| LAWAAN FIESTA 2009 |
| RAS |
The week of May 4 to May 10 was not an ordinary week. Scheduled events were held everyday up to the grand finally which was the very day of the fiesta itself. If you're a Balikbayan, you you would have run out of time before you run out of things to see. The colorful decorations; each Barangay’s highly publicized participation in the Floats contest and beautifications; the equally crowd-pleaser and my favorite, the DCA Cultural Night, to mention few were one of a kind and to this day will probably rank as the best ever so far that the townsfolk and visitors alike experienced and witnessed. I salute the LGU and the organizers of these different events, whose effort and perseverance made this celebration successful and fit for the special occasion. It’s a mass cooperation and participation at its very best.
Going back to DCA Alumni Night with its own unique Cultural Night presentation, I heard that the participants consist of faculties, current students and volunteer alumni had to practice and rehearse outdoors for about six to eight hours a day for almost a week in the heat of the sun. Consequently, judging from what I saw, it was all worth it. Practice did really make perfect. The presentation was almost flawless in its execution. They sang and danced like professionals. The part wherein the performers still dressed in native costumes danced to the beat of disco music was a blast and uniquely amazing. Being an alumnus myself, I can’t help but be envious of the showcase of talents and vigor and wished something like this happened during my time and be one of the performers instead of merely spectator. All of these were made possible through the sponsorship of DCA class of 1984, who provided the necessary funds and support. Special mention to Mr. Anthony Algario, who choreographed and himself participated on several numbers of the presentation. Look for it in YouTube one of these days. Makes you proud to be DCA alumni.
I was not around for the Barangays Float Competition but from the looks of the remaining floats, it must have been lavish and expensive for the entrants. Some floats were still seen moored and floating on the shorefront of the town. To recover the costs, these are said to be available for rent to anyone who wants to use it for whatever purpose like drift leisurely towards the open sea, an afternoon siesta or a private drinking party free from outside interference.
The Boat Race was not as exciting. Six small boats with each paddler were towed by a motor boat offshore and they then paddled (their boat) with all their might towards the finish line marked by an orange flag about a hundred meter or more in front of the market at the left side end of the town pier. The big gap between the winner and those pursuing him spoiled the fun of a down to the wire and a photo-finish ending that everyone hoped.
The LGU night was somewhat a slower pace version of DCA presentation, with the municipal employees showing off their hidden talents which Mayor Gabornes teasingly describe in her opening speech as “something that they almost kept it that way, hidden “after so many goofs and miscue from a performance days before and that night was supposed to be a redemption for all of them. Historical and Cultural Aspect was the theme of their presentation and euphoria of nostalgia engulfs the crowd when vintage pictures of Lawaan and ex-mayors were shown on a projection screen next to the stage.
The day after the fiesta was the start of (now-getting customary) clan reunions. There was the Gacho clan held at the elementary school compound; the Gacillos and Gabrillo clans; the Clamania clan at LNSCHI and our own Gavan reunion the next day also at the same place.
As always, special occasion of this magnitude is prone to controversy. Though minor in comparison with the overall success of the celebration, it dampens the otherwise picture-perfect town fiesta celebration. The DCA Alumni night was bumped to an earlier night than usual which is a two days before the fiesta in favor of LGU. For a reason that I didn’t fully understand, the switch created a lot dissatisfaction and dissent from the DCA people. It obviously became apparent when the DCA contingent was missing on the grand gala parade at the day of the fiesta.
 Toma |
RAS,
I went through the posted photos and recognize only one face and I could not put a
name to her face. It is a photo on DCA night where a group of ladies wearing lime
green t-shirts, she the one in the middle. I know her but I can not remember her name
(shame, shame, shame).
This is not the town I remember growing up with. I recognized the “Mercado” and
Pantalan. I also recognized the house by the river (the house of mano Maning Gadicho’s
parents). As a kid I spent many hours swimming in that portion of the river.
The senior citizens of Lawa-an, I did not recognized any one, not one (shame, shame).
I am glad to hear it went well and with out blood shed.
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"Pressure creates diamonds"
Toma
| RAS |
Mano Tommy, nice to hear from you. I was actually hoping to meet you there last fiesta, but my inquiry from Apoy Menying told me otherwise. But you’re right, it’s a different Lawaan that we used to know.
Before this month, the last time I was in Lawaan was in May of 2002. Though it was very brief and not the kind of situation that I wanted to be. I took note of the slowly but steady transformation that was taking place. Now, seven years later, Lawaan is more progressive than ever. To mention few, what used to be a delapidated and aging pier, is now a well-built and smoothly paved corridor like a boardwalk, strategically located at center of the shoreline. It’s now a very relaxing part of the town for youngsters and older folks to hang around. At sunset, it looks like a lovers lane, our local Luneta.
