His World Invites You!

ATS Photo Club Celebrating the Bonifacio Day!

THE CAMERA & Model Photographers

THE ORGANIZER

Kuya Boy Bautista with Nett T. Jimenez, Shrine Curator, National Historical Commission of the Philippines (Barasoain Church).

Assistant Professor Lorenzo Bautista
Asian Theological Seminary

D. Theol. (on-going), South East Asia Graduate School of Theology, Philippines; M.Div., Th. M., Asian Theological Seminary; M.A., University of the Philippines; B.S., University of the Philippines.

The photographers: Pastor JR, Aileen, Liway, Kuya "Boy" Bautista, Rose, Butch, Nathan and Kuya Roy.

Father Angel Baquiran Luga

After our meeting at Col. Mateo Luga's residence, we featured the host of the 75th Death Anniversary of Gen. Mateo Noriel Luga: "The Grand Reunion of the Luga Clan" at its very root: "Tumauini, Isabela". Father Angel Luga was then the Parish Priest of Cauyan, Isabela. A native of Ugad, Tumanuini in Isabela, he was born on November 9, 1948 of parents Rosario Baquiran and Diego Luga, the son of Domingo Luga, whose brother was General Mateo Noriel Luga, an Ibanag national Hero.

Despite hardship in life, Angel strived hard to finish a degree. He attended primary and secondary education at Ugad Elementary School and the School of St. Mathias in Tumanuini, Isabela, respectively, until he finished a degree in Theology at St. Paul University in Tuguegarao, Cagayan in 1971. He continued his Tehological studies at the Immaculate Conception School of Theology and later earned a Masteral Degree at Isabela State University in Echague Isabela and his Doctoral Degree at La Salette University in Santiago City, Isabela. LEARN MORE ABOUT HIM . . .

Meeting with Col. Mateo Luga and Fr. Angel B. Luga

It was the 20th of May 2008 at around 6:30 p.m. at Col. Mateo Luga's residence in Fairview, Quezon City when Father Angel Luga with brother Tony Luga, (whose Great Grandfather, Domingo, is the brother of General Mateo Noriel Luga), arrived. Father Luga is the Parish Priest in Cauyan, Isabela. He and Tony were the known Lugas left in Tumauini, Isabela. Other siblings of Domingo settled in Tuguegarrao, Ilocos and Cagayan Provinces. It was told that General Mateo Noriel Luga and his brother Domingo was actually from the Province of Ilocos, who migrated to Tumauini, Isabela. When the Filipino Spanish War erupted Mateo Luga with his two cousins, Manalo and Gregorio, joined the forces of Gen. Aguinaldo. They are, however, the original organizers and members of the secretive "Katipunan", in Tumauini. They left Isabela secretly to join the Katipunan. Nobody knew of their whereabouts. They are, in the eyes of the Spaniards - "Insurrectos"! To us, however, they are - HEROES!

After Andres Bonifacio's death, they joined the forces of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, until General Mateo Noriel Luga was appointed by General Aguinaldo as the Philippine Revolutionary's war adviser to the Cebu Revolutionary Government.

The meeting was a reunion of sort between Roy R. Luga, the grandson of Emilio, Sr., Mala Jean, the daughter Col. Mateo Luga, and those from Isabela. The Grand Reunion of the Luga Clan shall be held in Tumauini, the birthplace of Gen. Mateo Noriel Luga. Fr. Angel Luga volunteered to host the event. In the meantime, 5o pieces of the CDs of General Mateo Noriel Luga's documentary, which was produced by Col Mateo Luga were pledged to be reproduced for distribution, a parallel project to produce a documentary in Tumanuini, Isabela, shall be partly sponsored by Father Angel Luga. The advocacy for to commemorate the 75th Death Anniversary of Gen. Mateo Noriel Luga and to advocate for his life and times among the Luga Clan has just begun! The beginning of our saga . . . "THE ROAD TO TUMAUINI".

