Donation for Yolanda Victims

November 26, 2013/in News

Restaurant raises 51,452 Peso for Yolanda Victims

“Eat all you can – Pay what you want” was the theme of Casablanca Restaurant in the center of the Rizal Boulevard, to raise some money for the victims of typhoon Yolanda.

Casablanca Restaurant Gunther Sanin

The buffet was sponsored by the Casablanca Restaurant and prepared by the students of DACA International, the only Culinary Arts School in Dumaguete offering international culinary education.

DACA Student Prepare Foods for Yolanda Donnors

Chef-Teacher Tom and his students prepared an outstanding buffet which was the foundation for raising this unexpected amount of money.

Tourists, Expats and many local regular guests came to Casablanca Restaurant to “eat for a cause”. When the pot was opened the next day (under the watchful eye of a Warden of the British Embassy) Guenther Sanin counted 51,452.- Peso.

All donations will be given in form of relief goods to Yolanda Victims in need.
No cash will be given to victims or officials !

Sandurot Dance Sport Competition 2013

November 21, 2013/in 2013, Dumaguete, Galleries

Due to heavy rain late afternoon, the Dance Sport Competition 2013 started with a delay of 90 minutes, a very wise decision of the organizers. The participants need for their steps a dry stage to make sure that nobody slips and ruins their performance, or even worse, getting injured. Five participating pairs were judged in Cha Cha, Chive and Rumba.

Sandurot Fiestival Dancesport-competition

Pictures of the Dance Sport Competition 2013

(click on pictures to magnify)

As it is a competition, there need to be winners. However, for us all participants were winner. Nowadays Dance Sport is not necessarily in the focus of the young generation; therefore it was great to watch this event and the enthusiasm for dance sport of all five pairs.

Sandurot Dancesport-competition 2013

Mobile Passport Service in Dumaguete

November 15, 2013/in News

Once again, the Provincial Government organized a Mobile Passport service in Dumaguete through its local PESO. If you need a new Filipino Passport or a renewal of your passport, you will have on November 18-22, 2013 at the Negro Oriental Convention center the option to apply for it.

Please check out the news about the development of the DFA Dumaguete Office (<– click )

The Mobile Passporting in Dumaguete can only serve 200 pax per day. First come, first serve. The fees for the application are only 1,200 PHP.

Filipino Passport Requirements

New applicant for a Filipino Passport

– BIRTH CERTIFICATE (NSO) – MARRIAGE CERTIFICATE (NSO) FOR MARRIED WOMEN – ORIGINAL AND PHOTOCOPY OF: BAPTISMAL CERTIFICATE/ VOTERS AFFIDAVIT W/ PICTURE, TOR – ORIGINAL AND PHOTOCOPY OF AT LEAST 2 ID’S (SSS, DRIVERS LICENSE, PRC, TIN, COMPANY ID, SCHOOL ID OR ANY ID’S)

Renewal of Filipino Passport

– ORIGINAL AND PHOTOCOPY OF 1ST AND LAST PAGE OF PASSPORT – BIRTH CERTIFICATE (NSO) (FOR BROWN PASSPORT) – PHOTOCOPY OF LATEST DEPARTURE AND ARRIVAL Once applied, it will take a few weeks until your Filipino passport is issued. You will get a date when it is ready to be picked up. Passports unclaimed after six(6) months will be cancelled. For inquiries and additional information about the Mobile passporting in Dumaguete from 18. – 22. November 2013, please get in touch with PESO: Tel. # 225-1111 loc. 396

Please check out the news about the development of the DFA Dumaguete Office (<– click )

Help the People Smile Again

November 13, 2013/in News

We just want to share this video, as we believe it is very well done and just different. (put together by Tony Exall, owner at TXL Underwater Video, Director at Philippine Dive Holidays.)

With the big help of some friends, we are able to send direct help to Malapascua , an Island north of Cebu with no natural resources.

