Writing songs from the heart (By: Henrylito Tacio, Originally posted @ http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/writing-songs-heart)

LAST year, Randy A. Albores emerged triumphant when his composition was declared as the winner in a choral contest initiated by the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA). This was in Cagayan de Oro City during the 18th anniversary celebration of the government agency.

Memorable part of the song goes this way: "Tapat sa sinumpaang tungkulin sa 'ting bayan / Handang maglingkod sa pamahalaan at lipunan / Init, ulan, malayo ma'ng pupuntahan / Di bale na't bayan ay mapagsilbihan."

Eventually, the song was declared by the CDA board of administrators as the National CDA Hymn in the meantime that the national competition has yet to be conducted in March 2010.

"I was totally surprised when my name was called," the 33-year-old Albores, who hails from Bansalan, Davao del Sur. "I am not a pro." It was his boss, Rosalinda E. Villaseca, who encouraged him to join.

The contest was exclusively for CDA employees from Mindanao, and there were four entries. "Some entries were written and composed by professional musicians," he said. For instance, the Cagayan de Oro piece, which was chosen second place, was written by the regional director. "I am just a simple man who wrote the song straight from my heart."

During the first Philippine Cooperative Teamshop held at Lagao Gym in General Santos City, the administrators presented him an Award of Commendation for composing the song. But before the awarding, the CDA Davao Choir (trained by Violeta Granador) was asked to sing the song before the 2,000 delegates from all over the country. "After the awarding, I went backstage and I cried," he shared. "I remembered my son."

In a way, it was his son who inspired him to write the lyrics and compose the song. "I always consider that it was me and my song together who made the song," he admitted. "That's why I usually called it 'our song.'"

His son's name is Jessie Ranz (JR for short). He is the eldest of the three siblings, and he has been diagnosed with global developmental delay. "He is seven years old now, but he still cannot do anything," he informed. "He can't talk or walk."

The chorus of the song states, "Taglay nitong katangian ay pag-asa/Kooperatiba'y buong pusong paglingkuran/Para sa kaunlaran ng buong bayan."

Albores claimed, "My song is a message of hope. For my son, I am hopeful that God will give him a normal health someday."

While doing the tune of the song, he was reminded of his favorite singer Eric Clapton, who composed "Tears in Heaven." "He dedicated the song to his son who fell from a 53rd-story window in his mother's friend's New York City condominium. I always thought of my son who has been struggling for the past seven years. My song was coupled with tears but full of hope. My guitar and my keyboards were witnesses of my sentiments."

In writing the lyrics, however, he was inspired by the accomplishments of his officemates, particularly those who are assigned in the far-flung areas. "Oftentimes, most of us are almost out of traveling allowance and other logistics, but these don't deter us to continue serving the cooperatives," he said.

He wrote the song during the second week of January in 2007. "I was already bored as a government employee for 10 years," he said. "It was if there were no challenges anymore. As I wrote the song I was thinking, 'Would I be able to live up with my words?' The song expresses what supposed to be the real attitude of government employees. Because of that song, my interest and my zeal to serve the people was restored."

Ranz, as friends called him, is the eldest of the three children of Julian and Myrna Albores (both dedicated government employees). He was a consistent honor pupil while attending the Rizal Elementary School in Rizal, Bansalan, Davao del Sur. He graduated high school with honors from the Holy Cross of Bansalan College.

Ranz never dreamed of becoming a government employee. In fact, he was aiming to become a priest. He finished his AB Philosophy at the St. Francis Xavier College Seminary in Catalunan Grande, Davao City with the Merit of Cum Laude. After that, he transferred to Lorenzo Mission Institute in Makati City and then studied theology at San Carlos Graduate School of Theology. But he went out in 1998 during his second year of theologate.

Today, he works as Cooperative Development Specialist II under the CDA. "I like the nature of my job because I always meet people and new friends as well," he said. "I think God placed me in seminary for a purpose -- to prepare me for greater responsibilities that lie ahead."

Three years after he went out from the seminary, he got married at the age of 25. "My wife's name is Cherish Sophia Dawa, an elementary school teacher," he said. "She is fondly called by her friends as Aubrey. We are blessed with three children."

