Dinagat Island Province, Philippines

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List of Municipalities in the Dinagat Island Province within Region XIII (Caraga) in the Republic of The Philippines
Basilisa | Cagdianao | Dinagat | Libjo | Loreto | San Jose (Capital) | Tubajon

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Philippines, is the only country in the world which is 85% Catholic that created FIVE(5) national laws "favoring", "promoting" and "financing" the religion of ISLAM.
Then made it unlawful to finance all other religions. Islamic insurgents paid off the architects of the 1987 constitution to insert two words: Muslim and Autonomous.
They classify all the Muslims(Moros) not only as followers of Islam but also as
indigenous people. The only country in the world that has a government commission that caters to Muslims only, for the hajj, for madrasas, and the spread of Islam at government's expense PAID by the taxes of Non-Muslims. A government-run Muslim channel, Salaam TV to promote Islam.

Religion is always good for the people but it should never be embraced or financed by government. Tax exemption is not tantamount to financing. Every non-profit organization is tax-exempt.
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Dinagat Island Photo Gallery
Dinagat Island Realty
Philippine News Headlines

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Seal of the Province of Dinagat Islands
Guaranteed one senator to represent Region 13(Caraga), its cities/municipalities and barangays.
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Interactive Google Satellite Map of Dinagat Islands
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Dinagat Islands within the Island of Mindanao

Dietary supplement is a product that contains vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and/or other ingredients intended to supplement the diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has special labeling requirements for dietary supplements and treats them as foods, not drugs.



Manufacturers and distributors of dietary supplements and dietary ingredients are prohibited from marketing products that are adulterated or misbranded. That means that these firms are responsible for evaluating the safety and labeling of their products before marketing to ensure that they meet all the requirements of DSHEA and FDA regulations.

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Provincial Capitol of Dinagat Islands

Wars of ancient history were about possessions, territory, power, control, family, betrayal, lover's quarrel, politics and sometimes religion.

But we are in the Modern era and supposedly more educated and enlightened .

Think about this. Don't just brush off these questions.

  • Why is RELIGION still involved in WARS? Isn't religion supposed to be about PEACE?
  • Ask yourself; What religion always campaign to have its religious laws be accepted as government laws, always involved in wars and consistently causing WARS, yet insists that it's a religion of peace?

WHY??

There are only two kinds of people who teach tolerance:
  1. The Bullies. They want you to tolerate them so they can continue to maliciously deprive you. Do not believe these bullies teaching tolerance, saying that it’s the path to prevent hatred and prejudice.
  2. The victims who are waiting for the right moment to retaliate. They can’t win yet, so they tolerate.

Dinagat Province, Philippines

  • Dinagat Islands became a separate province on December 2, 2006 after the approval of Republic Act No. 9355. It was a part of the First District of Surigao del Norte.
  • February 11, 2010 the Supreme Court of the Philippines declared the creation of Dinagat Islands province null and void. The province had insufficient land area and population as stipulated by the Local Government Code for the creation of provinces. It was reverted back to Surigao del Norte.
  • On March 30, 2011, however, the Supreme Court reversed its ruling from the previous year, and upheld the constitutionality of RA 9355 and the creation of Dinagat Islands as a province.
  • Dinagat Islands is within Region XIII - The caraga region and is in the north eastern part of the island of mindanao.

Location of Dinagat Island, Philippines

  • 10.0083° N, 125.5889° E - Dinagat Islands, Coordinates

Dinagat Island is located on the south side of Leyte Gulf. Leyte is to its west, across Surigao Strait, and Mindanao is to its south. Its main island, Dinagat, is about 60 km from north to south.

History of Dinagat Island, Philippines

Although one of the newest provinces of the country, settlements in Dinagat Islands were already present during the Spanish regime as a result of migration of people from nearby provinces of Bohol and Leyte. The so-called mystical province played an important role in the country's history, particularly during World War II. Adding to the historical significance of the province is the foundation of the Philippine Benevolent Missionary Association by Ruben Ecleo, Sr.

