JCI ANTIPOLO’S BANGON RIZALEÑOS

JCI-ANTIPOLO’S BANGON RIZALEÑOS: RESILIENCE IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITIES

This year had its own shares of ups and downs for everyone. Aside from the pandemic that we all faced, different natural calamities had devastated our land including Rizaleños’ with the recent Typhoon Ulysses.

JCI Antipolo, together with other Metro Rizal local organizations headed by 2020 Regional Vice President Joven Bernados, joined forces to launch Oplan Kaagapay to hard-hit municipalities in the region. They have provided basic food packs, clean drinking water, clothes, milk, diapers, blankets and other necessities for the typhoon victims.

Rarely do we hear that Rizal is included on the list of typhoon related disasters. But since the news came out, we are overwhelmed with the help and support that came to our aid. Though the typhoon flooded most of their homes, donations from its neighboring cities and other JCI chapters also overflowed. Oplan Kaagapay relief operations were held in different parts of Rizal—San Mateo, Rodriguez, Tanay and Baras, to check on our fellow kababayans and provide assistance during these tough times.

Recovery and starting over might be difficult and impossible. But during the relief operations, we heard stories of how Rizaleños showed resilience that whatever may come, they have the courage and faith to continue with their lives.

Indeed, “lalawigan kang tanging-tangi, mahal namin magpakailanman.”

40TH KARAKOL NG IMUS:

JAYCEES STYLE THE NEW NORMAL

Written by:

JCI Imus Haligue

Karakol is a thanksgiving parade accompanied with various dance steps honoring the feast day of a certain patron saint, commonly observed all throughout the Province of Cavite. It’s a yearly devotion since it was first celebrated more than four hundred years ago. It was introduced by Dominican Friars to the locals of Cavite as the absolute medium of showcasing undying commitment towards their patron saints. During that time, the Philippines was still a colony of Spain. Considering particularly Cavite, and more specifically Imus, was one of the main strongholds of the Spaniards.

For the City of Imus, Karakol is held to honor the Patroness of the Diocese of Imus, Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Imus, mostly known by many as “Nana Pilar”. Since 1980, JCI Imus Haligue has brought its trademark by spearheading the preserved culture and tradition of celebrating the Town Fiesta, through its annual initiative of conducting the “Karakol ng Imus” as a continuous practice and service to the community.

In its early years, Karakol ng Bayan of Imus was participated and organized by Parishioners of the Imus Cathedral. The devotees eventually grew from mere members of the neighborhood to citizens from other nearby municipalities. This caused the Jaycees of Imus Haligue to take the challenge of annually organizing the said event. In 1980, the first Grand Karakol ng Bayan Jaycees style was born. JCI Imus Haligue invited various civic organizations in and outside Cavite to experience and witness the festive tradition that Imuseños are known for. Thousands of people joined the procession to the point that main thoroughfares were filled with people cheering and dancing to the tune of the Karakol played by marching and lyre bands.

Last October 11, 2020, the legacy of JCI Imus Haligue continues as we bring the preserved culture and tradition to its 40th year. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and challenges we are facing, our faith and tradition remains as hope still arises. Due to nationwide community quarantine and lockdown protocols, the said event was done through motorcade and was broadcasted live via the Facebook pages of JCI Imus Haligue and Our Lady of the Pillar Parish. It was hosted by Cheska Geron and Roy Tingco, both JCI Imus Haligue members. We brought the 40th Edition of Karakol ng Imus: Jaycees Style, the New Normal way.