Lollyland in La Carlota in this Christmas Seasons

Why the City of La Carlota becomes sweet in this year's Christmas seasons?

Lollyland in La Carlota

Christmas time is already in the small city of La Carlota. It has kicked off by the opening of lights for this year's Christmas Festival of lights.

A great number of people from all walks of life thronged at the public plaza to witness the momentous opening of this yuletide festivity.

Lights are pervading the entire plaza. They are illuminating all standing trees there assigned to respective government agencies, schools, and civic organizations. It pays to stay there with all the family members to be entertained by the songs and dances of various Christmas songs medley every night.

'Halad kay Kang-Laon' : 1st Mt. Kanlaon National Park Festival held by La Carlota

All roads led to Sitio Guintubdan, Brgy, Ara-al, La Carlota City on August 11 for the first Mt. Kanlaon National Park Festival as "Halad kay Kang-Laon" (Offerings to Kang-Laon). Its theme was "Pag-amlig sa Dungang Manggad para sa Kaayuhan sang Katawhan" (To Protect the Natural Resources for the Good of the People).

The City Tourism of La Carlota had initiated to celebrate this festival to give honor and respect to Haring Laon or Kang Laon as the great protector and provider of the natives who lived long time ago in the said volcano. And also this is to boost tourism industry in the said place which the neighboring towns and cities could benefit too.

According to local history or local legend, Kanlaon or Canlaon is an ancient name of a Visayan god. It is idolized by the natives as their highest Ruler. The natives did highly esteemed by worshiping him as "One who is the Ruler of Time".

The volcano is where the said Ruler stayed wherein native priests and priestesses visited and did some rituals and some offerings of their good harvest as tokens of their gratefulness and respect. Some other versions of this legend had been handed by the natives to one generation to the other.

Elder Plarao, One-Handed Missionary Completes Mission with Honor

President Plarao

I know a true latter-day saints know the importance of doing a missionary work. They know it in doing so for they've done their part in fulfilling one of the 3-fold mission of the Church, and that's to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

But what about if you're unable to do it due to a handicap or physical disability, can you do the missionary work? In one of our leadership meeting with the Church leaders, if a member is disabled and wanted to spread the Gospel in doing the missionary job like the full-time missionary is doing in the field, by his honest and willing desire he is already doing it  and he doesn't need to go out anymore to fulfill it.

On the other hand, if you're partially handicap, like the one I know from La Castellana Branch. He is Bro. Angelo Plarao who has no right hand which was amputated due to firecracker accident when he was 14 years old. His Branch President, the late Rogie Belarmino encouraged him to go out for a mission in spite of that handicap. Bro Angelo responded approvingly. He never hesitated or had a second thought "because all circumstances and problems have their own worth of purpose" in which he strongly believes it.

Students' Reactions to Olive Tree Allegory

I am handling the Institute of Religion class of the La Carlota First Branch every Saturday and we're in the 4th week of our classes. This is one of the educational programs of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We're deliberating on the spiritual significance of the Olive Tree as mentioned in the  12th verse of the 15th Chapter of 1st Nephi of The Book of Mormon and the 13th verse which specified those kind of people to bring back those who have been lost.

Before, they expressed their thoughts on the central message which the Olive Tree has signified. They grouped themselves into two and did an actual grafting of the croton plants of various. They're given enough time to complete their grafting activity.

Last Camp Fire for Sir Romeo Toda

Scouts and scouters coming from the City of San Carlos, Sagay, Talisay, Bago, Binalbagan, Himamaylan, Kabankalan, and La Carlota paid the last tribute to Sir Romeo B. Toda's last camp fire conducted by the Negros Occidental Council, Boy Scout of the Philippines in a 2-hour heartbreaking simple rites.

Best Tatay (Father), Am I?

Today is Father's Day. What's it in store for me, especially from my children?

The Fathers in our family: ltr-Papa Tipoy, Toto Jun, Papa Almon, Papa Dondon, and Tatay Gilbor

I have six children. Four of them are married. They've their job to support their family. Only my 2nd daughter and the youngest daughter are single. We've raised them through thick and thin. At least we've not failed them. We've sent them to school. We've raised them according to the "nurture and admonition of the Lord".

In this special day for all fathers, our children have shown their thoughtfulness by sharing me inspiring  messages and words of gratefulness. My wife, Rebing and I are so happy about it. We've nothing to give them in return but to be proud and be happy and to continue or to edify our family relationship for we believe that family could be together forever.

Revisiting Talisay 'Ruins' after 6 years

A second look to the noted "Taj Mahal of Negros Occidental" - the Ruins in Talisay. The oldest ruins in Negros Occidental. It has been recognized as the highest art form of a magnificent architectural design based on "structural strength and stability, lasting function and flexible use, and beauty in its distinctive details"

The new set of "ruiners" excluding the tricycle driver, Almon, my son-in-law and me visited for the first time the "fascinating ruins of the world. These eager and curious "ruiners" were composed of my wife, Rebecca, our smart granddaughter, Sophie; Carissa, my daughter-in-law and her siblings: Zarah, Mae An, Eron, and her nephew, Elyan.