His final words: "I just let God direct my way. As I grow older, my attitude towards life has also changed my idealism and youthful fantasies. During my adolescent years, I wanted to accomplish many things. But now that I am 33, I wanted to do things in its proper time and order. I will continue composing songs, not for myself alone but to bring message of hope to others."

Bakeshops in Bansalan

For a small town like Bansalan, a dozen of bakeshops had invested here since the year 2007. Majority of these establishments are actually branches of the food chain companies in Mindanao like Panadero, Rose Bakeshop, Gretz Paul, Manolette, and Park and Go. Yet, the original bakers from Bansalan like Mabuhay Restaurant, Virvics, Snazzy, Sklyplaza, and the like are still continuing their bakery businesses. The bakery firm of the Leynes family had been diverted into new more profitable ventures like internet café and branching of their gas stations in the nearby municipalities. JK Salazar Bakeshop for example invites people from the nearly municipalities in view of its services in bank check exchange.

The result of this seemingly competitive environment brings a lot of advantages to the consumers. Breads are now being sold at lower prices, clean and conducive refreshment areas, lots of choices on recipe and a lot more. People are looking forward for the opening of Central Warehouse Club sometime in the 3rd quarter of 2009. To be sure, another bakeshop will be established in this new shopping center.

Some of these bakeshops are operating 24/7. The famous “pandesal” is still the best seller especially early in the morning. No doubt, these investors are bringing employment opportunities in our town. They also contribute to the local revenue collection and in other economic aspect. In one way or another, they make Bansalan more attractive to the eyes of some investors.

Why Cut the Trees?

Why cut the trees? Are we not environment -friendly? Why remove the shades? These are the common queries of the residents in Bansalan upon seeing the joint action of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in coordination with the Local Government Unit of Bansalan in the on-going cutting of trees adjacent to the national Highway. The main intent is to clear the National Highway from any obstructions and any other related traffic interference. The ruling of the DPWH pointed out that there should be an allowance of clear area at least 30 meters from the center lane of the National Highway. This is to give way to a better shouldering area to prevent accidents and any other traffic related problems.

Trees have been cut down alongside of the National Highway from Curvada up to KM 77. Bansalan now is preparing its area to accomodate the long-planned four(4)lane concrete road. Said project will be implemented thru the present administration of the Hon. Edwin G. Reyes. Common folks have diverse reactions to this plan. Some would say, this four-lane project was conceptualized during the 70's but until now there was no action done. On the other hand, some would claim that the cutting of trees is the first step for the implementation of the project. It can't be denied that Bansalan's national highway is among the most destructed road in the province of Davao del Sur. Worst part of it is located in Barangay Dolo up to Marber National Highway.

Bansalan Barbeque Avenue

Bansalan Barbeque Avenue was formally opened last Saturday , April 18, 2009. The project was financed by Pepsi Cola Philippines in coordination with the Local Government Unit of Bansalan Davao Davao del Sur. Pepsi Cola had invested P456,000.00 for the construction of the stalls and the LGU had allocated P250,000.00 for the walling of the foundation. This newest attraction in Bansalan is the first Pepsi Cola financed Barbeque Avenue in Mindanao.

Bansalan Barbeque Avenue is located alongside of Miral River Bridge, fronting Gulayan ng Bayan. Barbeque vendors who used to do business at the center of the public market were given clean and descent stalls in the new business site. Pepsi Cola will soon install a wide television screen to attract more customers. During the opening, hundreds of Bansaleños and visitors from the neighboring municipalities were excited to enjoy the taste of the so-called "barbeque sa Miral". The Honorable Mayor Edwin G. Reyes had graced the occasion together with the executives from Pepsi Cola Philippines.

The establishment of Bansalan Barbeque Avenue had upgraded the image of Bansalan's business and food industry. The good ambience captivates the attention of the customers to spend the night alongside of the the Miral River. Its economic impact will surely contribute to the development of Bansalan which was proclaimed by the Deparment of Finance as being upgraded from second class municipality to a First Class Municipality several months ago.

Palm Sunday..."Bendita sa Lukay"

Devoted Catholics in Bansalan had joined the Palm Sunday Celebration yesterday, April 5, 2009. People were bringing palms and cococut leaves to be sprinkled and blessed with holy water as a sign of welcoming and accepting Jesus as the King and Messiah. In the Filipino culture, cathlolics used coconut leaves formed into small crosses as the most common shape to be blessed during Palm Sunday rite. These leaves are commonly placed in the altar and in the doors of the houses, offices and even in commercial establishments.

