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Monday, March 14, 2005
7 years for the Island Garden
By Jojie Alcantara
Witerary
WHEN three former municipalities of Samal, Babak, and Kaputian merged into one local government unit, the Island Garden City of Samal was officially created and ratified on March 7, 1998, through the passage of a bill authored by Congressman Rodolfo P. del Rosario. A neophyte politician was elected as the island's first City Mayor by the name of Rogelio Paraiso Antalan (now a third-termer).
What serendipity, finding someone with Paradise for a middle name, to rule over a real island paradise.
Seven years later, Samal proudly stands as an urban location within a rural setting that proves itself worthy as one of the 8th anchor destinations in the country as promoted by the Department of Tourism. It is so rich in natural resources because it is an island, a garden, and a city with unique features.
Picture its 118-kilometers of mostly white-sand coastlines, more than 70 caves, flourishing flora and fauna, thriving coral gardens and an abundant marine life; picturesque waterfalls, springs, and watersheds, limestone ravines, cliffs and mountains. To top it all, the residents are warm and hospitable.
I have recently attended its 7th year anniversary, as an "adopted" daughter of Samal. For two consecutive years, I was one of the judges in the Binibining Igacos Coronation Pageant held at the Samal Cultural Gymnasium. As always, the event went briefly and smoothly, with the help of STI's computer tabulation that made things easier for us judges to put in scores. That helped us to be less worried over tabulations and more observant of every candidate.
Last year, we unanimously chose the pretty and smart Janine Timbal to represent the city. This year, the crowned lady was cheerful and talented Ritchel Decierdo, who happens to be a professional singer.
With testosterones still in high gear, my fellow judges and I didn't retire soon after. Instead we went back to Punta del Sol (a lovely place to stay!) and had a great time with the group. We poured all drunken emotions in the bar's videoke over San Mig Light and junk food. We did not even notice it was raining at 3 in the morning!
I don't recall how we were able to wake up early for the parade. After a delicious breakfast, we were fetched for the Parada sa Lungsod (Civic Parade) from the PCES Grounds to the City Hall Grounds, just in time to witness the Skydiving exhibition courtesy of the Rescue 505 3rd Squadron of the Philippine Air Force Davao Base (headed by PAF Team Leader Capt. Remo).
When City Administrator Jon Gales invited me for a ride in the helicopter to shower confetti on the parade, I was buckling myself up inside the air transport before anybody else. The ride was breezy as we dipped and flew over and around the island and threw confetti on the people below. The beautiful coastline with the aquamarine waters was a sight to behold.
Let me end this article with a thought-provoking statement by one of the candidates I approved of even though she ended as a runner-up. During the interview portion, she answered a controversial issue in Visayan dialect, which endeared herself to the crowd. When asked if she approves of the bridge connecting Samal Island to Davao, she replied in all honesty and naivete: "Oo, tungod kay kung naa nay bridge paadto Davao maka-save na ta kay puwede na siya bagtason!"
She may have made the audience howl with laughter and cheer, but it defiantly shows how simple and uncomplicated the lives of the island folks are. Believe me, when I got back to Davao by van on a ferryboat, I silently calculated I would actually be traveling faster on foot if there a bridge was there. Well, let's cross the bridge when it's there, shall we.
(Writer's website is www.witerary.com, or email witty@info.com.ph)
For Bisaya stories from Davao. Click here. (March 14, 2005 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
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