My wife and me

It was six years ago that I paid a visit to this "Ruins. It was a half-day morning tour to the ruins of mansion of  Italianate architecture of the sugar baron, Don Mariano Ledesma Lacson (1865-1948) in Talisay City on December 11, 2011.

The group was composed of  the newly wed couple, Ricalyn Camporazo (blogger's granddaughter) and Glenn Salas,; Nidabel with her daughter Ara, Marzon Oceña, Bebing (blogger's nephew), Gingging (blogger's 2nd eldest daughter), and Grace Nicor, a friend. As first timer visitors, they curiously inspected the historical remnants of the building which was considered as the Taj Mahal of the Philippines in Negros Occidental. They were all amazed of the engineering features of the ruins.

35th Birthday of 'Strongest Woman' An An

Our third elder daughter is celebrating her 35th birthday, January 15. How our wish that we could celebrate with her when she's around with us for she's working abroad. Anyway, we are all stay happy and join with her to celebrate her birthday by sending her birthday greetings and wishes through her social media page. Her friends don't miss in greeting her too.

Reminiscence of 2011 First Family Outing

My family is the best associate, companion I ever have. I thank God for this wonderful family I have had. This is one of the things I treasure most. For good times and bad times, the members of my family are there to be with me to inspire and strengthen me. I'm thankful that family can be forever and we can be together for time and eternity.

My wife and I sharing foods

Year 2011 is another opportunity to nurture and rear up my family in the Lord's way. We welcome year 2011 and thank the Lord for the blessings He has given us in any form and situation. Thus we strengthen our family in anyway and by going out in the beach for the first time in the New Year is a realization of this gratefulness to our Father in heaven.

With this particularly kind of family bonding in going out to the beach, we had already commenced and would do it again and again in the following year and even in the years to come.

We reiterate that family is so important for us. It makes our life worth living because of our family especially in taking care of our children's future. We could have a better position in doing so if we are united, if we are one as inspired by the Lord's work and purpose for making our family together forever.

CAMPORAZO FAMILY: 2017 Family Bonding at Soleo Beach

This is already the 3rd time that we spend this new year at the said beach. We have started this family outing in 2013, This is our family tradition that in January 1 we spend our quality time to the beach to welcome the New Year in another family activity like outing at Soleo beach, San Enrique, Neg. Occ., PH. This is to continue our thanksgiving that aside from New Year's eve we have our family get-together to have some fun with children, grandchildren and in-laws, family dinner, and family prayer.

PICTORIAL ESSAY

A. At New Year's Eve

As we formally are bidding a grateful goodbye to 2016 and we happily welcome the New Year 2017, we do some revelries on the street, family prayer and eating the New Year's eve dinner with full of thanksgiving in our hearts to our Great Divine Providence that we're able to get through the challenges of 2016.

Jalandoni: 'Let's Unite'

"Let's unite!" - Jalandoni

"Let's unite" - simple and humble message of Mayor Jacky Jalandoni II during the opening of the traditional festival of lights and music of the small city of La Carlota. Christmas is a season for every Mangkasanon to unite for the continuous development and progress of the city in terms of economic, political, religious, and social as pointed out by Mayor Jalandoni.

La Carlota City is considered now a burgeoning among the component cities in the Negros Occidental. The small city is proud to claim that there are mall and mart are already in place to cater to the needs of the people in terms of foods, household needs, grocery, office and school supplies, shoes and apparel, among others. They are as follows Lopue's Department Store, Amar Emporium, Lucky 99, Lai Hoc, Prince Hypermart, and KJ Fairmart. Fastfoods are Jollibee, Merzci, and Foodman.

Prayer for Bryan's 14th Birthday

Grandpa's prayer for the 14th birthday of his grandson to beseech the Lord to grant him the wisdom of the Lord and to be an effective missionary in the Lord's vineyard and their family would be together forever as inspired by the kid's birthday.

Praying for the birthday

The Prayer

As his grandpa, I offered a prayer for him before his simple birthday party took place.

"Our Father in Heaven, we are happy as we gather together here as a family for the celebration of Toto Bryan's 14th birthday.

"We beseech Thee, O Lord that Thou mayest bless Toto Bryan of Thy wisdom,

"That he may be an example to anyone as a true believer of Christ by fulfilling his duties and responsibilities as priest holder of thy Church,

"That he may be protected and guided in his studies in accordance with Thy will and purpose for his life,

Thank You, Lord of 'Making Us Feel Brand New'

I am indeed feeling myself of being "brand new" for your thoughtfulness on my 65th birthday. I appreciate such spirit uplifting gesture coming from you for being a part in your life and what I have done in my most humble way of serving you and  kept our friendship burning.