LEO LUGA ZITA

Leo Luga Zita has been a musician for almost three decades. He started performing playing rhythm guitar since high school and college days at St. Paul’s College in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental in the 90’s. He plays the lead guitar, rhythm and sings with a popular band in Cebu afterwards. Upbeat, pop, mellow and hard rock were his forte. He went to Singapore with the band and returned to the country about three (3) years ago. Now without a band, he again studied music and indulges into playing the Saxophone.

Performing solo, took a twist on how Leo Zita defines music. In his debut recording at Studio 26 in Lagro, Quezon City, you can feel the aura of his music, its heart and its soul.

How he blew the Saxophone and holds his breath for so long to express how he commands the notes with the instrument he have, redefines the meaning of the path he took for almost three decades. All of us were moved when listening to the music he plays. He redefined music by the way he interprets the pieces he performed at its best! We were owed watching and listening him played LIVE without a CUT! Clamoring for more!

Leo Zita, performing LIVE at Studio 26 in Lagro, Quezon City, for his debut MTV album: “The Cross Road”, with JM Almoneda and Nick Naval on the video:

For inquiries Text or Call:

0920-9835308

'EJ PARK" TOUCHES GROUND - MANILA

Super Typhoon Hits Manila!
“EUN JOO PARK”
Touches the Ground @ Roxas Boulevard

This beautiful, talented, musical genius, “Eun Joo Park” caught Manila by storm when she performed at Midas Hotel with such a powerful display of her mastery of electronic violin! The audience were not only moved and swayed, but was awed, as this lady takes command of the strings to higher notes in such an eloquently display of mastery of her craft: “Eun Joo Park” popularly know as “EJ Park” captured the heart and soul of the audience in her debut performance at Midas Hotel along Roxas Boulevard. You can hear the Oh! Ah! Of the audience!

You can see in the face of the audience the power that this talented lady possesses, now considered as the Korean Master of electronic vilolin . . . “Eun Joo Park” capturing the Philippines by storm!

A graduate of Orchestral Music in Korea’s Kywon University, A.I.D.M. Academa Diploma Violini in Rome, Italy, a member of MBC Orchestra, Park is considered as musical genius and now, a rising star in the field of rock electronic violin, internationally. She shall be having a concert at Araneta Coliseum on Monday August 22, 2011 in celebration of the Philippine-Korea Friendship Day for the benefit of "KOPINOY" (Korean-Pilipino) abandoned Children. She will be also performing live at the different branches of SM Malls nationwide and shall undertake concert tours to promote and poster Korean-Pilipino friendship.

Straight from Los Angeles, Usec. Robert T. Rivera, former Undersecretary for Operations at the Office of the Press Secretary and host of the Pilipinas Ngayon Na! at NBN-4 and now member of the Board of Director of RPN, took no time, as his plane touches the ground, he immediately proceeded to the luxurious Mida’s Hotel, 20 minute away drive from the airport and arrived a little bit earlier for the affair. Fresh from his stint in Europe, Ambassador Alejandro del Rosario was also present with former Miss World Evangeline Pascual, Maning Borlaza of the MTRCB, former Ambassador James Dee, Lolly R. Acosta, President of the NAIA Press Club, Crispina Belen of the Manila Bullettin many more well known showbiz and media personalities.

For further details and Inquiries, please contact :


Ms. Bella E. Dimayuga
Philippine Manager
Mobile: 0920-9704644/0922-8751435/0921/7399571
Telefax: 552-7184
Email: dimayugabella@yahoo.com


EJ PARK in Manila

Jeff Baek, Human Resource Manager of VERONA Optical, a top of the line producer of contact lenses and eyeglasses using the most modern and sophisticated equipment from Korea [center] with Miss Angel Locsin look alike and another staff from VERONA.

Ambassador Alejandro del Rosario (in blue shirt, far left) ) with Lolit Acosta, President of the NAIIA Press Corps and Usec. Robert T. Rivera, former Undersecretary for Operations, Office of the Press Secretary along with other Press and Media People.

Bella E. Dimayuga with the Head of Midas Hotel Marketing Department, 1973 Miss World 1st Runner Up, Miss Evangeline Pascual and Philantropist, Lolita Escobar Mirpuri.

