Cle Bern J. Paglinawan

      Cle Bern J. Paglinawan was born on August 19, 1964 at Poblacion, Siquijor, Siquijor. He is the youngest of his four brothers. The most influential person in his life is his mother. He likes pets like dogs, chickens and cats. During summer time he goes to the beach and gathers firewood. His favorite sports is running. His relatives often called him Lito and some people called him Engr.

During his grade school and highschool life his bestfriend is Chiqui and he is still in touch with them until now. His favorite subject to study is Mathematics. During senior years his favorite sport is volleyball. His influential teacher is Miss Saavedra. He also joined singing in the choir of their school. His favorite band is Apo and his favorite music is filipino ballads. As a teen people find him intelligent.

He graduated his secondary education at St. Paul`s University, Dumaguete City. He graduated his college education at Silliman University taking the course Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. But he is not satisfied with this course because it was mandated by his mother, if he will have the chance to take another course, he would take up Accounting and Law.

His first job was a Site engineer of Uy Matio construction at Dumaguete City 1986. He`s best job is being a businessman and a politician. His ideal job is to become a bank manager or lawyer. He also worked overseas at Japan to support the financial need of his family. He also served the community as a barangay captain at Sabang, Larena, Siquijor for ten years. The biggest influence in his carrer is his family.

As a parent his goal is to provide basic need, education and discipline. For him family means "foundation". He describe himself as a parent as strict and responsible. His parents influenced him the most due to their financial difficulties that made him to strive hard in order to succeed. Today, his parents are all deceased. He has four siblings and he is the youngest. He is so close with his mom and uncle that teaches him to become God fearing and a devotee of the catholic church. He was so sad about the death of his family but accepted due to their old age and in order for them to rest.

For now he is the president of the Philippine Councilor`s League in the Province of Siquijor. And a Municipal councilor at the Municipality of Larena. He  is the owner of a grocery store named CJP Enterprises located at North Poblacion, Larena, Siquijor. And a furniture shop located at Sabang, Larena, Siquijor. He is also the president of the San Roque Parish Grand choir, and the vice president for Parish Pastoral Council at San Roque Parish, Banban, Siquijor. He currently resides at Sabang, Larena, Siquijor.

Members:

Honey Lee Culi

Jared Paglinawan

Jayshiel Jumadla

Alell Lee Divino

Cris Riel Arnejo

                                                      BIOGRAPHY OF ANECITA BADO

                                          

              

 Anecita Dalogdog Bado

 Born on April 17, 1958

 College Graduate in Civil Engineering

 Advance Unit Manager – Present                                                                    

                                                                                

                AnecitaDalogdogBado was born on April 17, 1958 an advance unit manager of Avon Brand. She started working in the Avon on 2010. She is a college graduate of Civil Engineering in Iligan Institute of Technology (IIT). After she graduate, she took board exam but unfortunately she failed. Even though she failed, she still continues her life and pursues what she can. 

She find a job and work on Tupperware Company and because of her hardwork she became a manager of the company. Mrs. Bado and her family,lived at Iligan City then decided tomoved in the residence of Siquijor. Currently, she’s living in Olang, Maria Siquijor. She was married to JositonBado, an aspiring Seaman and they have granted (4) four siblings.

She work hard for her family. She also became a vendor of a school, takes some contractual job, and then she finally found her home in AVON. She started as a franchise dealer. She sells her stuffs, house to house. And because of her determination she became an advance unit manager. She found her home and become a successful entrepreneur. She is now helping the members of our community by also giving them some income and jobs. Because of her handwork in dedication, she received an award in the year 2012.

She helped so many families in their barangay and because of that she has become a respected woman in their community.

Members:

Ria Micah Gomez

Maybell Palahang

Annjoy Mamac

Jenicyl Gapol

Abraham Calimpon

BIOGRAPHY OF LEONARDO LOSBAÑOS TAN

Leonardo Losbaños Tan is known as a fateful servant of God and a good leader of preaching good news about Him. He is a 53 year-old priest of Banban Siquijor.  He is born on the 25th day of February 1964 in Dumaguete City. Leonardo is raise in a wealthy family in Dumaguete City, his original residence. His parents are Lourdes Losbaños Tan and Isaias Tan, who are both entrepreneurs before. Leonardo together with his siblings Artemio Tan, Crisanto Tan, Marilou Tan Regencia, Mary Jean Tan Vicente and Isaias Tan are now all professionals and already have their own families and career in life.

