STOP THE CONSTRUCTION! SAVE KRUS NA LIGAS FROM EPALS!

NO MORE EPAL MOVEMENT

26 October 2012


Contact: Betty Romero (No More Epal) 0917 821 7227

   Kate Lim (Dakila) 0917 708 0988

(DISCLAIMER: Any opinions written in this post are Dakila Philippines' own and do not reflect the viewpoint of any other Naga City Deck and/or NCD Contributor)

STOP THE CONSTRUCTION! SAVE KRUS NA LIGAS FROM EPALS!

The No More EPAL Movement and Dakila joins the Krus Na Ligas Community in UP Diliman, Quezon City, today, October 28, 1pm at the Krus na Ligas Covered Courtin their resistance against the intent of their Barangay Captain Julian Santos to construct a building right on Plaza Sta. Ines in front of their parish church.

To deliver solidarity speeches in creative satire are Juana Change (Mae Paner) and cultural activist Carlos Celdran.

The public action is initiated by the Krus Na Ligas community headed by its parish priest Rev. Fr. Ron Roberto and supported by the Krus na Ligas High School Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) represented by Mr. Mamaril, and SK Councilor Mark Carlo Francisco.

Lola Kika, one of the oldest resident of the community will also deliver a solidarity message.

The construction plan, backed by Quezon City Councilor Vince Belmonte, is being pushed down the throats of the Krus na Ligas residents, who value their plaza as the only public space available in their barangay.

The Barangay Chairman intends to push through with this completely unpopular plan despite:

• The significance of the plaza and church to the history of nation-building—not only to local history; 

• The congested character of the Barangay, which makes the plaza their irreplaceable,  non-negotiable common open space; 

• The clear public rejection of impunity on the part of the Barangay leader; 

• The obvious lack of merit of a construction project in a barangay that already has an under-utilized barangay hall; 

• The shadow of doubt hovering over the Barangay Chairman, who owns a construction company—a company, moreover, that has accepted part of a barangay construction project, in clear dismissal of conflict of interest considerations; and 

• The community’s arguments against this exercise of impunity by their local leader.

The NO MORE EPAL MOVEMENT recognizes this fight of the Krus na Ligas community against their local leader, as a clear example of trapo leadership. It is a leadership that cares little for their own constituency’s interests and aspirations.

The Barangay Chairman of Krus na Ligas, and his enabler Councilor Vince Belmonte, demonstrate in their deafness of the calls of this Quezon City community, their idea that leaders can do anything they please. They think they are entitled to autocratic powers. They think their ideas and actions are above public debate.

The NO MORE EPAL MOVEMENT believes that this kind of impunity is of the same wicked spirit as using public funds to plaster their mugs and names all over public space.

Constructing a 2 story building on a plaza built in a place that the National Historical Institute has marked as the site where Andres Bonifacion and his Katipunan cohorts would retreat from Balintawak—this desecration of a space held in the heart of nationalists, among them, the Krus na Ligas residents—this spits on community honor and right to well-being.

The NO MORE EPAL MOVEMENT encourages all right-thinking citizens to join with the Krus na Ligas residents in persuading their Barangay Chairman and Councilor Vince Belmonte to have a change of heart.

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PEOPLE POWER SAVES KRUS NA LIGAS FROM EPALs

NO MORE EPAL MOVEMENT
29 October 2012

Contact: Betty Romero (No More Epal) 0917 821 7227
Kate Lim (Dakila) 0917 708 0988

(DISCLAIMER: Any opinions written in this post are Dakila Philippines' own and do not reflect the viewpoint of any other Naga City Deck and/or NCD Contributor)

PEOPLE POWER SAVES KRUS NA LIGAS FROM EPALs

The National Historical Institute issued an order to stop the construction of the expansion of the Krus na Ligas Barangay Hall named as Belmonte Hall, a priority project of Councilor Vincent Belmonte.

The No More EPAL Movement and Dakila joined the Krus Na Ligas Community in UP Diliman, Quezon City, yesterday, October 28, at the Krus na Ligas Covered Court in their protest assembly against the intent of their Barangay Captain Julian Santos to construct a building right on Plaza Sta. Ines in front of their parish church.

