Fiesta photo contest enjoys huge success

Grand Prize

By Bert Eljera

After thoroughly dissecting an impressive field of 75 entries, judges picked a photo of a dancing girl exploding in a sea of colors for the Grand Prize in the Patron Ha Borongan 2013 photo contest in Borongan City, Eastern Samar.

Holding a tiny statue of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the picture taken by Michael Cruz of a young girl in bright yellow and blue, and decked in red flowers and multi-colored fruits, emerged the best among photographs taken by both amateurs and professionals in the event celebrating the traditional annual fiesta of the city.

A two-phased contest, it was sponsored by the Borongan Historical & Cultural Society, a non-profit volunteer group headed by U.S.- based neurologist Nimfa Raagas Aguila, as part of a fund-raising effort to build a library and museum for Borongan.

Cruz, a computer science graduate, and Borongan native, captured the P20,000 Grand Prize and a plaque donated by the Natives of Eastern Samar in Sydney Australia, raised through the efforts of Marybelle White Bormate and presented at the awards night by Josie Limbauan Ladera.

Second Prize

Second place and the P15,000 prize went to Reginald James Lorico for his photograph of a priest blessing an image of the Virgin Mary while a crowd gathered around.

The prize was donated by a group of Boronganons from Europe, mainly Germany, comprised of Nora Mendoza, Lus Bernas, Luci Cidro-Preiss, Irene Ayag Schultz, Ida Patilla Wagner, Luz Alegre Rist and Espie Bacula.

Third Prize

Lorico, who works at IBM Philippines, also won third place and the P10,000 prize donated by the Domingo Family, led by Eleanor de Leon, wife of the Philippine consul general in New York, and this year’s hermana mayor.

“All I wanted was to take good enough photos for my friends to see so that they’ll consider visiting Eastern Samar someday, ” Lorico posted on his Facebook page. “Winning the 2nd and 3rd prizes of the photo contest… was simply beyond imagination.”

Three winning photos were also selected for Phase 1 of the contest, which focused on the fiesta preparations, and was intended to be the highlight of an ukay-ukay merchandise sale that preceded the fiesta.

It was a clean sweep for Abdel Elecho, who garnered the total prize of P15,000, donated by Ay Borongan, a community organization based in the tri-state of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.

The money was raised through the efforts of Liza Galon, Della Afable-Lee and Judith Jordan.

Eight consolation prizes or Honorable Mentions were also picked for the Phase 2 contest, which centered on the fiesta celebration itself, with emphasis on the Padul-ong, a day-long event starting very early in the morning of Sept. 7 at a seaside chapel in Punta Maria, a baranggay in Borongan.

Highlighted by a fluvial parade, the event provided a feast of subjects for the competing photographers and some dramatic pictures.

The winners of P2,000 each, donated by Ida Lazana Hoffman and Eleanor Hearn were: Arcelli Lorico, Norjely Rada, Anbony Cuanico, Abdel Elecho, Dave Panaguiton (2), Annie Elecho, Madeleine Boco (2) and Miguel Voloso.

“I’m impressed, very impressed,” said Dr. Aguila, who marveled at the quality of the photographs and the number of entries. She added that the photos would make a great calendar, and perhaps be used for a magazine that would be the mouthpiece of the organization.

She said she is grateful for the prize donors and sponsors, the photo contest local business partners, and the support of the LGU and the city government led by Mayor Fe Abunda and the Tourism Office.

Contest photographers were given full access to all fiesta events.

A small army of volunteers provided the muscle for the contest that began Aug. 16 and ended noon day after the fiesta on Sept. 9.

Led by Dr. Carlos Alido Jr., who acted as coordinator, the group included the panel of judges headed by Cedric A. Solidon, together with Gary Amidar Escoto, Roneil Canillas, Garry Balano and Cirilo Baquilod.

The technical group of Ver Latorre, Oscar Cablao and Benjamin Vallejera screened the entries for compliance to the contest rules.

Although experienced photographers themselves, they give up the opportunity to participate and win prizes to provide their expertise to judging the photo entries.

