• 

Bañamos Festival of the municipality of Los Baños, Laguna is an annual celebration of its rich culture and history, which is also a commemoration of the foundation of this ancestral town since the year 1615. This year the local government initiated a week-long set of events for their constituents and to invite tourists to take a look of how performing and festive the Special Science and Nature City. The said activities will showcase the talents of the citizens of Los Baños from all ages and from different sectors.

While as Development Communicators – on- training tasked to choose and cover events in the duration of the festival, together with my groupmates we have chosen a truly people- centered affair— the People’s Night Extreme. This is a sponsored event by the provincial government of Laguna including its district’s congressional office, to give entertainment to the town’s people and visitors by inviting popular performers. This year the talents were all Lagunenses who have excelled in the national television namely:  Jason Fernandez, ALLMO$T, D’ Gwapitos, Miss Ramone and DJ M Beatboxer.

In spite the wet weather and the hectic class schedule until 7 PM, The Catalyst have managed to reach the event just before it has started by asking some locals the direction from the municipal hall where we stopped. Our resourcefulness and persistence were tested during the coverage to be able to conduct interviews and take pictures that has slight restrictions from the organizers to come closer to the stage. Yet, the struggle has not ended there because from the venue we actually walked more or less 2 kilometers going to the nearest convenience store to finalize our output because public vehicles were unavailable at midnight. Imbibing the quality of broadcasting timely news, we managed to edit the pictures and submitted the article at 5 AM.

It was indeed a great experience of training us to become who we want to be after finishing the degree program soon. Proudly presenting our output edited by Ma’am Candy Villar [Thank you po!]:

Talentadong Lagunense, itinampok sa People’s Night

ulat nina Alvin James Magno, Ysobelle Denise Lopez, at Lawrence Neil Sagarino

Ganap na alas nuwebe kagabi sa General Paciano Park nagsimula ang People’s Night sa Bañamos Festival 2019.

Naghatid ng ngiti sa mga residente ng Los Baños ang ginanap na ikatlong taong selebrasyon ng People’s Night na nagtatampok ng galing ng mga talentadong kabataang Lagunense. Ayon kay Allan Leron, kinatawan ng tanggapan ni Gov. Ramil Hernandez, ang nasabing programa ay isa sa mga paraan upang hikayatin ang mga turista at mamamayan na higit na kilalanin ang Los Baños. Dagdag pa niya, “ang People’s Night Extreme ay inilunsad upang bigyan ng kasiyahan ang bayan ng Los Baños ngunit ang mas mahalaga ay ang ang ipakita kung ano ang maari pang ipamalas, ang maraming history dito.”

Ang nasabing programa ay isa sa mga tampok na aktibidad sa pagdiriwang ng Bañamos Festival  2019 bilang bahagi ng selebrasyon sa pagkakatatag ng munisipyo ng Los Baños.

Pinalooban ang aktibidad ng pagtatanghal mula sa mga mang-aawit na sina Ramonne, Jason Fernandez, DJ M Beatboxer, at ang bandang Allmost, gayundin ang mananayaw na Gwapitos Dancers.

Nanawagan din si Congresswoman Ruth Mariano-Hernandez ng ikalawang distrito ng Laguna, na nawa’y patuloy na suportahan hindi lamang ang nasabing aktibidad kundi pati na rin ang iba pang programa ng lokal na pamahalaan ng Laguna.

“We see to it po na ang ating gabi ng kasayahan ay ating patuloy na susuportahan. Sana po ay patuloy po tayong sumuporta pati na rin sa ibang programa dahil pagsama-sama, nagkakaisa po tayo, walang problema ang hindi natin kayang solusyunan” dagdag paliwanag ng kongresista.

Nagkaroon din ng isang raffle draw kung saan ang mga nagwagi ay nakatanggap ng mga papremyong electric fan, washing machine, at LED TV.

Sa kabilang banda naman, hinikayat ni Jozylyn Manansala, Los Baños SK Federation President, na makilahok ang kabataan sa gaganaping Bayle sa Kalye sa September 22 (Linggo)  na siyang magtataguyod ng aktibong pakikiisa sa hanay ng kabataan. “Napo-promote kasi dun yung active citizenship nila. Naiinvolve kasi sila sa activities ng baranggay. Nagkakaroon sila na kumbaga sa atin ay yung pagiging patriot nila kasi they take pride lalo na kapag nanalo sila,” ani Manansala.