The public action was initiated by the Krus Na Ligas community headed by its parish priest Rev. Fr. Ron Roberto and supported by the Krus na Ligas High School Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), and SK Councilor Mark Carlo Francisco. Juana Change (Mae Paner), dressed as the ghost of a katipunera and historian Xiao Chua also addressed the crowd.

Lola Kika, a descendant of Katipunero Isabelo Tuazon and one of the oldest resident of the community delivered in a passionate speech, “Sa Plaza Ines tayo nagtaguan, nagtumbang preso, dito natin binuo ang ating mga pangarap at kasaysayan. Para sa pagmamahal at pagmamalasakit sa Krus na Ligas at mamamayan nito, Handa akong mamatay!"

The construction plan, backed by Quezon City Councilor Vince Belmonte, is being pushed down the throats of the Krus na Ligas residents, who value their plaza as the only public space available in their barangay.

According to historian Xiao Chua, “Ang Plaza ng Krus na Ligas ang dangal ng komunidad dahil nagging tagpuan ito ng Katipunan at pook ng pag-uusapan at pamumuhay ng maraming henerasyon.”

The Barangay Chairman intended to push through with this completely unpopular plan despite:

• The significance of the plaza and church to the history of nation-building—not only to local history;
• The congested character of the Barangay, which makes the plaza their irreplaceable, non-negotiable common open space;
• The clear public rejection of impunity on the part of the Barangay leader;
• The obvious lack of merit of a construction project in a barangay that already has an under-utilized barangay hall;
• The shadow of doubt hovering over the Barangay Chairman, who owns a construction company—a company, moreover, that has accepted part of a barangay construction project, in clear dismissal of conflict of interest considerations; and
• The community’s arguments against this exercise of impunity by their local leader.

Kate Lim of DAKILA and the NO MORE EPAL MOVEMENT in a statement said, “ This fight of the Krus na Ligas community against their local leader, is a clear example of trapo leadership. It is a leadership that cares little for their own constituency’s interests and aspirations. “

“The Barangay Chairman of Krus na Ligas, and his enabler Councilor Vince Belmonte, demonstrate in their deafness of the calls of this Quezon City community, their idea that leaders can do anything they please. They think they are entitled to autocratic powers. They think their ideas and actions are above public debate.” Lim added.

Betty Romero of the NO MORE EPAL MOVEMENT added, “This kind of impunity is of the same wicked spirit as using public funds to plaster their mugs and names all over public space. Constructing a 2 story building on a plaza built in a place that the National Historical Institute has marked as the site where Andres Bonifacion and his Katipunan cohorts would retreat from Balintawak—this desecration of a space held in the heart of nationalists, among them, the Krus na Ligas residents—this spits on community honor and right to well-being.”

Around 500 residents of Krus na Ligas joined the mass action yesterday aimed to demonstrate people power to stop the construction of the expansion of the Barangay Hall. The mass action ended with the community singing of the Krus na Ligas hymn.

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PCCL: Schedule of South Luzon Championship Games

*Update 9pm Nov 5, 2012
Naga City vs Batangas-Quezon
Final Score: 83-115 in favor of Batangas

*Update 9am Nov. 5, 2012 
Let's support the NCF Tigers / Naga City as they battle against Batangas-Quezon (University of Batangas) @ JMR Coliseum 6:00 pm tonight Nov. 5, 2012

Naga City won 2 games already!
Naga City (NCF Tigers) vs Tabaco City (ACC)
FINAL Score: 79-77 held last 11032012
Naga City (NCF Tigers) vs Sorsogon (CCDI)
Final Score: 101-86 held last 11042012

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Dios Mabalos! Music and Arts Festival 2012

The Dios Mabalos! Music and Arts Festival 2012 will be making its first grand salvo in Naga City on October 31st 2012!

A showcase of top Bicolano musicians and artists, this night long event until the dawn of November 1st will be a thrilling experience for all music and art lovers!


Visit Dios Mabalos! Music and Arts Festival 2012 on Facebook CLICK HERE  and Twitter @DiosMabalosFest for more details

LET'S SUPPORT BICOLANO ARTISTS!!

