August 27, 2012 – Kagay-an Pyro Festival 2012

In line with Cagayan de Oro’s fiesta, celebration is the Kagay-an Pyro Festival which took flight at SM grounds about 9:00 o’clock in the evening.

The fuming sets of fireworks flew into the open air – coloring the skies of Cagayan de Oro as sign of prosperity and boom of business and tourism.

An estimated of 190,000 spectators waited for the fire-powered moment while enjoying the activities on the SM ground. Of course, the organizers and the participants have to wait until the last flight on the Lumbia Airport took off.

On the Ground:

There were no empty moments as the band served as musical background to those exited for the Pyro Festival. There were many food booths and souvenirs tourist can buy as remembrance of the Kagay-an Festival 2012.

Top View before the Kagay-an Pryo Festival 2012 started

Bands entertaining people as they wait

We would like to thank our Local Police for keeping the peace and organization. Good job people, we salute you. Of course, all the sponsors that made this event possible, SM Supermarkets, Cagayan de Oro Local Government, Mayor Vicente “Donkoy Emano” and all the establishments that contributed to the event.

Kagay-an Pyro Festival Winners:

• Cagayan de Oro Entry # 8  – 1st Place
• Bulacan Entry # 2 – 2nd Place
• Iligan Entry # 4 – 3rd Place

Until the next Kagay-an Pyro Festival. Expect more improvements, excitement, and gimmicks as we head towards year 2013 and the next year of Cagayan de Oro festivities. God Bless us CDO.

People crowded the streets to watch and support their Barangays competing in this year’s Kagay-an Festival 2012 Cultural Street Dancing. This is an annual event held prior to the celebration of St. Augustine’s feast.

Different schools and business entities participated and made the event worth watching under the heat of the sun. This years’ Cultural Dance is said to be more improved and well organized. Kudos to the city government for handling the Kagay-an Festival so well.

This is a true showcase of talents and the resiliency of Kagay-anons despite the scars marked by the Sendong Flood in December. Mabuhay Kagay-anons! We are truly happy people and still the “City of Golden Friendship.”

Congratulations to Barangay Kauswagan, Bugo, and Bayabas who topped the event. All of the participants are already winners by just looking at their colorful and extravagant costumes.

Big thanks to all the sponsors for making this event very possible – Globe, TM, San Miguel Corporation, Coca-Cola, Centrio Ayala Malls and etc. We also appreciated the effort of our local police and local government units – especially to our City Mayor Vicente “Donkoy” Emano and His comrades.

Next Up:

The Cultural Street Dance will be followed by a Civic-Military Parade participated by local government units, the army, PNP along with universities, schools, and prominent business establishments in Cagayan de Oro.

About Kagay-an Festival and Cultural Street Dancing:

Historically, Fiesta celebration is inherited by the Kagay-anons from the Spaniards. It is a celebration in honor of St. Augustine, the patron saint of Cagayan de Oro. It’s second to Christmas as the most celebrated holidays in Cagayan de Oro.

Street dancing is a long tradition of giving thanks to the creator. It’s actually a pagan tradition adopted by Roman Catholics, which comprises 87 percent of the people in Cagayan de Oro. It’s also a recognition of the tribes which is believed to be Kagay-anons’ ancestors.

August statistics show that there are 51,597 people afflicted over the Philippines. Sadly, 324 of those have died summing up to 0.63 percent fatality rate. This is extremely alarming compared to the cases last year which accounting to 293 deaths. It’s time to make a move and the government should be alarmed about this silent killer virus.

These tiny bloodsuckers and the virus they’re carrying afflicted most of the National Capital Region (22.24 percent), Calabarzon (14.08 percent) and Central Luzon (13.65 percent).

Blood for Blood Epidemic

An infected female aedes mosquito transmits the Dengue virus (DENV) – transmitted to the body through the blood stream. No one is safe with these mosquitos for it can smell 30 meters especially the carbon dioxide that you exhale. What makes these bloodsuckers more dangerous is that they hunt through the day – from sunrise to sunset. That’s why the only thing we at least do – is to clear all possible breeding grounds and wear repellants to keep them at bay.

