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CAGAYANLifestyle TIMES Weekly DE ORO
Volume 9 | No. 18 | Cagayan de Oro City | December 6-12, 2021
Babu Kwan’s new wall mural painted by the owners, their son Aayan and two members of the BK crew.
What’s New Babu? E
Randang is a pride of the Maranao, the people from Lanao. It’s usually prepared on special occasions like kandori (thanksgiving, weddings, graduations), family gatherings & specially on eids, Eidl Fitr and Eidl Adha.
veryone’s favorite Babu is back! The first Moro-themed and inspired restaurant in Cagayan de Oro opened in April, 2019 at the ground floor of Saavedra Building (Vines Pension House), Yacapin corner Aguinaldo Streets, Barangay 32, Cagayan de Oro City, just across Wilshire Inn and 110 meters from Masjid Oro Jama-ah along Aguinaldo Street. Babu Kwan is named after the common term “Babu” for “beloved auntie” in Lanao, Sulu and Maguindanao and “kwan” is a common Filipino term for something intangible. Owned by couple Abdelnur (Abde) and Norkhalila Mae (Khal) MambuayCampong, it aims to restore the Meranaw Culture and Lifestyle shattered by the Marawi Siege, and promote Halal foods in accordance to Islamic laws as mentioned in the Holy Quran and Hadiths. However, despite its early success in winning over a loyal clientele with its comfort food of Meranaw and Southeast Asian cuisine, BK had to close twice in response to the lockdowns due to the
The Department of Tourism (Region 10 Office) cited Babu Kwan as an important destination on its list of Tourism in the New Normal
by T2 Mike
Owners Abde and Khal with Cong. Kit Belmonte and Deputy Speaker Mujiv Hataman
global pandemic. When it reopened eight months after the first lockdown, it introduced innovative sandwiches such as ebi tempura burger, chicken katsu burger and longanisa sandwich, as well as “quarantine’’ foods like baked sushi, milk tea and pastas, with generous servings that foster sharing and camaraderie among friends and family.
When it re-opened for the second time last Nov. 17, customers of all ages were already welcome, though Khal stresses they continue to strictly observe LGU restrictions and safety guidelines, with store hours now spread longer from 10AM to 10PM daily, so more patrons can be accommodated without compromising mandated social distancing. “Inclusivity is key in gatherings, whether at home or at work. There’s always someone looking for halal or with strict diet restrictions, and we at Babu Kwan can provide halal and healthy options.” Besides offering the same Babu Kwan favorites, their menu is now more focused on their target market. In a bow to the constraints imposed by the pandemic quarantines, BK has also flexed its menu availability with party trays which allow customers to enjoy their food in the comfort and safety of their residences, and brought back the Nasi BABU/PAGE 7
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CAGAYANTIMES Lifestyle Weekly DE ORO
December 6-12, 2021
Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Human freedom is the gift by which God empowers us to create a space in our lives, so that God can dwell among us. Mary, at the announcement of Jesus’ birth, is the icon of the free human being who makes her entire life a space available for God. Her story can be ours too, for we, too, have been gifted with freedom. And like Mary, we are also being invited to become the entry point of God into the human situation. With our cooperation, no situation will remain godless and unredeemable.
May the response of Mary be ours too: “Let it be done to me according to your word.” Lord Jesus, incline our will to seek God’s will and submit to it in freedom. Amen. (Sr. Bernardita Dianzon, FSP, Gospel Power 2022)
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Aboitiz-LGU partnership ramps up vaccination drive in Davao December 6-12, 2021
Almost 40,000 vaccines administered
Following the inoculation of more than 12,000 Davaoeños through a series of vaccination drives rolled out through publicprivate sector collaboration, certain areas in the City are already moving from critical / high-risk to lowrisk, strengthening the City’s defenses against the threat of new COVID variants like Omicron. The vaccination drive led by Davao-based Aboitiz business units has surpassed its initial target of 24,000 jabs with approximately 39,000 jabs administered to local residents as it concluded its fourth leg, covering the city’s second and third districts. Apo Agua Infrastructura, Davao Light and Power Co., Inc., Hedcor, Inc., Therma South, Inc., and the Aboitiz Foundation teamed up with the City Government of Davao, Department of Education Region XI, and Davao City Health Office for the vaccination drive. The strong turnout of residents wanting to be vaccinated prompted the Aboitiz Group and its partners to scale the initiative up and aim for
60,000 jabs. “We in the Aboitiz Group here in Davao City heeded the call of our local government to reach herd immunity by operating multiple vaccination sites that are open to the public. It is a privilege for us to partner with the LGU, the City Health Office, and DepED XI to implement this ambitious project,” said Apo Agua Infrastructura Operations Head Shake Aboitiz Tuason. Merjade Deles-Calvo, Barangay Captain of Brgy. Tibungco in District II, reported a significant decrease in Covid-19 cases in her community following the vaccination drive, prompting the authorities to re-classify Brgy. Tibungco from being a critical or high risk to a lowrisk barangay. “With our vaccination program, we are targeting more than 50% of the population. And at present, we have already reached our target population. Hopefully, the number continuously increases as we continue to vaccinate the residents,” she shared. Davao City Covid-19 Task Force Vaccination
