Dumagueteño: Summa Cum laude in U.S.A.

Author: Negros Chronicle 
Website: www.negroschronicle.com 

Another brood of the Chiu family, son of Marjorie Chiu-Mira who herself placed sec ond during her Nurse’s Licensure Examination, graduated High School Summa Cum Laude in a exclusive school for boys, Strake Jesuit College Preparatory, composed of 200 elite students.

Miko Chiu-Mira stood above the rest and brought pride to Dumaguete City after he was awarded Summa Cum Laude in the said exclusive school for boys located in Houston, Texas. Miko was born in Dumaguete City in the year 1990 to parents Angelo Mira, a Certified Public Accountant, and Marjorie Chiu, a CPA-Nurse. He is also the grandson of former Regional Trial Court Executive Judge now Foundation University Law Dean Judge Eleuterio Chiu and Estrella Chiu. The Chiu grandson is a consistent honor student graduating Valedictorian in 8th Grade at St. Helen Junior High School in Houston. He is President of the Human Rights Club and member of the National Honor Society.

Miko truly belongs to a family of achievers with his uncle Atty. Richard Chiu topping the bar exams in the year 1985 and cousin Kristin Chiu Siao graduating Valedictorian and Cum Laude at Silliman University on the list, not to mention his own mother being Valedictorian and Magna Cum Laude at SU.

Miko is not only academically exceptional but is also recognized with his skills in sports. He is the captain of the varsity rugby team that topped the Dallas, Texas State Finals wherein he received the Honorable Mention Award from the Texas Youth Rugby Association. He also captained football and basketball teams during his earlier stints in high school. Miko will then pursue his business degree in the prestigious University of Texas, one Dumagueteno we can truly be proud of. 

A Dumaguete Summer Article…

Beating the Heat of Summer
Author: Lurchie
Website: www.pencilpushin.com

How hot is it these days? I am sorely tempted to do the “popsicle on the asphalt” test. But then again, that would be such a waste of a perfectly good and yummy popsicle. Why not conduct the test in my mouth?

Teacher Julie of http://www.greenbucks.info, asked us this week as to what we plan to do for summer… or at least what we do during summer.

As mentioned previously, this perhaps is the first summer I noticed since I graduated from high school. This time, I plan to enjoy every minute of it. Now, in our little city of Dumaguete, life is as quaint as quaint can be. Sure, we have the “signs of development” since McDonalds, KFC, Jollibee, and the currently built Robinson’s. Oh, yes. Dumaguete is getting there, but I am definitely loving the relaxed pace that it is moving.

Now for us Dumagueteños, we simply love to hit the beach during the summer. Heck, we love to go to the beach even if it is raining. One of the great things about being in Dumaguete is that you are just a ride away from the beach. Although these are not those fancy-shmancy resorts (but we do have those as well), why should you spend dollars just to enjoy the beach?

read more

Summertime in Dumaguete

Summer is really here… you can tell by merely walking around the city as early as 9 in the morning. What am I talking about? The heat, baby… the SUMMER HEAT!!!

Some are happy and excited about it… others, just plainly apathetic over the whole summer thing. But for most of us, summer spells out V-A-C-A-T-I-O-N. And if we talk about vacation here in Dumaguete, it means GO OUT AND SUBMERGE!!! Yeah… out in the beaches and dive in the cool waters. This is how Dumagueteños deal with the hot weather.

You see, the good thing about Dumaguete when it’s summer is that beaches are easily reachable. Reachable as in a few-minute ride from the city. So, the question is… Where to? Well, this is why I am making this entry in the first place.

