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Volume 2No. 47CdeO

JULY 14-20, 2014

facebook.com/CagayandeOroTIMES

CdeO Launches Fiesta Activities

Screenwriting: The Rody Vera Touch

Cakeistry’s Sweet Creations!

P2 | July 14-20, 2014 |

The Ca

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yan d

e Oro TIM

ES

The official launching of Cagayan de Oro's Higalaay Kagay-an 2014 Festival again brings to the

fore how despite the publicity of its signature festival, more and more of the younger generations of Kagay-anons, many of whom have come into the city from near and far, and even those lumad-born, are aware of the origins of the name Kagay-an.

Kagay-an is a word that directly relates to the city's culture, history and people, who call themselves Kagay-anons.

Cagayan has ALWAYS been pronounced by lumad Kagay-anons as Kagay-an. In fact, nobody says Kagayanon but Kagay-anon.

It is the historical original name of Cagayan de Oro, formerly known as Cagayan de Misamis. Even the original citizens of the capital town of theSegundo Partido de Misamis pronounced it Kagay-an, attesting to the timelessness of the name.

Historical documents prove Kagay-an was used to refer to Cagayan de Oro as early as 1571 (Fray San Francisco de San Antonio, 1738-1744 and de Loarca).

It is cited in the Olaging (chanted) epics of the Proto Northern Manobo (Cagayan de Oro's proto people) describing Yumagmag Katiguman, wife of the hero's elder rother Paumulaw as 'Queen of Kagay-an, Queen of Lambagohon' (Opeña, 1979)

Kagay has its origins in the Filipino word for river, and ostensibly refers to the riverine origin of the city. It is a word recognizable in most places in the Philippines as river (or something close or similar to it like the Northern Cordillera kagayan, the Ilokano karayan, or the Kapampangan kayayan).

History students or enthusiasts can read more about this from Elson T.

July 14-20, 2014 | The Cagayan de Oro TIMES 3MetroSpect

KAGAY-AN, the historical name of

CAGAYANDE ORO

MIKE BAÑOS, Editor-at-Large

Elizaga's post at http://cagayandeoro.elizaga.net/Appendix/meaning-of-cagayan.html.

Kagay-an is the one easily recognizable word Kagay-anons all over the world, all over the country, and anywhere in the city can recognize, so from the name alone, any Kagay-anon worth his salt can easily tell it refers to Cagayan de Oro.

Thus, the name Kagay-an facilitate easy name recall not only to Kagay-anons everywhere around the globe but to other Filipinos as well, without sacrificing its uniqueness as exclusively referring to Cagayan de Oro and not to other places with similar sounding names.

July 14-20, 2014 | The Cagayan de Oro TIMES4LifeStyle Views

CAGAYANTIMESDE ORO

The

Lifestyle Weekly

EditorShaun Alejandrae Yap Uy

Art Director & Layout ArtistRonald B. Mastail

Contributing PhotographerGlenn Palacio

Marketing StaffShan Belarmino

Candy MacabaleEd Mainit

Legal CounselsAtty. Mario T. Juni

Atty. Roberto A. Cantago, Jr.

PublisherCAGAYAN TIMES

The CAGAYAN de ORO TIMES Lifestyle Weekly is published at Tanleh Bldg., Abellanosa Street,

Consolacion, Cagayan de Oro City, 9000 Philippines.

It is registered with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Region 10 with Certificate No. 01801884,

and with Business Registration Plate No. 17211 with Business License Certificate

2014-00691. TIN No. 311-982-549-000

Tele/Fax #: (08822) 74-53-80

Find us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CagayandeOroTIMES

email us at thecagayantimes@gmail.com

Member:Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. (Oro Chamber)

The Cagayan de Oro TIMES is now in Magazine format, making it the only

weekly lifestyle paper in the city. Like the new format? Want to place

an Ad? Promote your business? Give us a call at 0947-893-5791

A TABLE FOR NINE

ZOLA GONZALEZ-MACARAMBON

GRIP, GRIT(OR STUFF POEMS ARE MADE OF)

The table is filled full of poetry and poets these days, what with the last

minute discussions in classrooms for the preliminary exams and the upcoming Bathalad Mindanao convention. I also write this after a long day, a wig on my head and a blister on my throat placed there on purpose (but more on that next week).

The weekend discussions in one or other well lighted places

in the city have continued to burn hotter than ever, casting an even brighter light than last time on the faces of both young (the "new poets" as I like to call them, sadly the category could not include me by conservative contrast of give or take ten years) and old (meaning, Raul Moldez and me). At the end of it, always, a gem of a poem discovery. This week, it is Roselyn Racho Geonzon's "Unwritten".

