Please help Bukidnon Online Win in the 2010 Philippine Blog Awards

Two years ago when my husband and I decided to retire in Bukidnon from England, I started surfing the net for more information about Bukidnon. I was lucky to have come across Bukidnon Online. I found Bukidnon Online a reliable resource that’s up-to-date and interactive that I have bookmarked it.

So Bukidnon Online gets my vote in the 2010 Philippine Blog Awards for the following reasons:

• Bukidnon Online shares up-to-date information on what’s going on in Bukidnon with the rest of the world.
• Bukidnon Online takes pride in showcasing the Province of Bukidnon on the internet.
• Bukidnon Online actively promotes Bukidnon as a tourist destination in the Philippines.
• Bukidnon Online provides a free and voluntary service for the people of Bukidnon.

Recently, when Bukidnon Online organised the Bukidnon Bloggers to help promote Bukidnon and take an active role in initiating changes for the good of Bukidnon, my husband and I didn’t hesitate to join.

So I’m calling all Filipino bloggers out there with Bukidnon connections. Let’s help Bukidnon Online win in the 2010 Philippine Blog Awards. CLICK HERE TO VOTE.

Talakag Barangay Officials and SK Chairmen Sworn To Office

The new elected/re-elected Barangay Officials and SK Chairmen from the 29 Barangays of Talakag, Bukidnon took their oath in a ceremony held today in the Town Plaza. All the Municipal Officials led by Mayor Nestor Macapayag were in attendance to formally welcome them to Office. The guest speaker from the Office of DILG Region 10, in his speech, stressed the importance of upholding their duties and responsibilities. This was followed by the Municipal Treasurer’s talk on budgets, audit and accountability.

Congratulations to all Barangay and SK Officials and may you serve the Talakagnons well throughout your tenure.

Bukidnon Bloggers

It’s official - my husband Jim and I are now core members of the newly formed Bukidnon Bloggers. Visit Bukidnon Online to read all about it. We just got back from attending the Blogging 101 and How to Make Money Online Workshop held yesterday, November 6 in Malaybalay City.

We left Talakag in the early hours of the morning to get to Malaybalay on time, given that there were major roadworks along the Manolo Fortich stretch. The traffic wasn’t too bad and driving through the mist in the Impasugong area reminded us of being back in Scotland. We arrived in Malaybalay at 7:00am and went straight to Haus Malibu to check in and for some breakfast.

Then off we went to Sir Edwards Grill, the venue for the Blogging 101 and How to Make Money Online Workshop. We were met by Irene, the lady behind Bukidnon Online and responsible for organising the event. The registration fee of 200 pesos was really worth it – workshop with free flowing coffee, 2 snacks and lunch. There were surprises in between topics like raffle prizes won from various sponsors. Jim (for being 1st to register) won a keychain from Google. We also got the chance to try some chocolate cake from Mariela’s Bakeshop of Valencia City (the best chocolate cake in Bukidnon). But the big surprise came in the form of a video message from Senator Francisco Pangilinan.

The event was well attended – around 40 (from students, teachers, businessmen, bankers, government employees, to retirees, etc) including the CDO Bloggers who gave the lectures and shared their experiences. The workshop was informal yet very informative and interesting. The lecturers were fun and engaging and they were not even bothered when they found out that I was the only one there without a Facebook account! Oh well, I prefer Blogging (in my defense).

At the end of a long day, we were googled, bookmarked, tagged, flickered, facebooked, twittered, adsensed, zoomed, paypalled, etc. We all left after “picture, picture”, exchanges of contact details, promises to text, email, chat or check each other out in the social media, and truly inspired to start up or update our respective Blogs and promote Bukidnon along the way.

Thanks Irene and all the sponsors listed below for a wonderful day of Blogging experience.

BUKIDNONONLINE.COM
ASTERISK Events and Communications
CDO Bloggers, Inc
Mindanaoan.com
Senator Juan “Migs” Zubiri
Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero
MGM Mountain Resort, Maramag, Bukidnon
DL8 Herbal Tea
SOTELCO
Core Solutions
Google Philippines
WomenTreats.com
WeddingsinPhilippines.com
AsiaTravelWonders.com
Mariela's Bakeshop, Valencia City (tel 09083052490)

Barangay Election Results for Talakag Poblacion

This is my first Barangay Election experience, having left Talakag and lived abroad for over 25 years. I went to my voting centre early to avoid the rush. Unlike the Big Election held last May, the Barangay Election was very quiet and basic. The ballot was like a ¼ sheet of blank bond paper and I had to write down the candidates’ names. Even if PCOS Machines were not being used, I (at least) expected all the candidates names preprinted on the ballot and all I had to do was tick the corresponding boxes. I went back to the voting centre later in the afternoon to observe and get the results first hand. Again the process was very basic with someone tallying on the blackboard with a piece of chalk. It was like going back in time!