My wife and I are very much thankful for your greetings and also to those who have given us a "minute" gift of love especially to our children, grandchildren.

To recognize such wonderful thoughts, I have the following screenshots  from those well wishers and greeters on my 65th birthday on October 13, 2016. These greetings are  published on my personal Facebook account and on DepEd ICT Coordinators page in FB which I managed and administered:

Mural Paintings Single Out La Carlota City in Tourism

image by Mike Gonzales/Wikipedia

The small city of La Carlota in Negros Island Region has a lot of beautiful places and natural spots to attract tourist all over the country and even the world. Recently the city observed the 3rd week of September as the tourism week with series of activities which may include the following a quiz for the elementary and secondary public and private schools, mural painting contest, immortal inspired (pictures), and "costumize" corner chair making,

New to this activity is mural painting contest. Sixteen talented artists of the city participated in the 2-day painting tilt. The participating contestants used the acrylic paint as their medium materials for painting. They used the perimeter fence of the Pax Academy, a private school serves as their canvas for the painting.

Since this contest is first ever that ever introduced as one of the contests in the observance of City Tourism Week, the tourism office hopes that by next year competition would be participated in by the talented boys and girls of the 23 elementary schools and 5 high schools.

Teachers, It's a Job Well Done!

My last class observation of ,my teachers in Balabag Elementary School, Division of La Carlota City for I have two more days to go before I take my official 15-day  leave before I retire on October 14. I take this great opportunity to observe my 5 teachers.

The first teacher I observe is Mr. Ronaldo C. Valdevieso. He is teaching the subtraction of decimal numbers with zero as the placeholder. He gives 5 examples for the seatwork of his grade 5 class after his lesson presentation.

Let's Pray as the Lord Prays

Jesus prayed, “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.”

I know many of us here have a different manner of praying, of communicating to the Lord for whatever purpose we have in need, in mind. I am citing here Jesus Christ, for He is the great exemplar of righteousness.  Since the time that I was converted to the LDS Church, I have kept and followed these 5 simple steps in prayer.
Read more ---> Let's Pray as the Lord Prays

Earthquake Drill Makes School Goers Alert, Confident

by Gil Camporazo

Not only the students and pupils of the school are prepared and ready for a natural disaster like earthquake, but the loss of lives may be prevented if they know what to do during the earthquake as pointed out by the Balabag Elementary School principal after the conduct of an earthquake drill to join the entire country of Mass Earthquake Drill which is done by the school and other government agencies simultaneously this morning.

The Balabag Elementary School in the Division of La Carlota City, Negros Island Region through its School Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (SDRRM) headed by the School Head, Mr. Gilbor I. Camporazo with the cooperation of  Brgy. Balabag Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (BDRRM) headed by Punong Brgy. Joel Rumbines conducted the earthquake drill on June 22, 2016 in line with the 2nd Quarter National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill 2016.

Do I Deserve to Be Happy?

by Gil Camporazo

Father's Day is a tradition among the Americans and likewise with the Filipinos. It is observed every 3rd Sunday of June. Children, grandchildren, and even wives keep this momentous day to honor fathers for their exemplary contribution to their family and to the community where they live.

According to history, it was on July 5, 1908, when the first Father's Day was observed in Fairmont, West Virginia as a result of Anna Jarvis' promotion of Mother's Day in Grafton, West Virginia. It was only a local celebration in that particular place in West Virginia.

Pamilya Brigada Effective in Brigada Eskwela

by Gil Camporazo

Ready for Opening of Classes

Brigada Eskwela 2016 has put our humble school ready for the opening of classes on June 13. Our thanks and appreciation go to our active and supportive stakeholders spearheaded by our Punong Brgy. Joel Rumbines. The involvement of parents, particularly the 4Ps beneficiaries and recipients, and the youths as well. The teachers are also duly acknowledged.

Three La Carlota LDS Undergoing Hands-on Cooking

by Gil Camporazo

The Interns

Three members of The Church of  Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) of La Carlota City have undergone hands-on training in cooking at the Mama Linda's Inato BBQ and Seafoods Haus in Cebu recently.

Ronie Estardo, Arlene G. Malacaman, and Cristina Millado travel to Cebu to undergo their internship. They were met by Randy Pino, their internship coordinator on the first day. And they were met by Mary Ann, the owner of the Mama Linda's Inator BBQ and Seafoods Haus on the 2nd day.

ML Master Chef John instructed them on the basic foods preparation. They were asked on what menu they were going to prepare and cook.

Malacaman cooked soup no. 5, Lantiaw. Millado did her salted shrimp. And Estardo tackled the crispy, boneless Bakasi menu. MC John supervised them while they're cooking.