One of the things that I am looking forward to the most while studying Development Communication is being exposed to fieldwork and being able to go out to communities. When I heard that we would be going out to gather data, I was really excited. Although this activity is just for data gathering and not a community project-based field of work, I was able to experience talking to the staff of Brgy. Timugan with two of my groupmates, Leila and Ezy. The three of us originally didn’t come from Laguna, with the two of my groupmates from Batangas and me from Manila, we have to rely on the information given to us by the people around Los Baños on where the barangay hall is.

When we first came into the Barangay, we were worried because we don’t have a formal letter to give to the barangay officials, because usually, barangay list those on their monthly notes to know that they gave out information to students. But thankfully, the barangay staff were all approachable and they responded to every information that we needed. Based on my experience, I listed 3 things to keep in mind while conducting data gathering in communities:

• 

Remember, when we go out, we represent not only our university but also our college. Practice your professionalism in talking to barangay members. This will be your way of practicing in interacting with other barangay members/local government officials in solving problems in their specific areas in the near future. So, before everything, introduce yourself, your purpose, and do not forget to be confident with what you are saying and polite. Also, not everyone is willing to accept any request about data gathering or interviews without a formal letter so be prepared the next time you will visit any office.

Remember to take notes so that you cannot forget any information being told or observed inside a specific place. If there is something not clear with what the person is saying, do not be afraid to ask for clarifications. If you wanted to ask something that you forgot to ask when you were there, be sure to ask for their contact number so that you can save your time and money.

There is nothing wrong with asking. As media writers, we must always have the quality of being curious and inquisitive. Makulit, kumbaga. Asking helps you understand the communities you will help in the future, the experts and people you interview, and so much more.

• 

• 

By Kristine Maeko Cueto, Leila Katherine Mapa, Reulene Jezreel Matalog

Continuing the festivities of the Bañamos festival from September 16  to September 23, 2019, over 268 people registered for the yearly Zumba-ños, a Zumba activity organized and headed by Los Baños Vice Mayor Antonio Kalaw on September 19, 2019, 4 PM at the Multipurpose Hall in the municipality of Los Baños, Laguna.

Vice Mayor Antonio Kalaw shared that the event was organized yearly to unify all 14 Zumba groups who conduct their weekly Zumba sessions in their respective barangays. “Parang general assembly ito ng mga barangay.” he said. In his opening remarks, he also mentioned the importance of the activity to one’s health. 

The event started with a short prayer followed by a video presentation of the highlights of the previous Zumba-ños. Guest Zumba instructor Wowie De Guzman, actor, and licensed mixxedfit instructor engaged the participants with simple but hip choreographies to the upbeat rhythm. The crowd, all excited to take part regardless of age and gender, was filled with neon colors and bohemian themed outfits. Besides the Zumba dancers from various barangay, employees from different government sectors such as the Philippine National Police and the Bureau of Fire protection participated in the event. 

Drawing of raffles and awarding of best dressed concluded the two-hour event.  A total of 17 raffles were drawn, 7 winners of P500 worth of cash and 10 winners of P500 worth of gift certificates from sponsors. Noli Baldovino, Rhonila Cachuela, and Carmen Garano bagged the title for best dressed for Zumba-ños 2019.

• 

Not everything that the eye sees is true

I am Nikki P. Gatchalian, 18 years of age, a freshmen student and will soon be men only not fresh anymore, taking up the best course in the University of the Philippines – Los Baños, Development Communication. Based on the title of my autobiography, it’s funny to think that I hate being alone but I want to be alone at some times. I am a hot and cold friend because I can be super talkative also on the other hand, I can be the quietest person in the class. I love hanging out with my friends but once I see that something is wrong, I tend to lose interest and lie low a bit. But as my friends from high school said, I’m a good friend because I’m the type of “friend” that is easy to approach and you can learn many things from me. I give the best advice and I treasure my friends more than I treasure my favorite pillow. I am always a click away if my friends need me and can do everything just to make them feel complete.

Some would say that devcom fits my personality well and I think so too since I love writing articles (creative articles not academic) for I can express myself even more. I also have a diary so I can write everything what I feel for a day. I know that this course will bring out the best in me since I am in to journalism. I have a little background about my journalism life, I am a feature writer when I was in elementary but I competed for photojournalism in which I don’t have an idea how to do so. When I started journalism in high school, I joined the radiobroadcasting team also the school paper.

Through my experience I can write many stories and articles. I am pretty sure some of the students can relate to my experiences. I believe that this course will mold me to be the person I want me to be. Development Communication will always have a special place in my heart as it planted knowledge and life lessons that will be cherished forever. Iskolar ng bayan, para sa bayan!

Tampok ang iba’t-ibang awitin at sayawing pambayan, ipinamalas ng mga guro at estudyante mula sa labing siyam na pampublikong paaralan ng Los Baños ang kanilang husay at talento sa ginanap na Cultural Show ng Bañamos Festival 2019 noong ika-20 ng Setyembre sa Paciano Rizal Park.

