Titas de Bacolod

Thursday, February 25, 2016

Meet The Man Who Helped Marcos Bring Negros Island To Its Knees

Negros Island was in a woeful state at the eve of the snap elections in 1986. Negros as a word was synonymous to "Crisis" in those days. For the longest time, the sugar industry, romanticized by the well-heeled landowners of Negros and Iloilo, was the prima donna of Philippine society. It was a firm circle which not even the imperial Manila politicians could easily penetrate.

Negros, the rich land of sugar now had to contend with the criticism of many. The lady had fallen into disgrace as pillaged by one of its own, strategically placed by the dictator, Ferdinand Marcos.

Roberto S. Benedicto, a law school classmate and fraternity brother of Marcos, who became president of the government-owned Philippine National Bank, ambassador to Japan and head of the national sugar monopoly, aided Marcos in a systematic plunder of the sugar industry. While Benedicto had been made to control various media interests, RSB as he was most easily know in Negros was the Marcos crony for sugar. Benedicto later bought the Traders Royal Bank, which loans money to sugar planters, and Northern Lines, which carries sugar to the U.S.

The charges pointed to the gross and deliberate mismanagement of the billion peso sugar industry by the National Sugar Trading Corporation (NASUTRA), Philippine Sugar Commission (PHILSUCOM), and the phased-out Philippine Exchange (PHILEX).

Because of the dire straits the sugar industry and Negros as in, an unsettling atmosphere was felt throughout the cities of Bacolod and Silay, but more so in the countryside where the insurgency was brewing. The New People's Army was strong and energized with the bravado of vengeance from the fresh wounds of the Escalante Massacre. Overall, it was the domino effect of RSB's raiding the sugar industry for and in behalf of Marcos.

By 1986, sugarcane planters and millers in Western Visayas and elsewhere in the country slowly mustered their guts and were reported ready to testify before the Batasan foreign trade subcommittee on the charges of graft, corruption, and other irregularities which allegedly caused them losses of P116 billion to P144 billion since 1974 thereby contributing to the downfall of the sugar industry which greatly affected everyone in the chain, especially the impoverished in the countryside.

The EDSA revolution came at the right time. The planters had enough.

It may be an exaggeration but there is truth in the fact that words cannot describe what kind of bloodshed would break out in Negros in the summer of 1986 if EDSA had not happened in February.

I leave this story here for all Negrenses to retell the story of the horror of Negros in Crisis - a crisis aggravated by a man who played traitor to his "kasimanwas". For those who don't know about it, ask a Negrense.

---------------------

Follow me on Twitter @TitasdeBacolod

Thursday, February 18, 2016

Behind the Scenes - February 18, 2016 : A Post Valentine Dinner

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

It was just an impromptu idea to hold a post-Valentine dinner with a few friends, mostly members of our club, Circulo Negrense, at Dr. Ver Lacson's residence recently.

A couple of hurried text messages (oh, the convenience of modern technology!), and some last minute telephone calls, set the ball rolling and everything was all set for an intimate dinner that cool, drizzly evening.

Coming in from the drizzling rain, it was such a pleasant sight to see the beautiful table settings set out with welcoming glasses of red wine, nuts and cheeses to set the party mood. It was so nice to meet a new friend, Malu Tanatan, a balikbayan from Montreal, Canada, who decided to settle here in Bacolod.

She is an expert in beauty enhancement and has put up a new esthetic clinic, which the local fashionistas would love to try.

Another familiar face we haven't seen in a long while was Jose Marquez Lim, a debonair Spanish businessman from Madrid, who is now an enterprising sugar planter in Negros. He came with our dear friend, Jo Natalaray. Soon, the place was filled with lively conversation interrupted with bursts of laughter, showing that the group was having a fine time.

