Walk. The places we go. The people we meet.
The Oriental Waves
MARCH | 2013 | Vol 20. No 3
Contents. We Were Moving
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Mati: your next destination The sleeping dinosaur / 14 The Baywalk / 16 Haven for the soul / 22 Oriental’s best kept secret / 31
THE PLACE To be misunderstood is to be great
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Supermodel from the south / 19 The Cinephone Boy / 30
THE PEOPLE A Child’s Play
Impressive Jazz Chant / 27 10 reason’s why it’s more fun in Mati / 34 Music, Passion and Dedication / 35 Mati: A film roll / 38
17 24 FAVORITES
Walk Magazine would like to thank
Green Coffee | Junnie Artajo | Gemima Valderrama Ateneo de Davao University | Humanities and Letters Department AS Productions | Atenews | WWW.AIDXPAREDES.COM | Mr. and Mrs. Valencia | Mayor Michelle Rabat | And the people of Mati City |
Walker’s map and clock Destination: Mati, Davao Oriental Breakfast at Tagum
5:00 AM
The Capitol Carmelite Monastery Don Luis Rabat Elem. School
9:00 AM 7:30 AM
Departure from Davao
11:00 AM The Sleeping Dinosaur Mati City Hall Baywalk
Amihan sa Dahican
1:30 PM
Davao bound
5:00 PM 9:30 PM
2:00PM Late lunch at Dahican
The Capitol
Infographics | Jam Allaga
Walk. The places we go. The people we meet.
Editorial Board Augustine Paredes Jamela Rae Allaga Editors-in-Chief Krizzaleen Valencia Associate Editor Jemimah D’lonsod Features Editor Kristine Melody Perez Managing Editor Paula Bianca Bravo Diana Jean Tuquib Marc Esponilla Writers Gemima Valderrama Moderator
About the cover The cover reveals the playfulness of the bubbles on the shore, the calmness
of the weather, the wideness of the Dahican beach. We want the magazine’s face fresh and pleasing. On the cover, you will see bright colors that will surely excite readers to flip and read every page in our magazine. Also, the woman is Krizzaleen Valencia, Ford Supermodel Top 3, reveals a beautiful and creative side of her. The front page shows that we are inviting people to look at what we have captured and know what we have encountered during our Walk.
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From the editors’ desk Editors-in-Chief Travelling is one thing most people like to do. We know that it is in every traveller’s check-list to know something about the place they want to travel. In our magazine, we will bring you more than what is seen on pictures, more than facts about what is in the place; we will present an in-depth look also to the people in the community. We also aim to deliver what is behind the beauty of the oriental -Mati City. Last February 6, the third year Mass Communication students experienced a trip that they will surely keep in their hearts. Although it seemed like it was fun, the things we did in Mati were tough. We have to go around the city and see the places for a few minutes only. It was quick but we had enough experience to say that Mati is the place to be. The places we went to were nevertheless breathtaking. It was unforgettable, from the shore to the sky. Mati gave us a chance to know the difference between the urban lifestyle we live, and the simplicity that Matinians experience everyday. It was a humbling experience too, that we were able to meet the students of Don Luis Rabat Elementary School. The fact that we have immersed ourselves with the lives of these children brought our feet to the ground to feel the blessings we have and somehow take for granted.
Jamela Rae Allaga
The Walk team is proud to present what we have seen and gone through in our trip. Take time to walk with us and be to the places we have been and meet the people we have met.
Augustine Paredes
The Sun Awaits We Were Moving Mati: your next destination The Sleeping dinosaur To be misunderstood is to be great The Baywalk
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Walker’s Journal: The Sunrise
We Were Moving Augustine Paredes
It was always exciting for a class to go to a trip and bond with each other. But field trips mixed with bonding sessions will never happen in college life. All the trips should have work and assignments as a priority. The fun will just be a side trip if ever there is time.
