Another Case of Discrimination

By Taga Ibaan Ako

Early this morning, I went to Provincial Capitol for a personal business and visit to one of my friends working in the Capitol. It was not really a scheduled one. So I was really hoping I could fid him there. By 10:00am, I arrived at the main gate facing the national highway and actually leads to Laurel Park. The entrance, with huge metal gate panel at the center, and two others on both sides for pedestrians, was built during the time of the late former Gov. Armand Sanchez.

I droved my bike on the left side. The center gate panels were close, the same with the left one. The right side was open. Obviously, I parked on the left side, and aligned my bike side by side a blue box type car with plate number PMK 101. I assumed I can park there since there's this car already parked. There's no signage or anything that prohibits parking on the said area.

I went inside the Provincial Capitol Building. Luckily, I found my friend in his office. We had a long chat and even went out the other gate of the Capitol Compound to go somewhere. We returned more than two hours after.

I went back to where I parked my bike, just to be surprised how my bike was dragged out in the sun!

From where I parked it, I found my bike outside the porch. A signage saying "NO PARKING" is now placed where I had my bike. The blue box type car remains sitting like a duck on its place without any warning that it can't park there.

There was no one around that I can ask what in world happened.

Is this how Provincial Capitol treat motor bikes? What in the world is that? They'll just drag bikes out in the open without giving warning to the owner. They can simply do that, while a car can sit tight anytime on the entrance?!

During the time of Gov. Armand Sanchez, I've parked in the same spot for so many times yet afforded respect. I know I am parking just close the Provincial Capitol, and I don't park like a moron so as not to be considered an obstruction along the way.

There's no signage there when I parked. And when I get back, there's this signage and have my bike out!

I'm pretty sure Capitol Security Personnel did that. What the hell is wrong with you people? Is this what Gov. Vilma Santos taught you???????? Had I've parked a car, would you do the same thing???

This really pissed me off!!!

Taga Ibaan Ako: 1 Cock Fastest Kill Ulutan At RV Ibaan Cockpit Sla...

Taga Ibaan Ako: 1 Cock Fastest Kill Ulutan At RV Ibaan Cockpit Sla...: "Ibaan Foundation, in cooperation with RV Ibaan Cockpit Arena will again bring the noise around the eight corners of the arena with Kristos ..."

1 Cock Fastest Kill Ulutan At RV Ibaan Cockpit Slated Today

Ibaan Foundation, in cooperation with RV Ibaan Cockpit Arena will again bring the noise around the eight corners of the arena with Kristos calling the shots for blade-sharp slug fest dubbed as "1 Cock Fastest Kill ULUTAN" today, March 6.

Cock fight patrons, enthusiasts, breeders and handlers from around Batangas Province are expected to storm the Arena for this fast-phased octagon rage.

Others may not like it. But this one's for a good cause, though. The event was organized to help Ibaan Municipal Government raise funds to support its 180th Founding Anniversary scheduled next year. As can be remembered, the municipal government has promised to celebrate in grandeur in 2011. However, owing to financial constraints, some organizations in Ibaan, like that of Ibaan Foundation and RV Ibaan Cockpit, has taken the initiative to support the local government. And this is just one of those projects lined up for the same cause.

The ULUTAN provides a guaranteed prize of Php120,000.00. Pot money starts at Php1,200.00, anda refund up to Php800.00.

Interestingly, included in the prizes to be given away are four (4) cattle, estimated at 2 - 3 years of age.

The event is being promoted by Ibaan Foundation, Kap. Sonny (ABC President) and Kap. Armando of Brgy. Bago. They are being assisted by Rhommel Villafranca of RV Ibaan Cockpit.

Gate opens at 7:00am and is expected to have the show running the whole day.

The following shows ULUTAN's game format.

1st Fastest Kil 1 Baka (cattle)

2nd Fastest Kill Php10,000.00

3rd Fastest Kill Php5,000.00

4th Fastest Kill 1 Baka (cattle)

5th Fastest Kill Php5,000.00

6th Fastest Kil 1 Baka (cattle)

7th Fastest kill Php5,000.00

8th Fastest Kill 1 Baka (cattle)

9th Fastest Kill Php5,000.00

SLOWEST KILL Php10,000.00

1st to 10th Fights - "UPA" Php1,000.00 per win.

Three of the actual four cattle (baka) at stake:

Taga Ibaan Ako: Joel Banawa: The Peddler

Taga Ibaan Ako: Joel Banawa: The Peddler: "By Taga Ibaan Ako Hardly we've known what exactly happened to Salaban II-Malainin's water system. I myself will have to admit that I never..."

Joel Banawa: The Peddler

By Taga Ibaan Ako

Hardly we've known what exactly happened to Salaban II-Malainin's water system. I myself will have to admit that I never got the chance to scribe the real score about it. It's one of the most complicated things I've encountered in Ibaan and I am crossings my fingers not to get entangled with it. But a visit in Salaban II brought me an opportunity to cross words with the least, as how others may consider him, personality with whom I can talk with about the issue. Meet Joel Banawa -the peddler.

No. Joel didn't pray for something like that to happen in the area. But just as when everyone is cursing everyone for the lost of the most important thing on earth -water, off their faucets, Joel was the last man to call for.

Joel drives a sidecar bicycle. While everyone is calling every devil's name for bubbles on their eyes, Joel can hear you scream. Why is that? He can peddle for your water needs.

Each day, Joel stays on the road. With a bang on one's door, he'll be on a household's gate to pour in and check on the amount of water he'll peddle on one's divine place. Most of the time, he would fetch 8 gallons of water. In one run from a poso negro, his sidecar will be slugging with water.

And it's only P30.00 for 6 gallons! A house in need of water, he'll make a run twice. And until such time they run out of water, that's only when they get to call Joel.

Joel has been doing the job for almost 3 to 4 months since the water system issue got messy. If things come to a prelude, Joel might be off the hook. Hopefully, Joel still get the job even when the system comes into smooth running.

Yes, he's married. He and wife banks heavily on P30.00 to P60.00 he's earning everyday out of his tiring feet's labor. Out of the amount, he's still able to save some penny on his pockets. He brings them with him everyday. What do you think he's to do with those coins? Joel has been saving to have enough money to buy roof panels for his house. Funny though, he keeps on telling people about it. And that's a big dream already for this peddler.

Still, kudos to Joel. Small man for big needs in Brgy. Salaban II.