Rolf Mühlmann who is with Sea Explorers/Pura Vida and his team in Dauin was a huge help. They pick up our packs and take care of the transportation to Malapascua.

Also a great thank you to Asia Divers. They offered to pick up our donations from the Ceres Terminal in Cebu to get it to the drop point of HelpMalapascua.

Sea Explorer run also an operation in Malapascua. They were able to evacuate all their staff and families ahead of the typhoon. But they lost everything. Some generous donations let us buy relief goods which include 700 pcs. cloths, 200 plates, buckets, pitchers, etc.

UniTops in Dumaguete gave us again a great discount, that all the money gets even a little bit further.

I hope we could add a little bit and…

Help the People Smile Again…

malapascua Yolanda Victim

Sandurot Festival 2013 – Dumaguete City Fiesta – Schedule of Events

November 11, 2013/in Dumaguete, News

Dumaguete City is getting ready for its 65th charter day. Only a few weeks after celebrating Buglasan, the Dumaguete Fiesta will once again attract visitors from all over Negros and the Philippines to celebrate the Sandurot Festival 2013. From November 16 – 25, 2013 countless celebrations, events, contests and parades will be held all over Dumaguete City. Theme for this year’s 65th Charter Day celebrations in Dumaguete City is:

Embracing The Global Culture, Enriching Local Tradition

Sandurot Festival – 65^th Charter day Anniversary – Dumaguete City Fiesta 2013

Sandurot Festival Dumaguete

Schedule of Events

November 16 2013

5:00am Sandurot Fun Run by City Government Officials, Employees. Tourism Stakeholders, led by Ike Villaflores – Start: ILD Signage, Rizal Boulevard.

7:00am Zumba & Healthy Dancing Session led by Romero Pinero – Quezon Park.

7:30am Interfaith Ecumenical Service led by Henry Zerna – Quezon Park.

7:45am Painitan sa Parke led by Henry Zerna – Quezon Park.

8:30am Opening of the Sandurot Trade Fair led by Jojo Fortin – Quezon Park.

9:00am Opening of the 3-day Sandurot Inter-Barangay Livelihood Booth Competition/ Farm Family Congress – Led by William Ablong/ABC – Quezon Park Southern Area

9:30am Opening of the Sandurot Garden Show led by William Ablong – Quezon Park.

5:00pm Sandurot Fun Ride led by Ike Villaflores – Rizal Boulevard.

6:00pm Opening Of the 10-day Sandurot Food Fest with SMB Live Band led By Anne Zerna – Rizal Boulevard (Shakey’s Area)

8:00pm Presentation & Talent Night of Miss Dumaguete 2013 led by Woodrow C. Maquiling Jr. – Quizon Park Kiwanis Stage.

November 17, 2013

6:00am Sandurot Birik Birik Fishing Competition led by Mike Alano – Rizal Boulevard Waterfornt.

6:00am Healthy Dancing Marathon led by Romeo Pinero – ILD Signage @ Rizal Boulevard.

8:00am Sandurot Frisbee Competition & Sandurot Sport Day Clinic led by Ike Villaflores – Silliman Ballfield

8:00am Sandurot Street Soccer Fest led by Ike Villflores – Rizal Boulevard

9:00am Social Welfare Day led by CSWD – Quezon Park

1:00pm Sandurot Dog Show / Rice is Life Cook fest led by Dr. Socoro/FU – Robinson Place Al Fresco

7:00pm Sky Night: Pop Dance Competition led by GTD – Quezon Park Kiwanis

9:00pm SMB Live band – Rizal Boulevard (Shakey’s Area)

Dumaguete Sandurot Festival queen and king

November 18, 2013

7:00pm Sandurot Singing Idol Competition led by Jun Claros – Quezon Park Kiwanis Stage

9:00pm SMB Live Band – Rizal Boulevard (Shakey’s Area)