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etting up in the wee hours of the morning, carrying heavy bags, setting minds to work mode, and rushing to get in time is normally exhausting for all of us. The thought of it, seeing your classmates all at once during the dawn, was fun at first until it was realized. The waiting was long, our minds were sleepy, and everything was dependent to the arrival of everyone. Forgetting the negative vibes was easy, knowing that good and positive vibes were needed for articles to be written prosperously and pictures to be taken greatly. All the negativity and pessimism were definitely eliminated when everyone was packed inside the bus. The exciting truth finally sunk in to our systems, that we were going to Mati and we were about to experience the beach, the sun, and the fun.
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It was almost 6 o’clock in the morning when we started moving, and we were actually waiting for the sun rays to visit our windows and wake our souls up with their warmth. But it never happened, the sun was out but the clouds were too dark and everything else was gloomy. Seeing everyone lean on the window, or their friend in their seats was a peaceful sight. It is unlikely for a Mass Communication class to be still and silent, and it was always good to see a new sight. Everything else was moving, but we were staying still and waiting for the sunrise that never visited our windows. We were still and peaceful in the morning, probably because we were all tired, when the whole world was moving around us. The scenes going to Mati was beautiful, and it was unforgettable. It could’ve been perfect if the sun did rise, but some things aren’t meant to be perfect. Maybe it was because the perfection shouldn’t be
seen on the way, maybe the perfection we were looking for was made to be experienced in the beach, under the sun, with never ending fun.
The birds flew, and moved with the rest of the world. They seemed to welcome the sun as it should have shone.
We were seeing an unfamiliar ground, while we headed to our destination. Seeing withered trees, behind the gloomy background, was somehow surreal and unforgettable.
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Mati: your next destination Krizzaleen Valencia
Known as one of the promising cities in Mindanao, with sought after beach destinations, the City of Mati continues to captivate tourists for its lovely town that will surely make anyone lax and stress-free.
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isiting Mati will surely make you feel the vintage vibe all around the town. Starting off with the great old trees in the zigzagged road of Badas where everyone can see the beauty of the famous “Sleeping Dinosaur.” Going to the City proper of Mati, you will also see the vintage towering time teller located at Mati’s municipal hall. No wonder, why it has the vintage vibe, because Mati was founded in the year 1903. “Mati is older than Davao City,” Mayor Michelle Rabat told the reporters. However, Mati was only proclaimed as a City last June 19, 2007.
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Don’t forget to visit their Provincial Capitol and feel like you are in a new town. This is because of its Grecianlook. The Provincial Capital is fondly called their own version of America’s White House. It is also ideal to walk and jog around the vicinity because it gives off a clean and peaceful vibe, that can’t be seen in the other cities of the Philippines.
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We can boast that this province has the longest coastline. Almost all of our beaches have white sand.
On the other hand, “Touristas” will surely look for a silent place where one could meditate and reflect especially during the Holy week. The Carmel of Saint Theresa of Jesus Monastery better known as the Carmelite Monastery is the perfect place to do such things. Before seeing the life-sized sculptures of all the mysteries of the Holy rosary, you first need to pass through a hanging bridge. Moreover, the Mati Park and their baywalk is one of Mati’s pride. The baywalk, which is approximately 1.5 hectares wide, will surely be enticing to the tourists because of the scenic view of vast blue and crystal waters in front of the park. In front of the park is the Pujada Bay which is the home of marine creatures such as the dolphins, Dugong, hawksbill, green sea turtles, and whale sharks, the tourist will surely enjoy the sight of these beautiful sea creatures which have been enjoyed by the people of Mati. Furthermore, three major festivals are held annually in the bay walk, The Pagsa-ulog festival on January, Pujada Bay Festival on June and Sambuokan Festival on October. “We do the festivals grandiosely with a different kind of grandeur every year,” Karlo Mark Malba of the City Tourism of Mati said when asked about the festivals. And of course, who will not be amazed by the pristine white sand beaches of Mati? Dahican is just one of those beaches which is known to
skim boarding enthusiasts for its gentle but gushing waves. “We can boast that this province has the longest coastline. And almost all of our beaches have white sand,” Mayor Rabat said. There’s a lot more to discover about Mati. Why don’t you take a walk with us to discover and witness it yourself?
