Mutya Ng Ibaan Candidates Send Himamawo Spring At Boiling Point

Mayor Danny Toreja (center) with Mutya Ng Ibaan 2012
Candidates on hot swim wear.

In April 29, 1912, Tuguegarao almost melt when it registered a record-high 42.2 °C (108 °F) temperature which was considered as the hottest temperature ever experienced in the Philippines.

This afternoon, the record almost went into oblivion when Mutya Ng Ibaan 2012 candidates stormed Himamawo Spring at Brgy. Malainin to have their photo ops and pictorials in preparation for next year's 180th Ibaan Founding Anniversary Celebration.

Candidates getting ready for the shoot.

The travel leading to Himamawo Spring was already a crucifying experience with dust and bones jockeying for a place in everyone's flesh and blood. Himamawo, with its cold and refreshing water, hidden in the bush at the other end of vast agricultural field, for a long time has been the source of life around. But on this faithful day, with the coming of sexy and gorgeous Mutya Ng Ibaan candidates, its water level almost dropped dead, almost sending it to boiling point.

Mayor Danny Toreja with (from
left) Vice Mayor Sixto Yayabin,
Coun. Rodel De Castro and
Munting Tubig Brgy. Chairman
Domingo Acebo

That might be too much of exaggeration to say. But had you've been at Himamawo Spring, aside from the fact that the local government is conserving and promoting the latter, the prickly body heat that the candidates bring among spectators can only be perfectly tamed by the spring's arctic water. And had everyone took the plunge, smoke will definitely blur our vision of the glamorous candidates.

It's every girl's dream to be the "Princess" in a fairy tale story. The Royal Wedding in England just reached its conclusion and all single ladies will always have the cravings to start a new fairy-tale-tailored-romance with their "Prince".

But this time, it was the other way around. Every man surrounding Himamawa Spring watching the Mutya Ng Ibaan candidates move like a butterfly and float like a feather on their dazzling skinny one-piece and two-piece swim wear felt like a pauper and as a commoner yearning to be noticed by the Royal Highness Mutya Ng Ibaan 2012 Candidates.Not a man in the place will or can deny this. That can be seen on their burning eyes (including me. hehe).

The forces behind the photo shoot.

The Candidates


Unfortunately, candidates from Brgy. Matala, Brgy. Tulay and Brgy. Lucsuhin didn't make it. They failed to join the group due to some work, academic and personal commitments. However, despite it all, the rest optimistically grabbed the opportunity to show their body curves -every lady's source of envy.

Municipal and Barangay officials
with the Candidates.

At around 8:30am, they, together, either with their parents, friends or PAs, assembled at Ibaan Municipal Hall where they we're met by Ms. Myla Soriano, Vice-Mayor Sixto Yabyabin and some Barangay Chairmen who provided their transportation. The candidates came with their make-up on, ready to take on DSLR camera flash bulbs. And since they'll be at Ibaan's source of pride and natural wonder, they're all geared up with swim  wear covered with the most comfortable linen they can suit their body with.

The enticing Himamawo Spring.

By 10:00am, engines went roaring in the middle of humid and dusty road en route to paradise that have been waiting for the candidates for a lifetime. Setting foot on Himamawo Spring's fertile territorial ground, still keeping a bag of decency in their pockets, the candidates were at first hesitant to reveal their skin with spectators' eyes on them.

But when the man on camera started mapping the shoot location, and with words of encouragement from their company, the company went out their way to everyone's delight and astonishment. And after a couple of body jerkings figuring out the most striking pose they can make, the rest was a hassle-free photo shoots as if everyone is enjoying great music in a rave reggae beach party.

The water is trapped with a water wall that results
to a swimming pool like scenario.

The Shoot  

The shoot was done in three locations within the vicinity of the Spring. And for every location, the candidates were allowed to make three poses. During the first set, they were directed on how they should conduct themselves. At least to give them some pointers or hint on how they can take advantage of their assets and what they can show. On the next two sets, they were given the freedom to pose the way they can project how sexy and seductive they are, and to prove their worth as daughters of Queen Hera of Mount Olympus.