You see, Negros Oriental (where Dumaguete is) is endowed with good beaches. That’s why resorts are practically sprouting everywhere. See list below:

• El Oriente Beach Resort
  Mangnao, Dumaguete City
• Wellbeach Resort
  Mojon, 6218 Maluay, Negros Oriental
• Dumagute Springs Beach Resort
  Bacong (San Miguel), Negros Oriental, Philippines
• Thalatta Beach Resort
  Maluay, Zamboanguita, Dumaguete 6200, Philippines
• Atlantis Dumaguete Dive Resort
  Dauin, Negros Oriental
• Forest Camp
  Valencia, Negros Oriental
• Sta. Monica Beach Resort
  Dumaguete, Negros Oriental

So, these are just few of the seemingly countless resorts around Negros Oriental. Now, have you taken your pick already?

The Come-Back of Dumaguete’s Tyahbiz

Tyahbiz, a simple yet cool Dumaguete Discussion WebSite, is back online!

Powered by wordpress this time, Tyahbiz is now more functional and dynamic. And it has integrated a  twitter-like format that everyone could enjoy posting and chatting.
Tyahbiz has migrated to a new web address. Visit the site now.

tyahbiz.latest-info.com

What are you waiting for, TYAHBIZ NA!!!

Dumaguete’s different name transitions

Did you know that Dumaguete was initially named after a local dialect “daggit”, which means “to snatch” in English?

Long ago when Dumaguete was seeminlgy untouched by foreign influence, marauders paid surpise visits to the coastal town from time to time. Hence, the erection of the Bellfry tower. Daggit then became “Dumaguet” which means “to swoop”.

Spaniards came and native language was slowly changing. In 1572, Diego Lopez Povedano referred the place as “Dananguet”. And evenutally in 1974, Dumaguete became its permanent name through Murillo Velarde.

So, that’s how the Dumaguete got its name. Now you know…

From Dumaguete to Washington D.C

What a great way to start the New Year for Dumaguete!

Dave G. Saceda, Chair and Founder of Saceda Youth Lead will be heading to Washington D.C. to witness the inauguration of Barack Obama this month. Here’s a snippet taken from Negros Chronicle:

Primarily for his long exemplary service to youth development, Dave G. Saceda, becomes the only Dumagueteño, to be officially invited to the January 21 inauguration of Democrat Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States of America in Washington D.C. His invitation was made possible through the Presidential Classroom, the new partner organization of SYL in the field of youth leadership and social action.PC is an organization that provides the highest civic education using Washington DC as its classroom. Saceda leaves on January 14 to attend the Inaugural Parade, Inaugural Ball and the Installation of President Obama, who defeated Arizona Sen. John McCain, the Republican nominee.

This is something every Dumagueteño should really be proud of.

God bless and more power to you, Dave!

Christmas at Sidlakang Negros

Author: Negros Chronicle 
Website: www.negroschronicle.com  

A ten-day series of activities by the Local Government Units and the Provincial Government employees will bring to life the spirit of Negros Oriental Christmas at Sidlakang Negros Village this month.

Myla Mae B. Abellana, Senior Tourism Operations Officer, said the Negros Oriental Culture and Arts Council, cochaired by Governor Emilio C. Macias II and Board Member Mariant E. Villegas, will launch the celebration with the Pinaskuhan Parol and Sayawit competitions on Saturday, December 13.

Abellana said the Pinaskuhan contest entries consist of choreographed choirs rendering Philippine carols in local settings, and Christmas lanterns crafted from indigenous materials.

Pinaskuhan will be followed by “Gasa,” organized by the Provincial Tourism Office, comprising nine days of varied events daily ranging from bingo socials to gay boxing, free veterinary clinic, medical mission, horse riding, and ukay-ukay, concluded with nightly cultural programs. “Gasa” is produced by the Provincial Government employees as their Christmas present to the people of the Province.

The series concludes with games, food fair, ballroom dancing and other exciting activities on Monday, December 22. Meanwhile, the Dayan- Dayan or Christmas décor competitions among the LGU booths in Sidlakang Negros Village will continue until January 2, 2009, Abellana added. At present, there are 8 municipalities and cities which showed interest to join the contests.

