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Mnl48 visits Pampanga to promote their upcoming concert

By: Jolina Cunanan

MNL48 Team NIV goes to Vistamall Pampanga on March 23, 2019 for MNL48 First Generation “Living the Dream: The Concert” this coming April 6, 2019 at New Frontier Theater.

The event started with a game wherein fans will guess who are the first act for the group’s upcoming concert. Also, fans showed their love as they promote their Kami-Oshi for the upcoming second general election. Some of the prizes are the whole body keychain of Sela, Abby and Center Girl Sheki.



Team NIV Ecka, Jem, Ella, Alyssa, Daryll, Jaydee, Aly, and Ruth performed Pag-ibig Fortune Cookie and Palusot Ko’y Maybe to show their gratefulness on the success of their Pag-ibig Fortune Cookie Handshake event occurred last March 10 and March 17, 2019.

Fans were surprised as the team wore their Palusot Ko’y Maybe uniform for the first time on their mall shows. “Thankful po kami na nasuot po naming itong uniform namin sa isa sa mga mall tour naming to represent MNL48, kasi po syempre kadalasan po Senbatsu ‘yung pinapadala sa mga ganitong pagkakataon. Hindi man po kami kumpleto ngayon, masaya pa rin po kami kasi po nakikita po namin ‘yung mga tao na nag-eenjoy sa performance namin��� Team NIV Captain Ecka said.

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Aetas of Sitio Pidpid continue to face water crisis because of quarrying

By Ana Louise M. Naguit and Patricia Marie A. Rivera - January 20, 2019

Aeta leaders of Sitio Pidpid narrates their barricading against quarrying companies that happened last year. Photo by Patricia Marie A. Rivera/The Kuliat Post

PORAC, Pampanga — Almost a year after the Aetas of Sitio Pidpid in Porac, Pampanga successfully halted private companies from their quarrying operations in their ancestral lands, progressive groups, under the leadership of HAU Speak Now, with Anakbayan and League of Filipino Students, visited the area for a give-a-gift program for the indigenous people.

Members of student publications and school-based organizations as well as volunteers from various schools in Central Luzon and Manila participated in the program that took place on January 14, 2019. Clothes, toys, and household items were given to the Aetas.

Parlor games were held for the Aeta children. Photo by Patricia Marie A. Rivera/The Kuliat Post

Coupled with helping with the IPs of Sitio Pidpid was the objective of the organizing parties to make the volunteers the present state of the lands in the mountains through interviews with the Aetas and discussions that circulated around the issues of the country that concerns our ancestral lands.

In addition to what the common people know, "land-grabbing" isn't only carried out by the expulsion of the indigenous people from their lands, but also by way of quarrying. Quarrying is the acquisition of minerals used in buildings and structures by digging the land. Sitio Pidpid is rich in black sand, a type of mineral that is essential to strengthening the foundation of the land, which is the purpose of the companies conducting quarrying in the area. The extraction of such minerals is the reason why massive landslides in the mountains and flooding in cities such as Angeles may occur more frequently.

Volunteers mingle with the Aetas while looking at Angeles City, which can be seen from up the mountain. Photo by Patricia Marie A. Rivera/The Kuliat Post

January 31st marks one year after the Aetas took a stand against the quarrying companies by forming a movement that guarded and fought for their land. They erected fences using wood to prevent the entry of trucks and equipment used for quarrying.

But damage has already been done, and now, the Aeta people face another challenge: the lack of water. It is difficult for them to get clean water because the water cannot go up to their wells. Because of this, they have to go down the mountain to get water from the springs they dug from the ground and use it for washing, bathing, as well as drinking.

Aeta women washing their clothes at their source of clean water. Photo by Patricia Marie A. Rivera/The Kuliat Post

Mang Jerry talks about their long-time water crisis. Photo by Patricia Marie A. Rivera/The Kuliat Post

According to Mang Jerry, a native, numerous organizations and politicians have already committed to assist in solving their water crisis. According to him, three administrations have passed since they were promised help, but they have still received nothing from the government.

