MILAGROSONG KALABAW

'Miracle' town's claim to fame is carabao's milk in caramel 

By Jonas Cabiles Soltes 

TERESITA Cervantes and her caramelado

JOEY CO 

MILAGROS, Masbate--Legend has it that Saint Peter walks on the beach of this quaint town 22 kilometers west of Masbate City and can be seen doing so on a clear day. This is why the place was named “Milagros,” the Spanish word for miracles.

But the creature that brought so much wonders here is not Saint Peter’s supposed favored animal—the rooster—but the carabao.

The carabao is the beast of burden for many of the town’s 44, 575 residents, many of whom are farmers although townsfolk subsist primarily on fishing in the Asid Gulf.

Aside from being work animals, carabaos here also provide fresh milk that has been the main ingredient of the town’s most famous fare: caramelado, milk curd in caramel.

Claim to fame

Caramelado has not only made the town famous. It has also provided livelihoods to poor residents for years.

How the native fare alleviated the plight of residents is evident in Barangay Bacolod, which lies in the junction of the paved roads that lead to the town proper of Milagros and to the neighboring towns of Mandaon and Balud.

In this village, many of the residents earn a living by cooking caramelado, which are sold in the crossroad to commuters and tourists, most of whom would intentionally go to the road intersection just to avail of the sweet-tasting native delicacy.

One of those who have earned a living by cooking caramelado is Teresita Cervantes, 67, who learned the trade from her late grandmother.

“Cooking [caramelado] takes hard work. You are exposed to fire. And it’s tiring to the arms since you would have to endure hours of stirring so the milk curd will not be burnt. And while stirring, you cannot leave or the curd will be toasted,” said Cervantes.

The enterprising Cervantes, who moonlights as laundrywoman, has been cooking caramelado for the last 20 years in her house beside rice fields and rolling hills and pastures here.

Through cooking the milky white concoction, she has helped her husband—who passed away in 1995—raise their 10 children, all grownups now.

Preparation

The first step in preparing caramelado is milking a carabao. The right time to milk a carabao is when the calf starts to eat grass. Or fresh milk could just be bought from carabao owners at P20 per bottle.

Carabao’s not cow’s milk is used because it is thinner and does not easily curdle.

Eight bottles of milk has to be mixed with one-half kilogram of refined (white) sugar. Then the mixture is boiled until it curdles.

While the milk with sugar is boiling, there is a need to constantly stir the mixture.

The resulting curd becomes the caramelado—ready to be rolled over by a bottle and cut into small thin bars and wrapped with cellophane and white wax paper.

“I mix only a small amount of sugar so the caramelado would retain its milky flavor. Yes, less sweet caramelado does not sell much but I prefer to stick to the original way of cooking it,” said Cervantes.

Packaging

If there’s one thing that she has learned from the changing times, it’s that she should package the caramelado in such a way that it would be appealing to customers.

So despite her resolve to stick to the olden ways of cooking caramelado, Cervantes has started to sell caramelado bars, delicately wrapped in white wax paper, in translucent plastic containers, as what the others in the village have been doing.Each plastic container with 30 bars inside sells at P100.

(Shelf life of caramelado bars is about one week. The milk curd needs to be toasted a little so the shelf life of caramelado bars will be one month.)

Peak season

During the peak season for selling caramelados — the summer and Christmas season—Cervantes would have sales of P3,000 to P10, 000 a day..

Like her, many of the residents that sell caramelado in the road intersection here earn good money only when tourists arrive during the holidays.

INSTALLATION

Pope installs new Bishop of Masbate
By Jonas Cabiles Soltes

MASBATE CITY --- The Holy See through Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines Giuseppe Pinto, representative of Pope Benedict XVI, formally appointed the new Bishop of Masbate on Tuesday (September 6).

In a gathering of Church and political leaders that included Caceres Archbishop Leonardo Z. Legaspi, Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma and Masbate Governor Rizalina Seachon-Lanete, Monsignor Jose B. Bantolo, formerly vicar general of the Diocese of San Jose in Antique province, was formally appointed to head the island province’s 704, 000 Catholics.