Normally, an infected person feels the symptoms from 5 to 7 days ranging from 3 to 14 days. The symptom includes:

• Red eyes and eye pain
• Fever and flushed face
• Lower back pain
• Rashes in the arms and legs, and then spreads on the chest and lower abdomen
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Severe joints and muscle pain
• Weakness and headache

If the patient lefts untreated for a long period, they begin to develop red spots on the body and start to vomit blood due of internal hemorrhage. If still left untreated, this leads to death because the internal organs can no longer function because of extreme internal bleeding.

Your Blood Gives them a Chance to Live

Dengue is a self-limited illness and will only need supportive care however; these might not be true with aggravated cases and people with weak immune systems. Newly born babies and senior citizens will not have the same fight compared to young and fully-grown individuals. They may suffer from extreme red blood cell drop and this time you can lend a hand.

The Philippine Red Cross needs you more than ever. Donate to the Philippine Red Cross Blood Bank if you have enough rest for the day, no alcohol consumption for at least 24 hours prior to blood donation, fit and healthy to donate. Let’s help our brothers and sisters in their fight for life. Check out Red Cross’ guidelines on how to give blood.

People filled the air with excitement as judges convey who’ll earn the top spot in the most prestigious beauty search in Cagayan de Oro. Eleven gorgeous women competed with each other until only five remained victorious.

The top five candidates include:

• Candidate # 3 – Elaine P. Ghan
• Candidate # 8 – Emie Lou E. Yamba
• Candidate # 1 – Lovely Jane B. Estampa
• Candidate # 11 – Greanne Trisha T. Mendoza
• Candidate # 7 – Leslie P. Ghan

In the end, Candidate # 11 – Greanne Trisha T. Mendoza championed the competition. The final decision made all of them victorious – giving everyone a special award from different sponsors:

• #1 Lovely Jane B. Estampa – “Miss Tourism”
• #8 Emie Lou E. Yamba – “1st Runner-up”
• #7 Leslie P. Ghan – “2nd Runner-up”
• # 3 Elaine P.Ghan – “3rd Runner-up”

Special Awards:

• “Miss Nature Spring” – Candidate # 4 Laurice O. Inosa
• “Miss Pink Spa” – Candidate # 2 Sidney Taboclaon
• “Miss Le Rouge” – Candidate # 2 Sidney Taboclaon
• “Miss Ever Bilena” – Candidate # 7 Leslie Ghan
• “Miss Primavera” – Candidate # 11 Greanne Trisha T. Mendoza
• “Miss Avon” – Candidate # 4  Laurice Inosa
• “Miss Kapuso” – Candidate #3 Elaine Ghan
• “Miss Gardens of Malasag” – Candidate #8 Emie Lou Yamba
• “Miss Goldilocks – Candidate #11 Greanne Trisha Mendoza
• “Miss Natasha” – Candidate #6 Juriel Valledor
• “Belo Beauty of the Evening” –  Candidate # 3 Elaine Ghan
• “Best in Long Gown” –  Candidate# 2 Sidney Taboclaon
• “Globe Texter’s Choice” –  Candidate# #11 Greanne Trisha Mendoza
• “Miss Friendship” –  Candidate # 3 Elaine Ghan
• “Darling of the Press” –  Candidate #11 Greanne Trisha Mendoza
• “Miss Samsung” –  Candidate # 11 Greanne Trisha Mendoza
• “Miss Photogenic” –  Candidate #3 Elaine Ghan
• “Best in Mags Casual Wear” –  Candidate# 2 Sidney Taboclaon
• “Miss Avon” –  Candidate #4 Laurice Inosa
• “Best in Talent” – Candidate #9 Roxinne Monterde
• “Best in Swimsuit” – Candidate #4 Laurice Inosa

Furthermore, few of the most influential personalities in the city such as Mayor Vicente Emano, Benjo Benaldo, and Ian Acenas came to witness the event. GMA star Will Devaughn, and model Diana Menezes joined the coronation night.

In addition, such event wouldn’t be possible without the help and cooperation of these major sponsors: Globe Telecoms, Mallberry Suites, Lim Ket Kai Centre, The Department of Tourism, Belo Medical Group, Hotel Koresco, Cagayan de Oro Tourism Board, and Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority.

Hundreds of government and non-government sectors marched through CDO streets – not even minding the heat of the summer sun.

