Eight school representatives showcased their talents in the first Search for Campus Heartthrob, Big Brother-Ambassador of Goodwill,  at the event center of SM City in Bacolod, Saturday,  a press release from organizers said.

The search is aimed at raising funds for the advocacy programs of Bantay Bata 163 Negros, and in cooperation with ABS-CBN, MOR Bacolod 101.5 For Life, and other corporate sponsors.                  

School representatives and their presentations were: Technical University of the Philippines-Talisay  (Ed Montealegre) -- tribal dance; Carlos Hilado Memorial State College-Talisay (Neil Joane Kilayko) -- interpretation of Michael Jackson’s “Heal the World” song; John B. Lacson College Foundation Inc. (Joseph Buenaflor)   – martial arts techniques; Colegio San Agustin          (Kevin Jimenez), La Consolacion College (Bryan Baguios) University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos          (Lloyd Mibato), and Visayan Maritime Academy-Global College          (Jules Jara) -- all in Bacolod – dance; and West Negros University (ER Lontes) – Erik Santos’ winning song “This is the Moment,” the press release said.

The winner will be announced on the final night, 5 p.m. March 13 at SM event center.

Organizers, meanwhile, are also looking for donors to drum up its Bantay Bata advocacies and other cause-oriented programs. Donations may be coursed through at the respective school office of student services, the press release added.*

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AAB schedules
series of activities

The Art Association of Bacolod-Negros is gearing up for several major shows and competitions this year starting with a group exhibit at the Negros Museum in Bacolod City entitled “Dagway Sang Babaye” which opens  March 17 and runs until April 5.

The show, in celebration of the March Month of Women, aims to be an artistic tribute to women and their role in different aspects of society and as some of the beautiful creations of God, a press release from the group said.

The group, led by AAB-Negros president Nunelucio Alvarado and founder Edgardo “Budot” Lizares, will participate in the Diamond Jubilee of the Diocese of Bacolod with the San Sebastian Cathedral as subject of a group show tentatively scheduled on April 2, it added.

The works will be exhibited at the right belfry and choir loft of the church which will be converted into a walkway museum, the release said. The show will be entitled “Simbalay,” the name means house of God and house of men, especially the poor, it said.

The release said AAB is also scheduled to exhibit starting April 1 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. The works will again proclaim the vitality of the Negrense art community.

The group will also participate over the coming GSIS national painting competition which was officially launched last February 20 at the GSIS Museum in Pasay City, it added.

This year, AAB has been invited by the Philippine Consulate in Athens, Greece, as part of the June celebration of the Philippine Independence Day, to hold an exhibit entitled “Kadalag-an, Kahilwayan, Kauswagan,” scheduled June 7-15, the release said.

The show, that will showcase the rich socio-cultural heritage of the Negrenses and  the beauty of their island, will travel to other Greek cities in a 3-month arts festival, it added.*

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Reflexology seminar
set in Bacolod City

A reflexology seminar by the Dawis Kinderhome Inc., in cooperation with the Madrigal Foundation, will be held March 10-14, in Bacolod City, a press release from organizers said.

The project is aimed at helping improve the lives of every Negrense family, by finding some new avenue for livelihood.

Aside from the Department of Social Welfare and Development and other various non-government organizations, the activity is open to interested individuals who would like to learn more on the latest in the field of reflexology from a Manila-based expert.

DKI, an NGO, has been serving at least 100 children every year, by supporting their educational needs, enhancing their preparation to socio-cultural and spiritual development, for the last 28 years, the press release said.

It implements socio-economic programs through organizing parents in the community to be more productive.

Only 60 slots are available in the training, and those interested may visit the DKI office at No. 36 Villarosa Compound, Lizares Avenue, Bacolod, or call Tel. No. 476-2004, the press release added.*

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GAD council elects officers

The Bacolod City Gender and Development Council elected its officers recently, a press release from Councilor Jocelle Batapa-Sigue, who was again chosen as chairperson, said.

Also elected were Brgy. 18 Captain Madeline Diaz - vice chairperson, Brgy. 12 Kagawad Virgie Timtiman - secretary, Pacita Adeva - assistant secretary, Gloria Tajanlangit - treasurer, and Councilor Kevin Daniel Ramos - information and liaison officer.

Executive Board members are Kagawads Emelda Banguanga (Brgy. 2), Rodolfo Berondo (Brgy. Vista Alegre), Ninfa Hortillosa (Brgy. 1), Elizabeth Katalbas (Alijis), and Juliet Serrano (Mandalagan), Captains Myrna Obligar (Brgy. 27), Eduardo Tan (Brgy. 23), and Marianito Yelo (Brgy. 35), the press release said.

Elected non-government organizations were Visayan Forum Foundation Inc., Gabriela-Negros, Young Women’s Christian Association, HOPE Foundation and the Babayi Artists Group.

Committees formed were arts and culture, youth and sport development, senior citizens, health and nutrition, women’s rights and child protection, social services, livelihood and economic development, and environment.

The council is promoting policies in line with national guidelines, including the Gender and Development Code of Bacolod City; and has pushed various ordinances such as the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Ordinance, Household/Domestic Workers/Kasambahay Ordinance, Informal Sector Worker Ordinance and recently, the Anti-Child Labor Ordinance, the press release added.*

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