The ancient home of the datus

MY IDEA that the hill on which foot I was born as being the lost settlement of ancient Kagay-an stemmed from an “oral tradition” that my grandfather passed on to me. The Molugan hill, according to him, was the “himoan ug tulugan” (where sleeping quarters were made or resting place) of the datus and his people in the ancient time. It was then mentioned in history as the Himolugan settlement.

Bukidnon’s Kaamulan Festival kicks off

THE annual Kaamulan Festival in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon kicked off on February 16 with different activities lined up until March.

Now on its 35th year, the Kaamulan Festival will end on March 10 in time for the 95th Foundation Day of Bukidnon.

The tasty pancit of Rose Pancit Malabon

KAGAY-ANONS are aptly known as food lovers who love to dine out, hopping from one restaurant to another in search for delectable food that fits their palate.

‘Born This Way’

“I’M BEAUTIFUL in my way, coz God makes no mistakes, I’m on the right track, baby, I was born this way!”

I just love listening to this song of Lady Gaga. It inspires me to be my real self and not to mind the judgment of other people.

True or False

SOME time after I finished watching all the episodes of a British television show, tea became an important part of my sanity. Making a cup every now and then eases the burden of having to wait for the next season. It lends a sense of continuity and it does soothe the nerves.

That is why I risked fifteen more minutes of procrastination this afternoon to go to the store to buy milk, which I had not realized we were out of until I had already poured boiling water on the tea bag.

Take good care of your heart

“I LOVE you with all my heart.”

This is the most often used phrase quoted by lovers and couples. Unknowingly, the phrase is not without essence. Heart is one of the human organs that have no pair, unlike those of lungs, kidneys and other glands. Thus, once damaged, it can cause irreversible damage.

4ID celebrates V-Day with ‘Sendong’ survivors

THE Diamond Troopers distributed Valentine giveaways to the victims of Tropical Storm Sendong at the Tent City in Barangay Canitoan on February 14, Valentine’s Day.

The activity was conceptualized to remind the victims of Tropical Storm Sendong that there are still reasons to lighten up, enjoy the day and bury their worries and sad experiences.

Free blood pressure check-up at Phoenix Petroleum

MOTORISTS and customers can avail of free blood pressure check-up at selected Phoenix Petroleum stations nationwide from February 14 to 21.

Phoenix Petroleum Philippines’ “Heart’s Day Free Blood Pressure Check up” is the first promo of its kind in the oil industry, aimed at promoting health awareness.

Natural healers from the kitchen

FROM fruits to vegetables, from herbs to spices – the kitchen is a wealthy source of natural medicines. When taken conscientiously, they surely keep the doctor’s away. But more importantly, they make you healthier.

Skin Deep

“TAMBOK na kaayo ko (I’m so fat)!”

I heard this annoying and insulting remark as I passed by a girl sitting on a bench with her clique. She was fussing about her guilt for eating a slice of pizza and how it would make her tight jeans tighter. I couldn’t help but stare at her. My brows crunched in confusion because as far as my eyes could see, she was not fat. She even looked lighter than me. She had a shapely figure that would make any guy’s jaw drop in awe. If she called herself fat, then what would she have called me? An overweight? Or worse, a whale?

The secret of life

“THE Secret of Life: Take time to think, it is the source of power; Time to be friendly, it is the road to Happiness. Take time to play, it is the secret of youth, who believed in a God. Take time to laugh, it is the Music of the Soul. Take time to Love it is the way of Life. Take Time to Pray, it is greatest Power on Earth.”

This must be written by one who has wisdom from God. He is an anonymous writer.

Love makes the world go round

“IT IS better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.”

Finding one’s true love

TRUE love can never me measured by the number of children a couple have because some people got married with no love at all but still bear kids. It cannot also be quantified by the amount of money a couple has in the bank.

Love in many ways

BEING loved and loving someone is such a very nice feeling. This may come in handy, wherein love for your family (parental), siblings, relatives, love for friends, and most especially, love for our so-called ‘soulmate’.

Pag-IBIG to hold mass wedding this Valentine’s Day

TRUE to its name, the Home Mutual Development Fund (Pag-IBIG Fund) will hold a mass wedding today, February 14, at SM City Cagayan de Oro. At least 185 couples will join today’s mass wedding.

Juliano S. Banghal, Pag-IBIG Cagayan de Oro Branch Manager, said the program is part of their official Pag-IBIG Day, which is to sponsor a mass wedding to those who can’t afford, especially those victims of typhoon Sendong.