It is for this reason that progressive groups invite the youth to stand up with the Aeta in their fight for their ancestral lands. Beyond material things, they need people who will serve as their voices to big companies and the government who won't listen to them. This should not only be a fight of the IPs, but of the entire Filipino nation, because it is Philippine land that is being abused by quarrying corporations.

Anakbayan leader Lester May Castillo explains the land-grabbing situation in Sitio Pidpid. Photo by Patricia Marie A. Rivera/The Kuliat Post

It was mentioned during the discussion that there are plans of building an Aeta support group in Pampanga where those who wish to help the Aetas can join. For now, those who want to help may go to HAU Speak now, an independent organization at Holy Angel University that launches community service programs.

Tags: #news features

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The rich culture under Hensonville bridge

Published on January 20, 2019 Written by Rheanne Myanie B. Cortez Story by Rheanne Myanie B. Cortez, Jeanne Fatima G. Paguio

Kids snacking during their free time. Photo by Jeanne Fatima G. Paguio/The Kuliat Post

ANGELES CITY, Pampanga — The Hensonville bridge over Abacan River is known for having people residing under it, despite being an accident-prone area. Floods and landslide occur there, but people still choose to live there. After the area was developed, it is reported that more people started to build their houses made of wood or bricks.

Aling Josie, a lugaw vendor in the area, lived most of her life under the Hensonville bridge. She said that living there is not much different from living in Angeles, although it more simple and happy. But it is also difficult, in a way that some of them struggle from having enough money and food for their families. Most of the people who reside in the area can't go to school or finish their studies due to poverty. At a young age, children work instead of going to school to help their parents sustain their daily needs.

The community under Hensonville bridge. Photo by Jeanne Fatima G. Paguio/The Kuliat Post

Aling Josie also revealed why people started coming to live under the bridge. "Dati, konti lang kami dito. Pero pinaalis ang mga Badjao sa Xevera noon, tapos lumipat sila dito. Ayon, dumami sila. Pero kahit gano'n, mababait naman sila."

Some of the Badjao came from different parts of Mindanao. Along with them, they brought their tradition and beliefs, which bounded them into one peaceful community. Women are respected by men, and one who dares disrespect a woman will be punished by death. According to Aling Josie, women are "bought" at a price, which history calls "dowry." In order to marry, a man would give money or property (dowry) and court the woman's parents. They celebrate weddings and festivities, do worship praying, cook food for occasions, and even play their traditional songs which they also share with the Kapampangans who live in the area.

The bridge that served as a roof over their rooves. Photo by Jeanne Fatima G. Paguio/The Kuliat Post

A 21-year-old girl, who moved just a month ago from Mindanao was promised to be married. She showed and shared the colorful tradition through stories about what they have in Mindanao. She said that Muslims are respected in the area and no one dares to fight with them. Their way of sustaining their needs is by selling necklaces and bracelets from Mindanao. They also make skirts made of colorful textiles that they brought with them from Mindanao.

People think that life under the bridge is hard and something that must be pitied, but what they don't know is that the people there live in a community where there is respect for one another, and where there is a culture filled with wonder and color. People under the bridge have such a rich culture despite having a poor life in the slums.

Tags: #news features

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Drinking in public places in school uniforms banned in Angeles City

Published on January 20, 2019 Written by Erine Diane G. Batac Story by Erine Diane G. Batac, Patricia Marie A. Rivera

ANGELES CITY, Pampanga — After a long day at school, students would go to drinking bars and pubs for relaxation and enjoyment. But for one student, things went different from what is expected one night when the police came to question him about his drinking.

"Boyet" was caught drinking liquor outside a convenience store in Angeles City December of last year while still wearing his school uniform. In his defense, he is already of legal drinking age. During his interview with The Kuliat Post, Boyet mentioned that the police took his photograph without his permission.

According to PO2 Rona D. Graganza, WCPT and PCR in Police Station 1 of Angeles City in her statement to The Kuliat Post, it is written in City Ordinance No. 84 that drinking in public places beyond the curfew of minors is unacceptable. Additionally, it is no prohibited for students to drink in public in their school uniform because it is part of the school rules. PO2 Graganza also menioned that the school uniform is "sacred" because anyone wearing it is carrying the name of the school.