The first set was done at the stair steps kissed by the Spring's water sweets. The second was done at the water wall the runs across the center. And that is where we're able to see the reasons why men can afford not to have women by their sides and the motive that pushes men to their stupidity. The candidates were alluring. One can even take five straight shots of jigger full of Ginebra San Miguel jigger without water or finger foods by simply looking at them. They were in control. They were sizzling and oozing with revered beauty.

Mutya Ng Ibaan Candidates all set to set the Himamawo Spring
at boiling point.

The third set was done at the falls located at the other end, almost adjacent to Himamawo Spring itself. The candidates went "dare devil" striding the dicey rocks that lead down the falls. And just like in the second set, although still with little directions, they were granted all the freedom, time and space in the world in creating a scene for themselves. And as DSLRs went rolling, perfect images of Ibaan sexy and fair ladies registered like Monalisa on a pure and untainted canvas.

Watching them simply brought back to Greek Mythology's goddesses of charm and beauty back to life! And even without fire, living creature in the area began smoking, holding their pounding hearts up to the end..up to the last minute of the photo shoot.

Well, I guess, literally, Himamawo Spring did went boiling and smoking.

But much more with any other words we can say, we congratulate the Mutya Ng Ibaan 2012 candidates for their bravery and for a job-well-done. You gals rock! You turned the heaven and earth upside down.

Click to read related story on Himamawo Spring.

Ibaan Parish Priest Fr. Arnel Hosena Hits Pagbati Process

Fr. Arnel Hosena on his homily.

Rose petals were all ready to be sprinkled with participating young lady angels lined up to take their steps on Galileo for "Dagit" almost after the mass 5am in the morning. But instead of putting more fire on Ibaan's Easter Sunday celebration, everyone was stunned by Parish Priest Fr. Arnel Hosena's statements before leading faithfuls to final sign of the cross at the end of the mass. Ibaan Parish Priest Fr. Hosena made big canons explode  with his last words before ringing the bell for Ibaan's Easter Sunday celebration.

Almost five months (correct me If I'm wrong) since Fr. Arnel was assigned as Parish Priest of St. James The Greater Parish, he has already made drastic changes with Ibaan's traditions to the distaste of many. First of which was the system of choosing "Pagbati" participants as to how one could become a "Kapitana". Kapitana, of course, refers to the lady who do most of the dancing after "dagit" as a sign of celebrating Jesus Christ's second life on flesh to revitalize everyone's faith. The problem is, according to him, "pagbati" and every other church's celebrations are for everyone..regardless of social status and with big regards to Kapitana's character and everything.

Referring to one of the books written that I've come across with about Ibaan's liturgical history published between 2003 and 2005, it's  hard to imagine that "pagbati's" committee (if there exists a committee) has listed "Pagbati" participants, the "Kapitana" in particular, up to 2034!. How is that possible? Thus, even an unborn child is already committed to do the "pagbati" dance.

For Fr. Arnel, the system is already bias for there already exists a monopoly where there's nothing to bide about as to how things are to be done. As per interpretation of his words, .the selection of "pagbati" participants can not be a monopoly of the few. Everyone should be given the chance to become a "pagbati" dancer. Even those from far flung Ibaan barangays, and not only from Poblacion. Not because he or she is a member of Ibaan's prominent family, but one should be considered as per his/her character and other criteria set by the Committee. For so long since it started in 1890s up to present, the only prevailing system for one to become the lady on hat is to become a "Kapitana' of the town proper's "tuklong", be visible with church activities and something else. As per this criteria, there exists unfair treatment. What about "Kapitanas" from different barangays?

This is what Fr. Arnel primarily wants to be given consideration. Everyone may not agree. But for Fr. Arnel, traditions or what, things have to be done the democratic and the right way. Everyone is part of the celebration. And everyone should be given the fair opportunity to be the "Kapitana".