Image Source: Dios Mabalos! Music and Arts Festival 2012 Facebook

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The Asia Foundation Launches Report on "Gender and Conflict in Mindanao"

The Asia Foundation

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

(DISCLAIMER: Any opinions written in this post are Dakila Philippines' own and do not reflect the viewpoint of any other Naga City Deck and/or NCD Contributor)

Media Contact:

Steven Rood, Ph. D. Country Representative

The Asia Foundation

Tel. +63 (2) 851-1466

srood@asiafound.org

The Asia Foundation Launches Report on “Gender and Conflict in Mindanao”

New book examines women’s roles as mediators and peace advocates

Last week, a historic peace Framework Agreement was signed between the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. The agreement seeks to end the separatist insurgency the rebel group has waged for decades in the Southern Philippines, home of one of the world’s longest-running violent conflicts. In this troubled area, a new book examines the dynamics of gender and armed conflict in the Southern Philippines, primarily the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). The Asia Foundation (TAF) last Friday launched a timely and insightful book, “Gender and Conflict in Mindanao,” which examines the complex gender dynamics of conflict by looking at the Philippines as a case study.

Prior to this report, little research has been done on the nature or extent of conflict-related psychological distress in Mindanao, and how it impacts on how women and men function socially, and how it could be addressed effectively. Co-written by Leslie Dwyer, Assistant Professor at the School for Conflict Analysis and Resolution of the George Mason University, and Rufa Cagoco-Guiam, Director of the Institute of Peace and Development of the Mindanao State University – General Santos City, the book reports on women’s roles as mediators between warring clans, and as peace advocates in the rural communities in Mindanao. The book was launched to the development community, media, national government agencies, and civil society organizations last October 19, 2012 in Makati City.

In August 2010, the Foundation commissioned a study to examine the dynamics of gender and conflict in Mindanao. The study focused on the various transformative processes that take place during and after armed conflict, especially those that have serious implications on the traditional roles of men and women in grassroots communities. A field-based research and a literature review were conducted to identify the challenges and opportunities for women and men in community and national peace building.

In this report, Dwyer and Cagoco-Guiam discussed among other things – the psychosocial impacts of armed conflict on men: its implications on their mobility, and eventually, their educational attainment. The book also discusses the importance of pushing for mobile livelihood that strengthens communities and non-traditional programs both for men in women in areas vulnerable to armed conflict. Lastly, the book illustrates the need to intensify efforts in training and supporting women as mediators of community conflicts.

Background on “Gender and Conflict in Mindanao Report”

• In Chapter I, the book initially gives an introduction on gender and conflict zones, and then provides a backgrounder in Chapter II on the conflict situation in Mindanao: geographic and ethnic profile, a brief history of Mindanao’s long-running conflict, and an initial profile of gender dynamics in the conflict zone.

• Chapter III then illustrates the impact of the conflict on women, and on gender dynamics in Mindanao discussing some issues on gender and mobility, displacement, economic burdens, young women and girls, psychosocial effects, and the nexus of gender role transformations and cultural values.

• After tackling women’s roles in peace building in Chapter IV, it then discusses in Chapter V how to make assistance “more gender sensitive” including the need to strengthen women’s civil society to play a more influential role in peace negotiations and conflict resolution. Chapter V also reports on the importance of enhancing gender and conflict policy and ensuring its grassroots relevance – building on women’s strengths as community conflict resolvers; strengthening holistic approaches to conflict, and strengthening the knowledge base on gender and conflict in Mindanao.

• For its conclusion, the book emphasizes the transformative potentials of gender analysis– incorporating women’s experiences and capacities and acknowledging complexity and making space for difficult conversations to address gender issues. The report argues that programming is more effective when comprehensive gender analysis is utilized and that such an approach can be transformative in societies trying to emerge from conflict.

The study was funded through The Asia Foundation’s annual US Congressional appropriation, and with support from the United Kingdom's Department for International Development. In the Philippines, The Asia Foundation's programs on conflict are funded by AusAID, DFID, USAID, and the World Bank.

About The Asia Foundation in the Philippines

Since 1954, The Asia Foundation's programs in the Philippines have been strengthening good governance and economic development. The Foundation has supported programs in Mindanao for more than 30 years through its assistance to local governments, the private sector, and non- government organizations to work toward peace and prosperity in the southern Philippines.