November 19, 2013

5:00pm Sandurot Regional Dance Sport Competition led by Julio Lacson – Quezon Park Kiwanis Stage

9:00pm SMB Live Band – Rizal Boulevard (Shakey’s Area)

November 20, 2013

7:00pm Sandurot Inter- School Folkdance competition led by Angelo Sayson – Quezon Park Kawanis

9:00pm SMB Live Band – Rizal Boulevard (Shakey’s Area)

November 21, 2013

7:00pm Atong Kabilin-Harana Sing & Dance Contest led by Jessica Layumas – Quezon Park

9:00pm SMB Live Band – Rizal Boulevard (Shakey’s Area)

Dumaguete charter day sandurot feistival

November 22, 2013

8:00pm Miss Dumaguete Pageant Night led by Woodrow C. Maquiling Jr. – Negros Oriental Convention Center

9:00pm SMB Live Band – Rizal Boulevard (Shakey’s Area)

November 23, 2013

6:00am Sandurot Dualthlon led by Ike Villaflores – Start:ILD Singage, Rizal Boulevard.

4:00pm Sandurot Street Dancing led by DepEd – Start: Robinson Place GoHotel Area

6:00pm Sandurot Showdown Competition led by GTD in ILD Signage, Rizal Boulevard.

9:00pm Globe Night StreetParty – ILD Signage, Rizal Boulevard

9:00pm SMB Live Band – Rizal Boulevard (Shakey’s Area)

Sanduro-Festival-Dumaguete

November 24, 2013

8:00am Charter Day Thanksgiving Mass led by Mae Buenavista – Quezon Park.

9:00am Sandurot Grand Halad Pasalamat sa Dumaguetenos: Medical Mission and Health & Wellness Day led by GTD in Quezon Park.

3:00pm Charter Day Celebration Grand City-wide Parade led by Hon. Sayson – Start: Queazon Park/End: Boulevard.

6:00pm Earth Day Jam featuring National Music Celebrities led by Lou Bonevie – Robinson Main Atrium.

8:00pm ABS-CBN Kapamilya Caravan led by ABS-CBN – Quzon Park Kiwanis Stage

9:00pm Smart Kumbira sa Boulevard led by Roy Bustillo – Rizal Boulevard

November 25, 2013

6:00am Sandurot GUD Motorized Banca Race led by GUD – Rizal Boulevard waterfront

8:00am Fiesta Day Thanksgiving Mass led by PPC in Cathedral Church

5:00pm Outstanding Dumaguetenon Awards led by William Ablong in Hotel Essencia.

8:00pm GMA Night – Quezon Park Kiwanis Satge

9:00pm SMB Live Band – Rizal Boulevard (Shakey’s Area)

Happy Fiesta Dumaguete

Sandurot-Festival-2013

Schedule of Events for the Sandurot Festival and the Dumaguete City Fiesta 2013 may change without prior notice

Dumaguete City well prepared

November 9, 2013/in News

A big thank you to all departments of the City and the various Rescue Teams which were not only on stand-by during the storm. Many had some sleepless days and nights ahead of the Typhoon. They cut trees, evacuated people as a precaution and gave a helping hand whenever needed.
Dumaguete City Rescue 348

One team of the Dumaguete City Rescue 348 came to our Barangay to cut some trees which wouldn’t withstand the storm. As it happens, we had a huge, but dead avocado tree in our garden which we had scheduled to be cut this coming week by a private company. With the Typhoon coming in, we were very concerned. If that tree goes down in the storm it would damage three residential buildings.

dumaguete rescue 348 at work

With the assistance of Syril Repe and the Dumaguete Information Office, a team of the Dumaguete City Rescue 348 came Thursday morning and took down the dead tree.

dumaguete rescue-348 helps

The guys and girls of Rescue 348 did an outstanding job. With professional equipment, thoughtful planning to avoid unnecessary damage, and always smiling, they worked together as a great team .

dumaguete-rescue-348-job-done

This team stands representative for all helping hands and offices, who were working together to prepare Dumaguete City for the incoming Typhoon.

dumaguete rescue 348 team Well Done Job. Thank You so much

Thanks to all of you!

Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) on the Way

November 5, 2013/in News

Last update – Saturday morning 7:00 am

Dumaguete was lucky and well prepared. The City Government evacuated some people from the riverbanks and brought them to different safe places as a precaution. The Rescue Teams of the City were all in stand-by. Actually they were busy the days before. Several Teams were cutting trees which might not withstand the strong winds Haiyan (Yolanda) would bring.
From here on we will NOT proceede with this topic. There is enough drama spread all over the internet, a lot of it just copy-paste. A lot of it simple useless stuff which does not help anyone.
Instead of wasting 30 PHP in an internet-cafe or for load, buy a kilo of rice and bring it to the drop-points all over the country

We will try to get more useful information about Dumaguete- specific emergency procedures and assistance in case if needed. Use the contact form if you need any specific information and we will try to get it for you. You can find one list with emergency contact numbers here.

dumaguete rescue 348 team Well Done Job. Thank You so much

Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) passed some 100 km north of Dumaguete at 11:30 am. Dumaguete was, like predicted, well out of the way and experienced some winds, which were not that strong. It also brought less rain. The rivers did not overflow and the winds caused no big damage. The power was cut of from 1:30 pm to 5:00 pm. Telephone and Cellphones were still functioning.

The city and the people of Dumaguete were better prepared compared to the last storms and typhoons which passed or hit the region. It appears that all learned from the hard lessons we had to learn in previous years. Thankfully, the typhoon spared us out this time.

Other regions in the Philippines were less lucky. Our thoughts and prayers are with them.

Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) Update – Friday 1:00 PM

The eye of Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) has past in the north. In Dumaguete we had a bit a stiff breeze so far. Also not much rain so far. Absolutely nothing which does not happen 10 times a year. Lets wait what will happen the next 2-3 hours…

Friday 6 :00 AM – Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) – Update

No changes in Dumaguete, still in the range of windspeeds of a tropical depression.

Haiyan Yolanda update friday -6am

Update Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) – Thursday 6 :00 PM

Not much has changed in the prediction

Haiyan Yolanda update thursday 6pm

Update Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) – Thursday 6:00 AM

The latest track update shows another tiny chance. No change for Dumaguete, though. Still stong winds and rain, but no direct hit. However, Boracay is still directly on the track. Also another Top-Tourist-Destination of the Philippines is now in the direct path of Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda). The wreck-diving paradise of Coron might get a severe hit.

Haiyan-update-thu-6-pm

Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) Update – Wednesday 6:00 PM

The track prediction of Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) changed slightly. But really just a tiny notch to the north. What is good for us in Dumaguete might be really bad for Boracay. The last 6:00 pm prediction shows the typhoon hitting Boracay in the night from Friday to Saturday.

Haiyan Yolanda update-wed-5am

Here is the latest track-prediction. The Typhoon slowed a bit down, but picked up on windspeed and is now a category 4 Typhoon.

ATTENTION

We are aware that many locals and some foreigners are experts in spreading panic and enjoying to be the sources of dramas.. But as of now, there is no reason to run around like chicken without heads. If the typhoon changes direction, we will notice that in time.

Be prepared but don’t spread panic because you heard something from someone who has a huge fantasy. If the typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) will keep this track, Dumaguete will experience some strong winds and heavy rain. We will NOT be hit by the typhoon directly. Winds will reach around 65-80 kilometer per hour.

Haiyan Yolnada update wednesday -5pm

Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) update – Wednesday 5:00 AM

The Typhoon keeps its predicted Track and is now south of Yap.

Haiyan yolanda update wednesday -15am

While there was no reason, other than utter laziness of the people in charge, to skip school on tuesday (the storm passed Dumaguete on MONDAY at 7pm … 12 hrs earlier), the next storm is on the way. A tropical storm already transferred into a typhoon called Yolanda. The local name for the Typhoon is Haiyan.

