There’s a group in Facebook that I find really interesting and unique. Every day, I try to check out new posts – whether they’re photos, anecdotes or announcements. Kagay-an Kaniadto is not like the other groups that you find on FB; it has a purpose.

Kagay-an Kaniadto was created by Kagay-an Kaniadto (who prefers to remain nameless) back in February this year. It is a group that does not choose members by political affiliation or by religion. It is also a non-commercial group. The main objective of the group is to help inspire people to preserve and promote the heritage of the Kagay-anons. In addition, it serves as a venue for Kagay-anons from all over the world to reconnect and talk about the old times. KK members are given the freedom to post photos and comments. One comment spawns another, and so on and so forth, until the thread reaches the thousands and the good old days are remembered.

A screenshot showing examples of what Kagay-anons talk about in KK.

Membership to Kagay-an Kaniadto is based on three categories: Jus Sanguinis (or by bloodline), Jus Soli (by birth) and Residere (by residence or by marriage). Anyone who falls into any of the three categories is free to join KK, although most of the members I know were invited to the group.

There is no specific core group for KK, although there are designated admins and consultants who were handpicked based on their FB profile and how they conducted themselves on the group page. The consultants are experts in Kagay-anon heritage and history.

Since its inception, Kagay-an Kaniadto has achieved quite a lot already. The incorporation of KK as a non-stock, non-profit organization was discussed by the admins and consultants during the monthly meetings held at Buffalo Resto Grill and Max’s Restaurant.

KK is also slowly becoming recognized by the media as evidenced by guestings in Pamahaw Espesyal and in shows over at GMA-7, Killer Bee and Bombo Radyo. Through these guesting stints, KK was able to talk about the city’s heritage. Viewers and listeners were also informed about KK’s goal of preserving and promoting Kagay-anon heritage.

Aside from the television and radio media, a couple of articles about Kagay-an Kaniadto has also come out in Sunstar Daily and Goldstar Daily.

One of the most important achievements of Kagay-an Kaniadto is the discovery of artifacts at Gaston Park and Divisoria, which the group then turned over to the City Cultural and Heritage Division’s Ms. Nanette Roa.

In so short a time, KK has already done a lot to educate Kagay-anons about the city’s heritage and history. Yet, there’s still more that needs to be done; and this is precisely why the group has lined up a lot of interesting activities that all Kagay-anons can take part in.

The Facebook page is already brimming with people and their fantastic stories, so the admins and consultants believe that it is time to create a website for KK. In addition to this, a general assembly of all KK members is also being organized, the target date of which will be before the city fiesta. There will also be activities involving the youth – like oratorical contests and essay writing contests highlighting Kagay-an heritage.

An interactive photo exhibit is also in the drawing boards. The exhibit will see admins answering questions fielded by the guests.

Another important goal for the KK group is to make it to the Guinness Book of World Records as Facebook’s biggest Heritage Conservation Group. Or probably as FB’s Most Active Group Account; or the group with the most number of old photos with heritage and cultural value. With the help of all its members, this won’t be difficult to achieve. At present, it has more than 12,500 members, and I’m pretty sure it won’t stop there. And the photos just keep coming!

Kagay-an Kaniadto is a good reason for logging in to Facebook. Instead of spending your Facebook time ranting and raving, or stalking friends, why not join in the fun on KK and reminisce the old days? I guarantee you that it’s fun! You’ll even learn and discover important bits of information every now and then!

According to KK’s creator, “We want KK to outlast us, to be our legacy to the future Kagay-anons so they would be able to appreciate and value their past; inspire them to love their city and people more and better”. And I believe that is exactly what will happen.

So, if I were you, I’d log in to Facebook now and get myself invited into Kagay-an Kaniadto. It’s a fun way to connect, reconnect and reminisce!

-Maia Fortich-Poblete-

Once upon a time, in a land not so far away, there were two tribes at war – like Troy vs Sparta, the LOTR kind of war. One of the tribes lived in a land called Bukidnon; the other group was an inhabitant of Maguindanao.

Even during times of war, both tribes still managed to talk some things over like real men. Before going all out in the battlefield, Bukidnon’s chieftain asked his son, Bagani, to visit the enemy to discuss the rules of war. The young prince obeyed dutifully, but little did he know that this errand was going to change the fate of his homeland.

While in enemy territory, Bagani met the Maguindanao Sultan’s beautiful daughter, Bai Lawanen. And yes, that’s what happened next – the two fell in love.

After being mesmerized by the princess’ lovely smile, our brave prince forgot all thoughts about war (talk about getting carried away by emotions). Instead of fighting, he asked for Bai Lawanen’s hand in marriage. Soon after, the two love birds were married (although this made Bagani’s people flock to Bukidnon.) Bagani’s people then changed their old village’s name from Kalambagohan (in reference to Lambago trees) to Kagayhaan (which meant “a place of shame”). Nevertheless, Bagani and Lawanen’s love ended all the fighting.

The Bai Lawanen Jaycees

This mythological tale didn’t really give us even a glimpse of what kind of person Bai Lawanen was, when in fact, she was considered a great leader. A local chapter of a famous international organization was even named after the Maguindanao princess.

The Bai Lawanen Jaycees is one of four Cagayan de Oro chapters of Junior Chamber International, a worldwide non-sectarian and non-political youth service organization. Members of JCI range from 18 to 40 years old. Their main goal is to make positive changes in this world through collective action and development projects that empower the youth.

The originator of “Jayceeism” among the women in the City of Golden Friendship is Marietta Roa Saldaña. After realizing the possibilities the international movement could do to men and women, Saldaña planted the seed of the Bai Lawanen Jaycees in the late 1970s. A couple of years later, this seed thrived to become one of the most famous local chapters (technically called Local Organization of Members, or LOM) in the country.

