Where are you during November 23, 2009?

In memory to the victims of the Maguindanao Massacre

Most people do their daily routine during that time. As Monday that was people scrambling to be in their workplace at the last minute so that they can’t be finalized for tardiness.

While every nation in the world looking for remedies for every type of problems their country are facing. Some politically inclined but others financial aspects as the United States suffer blown of the crisis itself and escalates through other regions. Even the great Dubai of United Arab Emirates suffers the same fate. Many were layoff for their jobs while some town in U.S abandoned by the their citizens because of the closure of some leading companies Condominiums suddenly plunged into darkness when the occupants withdrew their payments and went for other states where they could settle for new job.

Here in the Philippines I remember myself being in a town of Midsayaf staying in one of its inn as we had travel the day before to conduct a certain event for a Telecommunications company. What I noticed that on our way I discover every inch of the scenery seems perfect for utilization, cultivations and use it for agricultural purposes, especially the towns of Kabacan, and Pikit. Even Midsayaf had its potential too.

IAs turned the TV on with its local cable company subscribed I was looking for a news channel suddenly I turned it to DZRH TV where I found out that one of our colleagues is reported missing by his wife. By the way I am a volunteer by MBC Love Radio Gensan at that time and DZRH is our sister company.

It was Deo Macalma interviewed the wife of Mr. Henry Araneta a DZRH correspondent for central Mindanao who his by that time really hoping that her husband was okay because communication between her had been cutoff when her husband heading for Maguindanao along with dozens of local and national journalist to accompany the wife and siblings of Mangundadatu for the filling of the Certificate of Candidacy of Mayor Esmael "Toto" Mangudadatu of Buluan Town challenging the candidacy of then Datu Unsay Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr. on the forthcoming gubernatorial election of Maguindanao at the comelec office in Shariff Aguak town for the May 2010 elections.

Later that day communications from media outlets found out that the convoy for the said group was apprehended at the outskirt of Maguindanao and all of the members of the Mangundadatu family by an alleged Ampatuan clans with more than 100 persons including Paramilitary, police and Military members who is station at the said town.

Government forces and some members of local journalist join the effort to locate the site hoping to rescue them (The Mangundadatu’s/Journalist). But all efforts seem worthless when they d iscovered the brutal outcome of what should be a peaceful filling of candidacy for the election. All media men had been strapped from point blank bloodshed spotted almost everywhere. Bodies are scattered by groups. One of the Media Practitioner who I seen and talked with when during my short stint at Philippine Information Agency Mr. Ian Subang was also include on the gruesome killings.

Vehicles that been used by the victims were buried on a pit with the used of government own backhoe. The siblings of the Mangundadatu and their attorney discovered as one of those included on the said pit. Even a civilian vehicle who just happened to be driven with the said batch that didn’t knew all about the filling was also included.

Elsewhere relatives of media men who had been killed scrambling to identify the bodies of their love ones who had perished, It even take them months to identify some victims because it has deteriorated already mainly because the hours they been buried took so long before they been dig up.

After we heard the news we will concerned of our own safety for we also are members of media from the General Santos City. But event must go on so we started to gather ourselves up planning what to do for the celebration that would take place later that week in Midsayaf town.

On the next day events for the LGU Takes place even with the presence of Presidential and Vice Presidential aspirants Gibo Teodoro and the Actor Edu Manzano. But you could see their convoy escorted by members of the Armed Forces signaling some messages that it’s a high risk ordeal to travel along North Cotabato that time, Imagine the proximity of the place the space between the Midasyaf and Maguindanao is divided by Cotabato City yet the uncertainty by that time is high and peace situation is volatile.

We had executed the program the next day November 25, 2009 with efforts from us and the co-organizer of the said event we deliver it with grace and ended up earlier than expected. The next Morning we scramble to fix any equipment see to it that nothing was lost or might left. We check out and headed for the terminal. Our Supervisor decided to take a longer route that time instead of traveling through the North Cotabato’s entire town we take the longer route via Kidapawan City. Even I also notice that checkpoints had been placed almost every entry of every town we passed through.