Cluster Head Dr. Josephine Villafuerte expressed gratitude to the Aboitiz Group for supporting local government units in their bid to fast-track the vaccination program of the cities to reach herd immunity. “We would like to thank Aboitiz for reaching out. You know, they’ve been going to third, first and second districts already doing the vaccination. It relieves us and they reach out to (even) the most, usually to the underserved communities,” she said. Meanwhile, Rosemarie T. Realino, parent to a 14-year old vaccinee residing also in Barangay Tibungco, asserted that as a parent her child’s vaccination gives her peace of mind that her family is protected from the virus. “When it comes to covid vaccination, let’s be openminded. It’s for the sake of our children’s safety and wellbeing. They will be protected from the virus and will hopefully be able to continue their normal lives. Allow them to enjoy themselves in a safer environment,” she advised other parents. The Aboitiz Group is
proud to be the government’s partner in its drive to protect communities against the dreaded virus. “We would like to thank our partners and stakeholders for their all-out support in helping make this vaccination campaign a reality. We all have a role to play in beating this pandemic and we are honored to have the opportunity to live the Aboitiz Group’s purpose of driving change for a
better world by advancing businesses and communities through this vaccination program,” Tuason said. The vaccination drive will continue this month and in the early part of next year. For December, the vaccination for second doses will continue for Tibungco District residents at F. Bustamante National High School on December 7 to 13, and Buhangin District residents at Cabantian Gym
on December 20 to 2021. To further reach underserved communities, the Group will also implement mobile vaccination initiatives, starting off with the Welfare Action Foundation of Davao (Boy’s Town Davao), a non-profit organization looking after boys from poor families. By early 2022, the vaccination drive will also cover booster shots for medical frontliners.
As the Aboitiz Group faces a new century of its business transformation in the ASEAN region, the company embarked on redefining its #OneAboitiz Sustainability Framework and its transition toward a performancebased approach in tackling environmental, social, and governance (ESG) topics of the company. The Group operates in critical industries; thus, it recognizes its unique responsibility to its stakeholders to deliver products and services as an inclusive business to create opportunities and develop its partner communities across the
country. The Aboitiz Group’s sustainability initiatives and their key performance indicators highlight the organization’s contribution to poverty reduction, education, climate change, responsible consumption, providing decent work, disaster preparedness, technological innovation, and institutional partnership. “For our part, we will continue our efforts to promote a balance between economic, societal, and environmental stewardship, and uphold our responsibility to our stakeholders by continuously improving our ESG performance,
” said Aboitiz Group President and CEO Sabin M. Aboitiz. Nowadays, most international and domestic public companies are being evaluated on their ESG performance by various thirdparty providers with reports and ratings. Institutional investors, asset managers, financial institutions, and other stakeholders are increasingly relying on these reports to assess and measure companies’ ESG performance over time. This year, Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc. (AEV), Aboitiz Power Corp. (AboitizPower), and Union Bank of the Philippines (UnionBank) are among the top-ranked companies of Philippine constituents. AEV continues to be recognized as an S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment (CSA) constituent company and scored 29% higher with a positive 10
points year-on-year increase that placed the company in the 81st percentile rank in the industrial conglomerates sector, up from its 66th percentile ranking in 2020. AboitizPower and UnionBank also increased their assessment performance, with the former in the 67th percentile rank for the Electric Utilities Sector, and the latter in the 62nd percentile for the Banking Sector. The S&P Global Assessment looks at a company’s value drivers and practices in Corporate Governance, Economic, Environmental, and Social dimensions. “The S&P sustainability scores are a validation of the substance and progress of our initiatives in this area,” Aboitiz noted. Stakeholder collaboration Sharing best practices, strengthening partnerships, and joining multi-sectoral conversations
on building capacities to improve ESG performance are all part of the Group’s strategy to make transformational progress on its sustainability journey. On December 6, AEV Chief Financial Officer Manuel Lozano will serve as one of the panelists of the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE) and Security Exchange Commission's (SEC) Sustainability Showcase of Notable ESG Projects, where he will share the company’s initiatives and the #OneAboitiz Sustainability Journey. The event is part of the PSE-SEC’s overall ESG Program to engage and connect with various stakeholders towards achieving shared sustainable development goals. The Aboitiz Group recently launched its #OneAboitiz Sustainability microsite (https:// sustainability.aboitiz.com), a hub of information on the Group’s economic, environmental,
social, and governance (EESG) programs, as well as an avenue to educate stakeholders on pertinent environmental and social issues related to the business. The microsite contains a comprehensive source of information on the company’s approach to sustainability, climate strategy, environmental practices and solutions, workforce development programs, and the unique Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives of the Group towards inclusive growth. AEV, AboitizPower, and UnionBank are among the top-ranked companies among Philippine constituents in S&P's Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment. Its commitment to #OneAboitizSustainability continues as it delivers its promise of advancing business and communities.
BRINGING DOWN COVID RISK. Residents of Barangay Tibungco register at the vaccination center organized by the Davao-based Aboitiz business units including Apo Agua Infrastructura, Davao Light and Power Co., Inc., Hedcor, Inc., Therma South, Inc., and the Aboitiz Foundation. They teamed up with the City Government of Davao, Department of Education Region XI, and Davao City Health Office.
