Kapawa Online Newsletter Vol.1 No.1

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KAPAWA VOLUME 1 | ISSUE 2 • OCTOBER 2016

Duterte;

THE SOUL OF

BACOLOD

the fate of NIR NEWS SEE PAGE 2 FEATURE SEE CENTERFOLD

THE NEGROSANON

DREAM EDITORIAL SEE PAGE 6

VIBRANT. Street dancers showcase their colorful and lively costumes during the Street Dance competition of the Masskara Festival.

Photo credits to Gillian Mariese B. Topacio

BCD celebrates 23-day MassKara Fest

By Christian John V. Camorahan

Kicking off last October 1 with the theme “Bacolod back on track”, the City of Smiles celebrated its 37th MassKara Festival for 23 days, considered to be the longest celebration in the city’s history.

Different contests and presentation to the media respectively. attraction of the festival, the A singing and dancing activities composed the 23- last October 1 at the They paraded with their “Sadya ang MassKara with competition called “Tanda! day celebration, including Business Inn hotel, the costumes and masks along Mayor Bing - Fireworks Sing Na, Dance Pa,” brought the search for MassKara MQ candidates had their Lizares-Araneta Street until Competition,” the night sky a nightly entertainment Queen (MQ) 2016, the Talent Competition at Bacolod City Public Plaza. flared with a wide array of around the public plaza from Electric MassKara and Robinson’s Place-Bacolod, Also, different people fireworks.

Oct. 1 to 22.

Streetdancing Competitions, and their Swimsuit filled the tourism strip -the The said fireworks Meanwhile, Charlie Co, the Nights of the Mardi Competition at Palmas del 16-block strip of Lacson competition transpired on a local artist, converted Gras, and the Fireworks Mar, held October 8 and 9, Street spanning from 6th St. three different places - the the Bacolod Government Competition among others. respectively. to 22nd St.- as they witness Bacolod Public Plaza on Center Fountain Area into Hotel and Restaurant On the other hand, the 10th edition of the Oct. 20, Tourism Strip on an artwork called “Majica Management student of Education and Training Electric MassKara.

Oct. 21 and 22, and Bacolod MassKara: Golden Age of John B. Lacson Colleges Center School III, SumThe tourism strip turned Government Center on Oct. Change”.

Foundation-Bacolod, Vallerie ag National High School, into a big street party, 23.

Moreover, streets were Escamilia bested nine other and Brgy. Granada were illuminated with a parade Furthermore, Carnival- filled with kiosks and stalls candidates in the MQ 2016 hailed as the overall of glowing floats and props inspired fantasy costumes offering a variety of items during the Coronation Night champions in the MassKara of the contestants, and were exhibited at the such as food and souvenirs held at the SMX Convention Streetdancing Competition with concert stages in five Bacolod Public Plaza during during the duration of the Center, October 15. in the elementary, secondary, clusters. the Nights of Mardi Gras on event.

Following their official and barangay categories, In the light of the newest October 10, 11, and 12.

Duterte opens MassKara festivities

By Enrico Rafael S. Valencia

President Rodrigo “Digong” Duterte arrived in Bacolod, last Saturday, October 1, 2016, to act as the special guest during this year’s Bacolod MassKara opening event.

Invited by Bacolod City Mayor Evelio “Bing” Leonardia himself, during a seminar in Davao, in which the President was the keynote speaker, Duterte accepted the invitation marking this year’s event as the first time President Duterte has come to the city, and in fact the province, since winning the presidential elections earlier

in May of this year.

The President was set to appear in public from 4 pm. to 7 pm.

Duterte’s itinerary during his stay included the opening rites held at the Bacolod Public Plaza, followed by a tour of events and various glimpses at the events that will occur during the 23-day celebration.

Present at the opening rites were the President and Mayor Leonardia, alongside province governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. and mayors and government officials from surrounding cities all of whom were also invited by Mayor Bing.

“There was a time when we coincided with your [Masskara], it’s really colorful

and as mayor, I said it gives you identity different from the others,” Duterte said, going so far as to compare it to the Kadayawan festival held in his hometown of Davao every third week of August.