Swim to get to the boat, and fish with the fishermen.
To get to the prayer garden, you should pass through the 100 meter hanging bridge.
Calm and Serene Sleeping Dinosaur Island, one of Mati’s famous landmark, welcomes tourists as they enter their way to the beauty of Davao Oriental.The island displays a breath-taking scenic view along the winding road in Badas Point that heads to the city. It has approximately 579 hectares. It can easily be reached by motorboat within 25 minutes. The easiest way to get to the province is through the Madaum diversion road which is shorter than the Davao-Tagum highway via private transportation or overland bus ride bound for Mati City approximately 165 kilometers, or about four hours drive from the Davao Ecoland Bus Terminal in Davao City.
Walker’s Aperture: The Sleeping Dinosaur According to Olan Emboscado, a travel blogger, it is greatly admired especially by those first timers. There are view decks made for tourists and travelers wanting to capture the gorgeousness of this sleeping beauty. In fact, it is the first welcoming attraction one will see upon entering the soil of the City.
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Photo Essay | Tsim Valencia and Jam Allaga
Calm and Serene. This two words would definitely fit the ambiance of the island that resembles a Plesiosaur-shaped dinosaur sleeping in Badas Point, Barangay Dawan.
To be misunderstood is to be great Jemimah D’lonsod
Strict, tough and strong-willed – these are the words that describe the fundamental person behind the success and development of Mati, Davao Oriental. Mayor Michelle N. Rabat, coming from the well known clan of the Rabats took the courage to continue the legacy of his father and the late mayor of Mati, Francisco Rabat. She left the corporate world she has been accustomed to working in and went back to Mati to serve the people. She also applied the things she learned in the corporate world in her ways of governing.
feel that the people in-charge are really working and not just giving promises and false hopes. So far, Mayor Rabat is true in her words because Mati now is developing as a city.
To u r i s m has always been the Mati’s edge over other cities, and Mayor Rabat and her constituents are focusing on developing just that. Their investments have been poured on promoting and developing the different tourist spots of the city and they are making use of the city’s wonder “We don’t like trapos (tradi- ful natural resources. As a result, the tional politician) and epals here, so I number of tourists visiting the city followed how things are done in the has already levelled up. corporate world” Mayor Rabat said. She is really focused and strict on On another note, political implementing the projects and poli- dynasty is also an issue in Mati and cies of their administration. The peo- mayor Rabat also shared her stand ple have to feel that there is truly a regarding it. “I believe we are still government by making them see and here, (the Rabats) because we have
really implanted great things to the people of Mati especially my Father. He has worked hard to gain this kind of trust from the people. But at the end of the day it’s the people who decide.“ She is strict so that things they have planned for Mati will really be implemented. She’s tough because that’s how a Mayor of a city should be. And she is strongwilled to serve the people and bring betterment to Mati even if her ways are sometimes misunderstood. As they say, to be great is to be misunderstood -- that’s the woman behind Mati‘s progress.
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The Baywalk Krizzaleen Valencia
It is a “place where Matinians unwind” with their families and friends. A place where one can take a glimpse of the majestic Pujada Bay. A beautiful place where one can just relax by just sitting on the benches while closing one’s eye to hear and feel the cold sea breeze.
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he Mati Park and Baywalk is one of Mati’s pride. The baywalk, which is approximately 1.5 hectares huge, will surely be enticing to the tourists because of the vast pristine sea they will see in front of the park.
On the month of January, the City of Mati celebrates the Pagsa-ulog festival, a festival that originated from the famous Sinulog festival of Cebu which commenced last January 2010. They also have the Pujada Festival in their goal to promote, protect and preserve the Pujada Bay. It will be on its 9th year since its inception last June 2004. And on the month of October is the celebration of the Sambuokan festival, which is based on the idea of promoting the “oneness of the Matinians”.