Talking about Leonardo's educational background, he completed his Elementary years in Holy Cross High School and received an award as 10th honorable mention. His memorable experience during those days was the time he studied with rich and known Chinese families in Dumaguete city. Likewise, he completed High school in the same school and again, got an award as 8th Honorable mention. Unfortunately, during those days, he got bullied by his classmates. Regardless of what had happened to him, he strived hard and focused on his studies and graduated with 85.6% rating at least made him proud. On his college years, he studied at St. Joseph Seminary College and got the Leadership Award. He has a lot of memories and experiences that he considered worth to be treasured, this includes, his experience deep relationship with God, able to fight the fear of death, a student teacher, read lots of books in philosophy and spirituality and lastly his experience on mystical religious "Nirvana".

During his journey of becoming a priest, he went through process in order to test his strong faith to God. Leonardo was first assigned on the Cathedral Church in Dumaguete as a Youth director. He had also gone to visit places outside the Philippines. These places include Europe, Italy, Rome, Venice, France, Germany and Netherlands. Through his travel, he was able to make friends with other nationalities that enhance his social being. 

Aside from being the master of the mass, Leonardo has different hobbies and interests in life. His hobbies include Scuba diving, swimming, playing basketball and tennis, mountaineering, caving and reading books. At the same time, he is part of other activities as a Vicarial Youth Director, Vicarial Social Action Head, Assistant Director of Siquijor Association of Catholic Schools (SACS) and PCGA Head Division of Siquijor. His favorite color is green and blue and he has a pet dog. However, these hobbies and interests give direction, meaning, values and physical well-being of mind body and soul to him. Moreover, these are related and helpful in his profession in the sense that it appreciates nature, experience that God created natural beauties and it helps him know what the difference between men and boys.

Other than being a fateful servant of God, there are other things that Leonardo pours his time with. He spends his time on the operation for advocacies on  preserving the corals, saving the Mount Talints (watershed), education for less fortunate kids, ecology- especially the call of the times of climate change, PPCRV and Political Maturity of People (No to Vote Buying). Also, Leonardo wants other plans and careers to try such as body  jumping and sky diving.

For Leonardo, the things that he had done that is consider as a best influence in other lives is being able to root one’s life through prayer, honesty and sincerity, also, his disciplined life that influence his friends and the youth as well. Furthermore, he has plans for the future which is to establish a pool of volunteer for rescue team when calamities would hit and create humanitarian emergency preparedness response team. According to him this contributes a lot to avoid from any disaster that comes along.

Ultimately, Leonardo Tan is exemplary for having an attitude of not just thinking about himself but, also for his people and for our nature as well. Perhaps it is the reason why he becomes successful in life. As what he quoted  "Know thyself and you will be successful in your life".

Members:

Laiza Jane Magsalay

Frances Lyn Lomongo

Mahmod Batugan

Jamaica Dumam-ag

Mary Jane Magsalay

BIOGRAPHY OF RICKY C. JUMAWAN

Ricky Cogo Jumawan, also known as E-King, is a good and clever teacher in Siquijor State College and for sure, all the students, faculty and staff know him. People know him as a simple teacher on his physical appearance, a funny and genius one, loves the nature and has a woman side.

     He was born on February 26, 1974 at Caipilan, Siquijor, Siquijor. His parents are already dead and he is the eldest of the seven siblings. Currently residing at Cang-adieng, Siquijor, Siquijor and acts as a bread winner in the family. He’s a type of person that loves to read pocket books and gardening. When he was a child, he dreamed to own an eco park.

He studied elementary in Caipilan Elementary School and was a serious type of pupil and a consistent first honor from Grade 1 to Grade 6. He received a bibingka from his parents as a graduation gift. In high school, he studied in Cotabato City National High School and was a flirty one. The cause why he exiled in Siquijor was, he was searching for a greener pasture and he can’t forget that he received eleven medal awards on his graduation day. At Notre Dame University, he took the course Bachelor of Science in Comers Major in Business and Management because as what he said, “I want to be a member in Corporate Jungle World.” He was a happy go lucky student back then and the moment he will never forget is when he passed the civil service examination as a topnotcher in the whole Central Mindanao.

He achieved his place right now because he was destined and quoted, “Do not go against nature. There’s a thing called universal alignment.”

Nehru Gandhi, a former prime minister in India is his role model. The significant contribution he has done are being able to produce a competent graduates and a leader of community farmer. Proud of his achievement that he is the top one faculty member in the College of Business and Management and his article, Cultural Practices in Relation to the Utilization and Conservation of the Senora River and other Practices, together with Dr. Josel B.Mansueto and Dr. Expedita O. Duran, was published in Silliman Journal.