City Mayor Bing has also gone on to mention that the Masskara festival has grown and evolved into something

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greater than his wildest dreams, going further to state that: “This festival, has sure exceeded all our expectations, this is a major tourist attraction today, and there is no doubt about that.

But more than just a tourist attraction, this has become an icon of Bacolod.”

“It reflects our never– ending spirit of optimism.”

Leonardia admin to correct ‘Charter Day’ date

By Sidrey Mel A. Flores

Photo credits to www.masskara.ph

Bacolod City Mayor Evelio “Bing” Leonardia has posited to move the Charter Day on June 18 instead of the usual, October 19, after re-discovering the original and correct date stipulated in Commonwealth Act No. 326 signed by President Manuel L. Quezon.

Photo by Noegui Charles D. Parreñas

VERIFICATION. President Manuel L. Quezon signs Commonwelt Act No. 326 to declare Bacolod City’s Charter Day.

“This makes June 18 the actual Charter Day of Bacolod and we should straighten the record,” Leonardia said.

“What happened on Oct. 19 was the inauguration of the first city officials for which Quezon came to Bacolod”, local historian Modesto P. Sa-onoy said.

The mayor said there is also a photograph of the event dated June 18, 1938, which strongly attests to their proposition of moving the date of the said event.

Currently, the Charter Day of Bacolod is celebrated on the 19th of October, in cognizance of the Republic Act No. 7724 otherwise known as “Bacolod City Charter Day.” City Legal Officer Joselito Bayatan said Section 2 of RA No. 7724 is clearly self-explanatory in declaring that “October 19 of every year as a special nonworking holiday in the City of Bacolod.”

Although there were moves to correct the date,

the holiday remains in force until the law is amended.

Mayor Leonardia has discussed the issue with Bacolod City Representative Greg Gasataya, stating that it is now his turn to come up with the appropriate legislative action that will institute their proposition.

The mayor added that if they do not correct the date of the celebration of the city’s Charter Day now, people would continue to celebrate it on the wrong date.

LEFT HANGING. The question that bugged Bacolodnons can be merely answered by a plaque just hanging on the left wall inside the NGC.

Bacolod to construct 21-km economic highway

By Martin Benedict S. Ramos

Bacolod City representative, Greg Gasataya, confirmed last September 23 the construction of a 21-kilometer road to be called the Bacolod Economic Highway (BEH) from the Department of Public Works and Highway (DPWH) which will start next year, 2017.

According to Gasataya, of DPWH Bacolod last October 20, the Engineering District National Government stated as they conducted a has planned to allot P4.8 study on the possible areas billion pesos for the that will be covered during construction and that the the said construction.

BEH would include eight Gasataya said the BEH meter roads with service will open new growth roads, jogging and bike areas, decongest the lanes. circumferential road, and City Mayor Evelio improve the traffic situation “Bing” Leonardia, in the city immensely, alongside Gasataya with however it would also affect representatives from the the properties of almost DPWH of the Negros 100 landowners in Bacolod.

Island Region (NIR), Due to this, Leonardia, and several stakeholders and Gasataya appealed to or landowners, attended the affected landowners a forum at the DPWH to cooperate for the district office in Barangay development of Bacolod, Taculing wherein they and that they will be paid discussed the estimated based on the market value cost which was P790 of their property. million, planning, The conception of determining the areas the BEH road started in to be affected, and the 2009 under the medium feasibility of the said term public investment infrastructure. program of the DPWH. “We conducted a The 21-kilometer highway feasibility study and we will cover Barangays Bata, found out that it is very Cabug, Estefania, Felisa, feasible and beneficial to Granada, Handumanan, Bacolod,” Leah Jamero, Mandalagan, Mansilingan, public information officer and Sum-ag.

Cartoon by Fonz Roevyk V. Junsay

Duterte eyes dissolution of NIR

By Martin Benedict S. Ramos

Former President Benigno Aquino III, under Executive Order no. 183, opted to create the Negros Island Region (NIR), which would allow the separation of Negros Occidental from Western Visayas and Negros Oriental from Central Visayas last May 29, 2015.

Aquino signed the Marañon Jr. and Roel “improve the delivery of order last August 6, 2015 Degamo of Negros public services and accelerate upon recommendation Occidental and Negros the social and economic and proposal of former Oriental, respectively, also development in the two Department of Interior and pleaded to save NIR, and provinces.”