After that Day President Arroyo ordered State of emergency to take effect to restore peace and to ensure the safety of the team who conducted the investigation. Mansions of the Ampatuan’s were raided yielding armaments. A lot own by them also unearthed and also found cache of live ammunitions several high powered firearms. Tension rise when the raiding teams encountered some rouge armed men believe to be sympathizers or part of the suspects of the said killings.

Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr. the main suspect for the massacre was arrested by the authorities detained at CIDG Cell inside Camp Fermin Lira, General Santos. For security reasons he was later transferred to Metro Manila and detained at National Bureau Investigation Headquarters while his father then Maguindanao Governor Andal Ampatuan Sr. fully guarded by arresting team and serving a house arrest later transferred to a Military Camp at the Outskirt of Davao City.

As the whole media and journalist organization all over the country and the world mourn for the loss of lives by yet another vanguards of freedom. Government agencies scrambled to release arresting warrants for the remaining suspects of the said massacre. Trial is now ongoing although there are instances that the defense made some effort to delay but it run smoothly as of now.

Several days ago marks the Anniversary of the said Massacre but still justice had to be served for those who been killed and sympathy had to be extend for the families of grieved for their losses. Suspects should be arrested for someone had been hiding after it happened it may account that more than hundred people should find accountable for the said killings.

Another Christmas was still not that kind for the media men immediate family for they have lost their love ones yet still they are trying to seek justice for the victims. The media community spends all eyes for the result of the said trial but as what justice system has been observed in this country it will take years for it to be resolve and justice will be serve.

For the family condolence although it’s been a year and to the media men who lost their lives trying to upheld freedom I salute all of you. You had been a martyr for the citizen of the country where political dispute frequently resulted to violence approached rather negotiating and peaceful resolutions should be made.

Here are the list of names that included in the November 23, 2009 Maguindanao Massacre.

Mangudadatu family and associates

Name: Descriptions:

Genalyn Tiamson- Mangudadatu - Wife of Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu

Eden Mangudadatu - Municipal Vice Mayor of Mangudadatu, Maguindanao.

sister of Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu

Rowena Mangudadatu - cousin of Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu

Manguba Mangudadatu - Aunt of Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu

Faridah Sabdulah -

Farida Mangudadatu - Youngest sister of Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu

Farina Mangudadatu - Another sister of Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu.

Concepcion “Connie” Brizuela, 56 - Lawyer.

Cynthia Oquendo, 36 - Lawyer.

Catalino Oquendo - Cynthia Oquendo's father.

Rasul Daud - Driver of Sultan Kudarat Rep.Pax Mangudadatu

Journalists

Thirty-four journalists are known to have been abducted and killed in the massacre, according to the Philippine Daily Inquirer. Only 25 have been positively identified so far.

Alejandro "Bong" Reblando 53 - Manila Bulletin correspondent, a former Associated Press reporter

Henry Araneta - DZRH Correspondent based in General Santos City

Napoleon “Nap” Salaysay - DZRO manager.

Bartolome “Bart” Maravilla - Bombo Radyo Koronadal, South Cotabato

Jhoy Dojay - Goldstar Daily.

Andy Teodoro - Mindanao Examiner & Central Mindanao Inquirer reporter

Ian Subang - Mindanao Focus, a General Santos-based weekly community newspaper.

Leah Dalmacio - Mindanao Focus reporter

Gina Dela Cruz - Mindanao Focus reporter

Maritess Cablitas - Mindanao Focus reporter

Neneng Montano - Saksi weekly newspaper reporter

Victor Nuñez - UNTV reporter

McDelbert "Macmac" Arriola - UNTV cameraman

Jolito Evardo - UNTV editor

Daniel Tiamson - UNTV driver

Humberto Mumay - Koronadal-based journalist

Rey Merisco - Koronadal-based journalist

Ronnie Perante - Koronadal-based journalist

Jun Legarta - Koronadal-based journalist

Val Cachuela - Koronadal-based journalist

Santos "Jun" Gatchalian - Davao-based journalist.

Joel Parcon - Freelance journalist.

Noel Decena - Freelance journalist.

John Caniba - Freelance journalist.

Art Betia - Freelance journalist.

Ranie Razon - Freelance journalist.