The Philippine National Police, the Philippine Army, Coast Guards, Maritime Police, Mindanao Shriners, and Boy Scout of the Philippines are just few of the military and government agencies who joined the parade.

Various fraternities and youth organizations joined hand-in-hand to show unity and peace by wearing their organizational uniforms while marching through the streets. Few of these organizations include, Alpha Kappa Rho, Tau Gamma Phi, Betaupsians, and National Youth Commission umbrella organizations such as AYLINM.

Of course, business entities failed not to miss the event. Big pharmaceutical companies such as IPI charmed the crowd with their celebrity guest, Paul Jake Castillo of PBB. Behind our convoy, we had Psalmstre Enterprises following us. Other business entities such as Globe Telecom, Goldilocks, and Jolibee were also present in the parade. On our lane, we had motormate, Pambato Shipping, and Radio Ultra.

Beautiful floats mesmerized spectators while competing in this year’s Golden Float Parade. Among the participants, include SM City, GMA, Casino, Concentrix, MH Lhuillier, Eagles Club, Jatico Adventures, International Pharma Inc., and Misamis Oriental Congressional Districts 1 and 2. We also saw the floats of ABSCBN Tsada Kagayan, and 2Go Group Inc.

Different drum bugle corps and school bands electrified the streets of Hayes, Chavez, and Apolinar Velez. Performers were from Liceo de Cagayan, Blessed Mother College, Kauswagan Central School, Macabalan National High School, Misamis Oriental General Comprehensive High School, Camp Evangelista Elementary School, Agusan National High School, Kuyanap-DBC, Cagayan de Oro National High School, Camaman-an National High School, Bayabas Elementary School, City Central School, Gusa Regional Science High School, Pilgrim Christian College, and Bayanga National High School.

Kudos to this year’s organizer, the event was truly a success. There were no crimes reported during the parade because of the 1000 police enforcers deployed at that time.

The route took us over an hour to arrive at the finish line. All floats and convoys will need to go the heart of the city – Lim Ket Kai Centre. Regardless of the fuming heat, Harvest LLC Team and the other participants danced through the end. It was clear that the smiles of the spectators inspired all the parade performers and guest despite unwanted temperature.

Until the next Kagay-an Festival. Happy Fiesta Cagayan de Oro! Greetings from your Harvest LLC family.

The Search for Barangay Gwapo 2012 was put to an end as Barangay Gwapo of Bugo; Alvin Mark Magpulong grabbed the top spot on the Finale Night held at Capitol University Gymnasium.

The crowd soared as the candidates electrified the whole site with an energetic performance from

• Barangay Gwapo # 1 France Luperte (Consolacion)
• Barangay Gwapo # 2 Don Kim Julio Quimbo  (Nazareth)
• Barangay Gwapo # 3 Alvin Marc Magpulong (Bugo)
• Barangay Gwapo # 4 Kim Michael Paasa Jr. (Barangay 13)
• Barangay Gwapo # 5 Karl Rembrant Mueco (Barangay 29)
• Barangay Gwapo # 6 Mike Abejo (Macabalan)
• Barangay Gwapo # 7 Noel Vincent Orejudos (Bulua)
• Barangay Gwapo # 8  Alexander Dan Linaac (Gusa)
• Barangay Gwapo # 9 Jestoni Lopez (Macasandig)
• Barangay Gwapo # 10 Richard Caspillo (Puntod)

The event was even powered up by the fresh DJ’s of MOR, Sweet Maricar, Totoy Buguy and Bernie Bitok-Bitok and Mag TV Nah’s finest Maxene Monasterio. The participants danced to the mix and beat of MOR’s music engineers and DJ’s led by Boy Negro.

Meanwhile, the following awards were given to the deserving Barangay Gwapo contestants mainly:

• Mr Congeniality awarded to contestant # 10, Richard Caspillo of Brngy. Puntod
• Best in Club Wear, Contestant # 8 Alexander Dan Linaac of Gusa
• Gwapong Photogenic awarded to Contestant # 1, France Luperte of Consolacion
• Best in Physique given to Contestant # 2, Don Kim Julio Quimbo of Nazareth
• Best in Street Wear as well as Best in Formal Wear awarded to Karl Rembrant Meuco, Contestant # 5 from Brgy 29

The contestants were also given a chance to talk about the Barangay Gwapo experience and what have they done to make it far from the tight competition. In addition, Contestant # 10 of Puntod made us burst out in laughter with some of their bloopers. In the end, only few made it to the final five, which includes contestant # 5, # 8, # 2, # 3, and # 1. All of them were given the same final question with headphones to prevent them from hearing the others’ answer.

