not the children who find great joy and excitement when the season starts. Certainly, not those employed in companies who receive thirteenth month pays, bonuses, and allowances, not to mention the numerous gifts they receive and even those from Kris Kringles.

I started having my Christmas tree last week, simply because I got the pressure from my kids at home. But these thoughts made me wonder, how is Christmas spent in other countries? I started asking friends who are foreign journalists, some of whom are my classmates at InWEnt’s International Institute of Journalism.

Van Anh Pham of Vietnam's Than Nien Newspaper said, “In Ho Chin Minh, people rush out to go shopping in shopping centers or supermarkets with many sale-off as well as decorate their house, especially for Christian families. There are some parishes in Ho Chin Minh City in which many Christian families gather to decorate their houses beautifully for other people to visit, like Binh An, Nam Hai in District 8, and others.”

“Somehow you can see traffic jam there also. Otherwise, HCMC citizens can rush to the center of the city in some main streets like: Dong Khoi, Le Duan, Le Loi, Nguyen Hue, and others, which are decorated splendidly with colorful lights and ornaments by the budget of the city, to take photos. This year, HCMC government has a special artificial snow-ball built in the Central Park of the city to attract more tourists and local people to come for sight-seeing,” she added.

“For me, I will take 3-day off this weekend to join a charity activity of my group, Hand in Hand Fund in Kontum, a mountainous province far away from HCMC. We will give blankets, coats, foods and necessary stuffs for 60 orphans there. Not only my group, but other youth group also do the same things in an effort to share the warmth with unlucky people in the cold season,” the Vietnamese reporter said.

Alexandra Klawitter of InWEnt based in Berlin shares how her family observes Christmas in Germany. “In my family there are also some “traditions”: We decorate our flats with all kind of Christmas decoration and lights. My mother-in-law and I bake cookies together on one of the Advent Sundays. I sometimes continue baking with neighbors and friends. And we all light the candles on our advent wreath,” she shared.

”For us, December 24 is our ‘Holy Night’. My brother, his wife and their kids go to church on Christmas Eve,” she shared. “My husband and I normally visit our parents. We have a ‘modest’ dinner together, like potato soup with sausages and then we unwrap our presents. When I was young we used to sing Christmas songs together, but this is more for children. If the weather is nice, meaning, if is not raining cats and dogs, we go for a walk in Berlin’s ‘winter wonderland’.”

Alexandra, a tall and gorgeous lady, added, “On December 25 and 26 we normally meet (again) with family and friends for lunch. Then we have festive dishes like goose roast, turkey, or rack of venison with red cabbage and potato dumplings.”

”As you can see, for us it is mostly about meeting our family and friends, spending time together and enjoying the holidays,” the German researcher concluded.

From Europe, I turned to Leslie Koh, assistant to the editor of The Straits Times in Singapore.

“Christmas is quite commercialized in Singapore. Shopping centres roll out the Santa Clauses, Rudolph, fake snow, mega-sales, and the like. Having said that, churches also go quite big on it, holding evening services on Christmas Eve and on Christmas mornings. A large part is to evangelize and there is a great effort by many of the mainstream churches to pull together to try to remind people about the true meaning of Christmas--that it's not just a tradition or festive season, but to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ and His arrival on earth to save mankind. Many people do go to church on Christmas eve, including devout Christians, Christians who go to church twice a year out of tradition - Christmas and Easter - as well as non-believers who like the idea of being in a church on Christmas, because it's the "traditional" thing to do.”
 
“For the past few years, we've also been having this mega celebration at Orchard Road, Singapore's main shopping street, that is held or organised by the main churches, with dances, caroling, skits--anything to remind people about the true meaning of Christmas,” the Singaporean journalist stated.
 