In addition, Lynlyn Pinarok, of Samu’t Sari, one of the business partners, designed the photo exhibits and the plaques that went to the winners.

Ray Campomanes paid for the exhibits and the plaques, while Ida Lazana Hoffman picked up the tab for the photographers’ kits and the IDs, and part of the printing costs.

Pepito Puno donated the posters, which were designed by Norjely Rada of Cirilo Baquilod Photography Services, and one of the business partners.

It was a worldwide effort, literally, as Boronganons from Australia, Germany, France, and the United States came together to help celebrate the feast of Our Lady of the Nativity, the patron saint of the city of Borongan, a truly memorable one.

And the photographs  will be there to serve as a testament to that kinship!

Photo contest enjoys wide support

By Bert Eljera

Local businesses in Borongan have partnered with the Borongan Historical & Cultural Society for the photo contest centered around the city’s fiesta preparation and celebration this year.

Aside from providing technical support, the businesses will also serve as registration centers where contestant can get forms free IDs, and other contest-related materials.

The business partners are: Cirilo’s Photography & Services, located at the Uptown Mall, and owned by Cirilo Baquilod, a long-time U.S. resident who has found Borongan a permanent home.

His photo shop will print the photos of the photographers before they are put up for display at City Hall and other venues, and his assistant Norj-vHanz JelRadz, designed the posters and the forms.

Pepito Puno paid for the contest posters and Ida Lazana Hoffman donated $100 for the IDs, registration, and the contestants’ kits. She also will provide P10,000 for five consolation prizes.

Lynlyn Pinarok, who owns Samu’tSari Enterprises, will design and print the plaques of the three major contest winners and will assist in the photo exhibit at the Grand Ukay-Ukay, scheduled Sept. 5, 6 and 9, beside the Borongan City Hall.

Ray Campomanes has graciously agreed to pay for the plaques.

In addition to the businesses, the contest has media partners, namely, Radio Kauswagan 91.3 Nutrieskwela Community Radio and ESTE! News, the magazine published by the Diocese of Borongan.

The Borongan City LGU, the City Tourism Office, the Borongan City Fiesta Executive Committee 2013 and the Padul-ong Committee 2013 are co-sponsoring the photo contest.

The prizes for the P100,000 photo contest are provided by Boronganons around the globe, underscoring what Dr. Nimfa Raagas Aguila, BHCS founder, calls a lasting kinship among the people from this Eastern Samar city.

“We’re forever grateful for the support of our friends and relations, and we appreciate their continued interest in our projects,” she said.

The BHCS was formed two years ago to work for the creation and operation of a library and museum in Borongan City.

 

 

Fiesta photo contest gets going

By Bert Eljera

Phase 1 of the P100,000 Patron Ha Borongan photo contest begins today, Aug. 16, which will focus on the preparation for the city fiesta on Sept. 8.

Deadline will be 12 noon on Aug. 30, after which the submitted photographs will be judged and displayed at the Borongan Historical & Cultural Grand Ukay-ukay on Sept. 6 beside the Borongan City Hall.

Three winners will be picked, each receiving P5,000. Ay Borongan, a community organization of Boronganons residing in the tri-state area of New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut have donated the prizes.

This was made possible through the efforts of Lisa Galon, the association president, Della Afable-Lee and Judith Jordan. Ms. Galon will personally award the prize.

According to Dr. Carlos Alido Jr., the photo contest coordinator, contestants have to be pre-registered to submit official entries. Registration, which began Aug. 1, and ends today is FREE

Official entry and registration forms and other contest forms are available at Borongan City LGU City Tourism Office, Cirilo’s Digital Photography and Samu’t Sari Enterprises.

Also photo contests may register at the media partners Radio Kauswagan 91.3 Nutrieskwela Community Radio and ESTE! News.

Upon registration, contestants will be provided contest kits, which include: a contest ID, copy of contest procedures and guidelines, copy of contest rules, schedule of Borongan Fiesta activities.