Bantolo succeeded Bishop Joel Z. Baylon, who was installed as Bishop of Legazpi in 2009. Baylon was also present in the ceremonies.

He becomes the third Bishop of Masbate, following in the footsteps of the late Bishop Porfirio R. Ilagan, and Baylon.

The Diocese of Masbate, which is coextensive with Masbate province, has not had a bishop since Baylon took over the leadership of the Diocese of Legazpi, which is coextensive with Albay province.

Bartolo was born in Guisijan village in Laua-an, Antique and was ordained priest in 1986.

He became the rector of St. Peter’s Seminary in 1988 and the president of St. Anthony’s College in 2007. Both schools are in Antique province.

Fr. Leo Casas, executive director of the Social Action Center of the Diocese of Masbate, said Bishop Bantolo did not give lengthy message but just thanked all the persons who had been instrumental in his vocation including his family and his former parishioners in Antique province.

OVERRATED. ^^

Peñafrancia fever is here! 

By Shiena M. Barrameda and Juan Escandor Jr. 

NAGA CATHEDRAL AND PORTA MARIAE. Home of Ina for the 9-day vigil. 

NAGA CITY ---Religious fervor heats up for the Bicol Patroness, Our Lady of Peñafrancia or Ina, with the traslacion procession kicking off this Friday to start the religious activities and culminate in a fluvial procession on the eve of the 9th day of the novenario that will officially close the tercentenary celebration of the devotion introduced here in 1710.

Unique to the homegrown devotion to Ina, the traslacion evolved with the growth of devotees over the years which required the transfer of the image of Ina to bigger venue, from Peñafrancia Shrine to the Metropolitan Cathedral.

The transfer of the image of Ina and Divino Rostro, from the shrine to the cathedral, is penitential in character with barefoot all-male devotees participating.

Believed started during the colonial period at the incumbency of Bishop Francisco Gainza, the traslacion was said to end self-

interests by both the cimmarones, the natives of the old Naga City, and the Spaniards and friars.

According to historical accounts the cimmarones were named as such by the Spaniards and friars because they fled from the colonizers to settle at the foot of Mt. Isarog until Fr. Miguel Robles de Covarrubias convinced them back to the Catholic faith through the devotion to Our Lady of Peñafrancia.

With Our Lady of Peñafrancia originally the patroness of cimmarones, testimonies of miracles started when the sacrificed dog, whose blood was used to darken the image, resurrected after being thrown into the river.

Over the years, the devotion spread throughout the region, then brought to other places inside and outside the country by its growing devotees who converge here for the only regional religious fiesta in the country.

In line with this year’s theme, the Archdiocese of Caceres in a Pastoral Letter issued last August 22 by Archbishop Leonardo Z. Legazpi called out to all devotees, pilgrims and members of the Church to turn their attention inward and start incorporating the spirit of the devotion to Ina into their lives.

The theme Monstra te Esse Filium (Show Yourself To Be a Child of Ina) should be deemed as a challenge to all devotees of Our Lady to live with the devotion to Ina in their everyday lives, Father Louie Occiano, head of Caceres Commission on Communications under the Archdiocese, confirmed.

He said that after all the fanfare and expense of the 300th Peñafrancia Fiesta, celebrations this year would be less grand and more solemn after the administration of the Archdiocese gave emphasis on inspiring devotees to give a response to the gift of devotion that was passed by Spanish priest Miguel Robles de Cobarrubias to the Cimarrones of Isarog.

The Tercentenary theme Balaog Inako, Balaog Itao (A Gift Received, A Gift to Share) called out to all devotees and pilgrims to accept the gift of devotion to Ina and share it to the world.

Occiano explained that this time, the ‘gift’ must be incorporated into the lives of devotees in order to sustain the faith beyond Fiesta celebrations.

He called out to devotees to sustain the discernment and realization of their devotion to the Virgin for the tradition to live past the 300-year mark.

Unlike last year, the Papal Nuncio to the Philippines Most Rev. Edward Adams will not be present for the 301st Peñafrancia Fiesta due to time constraints on his part, according to Occiano.