The municipality of Dinagat is the oldest community in the province. In the early days, a story was told that a stranger reached the place in search of greener pastures. He approached a native and asked what the inhabitants do for a living. The natives said that they farm and fish to live. The stranger's interest in fishing prompted him to inquire where they fish, and the native replied and pointed to a place saying ? ?dinhi niini na dagat? (here from this bountiful waters). Since then, the place was called Dinagat.

The municipality was formally established in 1855. It occupies the territorial boundaries of the whole island. From 1890 to 1990 its boundaries were gradually reduced giving rise to six municipalities ? Loreto, Cagdianao, Libjo, Basilisa, Tubajon and San Jose.

Loreto became a Spanish pueblo on September 4, 1890 under the supervision of Governor General Manuel Sanchez by the virtue of Direccion General No. 30. It was originally called "Mabua" because of the ever-foaming river that runs right into the center of the community. It was named ?Loreto? in 1881 by the Spanish priest who frequents the town, in honor of the wife of the Alcalde Mayor of the Province of Surigao.

The province was the site of the historic Battle of Surigao Strait during the Second World War. The Municipality of Loreto became the entry point of the American Liberation Forces on October 17, 1944. It was on this shore that the 6th Ranger Battalion of the 6th U.S. Army under Col. Mucci landed at Sitio Campinta of Barangay Panamaon, Loreto. It was during this landing that the first American flag flew on Philippine soil. They named the place "Black Beach No. 2."

The northern part of the island served as a refuge of the American soldiers, while the western border was the camp site of the Japanese Forces. Capsized vessel structures are still found today in the waters of Basilisa.

On December 23, 1959 Cagdianao was created into a municipality under Executive Order No. 367. Its name came from the Spanish word "Cada dia linao" meaning everyday peaceful and calm. However some scholars say that its name came from the Visayan word "Taga Danaw" meaning the lake people.

Libjo was created into a municipality and named Albor on February 29, 1960 under Executive Order No. 381. It was taken from the municipalities of Dinagat and Loreto. "Albor" came from the surname of the mayors of Loreto and Dinagat - Alfaro and Borja. It was renamed as Libjo on June 17, 1967. The name came from the word "Liboo" which is a kind of mussel clam.

In 1965, Ruben Edera Ecleo Sr. founded the Philippine Benevolent Missionaries Association (PBMA) at Sitio Puyange, now Poblacion San Jose. It is a non-sectarian organization bounded by a strong spirit of brotherhood. Not long after that, members from all over the country migrated in the island to be in constant association with their founder.

Meanwhile, Basilisa became a municipality in June 17, 1967 under Republic Act No. 4986. It was then named as Rizal, after the country?s national hero. The municipality was renamed as Basilisa on June 21, 1969 under Republic Act. No. 5775.

Tubajon, which was once a barangay of Loreto became a municipality in June 21, 1969 under Republic Act No. 5643. A local folklore states that during the Spanish regime, a banca boarded with Guardia Civils landed in the shores of Tubajon in search of a criminal. One of them came across a river and saw a man pounding leaves, curious, he asked the man "What will you do with it?". The man answered "Akong Tubajon ang suba aron sayon dakpon ang mga isda" (I will poison the river with Tuba leaves so that the fishes could be easily caught). When the man returned to the group, he narrated everything he saw and heard from the native to his companions. From then on, the place was called Tubajon.

The newest municipality is San Jose. It became a municipality on November 15, 1989 under Republic Act No. 6769. The town was named in honor of Jose Ecleo who was its pioneer and father of the late renowned mayor of the municipality of Dinagat, Hon. Rubern Edera Ecleo Sr. The town is the seat of the PBMA.

Dinagat Islands was part of the First District of the province of Surigao del Norte until it became a separate province in October 2, 2006 as stated in Republic Act No. 9355 or the Charter of the Province of Dinagat Islands.

Last January 2007, Surigao del Norte Governor Robert Lyndon Barbers inducted the interim officials whose term ends after the newly elected provincial officials assume office after the May 14, 2007 elections.

