Winter in Canada

For Abaknons dreaming of going or living in Canada, here's a glimpse of how it looks like in the middle of winter.

These pics were sent by Ms. Linda Jao-Astle and were taken in Alberta, Canada.

It's A Date!

A Bountiful Harvest

There's no more denying the fact that nursing is now the "in" profession in the Philippines. It is one field of study that promises to bring the good life to Filipinos, particularly when they brave the challenge of working abroad.

But before the promise gets fulfilled, graduates must face the daunting task of passing the board exams. Unfortunately, many dreams get waylaid in the process.

That's why it is indeed heartwarming to know that the Abaknon nursing graduates still prove to all and sundry that they are no push-overs. The recent results confirm that they indeed have what it takes to make it despite the strong competition.

From the University of Eastern Philippines, Gillashe E. Bacayo, Julius L. Magloyuan, Mariane B. Marzol, Marlo M. Salazar and Jed T. Saluib (all from UEP College of Nursing Batch 2009) passed. That's 5 out of 5 or a 100 passing rate for the Abaknons. Gillashe, Julius and Marlo graduated Cum Laude last year. Their batch got an 83% passing rate compared to the 39% national passing rate, the lowest rate ever in the history of the nursing board exam.

Other Abaknon passers include Leslie Ann Canapi and Mae Joy Catucod.

 from left to right Jed Saluib, Marlo Salazar, Mrs. Evelyn Balanquit, Gillashe Bacayo, Marriane Marzol

 

(UEP data from Ms. Evelyn Balanquit)

Viva Sto. Nino!

One most-awaited event now in Capul is the celebration of the Feast of the Sto. Nino, usually being celebrated during the third Sunday of January (it used to be May). From what used to be a regular fluvial parade followed by a reception in the hermano's house, it has since evolved into a beach party where the entire Abaknon community participates.

In recent years, the beaches of Oson have hosted the fanfare, particularly the Abak Beach. There people show their veneration to the Christ-child, as they engage in games, dances and of course, the drinking of potions that make everyone crazier than usual. The pics here will show just how zany things become when Capulenos drop their inhibitions and just enjoy.

(pics courtesy of Medy Cabacang & Richie Enecillo)

Mana Sol Celebrates Birthday

Mrs. Sol Calamay celebrated her 80th birthday last Sunday, January 24, at Cita Italia Village in Bacoor, Cavite (Chito Calamay's residence). Friends and relatives came to greet her on this important milestone.

Son Gemelo and Mana Maring Ramirez led the guests in singing the birthday song.

Pasidungog '09: A Tribute to Capul's Teachers

Posting here some pics taken during the the Pasidungog '09 last December 19, an event sponsored by the Capul LGU to recognize and honor the exemplary work of all teachers based in Capul, including the retirees. Not all the awardees are featured here, but needless to say, we salute all of them for the selfless dedication they have displayed in molding the minds and character of our young.

Las Vegas Reunion

Abaknons based in Las Vegas invites all available Capulenos to join them in a reunion set for April 17 and 18, 2010 in the "city that never sleeps".

Some of those based in Canada and other parts of the US have already confirmed attendance and the others who are likewise inclined to joined may simply contact Ms. Mila Ortego for details. Here are their contact numbers:

Mila Ortego - 702-358-8374
Nida Halpin - 702-526-7503

This looks like fun.

Ivan Henares Blogs About Capul

Ivan Henares is an award-winning travel blogger and photographer, focusing mostly on the Phillipines' natural and cultural heritage.

Apparently, he went to Capul recently and he featured our place in his blog, Ivan About Town.

http://www.ivanhenares.com/2010/01/northern-samar-capul-islands-lighthouse.html

Say kaam makakulaw si mga iya ngan padairay na?

The Day They Partied In the Streets

One interesting thing during the recent celebration of Christmas Day in Capul (in the Poblacion, at least) was the proliferation of neighborhood street parties.

Instead of having exclusive fun in their respective houses, the neighbors decided to bunch together and move the parties out of their homes - into the streets where every passerby is welcome to join. What resulted was riotous fun, while under the scorching heat of noontime sun!

These pics were taken from the celebrations in Brgy. 4, both in the Sta. Rosa and Ermita sides. The one in Ermita was the official party of the barangay and it was there where the ladies fondly called the "Sipag Dancers" a parody of CAIS's CPAG, came garbed in funny outfits and became the official event entertainers.

Similar parties were simultaneously held all over the streets of bungto, but unfortunately, Bandilyo's official photographer got his ample share of the drinks and thus conveniently forgot to take pics. Those who were able to document the Christmas Day fun are welcome to send their mementos.

Baptism and a Birthday

Two recent children's events were captured by the Bandilyo camera. And as requisite for all Abaknons, these occasions became venues for fun-filled bonding for the adults, where people partied until the sound system cracked and the wine bottles ran dry.

I. Baptism
Fiona Sofia Ortego Gaco (Rommel Gaco & Cecile Ortego)
December 16, 2009
Marikina

II. Birthday
Alexa Nichole Castillo-Sauro
December 25, 2009

Chirtmas Midnight Mass: Random Shots

Gift-Giving Caroling '09

On the eve of December 23, a gift-giving caroling was held. With the members of the CAIS Performing Arts Guild (headed by Ms. Jinky Fem Castillo) as singers, food items were distributed to selected senior citizens and families (with inputs from Auntie Fely of the local DSWD).

As it was last year, the beneficiaries were pleasantly surprised that they received gifts instead of giving-out their precious cash.