Photographers have to register only once for both Phase 1 and 2 of the contest. Photographers are allowed to register only their own names and no dummy names will be allowed. Registration by proxy is not allowed. Registration is non-transferable.

“For the benefit of those who are far from our registration centers, we are allowing online registration. For those interested, please PM me or email BHCSphoto2013@yahoo.com,” Alido said.

Phase 1 entries – and winners – also qualify for the Phase 2 contest proper, which will award P20,000 for first place; P15,000 for second place; and P10,000 for third place.

Winners will also receive plaques and 10 consolation prizes or Honorable Mention winners, each receiving P2,000, will be chosen by a panel of judges.

The Phase 2 contest will focus on the fiesta celebration, which this year will emphasize the traditional Padul-ong fluvial parade and procession. All fiesta-related activities qualify for the contest, including private and alumni reunions, as along as they adhere to the guidelines.

The awarding ceremonies will be held on Sept. 9 at the Raagas Bldg. during a dinner hosted by BHCS founder, Dr. Nimfa Raagas Aguila.

The photographs will be displayed at City Hall and at the BHCS Grand Ukay-Ukay on Sept. 5, 6 and 9.

Patron Ha Borongan 2013

By Bert Eljera

Nearly P100,000 in prize money are up for grabs in the Patron Ha Borongan 2013  photo contest, organized and sponsored by the Borongan Historical & Cultural Society.

Focused on how a city and its people – in this case the city of Borongan, Eastern Samar – prepares and celebrates its fiesta, the photo contest is open to all photographers, amateur and professional.

The contest will cover two phases. Phase 1 will be from Aug. 16 to Aug. 31 and Phase 2 will be from Sept. 1 to Sept. 9. The first phase will cover fiesta preparations and the second phase will be on fiesta celebration.

“We want to provide a historical record on how our people and our hometown prepare and celebrate such a joyous occasion,” said Dr. Nimfa  R. Aguila, who heads BHCS. “What better way to do this than through photographs that capture the drama and spirit of the fiesta?”

The prizes will be donated by Boronganon all over the globe, signifying the spirit and kinship that the people feel for each other, regardless of distance, Aguila said.

The contest is supported and endorsed by the city government, led by Mayor Fe Abunda, the city’s Tourism office, the fiesta committee and the Padul-ong Committee, a group dedicated to staging a major feature of the fiesta – the Padul-ong.

Three winners will be picked for Phase 1 of the contest, each worth P5,000. The prize was donated by Ay Borongan, a community group in the tri-state New York, New Jersey and Connecticut area.

This was facilitated through Liza Galon, the Ay Borongan president, Della Afable-Lee and Judith Jordan.

The P20,000 Phase 2 and major prize was provided by the Natives of Eastern Samar of Sydney, an Australia-based organization. This was made possible through the efforts of Marybelle White-Bormate, Lorna Limbauan-Molina, Josie Limabuan-Ladera, and other Boronganons of Sydney.

Nora Mendoza, Luz Bernas, Luci Cidro-Preiss, Ida Patilla Wagner, Irene Ayag Schulz, and Espie Bacula, BHCS Europe-based members, donated the P15,000 second prize.

The Domingo Family, this year’s fiesta hermana mayor, through Eleanor de Leon, will provide the P10,000 third prize.

Eleanor Hearn and Ida Lazana Hoffman will donate P10,000 each to go to the 10 Honorable Mention winners, who will receive P2,000 each.

Ray Campomanes will donate the plaques for the winners and Pepito Puno has offered to pay for the printing of the photo contest posters.

The prize donors will have a representative to personally award the prizes at an Appreciation dinner hosted by Dr. Aguila on Sept. 9 at the Raagas Bldg. in Borongan.

In addition, local businesses in Borongan will partner with the BHCS in holding the contest and provide some support. Cirilo’s Digital Photography & Services will print the posters and the photographs while Samu’t Sari Enterprises of Lynlyn Pinarok will assist in the photo exhibits and the contestants’ kits and IDs.