The interim officials were Geraldine Ecleo-Villaroman as Governor, Elvis A. dela Merced as Vice Governor, Provincial Board Members Merlinda B. Lagroma, Norberto A. Sarita Sr., Mario P. Menil, Zacarias N. Vales, Gracelyn B. Ecleo, Nilo P. Gulfo, and Rolizareth T. Ladaga. They took oath at the Municipal Cultural Center of San Jose. Source: Verbatim from www.wowsurigao.com/ and the LGU of Dinagat province

People of Dinagat Island, Philippines

  • For 2015 Dinagat Island Population = 127,152

Elected Government Officials of Dinagat Island, Philippines

Elected officials of Dinagat Island for the term of 2016-2019

Elected officials of Dinagat Island for the term of 2013-2016
  1. Ta-Asan, Jimmy Magallanes
  2. Luib, Ronald Olarte
  3. Ensoy, Antonio Ca
  4. Ladaga, Rolizareth Torralba
  5. Ecleo, Romeo Palapo
  • Second District Sangguniang Panlalawigan (Provincial Board Members):
  1. Menil, Mario Pegoro
  2. Ecleo, Joslyn Itable
  3. Gulfo, Nilo Petilo
  4. Alcaria, Bernardino Jr. Famat
  5. Sarita, Norberto Andilab

Elected officials of Dinagat Island for the term of 2010-2013

Elected officials of Dinagat Island for the term of 2007-2010

Barangay Elected Officials of Dinagat Province

Businesses in Dinagat Island, Philippines

How to Improve Your Business and Livelihood

The Philippine Livelihood Program: The Philippine government provides several programs to enhance the livelihood of the Filipino people. The department of Science and Technology through its Technology Research Center (TRC) regurlarly conducts various types of hands-on and personalized training programs.

  • DOST - Website
  • UPLiFT stands for Urban Program for Livelihood Finance and Training. - Website
  • DSWD Pro-poor and Livelihood Programs - Website

Take a picture of your Business (from a Sari-Sari Store to a Mega Mall). Upload that picture here in zamboanga.com and that picture can immediately be your business webpage. It is that easy. Here are two examples of how a picture becomes the webpage of the business: FHM Garden Grill and Catering and ABC Shopping Center

  • Give your business a good description. Add your address and contact number if available.
Possible Businesses
  • Auto, Trucks, Motorcycle and Bicycle dealers
  • Banks, Lending Firms, Pawnshops, and Financial Institutions
  • Clinics, Veterinary Clinics and Hospitals
  • Pharmacies, Drug Stores, Agri-Vets
  • Convenient Stores, Hardware and Supplies, General Stores, Sari-Sari Stores, Internet-Cafes
  • Department Stores and Appliance Stores
  • Supermarket, wet market, Fish Markets
  • Hotels, Motels, Pension Houses, Boarding houses and Resorts
  • Repair Shops: Shoe repair, Cellphone, Bikes (bicycles), motorcycles etc...
  • Restaurants, Carenderias, Coffee Shops, and Bakeries (Bakeshops)
  • Salons, Spas, Beauty Shops and Barber Shops
  • Gas Stations, Water Stations, Propane Stations

Real Estate or Properties for Sale or lease in Dinagat Island, Philippines

  • If you have real estate property, whether its commercial, residential, farm land, or just an empty lot in Dinagat Island, you can list that property for free.
  • Click to VIEW, EDIT or ADD Realty Listings.
  • You can list your House and lot or farm land for sale or lease for free here.
  • If you are a real estate developer, you can list your subdivision, condominiums, high rises, apartment complexes, shopping strips or malls, open market developments here for Free.

Churches, Mosques, or Places of Worship in Dinagat Island, Philippines

The name of your church, mosque, or place of worship can be listed in this community page. Take a picture of the facade of your church or place of worship and it can be posted here. We can even provide you with a free webpage. You can enter the data (story about your place of worship) here yourself, email the information or pictures to (franklin_maletsky@yahoo.com) or via Facebook.


  • FILIPINOS WAKE UP! THE TAXES YOU PAID ARE USED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO EXCLUSIVELY FINANCE THE RELIGION OF ISLAM.
    Freedom of religion, yes. Equality, yes. But no favoritism.