About The Asia Foundation

The Asia Foundation is a nonprofit, nongovernmental organization committed to the development of a peaceful, prosperous, just, and open Asia-Pacific region. The Foundation supports Asian initiatives to improve governance and law, economic development, women's empowerment, the environment, and regional cooperation. Drawing on nearly 60 years of experience in Asia, the Foundation collaborates with private and public partners to support leadership and institutional development, exchanges, and policy research.

With 17 offices throughout Asia, an office in Washington, DC, and its headquarters in San Francisco, the Foundation addresses these issues on both a country and regional level. In 2011, the Foundation provided more than $97 million in program support and distributed nearly one million books and journals valued at over $41 million.

For more information, please visit: http://www.asiafoundation.org.

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Dakila: Black Tuesday 2.0

PRESS RELEASE
Philippine Internet Freedom Alliance (PIFA)
9 October 2012

(DISCLAIMER: Any opinions written in this post are Dakila Philippines' own and do not reflect the viewpoint of any other Naga City Deck and/or NCD Contributor)

Black Tuesday 2.0: Occupying Padre Faura for Internet Freedom, Campaign Goes International

The Philippine Internet Freedom Alliance (PIFA), made up of different organizations, netizens, and bloggers, occupied Padre Faura for the second time on Tuesday to uphold freedom of expression and pressure the Supreme Court to issue a temporary restraining order on the Cybercrime Prevention Act.

The group posed as criminal mugshots, holding letter boards which said, “RA 10175, nag-like sa Facebook,” “RA 10175, nag-retweet sa Twitter,” and other similar messages. Other members simply carried plain black placards and taped their mouths with black electrical tapes.

“If the government does nothing wrong then it has nothing to fear from freedom of speech,” Kenneth Keng, PIFA Spokesperson, said.

PIFA also submitted a petition for TRO yesterday, October 8. The grounds for the petition included: the law as a violation of the right to privacy, as a violation to equal protection, and as a violation to free speech. Individuals and organizations part of PIFA were the signatories of the said petition.

An online black-out also continues as support of the protest. Access, a global movement for digital freedom, has supported the cause and helped PIFA’s campaign go on an International level. “With broad and unjust cybercrime laws being enacted around the world, we need to fight them one by one. That's why it's critical that the international community stands together on Black Tuesday,” Access said on their website petition to Stop Cyber Martial Law. They have also blackened out their site.

“The threat to Internet freedom is not just an issue of the Philippines. There have been many threats to it worldwide, such as the SOPA and PIPA. What is important is that we stand up for our rights. If the world condemned SOPA and PIPA, the world will rally behind us in this fight against Cyber Martial Law,” Ayeen Karunungan, also a spokesperson of PIFA, said.

PIFA is a broad alliance of organizations and individuals who stand together to protect our basic rights to liberty and dignity – including the right to privacy, and freedom of expression, speech, sexuality, and mobility – on the Internet and who opposes RA 10175 which contains provisions that are oppressive, susceptible to abuse, and against the fundamental liberties guaranteed by the Constitution. It is an open alliance and anyone who share the same advocacy may join.

For more info, contact Kenneth Keng at 09157900018 or Ayeen Karunungan at 09175057055

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Cyber-Perling: Early Halloween Special

PRESS RELEASE
Dakila
24 October 2012

(DISCLAIMER: Any opinions written in this post are Dakila Philippines' own and do not reflect the viewpoint of any other Naga City Deck and/or NCD Contributor)

Cyber-Perling: Early Halloween Special

The recent arrest and maltreatment of Ms. Esperlita Garcia, environmentalist from Nueva Vizcaya has once again put the Cybercrime Law in question. More known as Perling, the 62-year old grandmother posted statements against a Chinese and Taiwanese firm on their mining operations, which was taken as “malicious and defamatory” by the latter which led her to be sued by no less than the Mayor of their town, Carlito Pentecostes.

While the case against Perling is said to be under the Revised Penal Code and not the Cybercrime Law, the fact still remains that Perling was arrested for a Facebook post that stated out factual events, only taken badly by a public official.