Because Pujada Bay (which is in front of the Baywalk) is also the home of marine creatures such as the dolphins, sea cows (Dugong), hawksbill and green sea turtles, and whale sharks (Butanding), the Matinians especially the tourist might as well enjoy the sight of these beautiful sea crea Karlo Mark Malba of the City tures. Tourism of Mati said the City Govern The attraction should really not ment of Mati is planning to develop be missed for these sea creatures are the baywalk. “We are also planning to make a greener pasture here in the truly a wonderful sight to see. Baywalk,” Malba said. Major celebrations are also held in the baywalk annually.
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Noon And Sharp Supermodel from the South Haven for the Soul A Child’s Play Impressive Jazz Chant
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Supermodel from the South Diana Jean Tuquib
SUPERMODEL from the South
Krizzaleen Valencia, also known as Tsim, was the Ateneo de Davao University’s Foto Modelo Season 2 Champion for the female category held last September 2012. She was also one of the top 3 finalist of the Supermodel Philippines 2012 (formerly known as Ford Supermodel of the World - Philippines) in October of the same year.
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ith a skinny body and collar bones that most women nowadays would die for, Tsim did not like her body before and did not wish to become a model. She also did not think that she was capable of being a model. But after observing the models in magazines and videos, she decided to give modelling a try. “Way back when I was younger, I didn’t like the fact that I was too thin. Ginareject ko ang fact na may collarbones ako. Observing lang sa mga magazines and videos – ano’ng ginagawa nila - parang na-engganyo ako na magtry,” Tsim said. “I didn’t think that I was fit for that level. Someone just encouraged me and I just tried.”
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After giving modelling a try, she fell in love with it. “I became a model simply because I fell in love with what a model does. If you think that modelling
is just pure glamour and fame, then you’ve got the wrong idea,” she said. Standing 5’8.5” tall, Tsim started as a runway model when she was discovered by a manager of a local modelling agency in Davao City in March 2012. She also began posing for photographers and designers. Then she trained at a modelling school in Makati City. There, she learned that it’s not easy to become a model. “Nalaman ko na hindi basta basta ang work ng isang model. You have to really work hard,” she said. “Sa trabaho kailangan may passion, art, and creativity.” (I learned that the work of a model is not easy. She also learned the importance of discipline. “If they say that you have to be there by 1:00 PM, you have to be there 30 minutes before one. Kasi 30 minutes before the call time, ‘pag tinawag ka at wala ka, kahit anong makaawa mo hindi ka na kasali sa show.”
In the modelling school where she trained, she also met the person that she really looks up to Chriscel Agudo, 2nd runner up of The Elite Look of the Year in 1995 and school administrator of the Masters School for Models.
“It’s hard to do things at the same time, like school and modelling. It’s really hard. Modelling here in Davao city is not that big. Unlike in Manila, andoon talaga lahat lahat. Hindi ko pa masyado na-explore ang world ng modelling.”
“I was really starstruck when I saw her. She was very beautiful.,” Tsim recalled.
Despite her struggle to balance her work and studies, she remained focused and determined to be successful in the two. She also keeps herself humble and her feet firmly planted on the ground.
One of the things that she learned from Agudo was to work hard not for the title, but for her to stay longer in the industry. “Di baleng walang title. Title is not important naman daw. What’s more important is who stays in the industry. You really have to work your way up.” While working as a model, Tsim is also currently in her third year studying AB Mass Communication. She says that balancing her work and her studies is no easy task.
For those who want to be like her, Tsim Valencia has a few words to say: “Just be yourself. ‘Yon ang pinaka-ultimate idea. Love what you are doing. If you love what you do, you’ll be happy. You also have to stay grounded. Dapat hindi lumaki ang ulo kasi no one will book you any projects if may attitude problem ka.”
Sa trabaho kailangan may passion, art, and creativity
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Haven for the Soul Marc Leo Esponilla
In Mati City, leisure and relaxation cannot just be found on enticing beach resorts but it can also be found in a church realms.
