Last year, I decided to make this a niche blog. A blog all about Mindanao, issues surrounding Mindanao as part of my advocacy. But I could not separate myself with my advocacy. I write what I believe in. I talk to people whom I learn and got these narratives that helped me grow. The more I learn, the more I have this yearning that there is still more to learn.

I refurbished this blog and decided to write stories about myself, the people surrounding me, and the places I discovered. Narratives that made an impact on my journey. I wrote about my heart aches, my hopes, love affairs, fulfilled and unfulfilled promises. I talked about Mindanao bloggers and the quest for a more positive light for portraying our island in the mainstream media. I wrote about the farmers, the unsung heroes of our countryside that ironically the people who are deprived of the basic resource for production- land.



As this blog turns 1, I vow to write more, to travel more and learn more of what is the extremes (poverty despite its richness in resources, peace and conflict) and issues that affect Mindanao--my only home.



Happy thoughts!

“To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries.” ~~ Aldous Huxley




When my relatives especially my maternal aunt who raised me up knew that I'll be traveling to Datu Paglas, Maguindanao she told me "Halong ka kay Kamusliman daan na didto (Take care because it is a Muslim area)."



Another aunt, cousins and my older sister also told me to take care primarily because it IS a Muslim predominated area. Same line was also said by my host families and acquaintances in M'lang.

It is a sad fact that even us, Mindanaons have this thought about our fellow Muslim brother and sister. First, I would like to emphasize that this is not a blog to discriminate our fellow Muslims. This is just to show that at this time and age, prejudice and discrimination to our brother and sister Muslims remain. We discriminate base on their religion. We discriminate as we our also discriminated.

Before, I really cringe every time an acquaintance from Manila would ask,after knowing I'm from South COtabato,"Muslim ka? May giyera doon sa inyo? (Are you a Muslim? Is there a war on your place?)"

I retorted, "If I'm a Muslim, so? Would that make me less of a human to your eyes?"
Hearing always the word Cotabato is equated to "war-ravaged" areas. Blame it to the media and the Manila- centric history books and geography lessons, that we do not even care to know about this island. What we know is the terrorists, kidnappings. I want to blame the mass media for this unending prejudice. The equation always seems simple: Muslim areas= war= underdevelopment.

But I could not just go on ranting if I myself have this fear and prejudice. That traveling in Muslim area is MORE dangerous than any areas in Mindanao? I'd like to think NOT. As the daughter of my host in Mlang said, "Parehas lang man na sila sa bisan unsang grupo- Ilonggo man o Bisaya. May ara buot man ara man mga traidor. Hindi mo siya husgahan kay tungod lang nga MUslim siya, delikado na dayon. (It is the same with othe rgroups- whether Ilonggo or Bisaya. You can find someone who is kind, but there are also traitors. You should not judge the person, that when she/he is a Muslim, he/she is already dangerous.)"

For my research regarding local rice production, I choose M'lang in North Cotabato and Datu Paglas in Maguindanao Province. M'lang is dominated by Ilonggo populace and as a person who speaks their language, it would be easy. I can just travel alone. But to Datu Paglas? Aside from language differences, I knew no one from that place. And as my relatives have warned me, it is a Muslim area.

I am touched by my friends and relatives' concern but I told them that traveling alone to the place with no one I knew personally will prove them wrong. That yes, I'll be back in one piece. I only knew Rasul, a staff from a partner of a partner NGO. This is how it goes-- I met the Executive Director (ED) of Mindanao Peoples Peace Movement who referred me to the ED of TRIPOD who in return also referred me to this staff in Datu Paglas. I never met Rasul before. I just texted and called him the day before traveling to the area.

I stayed for four days in the area and here I am, still in one piece. Datu Paglas is a miracle town that was brought back into pieces by peace-loving individuals. Owing also to the powerful clan of Paglas, the once dreaded place became one of the rice granary of Maguindanao Province.

But still, government support is lacking. Official development aid (ODA) projects in the name of the "poor people of ARMM" must also be scrutinized if it really went to the real beneficiaries. As for the rice areas, again their is a threat of land conversion to high value crops such as bananas and oil palm plantations.



I just learned that, hearing from the news and traveling to the place is two different things in the spectrum. Visit areas in Mindanao that you fear or dread and learn. Also, traveling alone and experiencing the hospitality of the people you know for the first time, makes you proud to be a Mindanaoan.

Yes, 2010 elections is coming. We can sense it from 10 radius mile. When Bagyong Ondoy hit the country, death toll rises every minute. Several persons are missing. Thousands and thousands are hungry, in pain and in need of help.

Yet there are politicians who still find time to buy alcohol.



The insensitivity of this Congressman (and son of our gruesome president) to the plight of millions is just repulsive.

On the other hand, this presidentiable sent help but of course, you people should remember where the food came from and maybe, you should remember him during voting time. Trapo talaga!



and to the looters, you are just like these crocodiles! Nasalanta na nga ng bagyo, wag niyo namang pagsamantalahan at nanakawan.

I never saw this kind of disaster in my 22 years of existence. Mindanao is lucky to be spared by typhoons and we live here. We just experience scattered rain showers and rains but not this disastrous. But we all know, there are atmospheric changes that is occurring. Al Gore's Inconvenient Truth is fast happening. Just last month, I experienced a waist-deep flood at San Pedro for the first time, after living here for five years now.

I just came from my travel from M’lang when I heard of Typhoon Ondoy (international codename Ketsana). I was shocked looking at the pictures posted by friends on their Facebook walls. Much more when Erwin posted that his parents and nephew and niece ages 6 and 7 years old stayed at their rooftop when the water level started to rise. It was September 26, 2:30PM and until September 28 there were still no rescue operations. It was raining and the children are vulnerable to sickness.

Then I remembered my mother. She's living with her new family in Bacoor, Cavite. We also have relatives at Hagonoy, Bulacan. I called my mother and she assured me they are okay. Their house are situated at higher part but the creek behind their subdivision overflowed. I asked her to be vigilant and to evacuate. On the other hand, my uncle lives in Hagonoy, Bulacan. What’s disturbing is water run off went to their area but all in all, they survived and not harmed.

Then Erwin and I had a chat over Facebook. I asked him how's his family are faring. He said he lost contact with them. I sense his helplessness. It breaks my heart since I could not do anything to comfort him, to ease his tension. It’s very hard that you are here in Davao, watching the news and footages,and you know your loved ones are in dire help yet you are helpless. Words are not enough to ease the tension.




Contributed photos at GMA Facebook Account.

We talked and monitored the news. My sister and I have been checking also other relatives and her husbands’ relatives. The next day early morning, my sister texted me that my mom and my other 3 siblings evacuated their house and stayed overnight at a friend’s house since water level rose in their area. The rubber parts they are using and selling at their vulcanizing shop were swept away. My stepdad was able to save their compressor. I am thankful they are safe. I advised them to be alert since another tropical depressions are forming at the east.

Then my sister called and cried. Her mother-in-law was trapped at their house at West Floowday, Brgy. San Andres, Cainta, Rizal. It was one of the areas that was not yet reached by rescue operations. Nana Myrna and her companions texted my sister on Saturday morning and then no more contact.

I am blessed with internet and phone connections. All I can do is raise the alarms for these people. For the first time, I called all hotlines, all available numbers and websites to post queries, raise alarms for relatives (direct or indirect). This is the time I cried so hard and prayed hard for the fear of losing these people. When Erwin decided to go to Manila and personally check his parents and pamangkins, I cried. I fear for his safety and his family. Some areas are still impassable. But I know he will be uncomfortable and stressed knowing his family are in critical situation.What I can do is just pray for his safety and for his family’s as well.

He arrived in Manila late afternoon, then he and Gani, his bestfriend went to their area. I was trying to call him this morning. No signal. I just prayed that they were able to do it. And just this morning, he texted that his family are okay but relief goods like clothing and potable water are needed.

This is a wake-up call for all of us. I am calling for other Mindanawans to send donations either cash, nonperishable foods and clothing for the victims of Ondoy. I call for the people to pray for them and to the volunteers for their strength.

As of September 28, 2009 the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC), disseminated this information..Just click HERE.

For those who are still looking for their loved ones, you can check these numbers and websites:

Useful Links
News and Updates

* Google News
* YouTube
* Official Government Site
* Local media websites
o ABS-CBN News (SOS Call Map)
o GMA News (Relief Map)
o Manila Bulletin
o Philippine Daily Inquirer
o Philippine Star
o Relief Map

