by Krischen Balberan and Haezelyn Ragodon

Bilang bahagi ng pagdiriwang ng Bañamos Festival at ng ika-400 taon ng pagiging munisipalidad ng Los Baños, idinaos ang Civic Parade noong Setyembre 17, mula alas sais hanggang alas nuwebe ng umaga.

Ayon sa Civic Parade Registration Committee na pinamumunuan ng LB-COPS, itinatayang 12,210 hanggang 13,000 na katao ang nakilahok sa parada kasama na ang 14 na barangay ng Los Baños at 142 na ahensya ng gobyerno.

Nagsimula ang parade sa Olivarez Plaza at nagtapos sa lumang munisipyo ng Los Baños. Nagtipon-tipon ang mga mamamayan ayon sa kanilang barangay, ahensya, at paaralan. Nanguna sa pila ang hanay ng mga opisyal ng pamahalaang bayan sa pamumuno ni Mayor Ceasar Perez. Sunod sa pila ang mga barangay, mga ahensyang pangkalahatan, at ang mga paaralan. Huli sa parada ang mga float ng iba’t-ibang establisyamento at institusyon sa bayan.

Kasama ang mga volunteers mula sa opisina ng Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management (MDRRM) sa pagpapanitili ng kaayusan sa naturang parada.

Suporta sa parada

Karamihan sa mga mamamayang dumalo ay sumusuporta sa pagdaraos ng Bañamos Festival katulad na lamang ni Annie Lantican, 59, na miyembro ng isa sa mga NGO sa Los Baños. “Siyempre, bilang mamamayan ng Los Baños, dapat talaga ay maki-isa kami. Kahit na anong haba pa ng pila n’yan, at kahit anong aga, gigising kami… kumbaga obligasyon namin na maki-isa sa ating bayan”, ani niya.

Ayon rin sa mga miyembro ng Association of Senior Citizens, “Siyempre, mahalaga ito dahil mas mapapatibay ang relasyon naming mga senior citizen, bonding baga.” Samantala, may ilan ring nakapanayam na sumama sa parada upang hindi mamarkahang liban sa eskwela o opisina.

Pinagmamalaking aspeto ng pagiging residente ng Los Baños

Mula sa mga grupong nakiparada, ilang komentaryo ang binaggit ukol sa aspeto ng Los Banos na pinaka-ipinagmamalaki nila. Isang masigabong “Buko Pie!” ang tugon ng mga kawani mula sa Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).

Ayon naman kay Randy Banzuela, Election Officer, mula sa opisina ng COMELEC, ipinagmamalaki niya ang payapang eleksyon sa Los Baños, sino man ang tumakbo mula noon hanggang sa kasalukuyan. Ipinagmamalaki rin niya ang pamunuan sa munisipalidad sapagkat bagamat maliit na bayan lamang ang Los Baños, ito ay napapanatiling maunlad ng mga tao.

14th Banamos Festival

Ang pagdiriwang ng Bañamos Festival na nangangahulugang ‘pagpaligo’ o to bathe ay naglalayon na ipagbunyi ang mga natatanging maiinit na batis at bukal na isa sa mga ipinagmamalaki ng Los Baños. Ito na ang ika-14 na pagdiriwang ng Bañamos Festival ng Los Baños at inaasahan pang ipagpatuloy ang pagdiriwang sa mga susunod na taon.

by: Daryle Kayele Mendoza, Christine Joy Aranzanso, Jann Adriel Nisperos, Aila Monica Flores, with reports from Cybelle Basa and Harry Bernardino

With the theme Pagkilala sa Kasaysayan, Pagpupugay sa Kasalukuyan, Pagtanaw sa Kinabukasan, Los Baños held its annual foundation anniversary program to commemorate the town’s 400th founding anniversary last September 17.

Looking back and moving forward

Atty. Jennylyn Bagon-Soriano, the program’s event organizer, shares that since Los Baños has existed for 400 years, there is a need to recognize what the municipality has achieved since its establishment.While acknowledging the town’s humble beginnings, it is also important to keep the future of Los Baños in mind to improve what the town has yet to offer. “Kailangan tanawin mo rin kung ano ba ang magiging Los Baños in the future”, she furthers.

The program at the old municipal covered court opened with a doxology by the choir of The Church Among the Palms followed by Tunog Acapella’s rendition of the Los Baños hymn. Among the notable guests in the program were Mayor Caesar Perez, Vice Mayor Procopio Alipon, Governor Ramil Hernandez, Cong. Joaquin Chipeco Jr., and Hon. Mark Lapid. Ms. Mackie Cao, The Voice of the Philippines finalist, also indulged the audience with a special number.

Notable through the decades: town’s movers and shakers

The highlight of the program was the awarding of the town’s outstanding citizens and notable residents of Los Baños. Ten winners were named as outstanding citizens, a result of the search which opened on April this year.

