Rugao Gives Back 2 : We Care, We Share

Preparation

I remember last year when we first had this charity event, I was so nervous! Same feeling I had when we were preparing for Rugao Gives Back 2. I was worried about preparing everything with only Adam Diaz,  Nhor Bermudez and Jimboy Esteban around. Adam took charge of the t-shirt and tarpaulin printing. Nhor, Jimboy and I had to rush to Savemore to buy the groceries with the food from Jollibee already taken cared of a day before our activity. Last year, I wasn't able to join Nhor Esteban in purchasing groceries and I just realized how hard was her task. It took us hours buying (and computing haha). We even had an argument with the manager of savemore because they won't give us free plastic bags! Thank God we were able to convince them but we had harsh words thrown at each camp.

After our trip to the grocery, we immediately asked started packing the groceries and other items for the party. Adam, Andy and some kids and teenagers cleaned the basketball court and hanged the tarpaulin. Gladys and Stefan helped us with the decoration and tables with the help of Auntie Ofelia Agustin and Norma Agamata.


Showtime

I was not confident about the number of people who will attend our activity because of the "kasals" that week. Two weddings for the week! People might be too tired to go plus the weather was not good! But like lastyear, once nhor started the parlor games people started to come.

This year is a bit different though because we were able to feed people ages 3 - 12 and 30 up! Some of the kids and senior citizens were not able to make it for some reasons.

The parlor games were as exciting as last year. I loved it when the older people played and it was soo hilarious because they were so into the games!

We were hoping to have SB Gaoiran again but for some reasons she wasn't able to make it. SB Joji Baggao made it though. In her speech, she praised everyone who were behind the event. She was impressed that she even made a promise that she will tie up with us next year!

We were happy because most of those who got the groceries (which were raffled) were those who really need it.

We decided to end the program at around 11pm because of the wedding the next day.

It was truly a great night. The smiles and the memories of what you our dear sponsors gave our kabarangays are priceless. As they say, when you care you should know how to share.

Until the next Rugao Gives Back activity!

(more stories to come)

I wish I could show you a video of everything that had happened but our lightings were poor and it was hard for Stefan and yours truly to take videos!

ROC launches Rugao Gives Back 2

Rugao Online Community is set to match the success of the Rugao Gives Back last year as it launches "Rugao Gives Back 2" which will be held on December 21, 2011 at the Rugao Basketball Court, Rugao, Ilagan, Isabela. This year's theme is "We care. We share." The theme is in consonance to the organizations mission and vision, that is to reach out to people of Rugao.

Rugao Gives Back 2 is a gift-giving activity which includes a food distribution to children and senior citizens. Like last year, the celebration will include parlor games, presentations from the different puroks and a raffle draw.

The funds for the project will come from the voluntary donations of the members of ROC from different parts of the world including those who are based in the Philippines. As of this writing, a number of members have already expressed their desires to help. The organizers are still encouraging other members to donate and continue supporting the said project. The deadline for all donations is on December 15, 2011.

Rugao celebrates harvest festival; Fire dancer is ROC's Rugao Got Talent grand winner

Rugao celebrates the bountiful harvest this year from April 29-30, 2011. The celebration includes an invitational basketball tournament and a program.

INVITATIONAL BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

This year, Rugao opened its basketball tournament to neighboring barangays like Bangag, Manaring, San Lorenzo, San Juan among others. After several matches watched by hundreds of screaming basketball fanatics, San Lorenzo and the team from Rugao fought for the crown, which eventually went to the experienced team from San Lorenzo.

RUGAO GOT TALENT

What really made the festival memorable is the holding of the ROC-sponsored “Rugao Got Talent”.

Runner-up Justin Aquino

Grand Winner Lady Rara

Thirteen individuals/groups showcased their talents (mostly dancing).  But two of the contestants were standouts. Justin Aquino, 9 years old serenaded the judges with piano versions of The Gift and Tennessee Waltz to the delight of the crowd. The three judges gave their big YESes and they agreed that the performance was impressive for someone  his age. Two very young boys also sent the crowd to their feet when they started dancing ala-Shakira to the tune of Waka-Waka. The crowd went wild when Lady Rara (Ar-ar Daquioag) showed what talent really is with his very impressive fire dance. When asked how long  he has been doing the act, Lady Rara said that he’s only been practicing for two weeks and has never performed the act.  Impressed by the performance, SB Perlita Gaoiran, the program’s special guest even invited Lady Rara to perform at the Mamangi Festival this May. 