Dinner was a delectable array of party dishes especially concocted by our genial host - prawns bathed in garlic-lemon butter sauce, chicken ala “Ver” (you have to taste it to believe it!), nachos Spanish style, pasta in pesto sauce, etc. The dessert table beckoned sinfully and some of us hesitated to be tempted. But when Dr. Ver announced that it was “sugarless dessert”, we immediately indulged to our heart's content.

The after-dinner conversation sizzled with such red hot topics that we stayed, nibbling on fruits and cheeses washed down with hot tea until almost midnight! It was THAT interesting. Which goes to show that impromptu dinner parties can be so much fun.*

Monday, February 15, 2016

Trading on Nostalgia: the February Visual Arts Scene

#art, Art

By Ma. Cecilia Locsin-Nava,Ph.D.

      Nostalgia or "the desire to return in thought or in fact to a former time in one’s life, to one’s home, or to one’s family and friends" binds the three visual arts exhibit currently showing in Bacolod. These are Wayne Lacson Forte’s “Ano May ReklamoKa?” which opened February 2 at the Negros Museum; DioknoPasilan’s “Locale” which opened February 6 at Orange Gallery and EdbonSevilleno’s “Glimpses of Negros” which softly opens on February 10 at MuseoNegrense de La Salle to accommodate special requests from friends who would like to gift their loved ones with an art work for Valentine where are works will be pegged down for as low as 10,000 a piece. Over cocktails on February 12 guests will likewise be treated to an interaction with Sevilleno who will demonstrate what makes him a watercolorist of the first order.

      Considering the millions of Filipinos abroad it seems inevitable that nostalgia would inform the works of these three visual artists despite their differences in personalities, backgrounds, and mediums and styles.

       US-based Forte uses oil in scenes of a bygone era color dealing with , among others, our history of colonization; Riyadh –based Sevilleno employs watercolors in capturing idyllic scenes of country-life in Negros before urbanization sets in and celebrates the eternal sameness of the ordinary in portraits of street people and sacadas, one aptly entitled, Ti, amo man Gihapon, as well as genre paintings that capture Norman Rockwell-like street scenes of Bacolod epitomized by one painting of chess playing in downtown plaza and the furious betting that accompanies it.

        Most poignant is Palawan and Australia-based Pasilan’s homecoming exhibitthat brings together past projects from Australia, Palawan and Bicol which captures, among others, a way of life that is long gone, namely boat-building in his native Santo Nino, which has since become a casualty of over-logging. This is symbolized by a new work done in collaboration with carpenters and craftsmen in the community where he grew up. Called “ The Santo Nino Project” this consists of a hardwood remnant of a long-vanished fishing boat which the resident craftsmen have turned into a sculpture ever since their wooden-hulled boats have given way to second hand vessels from other Asian countries.   This travel metaphor is repeated on the walls of the gallery with little boats carrying eyes of the artist’s subjects sailing into the horizon.

    Not unlike Sevilleno, Pasilan likewise shows like Rembrandt (who did self portraits in his old age many times over) a fascinationfor faces of old people illustrated in his “KinalawangnaLarawan” –iron dust portraits on archival paper as well as his ID photos of senior citizens in Bicol and Palawan.

     The Filipino as wandering Jew is a recurrent theme that runs not only in our literature but in visual arts as well. One reason is our world famous resiliency. As Pasilan puts it in his artist statement for” Locale”: “Some people find significance in a place. Others make a place significant. As an artist, both hold true for me. I am a wanderer who puts down roots wherever my journeys take me. Thus, in external exile I am always home.”

---------------------

Follow me on Twitter @TitasdeBacolod

Thursday, February 4, 2016

Thursday, February 04, 2016

Behind the Scenes - February 4, 2016 : A Fashion Show for a Debut

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

Pretty Nikka Amable is a typical teenager, who dreams of being a successful fashion designer someday. Like the rest of her friends, she loves to dance and sing and swoon over her “crushes”. For her debut recently, her family and friends wanted to make the occasion extra special, something she would treasure and remember the rest of her life.