Radio Kauswagan 91.3 Nutrieskwela Community Radio will be the media partner.

Dr. Carlos Alido Jr., president of the Borongan Digital Photography Forum, is coordinating the photo contest, with the assistance of a group of volunteers. He sits on the city’s fiesta committee representing the BHCS.

A panel of judges has yet to be formed, but several photography experts have been tapped to pick the winners.

“This is the second year we’re holding a photo contest,” said Dr. Aguila. “We’re proud to continue a tradition that provides an added excitement to our fiesta celebration.”

The photo contest is also being held as a highlight of a merchandise sale, an ukay-ukay of new and used goods, which will be held Sept. 5, 6 and 9 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. beside the Borongan City Hall.

The ukay-ukay is intended to raise funds for the BHCS major project of building and operating a library and museum in Borongan.

2012 in review

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2012 annual report for this blog.

Here’s an excerpt:

600 people reached the top of Mt. Everest in 2012. This blog got about 2,700 views in 2012. If every person who reached the top of Mt. Everest viewed this blog, it would have taken 5 years to get that many views.

Click here to see the complete report.

A September to remember (Part 5)

St. Mary’s Alumni Homecoming poster

By Bert Eljera

LAS VEGAS – After three days of exhausting – but exhilarating – ukay-ukay, the mood has changed from selling to, well, partying. After all, by Sept. 6, it was just two days before the Borongan fiesta.

That day was also alumni homecoming day for St. Joseph’s College/St. Mary’s College, and the ukay-ukay people changed their red shirts to various shades of blue – the color for the grand reunion.

Class ’63

A day that started with a bang – the bang of drums and a parade – ended with fireworks and a homecoming dance, and a tribute to this year’s jubilarians, Class ’62.

In between, there were class reunions, clan reunions, and family reunions as the fiesta spirit gripped everyone, although gone, perhaps forever, was the small-town feel of Borongan.

Class ’70

Vesper day, Sept. 7, saw more parades – and perhaps the most number of people the city ever has together in one day – and it was not even over yet.

A lovely lass performs at the parade

A traditional town plaza dance, interrupted by a short rain, as is often the case, capped the evening, highlighted by the presence of cash-throwing politicians, tossing money away like they just robbed a bank.

And it’s not even election season yet!

By Sept. 8, feast day of our Lady of the Nativity, one would think everyone was ready to drop from sheer activity. But no! The fun went on, and in the evening was the traditional procession.

A festive city

It was time for the hermanos and hermanas, from the past and the present, to show off their nice gowns and ternos – and for the town’s elite to walk on the red carpet, so to speak.

Our Lady of the Nativity

In our youth, this was a highly anticipated event because that’s when you have the chance to see, and perhaps get a glance, from the girl who makes your heart sprint faster than out of your class during recess.

With the fiesta over, you’d think it was time to take a long nap, but a visit back to the place of your birth deserves no rest.

So, it was time for more reunions, and in our case, pilgrimages – to Sulangan, epicenter of the 7.9 earthquake, the Guiaun church, and Divine Mercy chapel in Llorente.

Sulangan Church

Guiuan Church

Divine Mercy Chapel – Llorente

Food was abundant everywhere, particularly in Sulangan, where Fr. Vito Picardal treated the group with a sumptuous lunch on the beach, and a late merienda at the farm of Roy and Lauren Ador in Locsoon.

At Rafael’s Farm in Tacloban

There were other side trips – to Oras and Bangkok – and after a pit stop in Manila, it was back to the U.S. for most of the folks in our group.

Now, what’s next?

Remember that our ultimate goal is to build a library and museum for Borongan. That’s our focus and everything that we do is towards that purpose.

Our priority is to find a site for this library and museum. We looked around while in Borongan, and Dr. Nimfa R. Aguila has some ideas.

This maybe quite premature, but there has been preliminary talks, not formally, but through some people on the know, for the Kahidlawan, the Judge Juan Bocar ancestral home in Taboc, as a potential site.

Fittingly, the Kahidlawan photo won the P10,000 first prize for our photo contest. Details can be worked out later.

