Rugao Gives Back 3 continues to brighten Christmas in Rugao

After last year's edition of "Rugao Gives Back", some members of Rugao Online Community (ROC) decided to stop the project which has started in 2010. The decision came after very few members supported the second edition resulting to a small amount of funds that was raised. Being one of the key players of the  event, I was also convinced that it's time to stop the activity. 

One morning in October 2012, I was approached by our Barangay Captain asking about our plans for Rugao Gives Back 3 and informing me at the same time that our city officials have expressed interest in attending the event. Without thinking, I answered him that we are planning for the event ( even if there were no plans laid yet at that time). And then the next days, people were asking about Rugao Gives Back. I wanted to tell them that there will be no such event this year but I don't know how to break the news. So, I decided to break the news in our facebook account that we will be holding a third edition of our project, came up with a theme and asked someone to design a poster for the event. 

Although I was hoping that we will get the needed amount to stage the program, I was so worried because we weren't getting enough response from our members. Things became gloomy when we approached the deadline of pledges with only two persons assured their support. But God made a way and touched the heart of those who have much to share and right before the day of the event, we were able to raise an amount more than enough to feed the children, senior citizens and persons with disabilities in Rugao. 

This year, we decided to purchase from McDonald's Ilagan. We were so thankful that they provided us 3 mascots for free and even gave us two thousand pesos worth of goodies! I was able to talk to the owner and he said that they are aware of our project and they are willing to help us. 

The program started early at 3pm. The barangay officials handed goods to every family heads. I was told that the budget came from the unused calamity fund of our barangay. 

We started distributing 400 pieces of burgers and juices at around 5.30 pm. The people were on their feet when the three mascots from McDonalds came out and danced to the tune of "Gangnam Style". The dance number was electrifying and has set the mood for the entire night.

The dance number was followed by parlor games involving the kids, the oldies but goodies and those who were present. 

Some groups (mostly children) showed their talents and were given cash prizes from Mayor Jay L. Diaz, who missed the occasion.

We also raffled hundreds of packages (noche buena package and cash, rice, electric fans, dish dryer, water jugs, flash lights, mugs from our sponsors). Majority of those who attended the event did not go home empty handed.

Vice Mayor Piding Villanueva failed to attend although he sent his representatives and brought some gifts which were raffled.

Perlita Gaoiran, SB member once again expressed her admiration to all the members of Rugao Online Community. She encouraged the members to continue what they have started. She also recommended to the Office of the Vice Mayor to award the organization (ROC) a plaque to recognize their efforts in putting up such organization and for coming up with such event.

                      

Over all, the program was a resounding success. Everyone went home with a smile on their faces and with great memories. To those who supported Rugao Gives Back 3, thank you for continuously sharing your blessings. To those who weren't able to share this year, we would like to share to you the success of our project. Your prayers made this event possible.

   

Thanks to the following donors:

Mayor Jay L. Diaz, Vice Mayor Vedasto "Piding" Villanueva, SB Member Perlita Gaoiran, Sonia Diaz, Mr & Mrs Gladys and Stefan Morf, Lovelyn Bermudez, Christian Salacup, Filen Almazan, Sandee Bermudez, Jimboy Bermudez, Susan Bermudez, Elijane Bermudez, Mr & Mrs Michael Agamata, Melody Ramos, Hilda Benabise, Diane Agamata, SK Chairman of San Lorenzo, Philip Rasdas, Mr & Mrs. MaLuz M. Socan, Ericson Eugenio, Mary Ann Catindig, Dr. Demi Anduyan, Luwil Liban, Joefrey Ochoa, Leah Lampitoc, Clarissa Gabuyo, Krystel Ferrer, Marlon Cudal, Jenjen P. Vergara, Nhor B. Esteban.

Special thanks to:

Philip Rasdas of INHS -- Stage designer and Photographer

Barangay Officials and Tanod - Physical arrangement and Peace and order

ILAW members - Foods 

All ROC Members who helped in the parlor games and the distribution of foods & packages

 Click HERE for more PHOTOS of the event!
        

ROC launches "Rugao Gives Back"

Rugao Online Community (ROC) is bringing back, in its third year Rugao Gives Back, an annual gift giving and feeding activity.

This year's theme "Share. Inspire. Change" is aligned with the organization's mission to serve the people of Rugao and to set an example in bringing about change to the lives of other people.     

 

The annual activity is scheduled to take place on December 22, 2012 at the Rugao Basketball Court.

Among the activities during the event is a Christmas Party featuring raffle draws, exciting games, feeding and gift-giving.

ROC has extended the invitation to support the said endeavor to individuals who are not from Rugao but believe in our advocacies.

Barangay Captain Judy Bermudez has promised his all-out support including the SK Officials this year as City Officials and other special guests have signified their intention to grace the occasion.  

Rugao Gives Back has benefited hundreds of Rugaoenos for the past two years.