Aboitiz gears towards improving performance-based ESG measures
Aboitiz Group President and Chief Executive Officer, Sabin M. Aboitiz
LIGTAS NA BALIK ESKWELA. Aboitiz Foundation donated 30,000 face masks in support of the Department of Education’s (DepEd) pilot implementation of limited face-to-face classes. The turnover was facilitated by Welfredo Dalumpines, Program Manager of Aboitiz Foundation, and Jan Antonio Casugbo from the External Partnership Service of DepEd Central Office.
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ARTS & CULTURE | HEALTH | EVENTS | TRAVEL & TOURISM | PEOPLE
CAGAYANTIMES Feature DE ORO
December 6-12, 2021 Page 4
Dolly Ilogon with Victor Uy, Rosemarie Buding Balan Uzon, Buding’s husband, Bernen Uy and Cindy Waban Uy.
Cousins and young entrepreneurs, Rosemarie Buding Balan Uzon and Cindy Waban Uy from Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines whose American dreams were finally realized on July 16 , 2021.
Kagay-anon Duo makes it happen in Long Island, New York Felix Torres and Jennifer Rubio manage the Blue Bean Cafe.
Letters from New York by DOLLY B. ILOGON
I
NDEED it has been a long and winding road for cousins Rosemarie Balan Uzon (Buding to family and friends) and Cinderella “Cindy” Waban Uy to get to where they are right now. Buding is the youngest of three children of the late Jessie and Tata Balan. Kizzay is her elder sister and JJ is the only son. Cindy is the daughter of Ching Waban and wife of Jude Uy who are all Kagay-anons. From the City of Cagayan de Oro , Philippines to New York City in the USA definitely was not an easy one. With hope, perseverance, determination and prayers, the 3-in-1 business establishment, Blue Bean Café , Matcha Tea in Heaven and Bubble Waffle Ice Cream Shop opened its doors on July 16 , 2021 to a predominantly American neighborhood in Smithtown, Long Island which is an hour drive from Manhattan. NY State Senator Mario Mattera was their VIP guest during the grand opening. The Blue Bean Café is managed by Felix Torres with Jennifer Rubio. Felix worked with various coffee establishments not
The grand opening was graced by New York State Senator Mario Mattera, Smithtown local officials, officers of Smithtown Chamber of Commerce and some local press people.
only in Long Island and New York City, but also in other parts of the USA. Jennifer is an expert in blending coffee , she used to work as a barista at the famous Starbucks . Buding who is bubbly just like her Mom, revealed that they got all the concepts after their travels together to Japan, Taiwan , Hongkong and finally, New York. Another Kagay-anon, Tasha Roa, also did their interiors. For instance, their Matcha powdered green tea is imported from its birthplace in Uji, Kyoto, Japan. Cindy went to Uzi for a hands-on study of the original mixing of
JJ Balan at the counter introduced us to all the ice cream flavors they’ve got at Bubble Waffle Ice Cream shop.
JJ Balan at the counter introduced us to all the ice cream flavors they’ve got at Bubble Waffle Ice Cream shop.
the organic matcha tea powder with fresh fruits of your choice. Cindy’s own specialty is her pork siomai dumplings. They plan to also serve some Filipino dishes soon like longanisa, for the Filipinos who live around the area and of course. to introduce it to the Long Islanders. They may have had their ups and downs as it took them a year to finish the construction due to the coronavirus pandemic but the past few months have been amazing . People in the community embraced them and are crazy about their coffee and matcha tea, while the young kids love their bubble waffle ice cream! “Daghan na Kagayanon ga-stop by and supporting us and so proud of us,” Buding said. “The Filipino Community has been supportive. NY State Senator Mario Mattera has been to our store a couple of times. We have been featured on Long Island’s largest newspaper, Newsday.” Even in the midst of their budding success, the entrepreneurs remain grounded and have not forgotten to give back to
The Blue Bean Cafe , Matcha Tea in Heaven and Bubble Waffle Ice Cream Shop is located in a property that used to be the Smithtown Lumber Yard . The 3 in 1 business establishment opened July 16, 2021 in Smithtown, Long Island, New York.
their province mates back home. Buding, Kisay and JJ’s charity Born to Serve, has been feeding more than 700 families, with over 3,000 people of Opol (Misamis Oriental). For their latest feeding program, they again served the people of Opol on December 8, during the Feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. “This is our 13th year for our food drive. Cindy and her family is one of the biggest benefactors since day 1. All Kagayananons here in the US and Philippines have been generous to our charity during the last 13 years,” Buding shared. Buding and Cindy are thankful and grateful . Tata must be so proud looking down from Heaven. Congratulations Buding and Cindy, you’ve come a long way!
Coffee lovers will love Blue Bean Cafe’s coffee from different varieties of coffee beans.
While waiting for our orders, picture picture sa with the ice creams and doughnuts hanging on the wall.