Archie Ace David - Freelance "Tambay" journalist

Fernando "Ferdz" Mendoza - Freelance driver

Red Toyota Vios

Number of casualties: 5. they were supposedly mistaken as part of the convoy

Eduardo Lechonsito - Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat government employee

Cecille Lechonsito - Wife of Eduardo Lechonsito

Mercy Palabrica - Co-worker of Eduardo Lechonsito

Daryll delos Reyes - Co-worker of Eduardo Lechonsito

Wilhelm Palabrica - Driver

May you all find Peace and justice shall be served for your death Rest well...

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Written by : Adrian P. Aniban
e-mail : rainbreakerman@yahoo.com
contact no : +639192091654
Source for the media list : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maguindanao_massacre

Source for the Photos : http://enpoe.com/news/maguindanao-massacre-photos-and-videos

http://pinoyissue.blogspot.com/2009/11/maguindanao-massacre-pictures- 2.html

Gensan's Tuna Festival EXperience 2009

“A Look Back on Tuna Festival eXperience 2009”


August 28- September 06 2009-

General Santos City Once again proves that Tuna Festival 2009 one the country's prime Festival. This Year The Gensan Tuna festival Experience made a breakthrough in catering local and foreign tourist businessmen, delegates showbiz and political icons from Manila and other part of the country and the world in celebration of the said festivity. Enjoying the bounty that the sea could offer, hotels, inns, apartelle, apartments lodging houses, are all fully book for week long activities.

A part for the said celebration various activities conducted in line with the said festivities, one of which is the 10th Tuna Congress which participated by delegates from other countries including Japan, Indonesia, European Nations and other business sector in tuna industry, canneries, some personalities from the House of Representative and Senate grace the occasion discussing priorities and other factors concerning the Tuna Industry.

Monday August 31- The city formally opens the Tuna Festival with the presence of the Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile accompanied by South Cotabato Representative Darlene Custodio Antonino Graces the event while they witness the fireworks display dubbed as splash in the sky one of the main attraction of the said event while they walked afterwards at the coca-cola pavilion to savor the taste of tuna delicacies right before the plate.

September 01- As part of the weeklong program competitions we're held at different locations in the city, one of which are the Ginang Bariles Pageant Night held at oval stage, the Cheer Dance Competition at Lagao Gym and The Fish Dance Competition held at Oval Covered Court.

September 02- Grand Fish Festival held on the 2nd day of September in the City's Fish Port showcasing talents from fisherman sector of the city. At night the Sayaw sa Baybay Graces the audience as the city's kiddies perform their piece for the delight of the city's tourist, also the much awaited Tuna Pop Song Writing Competition Final Night was held at the Oval Covered Court presenting their pieces in song writing category are the finalist for the said competition.

September 03- K101 Disk Jockeys hosted the Successful event featuring our hometown Band Centerpoint who graces the festivity with selected songs and compositions home grown talents from Gensan also perform their piece at the oval gymnasium.

September 04- All eyes awaits the revelation of Plaza Heneral Santos as the City Mayor Pedro B. Acharon Jr. Opens the said Park for the delight of the citizens. After a long long wait... generals can now visit the park with amazement in their eyes.

September 05- Gladly as the festival moves to an end participants from Elementary and high School graces the event by competing on the much awaited Mardi Grass dancing to the beat of the festival could offer. On other hand participants for the Float Parade anxiously waiting for their turn to be acknowledge in front of the tourist and local audience a like, as the parade ends.

Former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada's turn made some speech in front of the generals and tourist heralding the contribution of tuna industry for the country that made the audience awed. Intermission number from fire dancers graces the stages performing their acts got a piece of the crowd, afterwards the Award Winning Group Teatro Ambahanon One of General's product that make the city's proud performed on stage a popular dance piece. "Karagatan Awardies" received their much awaited Honors from the City Government with the presence of the Miss Gensan's Finalist and Sponsors Representative who give them Prizes for their contribution to the Tuna Industry in the city.

Fireworks display flashing through the Sky Mark as the End of the Tuna Festival. But program still up as TM Astigfest Concert beginning to heat up, performing on stage is the Euphonic band from Davao who sings upbeat songs with their own interpretation as the crowd waited for the appearance the Slapshock band who rock the nights out, with their hits and new songs, fresh from their concert tour from United States that serve as the finally of the TUNA FESTIVAL EXPERIENCE 2009, Marking the success of the festival.