UnwrittenI tightened

my grip on

the penas I

spilled inkon sheets

ofwhite

You wincedand grimacedas I creasedand rippedthe pages

ofan epic

thatshouldn’tbe written

July 14-20, 2014 | The Cagayan de Oro TIMES 5LifeStyle Views

ALA MODEOWEN JAEN

SWEATER WEATHER

Yes. It’s that time of the year once again where we like to stay in bed longer than usual.

The monsoon season is upon us and yup, it comes with some friends in tow. As of this writing there are four more weather disturbances all eager to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). This means we are getting wetter and wetter in the days to come.

So what to do on cool, wet and windy kind of days?

Aside from the essentials like enough food, water, and clothing supplies just in case the weather turns from bad to worse, stock up on reading materials.

Take those dust covered pocketbooks from the shelves and give them a second chance.

Make boring days indoors into amazing reading conquests!

If you haven’t picked up a book in a while then this kind of weather is the perfect time to rekindle your love affair with the paperbacks.

Open up your cupboards and look for something to whip up in the kitchen!

This is the one I always love to do. On super rainy days, I easily get hungry which I don’t know why so I get myself out of bed and whisk my way to the kitchen and see what I can cook.

Soups are good to warm up on chilly days or a hot bowl of Champorado (rice porridge with chocolate) drizzled with condensed milk never ever fails to perk up.

How about a movie marathon? When I am holed up in my flat during torrential monsoon rains, I do movie rewinds. I suggest you do the

same! Take out all the DVDs you have at home and

watch some of your favorite flicks. I have a few romantic comedy movies that I

never get tired of watching multiple times and when it rains, it’s time for them to come alive again.

But what if you can’t help but go out on a rainy day?

Don’t fret. The rainy season is part of a natural cycle.

Embrace this wonderful phenomenon and get out to work or to school in style! You don’t have to look drab just because it is pouring cats and dogs.

Come to work in colorful ensemble and bring your own sunshine! Step out of that doorstep and wear a positive attitude.

Black umbrellas are too cliché so spice up the day with some added zing of wild prints or bold color umbrellas or hats if you’re not an umbrella type person.

I like to go to work in brightly colored outfits and the positive vibes it radiates just makes your days not bad at all. Of course, bring a dry bag or a waterproof case to put your gadgets and extra clothes, you might want to dance and sing in the rain but you got to change after.

It’s not cool to catch a cold. Expect some rain and even a string of

possible cyclones but don’t let it dampen your mood.

Let it rain on your parade and make it a good time!

Have an amazing week everyone!

July 14-20, 2014 | The Cagayan de Oro TIMES6LifeStyle Views

HAVE MY SAYKLAUS DORING

*SUNDAYS ARE “DANGEROUS” DAYS*

Every day is different. Every one of us is different. Mondays to Saturdays are usually working days for most all of us. Sunday is

a day to unwind, rewind, relax, to breath out and to belch out the heavy burdens we are carrying within the other days.

For others, Sundays are also working days.People fill up the streets, parks, beaches and

shopping malls. Eateries, restaurants, discos, and pub houses

make good money on Sundays. It is the day of money.

The loss of some is the gain of others.Sunday is an enjoyable day. Sure, but it can be

also a dangerous day.Sunday is for most of us the day, where people

come together with a certain spirit of freedom and merriment pervades during the whole day.

Try to avoid jostling and quarreling one and another and rubbing our shoulders against others!

Try it and you will see how difficult it is. Many times, misunderstandings and not necessary discussions destroy this most blessed and holy day.

What a pity!Why don't we look for the plenty advantages

that this day offers us? No, instead of this,

we lose control of ourselves, our senses, and especially our tongue.

We incite, hurt, and divide the people around us, and we divide us from them.

We use our tongue as the most dangerous part of our body and as an author of destroying, distrusting, and suspicious that brings us to the total isolation and non-communication. Our tongues force gossip.

Instead of praising and giving honor and appreciation, we use this day becoming the day of the jackal.

So, let's watch out for some great plans for this coming Sunday, and if you wish, for the whole weekend: Visit or cheer up our family.

Visit people, who are lonely or sick and can't move around. Try to read a book. Join cooking lessons or get back to the old guitar or piano...

Maybe this coming Sunday evening, you utter the groan, "That's it! SAYANG - tomorrow is Monday again! HAY NAKU!"

Maybe you don't feel well, but the desire to be on service again on Monday was enough reservoirs of strength, and the satisfaction and the fulfillment is beyond measure!