The audiences were amazed how well the contestants answered the final test especially with contestant # 29 who answered the question in English boldly. After all the answers were revealed, the Barangay Gwapo of 2011, Ahmad Shali and his fellow winners performed a spicy dance number and waved goodbye to the Barangay Gwapo Crown. It was a glorious moment as Ahmad Shali performed a passage ritual to pass the glory and honor to the next hopeful Barangay Gwapo.

The awaited moment came, the juries have already casted their votes and the following hopeful Barangay Gwapos have been revealed!

• # 1 France Luperte (Consolacion) – 4th Runner-up
• # 2 Don Kim Julio Quimbo  (Nazareth) – 3rd Runner-up
• # 8 Alexander Dan Linaac (Gusa) – 2nd Runner-up
• # 5 Karl Rembrant Mueco (Barangay 29) – 1st Runner-up

And the Barangay Gwapo of 2012 is no other than, Barangay Gwapo # 3 Alvin Marc Magpulong of Barnagay Bugo. The crowd cheered and the voices of supporters filled the whole gymnasium.

And guess what’s next? You got it, picture time. Everyone was on a craze posing beside his or her favorite Barangay Gwapo contestant. Congratulations to our new Barangay Gwapo and Advance Happy Fiesta Cagayan de Oro!

The academy was founded in 2007 by Mr Sanin himself (an Austrian) and is unique in one very noteworthy aspect- only SEVEN (7) students are allowed per class! We were a little bit shocked by this since here in CDO, classrooms are commonly packed to the maximum.  Why do they take so few students?  “You can’t teach and learn properly in a crowded classroom…..though our taking in few students means less income, it is our goal to contribute quality to the culinary industry” explained Mr. Günther.

Unlike other culinary schools that only allow graduates to practice locally, DACA graduates on the other hands are equipped with enough skill to enter the International scene.  The reason for this is 3 out of 4 of the instructors are well seasoned International Chefs.  Marcel Haenssner , the Assistant Director- Executive Chef is a German who specializes in Ice Couture. Markus Haechler– Executive instructor, a Swiss, is a pastry chef and Limuel Bagoot-Instructor is their Filipino Chef.

Our interview also taught us some interesting Culinary lessons like the simple fact that there are actually a variety of salts used for cooking! The photo below is a pink salt taken from the Himalayas Mountains.

Mr Günther explained that this particular salt was ‘sweetish’ and great for cooking specific dishes. Interesting don’t you think?

The president was all praises for Cagayan De Oro and its people and described them as being friendly and the place somewhere you’d want to settle down. And as far as Kumbira is concerned, “We will definitely enter the event next year…it’s a shame we only learned of this event a couple of weeks ago” said Mr. Sanin.

We certainly look forward to tighter completion with the DACA in the scene next year!

The Academy can be contacted with the details below:

Dumaguete Academy for Culinary Arts International (DACA)
Noblefranca Street cor. Rizal Boulevard
Dumaguete City, 6200, Negros Oriental
Philippines
Phone: +63 35-422 4080
Cell: +63 917-3009 708

Email: i.fabillar@daca-international.com

Website: http://www.daca-international.com

What is Green Focus

We interviewed the CEO of the company Mr. Wade Bodlovic  (on a showbiz note-the husband of  Filipina actress January “Lumen” Isaac)  and got into some details about their company.  Their product is called the Waterboy G2 that basically converts humid air into pure water. According to Mr. Wade the amount of water that can be created is directly proportional to the degree of humidity in the air. The more humid, the more water is produced. In CDO, an average of 17L can be produced a day which would answer to all the drinking water needs of approximately two average Filipino families.

The company is a promoter of green living and using this machine would mean not purchasing any bottled water-a great help to the environment.

Some Interesting questions answered

Does the machine have a hot water feature as well? No. Green Focus aims to use as little energy as possible and since the heating ad-on would mean constant use of energy, they have decided not to include this feature.