Roy R. Luga, a cyber advocate who promotes different non-profit advocacy projects in the cyber space internationally with Lolit R. Acosta of Balitaan sa Aloha, Usec. Robert T. Rivera, Bella Dimayuga, representatives of the Midas Hotel with a Media personality, were also among the guests.

Myrle De Jesus Bowden

It's been quite a while since we have not published a post in our site. Before Myrle De Jesus Bowden went home to Australia, a hastily called reunion compliment of Col. Mateo Luga was organized in honor of Myrle at Kabisera Filipino in Rockwell at Makati. Among those present were the offspring of Jose Valdez Luga and Leanor Ledesma Hojilla, headed by Tito Mat with Tita Lita and daughter Mala. Vida, Tanya, Leslie and Brad Luga Sison Gabe, grandchildren of Ruth Luga and Carlos Sison, Sr., were also present with Marissa De Jesus, Myrle's sister-in-law. Also around were husband and wife Mike Ocampo and Emmy Luga with their children, Emmy is the daughter of Tita Exing and Tito Manuel Luga, brother of Tito Mat. The offspring of Emilio Luga Sr. and Beatriz Somoza was represented by Ate Beth, the wife of Gen. Alan Luga, with their children.

For Myrle who we have not seen for quite a while . . . for twenty years? Cheers!

Souther California Pinoy News - "The Luga Clan"

The Southern California Pinoy News - Joel Atencio (Philippine News Agency) - The nation, led by President Benigno S. Aquino III, pays tribute on Sunday, June 12, to the men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and five generations of warriors and peacekeepers who helped the country attain its freedom.

As the country marks the 113th anniversary of its independence, President Aquino, in his capacity as commander-in-chief, honors the men and women who fought for the country’s freedom during a civic-military parade at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila and other key areas of the country.

Military historians cited the Luga clan of Isabela, (DOUBLE CLICK HERE . . .)

YOU ARE INVITED!

Fr. Angel Baquiran Luga’s Isabela Awaits You Project awakened not only national consciousness, but it has also ignited the bond among the tribal communities in Isabela fortified and cemented by their faith. What was once a simple project merely to awaken the hearts and minds of a family to rekindle their past, touched the spirit of the different tribal cultural minorities in Cagayan Valley, the Gaddang, Ibanag, Yogad, Agta, Itawis, Ivatan, to be proud of their roots to honor the return of one of their child long forgotten by history. His symbolic return turned into a festivity that ignited the bond of Filipino culture: Love of God, Family, Country and Honor. No less than the National Historical Institute acknowledges that Mateo Noriel Luga, the only known tribal leader in Philippine History who rose from the rank of the Philippine Revolutionary Government to become a general during the Filipino-Spanish and the Filipino-American Revolt, may have been the most unsung hero in Philippine History. Sadly, he died a poor man on his way home to his beloved land. He never made it back to the place where he started his own little war. His journey to carry on his resolve to fight for the freedom of his people from Cagayan Valley went further to distant shores and reached its peak leading men in combat to send a fleet of the world’s mightiest army running away from battle in a land foreign from his culture in the company of people not of his own. Despite his family being made a shield to weaken his morale, he rescued his loved ones in enemy’s lair and fought back an honorable war that earned the respect and admiration not of Filipino historians, but his fiercest enemy, the American Expeditionary Forces in the island of Cebu. He lived honorably in peace as farmer thereafter with his family by his side and stood by his nationalistic ideals. He died a poor man in unknown tomb never realizing his dream to return to the beloved land where he started his own little war: Cagayan Valley . Isabela Awaits You is a continuing saga of the revolution that this man started , now turned into an advocacy that touches our soul, hearts and minds as Filipinos.