Apart from the winners of 2015’s outstanding citizens, other notable individuals and institutions were also recognized. Their contributions in the development of Los Baños has made the town stronger through the decades.

In the category of Arts and Beauty, Leren Mae Bautista was recognized for winning the 2015 Mutya ng Pilipinas Asia Pacific International. The Umali matriarch, Zenaida L. Umali, was awarded for her generous contribution and development of land and real property, the Umali Subdivision. Michael O. Concio, Jr.  got the award for his talent in playing chess. Winning local and international tournaments at a young age, he brings great pride to Los Baños. Because of his leadership, Eladio M. Baradas bagged the award for leading baseball players into competent players. Maj. Gen. Benjamin R. Madrigal, Jr. is another recipient for his outstanding achievement, being promoted as Brigadier General and Chief of Staff of the Philippine Army. Dr. Mario M. Labadan and Mrs. Eva Labadan were awarded for advancing science and business through their enterprise, Ave Science & Technology Co., Ltd. Also, Mr. Rodelo DL. Pabalate and Mrs. Janeth B. Pabalate were also recognized.

Strength in numbers: town’s model groups, organizations, and institutions

A familiar institution and even a landmark to many locals, PCAARRD was awarded for funding research projects on organic vegetable production that benefit low income families. PCAARRD stands for Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development.

For environmental protection, Asean Centre for Biodiversity (ACB), Community Environment and Natural Resources (CENRO), and Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) were recognized.

Other institutions also received awards and these are the Laguna Water District, City of Springs Resort and Hotel, Community Cable Vision Corporation, Kabalikat Civicom, iHELP Los Banos, Philippine High School for the Arts, University of the Philippines Los Baños, Bureau of Plant Industry, Makiling Medical Society, 564th Engineer Construction Battalion, Mer-Nel’s cake house, Alalay of Los Baños Inc., and International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) respectively.

Through Presidential Proclamation No. 349 on August 7, 2000, Los Baños was recognized as a “Special Science and Technology City” for the development of agriculture and preservation of  the environment. Apart from the foundation anniversary program, several activities marked the town’s quadricentennial celebration in the week of September 14 to 20.

By Christian Joel D. Custodio

As part of the activities of the 14th Bañamos festival, the Public Employment Service Office of Los Baños (PESO-LB) launched a week-long expo dubbed Barangay Booth and Trade Fair at the Hen. Paciano Rizal Park in Brgy. Baybayin last September 14 to 20.

According to PESO-LB manager Gliceria Trinidad, the activity’s main purpose is to showcase the local products and promote the nature of each barangay in Los Baños.

Assigned with their own booths, the town’s 14 barangays garbed their nipa hut-inspired stalls with local crafts and distinct products.

Among those local finds are the paper charcoal briquettes, a conventional charcoal substitute; handicrafts like baskets, bags, and purses weaved from either recycled Tetra Pak sachets or water lily and hyacinth; egg delicacies made from “itik” or farm ducks; ornamental candles of different shapes and sizes made for various occasions; and other food products made by the Los Baños locals themselves.

Trinidad remarked the importance of the participation of the community people, particularly the women and elderly people, in exhibiting each of their local pride. “It helped them promote their products, promote their barangay, and promote unity in the community,” she said.

Negosyo Center-LB to aid local MSMEs

Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino IV, author of the Go Negosyo Act, led the ribbon-cutting ceremony during the launch of the trade fair.

Aquino, who also headed the inauguration of Negosyo Center in Los Baños, eyes to reach out to small and medium enterprises which include the community locals who wish to participate in the expansion of their market.

“Inaanyayahan po namin yung mga tiga-Los Baños and other members of CALABARZON na meron nang Negosyo Center; kung meron po kayong maliit na negosyo, or gusto niyong magsimula, pwede kayong pumunta, humingi ng advice, o humingi ng tulong, at hopefully makatulong ito sa inyong paglalakbay bilang isang negosyanteng Pilipino,” Aquino said.

Trinidad likewise supported the opening of the Negosyo Center as this can help the locals to expand their opportunities to learn basic entrepreneurship and promote the products they presented in the fair.

Trade fair products

The development starts in the individual shared Trinidad. She noted that a person must help one’s self in order to prosper, and that the locals must learn to explore entrepreneurial opportunities and aspire for a better living, as this could help in the improvement not only of one’s self, but also of the community as well.

“Ang connection nito [barangay trade fair] sa Negosyo Center ay mahihikayat natin ang mga mamamayan mag-negosyo, dahil mas pinadali na ang proseso. Mabibigyan din natin sila ng mga seminars kung paano mag-negosyo… at para malaman rin nila ang mga benefits and services mula sa DTI,” she said.

by Harry Bernardino, Cybelle Basa, Ma. Roxanne Fatima S. Rolle

To recognize citizens who contribute to the town’s development, the municipality of Los Baños named ten awardees of the 2015 Outstanding Citizens of Los Baños.