Nikka's Tito Cris Amable, a popular event stylist, came up with the concept “Fashion Runway Show”, just like the finale of the famous Project Runway. The venue was the grand ballroom of Bacolod's Sugarland Hotel. The runway was 50 feet long and six more chandeliers were added, giving the place an ultra classy look. The color motif was black and white, from the entourage to guests who came in their most fashionable black and white attire. In stark contrast to the black and white theme, red flowers adorned the entire room, filling tall glasses, crystals with mirror runners and candles as centerpieces. A spectacular stage backdrop displayed four mannequins wearing the exquisite gowns of Manila designer Eric delos Santos.

When the debutante made her appearance, looking “drop-dead-gorgeous” in her dazzling evening gown, the guests showered her with rapturous applause.

Nikka's gown was designed by celebrity designer Michael Leyva, a favorite of Kris Aquino, Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach, and other celebrities.

Everyone enjoyed the fabulous fashion show which had 18 members of the debutante's entourage as models for the 18 footsteps, 18 candles and 18 roses.

Nikka and her sister Nikki wowed the audience with their rendition of their favorite song, “Lean On”.

The party was a big hit as guests had a ball dining on the delicious dishes and dancing to their hearts' content after the show.

Happy birthday, Nikka, and welcome to the grown-up world!*

Thursday, January 21, 2016

Behind the Scenes - January 21, 2016 : Kara's Dream Debut

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

It was Kara Amantillo's dream to celebrate her 18 th birthday, complete with a cotillion and all the trimmings that make up a grand debutante's ball. Her first dance was with her Dad, Gino Amantillo.

The dream debut, titled “Kara, Legally 18, the Broadway Musical Night”, at the La Proa Ballroom of L'Fisher Hotel in Bacolod, was lovingly supervised by Mommy B-ging Amantillo and Daddy Gino, who made sure their debutante's party would be extra special. The party opened with a song from Cinderella, “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes”, and the debutante entered – looking so radiant in her magenta red Johnjohn Ditching gown – escorted by her big brother Ken, and segued to an offering of bouquet by parents Gino and B-ging.

This was followed by the Cotillion Dance participated in by seven pairs of cousins and Kara's close friends. The theme of broadway hit, Phantom of the Opera, was choreographed by Lyndon Estanol, a friend and dance troupe barkada of B-ging way back in college at La Salle.

After the cotillion, Kara was ushered to her beautiful cake with her parents for the birthday cake candle blowing and singing. During dinner, Broadway excerpts were presented: Front act was Kara's first cousin, Gia Gargoles, followed by Broadway numbers, like Mulan's “Reflection” by Church choir mate Trisha Marie de Vera; “New York, New York” - a song and dance number performed by the father and son tandem of Anthony and Ali Visitacion; “Chorus Line” dance number by the youngest and so charming sister of Kara, Kyla Amantillo; “Sister Act” by Kara and her church choirmates.

The most applauded was the finale, “Dancing Queen”, a “Mamma Mia” Broadway hit. This was followed by the presentation of 18th Roses – composed of male cousins, male close friends/barkadas in high school and college. The 18 candles were presented by female cousins and close friends, who gave their wishes for Kara.

The first dance was from escort, brother Ken, second to the last was Lolo Ramon Arboleda, and the last dance was the most moving and touching one, as Daddy Gino wrapped his arms around the teary-eyed and happy Kara.

Her parents also expressed their joy and pride in their lovely debutante on her special day. Happy Birthday, Kara!*

Thursday, January 14, 2016

Behind the Scenes - January 14, 2016 : Dinner for Friends

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

I can think of nothing more pleasurable than a small dinner party with interesting friends, terrific food and scintillating conversation to whet the appetite. This is exactly what our good friend, Robert Harland, hosted at his sprawling place recently.

There was a bright moon above with a gentle breeze cooling the air during the al fresco dinner at the patio, that was filled with lush, green plants (Robert is a member of the Neg. Occ. Garden Club). Our host welcomed his guests with sparkling red wine chilled to perfection, and scrumptious hors d'oeuvre, while waiting for the “entertainment” to arrive.