     Lastly, he was so affected when President Rodrigo Roa Duterte opposed the same sex marriage.

Members:

Empress Justeen J. Bandico

Jesseil J. Obejero

Celali Lomongot

Jean Pasco

Biography of  Daryl Y. Cuaresma

Daryl Cuaresma was born on June 7, 1967 in Larena, Siquijor. His family soon moved to Sacramento, California where he grew up. He is married to Maribel Sumalpong and they have two sons, Eric 23 years old and Jared 14 years old.
Although Daryl had not done any wood carving before, his love for this art form, instilled in him as a young boy would have to wait decades to blossom. He studied art and architecture during his youth but he never really completed either one. Instead, he set aside his affinity for art to pursue a more mainstream occupation. At the age of 43, Daryl embarked on his second career: Western American art, “When God closes a door, somewhere He opens another”, he says of his decision to begin carving. He believes that his Filipino heritage, unique ability and talent are gifts bestowed upon him from God, and must be shared with others. He always had a knack for working with wooden materials and extreme attention to detail where he feels he is creating his strongest and most meaningful works.
With his wife’s support, he started to develop and experiment his own distinctive and unconventional style of etching & burning to clearly depict his personal art expression. “I wouldn’t be where I am without her encouragement, love, mercy, sacrifice and believing in me” he admits. The couple’s love for art and western antiques grew into a passion that in 2015, their journey took a positive turn when they opened to the public, KANHERON, an American Old West museum in Siquijor. This dramatic architecture is a big open space featuring a soaring high-beamed cathedral ceiling facility using indigenous materials artistically designed to Daryl’s specification and satisfaction. He takes pride of this electric building like a masterpiece.
Daryl has no fear of making errors when working with wood which could easily break. He is a free thinking artist who breaks away from the traditional art forms. Each piece is unique, evoking upon the viewer a 3D effect and a life of its own. He enjoys working while listening to 80’s music or with a video playing an old western movie in the background.
Daryl is motivated with passion and grace as he carves the beauty of God’s vast, lush, and stark landscape of the West, and of animals. He is inspired by the picturesque surroundings and the ranching life of Western California.
When speaking of the long and winding path he has taken, Daryl says “God has been looking out for me”. He encourages young Filipino artists to never give up on their art, to keep working, to make your opportunities happen and to grow as a person.
Daryl’s works hang in the permanent collection of Kanheron Ranch Old West Museum in Siquijor and a few in private collections in Northern California and the Philippines. He and his wife Maribel, make their home both in Elk Grove California and Siquijor, Philippines. “Like the first frontier folks, we are always looking toward the horizon for the next adventure and we enjoy wild-at-heart impromptu journeys together”.


Group members:
Kyzelle Ambalong
Teresa P. Erolon
Ma. Theresa S. Lubguban
Nenia Sheila Magsalay
Ramel Tinae

NELSON YMBOL

(The Great Entertainer)

                Nelson Baroro Ymbol, mostly known as “Nonoy Ymbol” is considered as the great musician and entertainer in the province of Siquijor despite of being blind. He is a son of Alberto Ymbol and Aurelia Baroro and the eldest among eleven children. Three of his siblings suffered from a very high fever when they were still few months old but unfortunately, they were not able to survive. When he came out from his mother’s womb, his eyes were fine but his entire head was soft which made his parents handled him very carefully. When he was one week old, his mother, Aurelia, had eaten “bihag” or the rooster which died in cockfighting. After that, he suffered a very high fever causing his eyes to appear different from its usual or normal condition as if it was burned due to his body’s very high temperature. That was the time when he became blind.

            At the age of four, his parents noticed that he had a passion in music. He started to play the ukulele while singing incoherently. When he became six years old, he was brought to school together with his younger brother, Emerson. He looked like a normal school boy who stayed in the classroom with the others. “I even memorized the whole comic book entitled Pepe en Pilar while listening to others who are reading it. He admitted that he was once a victim of bullying. Many children used to playfully call him “buta” but he just ignored them for he could not do anything to beat them.

            "I admit, I did not believe in God that time because of all the people, why me?” he said. That question was engraved in his mind which he could not get rid of. At first, it was hard for him to accept his situation but he did not realize that as time went by, he was going to put his whole heart in God again.