Winners received a trophy and certificate during the foundation anniversary program held on September 17 at the old municipal covered court. The search ran from April to July this year.

Mr. Roberto K. Bautista, Jr. is this year’s Outstanding Citizen (Professional Category). A member of several non-government organizations, he is recognized for his efforts to promote socio-economic activities in Los Baños.

Two educators were also called on stage. The Outstanding Public School Teacher awards were given to Rainiel Victor M. Crisologo for the elementary level and Francisco P. Panopio, Jr. in the high school category.

Local organizations reaped recognition as well. The UPLB Credit and Development Cooperative received the Outstanding Cooperative (Large Scale) award while the Kawayanan Bayanihan Multi-purpose Cooperative of Malinta was recognized as the Outstanding Cooperative (Small Scale). Meanwhile, the Autism Society Philippines-Laguna Chapter received the Outstanding Civil Society Organization.

Meanwhile, public servants shared the limelight. Barangay Bambang and Barangay Tadlac were both hailed as the Outstanding Pamahalaang Barangay. Lolita M. Leviste, CPA, is recognized as the Outstanding Municipal Department Head while SPO2 Julian J. de Vera is hailed as this year’s Outstanding Police Officer.

Community service through peace-keeping

“Napakaganda, kasi bihira lang ito, talagang ang aking pinaghirapan mula noon ay nabayaran”, said de Vera after he was awarded as an outstanding police officer. After 32 years of being in service, he still has no intentions of resigning. He also said that awards like these serve as an inspiration to continue community service.

Leviste, the head of the Municipal Accounting Department, is equally happy. “Masaya ako dahil natanggap ko ang award na ito. Sobrang fulfilling”, she said. She dreams of the department being more of the 20th century; having computerized accounting system to further speed up processes in the office.

A reunion of greats

The awarding ceremony also served as a reunion for many residents. In fact, Crisologo, an outstanding elementary teacher, got a chance to meet his former instructor, Mr. Panopio Jr., who is also the awardee of outstanding high school teacher.

As a public servant, Crisologo pledged to do the obligations of being an educator with respect and passion. He added that he wishes to impart knowledge to the youth; that will always be his motivation. According to him, the recognition served as a bonus and a testament that hard work pays off.

Two decades of inspiring citizens

Since 1995, Los Baños has been honoring the efforts of notable locals through the Outstanding Citizen award. To date, around 136 individuals and groups alike have been recognized, including this year’s winners.

The first line up of awardees in 1995 were Commanding Brigadier Gen Dante V. Oliveros, NEDA Sec. Cielito Habito, DECS (now DepEd) Sec. Ricardo Gloria, DOST Sec. William Padolina, UP System President Emil Q. Javier, and DA Usec. Manuel Lantin.

by Agcaoili, Karen C. and , Chezka B. Condrillon

Memory lane, a hall of trinkets, or simply, the Los Baños museum  — you may call it whatever you wish, but it does one thing for sure. It brings you 400 years back. Yes, its doors are now open.

The clock strikes half past eight in the morning, on the day of the
quadricentennial anniversary of Los Baños.

Most people were busy roaming around the event area and watching per
formances. A few blocks away, up a few plight of stairs, stood a grandmother immersed with the events of the past that led to that day’s festivities—Asuncion Cua-Miralles or Lola Asuncion, a 74-year old full-blooded Chinese who found love with a Filipino local.

The old municipal hall of Los Baños has been turned into a local museum. It first opened its doors to the public the same day it turned 400, making the building all the more historical than it already was.

Although not yet completed, the museum already offers a peek into the town’s colorful past. The museum’s walls are decorated with photographs, timelines, and infographics about events and people that contributed to what Los Baños is today—from the town’s found
ation in 1615 up to the present.

Among its first visitors, the one that led the ribbon cutting ceremony of the museum, is Hon. Mark T. Lapid, Chief Operating Officer of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority. Tieza shares that they are aiming to have the establishment declared as a national museum by the National Historical Commission of the Philippines.

Another person who would not miss the event was Mr. Jeffrey James C. Ligero, one of the brains behind developing the museum. He revealed that they are planning to add a three-dimensional miniature model depicting the town of Los Baños. Ligero further shares that more panels and artifacts will soon be put on display.

The panel-filled walls showcases ten themes inspired by Los Baños’ 400 years. These include the town’s political development during the Japanese occupation. A grade 10 student of Christian School International, Inc. cited the museum’s importance in disseminating knowledge about the events of the past, especially to the youth. The student furthered that becoming more well-versed of their history could boost the pride of the town’s citizens.

A few visitors even spotted their younger selves and classmates captured in the class pictures hanging among the many displays.