The women of Bai Lawanen Jaycees chose the princess to represent the group because of her significance in local history, leadership abilities and femininity.

To this day, the story of Bagani and Bai Lawanen is remembered thanks to JCI. Cheesy or not, their epic tale gives us a taste of Philippine history, culture, bravery and stardust romance.

-Gillian Abonitalla-

(Information taken from the Bai Lawanen Jaycees‘ website)

The City of Cagayan de Oro holds one of the richest histories and vibrant cultures in the Philippines. If you’re a Kagay-anon, just like me, you should be proud of your home city. After all, the city is home to numerous influential people who have their share in shaping the course of Philippine history and culture.

Whether you were born as a local of the city or you’ve been a resident for several years, the city and its people will definitely leave its mark on you. That probably explains why Ann Gorra, one of the city’s former TV news anchors, has remained attached to the city years after she has left its borders.

Now residing miles away in Canada, Ann Gorra recently launched a book dedicated to the people who have played a major role in making the city into what it is now.

City of Gold, which was published last October 20, presents an image of the current structure, as well as the history of the city through the varied views and opinions of people who have firsthand experiences of what it’s like to live in Cagayan de Oro.

Though she lives miles away from the city and the country, Ann Gorra has created a patchwork of true Kagay-anon stories that depicted Cagayan de Oro’s unique character. Included in this patchwork image are Col. Leonardo Hernando, a soldier who defended the city during the WWII; Wadhu Dharamdas Uttamchandani, one of the city’s oldest entrepreneurs; Bienvenido S. Cruz, a local journalist; Rafael Floirendo, inventor of the famous motorela; and many other influential Kagay-anons who, in their own little ways, have contributed to the city.

The world has heard countless inspiring stories from all sorts of people, Americans, Canadians, Europeans and other dominating ethnicities. It wouldn’t hurt to share a little bit of the city’s success stories to the world to give it a chance to form its own identity; well, at least that’s what Ann Gorra thinks.

Having made a comprehensive compilation of diverse life stories from various Kagay-anons, Ann Gorra has somehow obtained enough confidence and perhaps proof that Cagayan de Oro is indeed a unique city because of its people.

About the Book’s Author

Ann Gorra was born in one of Cagayan de Oro’s nearby municipalities, Balingasag. She and her family came to the city two years after her birth. Raised in Cagayan de Oro, Ann Gorra developed a certain attachment to the city during her earlier years. The attachment she felt remained even after she left the city to finish her mass communication degree in Silliman University.

After obtaining her degree, Ann Gorra worked as a news anchor for Newscope TV 12, alongside former DILG officer Raf Benaldo. In addition, she also contributed articles for various publications including the California based magazine Filipinas, as well as the BC Christian News and the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

Following her stint as a co-anchor for Newscope TV 12, as well as her work as a contributor for various publications, Ann Gorra moved to Vancouver, Canada with her husband. Although she has secured permanent residence in a different continent, Ann Gorra still manages to come back to the Philippines, and to the City of Gold, Cagayan de Oro, for a visit.

-Mara Jayne Tismo-

The world has seen tens of thousands of pianists, but only a few are remembered for their extraordinary talent. A musical prodigy, Rudolf Pelaez Golez is one of those absolutely stunning pianists who has shaken a lot of music halls. This article will take a look at the life of one of the most amazing Filipino piano virtuosos ever.

Childhood

Rudolf Pelaez Golez grew up in Cagayan de Oro City and is a member of the prominent Pelaez and Golez clans. His mother, Dr. Rafaelita Pelaez, once served as the President and Chairman of Liceo de Cagayan University – an educational institution founded by his grandparents, the late Atty. Don Rodolfo Pelaez y Neri and the late Doña Elsa Pelaez y Pelaez.

Rudolf started taking piano lessons at the tender age of four. After being taught basic piano skills by his mother, he moved on to study under Sister Lourdes Allegado. At age 10, he had his first concert and played F. Chopin’s Heroic Polonaise. By 13 years of age, Rudolf pursued his musical training in New York at the Juilliard School, under the tutelage of concert pianist Seymour Lipkin.

Further Accomplishments and Studies

At the age of 17, Rudolf Pelaez Golez played Ludwig van Beethoven’s 4^th Concerto during his acclaimed debut with the Manila Chamber Orchestra under music director Sergio Esmilla, Jr. Later, he moved to Graz, Austria to pursue further studies.

In addition, he was part of the 9^th International Piano Festivals in Villa-Seca and Tenerife in Spain. He also took master classes with the famous Filipino musician Reynaldo Reyes and finally finished his Masters degree in Music Performance at the University of the Philippines.

At present, Rudolf is one of the youngest piano sensations in the Philippines.

Accolades

In 2004, Rudolf Pelaez Golez joined the First ASEAN Chopin International Competition and went home as the only prizewinner. He was also given the titles “Garbo sa Sugbu” by Cebu’s provincial government and Artist-in-Residence of Misamis Oriental by Governor Oscar Moreno himself.

Aside from the Philippines, Rudolf also plays most of his concerts in the United States, especially after he received critical acclaim there in 2008. One of his latest achievements is making an orchestral debut with the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, with the highly esteemed conductor Cristobal Halffter at the Main Theater of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. During his performance, Rudolf played Nights in the Gardens of Spain by the famous Andalusian composer Manuel de Falla.

Rudolf Pelaez Golez performs for his fellow Kagay-anons regularly at Liceo de Cagayan University’s Rodelsa Hall. For information on Rodelsa’s schedules, please contact (088) 858-4093 Local 109, or email them through rodelsahall(@)liceo.edu.ph.

-Gillian Abonitalla-

(Photo taken from Facebook)