It was wonderful to see Jhay Broad (formerly Montelibano), who came with her Australian husband Kevan Broad. Another guest was our good friend, Donnie Poblador, and new friends, pretty Evy Holt and her handsome British husband, Richard Holt. On hand to welcome us warmly was Stessie Hecita and son Robert Jr., who livened up the party with his antics.

A small crowd of young people arrived which Robert announced, was to be our “entertainment” for the evening. It was the Maranatha Christian Academy Choir that performed delightful Christmas songs from their repertoire.

Dinner was highlighted by the Harland specialty, “Shepherd's Pie”, which everyone raved over. Kevan and Richard were absolutely bowled over by this great favorite of theirs. It was paired beautifully with delectable veggies. Dessert was a decadent trifle which Robert served with aplomb. Donnie had also brought delicious buko pie, which Evy thoroughly enjoyed.

After thanking Robert for the superb dinner, it was time to go. What a pleasant dinner party it was to savor and enjoy.*

Thursday, January 7, 2016

Thursday, January 07, 2016

Behind the Scenes - January 7, 2016 : A Smashing Cowboy Bash

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

It was a night of “denims, diamonds and dancing”. Bob Cuenca's rip-roaring 75 th birthday celebration at L'Fisher Hotel in Bacolod City was certainly an evening of pure delight.

When we arrived, we saw the A-list crowd greeting old friends, who were mostly clad in denims and some wearing cowboy hats. The ladies at the reception table invited us to add faux diamonds to our outfits and even our faces! All over the room, there was an endless crowd of ladies blinding our eyes with sparkling diamonds from their faces, down to their outfits.

You could see that the crowd was all set to have a rollicking fun time reminiscent of their younger days in ‘old Bacolod'. Bob and lovely wife, Agnes, were all over the place greeting the guests with hugs and kisses. Soon, the place was packed with well-wishers, who came to greet Bob a Happy Birthday, people who know how to party and let it all hang loose in the spirit of fun.

Excellent wine flowed freely as guests enjoyed their drinks with scrumptious hors d'oeuvre. Dinner was a masterpiece of dining pleasure as the cuisine was designed to treat our taste buds to a plethora of exciting flavors. We enjoyed a meal that was deliciously hazardous to the waistline. But who cares? It was Bob's birthday, anyway! Enjoy!

Soon, the music filled with danceable songs that became too tempting to resist and the dance floor exploded with dance aficionados, who were swinging, twirling, shaking and sliding to their hearts' content. The dancing crowd let it hang loose; dancing the night away till they dropped.

Happy Birthday, Bob!*

Tuesday, December 29, 2015

Behind the Scenes - December 29, 2015 : Linda Yulo's biggest surprise

Behind the Scenes with Ivy Visitacion

The expression on her face was priceless. Linda Yulo looked so shocked that tears were welling up in her eyes when she walked into the room and was greeted by loud shouts and cheers of “Happy Birthday” from her friends and loved ones gathered there.

Days before, Linda's kids secretly contacted her close friends, inviting them to a surprise Hawaiian Luau birthday dinner for their mother at Sugarland Hotel in Bacolod City. They were all sworn to secrecy and amazingly, everyone kept their promise. On her birthday, Linda's husband, Emy, and their kids brought her to Sugarland Hotel ostensibly to have a simple family birthday dinner. She walked into the darkened room where everyone waited breathlessly.

Suddenly, pandemonium broke loose when the lights were switched on and everyone laughed over Linda's shocked reaction at seeing all the Hawaiian wahines greeting and hugging her.

It was the happiest, loudest birthday celebration ever with excellent food, upbeat music and the noisiest group of well-wishers ever assembled. Emy Yulo looked so pleased seeing how happy his wife was. There was an impromptu program where guests gave their best performance in singing and dancing, kuno! Even the beauteous Marlene Villasor sang a beautiful Spanish song.