These are Tanjay City, Dumaguete City, Mabinay, Bayawan, San Jose, Sta. Catalina, Sibulan and Siaton.

The cash prize for the champion will be P60, 000, P50, 000 for the second prize and P40, 000 for the third placer. However, all participants have nothing to worry since there will be a consolation prize of P10, 000 for the non-winners.

On the Parole competition, the first placer will receive P10, 000 while the second and third placers will receive P5, 000 and P3, 000 respectively. There will also be a consolation prize of P2, 000 for the non-winners.

For the Dayan-dayan Competition which will be held at the Sidlakang Negros booths, the cash prize at stake for the champion is P50, 000, P40, 000 for the second placer and P30, 000 for the third placer while the consolation prize is at P10, 000.

Dumaguete Fiesta: Sandurot Festival 2008

Dumaguete City never seems to run out of activities these days. The last quarter of 2008 has been a fun, roller coaster ride for her, and now, she’s on for a wildest one this year. It’s November! And when we speak of November, it rather spells B-U-S-Y for Dumagueteños. Why? Coz it’s FIESTA!

Once again, Dumaguete City is making noise… announcing her excitement and joy for the Fiesta Celebration on November 25, 2008… a very special day offered for our Patron Saint, St. Catherine de Alejandria.

This year is very special as it is the 60th Charter Anniversary of Dumaguete City. And how else can Dumagueteños show their gratitude than dance in SANDUROT way! Yes, Sandurot is a festival showcasing the rich history and culture of Dumaguete through street dancing. This year’s theme will give emphasis on Sta. Cataline de Alexandria Festival as the main concept will be the portrayal of the life and legend of the city’s patron saint. So, it will surely be a must-see showdown!

The festival is slated on Sunday, November 23, 2008. It will start at 3 p.m. with the “Pasigarbo” or street dance, followed by a “Pasundayag” or showdown at 6 p.m. at the Quadrangle.

So guys, come and celebrate with us! Experience the epitome of Dumaguete’s grandeur.

Dumaguete Rotary East holds Fun day in Calindagan

Author: Negros Chronicle 
Website: www.negroschronicle.com  

Day Care children from Sitio Canday-ong, Brgy. Calindagan had benefited the Children’s Fun Day sponsored by the Rotary Club of Dumaguete South headed by its President Atty. Archer Baldwin R. Martinez last Sunday morning November 9.
According to RCDS Secretary Eutropio Ochavillo, the Children’s Fun Day was held at the Children’s Playground of Brgy. Calindagan from 8:o’clock until 10 o’clock in the morning.

The Children’s Playground of Brgy. Calindagan was donated also by the members of the Rotary Club of Dumaguete South a few years ago.

The children were entertained with games for children. After the games, the children were given delicious and lots of vitamins porridge or “lugaw” from Scoobys through Rotarian and City Councilor Manuel Chiquiting Sagarbarria, pan de sal from Angel Buns Bakeshoppe through Rotarian Raul Villanueva and fresh papaya fruits from the farm of Ting Matiao Foundation, Inc.

Ochavillo said that the Children’s Fun Day is one of the public service activities of the Rotary Club of Dumaguete South.

The Children’s Fun Day was supported also by the members of the Interact group of the Dumaguete Science High School led by Rotarian Neri who made some guides in cleaning up the beach in which the playground of Brgy. Calindagan is beside the sea.

The Children’s Fun Day was successful with the support of Rotarian and Brgy. Calindagan Captain Antonio Carino, Day Care teachers, Brgy. Officials and spouses of Rotarians.

Other officers and members who attended the Children’s Fun Day are Rotarians Ed Calinawagan, Neil Ray Lagahit, Ely Cabanag, Allan Cordova, Michael Bandal, Jay Nakao, Allan Martinez, Edmund Gonzalez, Willington and Wilkie Matiao, Greg Uymatiao, Ely Escorial, Terry Orbeta and Eddie Tia. 

