After several months of convincing, persuading and rallying for the legislators to hear the voice of the rural poor sector-- of the people who feed the nation yet continue to be impoverished, our legislators decided to defer voting again due to lack of time and never-ending debate on continuing agrarian reform.

House BIll 4077, the consolidated Bill for the extension and providing provisions to reform the current law, our very own House Speaker Nograles and his landed cohorts in Congress wanted to push for "perfecting amendments" to have a "win-win" law.

How can they say it's "perfecting" and a "win-win solution" if the other negotiating party , the farmers are at the losing end? Time and again, the legislative body especially the House of Congress showed where its loyalty is. Certainly not to the farmers and farmworkers that fuel our agricultural economy.

How can these legislators who have been voted by the people to be their voices, betray them again? They have their own agenda to take care of, of course. Make so many critical laws pending and make them wait, beg for a compromise.This is bullshit.

But we, the advocates remain steadfast. Enact HB 4077 without Compromise!

A SINGLE law now costs the Filipino people about P148.94 million. That’s based on the budgetary allocation given to the present (14th) Congress, which is P12.51 billion, and the number of laws it has passed so far, which is 84. Compared to its immediate predecessor, the 13th Congress had an allocation that was bigger by P1.27 billion. Yet it is 89 laws short of the accomplishments of the 12th Congress, which had posted the lowest output since the restoration of a bicameral legislature.



We almost have 4, 000 Republic Acts!

And now we know why every legislator are trying to enact laws how unreasonable or lowly it is--money is attached on it. For concrete example, search the site of our House of Representatives and look at the pending laws, bills or resolutions. Majority of the pending laws in COngress are laws concerning the change of the nomenclature of a bridge, street, school..name it.. For heaven's sake! What we need are laws thatwould benefit the majority of our countrymen. Not a compromise. Also, strong implementation of the laws is needed. And for our majority practicing lawyers- legislators, a review of the conflicting laws i.e. Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA), Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) and Local Government Code (LGC) must be done.

Just after the family celebration, what's the best way to spend your Sunday afternoon with the rest of the dominant male in the family?

I stayed at my grandparents house in Lagao, General Santos yesterday trying to get some sleep while the rest of the world eagerly awaits for the international pound-for-pound dream match between Oscar dela Hoya and Gensan's very own Manny Pacquaio.


Even though my eyes are trying to close its lids, my uncle would not let me sleep. he keeps on talking and trying to analyze the possibilities if Manny wins or be defeated at the match. His enthusiasm was infectious. I was trying to persuade him that we would have to make our grocery and stroll in the mall--- the Generals (residents of General Santos) are surely glued on their TV seats, you know so no traffic, no hassle! But my uncle cum driver could not be persuaded. Even though our relative from the States who have watched the match through pay per view have spoiled the result, my uncle insists that he needs to see how Pacman defeated one of the finest pugilist, de la Hoya.

At first, I think Oscar was too slow for Pacman. Pacman definitely have improved his footwork and defense. Oscar has a powerful left jab too, and as Tyson warned our own boxer, "Be very careful." But I did not see Oscar using it on Pacman. or was Pacman just too fast for his fist? He seems at loss for energy even on the first three rounds.



Pacman keeps on punching him on his left cheek and as the blood were already visible like he was slapped by the elephant, he conceded defeat and saved his face. Manny Pacquiao won by Tehcnical Knock Out (TKO) and once again made a record.

But my Uncle has a different view of the fight. He thinks it was just so unlikely of Oscar to let Pacquiao beat him. He did not immediately respond to the simultaneous punch he got from Pacman; it's as if he was letting Pacman beat him. Or maybe Oscar lost his energy because he had to loss weight for the match?


Some rumors would say that Oscar got a bigger share than Pacman.That it was lutong Macau . I have some doubts too. *shrugs* But what's important, Manny emerged victorious and once again showed that Mindanao has produced not only export agricultural products but one of the best fighters of this times.

Besides, watching his fight is one of the best family bonding we have.





yatah!

Farmer leaders and beneficiaries calling for CARP Extension without 'Killer' Amendments.








