Talakudong Festival 2011

                                                                      Supermodel Pose

Remembering Carmen

             What was supposed to be a photo walk turned out to be a trip down the memory lane.

             After having our halo-halo, Kuya Jong, Kuya Jun and I decided to take our photography adventure into another level. I promise to make a personality profile about these two incredible guys after the photo contest. :) In the middle of our journey, we couldn't help but think why we're so willing to put an effort in  a very simple photo contest. We all agreed that it wasn't just about the prize. Perhaps, we didn't want the judges to be disappointed. Perhaps, it was because of our love for photography. Or I simply put it as lingaw-lingaw na lang namon.

           In an attempt to find the undiscovered beauty of Tacurong City, we found ourselves in a place that brought so much memories of our childhood days. Brgy. Carmen is the home of Boy Scout and Girl Scout camp site in Sultan Kudarat.

          Kuya Jong and Kuya Jun recounted their days as campers. Can you believe it? I thought the only connection that we have is our passion for taking pictures. Now, I need to add Carmen on my list about the things that we have in common. Kuya Jun joked about how Kuya Jong's school camp was strategically placed in a special area. Private school daw kasi.haha I didn't know that even school camps have become a status symbol.

         In my personal trance, I did remember my early days as a Star Scout/Girl Scout. Oh how I miss singing the GSP song. I miss reciting the Girl Scout Promise and the Girl Scout Law. I miss tying different kinds of knots. Carmen is a place that taught me how to become independent at a very young age. As I look back, I wonder how many people of my age had the same experience. But just like any girl, I am happy that the kids in Sultan Kudarat will recite the same laws, sing the same songs, tie the same knots and wear the same uniform (with badges pa!) come October. We may not know each other but one thing that binds us is our experience in a place called Carmen.

Roads rarely taken

On my way home from a photo tour (organized by the City Government of Tacurong, for the Igpat sang Kamera Photo Contest) I chanced upon this glowing "round ball" in Datu Paglas, Maguindanao.

Kadayawan Festival 2011 - Indak-indak sa Kadalanan

    I may not be a fan of Durian but nothing can stop me from loving the Kadayawan Festival. It's my first time to witness this said "King of Festival" and since I enjoyed it so much, I promise to be back next year with my full gear! Being a fan of Philippine festivals, I was so curious to know what this famous festival had to offer. 

    When my parents dropped me off along the Magsaysay area, I bravely walked in the streets and took pictures of the dancers under the scorching heat of the sun. While I was catching up with the last contenders, I found out that they're all the way from Surallah, South Cotabato. I did remember them during the T'nalak Festival. Being their loyal kababayan from SOCCSKSARGEN, I followed their journey until the end of the festival. Seeing the kids dance their hearts out made me feel so proud of them. I thought the win was definitely in the bag. They were so disciplined and enjoyable to watch. Mark my word, the kids from Purok Sison Elementary School are a force to reckon with in the Aliwan Fiesta.

    As expected, the dancers from Purok Sison Elementary School were hailed as grand slam champions in the open category while performers from Magallanes Elementary School won in the Davao-based category.

                                                           Moments of the champions!

                 Allan Laguyo, official choreographer of Purok Sison Elementary School Performing Arts Group

  

The kids are now celebrities!

Dancers from other contingents

Congratulations to Purok Sison Elementary School! South Cotabato, nag-iisa ka! And as what the kids always say, "Uswag Surallah!"

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