Time and again, the government has been saying that the Cybercrime Law will not be used against ordinary citizens and will not be used to trample on rights of Filipinos. Maybe the President will not use it against us nor will Sec. Leila de Lima of DOJ, but we, in Dakila, opponents of the Cybercrime Law, have been saying that someday, someone will and now, someone already has.

Digital media has become a force to reckon with and has contributed a lot to activism. Posts like Perling’s, no matter how factual, will always be found “malicious and defamatory” by those who are on the other side. But it is also posts like these that need to get out there and be known to the people. The Cybercime Law merely poses a hindrance for these kinds of information to reach citizens and will be abused by the powerful against the powerless.

We, netizens and digital activists, need to continue our vigilance over the Cybercrime Law and continue the pressure on public officials for its repeals because our fears against the Cybercrime Law are no longer just fears, they are slowly coming true and Cyber-Perling is but an early Halloween special. ##

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Dakila: Brown Rice can become the Hero against Food Problem

Press Release
DAKILA
16 October 2012

(DISCLAIMER: Any opinions written in this post are Dakila Philippines' own and do not reflect the viewpoint of any other Naga City Deck and/or NCD Contributor)

Brown Rice can become the Hero against Food Problem

Today, October 16, is World Food Day. While the world celebrates food, statistics show that 925 million people experience hunger, 578 million of which are in the Asia and the Pacific region. According to Social Weather Station, 4.3 million families experience hunger in the Philippines, despite its economic growth.

While the Philippines used to be Asia’s rice bowl, the country has become one of the biggest importer of rice in 2010, according to Oxfam International. And one solution that may help the Philippines become rice self-sufficient is if Filipinos switch their eating habits from white rice to organic brown rice.

“Brown Rice can become the hero to our rice problem, but only if we help it become one. This is because Brown Rice has less wastage in the milling process, which means there will be an increased production. At the same time, we help our local farmers,” Noel Cabangon, Brown Rice advocate and Dakila Vice President said.

While some people have switched to brown rice, others believe it is too expensive. The price of brown rice ranges from 45 pesos/kilo in the provinces to 90 pesos/kilo in the city. However, a study published by the Department of Agriculture – Philippine Rice Research Institute (Rice Science for Decision Makers Vol. 2 No. 3) revealed that If all Filipinos would eat brown rice for breakfast, lunch, and dinner just once a month (36 meals a year), our rice importation would shrink by an average of 50,000 metric tons per year, valued at US$20.32 million (or P812.81 million pesos) savings yearly.

“Right now, there is more supply than demand that’s why it seems expensive. So if more people shift to brown rice, there will be more demand and the price will be cheaper. In fact, Philippine history says that brown rice used to be called, ‘poor man’s rice’ because it was the food, which can be afforded by the ordinary Filipino. White rice started to become popular when the middle class thought of brown rice as ‘dirty rice’ and everyone else followed suit.” Cabangon added. “Given the fact that a large number of families in the country are below the poverty line, the consumption of brown rice can ensure that every member of the family is provided with the necessary nutrients they need even though their diet is largely dependent on rice.”

According to a research conducted by Oxfam, the milling recovery of brown rice is 10% higher, which can lead to additional sacks of rice that can be leveled with the amount of rice we import. This means that the country would have the capability of producing enough amounts of rice that would prevent us from importing from others.
Under Oxfam International’s Grow campaign, and in partnership with the artist collective, Dakila, the Brown Rice campaign aims to revive brown or “unpolished” rice back to the regular diet of the Filipino and promote sustainable agriculture and climate mitigation.

For more info, check out http://www.facebook.com/GrowBrownRice or call 09175057055.

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Dakila: 120 Days of Temporary Victory

PRESS RELEASE
Dakila – Philippine Collective for Modern Heroism
October 10 2012

(DISCLAIMER: Any opinions written in this post are Dakila Philippines' own and do not reflect the viewpoint of any other Naga City Deck and/or NCD Contributor)

120 Days of Temporary Victory

as Supreme Court Issues TRO on Cyber Crime Law

With a unanimous verdict, the Supreme Court has issued a temporary restraining order on the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 on Tuesday, October 9, amidst protests by different organizations, including the Philippine Internet Freedom Alliance.