City Ordinance No. 84 states the prohibition of drinking whiskey, beer, liquor, or any intoxicating beverage in public places. Whoever is caught ... will pay a fine of 50 pesos and be jailed for five days. This ordinance was approved on January 31, 1975, signed by the then City Mayor Carmelo Lazatin, and has long been implemented in Angeles City.

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DPWH tags residents as 'professional squatters'

Published on January 20, 2019 Written by Arvin A. Gueco Story by Arvin A. Gueco, Erine Diane G. Batac, Jolina T. Cunanan

DPWH's demolition equipment along McArthur Highway in Barangay San Isidro. Photo by Jolina T. Cunanan/The Kuliat Post

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, Philippines — On January 7, 2019, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) executed the demolition of illegal structures along McArthur Highway in Barangay San Isidro, City of San Fernando, Pampanga. According to DPWH, the demolition will pave the way to the road widening project in the said area. Almost 40 houses were demolished to implement the project. The structures were considered illegal because the residents can't provide the land title of their houses and they were built right on the highway. DPWH claims that the land on which the houses were built is owned by the government.

Ruined homes. Photos by Jolina T. Cunanan/The Kuliat Post

According to DPWH, along with the announcement of the demolition was also an offer for relocation. But the residents refused to take the offer. Instead, they opposed it. Even though the DPWH has already warned the residents in the area prior to the demolition, the residents still refused and fought in a legal way. "Ala la man kapapil-papil," said Maricel Capili, one of the residents whose house was demolished.

("They don’t even have papers.”)

Three men moving the scraps that were left of their homes. Photo by Jolina T. Cunanan/The Kuliat Post

Maricel is just one of the money who is against the demolition. She, together with her fellow complainants, filed an appeal to reconsider the demolition. According to her, one of the reasons why they oppose the demolition is that they don't have a place to relocate to. They were not provided shelter to move to because the DPWH said that they are not qualified for relocation and have been tagged as professional squatters.

The chief of the barangay asked for the aid of the local government, hoping that they can get help regarding the matter.

Tags: #news

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Pulitzer-winning journalist Manuel Mogato calls for truthful journalism in 20th Inkblots

By Patricia Rivera - December 12, 2018

Varsitarian staffers at the 20th Inkblots. Photo by Patricia Rivera/The Kuliat Post

Thomson Reuters’ Manila correspondent and 2018 Pulitzer Prize for International Reporting winner Manuel Mogato welcomed the fellows in the 20th Inkblots with a speech about the changes in the journalism landscape over the last 20 years.

In his keynote address, the veteran journalist noted that there have been tremendous advancements in the field of journalism that were essentially driven by technology. He mentioned that due to the rapid technological innovations today, traditional media organizations—campus papers included—are losing over social media.

Mogato also said that what concerns him more is the sharp decline in the people’s trust in traditional media. According to him, “journalists who are critical of the administration are labeled ‘press-titutes’, ‘bayaran’, ‘dilawan’, and ‘biased’.” He compared it to the United States where news organizations critical of President Donald Trump’s policies with the likes of CNN, The New York Times, and Washington Post are branded as “fake news.”

He ended the speech by urging journalists to regain their credibility and the public’s trust by devoting themselves to factual journalism and by being transparent. “Journalism should only be biased for truth,” he said.

Inkblots is the annual campus journalism fellowship hosted by The Varsitarian, the official publication of the University of Santo Tomas. It is attended by high school and college publication staffers from schools across the Philippines. This year’s installment was held last December 4 to 6, 2018 at the Benavides Auditorium inside the campus.

Tags: #news

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ACTDO implements new routing system

By Arvin Gueco - December 12, 2018

Lakandula Street. Photo courtesy: Google Maps

The Angeles City Traffic Development Office is planning to have a rerouting between Jesus Street (near Angeles Elementary School) and Lakandula St. (near Heuristics and Pacific). Once the plan is implemented, all kinds of vehicles, both private and public, will be prohibited from entering Lakandula St. from Jesus St. Instead, vehicles from Jesus St. can go straight and make a left turn to Sto. Entierro St.