Typhoon Hayan 2

Haiyan formed in the Western Pacific

Track Prediction Typhoon Hayan

On Tuesday the Typhoon formed south of the Marina Islands and is on its way towards the Philippines. Haiyan will reach Central Philippines Friday afternoon. It will carry a wind gust over 125 mph and deteriorate as it goes through the island country. Haiyan will approach the Philippines on Friday. The most likely scenario is that Haiyan will be a very powerful typhoon with wind gusts over 125 mph as it approaches the central Philippines. (source Accuweather). Rain and increasing wind will reach the central Philippines Friday afternoon and conditions will deteriorate from east to west Friday night into early Saturday as the powerful typhoon crosses the islands.

JTWC predicts Haiyan/Yolanda to be Supertyphoon

Meanwhile, the JTWC, an agency of the US Department of Defense, already categorized Haiyan as a supertyphoon with wind speeds of 241 kph.

Track Prediction of Typhoon Haiyan – Nov. 5 at 4:00 pm (click picture to enlarge)

Don Moen – Live in Dumaguete

October 30, 2013/in Dumaguete, News

Friends of Christian Music should mark November 11^th in their calendar. Don Moen will present some of his big hits as well as new songs in the Macias Sports Complex. The Philippines are a fixed venue on the busy tour-calendar of Don Moen. In 2012 he visited Manila, Bohol and Butuan for three concerts.

Don Moen 2013 – Philippines Tour

In 2013 Don Moen is touring again all over South East Asia. Right now he is in Indonesia, before he comes to the Philippines via one Show in Singapore. The Philippine leg of his tour includes 4 gigs:

November 09, 2013 – Dipolog Sports Center – 8:00 pm

November 10, 2013 – Davao – SMX Convention Center – 8:00 pm

November 11, 2013 – Dumaguete City – Macias Sports Complex – 8:00 pm

November 12, 2013 – General Santos – Lagao Gym – 8:00 pm

After this shows he travels for one concert to Addis Abbeba before moving on to Europe to finish his touring for 2013 in Rotterdam.

For all who are not into Christian Music, here a short summary of his musical career .

Who is Don Moen

Donald James “Don” Moen (born June 29, 1950) is an American singer-songwriter, pastor, and producer of Christian worship music.

Before Moen was hired to work for Integrity Music, he attended Oral Roberts University and became a Living Sound musician for Terry Law Ministries and traveled with Terry Law for ten years. He produced 11 volumes for the Hosanna! Music series of worship albums. His first album under his own name, Worship with Don Moen, was released in 1992. His music has total global sales of over five million units.

Moen worked for Integrity Media for over 20 years, serving as creative director and president of Integrity Music, president of Integrity Label Group, and an executive producer of Integrity Music albums. He left Integrity Media in 2008 to start a new initiative, The Don Moen Company. The Don Moen Company acquired MediaComplete, the church software company that created MediaShout. Moen became a radio host for Don Moen & Friends in 2009. Moen received a Dove Award for his work on the musical God with Us in addition to amassing nine nominations for his songs. Moen is also a prolific songwriter, having worked with Claire Cloninger, Paul Overstreet, Martin J. Nystrom, Randy Rothwell, Ron Kenoly, Bob Fitts, Debbye Graafsma, Paul Baloche, Tom Brooks, among many others. He has also worked with talented musicians, Abraham Laboriel, Alex Acuna, Paul Jackson, Jr., Lenny LeBlanc and Chris Graham. His name is associated with some of the most well-known songs in Contemporary Christian Music. Source

Ticket Prices for Don Moen in Dumaguete:

Limited VIP P2.000

Middle, Gold Seats P1.000

Blue Seats Upper Box P750

General Admission P500

Even though some might not be into Christian Music, Don Moen is a wonderful musician, and surely everybody who live some silent tunes will enjoy this concert.