Local Government (DILG) to appeal to President Despite the appeals of Secretary Manuel “Mar” Duterte not to sign the new local officials, the NIR was Roxas III. EO during a forum at the still not included in the However, current Budget Provincial Capitol Social 2017 national budget and Secretary Benjamin Diokno Hall last October 24 this the funds for Negros would stated that newly-elected year. still be coming from their President Rodrigo Duterte, Other public officials from previous regions respectively. is set to sign another both provinces including Negros Occidental was executive order revoking Vice Governors Eugenio a part of Central Visayas Aquino’s EO and dissolving Jose Lacson, and Edward along with Bohol, Cebu, the said Negros Island Mark Macias were also and Siquijor while Negros region due to the high costs present in the said event.

Oriental was part of Western its creation entails.

According to Aquino, Visayas with Aklan, Antique, Governors Alfredo creating the NIR would, Capiz, Guimaras, and Iloilo.

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Cityhighnon tops Women’s Open Singles

By Lindsay Marie J. Padilla

Photo credits to Greggy Gordova

Veteran player Ann Gella Borbon stole the limelight and stunned the court with her brilliance to eke out a pulsating victory in this year’s Masskara Age Group Table Tennis Tournament, Women’s open singles Category, held at Lopue’s San Sebastian last October 21-23.

The 16-year-old athlete were Kheith Rhynn Cruz and beginners was Chrilliza from Bacolod City National Mary Grace Taguiwalo who Semiller.

High School looked poised settled for the first runnerOther winners included to posting a dominating set up and second runner-up Kristan Magallanes (10 win edging out her other place, respectively. and under boys), Mel John opponents from different The three-day event Valdez (13 and under schools. also included Men’s Open boys), Micah Tanate (13 With formidable smashes Singles Category with John and under girls), Pastor and graceful moves, Borbon Paul Lobaton declared as Allan Tupas (50 and above), ruled the game and beat the champion and Alexis Msgr. Nicanor Melicor (60 her way to another easy Castillon and John Paul and above). championship win.

Castillon bagging the slots A total of 198 participants “I’m very thankful to God for first runner-up and from different cities in for another achievement. second runner-up.

Negros Occidental like I’m happy for this victory For the 10 and under Bacolod City, witnessed the and I dedicate it to my boys’ beginners, Chrisford action in the tournament. family and coach”, Borbon Orbista clinched the win The said tournament was said. while his counterpart for organized by Lopue’s Table Trailing behind Borbon the 10 and under girls’ Tennis Association.

SPORTS FEATURE

The Flash wears green

By Lindsay Marie J. Padilla

Photo credits to Gillian Topacio

Gracing the tracks and adding glory to La Salle’s athletic hall of fame, Senior High School student Aleandro Amiel Dizon is definitely a name to remember. Finishing with five medals and a record of zero losses for this year’s Negros Occidental Private Schools Sports Cultural Educational Association (NOPSSCEA) held in Panaad last September 3 and 4, it is without a doubt that Dizon could be the next big star on the track waiting to be discovered.

Aleandro, who joined three strand, Aleandro also has individual events such as to face the struggles of 110 m hurdles, Triple Long dealing with schoolwork Jump and High Jump as and performance tasks. In well as two other relays, said order to catch up, he uses that the journey to victory his spare time or Individual was never easy. For him, Cooperative and Learning out of all the school he had Time (ICLT) to study and competed with, Bacolod Tay do stuff for school.

Tung High School definitely “Life as a student athlete gave him the hardest fight. is hard because you have Luckily, his skills and natural to train right away after talent for athletics came class and carry heavier through and he was able to and bigger bags to school clutch the win. because of training. I’m “All the time that I and lucky that my teachers are DIZON my teammates spent for kind and generous enough training and as well as all the took quite a turn since in giving grades,” Aleandro pain was worth it because we then. With dedication and said while laughing. were proclaimed as the over- perseverance, Like what most student Aleandro all champions. Of course, reaped much.

Aside athletes may say, it is all we could not have done it from competing in the about managing one’s without our coach who from NOPSSCEA since he was time and knowing one’s the start never gave up on us 14, he was able to join in priorities, and dedicating and shaped us to be who we the Philippine Athletics oneself to training without are right now,” he said.