Contrary to what others been saying, the streets are in good shape. I jogged every morning before sunrise, within thirty minutes I already cress-crossed the town, without stepping into a poops or a pothole or being chase by a dog. There is now a road that connects Botac to Beri, at the back perimeter of the elementary school. It’s the only corridor not yet in concrete.
I wouldn’t know that lady that you’re referring to. Most of them are from a new generation. Their resemblance to their parents is your only clue as to who they are. Otherwise, you have to confer with a local on your query. Signs of times. We’re getting old. Next time we know, we will be marching as the senior citizens of Lawaan.
Also, interesting to mention is that lot of residents have karyoke. Walk around the town after noontime and you’ll hear someone singing a familiar tune one house after another. Others are so loud you can hear it from several blocks away. They even implemented a curfew on music or noise ( to some) after 10:00 pm.
Toma |
RAS,
I am a senior citizen by any standard and I am starting to feel like it too. If I was there
I know somebody would have forced me to march with the Lawa-an seniors.
The last time my son and I was in Lawa-an was in May 1987. There was not electricity
still. I really enjoyed my time there except of upsetting a few of the crowed I used to
hang out with while attending DCA. They were still expecting the same guy they once
knew.
I let what was said go by for I knew they did not understand. Until today I do not indulge
in drinking like I used to and stopped smoking. I promised my wife that I will stop all of
that and I did (cold turkey) before my son was born. I will have a bottle of beer of a glass
of wine if available and no more than that (pretty square huh).
They unintended result was gaining weight in which it is much harder to get rid of
today than it used to.
Another thing is I try to read some of the blog here specially the one in waray-waray,
I can not understand all of the words any more. I have not spoken waray-waray since
I have been gone (right after high school). I get to speak tagalog once in a while though.
I do miss the town and the folks there.
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"Pressure creates diamonds"
Toma
 Ihalas |
Edited May 29, 2009 1:45 AM
RAS, Thanks for the updates of the Fiesta. I saw the pictures posted from the start to the Katungtungan. I could not help myself but envy you folks who were able to attend the 50th anniversary celebration of Lawaan as a town. I wanted so much to go home during the fiesta, but family matters prevails. I've planned it for almost a year, in fact I bought a Plane Ticket already scheduled to be in Lawaan by May 1st. What can I say. Family first.
My wife and i were in Lawaan last march 2007 for a Medical Mission that we sponsored when Dr. Bebe Ecaldre was still alive. Though I meet a lot of the town folks, I have no time to enjoy. Besides being busy with the preparation of the Medical Mission, I couldn't find time to be with friends and the common Tao. I missed the flavor of our Bahalina with Tinolang Isda nga sumsoman, ngan humigop hit baga mainit-init nga sabaw nga nag-pipiropiloka it taba. Toma also donated the Computer for the Health Center. It was a well attended Medical Mission with more than 2000 patient serviced. We are planning to have another Mission sometimes next year. God willing.
By the way, RAS honestly I have no idea who you are as most of those bloggers. I know I'm also a senior if its what you call it, though my mind hesitates to accept it. I guess you knew me or at least got an idea who I am. I will give the benefit of the dought. Keep us posted with the news and updates in Lawaan.
Regards
Ihalas
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TDMontano,
Got your message yestarday, but cought up with lot of works. Its only in the office that I can open and thread or rather brawse on others site. Nakikibalita gadla kon ano na it nahitabo hiton aton mga kababayan kay sandag man kita ha bug-os nga kalibutan. I wonder if Jojo still remember me? I haven't seen him since I left Lawaan. Guwapo pa rin ba? He was my favorite. Ayaw la pag selos kay mahusay ka man liwat.Supo han mga kag-anak. Di ba ungod?
I've been to London, just for a stopover at Heathrow airport on our way to New York while my wife and I were wroking in Saudi Arabia way back in the 80's. My father was born in Stalk on Trent ba yon, somewhere in the middle part of England. I want to visit the place someday and see what it is like. I was told by my Uncle (the youngest on my father side) that I got a lot of relatives since my Grand Pa and Grand Ma were from that place before they migrated to the States. I wish I 've earned it when I was still in Saudi Arabia and can afford to travel. This days everything has to be budgeted. Nauuna muna it bakasyon ha aton before anything else.
So much for the tsismis, got to earn my daily bread.