A happy weekend to all of you. Let's celebrate in good mood and with these people around, who wanted to do the same with us!

*Comments, ideas or suggestions? Feel free to contact me:

doringklaus@gmail.com <doringklaus@gmail.com> or follow me in Facebook or Twitter or visit

www.germanexpatinthephilippines.blogspot.com<http://www.germanexpatinthephilippines.blogspot.com>.*

July 14-20, 2014| The Cagayan de Oro TIMES 7Arts & Culture

Xavier Center for Culture and the Arts (XCCA) held a three-day screen-play writing workshop with Carlos

Palanca Awardee and 1998 National Centen-nial Literary winner Rodolfo “Rody” Vera on July 11-13 at Xavier University AVRs 4 and 5.

The event, participated in by budding filmmakers in Northern Mindanao and sec-ondary teachers of DepEd’s Special Program in the Arts (SPA), centered on the basic principles of screenplay writing, career pros-pects, storyline development and its format.

“The screenplay is important because it sets the vision and the foundation of the film. … It is the blueprint. It actually describes not just the genre that the film will take but also the atmosphere; it’s almost a film on print,” said Rody on the role of the screenplay in a motion picture production.

His long list of credentials include “Niño,” (directed by Loy Acenas) his first solo film script which won the Best Film at the 2011 Busan International Film Festival in South Korea, “Senyor Pasyano” won the 2nd Prize at the National Centennial Liter-ary Awards in 1998 and recently, Rody has co-written “Norte, Hangganan ng Kasaysay-an” (directed by Lav Diaz) which has reaped

several international recognitions including the Festival de Cannes’ official selection to Un Certain Regard.

On the other hand, his Palanca-winning works which deal with socio-political and historical themes were “Paalam, Sister Soledad,” “Ismail at Isabel” and the film script “Death March,” among others. He also penned the critically-acclaimed television series produced by GMA News TV, “Bayan Ko.”

Rody is currently the head of the Writer’s Bloc and one of the pioneers of the Virgin Labfest, an annual festival of fresh works for theater.

“The main reason why we set up this festival is to provide an avenue for new, orig-inal works to be recognized and to create a new generation, a new breed of playwrights who will be bankable enough in the future,” he said.

XCCA’s screenwriting workshop was also aimed at discovering and nurturing the talents and skills of aspiring playwrights coming not just from Cagayan de Oro City but also in Northern Mindanao.

Although Rody has received a rundown of accolades, when asked what is the formula for an award-winning screenplay, he can-

STEPHEN J PEDROZA

XCCA conducts

screenwriting workshop

with multi-awarded artist

Rody Veradidly answered while eliciting a laugh, “There is no formula for it.”

However, Rody said, one has to be open to revisions and criticisms. “There are instances that when I give the script to the director or to the producer, there’s a possibility that the story might be changed and sometimes it’s beyond my control.”

Rody described his workshop participants as “very responsive and willing to plunge into the writing exercises.

True enough, each of the participants wrote a short film script and had an individual cri-tiquing with Rody at the end of the event.

This introductory workshop is part of the Cultural Education Program (CEP) of XCCA’s 7th cultural season “Siete Artes” as its response to the challenge of establishing a screenplay development platform in the region.

“To complement the annual Cinemagis Digital Short Film Festival, we want to put up a series of screenplay writing development program in Northern Mindanao,” said Hobart Savior, XCCA director.

“A film is never complete without the story. Although the film is a visual language, still the visual language there lies with the screenplay.”

July 14-20, 2014 | The Cagayan de Oro TIMES8

Do you have a penchant for experimenting with colors when decorating

your home? Learn about the basics of using the right colors for your home at Primavera Residences on July 19. Primavera Residences, an eco-friendly condo complex in Uptown Cagayan de Oro, is hosting a free interior design workshop with the theme Color Basics: Choosing the Right Colors for your Home and conducted by licensed interior designer Anna Christina Sagarbarria.

Anna Christina Sagarbarria specializes in renovations and home-makeovers but also designs for retail and commercial spaces. She has designed condominium spaces, townhouses, and apartments in Cagayan de Oro as well as in Makati and Taguig.

side from learning the basics of choosing the right colors for the home, participants will also learn what their favorite colors say about their personality.

Color Basics is the second in a series of design workshops being organized by Primavera Residences in partnership with Truly Wealthy Realty Corporation, one of Cagayan de Oro's property brokers and Primavera Residences' top performing realty broker in 2013.

The event will start at 2PM. Refreshments will be served.