In its first expeditionary mission to rally for the symbolic return this Ibanag Revolutionary, Fr. Angel Luga started his own revolt: ”The Ibanag Cyber Revolution Has Begun” followed by ”Isabela Awaits You Part I”. It did not stopped from there, it was followed by Isabela Awaits You Part II”. Then followed by Isabela Awaits You Part III: One Barangay, One Chapel, One Community, One Church Project”, where Fr. Angel Baquiran Luga advocated to build a Chapel in every Barangay in Cauayan City, turns out into churches in each Barangay. The ”The 75th Death Anniversary of Gen. Mateo Noriel Luga: The Return of the Tribal Warriors” may have put closure to fulfill the wish of this forgotten warrior. It, however, commenced an advocacy that touches the hearts and minds of many that continues to linger beyond the shores among Filipinos . . .

On June 18, 2011 Fr. Angel Baquiran Luga, who is now the newly installed Parish Priest of St. Matthias Church in Tumauini shall produce another missionary work, right at the place where it all started: “Isabela Awaits You Part IV: “THE JEWEL OF THE VALLEY”. Tell your family and friends to attend the early morning Mass with Fr. Angel Luga at St. Matthias Church on June 19, 2011. JOIN US IN OUR JOURNEY! Isabela Awaits You Part IV! (Double click here . . .).
(In honor of the 150th Death Anniversary of Dr. Jose Protacio Rizal)

BANGON TUMAINI: Isabela Awaits You!

It left ten (10) dead, thousands homeless and millions in losses. Typhoon Megi hit Tumauini on 19 October of 2010. St. Mathias Church, which have withstood centuries of calamities, havoc and war, that symbolizes the strength of the different tribes in Cagayan Valley, then and now known as the "Jewel of the Valley" was not spared. Tumauini is still coping with the ravages of what was left by the storm until today, still recuperating and healing the wounds of what was left by Megi.

In its fourth missionary project of Fr. Angel B. Luga: Isabela Awaits You: Part IV, we shall endeavor to present to you Tumauini today and how those of you from here and abroad could help our fellowmen to stand from the rubles of what was left by the havoc.

May God be with us.

(Acknowledgment: Pictures from googgle image search news items)

Isabela Awaits You!

Fr. Angel Baquiran Luga’s

ISABELA AWAITS YOU . . .

PART IV

with

Raymund F. Catindig

Papa Nicko “Lakay”

Joel & Jonel Padernal

Uao Antonio Jr.

Roy R. Luga

“THE JEWEL OF THE VALLEY”

What has started as a simple project to Commemorate the 75th Death Anniversary of Gen. Mateo Noriel Luga has turned in a worldwide advocacy. From the Isabela Awaits You Part I Project of Father Angel B. Luga, it was followed by Isabela Awaits You Project Part II.. These projects now turned into a worldwide advocacy in the cyber media, that inspired families, relatives and friends to bond together and make a difference on the lives of others. Having been touched by the humility, simplicity and devotion of a simple tribal leader who disappeared in his place of birth at a young age, who secretly joined the Katipunan to fight for our freedom - he rose from the rank to become a general, rescued his family taken hostage by foreign colonizers to weaken his resolve and fought back fighting an honorable war sending a fleet of navy of the mightiest army in the world running away from battle in the island of Cebu. He continued his nationalist ideals after the revolution to maintain peace and order, leaved his influential post finding unacceptable foreign policies of the Americans and joined in the distribution of lands to the people. Then lived honorable in peace as a farmer with his family and died a poor man on his way back to his native land . . . ISABELA. He did not make it back.

No less than the National Historical Institute acknowledges that Gen. Mateo Noriel Luga may have been the most unsung hero in Philippine history. His account were not written by his fellow Filipinos nor was he hailed in his native land It was his fiercest enemy, the American soldiers who saw much battle in the Philippines, who honored him out of respect

and admiration for fighting an honorably war despite the adversities. To date, his family cannot locate his grave.

Soon Fr. Angel B. Luga, who is now the Parish Priest of St. Mathias Church in Tumauini with his brother Engr. Tony B. Luga, now a Barangay Captain of Barangay Ugad, shall be, again, producing the 4^th segment of “Isabela Awaits You . . . “ entitled: the “Jewel of the Valley”. Tumauini, where Gen. Mateo Noriel Luga was born, was once the capital of the entire Cagayan Valley, they called . . . “The Jewel of the Valley”. See its beauty, people and culture to be brought to you by the original producer and creators of Isabela Awaits You Parts I, II and III, now with Raymund F. Catindig of Isabela News @ Blogspot, the Philippine Star, a newsman, writer and fellow advocate, who now resides in Isabela.