Future Judge Juan Bocar Library & Museum?

A September to remember (Part 4)

Photo contest provided a teaching moment

By Bert Eljera

LAS VEGAS – A centerpiece of the Borongan Historical & Cultural Society’s fiesta extravaganza was the first-ever photo contest, which went beyond expectations.

The goal was two-fold: As a fund-raising vehicle with the production of a 2013 calendar from the winning photographs and as an educational tool, particularly for young people not familiar with the historical places of Borongan.

Of course, there was also the unstated aim to introduce BHCS with a big splash!

Photo contest poster

Too soon yet to know if the goals were achieved. We’re working on the calendar (a couple of graphic artists are doing the design), and together with a T-shirt and a bumper sticker, we hope to sell these to our members worldwide.

Already, there have been inquiries from our members in Australia and Europe, and we hope to have the package ready by late October or early November.

We have more than 500 members from around the world, mostly Boronganons who still find an affinity to the old hometown, and we’re filling the need for nostalgia and their sincere desire to help build a library and museum for Borongan City.

The photographs provided a backdrop to some animated conversations at the Appreciation Dinner.

But, like we often say, that’s getting ahead of the story.

The theme for the photo contest was Borongan’s historical places, and we have plenty of them, though we may have to look a little deeper. That was part of the challenge.

The obvious, of course, were the churches, the iconic tilang, monuments, historic homes, arches, school buildings, etc.

After some prodding, Dr. Erlnda B. Kantor, who had wanted to submit her own photographs, accepted the challenge to head the panel of judges – and devise an extensive criteria for judging.

But basically, entries were judged on the basis of technical qualities, historic relevance and presentation. In all, more than 25 photographers entered and submitted more than 60 entries.

Overwhelming, would have been an appropriate word for the job to collect the entries – even babysit the photographers – but Francis Alvor Cenera, Jovanni to us all, did the work – admirably.

Jovanni (middle) shown here with Dr. Kantor and Ben Alar, was “hands-on” for the photo contest.

The photo contest would not have been possible without him!

So, on Sept. 5, at our Appreciation Dinner at the Raagas Building, the winners were announced and the prizes awarded.

Lynlyn Pinarok (first from left) wins P10,000 first prize. Dr. Erlinda Kantor, Dr. Nimfa Aguila, and Bert Eljera, representing BHCS-Europe, award the prize.

But first, a word – or two – from our sponsors.

First prize of P10,000 was donated by BHCS – Europe, mainly through the efforts of Nora Mendoza, who, despite a hectic schedule that included a visit to Borongan in July, managed to provide the cash prize in time.

She was ably supported by Luz Bernas and Luci Cidro-Preiss, and other friends based in Europe.

Rose Bacal receives the P7,500 second prize from Dr. Kantor, Dr. Aguila, and the prize donor, Class ’70, led by Leo Montes and Irma Baquilod.

Second prize of P7,500 was donated by Class ’70, thanks to Leo Montes and Irma R. Baquilod. Leo also graciously served as a judge and with his batchmates awarded the prize personally.

Third prize of P5,000 was provided by U.S.- based Class ’68 – Noel Baquilod, Blas Balano, Patsy Castronuevo, Nida Baquilod Villalon, Annie Rivera and Bert Eljera.

Annie Afable receives prize from Dr. Kantor, Dr. Aguila, and Ben Alar of class ’64.

The winners: First Prize – Lynlyn Pinarok for her photograph of “Kahidlawan,” the Judge Juan Bocar ancestral home in Taboc.

First Prize winner: Kahidlawan

Second place went to Rose Bacal for her photograph of the “Tilang,” and third place was Annie Afable’s photograph of the old “Kwartel” in Sabang.

Second Prize winner: Tilang

Third Prize winner: Kwartel

Ten honorable mentions were also selected, each winning P2,000. The P20,000 prize was donated by Class ’64, mainly Ben Alar and Carmelita Apita-Puno. In addition, Dr. Aguila provided a P1,000 bonus for all photographers who joined the contest.