Track and Field Association forsaking studies. Aleandro Aleandro reminisces how (PATAFA) where he Amiel can definitely attest he learned to love the sport. nabbed the 2nd place in the to that. With all the success According to him, ever 100m dash. in his field of sports, since he was young, he had On the contrary, along Aleandro still aspires to always enjoyed running. He with the glory of being become better and perform used to join other sports, a good athlete, Aleandro better for future games. He too, like football but by the is not excused from the wants to keep training even time he reached Grade 9, he stress of student life. harder so he can perfect became a varsity member Taking up the Science skills and somehow go to of the Integrated School’s Technology, Engineering other places around the athletics team and things and Mathematics (STEM) Philippines to compete.

CONQUEST. Borbon joins her fellow winners for a photo op.

Negrense boxer clinches Masskara Boxing Tilt

By Lindsay Marie J. Padilla

Aspirant boxer Ernesto Alera pulled his all before surviving a late surge to fashion out a rare victory with a unanimous decision over Cagayan De Oro’s Mark Estrella in the 106-pound division, Light Flyweight Category during the Bacolod MassKara Festival Boxing Event held at 888 Chinatown Square Premier Event Center last October 26.

Murcia’s Alera sent Estrella stumbling against the ropes in the final ticks of the fourth round to nab the win and put Negros in the scoreboard. This is the perfect opportunity for Alera to come back after a crucial setback last April when he lost in the Midweight Division.

Alera has a record of three KO [knockout] wins and 2 losses.

Seventeen other amateur fights were also featured in 14 weight divisions in the event sanctioned by the Games in Amusement Board chaired by Abraham Khalil Mitra.

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Alongside Alera, Boyce Sultan of Zamboanga Del Norte also edged out Melchor Roda of Leyte in their six-round clash.

Meanwhile, Bacolod’s Ricardo Sueno was sent weeping by Ken Gatallan early in the sixth round of their head to head match for the 115-pound division.

The MassKara spectacular spectacle was bankrolled

by ALA Boxing Gym, 888 Premier, City Government of Bacolod and the Bacolod Amateur Boxing Association.

The said event is part of Bacolod’s 37th MassKara Festival celebration.

“Bob’s is si only restau most come families co become fam family.”

– his custome

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amon then proceeds to ta working at Bob’s. But Bob’s reputation. Back in 1965, it w Bob’s was not always as big as it people that the food is the same. An Bacolod and Bob’s alike have un expectations. But never have these the character and charm of the Cit

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he old Bacolod City Hall – located straight through the heart of the ‘City of Smiles’ – is known as the city’s oldest landmark. It has been the witness to years of both good and bad – every hardship of Bacolod, every challenge it has encountered, every success it has achieved.

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he New Government Center or Bacolod City Government Center is one of the newest landmarks of the city. Often visited by joggers, tourists, friends and families alike, this new seat of power is a new favorite of photography enthusiasts and is also popular among those who only want to simply hang out with their barkadas. The wide open space it offers to the public is a great venue for pet lovers to walk with their pets, and additionally it serves as a perfect place for sports like Frisbee or a good old game of tag. Though it is usually scorching hot there by day, it is usually filled with hundreds of smiling faces come the cool evening air.

ignificant to Bacolod, because it is the urant that has clicked for 51 years, while e and go. […] Bob’s is the type of place ome back to. Eventually, the customers miliar, then you start to treat them like

– Ramon Pontioso, a waiter who has treated ers with kindness and warmth for 48 years.

alk about the pride he feels, s did not always have its current was merely a drive-in. Although t is today, Ramon assures the nd isn’t that what is important? undergone developments past e changes threatened to affect ty of Smiles.

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he Manokan Country makes Bacolod stand out from the rest. It is the home of the famous chicken inasal and the foundation of different chicken inasal franchises around Philippines. Rows of food stalls are found near the Downtown area, specifically at the back of SM Supermall near the Bacolod Public Plaza at the Reclamation Area. Every stall owner has their own secret recipe in making the famous chicken inasal that attracts tourists and even the native Bacolodnons themselves.