Dumaguete event: Buglasan Festival 2008

Festival of Festivals of Negros Oriental or otherwise known as Buglasan Festival is an annual event held in Dumaguete City where all cities and municipalities of the province of Negros Oriental are gathered in one momentous celebration, each showcasing their respective unique festival through street dancing and cultural presentations.

This year, the Buglasan Festival will prematurely start on October 16 (opening kick-off), and officially ends on the 26th. Please be guided of the schedules below (taken from buglasanfestival.com)

Buglasan 2008 Schedule of Activities
Oct 17:
Opening Buglasan Booths
Duet and Quartet Competitions
Negros Oriental Performs

Oct 18:
Lutong Garbo sa Sidlakang Negros
6th Buglasan Chess Festival
Bulilit Minus-One Singing
Children’s Choir
Rondalla Junior & Senior (Kumparsa) Division
Balak and Balitw Competitions

Oct 19:
Chess Festival Day 2
Marching Band Competition
Marching Band Parade
Minus-One Senior Division

Oct 20:
Chess Festival Awards Program
Live Band Competition

Oct 21:
Buglasan Rap
Pop Dance Competition

Oct 22:
Global Peace Festival
International Students Night

Oct 23:
Folk Dance Competition
Sponsors Night

Oct 24:
Festival of Festivals Show Down
Festival of Festivals Streetdance
Buglasan King and Queen Selection

Oct 25:
Buglasan Bangga sa Balanan Kayaking & Canoe Competitions
Cheerdance Compeditions
Pakwela Sa Air Philippines
Dancesport Competitions
Fireworks Competitions Part 1

Oct 26:
Thanksgiving Mass
Outstanding Oriental Negrense Awards
Buglasan Booth Awards
Fireworks Competition Part 2
Chinese Pyrotechnics Exhibition

Dumaguete joins worldwide simultaneous coastal cleanup

Author: Negros Chronicle 
Website: www.negroschronicle.com  

The international coastal clean up is the biggest clean up activity held simultaneous world wide. The activity is initiated locally by the Phil. Coast Guard led by the new station commander, Commander Joseph B. Badajos and the Phil Coast Guard Auxilliary headed by Capt Edith Vera. The activity is also the opening salvo of the Maritime week . Schools which have Naval ROTC units will also participate namely, NORSU and Negros Maritime College Foundation Incorporated. Students from these schools will be assigned at the pier area, boulevard, up to the Dumaguete press club. Members of the PCGA search and rescue scuba divers headed by Commander Jonathan Alerre and Commander Bendan Villarin will do underwater clean up. A group of Scuba divers from Scuba Ventures led by Dive instructor Andre Montenegro will also conduct a coastal clean up in the Silliman beach and Piapi areas. Some municipalities and cities will be conducting their own clean up activities like the City of Bayawan and the municipality of San Jose.

2008 "BER" activities in Dumaguete City

2008 in the City of Gentle People is nearing to its effervescent and exuberant end as the month of September makes the first “BER” relay to the finish line.

During these times, Dumaguete City is exuding with great vibrance… full of monthly joyful events to look forward to. And below are just some of the major activities that the city is gearing up for.

Please be guided of the following dates:

SEPTEMBER
September 1-30, 2008 - TOURISM MONTH
September 24-29, 2008 - SAINT PAUL UNIVERSITY DUMAGUETE 104th FOUNDER’S DAY

OCTOBER
October 16-26, 2008 - BUGLASAN FESTIVAL 2008
October 26-30, 2008 - 13th PHILIPPINE UNIVERSITY GAMES

NOVEMBER
November 21-25 - 17th SANDUROT FESTIVAL
November 25, 2008 - Dumaguete Fiesta - Feast of Sta. Catalina of Alexandria

DECEMBER
PINASKUHAN, SAYAWIT & PAROL COMPETITION
CHRISTMAS GALA

So, come on, guys! LET’S ALL FEAST TOGETHER up to the last clock-tick of 2008!!!