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Remembering the Day that will live in Infamy
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80 Anniversary of the day the war came to Cagayan de Misamis th
By MIKE BAÑOS
Wednesday, December 8, 2021 marks the 80th Anniversary of the start of World War II in the Philippines. As reckoned from the international date line, it was just a few hours after the infamous attack of the Imperial Japanese Navy on the US Naval Base in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. When the Pacific War broke out on December 8, 1941 (December 7, 1941, Hawaiian time), the news was received with mixed emotions by the people of Talakag, Bukidnon. Some felt a sense of dread and panic, hysteria and fear, while others all but dismissed the news as something mundane. Part of the residents’ placid reaction to the news of the war was the geographic distance. According to one eyewitness: “Layo rana ang Pearl Harbor. Dili lage maabot sa Pilipinas and gyera.” (Pearl Harbor is far. War will never come to the Philippines.) (Hayrosa-Gaite, 2009) The war became real for them when these residents were made to prepare shelters and foxholes by the USAFFE, and even more when the Japanese started air strafing northern Mindanao. Blackout orders were also issued to avoid being strafed by enemy planes. Northern Mindanao was heavily bombed in the prelude to the IJA invasion. Del Monte received the heaviest and most persistent bombing since it was the only large airfield left to the defenders after the destruction of Clark and Nichols Field. Cagayan, Bugo, Malaybalay and Misamis were also bombed.
The families of Escolastico Ato and Pastor Ilogon taken at their ancestral house in Licoan which was destroyed by the American bombing during the Liberation in 1945. Mrs. Leonisa Bongato Ato (2nd row left) and Pilar Bongato Ilogon (2nd row right) were sisters. Jake Ilogon is rightmost in the first row. (Ilogon Family Collection)
Given the relative proximity of these places, Talakag was not spared. The late Filomeno Avanceña Bautista Jr., one of the eyewitnesses of that day, recalls it was a Monday when their principal, Federico Ablan, informed them that war had broken out with Japan after their usual morning flag ceremony at the Misamis Oriental Provincial High School (MOHS) in Cagayan de Misamis, (as Cagayan de Oro was then known). “We were all sent home to join our families. But Boy Scouts were asked to don their uniforms and help direct traffic. Armed forces were in a high state of mobilization.” “We Boy Scouts were asked to stay as long as we can help it,” said Bautista, who was then a second year high school student and a Boy Scout at the MOHS. “Our parents were already busy planning to evacuate elsewhere.” Meanwhile, chaos reigned among the residents of Cagayan. “People were considering moving to places such as Tibasak thinking the Japanese would not bother to go into such places. The Tibasak area that was flooded by Tropical Storm Sendong became the de facto evacuation place of people from Cagayan,” he recalls. “However, our family was never interested in that since we already had our farm in Balingasag.” During this time, the poblacion was moved to Pagatpat. Town officials moved their offices to the CanitoanPagatpat area, which was already considered a distant location during that time.
Scout Abelardo Neri Queppet in his later years. (Genee Q. Neri)
Kagay-anon residents had good reason to be perturbed by news of the outbreak of the war with Imperial Japan. The Macabalan wharf was the major seaport of entry to Mindanao from the Visayas, and there was also the pursuit airfield at Patag (now Patag Golf course and Camp Evangelista). It was also the terminus of the Sayre Highway (also known then as Highway No. 3) which was the sole link between Northern Mindanao and the Davao area. These three key facilities and strategic location made Cagayan a prime target for the Japanese invaders. During this time, the Bautista residence was at the corner of F. Abellanosa, Apolinar Velez and Tiano Brothers streets just across the Mission Hospital (present day UCCP Cagayan de Oro) in what is now commonly known as “Agfa” next to Sabal Hospital. Living nearby were their neighbors Dr. Gerardo Sabal, Aquilino Pimentel Sr., and the Frias and Pacalioga families. At this time, J. Pacana street was the only road connecting the Cagayan seaport to the center of the town so the Bautista family and their neighbors feared they could be in the line of fire of Japanese aircraft and warships targeting this key facility. The family moved to Balingasag aboard a truck of the Department of Public Works and Communications (now the Dept of Public Works and Highways), bringing with them only a modicum of their daily needs. “We only brought some clothes and daily essentials,” Mr. Bautista recalls. “During wartime, you don’t bring along with you your furniture, only your bare essentials.” Staying with the Bautista family in Balingasag were their former neighbors in Licoan, the families of the late Dr. Jacinto Frias and Pacalioga families.