DAVAO CITY— Civil society composed of farmers’ peoples organization., non-government organizations and religious sector unite and urge Congress to pass House Bill 4077 without the amendments being proposed by House Speaker Prospero Nograles and Representative Luis Villafuerte that would only weaken agrarian reform implementation.

House Bill 4077 is the consolidated bill which aims to extend the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program for another five years from 2009 to 2013 with a total budget of P100 billion, being supported by most agrarian reform advocates and farmers' organizations nationwide. The salient features of the said bill are: extension of land acquisition and distribution, funding for support services, liberalized terms on agricultural credit facilities and gender-responsiveness to women beneficiaries.

The group marched from Freedom Park, Roxas Blvd. and passed through Speaker Prospero Nograles' Congressional Office in Quirino Avenue then proceeded to block the newly constructed Gov. Generoso Bridge in Bankerohan to highlight the plight of the small farmers and farmworkers. The marchers chose the bridge which to many symbolizes the rise to power of Cong. Nograles, who became House Speaker just right after the inaguration of the said bridge.

“Kinahanglan pa ug mga hilabihan nga kalihukan susama sa pagbarikada sa dalan aron lang mahibaw-an nila ang among kahimtang. (There is a need for extreme actions such as blockading the bridge for them to know our demands),” Manang Lita Tandag from Compostela Valley lamented.

With little time and different controversial laws pending in Congress, the group is alarmed that the two proposed separate amendments by Speaker Nograles and Rep. Villafuerte will be incorporated with House Bill 4077 that is now up for plenary.

Villafurete proposal seeks to stop the Land Acquisition and Distribution aspect of the program and gives emphasis on the validity of implementing Compulsory Acquisition only for lands issued with notices of coverage on or before June 30, 2008. Furthermore, only lands offered before December 31, 2008 under the Voluntary-Offer-to-Sell scheme will be valid. In short, under the Villafuerte amendment land distribution will no longer applicable after 2008.

House Speaker Nograles on the other hand proposed House Resolution 737 which proposes allowing foreign investors to operate and own vast tracts of agricultural lands. Also, plantations which are under labor administration, cultivated, and developed for exports crops will be excluded from CARP’s Compulsory Acquisition scheme.

“Our House Speaker decided to have a ‘win-win’ solution by including these amendments. But we see it as another compromise disfavoring our small farmers,” May Capili,advocacy officer from Alternate Forum for Research in Mindanao (AFRIM) expressed.

The group also vowed to make the anti- agrarian reform legislators especially representatives of their respective provinces accountable to the people. “We will make sure that Mindanao’s rural poor sector will remember their names especially now that election is fast approaching. The people have voted them to be their voice in the legislature but they are doing otherwise,” Rosauro Tapal, secretary-general of UNORKA-Mindanao warned.

The Mindanao Coalition for Agrarian Reform is composed of Alternate Forum for Research in Mindanao (AFRIM), Builders for Rural Empowerment and Human Rights Advocates Networks (BRETHREN), Mindanao Farmworkers Development Center (MFDC), Pambansang Kilusan ng mga Samahang Magsasaka (PAKISAMA), Ugnayan ng mga Lokal na Nagsasariling Organisasyon ng mga Mamamayan sa Kanayunan (UNORKA) and with the support of the Dioceses from Davao, Digos, Tagum and Mati.##

When Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) was ratified, I think we have already sold our country piece by piece. Imagine being the toxic burial place of the Japanese. just like liberalizing our trade in agricultural products, we have also opened our doors for zero tariff on waste to b dumped here in our shores. Economic in expense of what?



















Sadly, our fellow Mindanaoan legislator who holds an important position in the Congress--being a house Speaker, (Davao, 1st District) Rep. Prospero Nograles aims to open Mindanao for investors. The catch, we have to let these foreign investors to have a full ownership of our lands. He passed House Resolution 737 . It assails the constitutional provision, particularly sections 2 and 3, Article 12 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution on national patrimony by allowing foreign investors to operate vast tracts of agricultural lands. Furthermore, plantations which are under labor administration, cultivated, and developed for exports crops, and it will be excluded from Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) Compulsory Acquisition scheme. He claims that for 20 years of CARP implementation, Mindanao has not moved on. He claims that

“Many people are still poor in Mindanao because of the insurgency problem and we have an insurgency problem because there are no investments coming in to help the poor. We have been trapped into this kind of situation for long a time now and there’s nothing we can do about it just because of two provisions in the Constitution"

What a myopic analysis of the problem. Insurgency is a product of landlessness, of unequal distribution of wealth and resources, Mr. house Speaker. He added that by repelling the ownership restriction of the Constitution, it would be possible for Mindanao to move forward because of investment especially coming from Arab investors. He also added that

“Arab investments can be best situated in Mindanao because the insurgency problem in the region is mainly Muslim-related. I think that even members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Abu Sayyaf will not attack any Arab investment."