Primavera Residences is a mixed-use development with residential, commercial and office units for purchase and rent. Residents save as much as 20% on their energy use because of the building’s eco-friendly features such as green inner courtyard and window-shading façade.

The property has been commended by international institutions: Best Mixed-Use Development in the Philippines by the International Property Awards (2014, Kuala Lumpur); Highly Commended for Best Condo Development in the Philippines by the Southeast Asia Property Awards (2011, Singapore); and One of the Most Promising Clean Energy Opportunities in the Philippines by the Climate Technology Initiative Private Financing Advisory Network (2010, Manila).

Those interested to attend the free workshop and for inquiries about buying or renting a unit at Primavera Residences, visit www.primaveraresidences.com or call (088) 310-8173, 0917-7921078.

Also check event details at www.facebook.com/CondoPrimavera or call +63 88 880-5002.

Primavera Residences hostsfree interior design workshop

July 14-20, 2014 | The Cagayan de Oro TIMES 9

This July 19, Islands Souvenirs launches ‘I Heart CDO’ campaign together with the new store at

Centrio Mall. The second store in just two months with more underway, Islands Souvenirs’ new campaign focuses on promoting CDO and its tourism.

The launch event kicks off with a special Fashion Show that will put the brand’s bestselling shirts under the spotlight. The show features the city’s hottest models dressed in different Islands Souvenirs shirts and looks from casual to glam, sports to street and everything in between. More than just an ordinary souvenir shirt, the brand’s ‘I Heart’ line is also a fashion statement that gives the wearer the opportunity to show their pride and love for CDO. The shirts’ different colours and graphics can be mixed, matched, customised and personalised to suit different lifestyles and personalities.

The Fashion Show and Launch Event will be capped off with the introduction of Islands Souvenirs ‘I Heart CDO’ Brand Ambassadors. Catch true-blue Kagay-anons strut their stuff on the catwalk and express their pride and love for Cagayan de Oro.

“The ‘I Heart’ campaign focuses on love and pride of place. Cagayan de Oro is a great tourist destination with different kinds of attractions, adventures, places, flavors and colors that Kagayan-

ons can be proud to call their very own. The campaign gives tourists and visitors more compelling reasons to visit, taste, experience and enjoy the best of CDO,” says Jay Aldeguer Founder and CEO of The Islands Group.

The ‘I Heart CDO’ campaign features proud Kagay-anons, local CDO personalities from different walks of life including Irene Aserios, Joji Ferrer, Nicole Abas-Datayan, Chingkee Te, Gil Macaibay III, Maxine Monasterio, Desiree Lim, Jeminah Ferrer, Kyle Jennermann, Nadine Legaspi, Awi Chaves, Francis Velasquez and RB Banaag. Get to know your ‘I Heart CDO’ Brand Ambassadors better at the I Heart Cagayan De Oro Fashion Show. Don’t miss out on this exciting event!

Through the years, the brand has become the leading brand of premium-quality souvenirs in the Philippines. With over 80 outlets nationwide strategically located in the country’s top tourist destinations, Islands Souvenirs continues to strengthen its brand identity and position by giving customers a vibrant shopping experience, best-quality products at affordable prices, innovative and creative concepts, exceptional customer service and exciting events. Visit the Islands Souvenirs Store along the East Concourse of Limketkai Center and 2F of Centrio Mall. Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/Islands.Souvenirs.

INTRODUCES I HEART CDO CAMPAIGN IN SPECIAL LAUNCH EVENT AT CENTRIO MALL

July 14-20, 2014 | The Cagayan de Oro TIMES10Travel Feature

FAVOUR ESCAPADES

OSLOB’S BUTANDING - TUMALOG FALLS

The “not so good weather” last weekend was not a hindrance to my vacation in fact it was a way of travelling in faith and seeing God’s favour. I flew to Cebu on gloomy skies but no rain. Meeting my college buddies upon arrival really made me happy that I almost forgot about the weather. It took us almost Three hours of road trip before reaching our destination – Oslob but it didn’t seem that long because of the non- stop talking and laughter.

We checked in at a place called Payag ni Sebastian which was 10 – 15 minutes away from the Whale shark area. Our accommodation was not first class, it was just enough for us to get a good night’s rest but their best feature was the “infinity pool” of which you can really relax the way you want. After having dinner we decided to chill out by enjoying the sea breeze and surprisingly looked at the stars in the sky. Amazing! It was just gloomy hours before then skies cleared a bit with stars. Aside from the relaxing ambiance we also met and made friends with other tourists. That night we were surprised by a very friendly Korean guy who did chit chat

with us by asking humorous questions mostly on Tagalog songs. We asked him to sing some lines because we did not know the title of the songs he was trying to ask us. He liked mostly Jessa Zaragosa and Lani Misalucha, though he didn’t understand majority of the lyrics. We tried to explain some of the songs and he also explained some of the Korean songs that we Filipinos like. The friendly Korean guy made our night, endless laughter.