At this juncture, he proposed that a Screening Committee be set up together with Ibaan Historical Institute. It's not an executory  suggestion, but he firmly suggests that such tradition should be done in democratic way, and not on personal reasons alone. Every barangay can field their candidates subject to the assessment and evaluation of the Committee. Then by December, at the end of the year, the chosen one shall be introduced to the public. And that's only when the practice should commence. However, it was not not mentioned as to how the "Kapitan" and "Bise-Kapitan" will be chosen. As per practice, the "Kapitana" will have the prerogative to choose both of them.

Bottom line is, everyone, not only from Poblacion but also from other barangays, can file their application to be the "Kapitana", subject to the assessments based on the criteria set by the Committee.

Pagbati is every Catholics' tradition with no referrence as to who is making or saying all the prayers. Thus, everyone must be part of it, Fr, Arnel ended.

(There were actually three more issues thrown to him. He was able to ansewer to all of them. But for now, let it sink in first before we deal on the others.)

Kite Tricskters Of Ibaan Round Sky Summoned

Official banner for PAPAGAYUJUAN 2011.

On April 15, 2011, Ibaan sky will be filled with stars launched from the ground in broad daylight with kite tricksters being summoned to beat the summer heat and  to bring back the old days when kids find themselves in open field.

As part of monthly activities outlined by the Steering Committee headed by Mayor Danny Toreja, and in preparation for Ibaan 180th Founding Anniversary next year, the event was dubbed as "PAPAGAYUJUAN 2011". Aside from the intention of boosting Ibaan tourism, PAPAGAYUJUAN was designed to lead everyone back to their roots by re-living the traditional kite flying game at competitive level and environment.

A portrait of kids watching kites off the sunny sky.
(Photo from yahoo image search.)

The event will be held at the northern part of Ibaan Public Market, Brgy. Talaibon, Ibaan Batangas. Lifting of kites starts between 8:00am and 9:00am.

Mechanics

To maintain the competitiveness of the event, the following mechanics were laid down.
1. All kite-makers must register to participate in the kite demonstration competition.
2. All kites must be hand-made and assembled using local materials.
3. A kits is a tethered heavier-than-air craft that depends only on wind for lift.
4. No kite may exceed 5 pounds/2.5 kg. Minimum height must be at 1 meer.
5. All kite must be flown at an altitude of less than 500 feet/150 meters.
6. Kite makers may enter and fly only one kite in the competition.
7. Competition is open to all residents of Ibaan only.

A portrait of kid guiding his kite's glide.
(Photo from yahoo image search.)

8. Unless the weather doesn't permit or winds are too low, only kits that fly above the light poles for one minute will be eligible for awards/
9. If the weather doesn't permit or wind the winds are too low, the judges may implement the "No Flying Condition Regulations". Under these conditions, participant's kites will judged without flying.
10. If a kite is damaged during the competition, the kite-maker may try to repair the kite. A "damage repair area" will be available for kite-makers to repair their kites. If the kite is able to be repaired, it may be launched again to determine if it will meet the "one minute flying regulation".
11. Crew of five (5) and Mutya ng Ibaan Candidate of your choice may assist in the launching and repairing of kites, but the kite must be flown by the kite-maker.
12. As judging is completed, contestants may be asked to leave the flying field area. Participants are encouraged to take their kites to the demonstration area to continue to fly their kite.
13. The Field Commander is in-charge of the flight competition area. He/She will make all decisions about the conduct on the field to ensure safety and a fair opportunity for all. Safety is extremely important. The field Commander has the authority to disqualify any contestant behaving in an unsafe or discourteous manner.
14. The organizers and officials reserve the right the right to exclude any activity or person whose behavior is considered inappropriate, objectionable, or unsafe.

Up, up, and away!
(Photo from yahoo image search.)

15. Each participant is responsible for cleaning up any mess or trash from his or her participation in the kite competition.
16. All decisions of the judges are final.

Prizes

First, second and third place winners will be awarded in the amount of P3,000.00, P2,000.00 and P1,000.00 respectively. Non-winners will also be given consolation prizes. Each award wining kite-maker will also receive a T-shirt.

So let the wind blow smooth enough to lift the kites. Be a kid again at least for a while.

Kite Tricksters,  you're now summoned to fly at Ibaan round sky.