Next year, the plan is for an even bigger photo contest. The theme will be “Borongan the Beautiful,” which will focus on the city’s scenic and tourist spots. With plans to involve the Department of Tourism, local hotels and resorts, and the travel industry, the prizes could go P25,000 for first, P15,000 for second, and P10,000 for third, with P5,000 each for honorable mention.

A September to remember (Part 3)

The most hectic day at the ukay-ukay

By Bert Eljera

LAS VEGAS – A glorious September morn, as Paul Williams would sing, broke out on the 4th, and the Borongan Historical & Cultural Society’s ukay-ukay at Tilang had its best day ever.

Our money guy, Noel Baquilod, triumphantly proclaimed at the end of a truly busy day: We made nearly P100,000!

Oblivious to Yollie Limbauan’s shouts of joy, Noel Baquilod keeps counting the dough.

The total take for the three-day event, including sales from the raffle tickets, would reach more than P300,000, still short of the target of half-a-million pesos, but great, considering the limited time to prepare and advertise the event and the unexpected glitches along the way.

Mana Yeyeng, Mana Soling and their friends

That made those endless hours of rummaging through Las Vegas’ second-hand stores and used clothing shops – but, of course, also the glitzy boutiques, such as the Forum at Caesar’s Palace for the high-end items – worth our while.

“We pulled it off,” said Dr. Nimfa R. Aguila. “Next year, we’d be bigger and better.”

All for a good cause, as everyone would say.

Remember: Our goal here is to some day build a library and museum for the city of Borongan.

But on Sept. 4, with the sun bursting through the clouds, and the fiesta air getting felt all the more, the Tilang ukay-ukay opened in a rush – literally.

Even before the merchandise were set up, buyers rushed to the tables, picking up stuff – and drawing a mild rebuke from the neurologist doctor.

“Give us time,” she hollered. “All we need is another five minutes, please!” And to someone who said she’d go somewhere else, she responded, “Go!”

All was forgiven – and forgotten – in due time, and a new arrival of several boxes left behind in Manila (which Delbert Dala and Jo Beltran were gracious enough to bring) added new items and excitement to the buying-spree.

Elmer Solidon tries a “new” pair of pants.

More raffle tickets were sold, and the food kept coming, too, keeping everyone, including the volunteers, happy and contented. Again, the biggest movers were shoes, bags, jewelry, and cosmetics.

With just a few days before the fiesta, clothes, particularly new ones, flew off the racks.

Friends Irma R. Baquilod, Christie Anacta and Paquita Anacta hang out at the ukay-ukay.

But Sept. 5, most of the goods were gone, but not sold out. A few boxes are still left for piece by piece purchases. We could have stayed until Sept. 9 after the Department of Trade, through Eleanor Alido, a member of the Borongan Historical & Cultural Society Board of Trustees, invited us to stay.

The fiesta spirit, however, has overtaken everyone, and no one seems to be still in the mood to keep selling, so we folded our tent, conducted the raffle, and promised to be back next year.

The big winners for the raffle were Eppie Estrada Montances, Dr. Carina Picardal, and Ronnel Cruza of Batangas, who each won an HP laptop computer. Capt. Carlos Anacta and lawyer Cons Tecson each won a Michael Kors wristwatch.

We raised more than P70,000 from the raffle, thanks mainly to the hard work of Amy Abenis Solidon and our volunteers, especially Lydia Loyola and Teresita Abogado Tejero.

Donn Plaza and Lyonell Agda helped us with the design and printing of the tickets and Ida Lazana Hoffman donated $250 for the cost of printing and shipping of the raffle tickets.

All prizes were donated by Dr. Nimfa R. Aguila.

A September to remember (Part 2)

The ukay-ukay banner at Tilang

By Bert Eljera

LAS VEGAS – Working through some unexpected glitches, such as change of the dates and government red tape, the Borongan Historical & Cultural Society grand ukay-ukay, or bazaar, finally got going on Sept. 3.

