Pwede Pala Pinoy Launch

A little more than a week ago, on Saturday 29 November 2008, Dilaab launched Pwede Pala Pinoy! in Cebu. It was an experience of the liberating and transforming spirit of Pinoy People Power. I was not in the Philippines during the first Pinoy People Power in 1986. I received news of it through television and a first-hand account from my brother, who was a law student then and was in the frontlines of the said event. It was impossible to contain one’s emotions.Many events have happened since those momentous days in February 1986. Is Pinoy...

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Dilaab, Archdiocese of Cebu, PNP MOA signing and Pwede Pala Pinoy Media Launch

It was a MOA signing that was not supposed to happen.“Sir,” the voice on the other line said to me, “the Chief PNP asks that the MOA signing with Cardinal Vidal be postponed to another time.” I could not believe my ears. The planned signing was long in the making. I knew that a postponement might as well be a cancellation.Since 2004, I have been a witness to something very beautiful and unexpected that was emerging from a government agency that,...

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Pwede Pala Pinoy Speech Contest

We also partnered with the Toastmaster’s Club of Cebu who organized a speech contest for students last 25 October on the topic Pwede Pala Pinoy, i.e. a good Christian is also a good citizen. The event was held at the University of San Carlos at its law auditorium. The event further reinforced my conviction that the youth continue to be idealistic; they only need to be inspired and given and chance to channel their energies. The winners were exceptionally...

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ASEAN lampost presscon

Last 10 October, we had a press conference expressing our deep concern over the inability of the Ombudsman to resolve the overpriced ASEAN lamppost. Is this another crime with nobody responsible? We hope not. By: Fr Melo see more pictures... ...

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Pahinungod kang kuya sam

13 September 2008 Regional Training School 7 4:00-10:00pmby Anbern RodisAmazing night of affirmation: for the man behind wonderful and meaningful change in the PNP, for our God whose great benevolence made it all possible. Perk: I didn't realize AF Gerard (aka. Brother Bear back in college) is part of the choir who we usually ask to sing for masses in the RTS. It was an amazing reunion. And JC, who we worked with in Mediatrack for video/music was...

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A POSITION PAPER: TOWARDS A GREATER FAITH-IMPELLED ENGAGEMENT FOR THE 2010 ELECTIONS(By Fr. Carmelo O. Diola/frmelodiola@dilaab.net/09228393225) Individuals and groups involved in the anti-graft and corruption crusade often find themselves in a seemingly never-ending cycle of picking up after the mess of those who use their public office for private gain in unholy tandem with people from other sectors. Truly, we are all in this together as part of the problem and part of the solution. The political landscape is littered with such mess. The picture,...

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Reproductive health bill forum

I have been studying the consolidated reproductive health bill. I must confess that it is only now that I am getting some detailed understanding of the issues involved. It is really a matter of life and death, with the proposed bill introducing a culture of death by making absolute the right of a woman over her body at the expense of other and even more fundamental rights. It also takes away the right and duty of parents to be their children’s first...

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MOR Bisrock Awards Night

Last 23 August, the Dilaab staff attended a gathering of Bisrock bands and fans that was organized by ABSCBN. Five bands that volunteer for Dilaab were in the running for the best band and other awards. In the end, one of these, the Agadiers, won out. An unexpected plaque of recognition was given to Dilaab Foundation Inc. for “igniting the young Cebuano Bisrock artists become vigorous Christian Citizens and prime movers of change through music.”...

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"Gipukaw sa Gugma" ("Awakened by Love")

Last Thursday 14 August, a new song, entitled “Gipukaw sa Gugma” (“Awakened by Love”) was played by the Agadier brothers. It is a combination of rock, ballad, and subdued rap. It calls on the youth to get involved in social transformation. We look forward to its first official performance and recording into ...

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Jacob's Well

In the days before indoor plumbing, the community well was more than just a source if water. The townfolk ritually came with their pails and jugs to draw water for drinking and cleansing; shepherds gathered with their sheep to give them a drink after grazing ; travelers watered their camels after traversing the desert for days. The well was a place of refreshment, social contact and neighborliness; a place for news, ideas and shared conversation. More than that, the well was a daily reminder that we all are nourished from the same source. The...