Owwa: Aiding me through education

MY PARENTS had been so anxious months before my high school graduation. They did not know where to send me for college. Or even if they could send me to college, they would be facing with scanty financial resources.

Missy Bon Bon launches own pastel

MISSY Bon Bon, the premiere breadshop in Cagayan de Oro, gave birth to its own version of pastel, the newest addition of its pasalubong treat especially made to meet the growing demands of its clients.

Missy Bon Bon, a hip, cozy, relaxed, world-class breadshop, serves healthy, freshly made bread onsite with unique fusion interpretations of local bread products, gourmet comfort food, custom gelato mixes and a selection of freshly brewed coffee. It is situated at Rosario Drive in Limketkai Center but has stalls at the ground floor of Robinsons Mall and Gaisano Mall.

David vs. Goliath of Davao wins 13th Pambansang Muziklaban

IT IS every Pinoy rocker’s dream to see their elusive rock gods perform in one stage. And no less than the country’s no. 1 extra strong beer, Red Horse Beer, made this phenomenon possible with the culmination of the 13th Pambansang Muziklaban rock event held recently at the Aseana City in Parañaque City.

Art exhibit of Biswal Mindanaw set in Oro

LIMKETKAI Center will host an art exhibition of Biswal Mindanaw Inc. on February 15 to 23 in celebration of the Arts Month this year.

The exhibit, dubbed “Obra de Brocha,” will showcase the various forms of artworks of the members/visual artists of Biswal Mindanaw that will surely capture the hearts of the viewers.

4ID holds Rifle Squad Challenge tilt

THE 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division (4ID) of the Philippine Army is holding the Rifle Squad Challenge Competition at Camp Osito Bahian in Malaybalay City, which started Friday and runs until today, February 11.

The Rifle Squad Challenge, participated in by different subordinate units of the 4ID, aims to test the squads’ individual and collective competence, promote teamwork, healthy competition, leadership and cohesion within the squad.

Sandwich to the rescue

BLT, PB&J, Reuben, Grilled Cheese, Philadelphia Cheesesteak, Clubhouse, Chicken, Ham and Cheese. Egg, and a few others. What do they have in common?

Conducting effective meetings

AS A chair or a participant, you are best displayed in a meeting even if you accomplish your most significant work by yourself.

Hail Lourdes!

THIS month of February, I will be among the many old gals of Lourdes College, most of who come from different parts of the globe, who will be taking part of the annual homecoming in this city. It will always be a big, colorful and noisy reunion of classmates, teachers and R.V.M. nuns – those that were once a part of my growing up years in the school that we all call “Lourdes.”

Super Biko

WHAT? Did I just call it “Super Biko”?

PPI, NUJP hold trauma seminar for Mindanao journalists

THE Philippine Press Institute (PPI) in collaboration with the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) recently held a two-day seminar on Journalism and Trauma to Mindanao journalists at the Ecoland Suites in Davao City.

Ariel Sebellino, PPI Regional Trustee, said the seminar aims to look at the general welfare of the journalists especially in dealing with trauma.

Symbols of love

SHOWING your love to your special someone can be expressed in so many ways, and even just by simple gestures, it means a lot.

An adventure from 65 million years in the making

SCIENCE, history and entertainment combine to bring this one-of-a-kind experience to the shores of Northern Mindanao.

Dinosaurs Alive -- an exciting and educational exhibit that takes us on an adventure back in time, 65 million years ago when these large powerful creatures ruled the Earth.

IHH Nederland holds play therapy for ‘Sendong’ survivors

THOUSANDS of residents in Cagayan de Oro who survived the wrath of Tropical Storm Sendong have undergone a debriefing activity dubbed “Play therapy” conducted by representatives of IHH Nederland on Sunday afternoon at Liceo de Cagayan University.

The survivors came from barangays Balulang, Consolacion and Iponan. The activity was conducted in three parts -- play therapy for the children who may have experienced trauma; the distribution of around 1,500 food packs and the distribution of cow’s meat to 450 families.

The importance of a ‘fishy’ diet

BELIEVE it or not, there are people who do not like to eat fish in as much as there are people who love them. Some reason they fear of catching the fish’s bone in their throat while others simply do not like the “fishy” after-taste.

According to biologic studies, fish as well as other seafood, are rich sources of protein and omega-3. One study even found that a three-ounce serving of fish provides about 20 grams of proteins sufficient to meet one-third of the recommended daily intake for proteins.

Historical events in January

SINCE the month of January is about to end, I decide to share with my dear readers four important historical events that happened in this month with the hope that this will enrich our knowledge on our local history.