.

JOIN US!

300 YEARS WAR . . .

[Gen. Nicetas C. Parena (Ret.), Chairman of Kalinga Foundation, a Civic Organization that helps in livelihood projects of the families of the soldiers, being interviewed by Joel Atencio, PNA]

300 YEARS 4 GENERATIONS OF WARRIORS/PEACEKEEPERS

Its been quite a while since I haven't wrote on modern day history concerning matters not known generally to the public. It has been years since we started the advocacy for one of the most unsung hero in Philippine history to earn the recognition he deserves in our history books, not because he bears a name similar to that of ours. It was his deeds, his life and times that inspires many, to advocate the ideals he lived by. A true Filipino without any desire for self interest, but to secure and promote the freedom we already attained.

As I retrace history, I do not know if it was incidental or Divine to be at places in the wrong time or wrong time at the right place with the right? Or, wrong people? Decision makers, the silent operators or the people behind that changes the course of history. Whichever it may lead, history must be written for the next generation to live by, for the ideals that people in the past stood by, in the hope for others to understand what really transpired and how it happened. Without history . . . we do not know why we are following a path where we are leading to. For many . . . pana-panahon lang po - but for some, it has been the path long laid even before others set in. Our advocacy shall continue . . . because the ideals was already there even before our coming.

The problem with our governance is continuity, picking the bits and pieces is hard, especially if politics sets in whenever change of administration takes place. Well, there are those who remains regardless of changes, conflict or war . . .

“THE 1986/1989 COUP”
IN HONOR OF THE TWO SENIOR SURVIVING LUGA OF THE AFP

GEN. EMILIO S. LUGA JR. (Ret.) COL. MATEO H. LUGA (Ret.)

Roy R. Luga

The 1983 assassination of Benigno Aquino ignited the unification of the people's sentiment for a change of leadership in government. With the popularity of his leadership in question and his failing health, President Ferdinand E. Marcos’ control in governance slowly loses its grip.

In Negros, student activism is at its peak. The rising cost of fuel , goods, commodities and tuition fees sparked student unrest. Student leaders of West Negros College were in the forefront of boycotts, rallies and long marches to protest government anti-poor policies and human rights atrocities. Different NGOs and political party espousing nationwide solution to the political turmoil besetting our country begun to emerge. The sustained mass action forced then President Ferdinand E. Marcos to call a snap election in 1986, which resulted to series of event history foretold.

Sometime in February 1986, many NGOs helped organized the National Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL), former student leaders and nationalistic individuals joined the organization in the hope of protecting the ballots for the sentiment of the people to be truly heard. The walk-out by NAMFREL personnel manning the computers for its operation quick count at PICC caused a major scandal that put in question the true winner of the snap presidential poll. Three (3) nights before the February 25, 1986 EDSA Revolution, in a ball of Silliman University’s College of Law: “Effective 12:00 midnight, I am already considered a renegade. I am withdrawing my loyalty to the Armed Forces of the Philippines”: Captain Cresencio Tan, President of the College of Law, Commandant of the ROTC, Silliman University. In Manila, words of impending arrest of then Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile and the PC/INP Chief, Fidel Valdez Ramos, hit the main story of the print media the following day.

REVOLUTION HAS BEGUN!

TO BE CONTINUED . . .

NBI CHIEF IN ISABELA DRUG MULE CASE KILLED!

(photo credits: news@yahoo.com)

NBI CHIEF WHO PRODUCED CONDEMNED PINAY
HANDLER KILLED IN ACCIDENT

by: Raymund Catindig
SANTIAGO CITY - The Acting regional Director of the National Bureau of Investigation in Cagayan Valley responsible for bringing into the hands of the law the accused handler of condemned Drug mule Sally Ordinario-Villanueva was killed (DOUBLE CLICK HERE . . .)