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50th Wedding Anniverssary

My parents’ anticipated golden wedding anniversary last July 13 was really the highlight for the month of July. Everything just fell into place and the celebration was so filled to the brim with joy and gratitude. There were even three disabled friends who came in wheelchair, and people from Cebu and beyond, also dear relatives from outside the country, even some dear Dilaab partners and volunteers. Praise the Lord! Instead of gifts, the...

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Vassal Teacher Seminar

On July 9, Selene Yu of the Potter’s Leadership Academy gave a whole day vassal-teacher seminar to the Dilaab team that now gives the two-day S Leadership (i.e. God-centered) seminar to police trainees. It is a joy to be with Selene who is a midwife to the birthing process of the Dilaab movement. She even shared some breathing exercises for people who use their voice more than others. Some things we used to do with our mouths and voices when we were...

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Volunteer Management Workshop

Tess and Beth attended a 4 day seminar workshop on Volunteer Management in Binangunan, Rizal the said workshop was sponsored by TAF/US AID. The workshop is aimed on creating a Volunteer Management Program in an organization. The two outputs of the seminar were the conceptual framework and the 1 year action plan of DILAAB. see more pictures... ...

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PNP Graduates

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Luid Ka! Book Launching at Cagayan de Oro

The same book launch was held in Cagayan de Oro the following day through a multi-sectoral network with Fr. Nathan Lerio of the Archdiocese of CDO being our point person. The boat trip to CDO yielded a lighter side involving a man who claimed to be a lawyer cum healer. He also claimed to have the answer to the problem of corruption. It is, according to him, a matter of having our backs aligned and he could massage backs. He may have been closer...

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Luid Ka! Book Launching

The Kapampangan Marangal Inc. (KMI) were in Cebu for Luid Ka (“Hail to you”), a coffee-table book launch featuring their experiences of the May 2007 elections. Venue was conference hall, UP Cebu. Some highlights include the personal sharing by Ave and Banjo of KMI who were part of the original circle of discernment that led to the nomination of Among Ed. Their sharing showed that they were responding to the signs of the times from a faith perspective...

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HCCLP PNP RTS 7 (BRAVO AND CHARLIE GROUP)

We did another run of the PNP heroic Christian citizenship and leadership program. Three runs within a month really stretched out resources but it was a good learning experience to help fine tune the program. After the May run, we will now be having the once-a-month run averaging 50 participants. We are also exploring possible partnerships to fund the renovation of the training center in Gaas, Balamban. A MOA is being designed. I was asked to give...

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Cebu Calling

By Gilianne Kathryn L. Gantuangco Special to The Manila TimesWe are currently in the midst of a Cebuano musical invasion. Urban Dub, Jr. Kilat, Sheila and the Insects, Faspitch, Ambassadors and Cueshe are just some of the band that have continued to dominate the nations’ airwaves or earn the accolades of critics the past few years....

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HCCLP PNP RTS 7 (ALPHA GROUP)

After their physical workout, the trainees did their morning devotions. They end the day with their evening devotions. Seminar-workshops are sandwiched between these two prayer times. The trainees are part of the 5-day heroic Christian citizenship and leadership program (HCCLP) offered by Dilaab in partnership with the Police National Training Institute (PNTI) in charge of training police personnel. The same event is being planned for Cagayan de...

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MANILA TRIP: MET AMONG ED PANLILIO

PRAISE GOD!On Sunday (April 20) the team met Among Ed of Pampanga and his team to discuss the book launch of Luid Ka (“Hail to you”) in Cebu on June 12. There is a convergence of energies in this book with Puede Pala. The good news that change is possible in politics is part of the good news in the evangelization of our political culture. But how does the silent majority in the Philippines encourage and support other good leaders in the likes of...

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MANILA TRIP: JACOB'S WELL AT PNTI

Spent the whole day of April 18 giving the Jacob’s Well module in Pansol, Laguna to key personnel of the Police National Training Institute. While their Tagalog was rusty, the insights came through with very positive feedback from the participants, many of whom suggested they give the same to other government agencies, including the PNP and AFP. Jacob’s well is a day-long module that aligns and integrates personal conversion, family renewal,...