A total of 15 petitions were filed at the Supreme Court. Some grounds of the petitions include: the law as a violation of the right to privacy, to equal protection, and to free speech.

“Dakila lauds the Supreme Court for their decision. However, the TRO is only one step to the long road that lies ahead towards Internet Freedom. While freedom is not absolute, Dakila believes that the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 in its current form does not answer the needs of netizens and cyberspace. And as a country that takes pride in democracy, we cannot allow to have a law that sends a chilling effect on Filipinos and which may be used as an avenue for misuse and abuse,” Ayeen Karunungan, Dakila council member and PIFA spokesperson, said.

The TRO will last for 120 days and the oral arguments on the case will be held next year, January 15.

“We call for every citizen to remain vigilant and continue the fight for the law to be repealed. We call for our lawmakers to craft a law, together with the citizens, that will truly answer the needs and address the problems encountered in cyberspace. The Internet has helped transform the face of activism, how we protect it is now up to us,” Karunungan added.

Meanwhile, Dakila has been working with other groups including Access, an international group instrumental in the successful campaign against SOPA and PIPA, to research legislations in other countries that worked to prevent cybercrimes but also protects digital freedom.

Dakila is an organization of artists that teaches Digital Activism, a program that empowers advocates to strengthen their work through digital media and is a member of the Philippine Internet Freedom Alliance.

For more info, contact Ayeen at 09175057055.

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Dakila: Black Tuesday Protest

PRESS RELEASE
05 October 2012
DAKILA

(DISCLAIMER: Any opinions written in this post are Dakila Philippines' own and do not reflect the viewpoint of any other Naga City Deck and/or NCD Contributor)

Black Tuesday Protest against Cyber Crime Law

gains support of International Digital Freedom Group

The global movement for digital freedom Access has launched a worldwide petition to Stop Cyber Martial Law in the Philippines. According to the petition, “With broad and unjust cybercrime laws being enacted around the world, we need to fight them one by one. That's why it's critical that the international community stands together on Black Tuesday.” (https://www.accessnow.org/page/s/stop-cyber-martial-law)

Access is an international NGO that promotes open access to the Internet as a means to free, full and safe participation in society and the realization of human rights. Access has been in the forefront of the international action against SOPA and PIPA. In an email sent to millions of Access members worldwide, Access pointed out “This defiant and democratic spirit has been seen before. Over 25 years ago, Filipinos fought and won to overcome martial law and institute a democratic government. But what makes this law's passage curious is that President Aquino is the son of Corazon Aquino, former president and leader of the opposition party that restored democracy in the Philippines in 1986. So many Filipinos are left wondering why the son of the leader who fought for their rights is allowing free speech to be taken away.”

The artist collective Dakila, a core member of the Philippine Internet Freedom Alliance, has been working with Access to bring to the attention of the international community the fight against cyber martial law in the Philippines.

Ayeen Karunungan of Dakila said, “It is really saddening that the Cybercrime Law has actually done what SOPA and PIPA have failed to do. In fact, it turned out far worse than the two. While we all want to be protected from cybercrimes such as cyberbullying, the Cybercrime Prevention Act does not answer the problems we are facing but merely curtails our freedom of expression and sends a chilling effect on Filipinos. And all of this is happening as we commemorate the 40th year since the declaration of Martial Law in our country.” (https://www.accessnow.org/blog/100312-the-philippines-battle-another-martial-law)

In the twitter world, people from all over the world have been retweeting “This tweet’s safe, but 1 bad RT=12 yrs in jail under new Filipino #CyberCrimeLaw” to gain support for the petition. On Tuesday, the Philippine Internet Freedom Alliance is set to hold another Black Tuesday to protest the Cybercrime Law as they wait for the Supreme Court en banc’s decision for the TROs. Access has called on the international community and netizens all over the world to stand together on Black Tuesday.

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Planters Bank Naga Branch

Planters Bank Naga Branch SOON TO RISE
P. Burgos St. (Beside Geewan)

Photo by Pueblo Naga / oragon.com of SSC CamSur

As of October 19, 2012

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Halloween in Naga 2012

Halloween treats and events that you can enjoy here in Naga. Click on the links for details.