Reymond Pasio - Recipient of a Special Award

 As expected, Lady Rara claimed the title of being the first Rugao Got Talent Grand Winner. He won 3,000 pesos in cash, a scholarship grant and a special Rugao Got Talent plaque. Young Pianist Justin Aquino was declared runner-up winning 1,500 pesos in cash and a scholarship grant. A special award was also given to Reymond Pasio who showed his skills in acrobatics and has received the loudest applause from the crowd. He received 400 pesos in cash. All the contestants who performed each received cash as consolation prizes.

Performers from Bangag and other barangays also showcased their talents but were not allowed to compete. However, SB Perlita Gaoiran handed them cash and also promised to provide the dance group from Bangag t-shirts.

In a speech, SB Perlita Gaoiran again extended her admiration to the people of Rugao.  She also promised to help Rugao Online Community in its future project. She will donate to the organization hollow blocks and a television set to help ROC put up its Library Project (tentatively named ROC Learning Resource Center).

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

Kudos to the generous members of Rugao Online Community who made Rugao Got Talent possible! In behalf of all the members and officers of Rugao Online Community, Thank you and hope you continue to share your blessings by supporting the future projects of Rugao Online Community.

Sponsors:

Anonymous Rocian from Singapore (Cash)

Adona Agcaoili and an Anonymous donor ( two scholarship grants)

Henry Diaz (Plaque/Trophy)

Shallee Manuel Fajardo (Cash)

Nhor Bermudez Esteban (Cash)

Melody Ramos (Cash)

Anonymous ROCian from the Philippines (Cash)

Councilor Perlita Gaoiran (Cash)

Special Thanks also to all the Barangay Officials of Rugao headed by Judy Bermudez , the SK Chairman and his officials and to the very supportive Ilagan Councilor Perlita Gaoiran. Thank you for believing in the advocacies of Rugao Online Community.

Aral sa pagbitay sa tatlong pinoy sa China – isang paalaala sa mga OFW

Kamakailan lamang ay nagluksa ang Pilipinas sa pagkabitay ng tatlo nating kababayan na sina Sally Villanueva, Elizabeth Batain at Ramon Credo. Masakit man sa pamilya ng tatlong OFW ang kanilang sinapit ngunit bilang Pilipino ay may mahalagang leksiyon na makukuha sa pangyayaring ito.

Ayon sa estadistika, umaabot sa isang milyon ang umaalis ng bansa upang makipagsapalaran kada taon. Sa kabuuan, halos 8.2 milyong mga Pilipino ang nasa ibang bansa. Sa bilang na yan, humigit kumulang na 7,000 na Pinoy ang nasa kulungan sa ibat ibang panig ng mundo na sangkot sa iba’t ibang kaso – at 125 na pinoy ang napipintong bitayin – 85 sa mga pinoy na ito ay sangkot sa kasong droga.

Sa ngayon, maraming mga pamilya ng mga OFWs ang nababahala sa kalakaran ng drug trade sa Pilipinas. Sa Rugao na lang, maraming mga kababayan natin ang natatakot para sa kanilang mga kapamilya na nasa ibang bansa. Natatakot silang sapitin din ng mga taga Rugao na OFW ang nangyari sa tatlo na naging biktima ng West African Drug Syndicate (WADS). Kaya naman naisip kong isulat ang artikulong ito.

Ayon sa balita, hindi alam ng mga nabitay na may dala pala silang droga. Sa kaso ni Sally Villanueva, siya ay napakiusapan lamang umano na dalhin at iabot ang isang bag sa isang tao sa China. Hindi niya ito inakalang droga pala ang laman. Kaya sa mga miyembro ng ROC, lalo na ang mga umaalis palabas ng Pilipinas siguraduhin na HINDI KAYO PAPAYAG NA KUMUHA NG ANO MANG PADALA NA IPINAPAKIUSAP SA INYO NG KAHIT NA SINO.

Sa kaso naman na alam ng mga biktima na may dala silang droga, siguraduhin na huwag kayong pasisilaw sa laki ng bayad at tamis ng mga pangako ng sindikato. Napag alaman na malaki ang perang kapalit ng pagiging ‘drug mule’ at pinapangakuan ang sinumang pumapayag na maging carrier. Pinapangakuan nila ang mga nabibiktima na kapag nahuli sila ay aayusin ito ng sindikato para makaalis din sa kulungan. Ito po ay puro pangako lamang. Kaya HUWAG KAYONG PASISILAW SA KAHIT NA ANUMANG ALOK NA MAY KAPALIT NA MALAKING HALAGA.

Ang ilan naman ay inakalang may trabaho  na inaalok sa kanila sa China o sa Middle East na walang placement fee at direct hiring. At pag pumayag, ay ipapadala ang biktima sa bansa ayon sa pangako at pagbibitbitin  ng bag na may lamang droga na hindi alam ng biktima. Kaya SIGURADUHIN NA ANG TRABAHONG PAPASUKAN SA IBANG BANSA AY DUMAAN SA LEGAL NA PROSESO. Wag dapat padadala sa madaliang pangingibang bansa dahil maari itong maging mitsa ng kalbaryo at kamatayan.