Anyway, here are the official results I gathered from the COMELEC Office:

Barangay 5
Kapitan
Andresa Borreta
Kagawad
Hadven Tun-anan
Virginia Onda
Arthur Aningga
CrisantoWabe
Concepcion Victor
Danilo Almaden
Isagani Dimakuta

Barangay 4
Kapitan
Amando Noble III
Kagawad
Allan Mapano
Geronimo Dagunot, Jr
Pablo Bayron
Nenita Bagayna
Abner Pacuno
Delia Lopez
Alfredo Tagotongan

Barangay 3
Kapitan
Adolfo Petalcorin
Kagawad
Dionesio Co
Sulficia Teves
Eusebio Naca
Albert Gahiton
Marciana Heramis
Jesus Pajo
Jerry Saganahay

Barangay 2
Kapitan
Nenita Bacarro
Kagawad
Mercedes Burinaga
Arlyn Llenes
Trifon Rebuyon
Victorino Pajo
Timoteo Santiago
Samuel Bacungan
Rita Molina

Barangay 1
Kapitan
Avelino Sechico
Kagawad
Cliff Steven Gallentes
Pepe Galarce
Eulalio Clapano
Julieto Hallazgo
Lorna Ramos
Genesis Cabrillos
Jinky Binas

SK results are as follows:

Chairman for
Barangay 5 - Jonny Mark Borreta
Barangay 4 - Glenn Kiliron
Barangay 3 - Carlo Macapayag
Barangay 2 - Romeo Tianson, Jr
Barangay 1 - Ninos Vince Cedeno

Fire in Talakag Left Families Homeless

The fire started from the house owned by Mr Julio Suclatan at 11:00 last night. By midnight the fire gutted 13 houses in Barangay 3 just across the Talakag Community Hospital. Due to the houses built so close together and some LPG tanks exploding, the fire spread very quickly. Fire trucks from the Municipal Fire Department, Dole and Del Monte were at the scene to help tackle the fire. People were taken by surprise and so were not able to save many of their personal effects. As of this posting, nobody was reported hurt and the cause of the fire is still being investigated.

Pictures taken this morning:

110th Philippine Civil Service Anniversary Celebration in Talakag

Talakag civil servants kicked off the 110th Philippine Civil Service Month celebration with a parade around the town. This was followed by the Opening of the Sports Festival that will run throughout September involving employees working in the government from the municipal, provincial and national offices.

Suspects Allegedly Responsible in the Killing of Mr Roland Buhler Are Now in Custody

Extract from Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro newspaper on August 10, 2010

THREE of the six suspects identified in the killing of a German national surrendered at the Talakag Municipal Police Office following the arrest of their mastermind.

Noel Balighot, special investigator III of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in Northern Mindanao, identified the suspects as Dennis Tuto, a resident of San Antonio in Talakag, Bukidnon; Ronnie Fabre, a resident of Barangay Carmen, this city, and a minor who is also a resident of San Antonio.

Balighot, who handled the case, said the three surrendered last Friday after several operations conducted by NBI and Talakag Police Station.

"The mastermind, identified as Glen Tuto, was arrested in Libona, Bukidnon in connection with a standing warrant of arrest issued against him for illegal possession of firearms in Cebu," Balighot said.

Glen and Dennis are cousins and both were native of Talakag, Bukidnon.

The four suspects were allegedly responsible in the killing of Roland Richard B. Buhler, a German national who married a Filipina. He was killed on May 24, 2010 inside his house in Barangay 3, Poblacion, Talakag Bukidnon.

The NBI said the alleged suspects carted away at least P3,000 from the victim. Balighot said Buhler's wife, Venus, was in Cagayan de Oro purchasing various stocks for their hardware and mini grocery store when the incident happened.

"The victim died of strangulation because the suspects tied his neck. They also beat him," Balighot added.

Fabre and Tuto are now detained at the Talakag Police Station while the minor suspect is placed under the custody of his grandmother with the supervision and agreement of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Northern Mindanao.

Glen Tuto is detained at Libona Police Station. (ALR)

More Books for Bukidnon State University – Talakag Campus

Three years ago, I made a personal commitment to help put up a library for Bukidnon State University – Talakag Campus in order to provide learning resources to our local college students. I also wrote an article in the Mindanao Blog about my “Library Project for Talakag”. I am pleased to report that the library has now got a fair selection of books available to both students and lecturers.

Again, thanks to my colleagues at Durham University Business School and personal friends back in the UK for donating more books. Photo below shows the handover of the latest consignment of books to Mr Carlos Canlas, a lecturer representing BSU. Degree courses being offered in Talakag are Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Bachelor of Science in Education.

Back to (Bethany Christian) School

June 15, 2010 is the official start of the new school year in the Philippines. Contrary to rumours that Bethany Christian School in Talakag is closing, I was actually there today to witness the schoolchildren march back to their classrooms for another year of learning. Sadly, it is true that the school has obstacles, particularly financial. However, the sacrifices and hard work put in by Bethany staff, volunteers and donors to keep the school open is admirable. Well done guys!