To all Generals and Tourist thank you! And See you next year!

Written by: Adrian P. Aniban
e-mail: rainbreakerman@yahoo.com
contact no: +639192091654
Source for the Tuna Festival 2009 Schedule:
http://www.gensantos.gov.ph/2009/08/tuna-festival-2009/

General's Way to Party

Festivals Festival Festival....

2009 a busy year for the Generals especially for the city itself, hosting different kinds of events this year, and home of four Festivals for the whole year making every year a special one for the generals heralding its path to be more determined and productive in spite of the global financial crisis happens all around the world. For foreign and local tourist a like flock to the city spending quality time, partying with their friends and loveones, Businessmen also sees possible prospects for their business location or expansion in Mindanao.

As what Gensan known for its generosity by the inhabitants and the festivities happened every year invited tourist to gather here to join successful events that only the Generals known to cater.

One of those festival is the "Kalilangan Festival" considered as one of the prime festival of the city happens every month of February Kalilangan literally means of gathering of tribes and inhabitants uniting to come up with festivity. It is also a commemoration of the Foundation Anniversary of the city. Originally a One week affair but as of 2009 it started on the Valentines Day February 14- 27. Showcasing livestock display by numerous 26 Baranggays of the city and home grown talents of the city in music, pageantry, dance competition and activities that will unite the generals as one regardless of tribes and religion.

On the other hand the "Yaman Gensan" Festival happens every Month of June 23- July23, also dubbed as YAbong MAliliit na Negosyo ng General Santos. The said event focused on showcasing different products and services that General Santos City Small and Medium Enterprises has to offer a yearly awaited celebration honoring top of the City's SME's achiever of the year. The City’s Local Government and Businessmen hosted entrepreneurship seminars for the young and starting entrepreneur engaging in seminars forums and trainings to enable them in harnessing their ability to improve their business capabilities and abilities.

Meanwhile all eyes and mouth awaits the most admiring Tuna Festival which dubbed as the only Tuna Festival in the whole world celebrated during the charter Anniversary of the city this festival is a week long celebration started August 28- September 05 as the city prepares for the celebration. GenSan known as the Tuna Capital of the Philippines , one of the Prime Producer of High Grade Tuna for exports to other regions in the world like Japan, United States, and Europe.

The festival organizer is keen in presenting different event from fluvial parade to sports, culinary arts competition, focusing Tuna could be cook on many special dishes. Forums and Seminars focusing on production and issues concerning Tuna catch and other Tuna related products also held as one of the prime event is the Awards Night for the Outstanding Fisherman of the City. Pageants, fair and other exciting events and foods presented for the delight of the residents, local and foreign tourist who flocked to the city to enjoy party and celebrate for the abundance of nature’s bounty by one of the best festival in the country could offer.

For the Upcoming Tuna Celebration here are the Calendar of activities organized by the city's Tuna Council, LGU's, Companies and Media Stations in the city.

Date: Activites

Pre Festival Activities

August 21, 2009- Fish Dance Eliminations

August 22, 2009- Miss Gensan Screening
August 23, 2009- Body Fest Screening
August 28-30, 2009- Tuna Congress

Continuing Activities

Aug. 15-Sept. 08- Tuna Fiesta Carnival
Aug. 22-Sept. 08- Tinda-tinda sa GTX
Aug. 22-Sept. 08- Tuna Food Plaza
Aug. 28-Sept. 05- SMB Barkada Zone
September 1-2- SRC Jobs Fair

August 28, 2009 Venue: Inclusive Hour
Friday
Tuna Congress (Day 1) – Lagao Gym (8am)
Body Fest Pre-Judging – Andrea Ticia (7pm)

August 29, 2009
Saturday
Tuna Congress (Day 2) – Lagao Gym (8am)
National Skim Boarding Competition (Day 1) – Queen Tuna Park (9am)
Culinary Expo Experience (Day 1) – Gaisano Atrium (10am)
Miss Gensan Talent Night – Gaisano Atrium (3pm)