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ati is not just a city full of beaches. The Carmelite Monastery in barangay Matiao, is a 16-hectare land that holds a magnificent church and a wide garden that does not only give the visitors a chance to pray but also relax and enjoy nature’s best. The monastery’s garden is attracting most of the visitors during holy week and Christmas time. The Carmelite Monastery is always jam-packed during the Christmas season as the people attend the Misa De Gallo. Also during this time, the monastery shines bright with beautiful arrangement of lights. But aside from the Eucharistic celebrations held in the monastery, the monks also produce and hold events for people to go and participate in. Aside from the church, most of the
monastery is composed of a prayer garden, which can be seen through passing a 100-meter hanging bridge. The prayer garden has lifesized statues of the Virgin Mary and the Archangel Gabriel, as well as statues representing all the mysteries of the Holy Rosary. These statues make the place unique and attractive to tourists. The prayer garden provides people a place to experience a peaceful mood. It also allows visitors to feel God’s presence and the beauty of the world He has created.
It’s a wonderful place that almost has it all, a soothing venue to relax, a little adventure and most of all, a place to reflect and forget about the hassle and stressful vibe of every day work. The Carmelite monastery is definitely a sight to see in Mati.
A Child’s Play Diana Jean Tuquib
Ideally, the children should have nothing to worry about but school activities. However, for Itmar Iko, a 12-year-old school boy of Don Luis Rabat Memorial Elementary School, that is not the case.
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e sat on his chair and looked at his feet while being interviewed. He was a bit skinny and was around three to four feet tall. He was very shy and gave only very short responses. He lives near the school with his sibling and his grandparents, while his mother works in the city proper of Mati. At a very young age, instead of running around and playing, Itmar helps his grandfather earn money by looking for shells by the shore every Sunday. Because of too much sun exposure, his skin became burnt and his hair had turned from black to orange. When asked about what he does, “Manginhas kada Domingo,” Itmar said softly. (I look for shells every Sunday.) Sometimes, he also skips classes to look for shells and earn money. He gathers around four kilograms of shells and sells them for 60 pesos per kilogram. When asked if he likes going to school, he answered sadly, “Ganahan (I do).”
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In the past, children couldn’t go to school because it was in the city proper and was far from their houses. To solve this problem, the Don Luis Rabat Elementary School made education more accessible to students. However, due to financial problems, students like Itmar skip classes to earn money.
Impressive Jazz Chant Paula Bianca Bravo
Presentations with so much preparation and welcoming approach, this is what the City of Mati always does for their visiting tourists. And surely, they didn’t fail to amaze the third year Mass Communication students during their trip to Mati last February 6. While inside the bus, the students were surprised when three tour guides suddenly sang a very cool jazz chant and did a breathtaking number as Karlo Mark Malba detailed all the tourist spots in the City of Mati. All were surprised and were eventually amazed by the performance. They received a big round of applause for showing a very creative and traditional way of promoting Mati City. And last but not the least, was the surprise presentation during lunchtime. Same with what the tourist guides sang in the bus, performers enthusiastically danced with colorful traditional costumes and gracefully performed the jazz chant with a song entitled as “Duaw Mati”. Eating while watching the pleasing presentation made the experience even more memorable. “Duaw Mati” means “Visit Mati City,” and despite its being a promotional song about the beauty and wonders of the place, it is still so pleasing to the ears. This song is culture-based and was originally composed by the members of the troupe. Karlo, the tour guide, said that their aim was to invite and encourage tourists to visit Mati. The performers and their presentations are all part of the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Events/Exhibits (MICE). Their astonishing performance did not only left their audience in awe, but also proudly presented the splendor of Mati. No wonder the group reached national level. Indeed, their performance was an unforgettable welcoming presentation.
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Dusk Approach The Cinephone Boy Oriental’s Best Kept Secret 10 Reason’s why it’s more fun in Mindanao
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The Cinephone Boy Krizzaleen Valencia
Never have he imagined that coming in that event only to accompany his friends, would make him a “successful film maker in the making”.