Naway makatulong ang paalalang ito sa mga taga ROC. Hangad natin na iwasan ang ganitong kaso lalo pa’t buhay ang kapalit.

ROC will hold the First-ever Rugao’s Got Talent

About the Search

Rugao Online Community is launching the first-ever talent search in Rugao dubbed as “Rugao’s Got Talent.” Rugao’s Got Talent aims to showcase, discover and develop the talents of the people of Rugao.

The said talent search will be part of the two-day Patronal Fiesta of Rugao on April 29 – 30, 2011. However, if finalized and approved, the search will be held on a separate night tentatively slated on the 28^th of April this year. The search is open to all ages. Each Purok will field a minimum of two (they may field as many as they can) contestants. The contestants (group or solo) will be given 2-3 minutes to showcase their talents. Three judges will determine the first-ever Rugao’s Got Talent winner and two runners-up who will receive cash prices and trophies.

Barangay Captain Judy Bermudez said that it was a brilliant idea when he was informed about it.

ROC Vice President Nhor Esteban said that a personalized and wood carved trophy will be handed to the winners. The trophy shall represent the “Mammamangi Festival” of Ilagan, Isabela.

Call for Support

Rugao’s Got Talent is the 2^nd major project of Rugao Online Community however this is not as big as “Rugao Gives Back.” To ensure the success of this project, we would like to seek support from all our members. These are the things that we still need:

Cash/Kind Donation – We are raising 10,000 pesos for the prices and other expenses. (We initially have donors but the amount is not sufficient)

Manpower – Members of the ROC who are in Rugao or are planning to go home on the 28^th of April must notify the President or Vice President to help in the preparation and in carrying out the event.      

We hope that we will help each other in carrying out this activity.

41 pupils march during SJRES graduation rites

After spending six grueling and exciting years in San Juan Rugao Elementary School, 41 children received their diplomas in yesterday's graduation ceremony in San Juan, Ilagan, Isabela.

Pastor Zaldy Diaz, San Juan Brgy Captain Bermudez, Mr. Jayson Salvador and SJRES Principal Mr. Beltran award certificates to the graduates

The ceremony was attended by hundreds of proud parents, faculty members and Guest Speaker Mr. Jayson Salvador - 1997 Alumnus.

In his speech, Mr Jayson Salvador thanked all the teachers who never get tired of mentoring the children in SJRES. He also encouraged parents to do everything to send their kids to school. He said that poverty should not stop the graduates and their parents from dreaming.

The graduates of SJRES Batch 2011

The Graduation ceremony was followed by the awarding of meritorious pupils and achievers from the different grade levels. Then, concluded with a parade and coronation of the school's King, Queen, Princesses, Prince and Muses.

The King and Queen and their entourage

ROC member Gladys Morf and husband Stefan spearhead charity work; reach out to indigents in Rugao

With great desire to help the needy, Stefan Morf and wife, ROC member Gladys Bermudez Morf spearheaded a charity work in Barangay Rugao, Ilagan, Isabela.

Stefan and Gladys Morf distributed goods to more or less one hundred indigents in Rugao on Friday, April 01, 2011. The beneficiaries received assorted goods like coffee, sardines, noodles, soap, etc and a bag of rice, aside from the snacks that were served to them during the informal event. One of the recipients rendered a song, to the delight of the crowd to show her gratitude to the Morfs.

The almost 100 recipients of the Morfs' charity event

In his short speech Stefan said that they’ve always wanted to reach out to the needy people. He said that the people of Rugao are close to his heart. “We always remember you and I know that you always remember us too.”  

Stefan Morf speaking to the people during a charity event.

Gladys said that the idea of reaching out to the people of Rugao was conceived after she showed the pictures of the wrath of typhoon Juan that were uploaded in Rugao Online Community Facebook account to Stefan’s family (Mr. Emmanuel Morf) in Switzerland.

Gladys and Stefan were in cloud nine after the event. Gladys said that the feeling is different when you’re sharing a part of your blessings to your fellowmen. Stefan, on the other hand was smiling all throughout and shared the same feeling with her wife.

The charity event was also attended by the barangay officials of Rugao who helped in packing and in the distribution of the goods.

more photos at Rugao Ilagan Isabela Facebook Page

 CHARITY – the ROC Way

Upon hearing from our Vice President Nhor Esteban, that Gladys and Estefan Morf and their Families in Switzerland are doing a charity work in Rugao, I immediately “invited myself” to be at the event. It has always been my dream to help the needy so whenever I have a chance to be a part (directly or indirectly) of such work, I always grab the opportunity.