  • List the Mosques or Masjid in Dinagat Island here.
  • List the Catholic churches and chapels in Dinagat Island here.
  • List the Methodist churches in Dinagat Island here.
  • List the Iglesia Ni Cristo churches in Dinagat Island here.
  • List the Seventh-day Adventist churches in Dinagat Island here.
  • List the Church of Jesus Christ Latter day Saints (Mormons) churches in Dinagat Island here.
  • List the Presbyterian churches in Dinagat Island here.
  • List the Baptist churches in Dinagat Island here.

Schools in Dinagat Island, Philippines

  • Take a picture of your school building(s) and send your pictures via email to (franklin_maletsky@yahoo.com) or message me via Facebook. I will then post the pictures in this page.

Due to Covid19: Pursuant to the instructions of President Roa Duterte, and as recommended by the DepEd, classes for the year 2021-2022 will be opened but will be monitored.

  • List of schools: >>> click

PUBLIC NOTICE: Why pretend that the National language of the Philippines is Tagalog? It should be English. To be a Teacher, doctor, lawyer, engineer, architect, nurse, computer technician; what books do you learn from? English books of course. All your tests are in English. The constitution of the Philippines is written in English. All the laws and new laws introduced by congress are in English. For that matter, you can't be a teacher in a school system unless you know English. The "Licensure Exam for Teachers" is in ENGLISH! Who are these people forcing Tagalog down our throats? Tagalog is simply one of the many dialects of the Philippines. Keep your dialects but learn and be fluent and proficient in ENGLISH.


The name of your school in Dinagat Island can be listed here. You can list it like this:

  • Name of School. Private or Public. It can be an elementary school, high school, college.
    • Address of your school
    • Telephone Number
    • Principal of the school

You can also create a webpage for your school. We can help you.

Economy of Dinagat Island, Philippines

  • If you have an article that talks about the improvement of the economy of Dinagat Island you can post that article here. If you come across any news item that talks about the economy of Dinagat Island, you may post it here. Of course you have to reference the writer of the article. Any improvement to transportation, power and service usually improves the economy of the community, so go ahead and report that too.

Jobs in Dinagat Island Philippines

If you have a job available and that job is within the Province of Dinagat Island, Philippines, you may post it here.
Remember to be as descriptive as possible and to post your Company name, Contact person, physical address, email address and Phone number..
Post expiration of Job Application. Go ahead and Click HERE to Insert your job offer in the "Dinagat Island Philippines, Jobs" page.

Natural Resources of Dinagat Island, Philippines

Protect the environment

It is sad but true that as of the year 2012 the rivers of the Philippines continue to be the #1 Sewer Systems of the Philippines.

Protect & Save the Rivers. Do not let your sewer drain into the river. Your community can be the first to initiate this project.
Build your riverbank protection with a built-in gutter system. Reforest within Ten Years - Guaranteed!


Let us plant more trees in every barangay in the entire Philippines. It does not make any difference if the barangay is urban, partially urban or rural; we need more trees. Trees will prevent erosion, provide oxygen, prevent green house effect, and even a place of business for the shade tree mechanic.

The Philippines is a tropical country and practically anything will grow. The DENR has the planting trees project that goes on every year. Lots of picture taking for the media. Planting trees one by one is the "human" way of doing it. This individual planting of trees is good if done to "line" the roads and highways with trees or along fences or property divisions, or if you have a plantation.

To reforest the nation of the Philippines we have to plant trees the "mother nature" way. Sow the seeds during the rainy season. Go deep into "bald" forests and plant trees by sowing seeds. If there's not enough volunteers to do this, use the military helicopters to fly over the designated areas and sow the seeds.

Guaranteed within a few years, The Philippines will be lush again. >>Read More


We are using our rivers as our sewer system. If you ask a Filipino, "Are the Filipinos a clean people?" The answer is an automatic, "Yes!". However, the Filipinos are suffering from the same disease or attitude as most people do, and that is the "NIMBY" disease or "NIMBY" attitude. (NIMBY) Not In My Back Yard. So it is OK to dump my garbage and sewer there. Not mine! Someone else will take care of it.