Haciendas de Naga Kids' Halloween Adventure on October 28, 2012
Bigg's Schocktober 2012 on October 30, 2012
Mugen Hell's Party on October 31, 2012
Halloween Thrills at the Avenue on October 31, 2012

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Transcom Job Fair at the Avenue

Blume Rock Asia Inc. and Nityo Infotech are duly registered corporations organized for the primary purpose of engaging in information technology business and other allied services. They have partnered with Transcom Worldwide, a global outsourced provider, who is in need or more or less than 3,000 customer service employees.

Job Fair is on October 20-21, 2012 at the 3rd floor THe Avenue Convention Center, Avenue Square, Magsaysay Avenue, Naga City from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm

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Bigg's Diner Shocktober 2012

The largest Halloween costume contest in Naga City is back on October 30, 2012 at SM City Naga

Image Source: Bigg's Diner Facebook

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Mugen's Halloween Party

Mugen's Halloween Party on October 31, 2012
only at Mugen Dai Disco Club Life at Avenue Square, Magsaysay Avenue Naga City

Get ready to pump your blood!!

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3 Day Sale October 2012

SM City Naga 3 Day Sale on October 19, 20 and 21, 2012

Don't forget to bring your SM Advantage Cards!

Image Source: SM City Naga Facebook

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Halloween Thrills at The Avenue 2012

Halloween is here and Avenue can make it all happen. You can be anything you imagine in the Halloween Thrills at The Avenue on October 31, 2012 from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.

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Hotel Sogo Naga

Hotel Sogo Naga
NOW OPEN!

Location: CBDII Brgy. Triangulo, Naga City
Contact No.: (054) 472 – 7646 / 472 – 4087 / 472-4089

Website: http://www.hotelsogo.com/branch/naga.html
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hotel-Sogo-Naga/462413227161514

Image Source: Hotel Sogo Naga Facebook Page

Photo Updates by oragon.com off SSC CamSur

As of December 24, 2012

Dece. 18, 2012

As of October 9, 2012

As of August 10, 2012

As of May 29, 2012

As of February 25, 2012

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Haciendas de Naga Kids' Halloween Adventure

KIDS, are you ready for an ADVENTURE? this Halloween

Join HACIENDAS DE NAGA KID'S HALLOWEEN ADVENTURE on October 28, 2012 (9am)!

Register for only 150pesos and enjoy 100 m Zip Line, exciting Halloween Games and Halloween photo booth. (you may avail of free shuttle service) 

Be in your MOST CREATIVE HALLOWEEN COSTUME...

Celebrate an adventurous Halloween and meet Halloween Cosplayers!

Prizes: Adventure Park Gift certificates and complimentary tickets

Registration sites:

a) Enjoy Realty (San Felipe)

b) Haciendas de Naga (Adventure Tower and Golf Driving Range)

c) SM City Naga (Enjoy Realty Manning Office)

You may also download the registration forms via 

https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B4TqzeoIGPORbWl1TUJwdVpnS1E

then just submit it and pay the reg.fee at the reg.sites mentioned above.

Halloween isn't only for kids, it's for EVERYONE!

For inquiries and reservation, please call 472.2190 or send Haciendas de Naga a message via Facebook.

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Images of Faith Photo Exhibit

Images of Faith 
Photo Exhibit
October 12-14, 2012
SM City Naga 

Sponsored by:
EPSON
Hypertech Computers
Penafrancia Young Professionals (PYP)
Penafrancia Camera Club
ROTARY Club of Naga

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Res | Toe | Run October 2012 Sale

Uplift your spirit by treating yourself thru original and high quality footwear. Visit Res l Toe l Run Robinsons Place Palawan, Avenue Square Naga and Embarcadero De Legaspi from Oct 5 -21, 2012 for our BIG TIME SALE. Affordable prizes are offered to you dear customers! Come and avail our up to 70% discount on selected items. Hurry! Visit Res l Toe l Run now!

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Naga Meets Legazpi: A Basketball Friendship Game

A basketball friendship game on October 13, 2012 3:00 pm at the Jesse M. Robredo Coliseum. Let's support the NCF Tigers!!!