Wow! Is that how you view the Mindanao situation? Is that your solve all remedy to the historical injustices committed to our Lumad and Moro brothers and sisters and continuing poverty in the island?

Mindanao is continually hailed as the country’s food basket wherein we contribute 45 to 60% of the national export economy. Ironically, only few rural elites carry this basket, while millions of members of rural poor population filled it up. Being a land of abundance, the stark reality remains that six (6) out of the ten poorest provinces nationwide is here.

Rank Probinsiya Rehiyon Poverty incidence
1 Tawi-Tawi ARMM 78.9
2 Zamboanga del Norte Western Mindanao/ Zamboanga Peninsula 63.0
3 Maguindanao ARMM 62.0
4 Apayao CAR 57.5
5 Surigao del Norte Caraga 53.2
6 Lanao del Sur ARMM 52.5
7 Northern Samar Eastern Visayas 52.2
8 Masbate Bicol 51.0
9 Abra CAR 50.1
10 Misamis Occidental Northern Mindanao 48.8
Source: Philippjne Poverty Statistics, National Statistical Coordination Board.




Not until poverty and inequalities are addressed, insurgency will continue. Giving full ownership to the foreigners will only compound the already very complex problem.

Starting today, members coming from civil society groups join hands to reinstate the call to end the ongoing war in parts of Mindanao. Just right after the controversial Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD) was declared as "unconstitutional" by Supreme Court, strife way South has escalated leaving children and women vulnerable.

In time also for the Celebration of Mindanao Week of Peace (MWOP) from Nov. 27- Dec.3 , different activities will be conducted to air our voices to the public. There are no victors in war. We lose everything on it- life, properties and our dignity. Lucky for us who sits comfortably on our comfort zones, while the rest of the conflict- affected villages fear for their lives-- always on the look-out to run.

Take action. Take part in MWOP activities. For the list of activities, click here.

Now, the "bakwits" (refugees) themselves have talked and called for the cessation of armed conflict. It is time that peace talks must be resumed. And the government must have learned it lessons now in negotiations . I personally call for a better, more transparent and right tri-people composition of Mindanao in the peace talks. And it must resume NOW!!

Prayers are powerful. It is our open communication to the Great Being. But when it was used by Press Secretary to pray for the health of the President to be able to rule this country until 2010 AND even beyond, the prayer becomes a blunder, a political tool, a self- serving utterance.


In this highly volatile political scenario of our country, I could not help but grimace at Dureza. I mean, is that his "prayers from the heart"? To have the current administration continue its rule beyond 2010?

And Dureza coming from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace PRocess (OPPAP) before becoming the Press Secretary, it made me wonder, does he know their REAL motive behind the now aborted MOA-AD-- not for lasting peace but for political reasons?

Shame.

Partying in CLub Watt without the guilt. Read why.
(Picture taken from NY TImes)







For the youngbloods (The twenty something) who loves to party and gyrate on the dance floor, here's another way not to be guilty. Aside from sweating it out while swigging some beer, how about contributing electricity by dancing?


No don't raise your eyebrows. The Club Watt in Rotterdam, Netherlands discovered a way for sustainable dancing-- a dance floor that harvests the energy emitted by the jumps and bodily movements and convert it to energy.

According to the Club Owner, the electricity is used to power the light show. But if you want to power it for your own oven toaster, you can do so. Based on their calculations, two average people by dancing can light a bulb!

This is another way of reducing electricity consumption. Indirectly, this is another way of mitigating climate change. Tagged as "greener clubbing" , Club Watt owner Mr. Tieleman says it is his own way of raising consciousness, energy experiment but without sacrificing entertainment.

It is still on experimental stage but the concept is really great.