This attitude is killing our rivers. Your great-grandparents, grandparents or parents were once proud to tell the stories of how they enjoyed swimming in the river behind your house or nearby. However, you can't say the same or tell the same stories to your kids or grand kids. Why? Because your generation is killing the river.

Contact:

  • Secretary Roy Cimatu - since May 8, 2017
  • Department of Environment and Natural Resources
  • Visayas Avenue, Diliman, 1100 Quezon City, Philippines
  • +63-2-929-6626
  • osec@denr.gov.ph

We have so much water in the Philippines and yet very little to drink.


Instead of relying too much on Diesel fuel and Coal to generate the majority of Philippine's Electrical energy Supply, we can concentrate more on renewable and sustainable source of energy such as: Hydro Power, Solar Power, and Wind Power and thermal energy conversion. We have too many black outs.

Tourists Attractions of Dinagat Island, Philippines

  • Help us post some interesting pictures. This will help boost the local economy of the community. Anything that is unique or anything that stands out in your community may be a tourist attraction.
  • Landmarks are usually photographed a lot by visitors. Send your pictures via email to (franklin_maletsky@yahoo.com) or via Facebook.

Festivals, Fiestas and Traditions of Dinagat Island, Philippines

In the Philippines a fiesta is usually celebrated in barrios or barangays. It is the official holiday of the LGU, the barangay. Filipinos love fiestas. It is a time for joy and celebration. A fiesta is of Spanish origin and is usually commemorated in association with a christian patron saint. Most barangays whose population have been clustered by Muslims(Moros) and their population is more than that of the Christians, the celebration of the fiesta have been cancelled and replaced with the Hari Raya or Eid al-Fitr.

The cities or municipalities usually have yearly festivals where all the barangays participate. The cities or municipalities hold contests for the best floats in parades.

Philippine News

Updated: February 5, 2024

Unity and Progress: Philippine City Mayors Advocate for Collective Advancement

In a compelling call to action, the head of the Philippines’ 149-member city mayor’s association emphasized the critical need for unity to foster continued national progress, peace, and prosperity. Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, serving as the national president of the League of Cities of the Philippines, voiced the association’s support for the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s vision of a harmonious country, one that maintains its trajectory of achievements in vital societal areas.

>>> READ MORE



Sports News: updated 11/10/21

Kaya Iloilo sweeps Group B in Copa '21

MANILA – Kaya Iloilo pipped Mendiola with a 6-0 beating on Wednesday night to complete a sweep of Group B action in the Copa Paulino Alcantara at the PFF National Training Centre in Carmona.

A Jovin Bedic brace in the first half set the tone for the inaugural tournament champ even as the club netted three goals in each of the two halves to seal the top seed in its group ahead of the semifinals next week.

Bedic capitalized on an erroneous Mendiola attempt to keep the ball out of his reach and quickly raced inside the penalty box to open the scoring for Kaya Iloilo in the 11th minute.
PNA

Dinagat Island, Philippines supports Philippine Cycling

Philippine Cycling is about cycling in the Philippnes. Philippine Cycling helps promote bike races, cycling clubs, bicycle tours, and the development of bicycle trails. Activities are coordinated with bike shops and cycling clubs throughout the Philippines to promote the fun of riding bikes. Philippine Cycling will be coordinating events with tour of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Road biking and mountain bikings will be promoted by Philippine Cycling.
Cycling Activity to Participate In

Your cycling activity can be posted here and it will be shown in all the Provincial, City, Municipal and Barangay pages. Your 2015 Cycling Race or Activity can be Posted here.