The photos were also engaging for reminiscent strollers such as Lola Asuncion, who diligently read and looked into each of the panels. She remarked that some, if not most, of these information are rare finds in regularly circulating books. She even adds, “colored pa!”, as a praise with a big smile on her face, making her Chinese features—her chinita eyes—even more recognizable.

Lola Asuncion, with a smile as bright as her vibrant orange polo, examined every artifact. Her presence brought life to the otherwise empty and closed wooden windows of the old municipal hall. Even by simply looking at Lola Asuncion’s back as she looked out of the window, one could still faintly imagine her smiling brightly with squinted monolid eyes.

No wonder, it must have felt satisfying to watch Los Baños celebrate its 400th founding anniversary through the windows of the building that served as its foundation through those years—like peeking into the future while in the standpoint of the past—a view of both worlds.

Los Baños is now an address of royalty as recently crowned beauty queen proudly calls it her home.

“Los Baños is home for me” states Mutya ng Pilipinas Asia Pacific International 2015, Ms. Leren Mae Magnaye Bautista.

A local of Brgy. Anos, Bautista was also crowned Miss Los Baños 2013. Now, she returns with an international title along with several awards from the Mutya ng Pilipinas 2015 coronation night last August 2 at the Newport Performing Arts Theater, Resorts World Manila.

Besting 29 other contestants, Bautista also snagged four more awards: Best in Swimsuit, Best in Long Gown, Mutya ng Sheridan Beach Resort and Spa, and Mutya ng Hana.

Yet despite her world’s glitz and glamor, Ms. Leren remains humble and accommodating as she indulged Los Banos Times with her thoughts on bringing home the crown, being a Lagunense, and being part of LB at 400.

On bringing home the crown 

Los Baños Times: What made you decide to join Mutya ng Pilipinas 2015?

Leren Mae Bautista: Actually, I wasn’t that prepared when I joined this pageant. My body wasn’t in good physique back then. My only goal is to gain experience of a national pageant. Fortunately, I won the title!

LBT: When your name was announced as the winner, what were the first few thoughts that came to mind?

LMB: “Thank you Lord!” were the words that came in my mind. I wasn’t expecting for my name to be called. I am already very happy with the experiences I’ve had at that moment.

LBT: What are your plans now that you are the new Mutya ng Pilipinas Asia Pacific International?

LMB: To do my responsibilities as Mutya ng Pilipinas Asia Pacific International in promoting culture and tourism. To travel the whole Philippines to know the different cultures and tourist spots we have, thus, help them in promoting them.

LBT: How are you preparing for the international pageant on December? If you bring home the title, how can you leverage the crown to share your personal advocacy in the province, country, and the world?

LMB: Well, as of now, we travel to know more about the culture and tourism of the Philippines so when we compete in our international pageant, we will know how to promote the country. If I’d bring home the crown, I’d use it to promote tourism and natural beauty.

On being a Laguena

LBT: How does it feel growing up in our town?

LMB: It felt like home. Los Banos is home for me.

LBT: What’s your favorite place or delicacy in Los Banos or Laguna?

LMB: Buko pie!!! I LOVE BUKO PIE!

LBT: In our research, we found out that you have often been invited as “Reyna Elena” in several barangays in Los Banos (i.e. Brgy. Timugan and Brgy. Anos). Can you please share your experience being a frequent muse in Los Banos?

LMB: Though this could mean long walks, I never hesitate to accept their invitation. I always feel overwhelmed when they invite me.

LBT: As a marketing graduate, what facet of Los Banos or Laguna would you further promote and why?

LMB: Promote more of Laguna’s tourism and culture as to let the world see how beautiful Laguna is.

LBT: Apart from being a responsible individual, family member, and citizen of the community, what other quality/ies of being a Laguena do you value and why?

LMB: Hospitable and conservative. We, Lagunenses, are very welcoming and accommodating that tourists love returning back to our province. We are also still holding on to the traditional values that we’ve gained and that I think sets us apart from others.

Los Banos at 400

LBT: Looking back, what aspect of our town’s 400 years of history are you most proud of?

LMB: Los Banos as the largest science community in South East Asia! Though Los Banos is just a small town, it has contributed much in terms of scientific achievement, specifically on Agriculture.

LBT: What aspect of Los Banos do you wish to be further developed in the coming years?

LMB: Los Banos, not just an academic and special nature and science city, should develop more of its tourist destination as to promote how beautiful Los Banos is.

LBT: What is your message to your fellow Los Banos locals regarding the Quadricentennial?

LMB: It’s been 400 years of building names! Let’s continue supporting our municipality and our kababayans!

LBT: What is your message to your supporters?

LMB: To those who believed [in me] and supported me, many thanks to you! Please continue to support me as I vie for the crown for Miss Tourism Queen of the Year on December. This is for all of you!