I'm sure Linda would never forget this riotous birthday surprise ever. This just goes to prove how much this wonderful lady is loved by her family and friends. Linda, Happy Birthday!*

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

The Little Boy With A Big, Big, Heart

People, Places

Warning : Do not read this without tissue paper or a handkerchief in your hand!

Throughout the last half of 2015 I have been thinking of how to put down in writing this incident which surely had to be chronicled. Days turned into weeks, and weeks into months. Now, Christmas has arrived and has set the stage for me to tell the story.

I followed this from July 7 when I read it on Ricky Monfort's Facebook wall. On that day, Ricky posted that a tragedy had struck their family in the United States. His Tito Freddie and Tita Maryanne's family, including their grandchildren, were off to visit their Uncle Errol, one hour away from Seattle, Washington.

On the way, the rented van they were riding on was rear-ended and the crash seriously injured their 8-year-old grandson Owen. Despite several hours of trying to revive him, Owen did not make it.

As the 8-year-old Owen expired, his parents made the decision of donating his organs. Owen's heart and liver came in time for two needing recipients. It could be no less than a miracle for those who were to receive them.

In life, Owen was a boy with a big, big heart. Last year, while watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade on TV, a St. Jude's Hospital commercial came on and his mother, Tami, made a comment that she needed to donate. Owen turned to his mom and asked, "How much are you going to donate, Mommy?". His mom said $20. Owen said, "I will donate $20 too"!

What a generous boy! Thus, it comes as no surprise that even in his passing, Owen gave of himself that others may live.

Owen's mom wrote this a few days after Owen's passing:

"No one else will ever know the strength of my love for you. After all, you're the only one who knows what my heart sounds like from the inside."

At 9:24pm on July 5th, our precious sweet beautiful boy Owen earned his wings and became an angel up in Heaven. Last night, we hugged and kissed him for the last time...until we meet again. To honor his kind, giving and generous soul, Harold and I made the difficult decision to donate his organs. Our amazing little hero saved 2 lives last night with his heart and liver. To save another family from feeling the pain and sadness that we feel is what we needed to start our healing journey.

We are overwhelmed and full of gratitude with the outpouring of love and support from our community. We appreciate all of your phone calls, texts, Facebook posts and messages. We are amazed at the generosity and selflessness of each and every one of you.

We are so proud of our son for everything that he has accomplished in his 8 years of life. We are so blessed and honored to have been chosen to be his parents. Our Gracie Goose, who came out of this tragic accident unscathed, has become such a brave little girl and our "saving grace."

Owen,
Mommy, Daddy and Gracie love you so very much. We will miss you like nobody could imagine. Rest in peace my sweet baby boy. Until we meet again...

---------------------

Follow me on Twitter @TitasdeBacolod

Wednesday, December 23, 2015

Briton who sold Lumpia and Turon passes away in Bacolod

Blog, People

Bryan Reano, the Briton lumpia and banana turon vendor whose touching story of how he left Paris to be with the love of his life, Rosalinda, passed away in the morning of December 22, 2015. In numerous interviews, Bryan said that the reason why he left his comfortable life in England was really his love for Rosalinda.

Rosalinda needs help for Bryan's burial expenses. His body is now in St. Peter's Chapel in Alijis, Bacolod City. Thank you Bryan, for making a mark in this city. You will be remembered. RIP.

---

Bacolod's own Carla Gomez tells the story this way:

BACOLOD CITY—Two Filipino favorite snacks—“lumpia” and “turon”—have been given a twist by a foreigner who has settled here and are now selling like hot cakes.

Bryan Reano, 61, a British national, and his Filipino girlfriend, Rosalinda Labajo, 58, can sell at least 200 pieces of spicy beef lumpia (native spring rolls) and turon (fried sliced banana rolled in “lumpia” wrapper) in less than two hours in the downtown area and Burgos, 6th and Lacson streets.

