Jonnadel Dongsal bags Miss Los Baños 2012 title

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By Ladylove May Baurile and Gretzel Lantican

Los Baños, Laguna- Candidate number 17 Jonnadel Dongsal of Brgy. Timugan won the title of Miss Los Baños 2012 last night at the Paciano Rizal Park.

The question asked to Miss Dongsal in the Question and Answer Portion was “Halimbawa mayroon kang sariling party at pwede kang mag-imbita ng kahit na sino. Sino sa tatlong ito ang iimbitahan mo, si President Noynoy Aquino, si Manny Pacquiao, o si Derek Ramsay?”

“Ang akin pong iimbitahan ay si P-Noy po… Dahil hindi naman po bongga yung party ko… Hindi tulad ng mga handaan sa Malacañang, sa mga munisipyo. Hindi ganun karangya. Gusto ko ipakita sa kaniya na kahit hindi ganun kaganda yung party na pupuntahan niya sa amin, nagkakaisa naman kami sa amin and kung ano po yung napaghandaan, yun po iyong pinaghirapan namin. Yun lang po at maraming salamat,” answered Miss Dongsal.

Simple and humble. Newly crowned Miss Los Baños Miss Jonnadel Dongsal from Brgy. Timugan didn’t expect that she’ll win the competition. (Photo by Joan G. Nacorda)

The first, second, third and fourth-runner up titles were bagged by Louisse Ann Perez (Brgy. Timugan), Rubelyn Malitic (Brgy. Bayog), Roxanne Siman from (Brgy. Bambang) and Arnie Delideli (Brgy. Mayondon), repectively.

Miss Dongsal also won the most number of special awards, including  “Miss McDonald’s Best Smile”, “Best in Swimsuit”, and “Miss Metro Hair”. Other special award winners were Rubelyn Malitic for “Emery Award”, Victoria Banagan for “Best in Talent”, April Rose Dichose for “Miss Casual Wear”, Arnie Delideli for “Macdonald’s Customers Choice”, Aira Mae Trinidad for “Miss Press Photographer’s Choice Award”,  Roxanne Siman for “Miss Informatics Choice Award”, Victoria Banagan for “Best in Long Gown” and Louisse Ann Perez for “Miss Globe”.

Crowned beauties. Different barangays were represented in the Miss Los Baños pageant to showcase the true beauty of the people of Los Baños. The pageant is an annual event held during the Bañamos Festival in September but because of the habagat this year, it was moved to the Christmas festival of the municipality. (Photo by Joan G. Nacorda)

 “First time kong manalo nang may title kasi matagal na ako nasali ng pageant pero hindi pa rin ako nanalo. Dinededicate ko ang pagkapanalo ko sa family ko at kay God. Alam mo ba na may piso pa ako sa paa bilang lucky charm,” said Miss Los Baños 2012.

Supporters and family of the candidates filled the coronation night of Miss Los Baños 2012. Guest singer Jimmy Bondoc also serenaded the ladies with his hit song “Let me be the one.”

Los Baños Idol finalists showcase singing talents

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By Ladylove May Baurile

With reports from Kezia Grace Jungco

Los Baños, Laguna- Twenty two candidates showcased their talents and fought for the title of Los Baños Idol last night at the Paciano Rizal Park.

The participants were divided into three batches that performed accordingly. The first batch consisted of Elaine Kaye Teaño (Malinta), William Don Criste (Lalakay), Mart John Renz Regis (Tuntungin-Putho), Aira Bautista (Bayog), Lenie Briones (Lalakay), Fiona Beltran (Mayundon) and Amiel Job Liwanagan (Batong Malake). The second batch was composed of Ricky Mendoza (Bayog), Regine Masecampo (Anos), Emmanuel Casubha (Batong Malake), Ana Liza Belloga (Maahas), Marie Fe Cao (Bayog), Shararayah Sto. Domingo (San Antonio) and Caren Patiten (Mayundon). Moreover, the third batch consisted of Lord Cedric Pavia (San Antonio), Roel Anthony Wagan (Batong Malake), Kathleen Anne Galula (San Antonio), Nimfa Arevalo (Anos), Ronnie Teaño (Malinta), Aya Mikhaela Aguinaldo (Bayog), Jomark Mesa (Bayog) and Dianne Ubaldo (San Antonio).

Another highlight of the event aside from the performances of the participants was the intermission of the duo child dancers who will compete for “Batang Pinoy National Dancespat Competition” and the “Laguna Teatro Kislap”.

The contestants were also given memberships to the “Organisasyon ng mga Pilipinong Mang-aawit” (OPM). Among the chosen participants were Nimfa Arevalo, Ricky Mendoza and Marie Fe Cao who was chosen among the three to perform for the organization’s upcoming concert.

“Sumali ako dito para mashowcase yung talent ng barangay namin at para mapprove na ang mga Los Baños ay magagaling, masaya dito kasi nakakabonding mo ang mga kalaban mo at hindi mo aakalain na yung kompetisyon ay ‘di ganoon kabigat,” shared Marie Fe Cao.