Boy Scouts of America – Cagayan Branch, Troop No. 1 (Clemencia Abellana-Gonzales Collection)
Dodong Bautista’s Boy Scout Troop sometime in 1941. Dodong is the rightmost scout in the first row. Fernando Ablaza is the flag bearer in the front center. Reuben Canoy is to his right. Misamis Oriental High School Principal Federico Ablan is at the center of the 3rd row and to his right is Scout Master Segundo Salas. (Kagay-an Kaniadto)
However, even when they already moved to Balingasag, the family did not abandon their residence in Puntod and would come down to check on it from time to time. “In fact, the sisters of my mother who owned a restaurant, were still running the business with military personnel as their main customers, since most civilians already evacuated at that time,” he noted. In the following week, local authorities imposed a mandatory blackout on the city and vehicular traffic was tightly regulated, with Boy Scouts helping the Filipino and American soldiers enforce the two measures. The late Abelardo “Loloy” Neri Queppet of Baden-Powell Troop was another of those scouts charged with enforcing the mandatory blackout. As recounted by Ann Gorra in her anthology City of Gold: People Who Made Their Home and History in Cagayan de Oro, there were at least 20 scouts of Troop 1 from the City Central School, among them Jaime Tiano, Victor Roa, Terencio Gadrinab, Hugo Balase, Antonio Zacharies, Vic Itchon, Jose Apolinario and Cristobal Nagac. So it was strictly lights out after 5PM for everyone lest they become targets of a Japanese aerial attack. “As soon as dusk gave way to night, I rode my bike and rode around Del Mar, Mindanao and to the pier, blowing my whistle to warn residents that it was time to shut their lights off.” Loloy was assigned to do this task by his Scout Master Epifanio Balase since he was a native-born Kagay-anon and knew his way around. Even if he was just 14 years
Children of Talakag await the arrival of the Jesuit priest who only visited them once a month. (Jesuit Archives)
old at the time, Loloy went about his routine like a professional: waking up at 6AM, clean the house, eat breakfast, and report to HQ in his Boy Scout Uniform: shorts, knee socks, red and blue neckerchief, brown shirt and Boy Scout cap. Another of Loloy’s responsibilities was to direct traffic at Plaza Divisoria to expedite the passage of US military convoys to avoid strafing by Japanese planes. Loloy witnessed the landing at Macabalan Port of General Douglas MacArthur, his family and general staff at 7AM on Friday, March 13, 1942, following their successful Breakout from Corregidor. MacArthur and his party disembarked from two PT Boats at Macabalan Pier and rode a convoy of military vehicles to the Del Monte airfield in nearby Tankulan (now Manolo Fortich), Bukidnon. Living nearby at the Ilogon
Reynaldo Y. Abejo (left) with some Japanese Officers, taken at Pacana St. Puntod, Cagayan de Misamis. (Photo shared by his son-in-law Francisco Acero Daclag Jr).
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Compound was Dodong’s neighbor and schoolmate, 16 year old Jesus “Jake” Bongato Ilogon, the eldest son of Pastor Ilogon, a fourth year high school student at the MOHS when the war broke out. His parents immediate concern was sending his mother in law, Maria Dumanon Bongato back home to Butuan. Popo Deya wanted to be present in Cagayan whenever her daughter gave birth. Fortunately, the elder Ilogon managed to get her aboard the last trip of the Mindanao Bus Company to Odiongan, Gingoog, Misamis Oriental, since the military had already commandeered all public transportation for its mobilization. From there she hitched a ride to Butuan aboard an Army truck courtesy of Lt. Francisco Conde of Butuan. “By the second and third week of December, 1941, all our neighbors and relatives in Licoan had already evacuated out of town. Papa’s family was still in Licoan because Mama was due to deliver anytime in January 1942,” the younger Ilogon wrote in Memoirs of the Guerrillas: The Barefoot Army, his reminiscences of his time as a guerrilla. Unfortunately, the baby was stillborn and did not survive the stress and rigors of the constant running of its mother to the cottage in Balacanas where they sought shelter whenever the Japanese bombed the Patag airfield. “It was terrifying sometimes,” Ilogon wrote. “We were trembling with fear upon hearing the drone of the bombers
WAR/PAGE 6
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CAGAYANTIMES Lifestyle Weekly DE ORO
December 6-12, 2021
Photos by VIC THOR PALARCA
Daltan’s Kambingan Opens Restaurant and Hotel in Bulua By Maia Fortich-Poblete
Last December 08, the doors of the newest Daltan’s Kambingan opened to Kagayanons. Located along Bulua Highway (beside Vjandep), this latest branch of the newest kambingan is different because it’s not only a venue where you and your loved ones can dine but it’s also where you can stop and rest and relax after a tiring day on the road, or if you need a safe and comfortable place for the night. Daltan’s Kambingan Restaurant is now Daltan’s Kambingan Suites as the owner, Mr. Henry Chua, also opened the perfect retreat for transients and anyone else looking for a good night’s sleep – A&S Suites. It’s the perfect combination after a tiring trip, you can check into the A&S, freshen up, and relax for a while. Then you can go down and enjoy a delightful feast of different “kambingan”
dishes. You don’t have to go anywhere because you have everything that you need in one building! What’s Inside? The new Daltan’s Kambingan has bright, eyepleasing interiors. The red sofa-like chairs look and feel comfortable. And on the wall, you’ll find several artwork featuring goats. They make the place look cozy and airy, perfect for when you’ve had a rough day at work or want to just enjoy a good meal. There is also a small function room that can accommodate around ten people. It’s ideal for intimate gatherings and meetings, or for families that want to feast on Daltan’s specialties privately. The room comes with an affordable rate. A&S Suites, on the other hand, has three floors and a
War...
of Mendoza’s stevedores, was requested to stay behind and watch the house during the Japanese occupation.” Already in Lapad, were their friends and relatives from Cagayan – the families of Tiano, Bacarrisas, Abellanosa, Dael, Bautista, Dy, Llanderal, Salcedo and Boquiren. In May 3, 1942 the Kawamura Detachment, an elite unit of the Imperial Japanese Army’s 5th Koi (Carp) (鯉兵 団, Koihei-dan) Division, landed on Cagayan and a week later, the Visayas-Mindanao Force of the United States Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE) under Maj. Gen. William Sharp surrendered. Barely a year later, Jake Ilogon was inducted into the guerrilla resistance and served until the war ended in 1945.