  • ILOILO CITY, April 27-May 2, 2015 (PNA) – Some 5,000 bikers are expected to join the second Iloilo Bike Festival slated April 27-May 2, 2015 as the city continues to aspire to become a bike-able walkable metropolis. The activity that supported by the John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (JBLFMU) and Megaworld Iloilo aims to promote Iloilo as a safe and bike friendly city, promote the share-a-road movement encourage Ilonggos to commute via biking and raise Ilonggos awareness on the benefits of biking on health, safety and environment concerns. Read More....
  • CYCLING Le Tour de Filipinas 2015 set as country celebrates 60 years of top-caliber cycling Feb 1 to Feb 4 2015 - View the result of the race: A four stage race. Stage 1 starts in Balanga and back to Balanga for a 126K race Feb 1, 2015 (Sunday); stage 2 starts in Balanga, Bataan to Iba, Zambales for a 154.7 K race Feb 2, 2015 (Monday); stage 3 starts in Iba, Zambales to Lingayen, Pangasinan for a 150.1K race Feb 3, 2015 (Tuesday); stage 4 starts in Lingayen, Pangasinan to Baguio City, Benguet for a 101.7K race Feb 4, 2015 (Wednesday). For a total distance of 532.5 Kms. Read More >>>
  • Ronda Pilipinas: Feb 8 - 27 2015:>> Discovering young riders for the national team will be the main objective of the LBC Ronda Pilipinas 2015 when the country’s premiere cycling race hits the road on Feb. 8 in Butuan City. Ronda Pilipinas executive project director Moe Chulani said the international multistage bikathon, which ends on Feb. 27, will have two qualifying legs of four stages each in Mindanao and the Visayas where the top riders will advance to face a tough foreign challenge in the six-stage Luzon finale. Read More>>>

The oldest living man or woman in Dinagat Island, Philippines

Do you know who the oldest living man or woman is in Dinagat Island? Zamboanga.com is starting this inquiry in order to honor the older generation of the Philippines. Please provide the full name and date of birth of the elder living in Dinagat Island. We will then post your entry in the Oldest Living Man or Woman in the Philippines page.

Your Story about Dinagat Island, Philippines

Tell your story about Dinagat Island. You can talk about the good things in Dinagat Island or simply talk about the past. You can talk about the eco-system of Dinagat Island. What is the local LGU doing about the preservation of your natural resources The topic can start here and once it gets bigger it can have a page of its own in Z-Wiki. It's all up to you.


Here is a letter that Allen Moretsky sent in that came from a friend of his: Saturday, November 27, 2010 3:08 AM

A little introduction here. My friend, Michael, a Brit and former Salvation Army Band member has been teaching children in his small village on Dinagat Island to play Brass Instruments. This is his second Tubajon Brass Band. He’s managed to get friends back in the UK to donate equipment and with is time and teaching ability has done wonders with these village kids on the remote island of Dinagat.

Allen Moretsky


Hi everyone,

It is now just over twenty-four hours since the bands first public appearance and I am so pleased with them. The day, after a very shaky start, turned out to be a really good one.

The program for the event had stated an 8am start. I have been fooled by that too many times now here but I did arrange for the kids to be here by 7am so as to get them all suited and booted. I needn’t have worried though as by soon after 6am, the majority of the little angels were already here. Having finished breakfast I set about getting our battered old pick-up truck ready. It wasn’t having any of it and eventually I had to accept that it wasn’t going to start. Although the gym is in easy walking distance I didn’t relish the prospect of trying to get all the instruments, stands, music and everything else there by hand. I then remembered the motor bike trailer. It had been built when we had no proper bridge that allowed access in and out of Sta.Cruz. We now have a permanent full size bridge so the trailer gets very little use. Having put air into the flat tyres I took it to the bike. I then went to where I “Knew” the connecting bolt assembly was. Problem was, it wasn’t and despite searching everywhere it couldn’t be found. Luckily I am a habitual hoarder of nuts, bolt etc so eventually I was able to fashion something that although not as good as the original would suffice for the short journey.

I has showered the night before to save time but now my hands were all greasy and I was bathed in sweat so another shower was absolutely necessary. Luckily, the Bass player Edgar, a former player from the original band, is old enough to be left in charge of the transportation. Giving strict instructions that nothing was to be left unattended at the gym, he, along with a couple of the older lads set about the task while I got myself ready. By the time I was washed and dressed, Edgar had made four uneventful trips and was back for the last of the equipment. With me at the helm we set off for the gym.