Dumaguete’s Silliman celebrates its 107th year

  Fancy booths, lively street parade, thrilling cheering competition, alluring beauty pageant rolled into one grand event… who’s the forerunner? It’s no other than our dear old Silliman.

August 28, 1901, a group of protestant missionaries set foot on the soil of the unseemingly quiet town of Dumaguete. It was then that the first ever protestant institution was established. Inculcating the motto: VIA, VERITAS, VITA… The Way, The Truth, The Life, Silliman University has become one of the leading Christian Institutions of the province. And now, once again, SU is holding its 107th Founder’s day celebration anchored  with the theme: “Silliman Education and its Global Reach and Relevance“.

Please click the link below for the TENTATIVE CALENDAR OF ACTIVITIES (taken from su.edu.ph):
http://su.edu.ph/fdsked.htm

So, come! Join the celebration and feel the so-called Silliman Spirit once more!

Dumaguete Hymn

There is a place I long to go Down ‘neath Visayan Skies
Moonlight is calling to
A startlit Paradise

Down by the sea she’s calling me
Sighing all night and day
Sweetheart, I’ll be coming to
A place I long to go
 
Dumaguete, Dumaguete
There’s one girl who stole my hear away
Dumaguete, please keep her for me
I’ll be coming back someday

‘Neath the old Acacia tree
Is our rendezvous
She whispered softly to me
“Darling I love you”

Dumaguete, Dumaguete
Do you hear me calling you
Dumaguete, please keep her for me
I’ll be coming back someday

No rice cards for Dumaguete City

Author: Negros Chronicle 
Website: www.negroschronicle.com  

Residents of Dumaguete City should better not expect that the much sought after family access cards which is intended to allow low-income families’ access to cheap government-subsidized rice will be forthcoming.

The City Social Welfare clarifies that contrary to the National Food Authority’s expectation, the office has no instruction to compile a list of poor families for every barangay who will be entitled for the issuance of the family access cards.

This would have ensured that only those who really cannot afford to buy commercial rice can buy the NFA rice. Per government policy, a family of five could only buy up to two kilos of NFA rice per day, while a family of more than five could buy up to four kilos. However, evenfamilies that are better off are purchasing NFA rice which deprives the poorest of the poor from the government aid. The family access cards would have eliminated that.

CSWD official Tinang Jubela explained that Dumaguete only has 7 Tindahan Natin outlets selling 20,000 worth NFA rice a month in Barangays Bajumpandan, Pulantubig, Balugo, Candauay, Cantil-e and Junob. The city government is helping the operators of these Tindahan Natin outlets with cash assistance for livelihood.

In turn, the operators are asked to draw a list of about 250 poor families in their barangays to whom the NFA rice can be sold.

Good news Dumaguete! No Tuition Fee Increase!!!

Author: rhardo 

Dumaguete City is back to its usual population interface… into a (not surprising) student-dominated town once again! The students are back, people! And there’s no stopping them from awakening and recharging Dumaguete’s hibernated energy, vibrance and “youthfulness” for yet another new and exciting School Year.

Oh yes, it’s June and obviously, Dumagueteños are very busy… getting ready for school. Hey students, I think we have had enough vacation already and it’s about time we lubricate those summer-rusted brain wheels of yours. LOL!

The good news is, all major universities here in Dumaguete City have agreed to choose a non-parallel path against the insane increase of inlation rates of the country. In other words, NO TUITION FREE INCREASE this School Year! That’s really good news for everyone. This noble decision will encourage more parents from all walks of life  to send their chidren to school without ever worrying another major change in budgeting.

See, if we help each other, we can win over national crisis… it’s possible! This is one inspiring step, and if we keep this going, we’re off to a right path.

New Dumaguete Website Affiliate

A new Dumaguete-related website has just been launched. Introducing our new affiliate: http://tyahbiz.mycom.ph/
 
Description of their site:

TYAHBIZ is the perfect tambayan for your friends to chat; express thoughts; share chikas, news and chismis with your barkada; or simply shouting out anything. Free to join, no registration required. Visit us now!