“As for Christian families, I think most would not celebrate it in a big way, like Chinese New Year. Some people would have just some form of Christmas party/dinner with friends/family... not so much as a reunion or anything, but just as a reason for a get-together. Nowhere near the Chinese New Year feeling, where it's almost mandatory for families to reunite and visit one another. My family for instance, is Christian but we don't really do anything, apart from maybe go to church in the morning, and the rest of the day is just a rest day. But cell groups, church groups and others do take it as an opportunity to have dinner, exchange gifts and so on. Again, more just a chance to meet and catch up, rather than as a real tradition,” the young editor summed up.

I became more curious, so I turned to those in Muslim countries. And where best, but in the largest Islamic nation—Indonesia.

Reporter Herning Banirestu shed light. “ Even though most of Indonesian people are Moslems,
Christians also have the same freedom to celebrate their special moment, not just a Christmas but even other days such as Easter, Good Friday, Ascencion of Jesus Christ, and so on. And the Indonesia Goverment gives Christians two days as official holiday. So for Christmas their off from school or working is on 25 and 26 December. But this year, after Christmas we are also celebrating Moslem New Year on 29 December, so Moslems and Christians have long holiday from 25 until 30
December. And children get more holidays because they have finished their mid semester test.”

Herning also observed, “Christians will go to nearest Church from their home. In Indonesia, Christians have some sects or belief, for example: Catholic, Christian, Protestant, Christian Java which is a name of ethnic group in Indonesia, Christian Batak which is a name of ethnic group in Indonesia, Christian
Baptist, et cetera. So they will celebrate their holiday in the Church that have the same belief or sect with them. Every sect has different sets of rituals in celebrating Christmas. But these differences in belief don’t make them fight each other because they have different belief. Moslem also live peace and harmony with Christian people.”

Also in my neighbourhood, in front of my house is a Christian family, also
a house beside of mine, they are a Christian...Some Moslem give
congratulation to their Christian neighbour for Christmast, but some of
them belief that we are not allowed to congratulate Christmas. So every Moslem has different belief also. It depends on their belief, they have freedom to choose,” she said.

Trufi Murdiani, another Indonesian reporter, said, "Christmas celebration and New Year's Eve are great in my country. Same like Eidl' Fitr' celebration, we all are visiting each other. In big cities such as Jakarta, in Bandung, Moslems go to Christians' family to eat and drink and celebrate together. That's what we call tolerance."

Kittipong Thavevong of Thailand’s The Nation, shares his thoughts. Kittipong is a Buddhist, but he did narrate what he could recall of Christmas in his conflict-torn government.

“In Thailand, Christmas is not a public holiday because it is a Buddhist-majority country. Christian families go to church on the night of Christmas Eve to observe the occasion. Those who have to work late on the Christmas Eve (like journalists) may find it difficult to attend ceremonies at church; so, some devout Christians have to take a leave for the occasion,” he said.

The Thai senior reporter added, “When in Bangkok and other big cities of Thailand, you may see lots of big Christmas trees in front of shopping malls and hotels. That is not because their management are devout Christians. It's for business reasons rather than religious. Large well-decorated Christmas trees create an atmosphere of festive season. And they are a good attraction for prospective customers, many of them tourists.”

I also asked my professor, a German national who is staying in the Philippines. “We celebrate Christmas in Germany with the family. During December we light four candles, always one more every Sunday until all four are burning, a little countdown towards Christmas. Then we set up the Christmas tree on the 24th, not before. In my family the children had to disappear when it was time to set up the tree. The kids would be playing in their room and the parents prepared everything. The door to that magical room remained closed. We always tried to peek through the key hole without much success but full of excitement. When it had turned dark outside we had snacks outside the room and then we listened carefully until we heard the bell of Christ’s sleigh leaving. Then my father opened the door. We entered with big and shiny eyes and saw the room in candlelight, including the tree. We sang Christmas songs, had a glass of juice (or prosecco as soon as we were old enough), and then exchanged gifts which were placed already under the Christmas tree,” said film director Antonia Koop, and Peace and Conflict Journalism Network International Coordinator.