            He was sixteen years old when he begun joining in amateur singing contests and in different occasions such as birthdays and fiestas. In 1983, at the age of 28, he went to a fiesta somewhere in Pili, Siquijor because he was invited by a friend. He never expected that he was going to meet the woman whon he will treasure for the rest of his life. He met Renie Balanay, the eldest daughter of Felixberto Balanay and Edelberta Duhaylungsod. He was overwhelmed because of her caring and hospitable attitude. He courted her and she accepted it until they got married. In January 20, 1985, Renie gave birth to a healthy baby boy whom they named Lourenel Marie.

            In 2012, Nonoy Ymbol was unexpectedly bitten by his dog. Chowking, the dog, was naturally fierce unlike his other dogs before. He was rushed to the hospital but the doctor said they have to pay for the anti-rabbis injection worth PHP 18,000 for one vial. Unable to pay for the amount, someone extended help to pay for it.

            Now, he is living a simple yet happy life with his wife since his son is in Manila who already had a family of his own. He still performs in different occasions. Every Friday, he goes to Baha Bar in Maite San Juan to perform for the guests.

            Despite of being blind, he is contented for what God had given him. According to him, “Those people who have disability should not lose hope. Instead, should use their disability as an inspiration to move on from life.”

Members:

Jaira M. Balanay

Charmaine Anhao

Zaisa Caspis

Marney Marie Barot

Rejane Tingcang

PATRICIA LOUIS MAGLANGIT

(The Mirabile One)

Patricia “Patpat” Louis Maglangit, born on the 9^th day of June 1990 in Tulunan, North Cotabato was known for her alluring beauty and expertise in the field of Mathematics. She is the only daughter of Lorna Maglangit residing in Lugucan, Maria, Siquijor.

                During her childhood years, despite of being naughty and sickly, she was known for being intelligent; she finished her elementary years and received multiple of awards in Lugucan Elementary School and graduated as salutatorian. She was involved in different out-of-school competitions like Feature and Essay Writings, Science Quiz Bee and Copy Reading. In her High School years at Candaping National High School sited in Maria, Siquijor she graduated as Class Valedictorian and also competed a variety of contests such as Feature Writing in Bais, Lanao and Toledo; Essay Writing, Science Fair in Division level and a representative in MTAP for consecutive years.

                Patricia excelled throughout her College years in Siquijor State College (SSC) taking up Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education major in Mathematics. She had showcased her talent and beauty when she joined the Binibining Siglakas in 2007 and happen to be the 2^nd runner up. In the same year she continued her vocation and joined the Miss SSC and became the 1^nd runner up. But on June 2008, the crowned queen was being dethroned so, being the 1^st runner up, Patricia continued the reigned. Pursuing her career, Patricia joined Miss Siquijor Tourism and crowned as Miss Fireflies. Many of her joined competitions were she won as 2^nd placer in the Quiz Bee Contest. On the year 2010, with four male opponents nominated and run as a SSG President, Patricia won. She was the one who established the project, the very 1^st covered walk in SSC with the help of the Administration. She became the President of the Peer Facilitator Guild Organization, the extension of the Guidance Office that aims to help students in moral and emotional aspects. The organization extends to Sabang and Maria pupils in cooperation with the American Peace Corps. Patricia graduated as Magna Cum Laude and delivered the graduation speech of batch 2010.

                After graduating, Patricia was nominated and became a finalist of the Outstanding Students in Central Visayas, Region VII; the first time when the island of Siquijor had a representative in the said event. She first handled elementary in Cebu and tertiary level in Carmelite College. Currently, she is an instructor of the institution where she graduated, the Siquijor State College. She is taking up her Masters in Negros Oriental major in Math Teaching.

                Patricia likes singing, beauty pageants and loves surfing in the internet. In her last statement, she wanted to stay humble and she wouldn't achieved all these things without her family.

Members:

Frecyl H. Egham

Norlyn Perlas

Kriztine Dongon

Jonnah Eve Magsayo

Dandy Gongob

Honey Rose Patillano

Biography of Lyn Lugatiman

            ‘‘The journey of a thousand miles begin with one step.” the quote of Lao Tzu which Lyn Lugatiman likes the most.

            Lyn Lugatiman is the stunning and obedient daughter of Lucy Lugatiman. After her christening (She was one (1) month old.), her mother went abroad to find a job so she was raised by her supportive and loving grandparents named Manuel L. Lugatiman and Herminigilda Lugatiman.