from page 5
and the earth shaking explosion of bombs. With Patag so near, Licoan could be the next target. It was not a Merry Christmas nor a Happy New Year, being the only people left in Licoan, with Mama in labor, and constantly in terror of the bombings.” In the second week of January, the family finally evacuated to Laguindingan, Alubijid in a truck owned by Vicente Mendoza driven by Roman Escobido. “We were the last to leave Licoan,” Ilogon recalls. “The belongings were loaded in sleds pulled by carabaos from Laguindingan to Lapad. The piano was the heaviest item. German Andugo, a migrant from Bohol and one
total of 24 rooms that come with basic amenities. The rooms are just the right size but have good air conditioning, a clean toilet & bath, and TV. Best of all, it has spacious and comfortable beds, which is what transients and travellers really need. The top floor of the building will be developed as a rooftop venue for events and special celebrations. The Food ` Just like all other Daltan’s Kambingan branches, the Bulua restaurant offers the best goat dishes – food that Kagayanons have been enjoying for years. Various kambingan specialties such as papaitan kambing, kalderetang kambing, kilawin na kambing, halanghalang, sinigang kambing, adobo kambing, and their famous ulo set kambing. Their chicken inasal, which is served with two cups of rice, is one dish you should try out
because of its taste and size. If you prefer seafood over goat, Daltan’s has adobo shrimp, battered shrimp, sinigang na hipon, buntot, and panga (so delicious!). And their prices are very affordable, you and your family can dine in there regularly, even once a week! So, if you want to feast on all the kambing dishes you can have, bring your family, friends, or loved ones to Daltan’s Kambingan in Bulua. You can also order their mouthwatering dishes and have them picked up or delivered via Maxim. The restaurant is open from 7am to 10pm. For your inquiries, bookings, and orders, text or call 0915-613 1296. If you are travelling on the road or need to catch an early flight in Laguindingan, book a room and relax at A&S Suites. You’re sure to have a restful night; you’ll wake up refreshed and ready to go on the road and travel again.
The Cagayan de Oro Wharf at Macabalan circa 1935. (NARA)
The Sayre Highway was the only highway which linked Northern Mindanao to Davao during the early 1940s. (NARA)
Pre-war photo of Macabalan Wharf. (Kagay-an Kaniadto)
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A B-18 Bolo destroyed by the Japanese raids on Dec. 19 and 20, 1941 on Del Monte Airfield. (Feredo Collection)
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CAGAYANTIMES Lifestyle Weekly DE ORO
Babu...
December 6-12, 2021
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Lacson Bares Ultimate Test of Character for Leader
for everybody to enjoy. was already implementing Aside from promoting halal, Islamic laws on food from page 1 the culinary heritage of preparation, and food safety and hygiene to the plates they introduced back Mindanao and familiarity with its culture, Puyat highest standards. The in August 2019. restaurant is vigilant about “Compared to when we said the project also aims One who passes the test of to document culinary practicing governmentfirst launched the Asian practices of the area, create mandated health protocols money and power is fit to Plates (Nasi), they are now be the leader the Filipino experiences and attractions and food sanitation. more popular because of people need. by local government Launched in 2005, our menu restructuring,” Sen. Panfilo “Ping” units (LGUs) and private the National Product Khal notes. M. Lacson thus stressed enterprises for tourists, and Quality Excellence Almost 300 Nasi Monday the need for the promote Halal Tourism Awards acknowledges servings have been sold to next leader to uphold industry in the regions organizations, products and integrity by practicing what date, and the family talam he preaches. of Mindanao through services that show utmost too is selling fast because “The ultimate test of a culinary and heritage standards of quality. it’s more convenient and person’s character: give him The product or service quicker for diners to choose mapping. power and offer him money. Besides being the only is judged for impeccable compared to a la carte. If he passes this test, he is Halal-certified restaurant delivery, fulfilment of “We have family set the ‘leader we need,’” he in Northern Mindanao commitments, benchmark said on his Twitter account. package, and it’s served by the Muslim Mindanao for manufacturing in a talam tray, or box for During his law Halal Certification Board and production, delivery,” Khal said. Nasi enforcement career, Inc., Babu Kwan has also trustworthiness and value. Vegetarian is also available Lacson had passed such been cited with the Q Aside from the award, as a solo or family set. tests of money and power Asia Publication Quality by consistently declining the recipient gets the Seal Now also available is rewards from grateful of Product Quality or the roti plain and roti cheese for Excellence Awards in the kins of kidnap victims Seal of Quality Service those who want to skip rice. restaurant category, and conferred the Seal of Excellence, which indicates he rescued while he Roti, roti canai or roti was with the Philippine that the product or service paratha, is a flatbread that’s Quality Service Excellence, Constabulary. The victims based on customer was uncompromising, usually paired with curry he rescued included Robina satisfaction. and that it has been sauce of Indian origin. Gokongwei and a then commended by the public. nine-year-old boy from a Roti is commonly found in Even before the pandemic, Babu Kwan Malaysia and Singapore. prominent Cebu family. “We have two kinds of When he was assigned roti: plain, and with cheese. to head the Philippine National Police in Laguna And the dip can either be in 1992, Lacson also refused tomato gravy (it’s savory offers