According to the Gospels, before entering Jerusalem, Jesus was staying at Bethany and Bethphage, and the Gospel of John adds that he had dinner with Lazarus, and his sisters Mary and Martha. While there, Jesus is described by the Synoptic Gospels as sending two unnamed disciples to the village over against them, in order to retrieve a donkey that had been tied up but never been ridden, and to say, if questioned, that the donkey was needed by the Lord but would be returned in a short period of time. Jesus then rode the donkey into Jerusalem, with the Synoptics adding that the disciples had first put their cloaks on it, so as to make it more comfortable. The Gospels go on to describe how Jesus rode into Jerusalem, and how the people there lay down their cloaks in front of him, and also lay down small branches of trees. The people are also described as singing part of Psalm 118 - ...Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father, David. ... (Psalms 118:25-26).

Rev Fr. Diomedes “Bobong” Templa , DCD, the parish priest of Immaculate Conception Parish Bansalan, had officiated the Sunday rite which started infront of the parish convent and was followed by the celebration of the Holy Eucharist. Bansaleños continued to pray for peace while waving their palms and coconut leaves sprinkled with holy water. Palm Sunday is also called “Bendita sa Lukay” . It is the Sunday wherein the gospel of the Passion of Christ is read by way of dramatizing the suffering, death and resurrection of our Lord.

Fire Hits Bansalan

March is considered as the Fire Prevention Month. However, firefighters from Bansalan, Magsaysay, Digos and Matanao had joined forces in saving the whole Old Iglesia ni Cristo Compound from turning into ashes on the morning of March 21, 2009. Residents of Lily St. corner Rose St. of our beloved town Bansalan were shocked after seeing flames coming from the place where the old Iglesia ni Cristo church was built. At 9:00 in the morning of the same date, the civilian and Bureau of Fire Protection volunteers from our town were first rescuers in the scene.Later the fire rescue team from the neighboring towns came to penetrate the area. After a few minutes, the situation was placed in control of the authorities. The houses owned by Gloria Tolang, Domingo Corillo and Andresa Otero were totally turned into debris and ashes. Investigation of the cause of the said tragedy is still ongoing. Estimated damage reaches up to 2million pesos.

Bansalan welcomes Foreign and Local Investors.

Central Warehouse club Inc. had recently acquired the property of Dra. Sherlina Manos-Hao located at Ramon de los Cientos St., National Highway Bansalan Davao del Sur. The company will invest in Bansalan by way of putting up a supermarket. This will eventually bring a positive impact in the local economy. It will create employment opportunities as well. The place was used to be a business center of the FACOMA; Rented by Davao Metro Shuttle for a couple of years and finally acquired by the Central Warehouse Club. A couple of weeks ago the CJF Construction INC. had started building the edifice.

It is evident that Bansalan is already opening its gateway for investors. Last November 2008, two big companies opened their ventures namely the MC Square and the Taiwanese Firm LCE. Just last week, a business firm from Kidapawan opened another store in Bansalan bearing trade name, Bansalan Tiles Center located at the National Highway fronting shell station . De Luna’ s Aluminun and Glass from Digos had also established their branch at the Poblacion Uno fronting the Immaculate Conception Parish Church. Motostar will also establish their display and service center at Sta. Cruz St. by next quarter of this year. The coming of these investors are positive signs that Bansalan will attain economic progress and development in the coming days.

The leadership of Mayor Edwin Reyes, being a businessman by profession, is significant in the advent of these investors. He’s the one inviting them to invest in Bansalan making our town be upgraded from purely agricultural to agro-industrial. It should be noted that Bansalan is recently proclaimed by the Department finance as first class municipality. It was upgraded from second class municipality to first class municipality after raising its income and revenue. Data from Economic Enterprise Management Office reveals that for January to March 2009 an amount of TWO MILLION was collected from the delinquent stall owners in the public market. For the past years, some of the occupants of the public stalls were not paying their rentals to the Local Government. However, the present administration’s political will had prompted them to abide with laws and orders. A couple of business firms were padlocked by the authorities in view of the delinquency.

The brighter economic future is not far from the reach of our people in Bansalan. We may continue to work hand in hand to achieve social and economic progress.