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amilies and chicken inasal enthusiasts pack the place during noon, specifically lunchtime but during night, groups of friends, workers and employees gather around to enjoy happy hours with the chicken inasal smoke staining the walls of the place and the clothes of the customers, as a remembrance from visiting the festive place.

Prepared by Adrianne H. Saplagio, Stefano C. Ledesma, Kyle Anne V. Villariza Photos by Noegui ChristianD. Parreñas, Robert R. Castel Jr. Infographic by Cecille P. Saldavia

EDITORIAL

The New Bacolod

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Cartoon by Fonz Roevyk V. Junsay

The Negrosanon Dream

The Negros Island Region (NIR) was created last May 29, 2015 by virtue of Executive Order 183 signed by President Benigno Aquino III, merging the provinces of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental into one region with its own socioeconomic, political, and cultural domains.

Others say that the said enactment has fallen short to its purpose. But what they fail to consider is that the Negros Island Region could be the most feasible way of hastening government projects, bolstering its economy, and uniting the people.

After all, the scheme is quite new, and drawbacks are inevitable. But the silver lining lies in the fulfillment of the long wait of the Negrosanons to be united once again and actively take part in nation building.

The implementation of the NIR has received criticisms from the public and the current administration.

The allocated amount of

P19 B needed for the establishment of NIR was not included in the 2017 General Appropriations Act or the National Budget.

Moreover, the inclusion of only two provinces may be troublesome for the region and may result to difficulties in sustaining its economy.

With the country’s apparent transition to a federal government under the regime of President Rodrigo Duterte, combining two provinces into one region may be impractical for it will be possibly abolished sooner or later. Under federalism the political power is decentralized and distributed to all provinces, rendering the creation of NIR pointless.

In spite of these, NIR should be pushed through for government expenditures on projects will be hastened. With only one island, the government can focus its spending effectively, resulting to faster implementation of laws and programs which target those in the marginalized sectors of Negros.

Not only that, NIR will also aid in boosting its economy in selling its local products, promoting tourism, and investing in profitable pursuits. The creation of partnerships between the two provinces will be made easier and will result to greater capital accumulation for the region.

Lastly, it is through NIR that the long era of “competition” between the two estranged provinces will be gone, promoting oneness and support for each other.

The problems arising from the division of the two provinces call for the creation of the Negros Island Region – a region where the values of unity, support and fellowship are highly emphasized.

We strongly propose that the Negros Island Region be maintained for the realization of the Negrosanon dream – that one day the people can work hand in hand to ensure quality living, progress and development for all Negrosanons.

he capital city of Negros Occidental and home of the globally renowned MassKara Festival, Bacolod, has garnered countless awards in its economic, social and political affairs, making it one of the most livable cities in the country, as recognized

by Manila-based Money Sense magazine. With its growing economy, relatively lower cost of living, and friendly people, Bacolod City is now attracting potential business investors, tourists, and migrators.

To top it off, it is now slowly developing into a metropolitan city that could later be compared to the likes of Manila and Cebu and compete with other cities given its current standing and potential. With efficient governance, citizen engagement and widespread promotion, Bacolod City will definitely progress to become one of the finest cities in the Philippines.

With the newly elected city officials, under the leadership of three-time City Mayor Evelio “Bing” Leonardia, much is to be placed in the question bar as to how they [current administration] would resolve pressing issues concerning the city while ensuring its continued economic growth. The problem of urban poverty, rampant squatting, and crime incidence has sought the attention of the local community. City officials must see to it that these issues are dealt with accordingly. Certain legislative actions should be enacted to suppress these problems and in turn secure a healthy environment marked by quality living and economic growth.

Moreover, the

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transformation of the city will entail not only the actions of those in authority but also the collective efforts of each citizen. The engagement of each should be evident in the everyday affairs of the city. From law reception to tax collection, every citizen should see to it that they are ensuring their utmost satisfaction. In this way, the combined efforts of everyone can really make a big difference in the city’s progress.

Lastly, to expedite Bacolod’s growth as an economic figure, promotions should be done. From TV ads, to tourism strategies, authorities must see to it that every bit of the city is relayed to those who take interest in visiting, living and investing in, the city.