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MANILA TRIP: MEET ATE ANGIE (FORMER BARANGAY CAPTAIN OF KAMUNING)

The next day we met Ate Angie, a former barangay captain of Kamuning, for an interview. Her stories of how she lived out her accountability partnership with Col. Cesar Binag (and now with the present station commander) touched us deeply. Here was one who was an exemplary heroic Christian citizen and leader working meaningfully with another inspiring figure for the common good of her locality. Her story – their story – has to be told. This is part...

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MANILA TRIP: COALITION AGAINST CORRUPTION

In Manila, the team joined the launch of a media campaign of the Coalition Against Corruption (Tuesday 15 April). Someone who is now with the private sector but who feels called to serve once more in government, despite the excellent material remuneration the person is presently receiving. Public service is indeed a calling! A mid-afternoon meeting revealed a faith-impelled partner in Manila in the fight against corruption. Faith-impelled solidarity...

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HCCLP SSPS (HOLY SPIRIT MISSIONARY SISTERS) BOHOL

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HCCLP PILMICO ILIGAN

Preparations are now on high gear for spreading the Heroic ChristianCitizenship and Leadership Program (HCCLP) of Dilaab in Cebu and in partner dioceses. Test runs of our modules (e.g. Jacob’s well and/or Spaces of Hope). A corporate setting in Iligan (17 and 18 March).THANKS BE TO GOD FOR THESE ACCOMPLISHMENTS DESPITE SEVERE LIMITATIONS. PRAISE GOD! see more pictures......

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LENTEN RECOLLECTION

AS WE BASK IN THE AFTERGLOW OF EASTER, WE ARE GRATEFUL TOGOD'S PROVIDENCE AND MERCY THAT CONTINUES TO GUIDE OURMOVEMENT DILAAB. see more pictures... ...

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MASS FOR TRUTH @ REDEMPTORIST CHURCH

A CALL TO CHOOSE THE WAY OF TRUTHA signature campaign that allows people in parishes, schools, and other Church institutions to affix their signatures. This has the following advantages: Each signature is a potential vote. This is the language politicians understands.Each signature recognizes the dignity of the petitioner. He or she is not just a nameless, faceless, and anonymous member of the crowd.The issue(s) being addressed is (are) specific...

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MASS FOR THE SEARCH FOR TRUTH

Dear Friend:The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) recently connected the search for truth with communal action in the face of the Senate inquiry involving Rodolfo Lozada Jr.The CBCP statement points out: “Truth hurts. Truth liberates. But the truth must be served. The truth will set our country free (John 8:32).” His Eminence, Ricardo J. Cardinal Vidal of Cebu echoed this call by appealing to “let the truth come out whatever it is or whoever will be hurt, but the truth must come out.”Dilaab (a volunteer-driven, faith-impelled,...

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AMBASSADOR DAVIDE VISIT TO DILAAB

Last 21 January about 10 people had a mass with Ambassador Hilario Davide Jr. and her Mrs. at the Dilaab prayer room. He was more than happy to share before this small group his experiences a Permanent Representative to the U.N. He told the group that the Philippine delegation is involved or taking the lead in the following: inter-religious dialogue; protection of rights of OFWs particularly women; moratorium on the death penalty (he is...

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NASUD! KO JOINS SINULOG

There is a growing awareness of Heroic Christian Citizenship through the efforts of Bisrockers (Bisaya Rockers). For three evenings during the Sinulog celebrations last 18 to 20 January, a series of concerts was organized by Dilaab in collaboration with Elizabeth Mall. Thousands of people attended while our mantra (“A good Christian is also a good citizen”) was repeated. More activities involving the bands (school hopping, a caravan,...

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SINULOG PILGRIM 2008

VIVA PIT SEÑOR!There was no visible Dilaab presence during the actual Sto Nino and Sinulog celebrations last 19 and 20 January. From 2002 to 2006, a Dilaab contingent joined the procession expressing our prayer for the nation and for specific advocacies. This year, we became pilgrims to a novena mass. This year, after the procession, some of us joined the pilgrims inside the pilgrim center and danced. The undersigned followed...

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FILM AND FAITH

Before the year was over, our staff members of the Dilaab Foundation Inc. were able to do a physical clean up of our office. The accumulation of seven years became obvious when we collected several piles of papers. More space is now available. The psychological benefits are also immeasurable: a sense of ending one cycle and starting a new one. Fr. Peter Malone, MSC an internationall-recognized film juror, started a two-day seminar on film and faith....

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