            At the age of 5, she encountered an accident. It was really unexpected. It was a gloomy afternoon, Lyn and her cousin, Lee Lugatiman was eating delicious and sweet macaroni salad. When Lyn finished eating her salad, she decided to place her glass in the sink. Before reaching the sink, she tripped her foot and fell down while holding the transparent glass. Unexpectedly, the glass was broken into pieces and some broken materials kissed her face. She was brought to the hospital. Sadly, that accident left a huge scar in his face but thanks to that certain facial product for it somewhat like reduces the appearance of the scar.

            She attended her elementary years at Po-o Elementary School. When she goes to school, she just simply walked because it was very near. ‘‘It was fun and exciting”, she said. One of her unforgettable experience was when she and her classmates escaped from school. Aside from escaping, they went to Kawasan Falls and enjoy the clean and sparkling water. When she went home, she was scolded by her grandfather because of the reason that they might end up drowning. After that, she didn’t do it again and she only focused on her studies and graduated as 3^rd honors.

Lazi National Agricultural School was her secondary school. It was located in Tigbawan, Lazi, Siquijor which was a 10 minute ride away from their home. She decided to take her high school in that school because she wanted to experience being in a new environment. She was not a sociable person and that became a problem because during her first day of being a high schooler, she had a difficulty in communicating and meeting new friends. As time goes by, she managed to enhance her communication skills. She studied very well and luckily, she graduated in high school as a 3^rd honorable mention.

            ‘‘Honestly, education as a course is not my first choice. I have always dreamed of becoming a nurse but unfortunately, we were financially incapacitated back then. Among the other courses offered, I have always believed that teaching is fitting to my personality and I was called to do this. I may not be able to become a nurse but I can always create one”, she answered when I asked her why did she chose education as her course in college. Her grandfather was the one who refused her idea. At that time, she cried the whole night for she did her best in high school. The word discourage wasn’t enough to describe her feelings at that time. Her grandfather wanted the institution Siquijor State College to be her college school for it’s very near to their place. Vacation ended and she had no other choice but to enroll in Siquijor State College. She chose the course Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education major in English. Going to school was not that easy. One of her major problem back then was when her mother couldn’t send money due to some circumstances. That is why, she ended up borrowing money to her friends to pay her tuition. From that day on, she learned her lesson. She practiced budgeting her daily allowance and most of all, she applied in a scholarship. Luckily, she was accepted. Her college days weren’t that bad for she experienced being a dean and class honor also. ‘‘My efforts and all those sleepless nights were all worth it when I graduated”, she said.

            When she passed the Licensure Examination, she was very happy. She couldn’t explain how happy she was. There was an overflowing of blessings at that time for she also found her long lost sister named Analyn Lugatiman. Lyn met her beautiful niece and handsome nephew also. After 20 years, they have seen each other with the help of Facebook. ‘‘Thanks to Mark Zuckerberg and above all, the Almighty God’’, she said.

            After finding her long lost sister, her grandmother died. The loving and the closest person in her life who stood as her second mother in many years was already gone. Even though Lyn was expecting more bondings together with her long lost sister and her grandparents, she couldn’t do it for her grandmother passed away. ‘‘I miss her but I don’t want her to suffer”, she said. As time goes by, the pain was gone and she has learned to accept the truth with the help of her closest friends, families and relatives around her also.

Lyn is such a hardworking person. When she was still applying for a work in the Department of Education, she became a part-time instructor in the institution of Siquijor State College- Lazi Campus. ‘‘I really hate staying at home and not doing something for a living. I am an adult now and I needed to find a job to sustain my needs and also, to help and support my family”, she proudly stated. After a few months, she was accepted and hired by the Department of Education and she is currently working at Leon Parami High School. It was her assigned school and she was very happy for it is only a 2 minute drive away from their home. At first, it was never easy, especially, when her students won’t listen to her. Also, disappointment can be seen in her face when her students can’t pass the exam. Despite that, she is still happy for the students are one of the reasons why she smiles everyday. During Saturdays, she goes to Foundation University because of her masteral. Last March 18, 2017, she had her defend. It went very well for she did her best when she’s still doing her thesis paper.

            “Life was never easy but with the help of my families and friends, above all, the Almighty God, I was able to survive for a very long time”, she said. For her, struggles or the challenges in life are just one of the tests of God to determine how strong and determined a person is. She believes that nothing is impossible if a person has the courage and faith in his or her own self.

Group Members:

Jadhele L. Sayre

Guila Bahian

Aleunel Padayhag

Farah Grace Kilat