FOR 14 years now, SunStar Bacolod has remained steadfast in serving the community by providing relevant news and information to the people, especially the Negrenses. In fact, in the last two years under a global pandemic, it was able to keep a shining torch even in the darkest times.
Marking this important milestone, SunStar Bacolod holds a week-long anniversary celebration, from September 11 to 17, anchored on the theme “SunStar Bacolod @ 14: Shining Brighter Amidst the Darkest of Times.”
On Sunday, the team led by Editor-In-Chief Erwin Nicavera and Business Manager Leilanne Delgado kicked off the activity with a thanksgiving mass at the St. John the Baptist Parish Church in Bago City officiated by Parochial Vicar Rev. Fr. Narciso Gregory Gayares VII.
The City Government of Bago under the leadership of Mayor Nicholas Yulo then welcomed the team for a worthwhile activity.
Yulo, in a statement, extended his congratulations to SunStar Bacolod. “May you continue to be a shining beacon in upholding the highest standards in journalism amidst the proliferation of misinformation and disinformation in the country,” he added.
Through a walking tour, SunStar Bacolod employees composed of editorial, admin, business and production staff were able to experience the rich history, culture and heritage of the southern Negros Occidental locality dubbed “Home of Historial and Natural Treasures” as well as the high sense of nationalism of the Bagonhons.
Francis Lagradilla of the Bago City Tourism Office shares the story of the General Juan Araneta Monument --- his great contribution to the freedom of the province from the Spaniards, plaza, city hall, community center and Republica de Negros Marker, among other landmarks within the city proper.
The team also visited the “Balay Tasa,” a house of mug collection established by Bagonhon Joseph Aunzo at the city’s Barangay Poblacion. A nurse by profession, Aunzo welcomed the team to his humble collection and narrated his mug collection journey that began in 1992.
He currently maintains at least 1,900 pieces of mugs of different designs and sizes. Most of these mugs were bought during his travels here and abroad, some were given to him by his friends.
“I find joy in doing this,” Aunzo said, adding that everyone is welcome to see his collection which he promised to continue for as long as he can.
Bago City Senior Tourism Operations Officer Mae Ann Furtos, who joined the team, said the “Balay Tasa” forms part of the “special interest” tourist destinations of the city.
The team also met Bagonhon Lourdes Villason - Marba, a known cook of an heirloom recipe of a native delicacy called “Panara” which she mastered through many years of her cooking experience.
The 57-year-old native of Barangay Poblacion said she inherited the recipe from her great grandmother. Through her, they were able to keep the recipe alive for over 100 years now.
Aside from its delectable taste, her “Panara” is also a living proof of the rich heritage of the city. After Nanay Lourdes demonstrated how to cook the delicacy, the group enjoyed the hotly-served “Panara” dipped in a flavorful “sinamak” that is also locally made.
“I am happy to share the story of my Panara,” she said, hoping that this will inspire her fellow Bagonhons to continue their craft as well as other things that they love doing with passion and determination.
In a bid to renew their commitment to continue being an active partner of the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental in its undertakings for the development of the province and the Negrenses, SunStar Bacolod team also paid a courtesy visit to Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson on Monday.
As he congratulated SunStar Bacolod, Lacson said that “indeed, you have been a partner to the provincial government and all other local government units through the news that you print out and now also through social media.”
“We continue to partner with you and rest assured that the province will support you in whatever means that we can,” the governor added.
Other provincial officials including Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer, his wife Fourth District Rep. Juliet Marie Ferrer and Board Member Julius Martin Asistio also extended their congratulations to SunStar Bacolod. They wished the team well to continue serving the community through the dissemination of public information that will help build a well-informed community.
Lone District of Bacolod Rep. Greg Gasataya and Pulupandan Mayor Miguel Antonio Peña also congratulated the team for performing its role in the community, particularly as a channel of news and information.
Victorias City Juan Miguel “Javi” Benitez, in a video message, thanked SunStar Bacolod for being the city’s constant partner in promoting the best of Victorias City.
“May you continue to open your doors for us in the coming years ahead. May SunStar continue to shine and your commitment to quality and fair community journalism remain strong,” Benitez added.
Bacolod City Police Office Spokesperson Major Sherlock Gabana, during the team’s courtesy call to him, also recognized the role of SunStar Bacolod in informing the public, especially the Bacolodnons, on what’s happening in the city.
For his part, Nicavera thanked his fellow employees, especially the editorial staff, for staying strong as they continue their mission of leading the industry with integrity and excellent corporate and journalistic principles and practices.
SunStar Bacolod is a member of the only network of community newspapers in the Philippines.
“Utilizing both our print and digital platforms, we will remain steadfast in our commitment to be a source of light for the community as we look forward to winning with them the challenges of our time,” he said.
On Saturday, meanwhile, the team will culminate the anniversary celebration at the Metro Bacolod District Jail (MBDJ). They will visit some of the inmate-parol makers.
“We will immerse ourselves so we can further deepen our appreciation to the craftsmanship, passion and optimism exhibited by the inmates through the Christmas lanterns they make,” the editor-in-chief said, adding that “like their parol, SunStar Bacolod will continue to shine even in the darkest of times.”
Moreover, SunStar Bacolod is grateful to other partners who contributed to the success of the week-long activity. These include the City Government Bago, Goldilocks, Bob’s Cafe, Merzci Pasalubong, Red Ribbon, Councilors Ayesha Villaflor, Celia Flor and Jude Thaddeus Sayson, Lopues Mandalagan, and Burea of Jail Management and Penology - Western Visayas.*