DENR: Watch Out, Your Souls and Your Body is in Danger

I just heard the news that the DENR has already authorized mining companies to explore some (read mostly) areas in Guimaras. This is an utter disregard for nature, livelihood and human life. According to what I heard, nearly 1/3 of the island will be under exploration by mining companies. These companies are not even based in Visayas but somewhere in Metro Manila. I hope the storm signal #2 will wipe them in smithereens.

Before I continue, let me tell you about exploration. It's not mining per se but close. When they say they'll simply "explore" they will dig holes to look for possible minerals they can use. When there's mineral to be found - they will mine with gusto. That means they will practically place a hole in the highly sensitive island. Guimaras is just a small island and any drastic change will literally destroy the island.

Apparently, you just have to appease the higher authorities to mine any area in the country. This is very sad because I just wanted to have a fence in my front yard and I need to talk to the Brgy. Captain about this. The mining companies? No Siree, they can just get anyone in DENR to sign and they are clear to do whatever they want. Governor Nava can only beg for mercy regarding the exploration. I was partly smiling when the reporter urged the local people to do drastic and nearly fatal actions just to stop these people. This makes sense because the mining companies are protected by the STUPID STUPID LAWS OF THE LAND REGARDING MINING.

There are two people who will definitely burn in hell for this fiasco. Sorry, but if millions of Guimarasnons will suffer because of mining, this will be YOUR FAULT.

* DENR Secretary Lito Atienza - Sir, this is practically a pleading from the people in the Visayas. Stop the mining in a very small island that will have no bearing to them. Remember what I say THEY - the local people of Guimaras will never earn anything. Jobs? What Jobs? The danger of mining is not worth the money you give them. Guimarasnons are content with their nature and doing the best on their own to improve. Drilling a hole in the ground will disrupt and end their source of clean water, source of food and lives.

* The Regional Director of DENR in Region 6 - Sir, having allowed these people to destroy such as a small and sensitive island is not just a sin against the people but a sin against God. I hope you have a religion that believes in Karma because bad things happen to bad people...'nuff said.

For the people of Guimaras, my prayers are with you...now if we can just stop mining in the Northern part of Iloilo everything would be better.

Yanggaw and Wanted: Boarders

One of the hottest indie film today is title "Yanggaw"." For many Ilonggos, the story is just too real: a story on how a person can end up with the curse in his or her body. I haven't watched it yet but I have heard enough stories about ghosts and goblins. As an Ilonggo, this story is just another story - but a terrifying one because it can happen in my neighborhood.

Another Ilonggo movie is coming out and I just saw the trailer. Titled "Wanted: Boarder" the film is starred by Rosanna Roces and it was filmed right here in Iloilo: Guimbal and Miag-ao. For those who haven't been in these towns, these are among the most popular towns in the South simply because of its rich history. Miag-ao stands the most because of the historic church that's a UNESCO heritage site.

It's a bit strange to think that the next Ilonggo movie is another story about "aswangs." But when a person says he or she is from Iloilo, the idea of "Dueñas" and "Dumangas" comes to mind. Our popularity is not the same as Capiz but these towns are known to be scary. I have also heard stories about these towns and I can assure you - "Yanggaw and Wanted: Boarder" is just a tip of the iceberg.

I don't mean to scare you. What I really want to emphasize is that the rich storytelling tradition in my town is still alive. The stories on how my grandmother and great grandmother and father survived in our small town is still in me. There are also countless stories of "experience" told by many men that seemed to validate the existence of such individuals.

If you ask me, I don't know if they are true or not true...but I got to tell you - a story told often is often a story that should not be forgotten.

Happy Halloween!