Now with so many disco bars here in the country and yuppies (who likes to party every Friday nights or week-ends), this is should be replicated here.

I grew up in a barrio and one mode of transportation is a motorcycle called skylab.I ride the skylab only every NOv.1 or 2 everytime we visit the cemetery (it’s an uphill affair that no jeepney or other vehicle would like to stuck its tires into) or visiting my classmates in sitios. My grandmother forbade us to ride this “dangerous ride to hell” as she called it.

In some areas here in Mindanao, a plank of wood is put across behind the driver to accommodate more passengers.Just like this below.
















In some areas, they have made some improvements. They no longer put woods, but steel bar to make it more sturdy. They even added umbrellas to protect its passengers against blistering heat or heavy rain. Recently, I snapped this photo for an improved invention of the habal-habal in Davao Oriental.























I decided to take my undergraduate degree in UP Mindanao (located in the serene boondock of MIntal, Bago Oshiro), and I never thought I’ll be encountering the skylab or habal-habal (as the Bisaya calls it), Everyday!


And every time I see this mode of transportation, it reminded of an incident during college. On one fateful day, I was waiting for my (guy) friend to share a ride and to save some money, of course.

I: “Ali, maghabal ta.” (Come, let’s take a ride.I just shorten the term, habal pertaining to the vehicle).

Then I heard laughter from other HH drivers and some bystanders. Confused, I asked them.

I: “Ngano diay?” (Why ?)

Manong: In Bisaya, Habal means sex.


------------------------
The nuances of language.*Sigh

So much for the ride. (--,)

Just when we were trying to shed some saddlebags by sweating it out at Smash and Drop (every Thursday or Friday) my officemate Ate Lizyl wanted to eat dinner. She recommended Lachi’s.

I still have a date with my sorority sis Melody and Brod James but my stomach is growling too. I was torn between an additional fat that I have been trying to shed through this work-out and craving for cheesecake. But then again, I am hearing beer at the back of the mind (if I go with Mel and James..hhhmmm..either ways, I'll add carbs and fats) so I decided to try out Lachi's.

Just when we finished our mini tournament, it rain so hard. We waited for how many minutes for a cab but to no avail. It was rush hour. Good thing our companion, Yasou (ni tomodachi) our Japanese IT specialist decided to hail a cab and golly! He got a cab just for seconds! These cabs really know how to identify foreigners.

Before going astray with my topic, let’s go back to Lachi’s. This quaint little place is known for its mouth- watering desserts. It is owned by twins and both are really good at the kitchen (too bad we weren’t able to take their pics). They bake cakes and pastries as well as viands.


With just eight tables, the place is cramped already when we arrived. Two tables were already reserved. I learned later that you need to make reservations before coming to the place. I guess they no longer need to advertise. Word of mouth advertisement works better for them.

First, I tried spicy tuna with coconut milk. If you manage to get into their place, try their laing. It is not written on their menu so be sure to ask their attendants.

Both Ate Anna and Ate Lizyl tried laing while Yasou tried their fried tofu with teriyaki sauce. Tofu is good for people who wanted to lose weight.

And for the much awaited dessert, we ordered classical sans rival, midnight chocolate cake, blueberry cheesecake and New York tart.

Okay, for a better picture of it, look at these.











Lachi’s is located at Marfori Heights.


Satisfied. Onaka ga suita (hungry) no more.

Human Rights is inherent rights of every individual. It is a universal, indivisible right of every person. But how many times do we hear violations of these rights?


The unresolved cases of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances in recent years, our country got the attention of the international community. We have Task Force Usig, the Commission to Address Media and Activist Killings (commonly known as "Melo Commission" since it was headed by retired Supreme Court Justice Jose A.R. Melo) and the coming of United Nations Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial executions Philip Alston to conduct investigations about these cases.

One of the highlights of Prof. Alston's findings is that the State agents-- the military and the police who are expected to protect these rights, are ironically the perpetrators of human rights violations.




It is in this context that a community- based dialogue between the Civil society organizations (CSOs) and the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines were conducted last Tuesday to Wednesday at Waterfront Hotel. It was one of the series of dialogues to be conducted in 10 regions nationwide initiated by ALG (ALternative LAw Groups), Bengigno S. Aquino Sr. Foundation, Han Seidel Foundation, PNP and AFP.