Peñafrancia Fiesta 2010 was marked by the declaration of Camarines Sur and Naga City as Pilgrimage Capitals of the Philippines by virtue of Presidential Proclamation No. 33 issued by President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III. Before the opening of the celebrations, the Porta Mariae at the Metropolitan Cathedral was unveiled to commemorate the presence of Ina in the lives of Bicolanos.

PLANTING B4 WEDDING

Soon-to-be-married couples required to plant fruit trees before issuance of marriage license
By Ramil D Soliveres

VIRAC, Catanduanes --- This province’s capital town recently approved an ordinance requiring soon-to-be-married couples to plant at least five fruit-bearing trees before a marriage license can be issued.

According to its proponents, Councilors Hermin Zafe and Virgilio Candelaria, in order to heed the global call to involve everyone in saving forest resources, there is a need to engage the citizens to plant trees especially in low-lying and typhoon-prone areas to control flooding. “Since the devastations caused by floods all over the world continue to scare people of all races, damage properties and claim lives, planting trees before marriage is a couple’s commitment to save Mother Earth from further devastation,” the authors of the ordinance said.

Municipal Ordinance No. 2011-07 of this capital town requires couples who are applying for a marriage license to plant said five fruit-bearing trees in their barangay. This ordinance does not exclude couples participating in mass wedding ceremonies. The concerned punong barangay shall issue a certification as to compliance with the said requirement.

Section 2 of the Ordinance provides that the Municipal Nursery, through the Municipal Agriculture Office, shall distribute the couples with the fruit-bearing tree seedlings. However, in case of non-availability of seedlings, a certification shall be issued by the Municipal Agriculturist, so that the couple may opt to plant any fruit-bearing tree available in their barangay. The barangay council, on the other hand, must designate the areas where the trees will be planted. In case there are no available private lots, government lots shall be utilized as tree planting areas.

If for any reason a soon-to-be married couple was not able to plant trees, the ordinance says solemnization of marriage may proceed provided that the marriage license will not be released until such time that they have complied with the ordinance.

The barangay council is responsible in monitoring and nurturing of the planted fruit-bearing trees. An inventory and report of progress will be submitted to the Sangguniang Bayan on a quarterly basis.

Among other penalties, the ordinance provides administrative charges against any punong barangay who falsely issues certification to non-complying couples. In like manner, a punong barangay who refuses to issue a certification despite compliance by the soon-to-be-married couple will likewise be charged administratively.

The Committee on Justice and Human Rights of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of this province has reported the ordinance’s approval during its 34th Regular Session last August 22, 2011. 

YUCKIE UNCLE!

Uncle jailed for lasciviousness
By Ramil D. Soliveres

VIRAC, Catanduanes – Applying the Indeterminate Sentence Law, the Regional Trial Court here on August 15 has ordered the incarceration of a man for a period of two months to four years after the sexual assault charge filed against him was downgraded to the offense of acts of lasciviousness, a violation of Art. 336 of the Revised Penal Code.

Records of the RTC Branch 43 here show that Romeo B. Tapanan of Barangay Balatohan, San Miguel, Catanduanes has been accused of sexually assaulting his own niece last October 2, 2007. The suspect allegedly inserted by intimidation and force his finger into the victim’s private part to consummate the sexual assault.

The case, while pending, was archived in July 2008 when the accused could not be brought to court. It was only on August 2, this year that suspect Tapanan was finally arrested.

When arraigned, the accused entered a plea of not guilty. During the joint preliminary and pre-trial conference, a settlement was reached between the parties considering that the accused and the victim’s mother are siblings. However, the family of the victim wished to impose conditions in order to reform Tapanan. Thus, the court suggested that the accused enter a plea of guilty to qualify him for probation even as the prosecution agreed to downgrade the offense to acts of lasciviousness.

The Revised Penal Code says that any person who shall commit any act of lasciviousness upon other persons of either sex shall be punished by prision correccional.

HEALER? AH... OK.

Healing priest to visit UNEP

The University of Northeastern Philippines (UNEP) known for its deep-seated religiosity, will be holding another noteworthy celebration of faith this coming September. This will be graced by no less than Fr. Fernando Suarez, popularly dubbed as the healing priest.