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nju de Vera, 18, is a mass communi- ily I made it to the top 20 and so I told my classcation student of the Ateneo de Davao mates about it,” He said. University. From there, he invited some of his classTo his surprise, Director Paul Soriano mates to help him in producing the film. Therecame by to their school to encourage students by, creating the dmock productions consisting of to join in the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) mass communication students. Cinephone competition with “road courtesy” as His short film entitled “The boy, the girl this years’ theme. Anju shares it was his class- mates’ who wanted to come to the event to see and the traffic man” was his entry in the MMFF their admired director. Cinephone competition where he was chosen as one of the 6 winners in the nationwide com “I never told my classmates that I would petition held at the Meralco Theater in Manila, Philipjoin the contest. I just submitted a story then luck- pines.
Anju proudly said that mindanawons specially His achievement as a filmmaker proved his the Dabawenyos have the great ability to express their thought that “taking chances” is indeed a great move. selves through different crafts even though Mindanao “It became a lesson for me that I should take op- is far from the capitol region. portunities because before, I was afraid to join in these When asked what would he be like ten years kind of contest. The competition gave way for me to re- alize that we should grab opportunities as long as it is from now, he says “Ten years from now, I’m sitting in my own house, in front of a laptop and someone’s trythere,” he said. ing to call me na magshoshoot na daw”. While most people view Mindanao as a land of Truly, mindanawons have the heart to show chaos, he shares mindanawons “have something to share that others like people from Luzon and Visayas could do,” true passion for their craft. Mindanao might be far from the busy industries of fashion, film and others, but this he cited. does not stop mindanawons to show to their country what they got.
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Oriental’s Best Kept Secret Jemimah D’lonsod
There are many beaches surrounding the city of Mati, and Dahican beach is a favorite of many. Dahican beach is tucked in one of the many coves of Davao Oriental. It is known for its serene environment, white sand, and big yet beautiful waves. It also sports a breathtaking view of the horizon. How to get there Book a flight to Davao International Airport and from there you can either take the van or the bus going to Mati. Upon reaching Mati, you can either take a near 10-kilometer jog to the beach or you can simply ride a motorcycle going to Dahican public beach. Mati is a small place, and motorcycle drivers know names of establishments. Things to try Surfing Dahican offers some pretty big waves especially if you come during peak seasons. Surfing is usually the reason why tourists pay this beach a visit. Fishing Just outside the coves of Dahican are local fishermen that would love to have a helping hand with their job. Fishing with them is fun, but that’s if you can swim towards the deep blue waters where the boats stay.
Botona Beach Resort A kilometer or half away from the shoreline of the public beach, this beach resort is one of the best in Mati. The resort has a swimming pool look to its shoreline, having walls of stone around the edges of the water and a cemented beach floor. Tip When on the inverted pshaped fence of Botona, try tucking yourself outside the left side of the fence and just below the squareshaped head of the letter “P.” It is a spot where you can relax because the waves are light and the seabed is rock free. This is a nice spot to chat or to simply relax while taking time to enjoy the breathtaking view of the horizon.
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It is more fun in Mindanao because it has a lot to offer in terms of adventure, beautiful sceneries, rich culture and the delectable delicacies in every tribe and town. Plus the laid back feel it gives to every vacationing tourist. Not to forget the wonderful Mindanaons! Josie Lim
Reasons why it’s more fun in Mindanao It is more fun in Mindanao because amidst cultural difference, we unite as Filipinos. :) Ash Lagon I’m a nature lover and I think it’s more fun in mindanao because you can see landscapes and species like no other place in the world. Sahar Toghyani Kasi developing pa halos lahat ng places sa mindanao. so there’s both natural/man-made na spots and mga malls and stores na bago for mindanawons. Farrah Galang It’s filled with nature’s blue and green, compared to Luzon’s industrialization. Adzie Madronero Because it’s culture is richer and it’s nature is wilder. Dense Modesto
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Iba ang culture sa Mindanao. Mas rich ang culture. Marami ang tourist destination. Jane Villegas Although nakapuyo ka sa cityduol gihapon ka sa nature. A city and nature in one. Franz Dorado Life in Mindanao dili kaayo siya fast pace so medyo relax lang siya compared to other cities. Kirsten Ilajas Daghan trees. Virgin pa ang atong forests. Life is easier kay lesser pollution. Dili rampant ang development pero mapansin siya. Ang focus sa government ang people, especially sa livelihood. Kris Tipon
Music, Passion and Dedication Kristine Melody Perez
A song may be likened to an onion, with lots of layers covering it. As you peel each one of it, you’ll see what really lies underneath; the lyrics, the melody, the meaning, the composer wants to deliver and as well as how the artist was also able to deliver it. But sometimes, we tend to forget that it’s not just the composer, the interpreter and artist that encompasses the whole song. Before it can even make it to top charts, it all goes back to the man who made sure that people will truly appreciate the quality of the song. And that person happens to be Sir Ryan, himself.