Kasabay ng ika-18 taon ng Bañamos ay siya ring ika-18 taon na pagdaraos ng Cultural Show na ngayon ay may temang KASkwela: Kultura, Awit, Sayaw pampa Kuwela ng mga Eskwelahan. Ayon kay Ginoong Franco del Castillo, punongguro ng Bambang Elementary School at isa sa mga tagapamahala ng nasabing okasyon: “Alam natin ngayong panahong ito, bibihira na yung nagshashare ng culture natin. So ang ginagawa natin ngayon ay para maibalik at maipakita sa mga mag-aaral na ito yung kultura natin, na hindi natin dapat kalimutan”. Dagdag pa niya, tungkulin nila sa DepEd ang ibalik sa alaala at ipaalam sa mga estudyante ang ating pinagmulan.

Kabilang sa mga nagtanghal ang Los Baños Central Elementary School, Bagong Silang, Bambang, Bayog, B.N. Calara, Lalakay, Lopes, Maakas, Malinta, Mayondon, Paciano Rizal, San Antonio at Tadlac Elementary School. Hindi rin nagpahuli ang mga estudyante ng mga sekundaryang paaralan tulad ng Tuntungin-Putho Integrated National High School, Los Baños National High School-Batong Malake, LBNHS-Poblacion, Mayondon at B.N. Calara National High School gayundin ang stand-alone Senior High School ng Los Baños.

Gayak ang kanilang makukulay na kasuotan ay kanilang itinanghal ang iba-‘t- ibang sayawing pambayan tulad ng La Jota Moncadeña, Curacha, Pandanggo sa Sta.Clara, Konan, Sinisiki, Gaway gaway, Saguin saguin, Pandanggo Rincodana, Malong malong, Alcamfor, Polkabal, Lapay Bantique, Paseo de Iloilo, Panderetas, Singkil, Dugso at Jota Batangueña.

Namangha naman ang mga manonood sa makapanindig-balahibong tugtugin ng Rondalla ng Lalakay. Bitbit ang kanilang mga instrumentong mas malaki pa sa kanila, ipinamalas ng mga batang estudyante ang kanilang galing sa pagtugtog.

Samantala, isang naiibang awitin mula kay Ginoong Joselito Sumangil, isang guro mula sa Lalakay Elementary School at miyembro ng FILSCAP (Filipino Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) ang nagpaindak at nagpapalakpak sa mga panauhin. Diumano, naging inspirasyon niya sa kanyang awiting “Tara na sa Los Baños” ang negatibong pagtingin sa mga mamamayan nito matapos ang kaso ng panghahalay sa isang estudyante ng UPLB. Nais niyang baguhin ang pagtingin na ito at ipakilala ang bayang ng Los Baños. Dagdag pa niya, “Maganda na pinpromote natin lahat ng maganda sa ating bayan”. Mabait, masipag, pogi at maganda – iyan diumano ang mga taga Los Baños.

Iba’t-ibang kaganapan pa ang aabangan sa pagpapatuloy ng isang linggong pagdiriwang ng Bañamos Festival 2019 hanggang sa Linggo.

Para sa isang komprehensibong paglalarawan ng mga kaganapan ng okasyon, hatid namin nina JM at Pamela ng grupong BONAKID ang bidyong ito:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQqH1bnkKis&feature=youtu.be

 

Photos taken by: John Mark Ayap, Pamela Hornilla and Sophia Legion

By Jerome Atangan, Dara Montalbo, and Danica Salcedo

In line with the week-long celebration of the 18^th Bañamos Festival, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (MDRRMO) of Los Baños spearheaded the implementation of various security measures to ensure peace and order, starting from the 16^th of September until the 22^nd.

Prior to the event, the MDRRMO led series of meetings since June, together with the PNP, BFP, Civil Society Organization and other NGOs in planning and crafting a security map. Cynthia N. Quintans, Disaster and Safety officer of Los Banos, said in an interview, “Nilagyan namin sila ng mapa, tapos nilagyan namin ng tao kung saan, kung sino ang mamamahala doon…” Aside from the execution of security measures, first aid stations and emergency medical services were also employed to safeguard the 12,500 registered attendees.

In addition, she mentioned the change in the starting point of the Civic Parade made by the office, from the Olivarez Plaza to Makiling Subdivision, to guarantee the welfare of the townspeople given that the previous location is undergoing construction. Meanwhile, as preparations were set, CCTV cameras were also installed in and outside the Multi-purpose Evacuation Centre as per instruction of the municipal mayor. Tightened security was also observed through the 24/7 surveillance service of the Los Baños PNP.