Give my best wishes to your hubby and the kids,
norman
 Maria Anano |
Ras,floating irrignom?that would be fun.Glad the fiesta was a blast.Great propaganda,thanks to you,at least it give us updates to where our town is heading as the new improve Lawaan.Nevertheless,my skeptic mind still explore wondering where the large sum of pork barrel for inner Lawaan roads to improve conditions of potholes to all those backdoors pathways suppose to had been sustained?They only fixed roads where they paraded,those that can be seen publicly.Tsk,tsk,tsk,its like a lousy housekeeper only sweep the living room that can be seen by incoming guest leaving those underneath the beds filthy.Where is the first one hundred million pesos for 2008 part for Lawaan infrastructure funds?According to their feasible study,one kilometer cost is about 6 to 8 million,which actually consume less than what it actually cost,otherwise.This year of 2009 according to congress news,Cong.Doloy Coquilla has pork barrel an extra 1 billion pesos seizing the largest funds for Eastern Samar's infrastructures for this year.I'd say,he is the best Congressman Eastern Samar ever hired politically.This funds are being distributed as we speak,hopefully to the said project.Part for Lawaan funds should complete all backdoors alleys including those neglected barangays,Taguite,Beta-og,Bolusao,San Isidro and others.For the very first time in history of our town finally loaded its pockets the most massive distribution funds for infrastructures ever including school buildings by a very unique congressman.At 71 years of age,Doloy is using his americanized tactics with all his might for the well of his constituents,hopefully,our Mayors will use that monies for its purposes and with the active management of our governor Ben Evardone.Lucky for Mayor Gabornes,she is on the right spot at the right time.Election is nearly approaching,more programs are on the way.
Maupay nala kon baga matutuhay ene kay an ak balita tekang hin consihal ha Lawaan,nag distribute an Mayor hin city hall employees mga sinupot supot nga salapi before the fiesta han iya la partido.Tama ba ene Ras?
Dapat nakadto ak hin nga Gavan reunion pastelan,I really envy you.
| RAS |
Ihalas,
Mano Boy, ( as you were popularly known then) I think everyone within ten years of my generation and those before, must have known you both (with Mano Tommy) during your days in Lawaan. Not only that you look physically different from the rest of the locals, you two were such a towering figures and I’m sure were also highly idolized by women of your age. The two of you have lot of things in common, like being the only child and God knows why out of fifty states in the US, you both ended up living in Texas.
Anyway, I met you once in Quezon City in 1977, while you were working in the Veterans Hospital and I haven’t seen you since then. You’re doing such a noble and great service to our community with your participation in this Medical Missions. It’s just sad that in the process, you missed the opportunity to mingle with your old friends and acquaintances and the drinking binge that follows. Recollecting those unforgettable memories of yesteryears with those who were very much a part of it is a chance of a lifetime. We are here today and gone tomorrow.
Mana MA, if I praise the progress of our town, it’s because I saw it in my own eyes. Well, you can call it a propaganda but Lawaan had never look better in its existence than now. For whatever it is that she’s alleged to have misappropriated, at least you see some improvements. Big and concrete houses are sprouting up all over the place, including yours. Mostly are from those living abroad. They wouldn’t be investing their hard-earned dollars if they don’t like what they see.
Ever since I remember, every Mayor has his own scandal and controversy. It’s now like anybody (who is) elected to this position has to confront his own demons and those demons around him with their own personal ambitions. Too bad you were not there. You could have open up and express your reservations. The mayor actually set aside few hours of her busy schedule and personally invited all Balikbayans to the Demo Farm in Taguete for an informal dialogue on their suggestions and impressions of the current state of the town and perhaps to respond to those allegations against her if someone care to bring it up.
I don’t know what transpire on that meeting but I deeply regretted my absence. I could have asked her myself and posted her rebuttal on those accusations that appeared on this website. Lastly, don’t get me wrong, I am not allied to the mayor, just simply being fair. As to that bags of money being distributed according to your sources, I don’t think they’re stupid enough to this in the open when they know all eyes are on them. Surprisingly, my close friend who sits in the provincial government doesn’t even know about these “millions” that are missing. There are many towns in Eastern Samar trying hard to get a piece of the pie and our province don't get that much from the national govt..
| Return to sender |
This thread is interesting so I thought I should give my view though limited. This should be on the top as awareness to the reader that the Mayor is doing her level best though I really have no idea what is the intentions of some folks who is always good at pointing fingers though not facts. I think if they have a problem with Mayor Gabornes they should call her or write to her personally. Enough of this accusation without facts through hearsay.
Congratulation to the Mayor and to the Law-ananons, well done!!!! What a show!!!! Credit is due where it is needed.
| RAS |
Watch the DCA Alumni Night 2009 in YouTube..URL..http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgdD1HiDba4 or search for Divine Child Academy and look for DCA Alumni Night Presentation from the list. It's a two and a half hour show squeezed to a ten minutes limit in YouTube.
 to kuya Ras |
Salamat han im mag upay nga balita: umuli ka ngay-an.....and just love reading your post here it make sense love it
....thank you so much; na miss ko an im mga posting dinhi hope you will keep us company ayaw na pag pinaharayo hehehe...hello everybody:....
God Bless.