From the top 5 out of 22 finalist of the Los Baños Idol singing competition, only one will become the champion. The top 5 have performed amazingly in the elimination rounds and in the final rounds. (Photo by Joan G. Nacorda)

The top five performers for the said activity were Ricky Mendoza who sang “Don’t Stop Believin”, Lord Cedric Pavia who sang “Lady”, Marie Fe Almazan Cao who sang “And I am Telling You”, Aya Mikhaela Aguinaldo who sang “When you Believe” and Nimfa Arevalo who sang “Kahit Sandali”.

The winners were Nimfa Arevalo, Marie Fe Almazan Cao and Aya Mikhaela Aguinaldo respectively. They received cash prizes of P10000 for grand winner, P7000 for the first runner-up and P5000 for the second runner-up with scholarship from Informatics Institute.

“Sumali ako dito kasi gusto ko matulungan si mama, patay na kasi si papa kaya ako na lang ang inaasahan… kaya thank you po sa lahat lalo na kay God,” said Nimfa Arevalo.

It is the inaugural staging of the Los Baños Idol, which is still part of the Paskuhan sa Bagong Los Baños.

Nimfa Arevalo from Brgy. Anos bests 21 other finalist at the Los Baños Idol singing competion. She joined the competition in hopes of helping out her mother. In fact, she hopes to buy building materials for their house with the cash prize. (Photo by Joan G. Nacorda)

“Sa mga nanalo sobrang salamat sa pakikiisa sa programa namin at congratulations sa lahat kahit tatlo lang yung nabigyan ng OPM… lahat sila panalo dahil naipakita parin nila sa Los Baños ‘yung talent nila,” said Hon. Julius Moliñawe, event coordinator of the event.

Los Baños Municipality supports Children with Autism

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By Ladylove May Baurile and Gretzel Lantican

Los Baños, Laguna- The Los Baños municipal government in partnership with the Autism Society of the Philippines (ASP) Laguna Chapter held today “The Los Baños Community Center for Therapy, Intervention & Support Services” to show support to children with autism.

Ambassador Christopher Thornly was welcomed by the attendees of the seminar as he arrived at the Los Baños Municipal Hall (photo by GLantican).

Some of the highlights of the event included the arrival of the Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines Christopher Thornly, performances of the autistic children and gift-giving by the organizers.

“We really know how much you put into this. This is really why I am here today… to give superior honest support and to perhaps give keen start, to help you out a little bit, to do all the wonderful work that you’re doing because I know… when we’re in it together it’s so much easier”, said Ambassador Thornly.

Sixty participants attended the event wherein twenty of them will be selected to attend the four-day seminar funded by the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives.

Sixty participants attended the event organized by the municipality of Los Baños and Autism Society of the Philippines (photo by LMBaurile).

“Nagpapasalamat ako sa ASP kasi ‘yung anak ko na four years old alam ko kakaiba pero sabi ko na lang aalagaan ko na lang kasi walang pera kaya nagpapasalamat ako na meron daw mag-iisponsor (I am thankful for ASP because I know that my four-year old child is special but I just said that I will just take care of him since we don’t have money so I am thankful that there will be sponsors),” said Mrs. Diyo, mother of an autistic child.

The said seminar will be divided into four portions namely “Understanding My Child’s Disability”, “How to Increase my Child’s Compliance”, “Break-out Sessions by Nature of Disability” and “Behavioral Disability.”

“Children with autism can have better outcomes… Our partnership with the embassy of Canada brings new hope to the families and children with autism in Los Baños, the project that was only a dream many years ago is now a reality,” shared Rizalina Cansanay, president of ASP Laguna Chapter.

UPLB holds “Off the Street, On to School” program

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By Ladylove May B. Baurile

The Counseling and Testing Division (CTD) of the University of the Philippines Los Baños, along with the UPLB Gabay Volunteer Corps and Kairos band organized “Off the Street, On to School” program yesterday at the Student Union Lobby for the street children and their parents in Los Baños.

Separate programs were prepared for both children and their parents. A talent-values camp highlighted the children’s program, wherein members of the UPLB Gabay Volunteer Corps helped children showcase their talents like singing, dancing, acting and drawing. The volunteers and members of the Rotary Club of Los Baños also gave testimonials and snacks afterwards.

Meanwhile, the seminar for parents was facilitated by Dr. Leticia Afuang, Office of Student Affairs (OSA) director, and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

“Ginagawa namin ang ‘Off the street, On to School’ para ma-encourage namin ang mga bata, particularly mga street children sa Los Baños na nagbebenta ng sampaguita at mga mani, na mag-aral… kaya nagbibigay tayo ng school supplies… para makita rin nila ang importansya ng pag-aaral (We hold the ‘Off the street, On to School’ program to encourage children to study, especially those who live in the streets or those who spend time selling sampaguitas and peanuts…we give out school supplies as well for them to also see the importance of schooling),” said Gama Javier, a GABAY volunteer.

According to Dr. Erick Vernon Dy, counselor and head of UPLB Gabay Volunteer corps, the event aims at assisting parents and also to help them develop the passion of teaching education’s importance to their children.