I was lucky to be included.

There are many concerns that were raised and were summarized such as:

a. Harassment -- threats to organizing and/ or support groups, harassment to Moro communities, raid of youth camp in Calinan (the case was dismissed due to technical reasons), mistaken identity, branding and labelling (such as antiming= communist, ergo you are enemy of the state)
b. enforced disappearances
c. vigilantism/ extrajudicial killings
d. militarization in the countryside and recruitment of IPs, and the so called "Investment Defense Forces"

The experiences of different organizations in seeking redress with these government agencies were also discussed and most of the time, "justice delayed, justice denied" tactic applies.

On the first day of the dialogue, there was a separate briefing between the CSOs and the members of the security forces. At night, there was an informal get together with the military and the police. Good thing no one was in uniform.

The next day was a grueling and intensive day of discussion. The PNP and the military were given a chance to present their mechanisms for human rights complaints lodged on their offices. That was the first time I heard of the PNP Human Rights Affairs Office (PNP- HRAO) and of AFP Human Rights Office (AFP HRO).

While the creation of these respective human rights offices within the AFP and PNP are surely positive signs of openness, these should be complemented by coordination with the civil societies and local communities.

One thing that I am very concerned with is the creation of the Mindanao Indigenous Peoples Conference for Peace and Development (MIPCPD) with the auspices of a certain AFP COl. Capuyan. It was headed with Datu Joel Unad and other leaders whom we know of. One objective of the said group is to arm the IPs against the New Peoples' Army. They claimed that NPAs are extorting them and/or their competitor in asking benefits from mining companies. Okay, I am with them on this grounds. But my other concern is the State's definition of its enemies.

Once you are against the "development projects" of the state such as large- scale mining, you are branded as an activist, a communist, thus, an enemy of the state and treated as such. Also it can be a divisive factor in the community. And what's more alarming is the operations on the grounds. Beyond this security concern is the groups' commitment of 500 thousands (more or less) hectares of land to be planted by jathropa.



The great food with its equally great spoon (so big!)

Also, it is known that places where mining operates is highly militarized. It was a heated discussion that I it made my stomachs growl. I tell you, the food was great, but I almost got choked when Task Force Davao Regional Commander, Col. Oscar Lactao muttered these words "there are issues used by the CPP-NPA-NDF. For the LUmads, they use LAND, for the students TUITION FEES, for the laborers WAGES, for the army the CORRUPTION OF THE SENIOR OFFICERS, and for the professionals or middle class, HUMAN RIGHTS. "

As Human Rights Advocate, are we now communists or NPA sympathizers sir?

If only we can equate everything to that. The complex ideological battle of communism, of socialism, equality, security and yes, human rights can only be summarized into that.

I even asked him in our FGD, "Sir, if I say I am an anti-mining advocate will you arrest me? And you have said as Army, you are securing stability- externally and internally- the territory of the State. You need to protect the people and the State. But to whom will your loyalty lies if the framework of the State is contradictory to that of the people?"



TFD COmmander Col. Oscar LActao

He was not able to answer directly. But when he said that he is in favor of large mining corporations so that it can be regulated, I already knows where his loyalty
lies.



Major. Rolando Dumawa, Chief AFP Public Affairs Office

As Major Rolly Dumawa of Public Affairs Division of J&, "Are you afraid of us (military)?" That's one concern of the people in the community since it was reported that people in fatigue cause fright.

Without battling an eyelash I said "No. Because my two uncles are men of uniform. But until now, we are still arguing about human rights, activism, the State and their role as defense force. But still I respect his opinion, even how difficult it is. And even yours." and he smiled.

I know this is a very late post. I have been scolding myself for not finishing the post beforehand. Been caught in Heroes and hanging process documentation work. (sad faced) Okay. After being soooo excited for a week since I received my e-pass, I finally met persons who are making waves in the blogosphere. More pictures here.


There’s Mr. Avel Manasala , the owner of the Bariles Republic site who talks about his beloved hometown. Mr. Bloggie Robillo (his more known as Bloggie. I even forgot his first name.. memory lapse, ggrr..), the author of several blogs. One of which is my favorite, www.davaodeli.com, that emerged as one of the emerging influential blogs. To know more about food- round-abouts in Davao City, you have to check this site.