In the above picture, we visited the man better known as "Mayor Cabili". Though frail, he still crawled out of bed and appreciated the Christmas songs and gifts. Being the jolly person that he always was, he even joked as he looked as himself not being able to stand "gae pa katunggo Pacquiao".

It turned out to be his last joke as he died a few hours after we left. May his soul rest in peace.

We hope this practice continues in the years to come. To all those who supported the activity, may you be blessed more. Thank you!

ASL Marikina Dance Party

To cap the basketball games sponsored by the Abaknon Sports League, a dance party was held simultaneously with the awarding ceremonies on December 20 at the Marikina Riverside Park.

As expected, Capuleños came in droves even if it was a Sunday. As the pics confirm, everyone danced and drank to his heart's content.



Kudos to the ASL for a job well done.

Capul LGU Christmas Party

Mayor Ignacio Cascaño Sr. led Capul's LGU workforce in celebrating the Christmas season last December 17. Here are some pics of the fun event - as everyone indulged in sumptuous food, lots of dancing and games.


pictures courtesy of Ian Castillo.

ASL Basketball Elims: Mixed Shots

A Very Heartwarming Event

The Christmas party for Marikina children last Sunday was a smash hit. Lots of kids enjoyed merienda and games. Some parents even joined the fun.

Thanks much to the efforts of the Capul Pink Organization and other volunteers, we were able to bring Christmas cheers to the children who have gone through the nightmarish Ondoy.

But of course, our deepest gratitude goes to the generous Abaknons from all over the world, who gave cash and stuff for these victims. Posted here are the happy faces we saw, and surely, our donors will share with us the elating feeling of having shared to people who badly need our support.

Mahaya salamat and Merry Christmas to everyone!

Marikina Chidren's Fun Day

Everyone is invited to participate in the Children's Fun Day in Marikina this Sunday, December 13 at about 3:00 in the afternoon. We will be treating the children to some food, gifts and games.

As part of our relief and reconstruction efforts, we are doing this to somehow lessen the trauma that the children suffered during the recent typhoons and to remind them that despite the onslaught of calamities, the spirit of Christmas lives on.

For those who have resources to spare, you may bring gifts which we can raffle off to the children.

And again, to the generous donors, our deepest gratitude.

Baragat kitam ari!

Capul Soccer Teams Demolish Foes

Once again, the Capuleño footballers showed great class yesterday as they conquered all other pretenders to the provincial soccer throne.

Both the elementary and high school teams emerged as champions in the provincial meet, giving them the right to represent Northern Samar in the EVRAA.

This feat though is not uncommon as Capul's Teams have all these years been the title holders - as they have even reached the Palarong Pambansa where they placed 6th at one point.


The winning teams were composed of the following:

Elementary Soccer Team:

Coach: Mr. Manuel Catucod

1. Enecillo, Reggie Boy

2. Congzon, Dominic

3. Balon, Marko Paulo

4. Congzon, Ian Harvey

5. Guardiano, Ivan kier

6. Gacilo, Hermie

7. Esquillo, Jayno

8. Magdaraog, Jefferson

9. Garais, Jeb

(list still incomplete)

High School Team:

Coach: Mr. Luis Ombrog

1. Galosmo, Bobby

2. Castillo, Arman

3. Eusibio, Jefferson

4. Ombrog, Kenken

5. Ombrog, Melvin

6. Ombrog, Arceo

7. Saluib, Emerald

8. Montopar, Jessan

9. Saluib, Jay

10. Flores, Nino

11. Ortega, Rojevelle

12 Catucod, Cyrus

13. Bandal, Kevin

14. Manaog, Allan Paul

15. Recluta, Eric

From the Administrator:

Soccer is now proving to be Capul's main and most rewarding sport. This tradition of excellence needs to be pursued, so there has to be a comprehensive plan to continually upgrade the players' skills.

We need to support these kids. One of these days, this site will feature the means as to how each and everyone of us can share in the effort. Many thanks in advance.

(pics sent by Ian Castillo)

Belated Greetings, Mansuette!

Bandilyo Abaknon sends belated natal day greetings to Mansuette Cabacang who recently turned 30 :-) .

More birthdays to come!

Local Line-Ups Now Complete

Candidates for the Capul Local Government Unit have now filed their Certificates of Candidacy. The following are the line-ups for the contending parties:

Lakas-Kampi

Mayor - Ignacio Cascano Sr.
Vice Mayor - Veronica B. Castillo

Councilors:

Renato Pasco
Wenceslao Castillo
Arnel Ortego
Balthazar "Ben" Pernito
Martha Pelito
Ignacio "Igning" Magloyuan
Marlon Mente
Ian Castillo

Liberal Party

Mayor - Isidro "Bano" Bandal
Vice Mayor - Remigio "Moming" Ortego

Councilors:

Joselito "Letlet" Catucod
Edwin Castillo
Roland Pineda
Rhea Sauro
Leon Castillo Jr.
Nanette Magdaraog-Odtujan
Ason Bonabon
Carlos "Caroy" Manaog

Independent:

For Mayor - Col. Orlando "Orling" Odtujan (Ret.)

From the Administrator:

It's still a long way to go before election time. I hope the candidates and their supporters alike will keep their composure for the entire stretch and just peacefully enjoy the democratic process. We appreciate and laud the candidates for their desire to serve the hometown we all so love. And with that as common ground, we expect everyone to play fair and square and show to the world that our small island is one place where politics is but secondary to our bond as Abaknons.

For the voters, let's all listen to what the candidates offer. Let everyone be heard. After that, let's all ponder and decide who among those aspirants have the best plans for our town. In the end, that's all that should matter.

Good luck to all!