A CORNy Story

Plastic bag. Sumbrero. Sweat shirt. I'm all set!

Sumisikat pa lang ang araw, parang fiesta na sa dami ng taong nasa daan. Bata at matanda. Lalake at babae. "Intayon!", sigaw ng aming kapitbahay at mga kaibigan. Buong sigla at saya akong lalabas sa aming bahay dala ang aking mga gamit. Ngayon ay araw ng pamimitas ng mais sa tumana o kuman.

Sa aking pagkakatanda, siyam na taong gulang ako ng una akong sumabak sa pamimitas ng mais sa bukid. Inaya ako ng aking mga pinsan sa bukid ng aking Inang Baket (Lola) dahil bibigyan daw kami ng mais para ibenta kung tutulong kami.

     

Maliban sa perang kikitain na noo'y nagkakahalaga ng 25 pesos para sa halos limang oras na pagbababad sa matinding init ng araw, ay hindi matatawaran ang saya na dulot ng pamimitas ng mais. Ito ay isang pagkakataon na makakasama mo ang mga kaibigan mo. Di ko malilimutan ang mga nakakatawang huntahan (kwentuhan) habang binabraso ang makakating mga dahon ng mais at uod at minsa'y masukal at hitik sa matitinik na Gamuza. At siyembre, inaabangan ko rin ang meryenda na kadalasan ay concentrated orange juice na nakabote at tinapay na binili mula sa tindahan. Ni hindi ko nga alintana ang tagaktak ng pawis ko. Idagdag mo pa ang sayang dulot ng paglalakad ng ilang kilometro bago marating ang bukid. 

Naaalala ko, isa rin sa mga dahilan kaya nakikipitas ako ng mais ay para may baunin ako sa paaralan. Nakakatawa nga lang, minsan ay nakikipitas ako para may ipangsugal. Oo, bata pa lang ako ay nakikipaglaro na ako ng baraha sa mga matatanda kasama ang mga bata ring tulad ko. (Alam kong ilan sa inyong bumabasa nito ay nakalaro ko din noon).

Sa ngayon, panahon na naman ng anihan. Sa aga kong nagigising para pumasok sa paaralan kung saan ako nagtuturo, nakikita ko ang mga taga Rugao na pumupunta sa bukid. Para ngang nakikita ko ang sarili ko sa kanila. Sabi ko tuloy, parang wala pa ring pinagbago. Minsan nalulungkot ako kasi marami sa kanila ang matagal ng ginagawa ito pero madalas masaya ako kasi bumabalik sa akin ang gawaing aking kinasanayan at kinagisnan at hindi ko ito ikinakahiya. Sa totoo lang parang gusto ko ulit mamitas ng mais kaya lang wala akong panahon dahil maghapon naman akong babad sa pagtuturo. Pero kung may magpapapitas ng gabi malamang pupunta ako para muling maranasan ko ang masayang kwentuhan sa kuman. 

Gusto nyo bang sumama? E ikaw, ano ang iyong CORNy story?   

A Day at the Majestic Abuan River

Looks pretty ordinary from where we parked our van, but as we move closer, it's majestic beauty left as in awe!That's how Abuan River captivated us during our visit last month.

We took off from Baligatan in Ilagan and reached Villa Imelda in more or less than15 minutes. The travel was smooth as there were very few vehicles on the road, which makes the road trip faster and safer. The Abuan bridge served as our entry point. Upon arrival, we were greeted by the Agtas who, according to people we met used to live at the riverbanks but were relocated due to the danger posed by the river when it swells. We saw a lot of "bangkas" sitting at the riverbanks and most of them looks old and non-functional. Since we were all first-time visitors of the area, we were curious to ride the bangka. We were told that Abuan River looks beautiful from upstream so we have to walk east from where we parked our van. We split our group into two. One group decided to ride the bangka going against the current of the river (although most parts are calm) and my group decided to walk. We commissioned the Agtas to pilot the boats, who were ages 9-11 (we paid them 200 pesos for the job).

The other group had fun riding the boat. As for our group, we have to climb rocks at the foot of the mountain. It was a bit scary but over all we enjoyed the challenge.

We wondered why Abuan River was not promoted as a tourist destination. It was a paradise! The water is clean, cold, and deep. You can see fishes in the water and the chirping of birds is music to the ear. The rocks are amazingly huge. The sheer and towering cliffs and mountains are breathe taking. Some parts of the river is perfect for water rafting. The photos we took speaks for themselves. (although I just read an article about Abuan River and it was promoted by the local tourism last year. You can read the article here and another article here. Sadly, I think the rafting or kayaking mentioned in these articles were no longer offered in Abuan) 

We left Abuan river with so much great memories that we will never forget. It was a trip that we wish we would have done a long time ago. We recommend that you visit Abuan River when you have time.

 Photos by : Demi Anduyan








  

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!