August 30, 2009
Sunday
Cross Country Mountain Bike Challenge – Tambler, Espina (6am)
National Skim Boarding Competition (Day 2) – Queen Tuna Park (9am)
Culinary Expo Experience (Day 2) – Gaisano Atrium (10am)
Fashion Extravaganza – Gaisano Atrium (3pm)

August 31, 2009
Monday
Flag Raising Ceremonies – Covered Court (8am)
Culinary Expo Experience (Day 3) – Gaisano Atrium (10am)
2nd Fish Dance Eliminations – Gaisano (2pm)
Grand Ceremonial Opening – Oval Stage (5pm)
Splash in the Sky- Oval Stage (7pm)
Disco sa GTX – Oval Stage (8pm)

September 1, 2009
Tuesday
Cheer Dance Competition – Lagao Gym (1pm)
Fish Dance Finals – Covered Court (6pm)
Ginang Bariles Pageant – Oval Plaza Stage (7pm)

September 2, 2009
Wednesday
Grand Fish Fest sa Fish Port – Fish Port (8am)
Tuna Pop Song Writing Finals – Oval Stage (7pm)
Sayaw Sa Baybay (Kids Edition) – Covered Court (7pm)

September 3, 2009
Thursday
Almusal Alay sa Kapwa – Covered Court (8am)
Tunafest HRM Skills Olympics – KCC CC (9am)
Body Fest Modeling Finals – Gaisano (4pm)
Sound System Rumble – Oval Stage (7pm)
Centerpoint Rocks GTX – Covered Court (7pm)

September 4, 2009
Friday
Miss Gensan Pageant – Gaisano (4pm)
Pop Star Kids Finals – Oval Stage (7pm)
Praize Xtrm Finals – Covered Court (7pm)
Sashimi Night – Le Jardin Arnevel’s (7pm)
Splash Party @ Family Country Hotel – Andrea Ticia (7pm)
Street Party – EARH Grounds (8pm)

September 5, 2009
Saturday Afternoon
Float Light Parade – Pioneer Avenue (3pm)
GTX Mardi Gras – Pioneer Avenue (3pm)
Coke’s Open Happiness Zone – Covered Court (3pm)
Kapuso Mall Tour – KCC (3pm)

September 5, 2009
Saturday Evening onwards
GTX Mardi Gras – Oval Grounds
Float Light Parade – Oval Grounds
41st Charter Anniversary Program – Oval Stage
Best of Gensan Show
Karagatan Awards
Splash in the Sky
Disco sa GTX
Street Party Redux – EARH Grounds

Lastly the “Pasko Sa Gensan” festival happens every 5th day of December, a month long celebration showcasing enchanted kingdoms, pavilions and other Christmas decorations for the enchantment of the children, teens and adults for the Christmas Season. It also stage different competitions one of which is the much awaited Drum and Lyre Parade Competition by different Elementary, High and Colleges schools in the city.

Come to the City and Enjoy the Scenery that only General Santos could give... Be one of the people who celebrate and party and be a tourist ... Join us... and let’s have fun.

Written by: Adrian P. Aniban

e-mail: rainbreakerman@yahoo.com

contact no: +639192091654

Source for the Tuna Festival 2009 Schedule:

http://www.gensantos.gov.ph/2009/08/tuna-festival-2009/

U.S. Ambassador Kristie Kenney Arrived at Love Radio Gensan

March 02, 2009- General Santos and South Cotabato witnessed the arrival of U.S. Ambassador Kristie Kenney here at the city for the launching of U.S funded project in South Cotabato. Mayor Pedro B. Acharon and Honorable Congresswoman Darlene Magnolia Ricasa Antonino-Custodio accompanied her throughout her visit from airport to other destination here at the city and Polomolok as well.

At 10:00 pm all eyes waiting for her arrival, Pioneer Avenue was cordoned by Police and Military operatives to ensure the security of the Ambassador, you can see some agents from NBI and FBI wearing plain clothes inspect vicinity and observed buildings adjacent to the station where the Ambassador will visit. K101 fm Love Radio Gensan is the Ambassador's choice to broadcast the United States Development and livelihood Projects for Mindanao. The City Police Director instructed PNP personnel to be vigilant, parking spaces at that time was reserved for the U.S Ambassadors convoy, vehicle owners were instructed to find another parking space and traffic flow at the front of the station main avenue were properly managed by the PNP operatives.