Jesus Street. Photo courtesy: Google Maps

According to ACTDO, the rerouting aims to minimize the congestion of vehicles along the area, since the said area is being passed by a mass volume of vehicles especially during rush hours. Added by the jeepneys dropping and picking up passengers at the wrong spot also contributes to delaying the traffic.

Angeles City was once dubbed as one of the busiest city in Central Luzon resulting in frequent changes of its local route.

Tags: #news #Angeles

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OPM isn’t dead for Red Ninja Productions

By Louise Naguit - December 12, 2018

Red lights for She's Only Sixteen. Photo by Louise Naguit/The Kuliat Post

Red Ninja Production, one of Manila's well-known gig curators and music production houses, celebrated their annual year-ender show last December 09, 2018, at Riverside Studios, Makati.

With a mix of genres of music ranging from art-folk to hip-hop and punk rock, the show featured 20 acts of the country's local music industry. Well-known bands like Sandwich and Orange & Lemons kick-started the event with some crowd-favorite songs. Select independent music scene favorites were also part of the line-up like The Ransom Collective, Munimuni, and She's Only Sixteen. Alternative pop-rock bands, Oh, Flamingo! and Over October also played and performed new songs off their upcoming albums.

AN ACROBATIC PERFORMANCE. Lions & Acrobats rock the stage with their crowd-favorite songs. Photo by Louise Naguit/The Kuliat Post

With a lot of year-ender shows happening this month, Red Ninja's year-ender surely was one of a kind for it showcased the independent local music scene and the brightest artists and bands giving life to the industry. For Red Ninja, and for those who attended the show, OPM surely isn't dead.

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HAU’s lighting ceremony

By Rheanne Cortez - December 12, 2018

STARTING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE CHRISTMAS. Holy Angel University’s Christmas tree lights up during its annual Christmas Fest. Photo by Rheanne Cortez/The Kuliat Post

Holy Angel University welcomed the Christmas season by lighting HAU’s Christmas tree last December 5, 2018, at the Epiphany Garden. The HAU community gathered and cheered for the performers of the night, especially during HAU Repertory’s short and meaningful skit that touched the hearts of the audience.

Tags: #news #HAU

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ACEJMC visits HAU for BA Communication accreditation

By Erine Batac - December 12, 2018

INTERNATIONAL ACCREDITATION. Dean Will Norton Jr. joins Angel Network DJs in an Angel Radio segment. Photo courtesy: Leslie Manalo-Medina on Facebook

Dean Will Norton Jr. of the University of Mississippi and Executive Director Susanne Shaw of the University of Kansas from the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communication visited the Apl de Ap and Angel Network Studio last December 7, 2018.

ALL SMILES. Angel Radio DJs and Communicators’ League officers pose for the camera with Dean Norton. Photo courtesy: Leslie Manalo-Medina on Facebook

Holy Angel University’s very own DJs invited Dean Norton to be their guest in one of the radio station’s segments. Dean Norton and Executive Director Shaw were impressed by the program of the BA Communication department. According to Norton, he was amazed by how friendly the students and people of HAU are.

It was said by Dean Norton that “it’s not sweet words; it’s accurate words.”

Tags: #news #HAU

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AUF’s Mr. and Ms. University 2018

By Jeanne Paguio - December 12, 2018

KING AND QUEEN. Newly-crowned Mr. and Ms. AUF Brian Bongalbal and Christine Silvernale pose for the camera. Photo courtesy: Brian Bongalbal on Facebook

Angeles University Foundation crowned Mr. Brian Bongalbal of College of Business and Accountancy and Ms. Christine Silvernale of Senior High School as Mr. and Ms. University last December 7, 2018, at the AUF Sports and Cultural Center. Both candidates won their own fair share of minor awards. Mr. Bongalbal scored the sportswear for the male category while Ms. Silvernale bagged the formal attire for the female category. The candidates passed the pageant's portrayal of beauty in physical attributes such as weight, height, waist measurement, intelligence, and confidence.

Tags: #news #Angeles