“I love selling. I go to shops, the hairdressers’, anywhere to sell. I meet all kinds of people every day. That’s the fun of it,” Reano said, unmindful of the sun’s scorching heat.

Before moving to the Philippines, the Briton worked as a waiter in some of the top restaurants in Paris for 15 years. He met Labajo, then a fish broker at a port in Barangay Catabla, Talisay City, online and fell in love with her.

“She (Labajo) made me laugh so I sold my house, my car and everything I owned and came to the Philippines,” Reano said.

Reano arrived in Negros Occidental province in February 2012. He spent all his money having a good time with Labajo on Boracay Island in Aklan province and at Mambukal Resort in Murcia town, Negros Occidental.

The couple went into the fishing business and bought two motorized bancas. But there were not enough fish to catch in waters off Catabla, also in Negros Occidental, due to pollution, Reano said.

When Reano fell accidentally and broke his left leg, he and his partner had to sell the boats to pay for hospital bills. He had to stay in bed for six months and was not able work for more than a year.

While taking care of him, Labajo thought of making turon to sell at the fish port in Talisay. With only P100, the two started selling turon at P3 apiece and would earn P80 a day.

Reano suggested selling spicy beef lumpia to augment their income. At first, Labajo was hesitant because it might not suit the palate of Negrenses, but Reano was persistent. They sold the lumpia at P20 apiece in the market, and it became a hit.

“In five minutes, it was gone,” Reano said.

What makes the food delicious is the spicy sauce, which some people order for their crispy “pata” (deep-fried pig trotters), omelet and French fries, among other dishes, Labajo said.

In their turon, Reano added sticky rice and homemade fruit jam with the sliced banana. The jam is made from the fruit in season—orange, jackfruit, pineapple or lychee.

Customers love their version of the snack, which the couple sell at P10 apiece.

Reano and Labajo start their day at 3 a.m. to start chopping the ingredients. Their simple division of labor: He cooks while she wraps the turon and lumpia.

It takes five hours for them to finish cooking, Labajo said.

Reano has also come with up lumpia varieties so their customers will not grow tired of their products. These include spicy seafood, chicken curry, Hungarian sausage and spicy beef lumpia. They also sell “siomai” cooked with different herbs along with their turon.

They do not use salt, sugar and monosodium glutamate in their products. “We try to be as organic as we can. The secret is in the spices and herbs we use. It’s magic,” Reano said.

He also makes sure they use very little oil for cooking. They also use lean beef.

If they could find a financier, they would love to open a restaurant in Bacolod. But in the meantime, Reano enjoys what he is doing.

He has no plans of going back to England, especially because he has found Labajo and has made a lot of friends in Negros Occidental. “I’m going to die here in the Philippines,” he said.

He has learned to speak Ilonggo from people he met in the streets. “In the Philippines, wala obra, wala kaon (no work, no eat),” he said.

Labajo sees Reano as a loving, responsible and caring man. If there is one thing she has learned from him, it is never to give up on a relationship no matter the difficulties that they encounter.

Reano said he considered himself lucky being able to find someone like Labajo whom he described as “kind, generous, honest and hardworking.”

“But if you cross her, watch out,” he said.

He hopes to inspire the youth in the Philippines. Anyone can make money if they are willing to work hard, even on the streets.

---------------------

Follow me on Twitter @TitasdeBacolod

Related Post:

How An Endorsement By Vicki Belo Is Easily Spoiled

Word has been out in the circle the EastWest bank is now taking over the retail banking business of Standard Chartered. This means saying goodbye to Priority Banking of Standard Chartered. Over at HSBC, they said that they would be closing down trust services and that clients ......Read More

Negros : An Island of People With Super Short Memories

To see Imelda at the food court without the pomp and splendor normally attached to her wherever she goes brought up a myriad of emotions. I felt a bit sad seeing this. It reminded me of my Mama's last days. But I quickly snapped out of that sadness because I was reminded of the incident two years ago ......Read More