Will you consider helping? You too can make a difference today through education. Your donation, big or small, will help less fortunate children in Talakag to attend school. Donations will also help to fund the school programs that benefit these children. Click here for more information on how to donate.

"Literacy is the bridge from misery to hope."
Kofi Anan, UN Secretary General

Talakag Mourns the Death of Mr Roland Buhler

Last Monday afternoon, 24th May, a robbery that went horribly wrong in Talakag resulted in the brutal death of Mr Roland Buhler. Mr Buhler, 58 years old and a German national, who considered Talakag his home for the last 15 years also owned a motorcycle spare parts shop and a sari-sari store. He is survived by his wife Venus Buhler (formerly Carangian), daughter Shirley Ann and son-in-law Mohammed Canlas.

Everyone here is so shocked and alarmed that a crime of this nature has happened in this small quiet town of Talakag. As of this posting Thursday, police and NBI authorities continue to investigate the incident and the identities of the suspects.

Election – The Results for Talakag

It’s the day after the election and the Board of Canvassers and COMELEC Officials continue to consolidate votes being transmitted from more precincts. Finally, the last transmittal came through at 1:15 this afternoon. Shortly after, the Summary of Total Results for Talakag was generated electronically. The elected officials for Talakag are yet to be proclaimed but here’s the unofficial glimpse of the winners:

Municipal Mayor
Macapayag, Nestor

Municipal Vice Mayor
Sulatan, Renato Sr

Municipal Councilors (in alphabetical order)
Bigcas, Alberto
Factura, Vergito
Gayonan, Susan
Monje, Angelo
Sabang, Yolanda
Sansanan, Rosenio
Taqueban, Carlos
Tianzon, Romeo

Please go to Bukidnon Online for the provincial results.

Election 2010 – A Historical One

Today I witnessed the Philippine’s first ever election votes being automatically tabulated by PCOS machines. I went back to the Talakag Voting Center at 7:00 tonight as the precincts officially closed to see how the new system works. You can also follow the process through the photos below.

Everything went almost smoothly, except that the modems were either very slow or not working during the electronic transmission of the results to SB Legislative Building where the Board of Canvassers and the COMELEC Officials are consolidating all results. This resulted delays of 2 to 5 hours in announcing the official results per precinct.

As of 11:00 tonight, only 50 percent of the whole Talakag precincts have successfully transmitted their results to the Center. However, compared to previous elections, this is still a record! Watch out for the complete official results here tomorrow.

Election Day is here at last!

I arrived the Talakag Poblacion Voting Center at 7:15 this morning and it's raining! I thought I was early but the place was already buzzing with people outside their respective precincts waiting for their turn to vote. The whole voting procedure took me about 45 minutes in total - these included waiting, signing in, collecting, filling, feeding the ballot paper into the PCOS machine, verification, and thumbprint. I was the 40th voter of the day. Just to give you an idea of te Election Day here in Talakag today, please see photos below.
Updates about the Talakag Election will be posted here in Talbuks Cafe so watch this space!

Election Campaigns Wrap Up

Finally, the three months of intense campaigning will officially end at midnight. Hurray! No campaigning is allowed tomorrow (Sunday) in order to allow a cooling-off period before the polls on Monday, May 10. What a relief - the politicians and their campaign jingles are beginning to annoy me.

I’m tapping my fingers on the table (or anything), anxiously waiting for it all to be over. I must admit I’ve got mixed feelings about this election. I can’t wait for the day after tomorrow and find out who wins. Candidates to watch out for in Talakag are:

Jess Paras (the new “kid” on the block) for Congressman against incumbent Congressman Pancrudo.

Ex-mayor Amado Noble, Sr (Mayor Nestor Macapayag’s brother-in-law) for Vice-Mayor under the Nationalista Party against incumbent Vice-Mayor Sulatan who is also Mayor Macapayag’s running mate under the Lakas Kampi CMD Party.

There are also fresh and new candidates running for Sanguniang Bayan posts. It’s a case of who’ll get in and who’ll get dropped from the old incumbents.

All eyes will also be on the new Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) voting and counting machines (being used for the first time) to see if they will work without a glitch. As the race to deliver these machines with the correct memory cards to precincts all over the country, I can confirm that Talakag Poblacion (comprising 5 barangays) already received and tested theirs yesterday (see photo below).

I’ve been informed that there will be three Board of Election Inspectors in each precinct to oversee the voting procedures. Priority numbers will also be issued to help control the flow of voters in Talakag Central School.

So all we have to do now is get to the polling stations on Monday, vote and wait (fingers crossed!)

New Priest Ordained in Talakag

Today, St Joseph Church in Talakag was packed with local parishioners and visitors to witness a very special occasion where the new Reverend Fr. Felix Aparicio, Jr. was ordained by Bishop Honesto Pacana. Fr. Aparicio’s family used to live in Barangay 4 in one of the “Blu-K” units owned by the Nobles. The family later moved to join some relatives in San Isidro.