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yan Cris M. Rellon was born on August 18, 1977. His parents originally lived in Cebu but he was born and raised here in Davao. He graduated from the University of Mindanao and he was studying Bachelor of Science in Accountancy. Before he really started in the music industry, he was also into photography and videography. Even though it was their family business, he decided to branch out and verge to the field he truly loves which is sound engineering. He also knows to play the instruments like the drums and piano. His early experience as a sound engineer was on the year 1998, when he worked in a broadcast company wherein they have their own production room. As a working student at that time, it gave him the surge of thrill and excitement with this new kind of environ-
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ment. He was certain that one day, he would really pursue it and create a studio of his own. From the basic knowledge about recording that he got from his previous job, his next great teacher was himself. Ryan strived to learn more and improve his knowledge about it. The real challenge was, whenever he has concerns and inquiries, he has no one else to rely on but himself. “The best teacher you’ll ever have is experience. Every day, there is a learning experience,” he said. “Music is a combination of science and art,” he explained. Recording music isn’t as easy as one click in the mouse. It takes a lot of knowledge to make sure that the quality and the wholeness of the song isn’t sacrificed; preparing it for the listeners in the near future. One doesn’t just have to be creative or just knowledgeable when it comes to music, but the person must have the skill of combining creativity and science rolled into one. Until now, he still can believe that known artists, companies and music icons truly trusts him and considers his opinion as vital to the success of the whole song. “Before, I just use to idolize and look up to him (Wency Cornejo) before but now, who knew that I’ll be lucky enough to work with him?” he said. Wency Cornejo, from the band
of After Image, worked with him in the re-making of the soundtrack of “Magpakailanman” television show in GMA. Aside from him, he was also lucky enough to also work with a lot of home-grown talents like Max Surban who popularized the song “Albularyong Buta”. Also, he was the one who recorded the well-known song of the band 1017 which is “Charing”. In addition, he also recorded the song “Hubag” by the band Thavawenyos. Jay Durias, Michael Alba, Mark Asiong, KZ Tandingan and Maan Chua are also few of the people who believed and trusted his skill in this field. On the other hand, he also worked with companies who recorded their commercial jingle in his recording studio like I Love Sushi, SM Davao, Nestle Philippines, Tower Inn and DSWD. For political jingles, he recorded the jingles of Governor Arturo “Chongkee” Uy, Gov. “Migs” Dominguez of Saranggani Province and also our very own former Mayor Rodrigo “Rody” Duterte and Vice-Mayor “Inday” Sara Duterte of Davao City. And for the
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schools, institutions like Ateneo De Davao High School, Ateneo De Davao University, University of Immaculate Concepcion and Precious International School of Davao worked with him for their musical plays and such. He believes that he needs to be updated with his equipment, skill and knowledge to be able to continue competing with other recording studios in the market. “What we aim is to achieve the best quality and excellence,” he added. Working in a recording studio is not an easy job but it’s something that he truly loves and enjoys. He gets to work with various people with different personalities, interact with them. From all types and genres, he is exposed to music every single day. “Music has no rules, it doesn’t come with a rule book,” he said. Working here is a humbling experience for him, as he’s able to help the artists, at the same time, he also learns from them as well.
Music has no rules, it doesn’t come with a rule book
Mati: A Film Roll Photos by Aidx Paredes Taken using an old film camera