It was a day earlier than planned – and it started rather ominously with a drizzle that threatened to become a heavy downpour.

With the Tilang, which has been notorious through the years for inviting heavy rains, as the venue, and the big tent to shelter the merchandise late in coming, the day did not look very promising.

Shoes were a big hit at the ukay-ukay

But there was palpable enthusiasm of the red-shirted volunteers, a small army of friends and relatives, really, and the goods were soon gobbled up by eager buyers.

Ladies in red, from left, Lilia Amasa, Maria Paz Raagas, Dr. Nimfa R. Aguila and Christie Anacta

At the end of the day, our money guy, Noel Baquilod, and his assistants, including Maria Paz Raagas, said we raised more than P60,000.

Not bad with all the baratillos and stores competing for the fiesta shoppers’ pesos, and limited advertising for the event.

Big sellers were shoes, bags, fashion jewelry, cosmetics, and of course, clothes, for men and women. Both new and used items were bought readily by customers eager to buy imported products.

Ida Lazana Hoffmann (in sunglasses) and her friends were volunteers and customers.

Equally selling well were raffle tickets, ably marketed by Amy Abenis Solidon. The prizes were high-end: 3 laptop HP computers and 2 Michael Kors wrist watches, all donated by Dr. Nimfa R. Aguila.

The prizes were to be raffled off at the end of the ukay-ukay on Sept. 5. But that would be going ahead of our story.

Sept. 4 were to prove to be the biggest day in terms of sales and customer attendance – and a bright, sunshine-filled day greeted every one.

Members of Class ’70, which provided the P7,500 second prize for the photo contest, graced the ukay-ukay. They are shown from left, Juanit Dorado, Irma Baquilod, Christie Anacta, Eppie Montances, and Leo Montes, shown between Class ’68’s Noel Baquilod (to his right) and Bert Eljera.

A September to remember

The Las Vegas team, from left, Dr. Nimfa R. Aguila, Bert Eljera and Christie Anacta.

By Bert Eljera

(Editor’s Note: This is part 1 of a series on the Borongan Historical & Cultural Society activities that coincided with the fiesta celebration of Borongan City, Eastern Samar).

LAS VEGAS – It started with a jolt – literally! A 7.9 earthquake – later downgraded to 7.7 – shook Borongan and other Eastern Samar coastal towns on Friday, Aug. 31, in a rude welcome to September.

The epicenter was 112 kilometers east of Guiuan, near the pilgrimage town of Sulangan, but showing that Borongan was in the embrace of her patron saint, Our Lady of the Nativity, there was no damage but a few cracks on the ground.

There was a sinkhole in Omawas, Maydolong, which turned out to be more a curiosity than a cause for worry, and damage to the approach of a bridge in Giporlos, or some place, but really, no harm done.

A prayerful people always get the breaks!

A tsunami warning did get some folks nervous. With the images of the tsunami damage in Japan still fresh on most people’s minds, the worst was not totally unexpected.

The founder of the Borongan Historical & Cultural Society, Dr. Nimfa R. Aguila, and her entourage from the United States and Manila, just arrived in the Philippine capital – and the news was a shock.

At the Tacloban airport: Borongan here we come.

Preparing for an ukay-ukay or a bazaar, Dr. Aguila half-jokingly said, the merchandise may not be for sell after all, but donations to the earthquake victims – just in case.

But, as now we know it, it was not to be.

A visit to the Aguila family home in Batangas

The ukay-ukay was a giant success, as all the events related to the first fund-raiser for the Borongan Historical & Cultural Society, especially the photo contest, came out wonderfully.

Even the side trips, chapel pilgrimage, reunions, and other “bonuses” were great.

“It was one of my most productive trips ever,” said Dr. Raagas, who through it all fought through nagging allergies, a wheezing cough, and other discomforts to get the job done.

A night out with the ladies. From left, Lorena R. Anosa, Judge Liza Picardal-Tecson, Dr. Aguila and Ms. Anacta

Next up, we’ll have have a short diary of sorts of that September to Remember: