PANDI ROCKS PURPLE HAZE!

As promised, the Pandi Battle of the Bands (PBOB) Grand Winner ATE KUROT, was given a chance to perform in one of Metro Manila's hottest rock joint, PURPLE HAZE in Tomas Morato, Quezon City last January 16, 2008. The BUZZ COCKS who also joined them wowed the crowd with their pure love for music. Salute to these kids because aside from being amazing musicians, these 15-year olds are A students as well. Like what Cookie Chua stressed last PBOB, music is an outlet for the youth these days but they should never neglect their education, which should be given priority. Pandi Tourism Council Chairman Dr. Rachel Oca was also on hand to support the bands on their debut gig.

Other bands who performed were ALAKPA, YOSHA, FMD (which stands for Foot and Mouth Disorder) and EARTHLINGS, upcoming pride of Malabon. ATE KUROT and DAMALEDARIAN were nervous at first but loosened up once they were on stage, making beautiful music for the crowd.

Thru this experience, the amateur rock bands hopefully gained some insights and precious experiences in different aspects, to guide them in their future endeavors. It is the dream of TalentoPandi organizers to see these young bands develop their talents further, create their own style of music, and be recognized.

Asenso, mga KaPandi!!

BUZZ COCKS performs in a jam-packed PURPLE HAZE (Wonderful audience too!)

PBOB Grand Champion ATE KUROT



The Ska music of EARTHLINGS liven up the crowd to a different beat

JR Oca of ALAKPA plays junk (jazz and funk) music, here with Isko of FMD



The soulful music of YOSHA wrapped up the night

---- by Jo-G Naldoza

Sigaw ng Kabataan: PBOB 2007

"Music is a beautiful universal language that binds you and me."

True enough, as the first Sigaw ng Kabataan: Pandi Battle of the Bands 2007 was held last December 30, 2007 at the Pandi Sports Complex, all KaPandis were jamming and slamming as they watched local young and aspiring musicians rock the night. The bodega-inspired stage completed the grunge theme of the PBOB.

The guest judges: Cookie Chua of Color it Red, Chris Padilla of Hilera and Reli de Vera of Sinosikat?. Guest host was Isko of FMD, joined by our very own local youth Gem Santos, who did good on her debut hosting. The guest musicians were all impressed by the young but very talented bands that night. ATE KUROT nailed their performance and took home the Grand Prize, while the very young but equally talented DAMALEDARIAN placed second, and the wittily named band BOBO THE WISEMAN placed third. Individual Awards were also given --- brothers Roylan, Roman and Ramon Dumangan of Ate Kurot bagged the Best Drummer, Best Bassist, and Best Vocalist respectively. 15-year old Calvin Guevarra who played by heart, took home the Best Guitarist Trophy. The judges gave a surprise performance with former Vice Mayor Atty. Noel Roxas on Bass, JR Oca and Chris Padilla on guitars, Reli on Drums and Cookie Chua with her powerful voice sang the classic soulful song "Chain of Fools". It was definitely a rare treat for the youth of Pandi! A first in Pandi again!

PBOB was organized by JR Oca as the first leg of the Talento Pandi Festival in cooperation with the Pandi Tourism Council, Asenso, Pandi! of Mayor Bobby Oca, Tau Gamma Phi Pandi Council and the Sangguniang Kabataan of Poblacion. This program aims to help the Pandi Tourism Council in promoting our town by encouraging our talented KaPandis to develop and share their talents and eventually be recognized not only in Pandi but in other places as well. Music, arts, fashion, theater, and photography are just some of the aspects Talento Pandi Festival aims to develop by organizing future competitions, seminars and trainings for our KaPandis. Let us encourage our youth to dream big, take the clean path, and go for that dream!

Big big thank you to all the sponsors!:

>Maracelli Institute of Technology Caregiver School

>Pharmacare
>Bodega ng Bayan
>Jella Furnitures
>Rivera Farm
>Pandi Caltex Gasoline Station
for supporting the event despite the short notice.

For more pictures and information, here's the link to the PBOB site:
http://talentopandifestival.multiply.com

--- by Jo-G Naldoza

"serve to save"

January 15, 2007 marked the blessing of the new medical building of the Philippine Coast Guard with no less than Dr. Ted Esguerra, Philippine Mt. Everest Expedition Team Physician, leading the PCG medical staff on this affair --- it has been a dream come true! Congrats, Doc. Ted! One achievement after another!

Um... what's next...?!?


Prior to the actual blessing of the facility, a short program was held at the PCG conference room were plaques of recognition were distributed to guests.

Drs. Tom and Yolanda Stern of One World Institute turned over their donations ----- wheelchairs for several chosen recipients. Luckily, one of those was the Municipality of Pandi, thru the recommendation of Dr. Esguerra.

I went back bringing 3 wheelchairs with me: one for the members of the Associated Workers' Union, and two for Pandi, Bulacan --- one of which will be turned over to the Municipal Health Office for use at the Emergency Services Unit, and one to be given to a cerebral palsy child patient who lives in Poblacion, Pandi.

Thank you, doctors! We would be glad to have you visit us in Pandi!