The next day, the alarm snoozed at 5:30am though we were still very tired we had to wake up for the butandings. Coffee, bread and infinity pool view were our day starters. We arrived at the whale shark area around 7:30 am and the place was already busy with tourists both foreign and local. We signed up for registration, listened to the orientation then paid the individual fee of P500 including the snorkling gadgets and lifejacket.

The whale shark “butanding” watch was good for 30 minutes so when we were in the water already we had to make most of our time. Upon seeing it up close our reaction was “it is huge” some of us got scared but we still laughed a lot. The banca guides were our photographer and helper underneath

the water of which they made the experience funny since we had problems with the life jacket because it was loose. We had to take it off so that we can go underneath. Personally I had a problem with my hair because I forgot to tie it up so many of my pictures were not good because my face was covered. Nevertheless we all had a great time and it was worth the Three hours road trip.

Who wouldn’t be hungry after the butanding adventure? We were ... So we ate at the nearby carenderia before heading to the nearby Tumalog Falls. This time we had to take the Habal – Habal (single motorcycle) because of the very steep road going to the falls.

If I were to describe the butanding experience it was exhilarating the very opposite of experiencing Tumalog Falls that was very tranquil. It was just perfect after the outburst of high energy, relaxing ourselves with the cool water of the falls and sounds of nature. In the midst of this calmness unexpected things do happen, one of my contact lens almost fell off but good thing I was able to catch it and still all of us had a good relaxing time with the tranquil Tumalog Falls.

July 14-20, 2014 | The Cagayan de Oro TIMES 11Travel Feature

LINAW PANGLAO

Almost Three years ago I had the privilege of visiting this beautiful place called Panglao and I fell in love with it and said to myself I will never get tired of coming back here.

Even with the rough sea I still dared to cross Cebu – Bohol, by that time the LPA according to the news already became a storm. Whew! Well in my mind I said to God “I’m in your hands...” I safely arrived at Tagbilaran port after 2 hours and immediately headed to Panglao a 45 minute trip from Tagbilaran. If in my place I don’t like riding in single motorcycles, there I’m always riding in one besides that it’s their primary mode of transportation it really makes me appreciate Bohol itself because I can see everything and deeply inhale the sea breeze . I have never seen individuals doing fishing using the rod at a bridge, only in Bohol.

Upon arriving at Panglao, another college buddy accommodated me and toured me around for the whole day. While catching up with our lives we had breakfast at one of the restaurants in Alona Beach. Even with the wind we still enjoyed the view of the sea and our conversation. After a few hours of rest at Cherry’s home, I was once again ready to explore Panglao. This time my college buddy brought me to the place where he is working and that is Linaw Beach Resort. From the name itself “linaw” it is indeed a peaceful place to relax, renew, and rejuvenate or di stress from city life. Most of their guests are foreigners and I think I understand why they like the place aside from the friendly staff. It’s a home away from home. It’s not cheap or expensive to stay there but I think your money will have its worth because of the accommodation. When it comes to food they are awarded either first or second by the Trip Advisor. Linaw beach resort and restaurant is just one of the best in Panglao and I’m very privileged to visit the place, it is really a paradise on earth. After the good food and great view at Linaw beach resort we headed for the busy district of Panglao and that is Alona, and

since I’m not fond of liquor my friend introduced me to Malunggay Ice cream and it tasted like heaven. How I wish there’s something like this in our place not that pricey but very nutritious. The non- stop conversation started again this time with my friend’s friends as well. Before I even noticed, it was quite late so I headed for the last stop - Nuat Thai for a whole body massage.

Why Travel?Ever since after college travel has become a yearly hobby for me,

yes I spend for it because all year long I’m also working hard and I think it is right to enjoy and relax once in awhile. Moreover it gives me the pleasure and rejuvenates me from the inside out... to put it simply it makes me breathe all the more despite life’s pressures. Seeing God’s creation continues to amaze me. His works are just indescribable. How can others think that God doesn’t exist when we can’t even fathom His works? I’m always in awe whenever I get to see the beauty of nature and all the more that I am grateful for His love and unending grace in my life.

Debbie Cabague

“No one realizes how beautiful it is to travel until he comes homeand rests his head on his own bed and old familiar pillow.”