“I remember I most liked the smell of the fresh cut tree, as if a forest has grown into the house, mixing with the wax of the candles, which were traditionally red-colored. We went to church late in the evening and since the gift unwrapping was a long and celebrated procedure we usually had dinner after the church around midnight,” she recalled.

”On the 25th, my father prepared our traditional family Christmas food, turkey with potatoes and red cabbage. It always took him hours and he celebrated the procedure as well. We all dressed up for dinner, although it was only our small family gathering there. Visits were usually postponed to the 26th, the two days before were holy and untouchably reserved for the closest family,” Antonia, who has been learning Ilonggo words already, said.

”The Christmas tree remains at the living room until January 6. That is then the day when all the Christmas beauty was removed and repacked, the boxes with angels and other trimmings moved up to the store room, and my father took his carpentry tools and transferred under sweating and cursing the Christmas tree into the fire place, which gave us some nice warm days in the cold winter time in Germany,” she concluded.

Just an hour ago, I chatted with Khairul Anwar, deputy editor for news of the Borneo Bulletin, and he told me something interesting. December 26 is New Year's Day for Muslims!

Well, Christmas seems to be the same in other parts of the world—except that our observance period is a bit longer and more festive.

Merry Christmas, everyone! (Frencie L. Carreon)

Cops, rebels clash in SoCot firefight

by Frencie L. Carreon

Elements of the Polomolok Municipal Station led by Supt. Supiter engaged with a group of suspected rebels of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in a firefight at daybreak today at Sitio Basak, Barangay Sumbakil, Polomoloc town in South Cotabato.

Police authorities said they were serving a court-issued search warrant on a residence in the area but the armed men violently resisted.

According to SSupt Robert Kuinisala, Police Director of the South Cotabato Provincial Police Office, the search was conducted by virtue of search warrrant duly issued by a local court. It was witnessed by Sumbakil barangay captain Asgar Mangelen and other barangay officials. Nobody was arrested as the houses were empty when searched by the police.

The search operation resulted to the seizure of two firearms. Seized were 1 unit M1 Garand rifle with 1 clip of ammunition from the house of Ustadz Kamaruddin Sumapal, and an M79 grenade launcher from the residence of a certain Warren. Other items seized were camouflage boots and packs. Said items are in the custody of Polomoloc Municipal Police Station.

The police joint team involved was composed of the South Cotabato Provincial Police Office, Regional Mobile Group 12, Special Action Forces, 1204th and 1205th Provincial Police Mobile Group, and Polomolok Municipal Police Station.

Earlier, there had been reports of sightings of armed men in Sumbakil and neighboring barangays during the past weeks. Abdulatip Sumapal, a.k.a. Commander Diego Del Moro, 107th BC BIAF-MILF deputy commander for Expeditionary Force, is a resident of Sitio Basak, Sumbakil, where he allegedly maintained a sizeable armed force.

Another police report indicated that on mid-morning last December 9, a resident of Sitio Basak and a security guard of nearby Mira Farm engaged in a shootout over a minor misunderstanding. Residents at the area claimed that some 20 armed men believed to be MILF members under Commander Diego del Moro attacked said lone guard. It is not yet known however if today's police action is related to the Mira Farm incident.

Meantime, a raw information from police intelligence indicated that the MILF would likely retaliate to take counter-action on the search, whose subjects are close relatives of Abdulatip Sumapal, a.k.a. MILF Commander Diego del Moro, 107th Battalion Deputy Commander for Expeditionary Forces.

Christmas in captivity

This probably would be the first Christmas for kidnap victim Joed Anthony Pilangga, a nursing student of Ateneo De Zamboanga University who has been in captivity by lawless elements since October 17th this year.

His family has been struggling to raise the amount demanded by the kidnappers, allegedly members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), and the reported figures varied from P72 million, to P20 million, and the recent much lower amount at P5 million.