Bacolod still has a long road ahead until it finally transforms into a progressive economy – where people enjoy the Bacolodnon way of life, feel secured from potential harm, and have countless business opportunities. It may take a couple of years, or even decades for it to fully prosper, but what matters right now is that it is slowly growing, and most of us can attest to that. The right set of ordinances enacted by competent officials, participation of each citizen in nation building, and relentless promotion are main considerations in creating the new Bacolod.

Sooner or later, we could finally take pride in bringing the City of Smiles to greater heights.

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The Smile That Never Dies

he city of Bacolod is also known as the “City of Smiles”, but some ask, how did we get this alias?

We did not earn the name just by smiling every day senselessly. Some say we got the name “City of Smiles” because of our annual MassKara Festival, but little do people know of the history of MassKara. Our smile hides something that most people do not really see or know about. Hidden behind that smile are the hardships, the struggles, and the pain that the people have endured over the past years.

MassKara has been held every year since 1980 – the year that drove the leaders to start a festival of smiles. It was during

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he year 2016 has been a fruitful one for Bacolod. The city crafted numerous plans for itself both socially and economically with the large ongoing construction projects, as well as the newly implemented K-12 system. Along with this though, the city was faced with a growing concern for the safety of its people due to the number of bomb threats being discovered in areas all around the city.

These threats or scares are merely just that, threats and scares. But of course, these affected the behavior of the city government and the behavior of the people.

These bomb threats affected places like the Bacolod Bank, BACIWA and SM. In addition, the

that year that the city experienced hardships and loss. At that time, Bacolod was the capital of Negros Occidental, and was one of the leading sugarcane

producers in the country but experienced an alltime low production of sugarcane and sugarcanerelated products. The passenger vessel MV Don Juan collided with the tanker Tacloban City that claimed close to 700 lives, most of who are from Negrosanon families.

It seemed like the people in Negros and Bacolod could not

their pain, their grief, and their anger, they decided to put on a smile that shows we will never be brought down by disasters, tragedies, and

get a break from all the tragedies that were being piled on the shoulders of the people. But it was in this feeling, in this sensation of hopelessness that the people felt they needed to put on a brave face in front of all the hardships that was set in front of them. They decided to hold a festival where instead of venting out

catastrophes. That the people will always come out stronger and better than they were before but will never forget the people that they lost.

The tourists that visit and watch the MassKara festival they will always see dancers wearing masks. These masks they wear at times weigh about 5-7 kilos. Those dancers have to balance those

masks while dancing in the heat of Bacolod.

They don’t show it, but behind the mask, the dancers are sweating; they are gasping for air, and they are feeling exhausted. But what they show to the crowd is nothing but smiles. They show everything except the truth; the truth that they are exhausted and if given the chance, they would stop dancing right then and there and give up. But they would rather endure the pain and the exhaustion and fight through it and show the people that they will keep on dancing and smiling through mask no matter what.

This is why we are called the City of Smiles; our smile will never die.

On Second Thought threats even affected the annual MassKara event. All these reports were eventually proven as false alarms and the only effect it had on everyone was the panic

and fear from going to the aforementioned places. One example of this was the spread of rumors about a bomb threat targeting the shopping mall of SM during the month of September. These rumors were quickly spread via social media sites and text messages.

These were eventually dismissed shortly

the threats dealing no real harm or damage.

As bad as these threats are, they serve as a calling for the city to improve its safety protocols. It makes us think more

after SM City Bacolod Information Officer May Castro said that the threat had no validity at all. In addition, City Mayor Evelio “Bing” Leonardia said, “Those people are [only] wasting so much government energy and time.” Due to these threats, the city’s government, business, and workforce were all affected regardless of

about our decisions to go to places for the sake of our safety. As for the government, these threats train us on how we respond to concerns like these and make us become more efficient in dealing with similar problems. Furthermore, it persuades us to consider similar issues like this in the future and come up with strategies

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on how to deal with them without ill-advised decision-making.

Bomb threats demand a quick call of action from the people in order to maintain a safe and secure community.

These things do cause anxiety among the public, but it also serves as a sign for us to train ourselves to be more equipped to deal with issues like this in the future. Moreover, issues like this reminds us of the sheer importance of being a well-prepared community as well as being flexible in adjusting to problems that arise without warning.

Considering that Bacolod is being faced with numerous changes, it is definitely ideal for us to adapt to these changes in order to grow as a more secure city.