Dance competition, training for indigent but academically excellent students, giving of books by the Kairos Band to Bernaldo Calara Elementary School and recognition for long-time supporters of the program were also done. At the end, the counselors and volunteers gave loot bags with school materials and clothing to the participating families.

“Basically gusto namin makatulong sa mga kabataan dito sa Elbi lalo na ngayong pasko kaya nga ako nagvolunteer dito kasi gusto ko yung ginagawa nila at naisip ko na isa rin iyon sa mga gusto kong gawin bilang isang kabataan (Basically, we wanted to help the children here in Los Baños especially now that it’s Christmas season… I volunteered for this event because I support what Gabay does and I also thought that this is one activity that I would want to pursue as part of the youth),” shared Cheska Bon, another volunteer.

The “Off th Street, on to School” outreach program is an annual event in UP Los Baños and is now in its 8th year.

Veteran dancers win in ‘Make Your Move’ dance competition

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By Danielle Torralba

‘One Love Crew’ won the ‘Make Your Move Dance Competition’ last night at the Paciano Rizal Park, Los Baños

Composed of 11 members, One Love Crew scored a total of 90%, beating the other ten dance groups and earned 15,000 pesos as grand prize. The ‘Freestylers’ took home the second spot, receiving 10,000 pesos. The ‘Stylistics Dance Squad’ finished in third for 7,000 pesos.

James Burgos of the One Love Crew said that they were not expecting to win the competition. Marvin Umali, Jose Emmanuel Lingao, and Neil Gonzaga judged the competition. “I’m looking for something innovative, new, and experimental”, said Mr. Umali, the Chairman of the Board.

The top three finishers are no strangers to winning dance competitions. One Love Crew made the finals of Showtime Season 1; the Freestylers were first-runners up in Pilipinas Got Talent Season 2; and The Stylistics Dance squad won the ‘Shall We Dance’ championship. The three teams once again took home the awards last night before a jam-packed crowd that included Los Baños Mayor Anthony Genuino, Vice Mayor Baby Sumangil, and the Councilor Julius Moliñawe.

Meanwhile, two members of the JR Crown dance group were brought the first aid area after a failed dance stunt attempt. 14-year-old Kennedy Leh de Bora landed on the ground after doing a “hyper double back” stunt. “Madulas kasi yung sahig (The floor was slippery)”, he said. The incident gave him a minor headache. 15-year-old Enzo Onopre also slipped on the floor after doing a “round off double back flip” stunt. He sustained sprain in his right knee which is expected to last for two to three days, according to Melanie Villamor of the medical team. One of the crew’s senior members, Matt Pastrana said that the group has been doing the stunts for quite a while although this time the floor was slippery.

After the accident, Councilor Julius Moliñawe asked the rest of the competitors to remove the stunts to prevent more accidents. KC Managuelod, the activity head, also emphasized that the stunts were not part of the criteria ad that they reminded the contestants that they would not be liable to any accident that may arise.

The ‘Make Your Move’ dance competition is part of the municipality’s annual Christmas celebration Paskuhan. More events for the Christmas celebration include the Los Baños Idol which will happen tonight. The final event will be the Grand Revelry on Sunday wherein winners from different competitions are expected to perform, along with guest band Itchyworms.

Rock Rizal rouses UPLB community’s nationalism

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by Nicolle Andrea S. A. Payuyo and Gumamela Celes Bejarin

UPLB, Laguna—Some of the country’s best musicians rocked the UPLB Freedom park yesterday as a tribute to Dr. Jose Rizal’s 150th birth anniversary.

Some of the country’s best musicians performed at the Rock Rizal concert held at UPLB Freedom Park. (Photo by Nicolle Andrea S. A. Payuyo)

The concert is a different mode of learning which aims to enhance the UPLB’s sense of service and patriotism as Filipinos. Popular local bands and artists who performed were Oktaves, Sandwich, Ebe Dancel, Gary Granada, Lolita Carbon and many more. There were also performances from UPLB students during the battle of the bands. The performing artists wrote songs based on the different facets of Dr. Jose Rizal’s life.

Rock Ed Philippines, a volunteer group working to provide venues and events for alternative education, is the sponsoring organization for Rock Rizal. Local hosts for this event are the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) Office of the Dean, UPLB Department of Social Sciences (DSS) History Division, and the Office for Initiatives in Culture and the Arts (OICA).

Student organizations who participated in organizing the event are Movement of Students for Progressive Leadership in UP (MOVE UP), Buklod-UPLB, Samahan ng Kabataan para sa Bayan (SAKBAYAN), and UPSILON SIGMA PHI (USP).

Rock Rizal is a concert organized as a tribute to Dr. Jose Rizal’s 150th birth anniversary. It is also part of the 40th  founding anniversary celebration of the College of Arts and Sciences.

Bringing the concert to Laguna is apt since it is the home province of our beloved national hero. Rizal, who represents the synergy of arts and science, is an epitome of the College of Arts and Sciences.