~ LIN YUTANG

July 14-20, 2014 | The Cagayan de Oro TIMES12Feature

The Department of Foreign Affairs newest Regional Consular Office is now

open at the 3rd floor of Ayala Centrio Mall in Cagayan de Oro City. “Today, a new chapter begins as we inaugurate the newest DFA office in this part of the country,”said Rafael E. Seguis, DFA undersecretary for Civilian Security and Consular Concerns during yesterday’s opening rites held at the Centrio Activity Center. The opening rites was graced by Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez (2nd District, Cagayan de Oro) and Misamis Oriental Governor Yevgeny Vincente B. Emano. Also present were regional directors and heads of offices of local and national government agencies. “This is a testament to the DFA goal of providing quality and dedicated consular services to our people in Cagayan de Oro and neighboring provinces and regions,” Seguis said. “As we continue to develop an enhance and improve e-passport system in the near future, we are confident that the DFA office

here will be able to deliver faster and more effective services that address the needs of OFWs, businessmen, travelers, tourists and students.” “I am particularly grateful to Congressman Rufus Rodriguez and Gov. Bambi Emano for taking time off from their busy schedules to be able to grace this occasion. Thank you for being with us in this historic event. I now declare the DFA Office in Cagayan de Oro formally “OPEN FOR BUSINESS!” Seguis said the DFA Cagayan de Oro Office at Centrio is its 12th mall-based DFA office around the country as the department continues to expand its operations in the shopping malls to provide world class consular services at a convenient and accessible location. “The decision was not difficult to take to work with Ayala Land Inc. to build a first class passport office for the Kagay-anons and the people of Northern Mindanao. In fact, I am pleased to inform you that under the Public-Private Partnership arrangement, ALI is also hosting the DFA office at the Marquee

Mall in Angeles City, Pampanga and Alabang Town Center,” he added. In response, Pamela Mendez, Centrio Mall operations manager, acknowledged Ayala Land Inc’s openness to partner with the DFA for its third consular office. “This will truly make a difference in delivering more effective consular services to the public,” Ms. Mendez said. “It is also a great honor to be an exponent of the government’s innovative direction to enter into Private-Public Partnership.” She said the transfer of the Cagayan de Oro RCO to Centrio Mall is a stalwart collaboration between “our long-established yet expanding corporation and one of our administration’s service-oriented units.” In addition to making the 500 square meter space available for the new RCO, ALI also donated one unit of Toyota Innova for the use of the new CdO office. For his part, Wilfredo C. Santos, DFA assistant secretary for consular affairs, acknowledged “the good work of our Regional Consular Office

Dignitaries cut the ribbon to the new DFA Cagayan de Oro Regional Consular Office at Centrio Mall (L-R): CdO RCO OIC Pepe Macud; Asec. Wilfredo C. Santos, Pamela Mendez, Centrio Mall operations manager; Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez; Usec. Rafael E. Seguis & Misamis Oriental Gov. Bambie Emano. all photos by MIKE BAÑOS, NPN

here in Cagayan de Oro City which has been operational since 23 April 1991.” “Now, under the capable leadership of its current head, Mr. Abdurraheym S. Y. Macud, our RCO personnel are more than ready to continue providing efficient and quality service to the public,” he said. “We are particularly grateful for the presence of the Undersecretary for Civilian Security and Consular Concerns, the Honorable Rafael E. Seguis, who himself is a proud son of Mindanao, particularly hailing from Surigao del Norte.” The new Cagayan de Oro RCO is located at the 3rd floor of Ayala Centrio Mall. OIC Macud said the RCO is open from 10am-7pm from Monday to Friday and 10am-6pm on Saturday, with no noon break. Thanks to the Data Capturing Machine (DCM) there will no longer be a need for people to queue to get their priority numbers. “Theoretically the DCM can only handle 350 transactions a day but we do not see this happening anytime soon,” he said. “As of the moment, we are not yet accepting express handling of passports only regular processing which will take 30 working days and cost only P950.00” Santos said the opening of RCO Cagayan de Oro at Ayala Centrio was made in view of DFA’s commitment to offer efficient services “to those who matter most to us and whom we serve wholeheartedly: The Filipino People.” “Our Secretary of Foreign Affairs, the Honorable Albert F. del Rosario, has called us to serve the public with a smile and to reach beyond our grasp when it comes to the delivery of consular services. We wish to assure you that we will remain faithful in this task.”