Tyahbiz has agreed to share the information posted on their website with us by becoming the mode of submitting articles for My Dumaguete Website. Yes, you don’t need to open your e-mail account to send your articles to us. But you can directly post your articles (still sticking with our requirement) on tyahbiz.mycom.ph and we will automatically display it to our website.

That’s it. So what are you waiting for? Post now!!!

Dumaguete City’s Kabulakan Festival 2008

 Once again, Dumaguete City is celebrating its 2nd Kabulakan Festival from May 16 to 25, 2008. Check out the list of activities below:

• May 16 - Container Gardening Competition - Tourism Office, Quezon park
• May 16 - Opening of Garden Show - Quezon Park
• May 16 - Landscaping Competition - Quezon Park
• May 16 to 25 - Food Fair and Bazaar and Garden Show of Tropical and Exotic Plants at the Quezon Park
• May 17 - Ballroom Dancing - Quezon park Kiosk
• May 19 - Flower Arrangement Competition, Dish Garden Competition - Tourism Office, Quezon park
• May 21 - Bonsai Making Demonstration - Tourism Office, Quezon park
• May 23 - Fashion Show - El Camino Blanco Bar and Restaurant
• May 24
  Parade of the Stars (3 p.m.)
  Street dancing (4 p.m.)
  Showdown at the City Hall quadrangle (5 p.m.)

  Guest stars are:
  - Boys.com
  - Polo Ravales
  - Joseph Bitangcol
  - Gabb Drilon
  - Alwyn Uytingco
  - Frank Gracia
  - Bangs Garcia

• May 25 - Fireworks display and ballroom dancing - Quezon Park grounds

Be there and enjoy the festivities!!!

MILO marathon back in Dumaguete

Author: Negros Chronicle 
Website: www.negroschronicle.com  

The 32nd National Milo Marathon Provincial Elimination will be held here in Dumaguete City this coming June 22, 2008. The much anticipated events to be contested are the 3-K kiddie run which is open for boys and girls 12 years old and below, 5-K fun run open for men and women and the 21-K Provincial Elimination Race intended for men and women of 18 years and above.

There are also side events expected in the activity which include the Biggest School Delegation, the Inter-School Running Competition and the Cheer Dance Contest. Cash prizes, trophies, plaques and medals await for the winners. Interested participants can now register at the City Sports Office which is located at the Dumaguete City High School Campus, Calindagan, Dumaguete City. The registration fee for the 3K Kiddie run is P30 plus one empty 300 grams of Milo pack or box, for the 5K fun run is P40 plus one empty 300 grams Milo pack or box and for the 21K Elimination Race is P100 plus one empty 300 grams Milo pack or box. Every registrant will receive a free T-shirt. For more information, call or visit the City Sports Office or contact telephone # 225-5709 or 422-8109.

Dumaguete Delicacies

It has always been a “default” inquiry of a typical visitor to ask about the local delicacies of a certain place. We Filipinos, particulary those who frequently travel, are very fond of including PASALUBONG on their baggages or simply just wanna do a taste-test.

Here in Dumaguete City, infux of visitors are very evident and there are a lot of food choices to point at. Now, I have a million-dollar question for you. What is our famous delicacy? Hmmm… can’t think of one? Having a hard time there? That’s natural for a Dumagueteño.

You see, Dumaguete City has lots to offer, actually. Everywhere you look, there are restaurants and food outlets. But where can you find a delicacy that is distinctly Dumaguete? Why don’t you check out the list and see if these can help:

Silvanas
Jam squares
Tempura
Bod-bod Kabog
Energy food (combination of ampaw and dehydrated fruits)

What… you haven’t heard any of the mentioned food items above? Again, that’s natural.  Now that I have given out the answers, you may spread the word. Hehehe!!!