By Anthony A. Araos
If any lingering doubts remained about Mayoyao’s distinct place in Philippine history, these should have been easily erased by the annual celebration of the famed Lenong Festival.
There is so much meaning attached by the people while attending the festivity.
For many, it is a time to honor the gallantry of those who fought the Japanese Imperial Army just before the end of World War II in the Pacific arena. It was a matter of heroism for Filipino guerillas that along with American soldiers defeated the invaders in the epic battle at Mount Nagchajan.
Nearly 1,000 Japanese troops, under the command of Gen. Toguzuma, occupied Mayoyao. About 500 Japanese soldiers took their positions at the apex of Mount Nagchajan, called “Atotong.”
Lt. Col. Donald Blackburn of the 14th Infantry was tasked to dislodge the enemy from Mount Nagchajan.
After weeks of furious fighting and massive aerial bombing by the Americans, Mount Nagchajan was captured on August 8, 1945. Mayoyao was liberated on the next day, forcing Gen. Tomoyuki Yamashita to surrender on September 2, 1945 in Kiangan.
Beyond the heroism of the men and women of the 11th Infantry of the liberation forces, there is a story to be told between the second generation Ifugao residents and the incoming ones. While many of us celebrate and take part in the glory of the past, only a few really talk of the present-day “heroes.”
Once again, the Lenong Festival is at the cusp of reaching its brightest and finest potential.
The festival’s highlights already brought a lot of attention. I’m referring, of course, to the competitions in jingle composition, quiz bee, essay writing, poster making, logo, ethnic-inspired fashion design and modelling and biking.
Actively taking part in these contests is fine, but that doesn’t mean that is what only awaits the visitor. One can find inspiration and strength in many other festival activities. The opening day parade and trekking to Atotong and Or-olong points of Mount Nagchajan are other points of interest.
Life is constantly changing, growing and expanding. Through festivals like this, Lenong Festival organizers should inspire and motivate the younger generation to become achievers thus, transformed themselves as modern-day “heroes.”
Experience Lenong Festival in 2018, if you were somewhere else this year. I’m most willing to help Mayor Ronie Lumayna and Vice Mayor Jimmy Padchanan Jr. enhance the festival’s competitive advantage in the world market.
I recalled an observation of a friend, who now lives in Dallas, Texas (in the United States) and an alumnus of the University of the Philippines, on Lenong Festival. She uttered: “To have the chance to be a part of the festival was like a dream come true for me. I have so many fond memories there and I’m thrilled to be invited again.”
It’s time for Mayoyao municipal government to diversify Lenong Festival’s scope and outlook to focus in the growing Philippine tourism industry.
I’m so much aware of the all-out efforts of both Mayor Lumayna and Vice Mayor Padchanan to meet all the challenges ahead in so far as elevating Lenong Festival to greater heights.
While the activities of the two-day festival are proofs the organizers recognize their essence of attracting a big number of visitors but, to my mind, it’s hospitable and friendly people remains Lenong Festival’s strongest point.
Well, in two easy words let us try to answer the following query. Where to go around this time next year for a memorable experience? Answer: Lenong Festival!
So what are you waiting for? This is a very good day to think about it. Am I overly anxious of drawing the crowd at Lenong Festival in 2018? It’s so obvious!
So bring your camera, cellphone and lots of daily accessories for a back pack, for your heart’s delight.
-o0o-
Prayers are fitting tribute to Baguio City Councilor Roberto “Bobby” Ortega Sr. His untimely passing due to cancer was mourned by many in Baguio City and La Union province.
He served with distinction and endeared himself by dint of his humility, simplicity and common touch.
I have nothing but praises for Sir Bobby whom I once served as his Researcher at his office at the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
-o0o-
For providing necessary assistance, training and service for business owners, particularly those in small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) in the province, I’m commending the men and women of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Ifugao office.
I forwarded recently a letter to DTI-Ifugao Director Valentin Baguidudol on a matter related to successful staging of the Go Negosyo Seminar in Lagawe.
It reads follows: “I have been to a number of government-organized activities designed to boost economic growth in the Philippines, prospective entrepreneurs will tell us the same thing: They will start their own businesses if the conditions are favorable, capital is enough and are properly guided and inspired by functionaries at the Department of Trade and Industry.
I am optimistic that a significant number of those participants (350 to my estimate) at the just-concluded Go Negosyo Seminar are likely to join the ranks of small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) operators soon.
Thus, the DTI-Ifugao team and Regional Office staff and all others are to be congratulated for an excellent job.
The men and women of the DTI-Ifugao office have prepared well for the aforementioned program. As a result, the program- at the Lagawe Central School gymnasium was successfully staged. In terms of technical preparations, overall conduct of the activity itself and responses of the participants, the DTI-Ifugao office for a gold medal is my hands-down choice.
I salute your office for tapping Kapatid Mentors to share their expertise, values, attitudes and the culture of caring to the potential SMEs operators.
Considering the DTI-Ifugao office’s level of professional competence in the area of handling capacity-building seminars and workshops as this one, it will be extremely difficult for all others to even match your accomplishments.
I am, therefore, grateful to have been considered worthy of being a participant in the main program and the press conference at the Gazebo Restaurant.
Rest assured of my full and unqualified support to your present and future undertakings.”
The conduct of the Go Negosyo Seminar in this impoverished province comes at a time senators and congressmen have resumed their work.
In my wish list: Tax reforms that provide business a fresh start, greater motivation for productivity and employment opportunities in a globally competitive environment.
On the other hand, the DTI-Ifugao office should initiate a conference that would bring together leaders, experts and practitioners to discuss how SMEs could be competitive, resilient and be able to drive inclusive growth.
After all, the stakes are so high. It is important for them to understand and appreciate all the pronouncements of President Duterte and DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez.
I’m sure that the DTI-Ifugao office is committed to providing entrepreneurs with updated information to enable them to flourish.
I can’t wait to see how developments unfold. It’s high time to show that there is a socially sensitive and committed government that looks after the welfare of all, with the goal of uplifting the conditions of the masses from poverty through the provision of entrepreneurial opportunities. Or is it really so?
With this said, what do you think would happen to these cash-strapped entrepreneurs? Your guess is just as good as mine.
-o0o-
For our food delights corner: Make it extra special for the family, loved ones and friends by preparing breaded beef ribs with garlic rice for lunch or dinner.
A good added treat to this meal: sinigang na hipon (shrimps). It’s my favorite since my grade school days. I loved it with patis (fish sauce) on the side.
Plus, yema cake at the table and it’s something else. There is plenty of room for chilled mango juice and bananas for this great meal.
In my book, appetizers or desserts make sense. It’s truly food delights, it’s always a very good time to eating well.
For snack time: pancit palabok and chilled pineapple juice is an excellent idea. Whether it is merienda time or dinner time, just don’t forget to pray before eating. Without prayer, our life is not nourished spiritually.
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Finally, some thoughts for our readers: “We all make mistakes. What matters is that we learn from them and not repeat them.” Professional basketball player Chris Tiu
“Trust God as nature does,” Matthew 6:25-34
“Very probably the Philippines will defend with indescribable ardor the liberty she had brought at the cost of so much blood and sacrifice.” Dr. Jose P. Rizal