Disaster Emergency

* Rescue Operations
o National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) (+632-9125668, +632-9111406, +632-9115061, +632-9122665) Help hotlines: (+65 734-2118, 734-2120)
o Philippine Coast Guard (+632-5276136)
o Air Force (+63908-1126976, +632-8535023)
o Metro Manila Development Authority (136)
o Marikina City Rescue (+632-6462436, +632-6462423, +632920-9072902)
o Pasig Rescue Emergency Number (+632-6310099)
o Quezon City Rescue (161)
o San Juan City Hall Command Post (+632-4681697)
o Bureau of Fire Protection Region III (Central Luzon) Hotline: (+63245-9634376)
o Senator Dick Gordon (+639178997898, +63938-444BOYS, +632-9342118, +632-4338528)
o Senator Manny Villar (+639174226800. +639172414864, +639276751981)
* Civil Society/ Media
o Philippine National Red Cross (143, +632-5270000)
o Philippine National Red Cross Rizal Chapter operations center hotline: (+632-6350922, +632-6347824)
o Go to GMA Facebook page & post complete addresses and names of people in need of immediate help.
o ABS-CBN Typhoon Ondoy Hotline: (+632-4163641)
o Jam 88.3: (+632- 6318803) or SMS at JAM (space) 883 (space) your message to 2968
* Rubber Boat Requests, 4×4 Trucks
o NCRPO (+632-8383203, +632-8383354)
o Private citizens who would like to lend their motor boats for rescue
please call emergency nos: +632-9125668, +632-9111406, +632-9122665, +632-9115061)
o You can also text (+632917-4226800 or +632927-6751981) for rescue dump trucks.
o For those who are able to lend 4×4 trucks for rescue: Please send truck to Greenhills Shoppng Center Unimart Grocery to await deployment, Tel No. (+632920-9072902).

Online and In-Kind Donations

Below you'll find a list of groups in the Phillippines that are accepting cash and in-kind donations to help with disaster relief efforts:
Monetary Donations

1. Bank Donations

2. Credit Card/PayPal Donations

* GMA Kapuso Foundation
* ABS-CBN Foundation
* Philippine Aid

3. SMS Donations
Procedure Smart Money Globe GCash
PNRC Type RED Ex. RED 100 4493 2899
TXT POWER 5577-5144-1866-7103 0917-9751092.


In-Kind Donation

* Victory Fort is opening its doors to those affected by the typhoon. Call 813-FORT.
* NoyMar relief Operations: Clare Amador (+639285205508) or Jana Vicente at +639285205499). Drop off for relief donations is at Balay Expo Center across Farmers Market Cubao.
* Miriam Quiambao drop off points: One Orchard Road Building in Eastwood, or message http://www.twitter.com/miriamq for more details.
* Philippine Army Gym inside Fort Bonifacio or GHQ Gym in Camp Aguinaldo are now distributing donations for Ondoy Victims.
* Team Manila stores in Trinoma, Mall of Asia, Jupiter Bel-Air and Rockwell shall be accepting relief goods (Canned Goods, Ready-to-drink Milk,Bottled Water and Clothes) for distribution by Veritas.
* Caritas Manila Office at Jesus St., Pandacan Manila near Nagtahan Bridge (+632-5639298, +632-5639308)
* Radio Veritas at Veritas Tower West Ave. Cor EDSA (+632-9257931-40)
* Aranaz Stores in Rockwell & Greenbelt is accepting donations of any kind for Payatas communities affected by Ondoy
* Simbahang Lingkod ng Bayan Task Force Noah, a disaster response arm of the Jesuits, is accepting donations. Please drop it off sa Ateneo Cervini Dorm.
* Philippine National Red Cross‘ different ways to Donate.
* Red Cross Load Donations: Right now the easiest way to make donations from the seat of your chair is via mobile phone load. The Red Cross Rescue and Relief Operations. Text: REDAMOUNT to 2899 (Globe) or 4483 (Smart)
* Ateneo de Manila University is now accepting donations for the victims of Ondoy. Donations can be dropped at MVP Lobby. For those stranded/those who need help: To all students who need help or know of people who need help. Please text the name, location, and contact number to (+6329088877166). ATENEO, which is now an open shelter, accepts refugees. Call (+632917-8952792)
* Papemelroti stores in 91 Roces Ave. / Ali Mall Cubao / SM City North EDSA / SM Fairview / SM Megamall / Glorietta 3 in Makati / SM Centerpoint / SM Southmall are accepting relief goods (canned goods / milk / bottled water / clothes – NO CASH pls.)
* TXTPower now accepts donations via SmartMoney 5577514418667103, GCash 09179751092 and Paypal http://is.gd/3GvuN
* Our Lady of Pentecost Parish (+632-4342397, +632-9290665) per Gabe Mercado, donations are very much welcome. The Parish is located at 12 F. Dela Rosa corner C. Salvador Sts., Loyola Heights, Quezon City.
* Hillsborough Village Chapel – Water, blankets, shoes, and clothes may be sent to Hillsborough Village Chapel in Muntinlupa City. These will go to families whose houses were washed out in the nearby sitios.
* Greenhills/Mandaluyong/San Juan Area, if you want to help out with the rescue and relief operations, you can drop off your donations (clothes, food, etc..) at La Salle Greenhills Gate 2 tomorrow or volunteer from 9am to receive, sort, repack the donations.
* Petron: You may bring your relief goods to all Petron branches.
* LUCA stores (Rockwell, Shang-rila, Eastwood, or GA towers): Send your old clothes & donations (no cash pls).
* “LUZON RELIEF: Volunteer / Donate / Pray”: Donations can be brought to RENAISSANCE FITNESS CENTER, 2nd Floor, Bramante Building, Renaissance Towers Ortigas, MeralcoAvenue, Pasig City starting MONDAY (Sept.28) / 9am – 7pm Contact Person: Warren Habaluyas (+632929-8713488) or email at luzonrelief@gmail.com
* MOONSHINE boutique in Rockwell also accepting relief good to help Ondoy victims in Marikina and Cainta.
* Katipunan Avenue. Contact Erica Paredes at (+632917-4741930) — they need bread, packed juice, sandwich filling (tuna, chicken, anything) You can help her make them, deliver the sandwiches to her house, or help her distribute! Call for more details.
* Manor Superclub, Eastwood City will accept goods and other emergency items starting Sunday at 10 am.
* Citizens Disaster Response Center (CDRC): Relief goods for typhoon victims being accepted at 72-A Times St., West Triangle, QC. Tel (+632-9299820/22)
* MINISTOP IBARRA (Espana cor. Blumentritt, Sampaloc Manila) is also accepting relief goods, Food (non-perishable goods only) Clothing, Medicines, Beds, Pillows, Blankets, Emergency Supplies to help Typhoon Ondoy victims.