Basilan Vice Governor Al Rasheed Sakalahul had earlier admitted that Pilangga’s family is not well-to-do that it can just produce even the lowest ransom demanded, which is five million pesos. "I really pity the family. They don't know where to go for help," the vice governor was quoted to have said.

Edna Pilangga, the victim’s mother, had said, "My Christmas wish is to see my son alive, free and happy together with us. That's the only Christmas gift I want." And this statement is expected of every mother who would do everything to have her son back in their home in Tetuan, here in Zamboanga City.

While the abductors have accordingly been negotiatingly directly with the Pilanggas, the family members that the city government of Zamboanga as well as the provincial government of Basilan, particularly that in Al-Barka, and the military have not been very helpful in looking for her son. "I wish local officials, the Basilan officials, will help us,” the weeping mother said.

Another kidnap victim is a nine-year old Lamiteña who was abducted on November 26, just about four weeks after Joed was forcibly taken, and they both are still in captivity.

Abu Sayyaf militants headed by Puruji Indama and Nur Hassan Jamiri have been tagged as those behind the spate of kidnappings, especially by the two victims who are still unfree.

SAYYAF ON DRUGS

Since last year, the Philippine military have pronounced that many among the Abu Sayyaf members are allegedly dependent on marijuana, cocaine, and the more common ‘shabu’ and other drugs to make them more ferocious. The effects of drugs on their mental faculties push them to be less human, increasing their sense of cruelty, military doctors said.

Marijuana plantations were discovered in Sulu last year, and since then, the link between drugs and terrorism have gradually been stitched.

YOUNG BANDITS

Even kidnap victims have attested to the ages of the kidnappers, and even when they would just be tagged as ‘terrorists’ or ‘bandits’ or simply ‘lawless’, what is alarming is the testimony that the perpetrators are young.

Recent reports speak of young warriors being trained among rebel camps in the hinterlands, however, what was not mentioned was the report on young bandits among these kidnap-for-ransom groups—be they based in Basilan or Sulu.

POINTS TO PONDER ON

The pointing out of these facts are brought about by two points that remain to be considered: first, that there are angles in these spate of kidnappings that need to be looked into by government officials, way beyond the release of the victims and the payment of ransom money; and second, that there are two individuals out there in Basilan who are spending Christmas in captivity. (Frencie L. Carreon)

Serving the kids of San Jose Gusu

Holding hands once more for some hundreds of children from families from five barangays, the Kiwanis Club of Arriba Zamboanga, Kiwanis Club of Metro Zamboanga, Kiwanis Club of Viva Zamboanga, Midwifery Club, the Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines with the Western Mindanao Command, and the academic community of Mein College spent time for off-work volunteer service.
It was their Annual Christmas Gift-Giving--a community service done every year at San Jose Gusu, not only for barangay residents, but for neighboring communities as well, to include Baliwasan Grande, Baliwasan Tabuk, San Roque, Upper Calarian, and Lower Calarian.

Teens, even students, and the indigent kids and their parents, flocked around Santa not only for candies and stuff, but also for photos!

Leading the organizations were Kiwanis Lt. Gov. Luz Palencia, Kiwanians Dr. Dennis Azucena, Dearby Celorico, Nerlyn Hebrona, Willie Espinosa, Shirley and Darwin Aquino for the Kiwanis Clubs; Dr. Pafia Carreon, Dr. Marycel Engracia, Dean Lily Uro, nurses Vivian Abilla, midwife Bobbie Atilano, High School principal Ludy Cimafranca; student leaders of the Supreme Student Council and Supreme Student Government; Myrna Alcaide, Elisa Montecilla, May Bayquen, May Raveche, and many many others.

The soldiers were led by JSOTFP Chaplain Leah Boling and Maj. Brian Kaiser.

A total of 378 kids and 342 families were served. (Frencie L. Carreon)
(Documented Features is the feature section of Zamboanga Today. Contributions and reactions may be sent to editor.zambotoday@gmail.com.)