Quintans also reported that there are lower cases of accidents and fainting spells. The overcast weather proved to be beneficial “ …salamat sa weather, hindi naman sa dahil gusto naming umuulan pero nakatulong siya para mabawasan ang ini,” she explained.  After the parade, two cases of fainting were recorded _one during the civic parade and a pregnant woman during the program –which the MDRRMO units on stand by were able to immediately respond to.

---

Photos captured by: Danica Salcedo

          

           

• 

What do you think? Millions believe that challenges in life are just mere punishments by God, millions do not. Many are uncertain. In my years of existence in this earth packed with life so abundant, I once dreamed of a perfect life, with a perfect family, Sand a perfect self. I fantasized myself living on soft clouds and eating it. I dreamed and woke up, every single day. It makes me feel real, it makes me feel vulnerable. Reminiscing all of that dreams is painful. Those aren’t my truth but rather, an escape to the realness of a four- cornered box of challenges.

Trials await me in the vastness of UPLB. Today, I am still in a state of shock that I’ve been accepted in my dream university. My eighteen- year old soul is afraid of this big pond thinking that I am just a tiny fish. I am still amazed that God, in spite of it all, blessed me with an institution that harness good quality education. As I wander around, I recalled my background as a high school student. I wasn’t a sporty lad but I am academically inclined. I got in my former school’s official publication as a news writer, a feature writer and a broadcaster. This is what drove me to go farther through pursuing a career in Development Communication.

These experiences molded me for what I am today. The hard times that I’ve got into strengthened me as a dreamer. I have known the possibilities and the consequences of taking up Development Communication, and I am beyond prepared for whatever challenges that’ll come my way. This is my call to serve my country as a media writer. To write words that are worth sharing for. To find myself living around principles and practices of development- oriented information. To inspire people with the truth.

As a DevCom student, I believe that challenges are lessons to be an effective media writer. That Development Communication itself is the challenge, but I’m afraid no more. At this point of time, learning is a tool that enables me to become a woman of strength. My weaknesses empower me to be a development communicator. I am Charm Samson Artiola, and this is my truth.

Tampok ang iba’t-ibang awitin at sayawing pambayan, ipinamalas ng mga guro at estudyante mula sa labing siyam na pampublikong paaralan ng Los Baños ang kanilang husay at talento sa ginanap na Cultural Show ng Bañamos Festival 2019 noong ika-20 ng Setyembre sa Paciano Rizal Park.

• 

Para sa kompletong balita bisitahin ang youtube link na naglalaman ng isang kumpletong report ng Grupong Bonakid na kinunan nina Pamela Hornilla at John Mark Ayap at isinalaysay naman ng UPLB Correspondent ng Balitang DebKom (DEVCOM) na si Sophia Legion.

5 insights from a freshie’s first month in college

1. Listen well. In discussions or even in casual conversations, you should give your full attention. It’s a great way to practice your sensitivity, and it also keeps you from embarrassment.

“Listen before you speak, for to speak before you’ve heard the facts will bring humiliation.”
Proverbs 18:13 TPT

2. Read your readings. Reading has three phases: scanning, interpretative reading, and background reading. This shows that you have to start on your task ahead of time because these readings are not your regular ones. You have to put more effort in order to understand them and use them to your advantage during discussions or exams.

“Senseless people find no pleasure in acquiring true wisdom, for all they want to do is impress you with what they know.”
Proverbs 18:2 TPT

3. Look for rest. Some say that a week in college is like a month. That can be true most of the times. So it is important to take in-between breaks and leisure times with good-natured people. Personally, I enjoy small talks and walking alone because it gives me space to process the day and relax myself. I also go home to my family every week so that I can still be a holistic person — don’t let ‘school’ be your world.

“The will to live sustains you when you’re sick, but depression crushes courage and leaves you unable to cope.”
Proverbs 18:14 TPT

4. Keep calm and pray. When everything seems to be going in a full-blown chaos, I do my best not to worry or fret because I’m just gonna make things worse. In those times, the best thing to do is to pray. It has worked for me all the time. Saved me from stress and anxiety. *wink*

“The character of God is a tower of strength, for the lovers of God delight to run into his heart and be exalted on high.”
Proverbs 18:10 TPT

5. Make sure to learn. There have been a lot of inputs on my head for this past four weeks. Sometimes, I feel pressured to absorb everything and to do everything that I end up not learning. Keep in mind that to learn is above the grades that you can make. It is more important and that is the privilege that we have in studying in UPLB.

“An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.”
Proverbs 18:15 ESV