DFA Centrio“Now Open for Business”

July 14-20, 2014 | The Cagayan de Oro TIMES 13

Special FeatureJuly 14-20, 2014 | The Cagayan de Oro TIMES14

It’s quite difficult to pigeonhole Ma. Aurora “Awi” Riego de Dios Garcia-Chaves as an artist: cake decorator, sugar

artist or sculptor? Ever since her creations burst into

Cagayan de Oro’s social scene barely four years ago, orders have been coming thick and fast that she and her husband Kaye “Kap” Fumar Chaves have hardly any break putting out their custom-made, completely hand-made fondant cakes on time.

Ms. Chaves “Cakeistry.cdo” makes custom made, one-of-a-kind cakes for all occasions.

“I like to believe I’m not just making cakes to last for a day but rather creating memories that will last a lifetime,” Ms. Chaves said.

And what memories they are! A quick cross-section of Awi’s creations

doesn’t quite cover the length and breadth of what she can do: a line-up of genuine sugar Longchamp Le Plaige bags made from gum paste; a moist chocolate cake with choco panels and filigrees; a Father’s Day cake for a CB/radio enthusiast; a kitchen themed cake from the Japanese anime series Nadesico complete with a hand-made 5” high doll

Sweet Dreams are made of theseAWI CHAVES’ CAKEISTRY CDO:

of AkitoTenkawa and a miniature kitchen complete with utensils, stove and oven; a 3-foot high cream cheese and mocha pound wedding cake decorated with fresh liliums; a 9-inch moist chocolate cake with an Eskimo theme complete with an igloo cream cheese pound cake and Eskimos; and a Kagay-anon classmate’s gift to her German hubby: a MAN diesel truck; who liked it so much he didn’t permit it to be eaten and brought it back with him to Germany! But you get the idea…

“Her cakes are really good, compared with things I’ve seen here and abroad,” says Carsten Radke, a professional chef from Berlin, Germany married to Kagay-anon Jennifer Abarado and owner of La Vetta, an upscale French Med resto in Limketkai Center.

Frank Peter Kliem, a visiting Konditormeister from Gottingen, Germany said, “Her work looks very good and very professional - I like this work very much and think it is a really good handmade work with really good and nice details- all together a very nice cake.”

Indeed, Awi inherited her artistic chops from her Nanay’s side, Purificacion “Purie” Riego de Dios of Cotabato City whom she first saw baking a chiffon cake and learned how to mix the batter manually in one

direction making mostly marble and chiffon cakes on her Northern Hill electric oven.

The second of 5 siblings (1 sister and 3 brothers), Awi inherited her love for cooking from her mom as well, recalling how everyone in the family cooked, and the house specialties including kare-kare, bulalo and arroz caldo.

The family moved to Cagayan de Oro in 1969 when Awi was two because her Tagalog dad Melecio “Meling” Garcia was assigned here as the operations manager of a local logging firm.

She wasn’t particularly interested in cooking and the arts during her younger days, though she recalls going the extra mile for her art projects in grade school and having a penchant for charcoal sketching, scrap books and photo albums, and home-made pizza.

In high school she recalls cooking with her gang at Lourdes College of Lani Malferrari, Malou Neri and Sandy Pedrajas as well as taking lessons from the dean of Kagay-anon cake decorators in the 1980s, Lydia Robillos of the famous Rosita’s Bake Shop.

However, she didn’t do much cooking or baking after her graduation from Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan in 1988, until she became a full-time mother to her four kids (3 girls, one boy) and wife to hubby

Special FeatureJuly 14-20, 2014 | The Cagayan de Oro TIMES 15

Kap. However, in 2008 her interest in cooking

and baking was piqued when she started reading food magazines and took baking and cake decorating lessons from Chef Ma. Erwina “Booboo” C. Maramba of the Wilton School of Cake Decorating at Pearlmont Inn.

“When I first met Awi, she was a newbie in cake decorating. Immediately, I saw a great potential in her,” recalls Chef Booboo. “First, she was never satisfied with her work, no matter how much I assured her that it was okay, considering that it was her first time. Second, she was inquisitive, always asking questions. And last but not least, she was patient, trying endlessly to perfect what she perceived to be an imperfect creation.”

But when her first fondant cake ended in disaster she didn’t touch a cake a year after that. But she took heart from the encouragement of Chef Maramba who kept on encouraging her to pursue her interest in cake decorating.

“I prodded her to give cake decorating a chance because I know talent when I see one. You either have it or you don't, and Awi has it,” Chef Maramba said. “She was just too scared to try. Thank God, she finally listened and so Cagayan de Oro is reaping the rewards. I am very proud to have started her on her journey.”

In 2009, Awi’s interest in fondant cakes

was fanned by Chef Jesuit Paul Nugas, Finally, exactly four years ago to date, she resumed her cake decorating with a wedding cake for a former employee. She posted the pic of that cake in Facebook and the social networking site took care of the rest.