The charity event brought back memories of our first charity work (Rugao Gives Back). The genuine smiles, the warm embraces, the tight handshakes and the endless “thank yous” from the people… totally nostalgic.

Anyway, I would like to commend Stefan, Gladys and the Morf Families in Switzerland for reliving the spirit of charity. Charity is not only about helping people. The most important lesson that we can learn from “charity” is “sharing our blessings.” I remember a text message which I received a few weeks ago. It says, “God increases our blessings not because HE thinks we need it but because HE believes that we can be a blessing to more people.” And that is what charity is all about.

Judy Bermudez wins Regional Gawad Saka 2011 Award; Region 2’s representative in the national level

Barangay Captain Judy Bermudez bested 2 nominees from Cagayan and Nueva Vizcaya in the REGIONALGawad Saka Award 2011 (Corn Category) of the Department of Agriculture.

Bermudez qualified for the Regional Level after beating 11 Provincial nominees and earned the right to represent Isabela in the regionals.

Elated and surprised by the news, Bermudez said that he is so proud of his achievement. He said that he is dedicating the award to his fellow farmers in Rugao.

“Hindi ko alam na ako pala ang napipisil na kakatawan sa Ilagan noong provincial competition kaya nagulat ako noong may mga taong pumunta sa bahay at nagtatanong tungkol sa aking mga karanasan sa pagtatanim ng mais,” recalls Bermudez.

When asked about what made him win the award, Bermudez replied, “siguro dahil napatuyan ko na pwede tayong umunlad sa pagsasaka ng mais. Isa pa, gumagawa rin ako ng sarili kong pataba sa lupa (organic fertilizer) at nag eexperiment ako ng variety ng mais na pwede kong itanim.”

Bermudez will represent Region 2 in the National Level. He said that the local officials and the DAR’s support are overwhelming both during the Provincial and Regional search. He hopes that he will receive the same support now that he’s competing nationwide.

“Gagawin ko lahat para manalo sa national level,” he said.

Meanwhile, the people of Rugao including the members of Rugao Online Community expressed their happiness on their leader’s achievement and wished him success in the national search.

 

Rugao is GREEN...once again

I remember how Rugao looks like when it was devastated by one of the strongest typhoons ever to hit our barangay. The place was horrible. Trees were uprooted, houses destroyed, everything was a mess. I don't even enjoy sunrise and sunset then because the place looks pale and dead. But that was months ago. Rugao now is all GREEN once again!

Photo Courtesy of ROCian Grace Tudenio

I can't help but notice that there is no more trace of Typhoon Juan in Rugao (of course except for some houses that are yet to be fixed). The backyards of most houses are full of vegetables ready for harvest. The cornfields and rice fields are so green and healthy. Everything is almost back to what is used to be.  I'm just happy that everyone will have a bountiful harvest this year. This would mean more "jobs" for everyone. I remember when I was a lot younger, I enjoy planting and harvesting corn because I get to earn my own money.

Photo courtesy of ROCian Grace Tudenio

This is truly a blessing for everyone. It will surely help us recover from the effects of the typhoon. God truly knows what he's doing. Just as when everybody thought that they are forsaken and neglected, God rebounds with something big. I would like to believe that God has blessed us so much because of our good deeds and Rugao Online Community was a big part of this blessings. ROC initiated the idea of doing good deeds through Rugao Gives Back and everyone is reaping the fruits of our hard works. It feels great!

So when you go home and visit Rugao this summer, don't wear green! (Haha)

Rugao gets "new look"

If you haven't been to Rugao for a long time and then pay a visit in the next few days, you'll notice the "new look" of our dear barangay. I'm sure you still remember some photos posted by our photographer Jemson Bermudez few weeks ago showing the women of Rugao cleaning the streets. That is all part of the beautification project of the Local Government of Ilagan. The project is actually a competition and our Barangay is in serious contention to win (if they maintain the on-going overhaul of our main street).

The national highway was artistically ornamented with used tires painted with blue, white and red. The painted tires were alternately sandwiched with plants to add more beauty. I also noticed a tall structure being put up in the southern boundary of Rugao resembling a CORN which I believe tells something about the main product of Rugao and the entire municipality of Ilagan. Just a sidelight on the CORN Structure, I believe that this has something to do with the news I heard that Ilagan is no longer adapting the BINALLAY FESTIVAL instead, we will celebrate "MAMMAMANGI FESTIVAL" starting this year!

This beautification project (I think) will be until Ilagan celebrates its festival (MAMMAMANGI) and let's help Rugao win this competition. Based from my observations, the other barangays are also doing well in ornamenting their area. Good luck Rugao!