Who would benefit from the Waterboy G2? Families, business establishments, restaurants- everyone can make use of this water machine. With this simple but fascinating machine “you will not have to ever worry about water anymore” says Wade.

How is the machine powered? The machine uses electricity. Since electricity cost in the Philippines is quite high, the company has modified the original model into one that will be more energy efficient called the Waterboy G2.5. This model is not yet in the market but the company expects shipment pretty soon.

How safe is the water produced?  The water is “Pure not purified” emphasized Mr. Bodlovic As to how safe, Wade’s toddler has been using this water from infancy and is a “very healthy little boy” as he puts it.

During the recent flooding in Manila, Green Focus donated a few machines to the evacuation centers since there was a drinking water crisis. According to Bodlovic, since it is more humid when it floods, the machine was able to produce twice as much as it would have on normal days.

The Waterboy G2 is indeed something CDO would benefit from. You may contact the company using the details below:

Manila:
GreenFocus Global Inc.
The Sapphire Building, Suite 6B
2nd Avenue, corner 31st Street
Bonifacio Global City, Taguig 1634
Phone: +63.908.861.9100

Cagayan de Oro:
Environtech Solutions
541 Saaranas St., Zone 1
Bulua, Cagayan de Oro 9000
Phone: +63.917.716.6335

Send us an email: Info@GreenFocusInc.com

Website: http://greenfocusinc.com

  1. What kind of preparation was involved in this year’s Kumbira?

COHARA starts preparing for the Kumbira as early as the year starts. Because of the Sendong tragedy that hit the city last December, preparation for this year was a little delayed.  There are a lot of aspects of the show that have to be addressed such as notifying the government, sponsors, looking for and booking judges, advertising the event, gathering personnel to support the event, dividing the COHARA board into committees and allocating tasks.

Then is the task of sending out invitations to schools that will be joining the completion. We also have to really sift through and determine who qualifies. We also have to contact companies who are interested in showcasing their products. It’s a tremendous task!

2. Where does COHARA get all the volunteers to help out with Kumbira?

Well, we tap all our resources-schools, hotels, the local government and send out invitations to volunteer for the event. We also tap our member’s as early as possible so we are able to collect enough volunteers for the event.

3. What are some new aspects of this year’s Kumbira event?

This year’s Kumbira focuses a lot on live competitions. In previous years, we were more about exhibits and shows but we decided to change that this year. We wanted to make it as educational as possible so this time, the real skill of the competitors will be properly judged this way.

Creative Cake Decoration LIVE

On The Spot Bedsetting Competition

Cup Cake Decorating LIVE

Flair Bartending Tandem LIVE

Another new aspect of this year’s Kumbira is the Interactive booths. For example, we have the coffee booth where anyone can watch educational videos on coffee making and decorating. We also have the cake decorating, knife cutting demos where some of our judges gave some demos and allowed anyone in the audience to try cutting or decorating.

Coffee Making Interactive Booth

Then we also have the Silent Auction where we decided to branch out and feature some art as well. At this auction, people can get paintings for a very low price.

The food gallery is another new thing this year. Last year, people saying there should be a place to eat since it is a Culinary Event so we incorporated that this time. There are small stalls on the side with chairs where people can also

4. What are some things we can expect next year? 

Well, we have had an overwhelming turnout this year and to be able to accommodate everyone, we’ve already had to divide some of the competitions into two batches. For example, the Chef Wars was divided into two batches so they can use the same utensils and we can accommodate everyone. The Bartending completion was also done on two days instead of one.

Next year, we will probably have to conduct elimination rounds so we can still use the same venue.  This way, only those who qualify for the final rounds will be featured in Kumbira.

5. Lastly and on a more personal note, which of the displays or competitions this year would you say is your favorite?

I’m very impressed with the Artistic bread showpiece Student category. Previously, this completion was only open for professionals but this year we decided to open it to students as well and the results are very impressive.

Artistic Bread Showpiece Student Category

Kumbira has indeed grown from simply focusing on cooking to branching out into bread, pastries, desserts, housekeeping and other categories in the industry. COHARA has put forth extensive effort to make it a success.

CDOKAY would like to thank Ms. Yu for taking time to talk to us. We look forward to what’s in store for the next year’s Kumbira event and wish COHARA all the best their preparations. We will be sure to cover the entire event again next year!