While I showered, Joan’s Uncle, our next door neighbour and as barangay Capitan (village chief) the main participant in the oath taking ceremony, came to say that the band should set up to the right of the stage. The first thing to greet me as I entered was the sight of the band set up…………..on the stage. It seemed that the woman who was in charge of the set up thought it was a good idea for the band to be up there. It wasn’t for several reasons. One there was hardly enough room for the band. Two, I was sure that all the various councilors etc would be required to go to the stage to take their oaths and I was correct. Three, it was quite dark and very hot up there and four, with the ceiling just one or two inches above my head, the acoustics would have been lousy. Everything had to come down and eventually the band was set up to the right of the stage.

By the time we were ready, it was 8.30 am, half an hour after the scheduled start time. In true Filipino style, the event actually got underway at ten am.

After an opening prayer by a member of the clergy, it was straight into the band playing the national anthem. Jan was operating the cam-corder to record the bands performance and she told me as I sat down that as the band started to play there was a very obvious gasp from people around her. This was borne out by the fact that there was applause as they finished playing. I don’t think I have ever known a national anthem applauded before. People also came across to shake me by the hand. It had been requested that the band made one other presentation and I arranged with the organizer where this should be on the program. Problem is they didn’t stick to the programme so when it was announced that the band would play it took me completely by surprise. I had undone my barong (form of Filipino dress shirt) so had to hastily scramble to get ready. It may have been a divine retribution because I, along with others had been smirking at the sight of the Mayor, Joan’s cousin Romeo who had very noticeably fallen asleep. It was a very boring affair but he, in the most prominent position in the gym was nestled comfortably on his wife’s shoulder and well out of it. Joan and I couldn’t make out why his wife didn’t wake him up.

The bands number went down really well. OK. There were a couple of mis-pitched notes but overall I think they played really well. The audience applauded even during the performance and when they finished I was so very pleased with them. One thing I have noticed here is that people are very sparing with applause. Having customarily turned to take the applause I signaled for the band to stand. The applause by this time has stopped so I signaled for everyone to clap again, which they did.

It came as no surprise when the band were asked to play again. In fact I had rehearsed a second piece and the band already had it on their stands. Again it was well received and as the event came to a close many people came over to congratulate them Not least amongst the congratulations came from the woman Vice Mayor. She was so truly pleased with the bands playing and said it had made the hair on her neck stand. I always thought that was an indicator of fear but I’m sure she didn’t mean that.

So, Tubajon Brass Mk 2 is up and running. We have many engagements in the next few weeks so I will keep you up to date with those. One in particular is the annual Christmas bash of the Divisional Education Department.

They day even ended on a high note (almost literally). I had only recently asked the kids to recruit a drummer for the national anthem. You can hear the two of them playing and it does make a big difference even though at the moment they are really just ad libing (playing without music). They also brought along a girl who plays the musical lyre. She normally sits near me during practice and I have been amazed at how easily she picked up the music and played with the band. Even finding the right key without any trouble at all. They have all three expressed a desire to learn to play instruments. I had said to them it would be a pleasure as there were three trombones sitting idle and even another bass. The girl, Rhona, came last night and asked if I could start to teach her. Although shattered by the day’s events I was happy to, do so and went and got one of the trombones for her. I showed her the basic slide positions and to my amazement, within a few minutes she was rattling up and down the C scale as if she had been playing for ages. I then got a tutor book intended for valved instruments and pointing to some simple tunes (jingle bells, row row row the boat etc) asked her to try and play them. She was here for about an hour and when she left had the ability of a learner who had been playing for weeks. She came back today and with what only can be described as a lightening skip through musical theory she was playing tunes by herself without any help from me at all. She has never had any training but is now reading music as well as some of my players. I just find it so incredible. Before she left today, she was playing the trombone part of several carols with me playing the melody and she made hardly any mistakes. Her pitch, ability to read and appreciation of timing is just phenomenal. That’s the good news. The bad is that she leaves high school next June so will be going off to college. Never mind, the band can enjoy her ability while she is here.

Well, that is about all my very good news. I will get discs burned of the performance yesterday and get them to the UK as soon as possible.

Love and best wishes to everyone

A very happy Mike

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