of monthly hush with a hint of curry) and money, ranging from P1.2 caramel because Babu has million to P1.8 million sweet tooth!” in exchange for allowing “But our Beef Randang illegal gambling operations remains our most popular to operate. since day 1!” Khal exclaims. He even dared his men Besides its revamped to tie him to the provincial menu, BK continues its command’s flagpole and advocacy of promoting shoot him. “Nariyan ang Meranaw arts through its new physical layout Republic of the Philippines and mural wall painting REGIONAL TRIAL COURT OF MISAMIS ORIENTAL inspired by Moro artistic 10TH Judicial Region patterns. Branch 39 The mural containing Cagayan de Oro City @rtc1cdo039@judiciary.gov.ph strokes of pink, violet and 09173218984 (incoming calls only) yellow, the Babu Kwan brand colors, was painted IN THE MATTER OF THE SPEC.PROC. Case No. R-CDO-21-03402-SP by no less than the owners CORRECTION OF NAME of Babu Kwan including AND GENDER OF FROM CRISTINA TO TERESITA UBAUB FABRICANTE AND FROM MALE TO FEMALE, their 5-year old son, Aayan, BK’s barista/server, Marlon TERESITA UBAUB Calinawan, and Chef-inFABRICANTE, training, Jibreel Mambuay. Petitioner, When the Department -versusof Tourism (DOT) launched its Halal Culinary CIVIL REGISTRAR OF THE Tourism video series on MUNICIPALITY OF July 20, 2021, in time for ALUBIJID, MISAMIS the Muslim festival Eid’l ORIENTAL. Respondent. Adha, Babu Kwan and Torogan Kape in Cagayan de Oro were among the NOTICE OF INITIAL HEARING establishments highlighted. Available for viewing Petitioner, through counsel, filed a verified Petition for Correction of Name and Gender. Finding said Petition sufficient in form and substance, the same is hereby given due course, on the department’s social Petitioner is hereby directed to cause this Notice to be published once a week for three (3) media platforms such consecutive weeks in a duly accredited newspaper of general circulation in Cagayan de Oro City as Facebook, YouTube and the Province of Misamis Oriental, at his/her own expense. and Instagram, the series Let copies of this Notice be posted in the Bulletin Board of the Municipality Civil Registrar of “showcases unique culinary Alubijid, Misamis Oriental, the Bulletin Board of Provincial Government of Misamis Oriental, and the Bulletin Board of this Court. finds in Mindanao,” in This case is set for hearing on 7 February 2022 at 2:00pm. The Civil Registrar and any person a partnership between having or claiming any interest under the entries whose cancellation or correction is sought may, the DOT and the Brunei within fifteen (15) days from notice of this Petition, or from the last date of publication of such notice, Darussalam–Indonesia– file his/her opposition thereto. Malaysia–Philippines East Let a copy of this Notice be furnished the Office of the Solicitor General, Philippine Statistics Authority, the respondents, the petitioner and her counsel. ASEAN Growth Area AFTER Petitioner’s documents in compliance with jurisdictional requirements are marked and (BIMP-EAGA). declared complete, and there is NO OPPOSITION filed, petitioner should PRESENT EVIDENCE Through the before Atty. Kathryn A. Galarrita-Naduma, with due notification to the OSG and/or the prosecution development of Halal office to whom authority will be delegated to represent the state, at a convenient date and time Culinary Tourism, Tourism fixed by the Court. As prayed for, petitioner is allowed to have the publication of this Notice to be at cost price Secretary Berna Romuloonly. Puyat said the DOT promotes the discovery SO ORDERED. and familiarity with the Cagayan de Oro City, 18 October 2021. traditions of our Muslim brothers and sisters, (SGD) MARITES FILOMENA B. RANA-BERNALES stressing that “Halal is not Presiding Judge exclusive to Muslims” but is
flagpole. Itali nyo ako riyan at barilin nyo ako (There’s the flagpole. Tie me there and shoot me),” he recalled telling them. Not only did Lacson “win” that dare - he went on to serve as PNP chief from 1999 to 2001 where he cracked down on “kotong” (extorting) cops and strongly implemented his “no-take” policy. Also, he refused and invoked upon the members of his directorial staff to shun offers of money for the procurement of PNP supplies from contractors doing business with the PNP. He likewise refused to avail of the P100million-a-year so-called “commander’s reserve” (a.k.a. discretionary fund)
of the Chief, PNP. These, combined with his leadership by example as top cop, earned the PNP the trust of the public with a high 64-percent approval rating for the PNP and a 73-percent approval rating for Lacson as its chief. As senator, Lacson - a staunch crusader against corruption - also refused not just his P200-million-ayear pork barrel allocations, but also lobby or “goodwill” money from groups seeking favorable legislation. Lacson is running for President under Partido Reporma. More at: https:// pinglacson.net/article/ lacson-bares-ultimate-testof-character-for-leader
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ARTS & CULTURE | HEALTH | EVENTS | TRAVEL & TOURISM | PEOPLE
CAGAYANTIMES Feature DE ORO
December 6-12, 2021
Page 8