Image Source: Naga Smiles to the World FB

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Training on Livelihood Development

The Ateneo de Naga University-Center for Local Governance invites interested LGUs to attend the TRAINING ON LIVELIHOOD DEVELOPMENT this coming October 25-26, 2012 at the CLG Training Room, Ateneo de Naga University. For further details, please contact Francis Victor Ruizo or Michele C. Verdadero at 4725673 / 472.92.53 or email at ateneoclg@gmail.com

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Dakila: Going Beyond Epal

PRESS STATEMENT from Dakila Philippines
01 October 2012
Contact:          Betty Romero (“No More Epal”): 0917 821 7227
                        Kate Lim (DAKILA): 0917 708 0988

(DISCLAIMER: Any opinions written in this post are Dakila Philippines' own and do not reflect the viewpoint of any other Naga City Deck and/or NCD Contributor)

GOING BEYOND “EPAL”

Manila – Today marks the beginning of the campaign season for the May 2013 mid-term elections. Over the next five days tens of thousands of political aspirants will file their certificates of candidacy in the hopes that they can acquire political office - the golden Ring of Power lusted for by many a political Gollum.  To this end, we have seen in the past few months efforts by individuals, mostly incumbents, to get their names and faces in front of the voters in the guise of public service, transparency and accountability – a practice known as “epal”.  Indeed, this practice was the trigger for the No More Epal Movement, as it saw the boiling over of the strange brew of Philippine politics in the form of “epalism”.  The public has responded to this movement by expressing its collective disgust at “epal” (as the thinly disguised practice of premature-campaigning) through social media, websites, blogs, editorials, social commentaries, letters to the editor, and the like.  Nary an independent nor sober voice can be heard that condones, advocates and supports “epal” behavior, save for the incumbents themselves.

“Epal”, the habit of politicians to claim personal credit for publicly funded projects and programs, accompanied by the need to stamp their names and faces on every square inch of public space, is recognized by the No More Epal Movement as merely symptomatic of the much deeper problems of our politics, i.e. patronage politics, campaign finance, personality based campaigning, weak political institutions and parties, corruption, and family dynasties.  A quick look at the unholy alliances being formed in order to complete a slate of 12 senatorial candidates speaks to many of these deep issues, where “winning at all costs” is the mantra of political strategists and is used as a substitute for “platforms of governance”, “issued based politics” and “political ideology”.   It is this utilitarian view that stands in the way of true political reform.

The No More Epal Movement has no illusions that it can significantly impact the outcome of the 2013 elections.  Instead, we see the upcoming elections as an observation point and a starting point for discussion among the public.  We ask that the public to stand as witness to the following over the coming months leading to elections:

- The lack of any substantive discussion by the candidates on essential issues such as freedom of information, reproductive health, human rights, the environment, good governance and anti-corruption;

- The insignificance of political parties, as political butterflies flutter from party to party and as unholy alliances form among erstwhile political rivals;

- The dominance of families and preponderance of family members running for multiple political positions despite the constitutional mandate for the State to prohibit political dynasties (Art. II, Sec. 26);

- The re-hashing of old, tired names aspiring to recapture political glory;

- Profligate spending by candidates and parties in the face of very clear campaign spending limits;

-Illegal use of government resources to support candidacies of political incumbents;

-The existence of political cartels at the local level that operate to limit choice;

- “Sarswela” campaigning, where glitz and glamour, song and dance blind the audience in a deliberate dumbing down of the campaign, instead of debating and discussing ideas, platforms and programs of governance.

This brand of politics is at the core of many of the country’s ills which range from state capture by the political and business elites which distorts policy and decision making to favor narrow family and/or business interests to grand graft and corruption.  It is a politics that concentrates power in the hands of a few established political families, while disempowering citizens.  It promotes the politics of patronage (as strongly evidenced by the credit grabbing by politicians and their “you should thank me” attitude).

Epal is only the symptom of a rotten political system that fails to address the needs and aspirations of the people it is meant to serve. The discussion on “epal” must now be steered away from the symptom to the disease, and to confront, analyze and finally find solutions for the deeply entrenched problems that bedevil our politics and political system.

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