High school classmate Adelfa Flores-Turner, who now lives in the US, coined the name “Cakeistry CDO” (for Cake Artistry) while her sister Ma. Theresa “Mayette” Lonergan came up with the tagline: “We transform your cake ideas into a sweet reality.”

It’s only been four years since June 2010 but already Cakeistry.cdo has delivered more than a thousand made-to-order mostly fondant one-of-a-kind cakes for all occasions. That’s around a cake every day on the average. When you consider how many man-hours it takes to come up with one, that is a monumental achievement in itself considering the artistry that goes into making one and Awi makes them practically by herself.

On the average, it takes over 48 hours to make one from conceptualization to delivery. Many times Awi’s been up till the wee hours of the morning putting the finishing touches on yet another masterpiece.

“The weather, believe it or not, is a big factor in covering cakes in fondant and decorating with cut-outs or gum paste figures, and a sudden change from warm

to wet weather can ruin your preparations,” Awi notes. To address this “climate change” issue, Kap built her a new 130 sq.m. work area annex to her dining room where all the cakes were made previously. It has a separate baking and decorating areas, the latter with climate control to enable Awi to have better control of the temperature and humidity.

Already, Cakeistry.cdo is evolving into a new direction with Awi’s “illuminated cakes”.

“It’s something doable but no one dared to venture doing,” she notes.”I wanted something positive and bright so I came up with the idea of a ‘chandelier’ cake.” Since making the first one, orders have been coming thick and fast that she has hardly been able to cope up with the orders. Nevertheless, she is happy other cake decorators have picked up the trend and are now also filling in the gap.

But illuminated cakes are just the next step in the evolution from Cakeistry’s fondant cakes. Awi says she has so many ideas she can’t put them all down which is why she always stays up late.

“I have never wanted to be ordinary. Rather, I want to set the standard and start a trend!”

With the way her loyal customers keep coming back for more, it’s safe to say Cagayan de Oro’s reputation as the artistic center of Northern Mindanao, in cake sculpturing at least, is in safe hands.

MIKE BAÑOS, Editor-at-Large

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JULY 26, 2014Awards Night to be held at Centrio Mall

Cagayan de Oro City

A MINDANAO-WIDE SEARCH FOR:

n OUTSTANDING ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR (Mega & Medium)n OUTSTANDING BUSINESS LEADERS (Individual & Corporate Category) in the Fields of: - Agri-business - Banking & Finance, - Alternative Energy Dev’t/ - Transport Industry - Health Food Production - Housing & Realty Dev’t; - - Hotel & Resorts Industry

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:1. Individual & Company/Establishment nominators shall fill up Nomination Forms available on-line at

the Sponsors Website, or the printed page of Businessweek Mindanao and Mindanao Daily issues or may be mailed if requested, from the Awards Secretariat.

2. Nominees or candidates in various categories shall be nominated by an individual, organization or group or the Local Government Units (LGUs)

3. Nominations shall be accompanied by the ff documents which can be mailed, or emailed to the awards secretariat not later than April July 15, 2014.

4. Brief Resume and History of the Nominee (Individual or Firm) and - Photos (at least 3) ; Nomination Form ; Documentary evidence such as certificates, awards or citations

SELECTION PROCESS:The Board of Judges shall be composed of known personalities from the Media, Business Community, the Academe, and select government institutions invited by the Awards Secretariat- Entry forms and documents shall be furnished to each of the five judges - Entries shall be published in the BWM & MDB and other newspapers - Results of the Selection Process shall be published in newspapers and other media outlets . Awardees shall be personally informed by the Secretariat thru mail, or email

RATIONALE OF THE PROJECT- The achievements of various Mindanao business leaders and entrepreneurs need to be recognized, not only by government institutions and social awards bodies but from the media as well. - BusinessWeek Mindanao as a forerunner of information on the various business leadership and entrepreneurial strides of Mindanaoans deems it as a part of its social responsibility to trumpet such achievements for others to emulate and thus propel a Mindanaoan consciousness in every economic and business stakeholder, whether small or great, the responsibility to help Mindanao achieve sustainable development of its economy.

MISSION & VISION OF THE AWARDSThe holding of BWM Awards annually would serve as catalyst for a continued and concertedeffort of business leaders and entrepreneurs to seek greater heights and strive for success in the noble mission of propelling Mindanao and its people towards full economic growth and sustainable development.

For inquiries Contact:DANTE M. SUDARIA, Chairman ALLAN MEDIANTE, Exec. Director

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