We can help in your own way.

Tayong Mismo ang Magtutulungan. Sama-sama, bayanihan in rebuilding lives.

Going to a place for the first time could be a wondrous adventure. Much more if you are with your friends. But doing it alone is another matter. It is like being thrown to an entirely different place and with no one you know, it is uncomfortable.

But having this kind of work in an NGO, research institution for that matter is a challenge for me. As a researcher , I need to be resourceful. I need to be creative enough in my data gathering. It takes necessary skills and interpersonal skills in order for the people to be at ease with you. I need to personally investigate issues that I have to talk to and push for other sectors to support for.

You learn a lot by talking with the people- farmers, fisherfolks, the taxi driver. Talking with them social concerns like food security, poverty, hunger, corruption, you'll realized these people knows so much than you do. The talk is spontaneous. As a researcher, it is your duty to make your participants at ease for an easy sharing of information. Staying in the community is also a must. As for my research on public investment of Local Government Unit (LGU) in local rice production has just started, I choose M'lang North Cotabato as one of the research locale.


I was lucky, it's harvest time!

M'lang is one of the highest rice producing municipality together with Midsayap and Kabacan in North Cotabato. North Cotabato, on the other hand, is a consistent top ten rice producing province. I went to University of Southern Mindanao for a meeting with different networks for preparation for the World Food Day Celebration on Oct. 13. Meeting at Kabacan then data gathering at M'lang afterwards. It's idea of hitting two birds in one stone. :)

Then I went to M'lang armed with only two contact numbers of people I will be interviewing- the municipal agriculturist and the president of the irrigated rice farmers association. I planned to stay in an inn or lodge but I was surprised to learn that a small room for an overnight stay costs P300! Quite expensive lodging for a rural area, I thought. My budget is quite small. I texted my contacts and asked them if they know some place more affordable. The farmer president called me and asked me to spend the night at their house instead. Oh! I just meet him on that day. I put aside my shame and accepted the offer.


The house where I stayed. Hospitality at its best. I love my host family!

While I was waiting for my the kind farmer, the municipal agriculturist who happens to be an aunt of a sorority sis called me and offered their home too. Such hospitality overwhelmed me.

I stayed on the area for three days and I am not dislocated for it is an Ilonggo-dominated area. I speak their language which is one important factor in conducting research. I enjoyed hearing deep Ilonggo words like ayam (dog), igma (eat), kanugon (what a waste). My family host was so sweet and they treated me like their own granddaughter.

I will be coming back maybe next week and I'm glad I had this assignment.