A RESOLUTE REALIST

FORMER VICE MAYOR TALKS ABOUT HIS OWN SUCCESS STORY “Success cannot simply be attained on a silver platter.” These were the words spoken by former vice-mayor Jude Thaddeus “Thaddy” Sayson, 63.

Thaddy, as he likes to be called, was born on September 20, 1963; the son of Jovito Sayson and Reynelda Aliguin.

He finished high school at La Salle Bacolod in 1981, and took up a degree on Applied Economics at De La Salle University, Manila where he graduated in the year 1984.

Five years later, he would return to Bacolod to pursue politics, taking up Law at the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos in Bacolod, where he would run for and secure the position of vice mayor twice.

As a politician and a businessman, he has always faced struggles and complications. He described politics as a constant struggle

because “you’re always up against someone, so you have to come out as the better person or lose outright.” Yet, in every struggle he came across, he would always give thanks to his Lasallian education because in his words “the values taught to me as a Lasallian student helped me pull through.”

He was incredibly thankful because the morals and values he learned as a student carried over into his line of work, allowing him to make the right decisions.

Thaddy has been living in Bacolod for almost all his life, and because of his experience in politics and economics, he has his own informed opinions on how the city can improve. He said that Bacolod City, at the moment, is at its best that its economy is doing great. All he advises is that the city should improve its businesses and find means

to attract more investors, because he thinks that in order for the city to develop further, the people need to stop relying on business process outsource companies (BPOs) and give focus to more stable and reliable businesses, because they will not be able to sustain the city in the longterm run.

When asked what advice he would like to give to the future generations, he simply said that “make good in all that you do”. He believes that the future men and women of the Philippines are responsible for the development and betterment of the country, carrying the hopes and dreams of their generation.

The former vice mayor Jude Thaddeus “Thaddy” Sayson has shared his knowledge and experience in hopes for a better community as well as prove that he is the ideal resolute realist.

SAYSON

Photo by Rohan Andrew T. Orleans

By Rohan Andrew T. Orleans

TWO LIVES. TWO DIFFERENT STORIES.

a dauntless dreamer A COBBLER TALKS ABOUT THE HARDSHIPS OF POVERTY

LOPEZ

Photo by Robert R. Castel Jr.

By Menchie Noha P. Khairuddin

It was 2:04 p.m. on a hot Thursday. Along the bustling Bacolod City Public Plaza, passersby would see Pedrito Lopez, aged 21 years old, in one of the corners of the area that is located right across the downtown branch of the bank BDO. Lopez is a cobbler and shoe shiner; this has been his means of sustaining his family. The public plaza is a place where you will meet a bunch of diverse and unique individuals like him.

Lopez was born in Manila but raised here in Bacolod City. As a child, Lopez was forced to face many struggles, ones that children are not supposed to worry about. He was forced to quit his education at the mere age of six years old due to poverty, not completing his schooling at Andres Bonafacio Elementary School. He, then, got his first job as a helper at a small

store.

“Many, I had [even] done rugby before, along with other prohibited substances,” he said when asked about his experiences in Bacolod.

Although he had been through so much, his live-in partner, and their child have been two of his inspirations for switching to a better lifestyle. It was Miss Aileen, a preacher at “Ikthus Central” that had motivated him and planted the idea of a better lifestyle in his mind. Lopez also mentioned that he had been a part of a group called “the rugby boys” during his teenage years but since then has now quit. He is still friends with the members of the group but now shies away from substance abuse.

He said that Bacolod could be improved if the city officials imposed tougher measures of discipline to its public, making it safer by

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driving away the pickpockets, thieves and scam artists.

Hence, making it safer for those who just want to roam around and not feel worried anxious.

“Don’t do drugs, study hard and stay in school. I wish that my child won’t grow up to be incompetent like me.” Lopez said that if given the chance this is what he would advise to younger people.

“I practically grew up here, I’ve spent sleepless nights here and had started working for a living here,” he said.

“It’s kind of like my home now.” According to Lopez, Bacolod is a wonderful place even though it is difficult to find a decent job and honest means of living. He also said that he would look for means to pursue his studies and not go astray. Despite his downfalls, he remains an optimist and is still working to become a better person.