Mr. Walter Balane, a journalist- blogger, Mr. Hector Minoza and Mr. Bobby Timonera are the speakers. There were also shout- outs from student blogger like Mikko, advocacy blogger like my dear old high school classmate and friend (who was the one who really encouraged me to write and get involved with the Mindanao Bloggers community), Mark Aethen Agana, as well Dr. Bone, from Tacurong.

I can't forget Ms. Sarah Matalam, a mother, a yoga practitioner and a Muslim (which to some were very intriguing. "Pwede palang magyoga ang mga Muslim?" yes folks.you read it right . You can be both.), who conducts relief operations for the IPDs in Lanao. She's really inspiring.

There’s also Lyle Santos, a nurse turned into professional blogging and now earns from Google Adsense 3 to four times bigger than the minimum government employee gets per payday. And then, nothing beats, Ms Ria Jose who have 12 active blogs and earning from it! A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!

It was also a time for UP Mindanao people—sorority sis Tiara Mejos, Elton, Rea, Corin, Vanessa and Yasmin to meet up.

True to its essence, Mindanao bloggers are organizing, empowering itself to finally say “enough”! with the mainstream media’s portrayal of Mindanao.

You can check Pierre Galla’s notes for his realizations about Mindanao and for an outsider's POV.

Until the next summit guys and gals.


P.S. I am still (trying hard) writing about my serious realizations about the summit. haha.

To face death is horrible. But not knowing if your beloved someone is dead or alive or either ways, is much much more horrible. You cannot sleep. You cannot eat.

In death, you can say with finality that he/she has finally been laid to rest. But in the case of “desaparecidos” [disappeared] like in the case of Jonas Burgos, James Balao, Sherlyn Cadapan, Karen Empeño and the list of missing activists and journalists, nothing is final.



(picture taken from Inquirer.net. For full story, click this.)

Day by day, the agonies of those they left behind who hold on, clinging that justice will be served to those who are responsible, pulls my heart. Watching Mrs. Editha Burgos, the parents of two missing fellow UP students and student councils, fighting…. asking for Lady Justice not to put a blind eye on their cases, make sme wonder. How many Philip Alstons or UN Special special rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions will we have before we act on it?

As the All Saint and All Soul’s day ends, I continually pray for who are still living. That they will continue be given strength to continue the struggle, and tell the tales of injustices committed.

As I was doing my work today, I was thinking about my FIRST post here. This is definitely not my first blog. I have a Multiply account which I daresay, is very active. My wordpress and other blogger account were having a hibernation.


I first started writing online because it was required in one of my classes during college. I started Beauty Madness here in Blogspot as my first online diary tackling about over glorification of beauty and the proliferation of skin whitening products in our mass media. It was the repository for stuff relating to aesthetics.

Then my professor the next sem, Dr. Jeni E. Eligio introduced me to Multiply for our group discussions and analysis. I signed up and kept the blog. But it was really only after College that I started tweaking my site and improved as what it is now.

When I started working in a non- government organization as an Advocacy- Development Education Officer, I felt an urge to write beyond the primers and other materials I make. I wanted to voice out what I think about issues affecting my homeland. Hence, my blog became my voice, my outlet for tackling issues about Mindanao with a bias on landless peasants, Moros and the Indigenous people.

And after attending the Second Mindanao Bloggers Summit, I was inspired to have my niche blog. To have a blog on specific topic of interest. The Summit also showed me that as a blogger, I have a share in the responsibility to promote and make people be aware that the mainstream media's write-ups about Mindanao is not the whole Truth, with the capital T. So much have to discovered about Mindanao- the land and its people. Not just about bombs, terrorists and the poverty here.

As a communciation arts graduate and as a Mindanao blogger (with a capital M), it is my responsibility to air the "other" stories- both good and bad with an emphasis to CONTEXT. A backstory or behind the scenes..a story which shows the

the history behind the situation extant at the start of the main story.

is important.

That's why I decided to name this Mindanao's backstories.

So welcome to my site.
This is May Che Capili, a proud Mindanao blogger. (--,)