Vaccine industry on alert, ready to respond to Omicron Possible COVID-19 Vaccine changes, medical innovation key to counter new variant THE vaccine industry is alert and ready to respond to the Omicron variant of COVID-19 should it enter the country. Along with the Philippine medical community, it reiterates that the public can still receive ample protection from it through current and future anti-variant countermeasures like rapid changes in the COVID-19 vaccines, a faster vaccination campaign, and the strict observance of health protocols like social distancing. Enrique Gonzalez, Founder, and Chairman of IP-Biotech (IPB), says that the vaccine providers will be exercising agility to continually respond to the Omicron variant as it evolves. He assures the public that "the world's vaccine industry is ready to respond with specific Omicron booster shots by making changes to the existing vaccines if the need arises. The production infrastructure is in place, and ramping up for next generations can be a rapid process." IPB is the leading vaccine service provider and the local Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) holder of Coronavac's SINOVAC COVID-19 vaccine which has provided 50% of all COVID-19 vaccines in the Philippines in 2021. Omicron anxieties Omicron has struck fear in a global population that is eager and anxious to go back to normal due to its speed of transmission, the large number of mutations it triggers, and the aura of deadly mystery surrounding it. Enrique gives the overview: “The best of nature, adaptation, has been put in our worst enemy, the virus. The level of mutation in Omicron, which right now exhibits an unprecedented number of mutations, shows a trend in terms of the evolutionary path of COVID-19 virus." Dr. Noel Miranda, IP Biotech’s Science Adviser, also
confirms the need for vaccine providers to continually study and counter-check Omicron because "it's unexpected emergence warns the world that the occurrence of a worst-case mutation should be an ongoing concern." A study by South Africa's National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) says that Omicron may be more infectious compared to the Delta variant; about 30 of its more than 50 mutations are on the spike protein. Omicron takes only 20 days to hit 90% of the genome-sequenced samples,
to offer protection against hospitalization and death from COVID-19. “ He adds that the alertness that both government and the medical, scientific sectors show toward Omicron must continue. Should they fail in their oversight, Miranda warns, “we better be ready for a more virulent and deadly variant. This highly adaptive SARSCoV-2 virus is unlikely to be eradicated. One thing is for certain, this highly adaptive SARS-CoV-2 virus is unlikely to be eradicated. Mass vaccination is our tool to afford community protec-
included in the vaccination campaigns, we are yet to see them being rolled out to ages 5 to 11. I am hoping that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will eventually allow the same Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) mechanism for the said demographic. This will be also important in achieving herd immunity." The Family Vaccine and Specialty Clinics Inc. (FVSC) which Enrique heads, has pioneered the vaccination of children, covering more than 20 provinces through 40 clinics and subsidizing about 50,000 patient visits
compared to approximately 100 days for Delta. Miranda points out that the extent and nature of SARS-CoV-2 viral mutations also impact the relative efficacies of the different vaccine platforms. On one hand, gathering data seems to confirm that the protein-based vaccines, with their specific immune-enhancing adjuvants, might carry advantages that keep cellular and humoral immune responses relatively intact to hold Omicron at bay. On the other hand, he cautions that "Omicron is expected to render existing vaccines less effective, but, hopefully, not totally ineffective, especially in continuing
tion from life-threatening sickness." Enrique equally stresses that “while current vaccines may be less effective versus the new variants, vaccination is still the best form of protection from severe symptoms---and the only form of protection that we have. As the saying goes, none of us are safe until all of us are safe.” First line of defense Some members of the medical community believe that younger children should also be inoculated to protect them from COVID-19. Dr. Benny Atienza, President of the Philippine Medical Association (PMA), says that "while it’s welcome news that minors have been
per year. Omicron’s apparent absence in the archipelago also leaves time for preparation. To date, according to Dr. Cynthia Saloma, Philippine Genome Center Executive Director, “we have not detected Omicron in the 18,000 (positive samples) we have sequenced." Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary Dr. Maria Rosario Vergeire says that there have been no sudden COVID-19 spikes in various locations, which is one strong indicator of the presence of the Omicron variant. As of December 2, the World Health Organization (WHO) said that 23 countries have reported Omicron
cases. While those numbers are expected to increase, the Philippines is not on the list. Enrique points out one advantage in this development: "The Philippines has been spared from the early entry of Omicron. This gives us a time zone arbitrage where we can watch the developments in other countries and learn from their responses." Vaccine race Experts also continue to recommend health protocols, along with vaccines, as the first line of defense, regardless of how the variant develops. Dr. Eric Tayag, Director of the National Epidemiology Center in the Department of Health (DOH), says, "We already know the drill: social distancing; when we don't feel well, don't go out; have yourself tested; if we have symptoms, go in isolation. No matter the COVID-19 variant, all these things should be second nature by now." The role of the government will be key in preventing or retarding the entry of the Omicron variant in the Philippines. The public and private sectors also need to continue working together to bring in more vaccines and push for fuller inoculation coverage across the country in order to achieve and maintain a high level of herd immunity. Recognizing that there seems to be an 'arms race' to develop a new response to the new Omicron variant among the pharmaceutical companies, Enrique expresses confidence "in the speed of innovation driven by technology. Our ability to innovate through tech will certainly match or outpace that of the virus over the medium term. The world's collective vaccine and pharma industry will generate multiple solutions and treatments against COVID19 which will ensure we conquer this pandemic."
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