Dumaguete Project Santa Thursday Club at Provincial Hospital 2012

Christmas for the Kids at Provincial Hospital

October 26, 2013/in 2012, Dumaguete, Galleries

Some folks organize traditionally some special Christmas for the children, which are admitted to Negros Oriental Provincial Hospital in Dumaguete at Christmas. The guys and girls will meet on 23rd of December downtown at Casablanca Restaurant and go to the Hospital together.

Dumaguete Project Santa Thursday Club at Provincial Hospital 2012

As we couldn’t write it better, below the original post as a quote:

Project Santa 13

Have you noticed how quickly the time flies by ? Yep, me too. Every year seems to disappear a bit quicker than the one before. It seems like only yesterday that we were scrabbling around, ticking off lists, packing bags, and testing cuddly toys for the surprise visit of Santa to the children in the Provincial Hospital at Christmas. But the clock never stands still and here we are again almost halfway through the “ber” months. Two months from today will be Christmas Eve, so it’s time to kick-start Project Santa 13. Last year we provided gift bags for 150 children, from new born and premature babies to 11 years old, and we just about made the mark in quantity. So this year we will provide for 200 children. At just 200 pesos per child the Christmas fund will need 40,000 pesos. The largest group is the walking age to 5, so the breakdown of gift bags will possibly be as follows:-

New babies to pre-walking – 50 bags.
Walking to 5/6 ish unisex – 70 bags.
5/6 to 11 ish girls – 40 bags.
5/6 to 11 ish boys – 40 bags. Total 200 bags.

The age groups of those in there can never be accurately predicted as there are constant admissions and departures. So the increased quantity of gift bags for the 5/6/7 years old age bracket gives us a grey area where the child could get a gift bag from any of the categories other than new babies. All of the bags contain hygiene products with variations according to age and sex, plus games, books, colouring books, pens, yo-yo’s, dolls, cars, things that bounce and things that don’t, plus all new babies and unisex to 5/6 also have a safe cuddly toy.

I risk repeating myself here from last year, but I make no apologies for that. The children that are in there at Christmas are from the poorest and most marginalised sections of society. Most know what Christmas is, but none of them have experienced the indulgences that we take for granted in the western world. They’re sick, they’re in a strange environment, they’re in pain and they’re frightened. Some of them, sadly, may not have another Christmas. For them it’s just another day amongst the 365, and our object is to change that. It only takes an hour to hand out the gifts, but the look of surprise and excitement from the kids makes it a truly magical hour.

I’d like to emphasise, so that there can be no misinterpretation, that this is a notice of intent, simply an announcement of what we plan, and is in no way a solicitation for donations. Any help is gratefully received, but that is a matter for each individuals conscience and generosity. We kick-off today with 5000 in the pot. Come what may, I guarantee that the 40k will be there.

One hour. Free
One gift bag. 200 pesos.
One smile from a sick child. Priceless.

While surely everybody is busy to feast at the companies Christmas parties, family gatherings and so on, any kind of support is appreciated.

Just be a part of it to create a smile like on the picture below.

The Happy Santa’s Helper..

The Preparation

Roger Standley Thursday Club Shopping

The whole event does not take much longer than 1 – 2 hours. If you have any questions, want to share some of your precious time, or even have 200 Peso left to give one of those poor children a very special day, just get in touch with us via the contact form.

Check out this video with more pictures of Project Santa:

Buglasan 2013 Preparation

October 9, 2013/in Dumaguete, News

Whole Negros Oriental almost can’t await the Opening of Buglasan 2013 starts on Friday. We already paid a visit today and took some pictures of those, who are not in the spotlight, not the big TV celebrities, no beauty queens and no VIPs.

Buglasan preparation Work

Many helping hands and hard work is needed to get all booths build, just to entertain us, the guests of Buglasan 2013. (click here to get to the schedule of the Festival)