Fr. Suarez will personally say a healing mass at the University’s gymnasium on September 22 at around 9:00 am. This is part of the series of healing masses that Fr. Suarez has lined up as part of his religious undertakings in the Bicol Region while sharing the gift of healing that the Almighty has blessed him with.

On the forefront of the preparation is UNEP’s energetic Executive Vice President, Ms. Deli Alfelor-Tibi, also concurrently holding the post as UNEP’s Vice President for Finance.

“We were overwhelmed with joy when Fr. Suarez granted our request to say a healing mass here at UNEP. Whatever pieces of good fortunes that we have now are blessings that we have to be grateful. We also would want to be healed with whatever shortcomings and afflictions that might be holding us back from giving the best of what we have, and this healing mass schedule came just on the conspicuous time that we will also be celebrating the feast of our beloved Ina,” Miss Deli said in an interview.

Miss Deli’s profound religious conviction, just like the rest of the members of the Alfelor family were taken from UNEP’s matriarch own rich spiritual upbringing. Dr.Remedios Rigoroso-Alfelor, fondly called Wawa by her family and friends, was able to share that unfathomable devotion, especially to the Blessed Virgen Mary.

Aside from saying his healing mass at UNEP, Fr. Suarez is also tentatively scheduled to visit Saints Philip and James Parish in San Felipe, Minalabac, Camarines Sur and the Diocese of Libmanan on September 21. On September 23, he is expected to visit and say a holy mass at the Divine World High School Gym in Legazpi City .

Fr. Suarez’ healing words have already opened various doors for the faithfuls and have enriched the lives of many. The numerous stories of his preaching miraculous, have not only influenced Filipinos but also other devotees from various parts of the world.

Before being assigned as priest of the Apostolic Vicariate of San Jose, in Occidental Mindoro, Philippines, Fr. Suarez was first ordained to the priesthood in Ottawa , Ontario , Canada in 2002.

With his heart full of overwhelming love for the poor, Fr. Suarez pursued the foundation that he has started way back his seminary years – the Mary Mother of the Poor (MMP) with a vision that it would serve the needs of the less fortunate.

With all the accolades attached to his healing words, the whole UNEP community is looking forward to this religious event with great anticipation while fervently hoping that the gift of healing will reach the hearts of every UNEPian.

HUNTED

Treasure hunters now being hunted
By Ramil D. Soliveres

GIGMOTO, Catanduanes --- After more than one month of suspicious operation, Mayor Edgar U. Tayam of this town invited personnel from the Treasure Hunters Association of the Philippines Inc., Catanduanes-Albay (THAPI CATALBAY) Chapter to his office for questioning, following verified reports that the group had been engaging in illegal excavation activities in at least three barangays of his town.

In an interview, Mayor Tayam told this paper that on July 5, 2011 he was furnished with a copy of a letter from THAPI President Dr. Al Umali informing THAPI CATALBAY Chapter about the so-called Hold-Over-Capacity-Authority (HOCA) to pursue treasure hunting operations as allegedly approved by the Director of the National Museum, pending application for a treasure hunting permit.

The Gigmoto municipal government, meanwhile, forwarded a query to the National Museum Office regarding the legitimacy of the group to excavate in the town.

Tayam said the next thing he heard was the presence of more or less ten men that compose the combined treasure hunting personnel Catanduanes, Albay and Manila, employing locals as guides and laborers.

“And then I got reports the group began excavation activities, mobilizing locals who were paid P500 pesos a week with a promise that they will get their share from the treasures once found,” the mayor said.

Assuming the authenticity of a provision in the HOCA of expiration date of the treasure hunt unless a permit has been presented after thirty days, Mayor Tayam waited for the men from THAPI to show him the treasure hunting permit, but to no avail.

On August 12, 2011, Edwin de la Rosa, Senior Researcher of the National Museum Cultural Properties Division, arrived in this town to conduct investigation. Along with the PNP and other lined agencies, the group went up the mountains and discovered the excavated sites.

Dela Rosa said the Office of the National Museum has not issued any permit for the group to perform such activities. Mayor Tayam had wanted THAPI-CATALBAY to fill up the huge holes caused by the excavations, but not a soul from THAPI-CATALBAY could now be found.