As one of the Station's Volunteer at that time i was tasked by the Stations Manager to take pictures of the said event more importantly the arrival of the Ambassador Herself. With a camera in my hand i waited at the ground floor with Operations Manager and Some of the Staff of the station who's there to welcome her. At around 11:00 a.m some police personnel roaming around making sure that all is cleared.

I was about to drew my camera when i noticed that the Ambassador's convoy is arriving. So I make sure that the camera is all set for photographs. The Ambassador and her escorts step down from the Black Van together with the City Mayor and South Cotabato District2 Representative Trailing her back, all security personnel cramping to her side giving enough space to make her pass through some crowds who waited for her arrival. One of the disc jokey gave her a bunch of Sampaguita and our supervisor welcomes her. I took pictures from her arrival till she walk through the crowds and the stairs as she make through the stations lobby and to the stations booth.

At the Station K101 Staff greeted her and her staff with a smile all amazed by her presence of course by the presence also of the city Mayor Pedro B. Acharon Jr. and South Cotabato District 2 Representative Honorable Darlene Magnolia Antonino -Custodio. Our staff eager to have a pictures with the city Mayor and Congresswoman meanwhile as I photograph them, the Ambassador alongside with Karen her P.A. and the Station's Manager Rodolfo "Dr.Love" Ladrera Jr. prepares the script and questions to be asked on air at the DJ’s Booth.

Couple of chitchat happens with the Mayor, Congresswoman and the Station Staff; they talk almost everything so I excuse myself and went through the DJ's Booth to take photos with the Ambassador.

Luckily the program has just began at exactly 12:45 pm so I click the camera find better angle where the Ambassador is and of course the Stations Manager as they talk on issues regarding U.S Contribution help on counter terrorism efforts providing economic and political assistants for Growth & Development in Mindanao. Some issues that matter with United States President Barrack Obama like establishing relations and financial Aid for foreign countries such as the Philippines, on going education assistance, environmental protection financial assistance from the United States, and the Visiting Forces Agreement. U. S Government Stance regarding the problems of corruptions in the Government. They also tackle about the Ambassador's Schedule for that day like the inauguration of police training facility for the PNP, Elementary & High School Recycling Campaign, Health Care Programs, listening with the Local Government Units LGU's and some NGO's how the she also scheduled to meet with former combatants at that day.

As the interview ended the K101 Manager and DJ's take the opportunity to have Photo Ops with the Ambassador and of course as well as me the Official Photographer for the station at that time. She handed us with souvenirs for her visit it was a pin with the Philippine and United States Flag on it. As she went out to see the staff she also gives some for them security is tight and when she gets out, a bunch of students greeted her and take photos with her and South Cotabato Representative.

I rush through the stairs hoping to have pictures as they step down with the Manager where they talk some details. The PNP closely guarded the Ambassador as she walk through the crowds who’s' anxiously waited to see a glimpse of her as she smiles and handed pins to them and walk through the Van where Mayor Pedro Acharon and Congresswoman Darlene Magnolia Atonino - Custodio waited her for ongoing commitment at that day.

As I see her waive goodbye to the crowd I ease myself and say… She’s so good in communicating with people .K101 Love Radio Gensan is so honored that she picked as a pilot station airing the United States intent for the Development of Mindanao. General Santos City is so proud that she came and U.S funded projects where made available for the people South Cotabato and Mindanao as a whole.

----------------------------------------------------

Warmth Welcome by the People of General Santos makes any other official and tourist flock to the city as what Ambassador Kristie Kenney experience when she arrived her. Let the Generals take care of you the Generals way and Experience the Bounty that General Santos City, Sarangani Province, South Cotabato and Mindanao could give you. Satisfy your craving for adventure, relaxation and self attainment in investing for the betterment of General Santos businesses. Discover culture, Nature booth countryside, beaches, diving sites that Gensan has, also the rest of the Region 12 and Mindanao.

Photos & Write-ups by: Adrian P. Aniban
e-mail: rainbreakerman@yahoo.com
contact no: +639192091654