MUROK CHALLENGE 3.0: WATCH FOR IT!

After the Zamboanga Siege, most of the runners have turned to Jardin De Maria Clara in Pasonanca Park for their regular runs. Then, the runners have been challenged to go further to Abong-Abong, then Crus Mayor for their exercise routine. Further challenged, Zamboanga City runners now choose Muruk as their target destination.

So here is an invitation from the Zamboanga Runners Club with pictures taken from their FB site:

Please do join the Muruk Challenge 3.0!

PULONG BATO TRAIL Adventure Challenge @ June 29, 2014

Here is another interesting activity in Zamboanga City participated in by the Ciudad Medical Zamboanga runners.

Quite an interesting twist to the usual runs is the Pulong Bato Trail Adventure Challenge 2014, where the athletes got to run in part within the Pasonanca Watershed, since the aim of the event was to focus public attention to the protection and conservation of the watershed.

Thisis the link for the story I got from the Zamboanga City news:***

ZCWD backs DENR’S Pulong Bato Trail Adventure Challenge 2014

§  Source: http://www.zamboangatoday.ph/index.php/top-stories/17881-zcwd-backs-denrs-pulong-bato-trail-adventure-challenge-2014.html

§  Thursday, July 3, 2014 14:49

By Montee E. Domingo (ZCWD, OIC-PRO)

The Zamboanga City Water District (ZCWD) assisted in the first “Pulong Bato Trail Adventure Challenge 2014, 8k Trail Run and 4k MTB/8k trail run Duathlon” spearheaded by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Interim PENR Office in partnership with Zamboanga Bikers 101 Unlimited, Inc. on June 29, 2014 at the Abong-Abong Freedom Park this city.

The event was organized as DENR-PENRO RIX celebrates June as Environment Month consistent with Presidential Proclamation No. 237. The activity aims to focus public attention to the protection and conservation of the watershed.

The trail adventure challenge, which took off at the bridge of Sitio Abong-Abong, was participated by almost 200 men, women and kids from different walks of life as well as some foreigners. The duathlon dare was the first to be carried out in the City.

The participants were advised not to take anything from the Watershed, not to take another trail, not to throw garbage and not to trim or cut trees/ plants, but simply to commune with nature and enjoy the fresh air.

In support the above activity, ZCWD provided 500 “Agua Es Vida” bottled watert hat were distributed to the participants to help quench their thirst. These were stationed at Muruk (2kms from the starting point), at the Intake (inside the watershed) and at the finish line.

Ciudad Medical Zamboanga workforce together with CMZ Chairman Edwin G. To with Dr. Mary Ann To and HR Manager Juvee Calica joined the City in this very exciting challenge. Drs. Jaime and Gina Lu, Jamasali Usman and Dr. Josephine Gemarino also participated in this run!

Here are photos from the CMZ Facebook Page c/o HRM Juvee Calica. 

There were also bikers in this Challenge including our very own Dr. Edgar Bisquera. An interesting set of bikers had their face painted.

The Trails:

And, Congratulations to the Finishers!

This is indeed a very special Pulong Bato Trail Adventure Challenge! It was more of stamina rather than speed, most of our runners said!! And it was a first time for many of our runners to appreciate the beauty of the Pulong Bato with the very humid and dense lush watershed foliage and the steep uphill runs adding to the challenge!!!

ARBOR DAY in Zamboanga City @ June 25, 2014

I would like to share some photos during the Arbor Day Celebration in Zamboanga City last June 25, 2014.

June 25 of every year is designated as Arbor Day in the Philippines!

Here is a story I grabbed from the Zamboanga City files on Arbor Day this year 2014:***

City marks Arbor Day with tree planting, tagging mark

Written by Administrator

Thursday, 26 June 2014 09:22

The City Government of Zamboanga spearheaded the massive tree planting effort in consonance with the observance of the Arbor Day na Ciudad de Zamboanga early morning yesterday, June 25 at Sitio Abong Abong in Upper Pasonanca.

Around 7,000 participants from different sectors and organizations flocked to the Climaco Freedom Park to plant an estimated 6,000 mahogany and narra seedlings in the identified planting site in Abong-abong as part of the City’s collective effort to conserve and protect the environment.

An annual celebration which underscores the importance of trees to society, the Arbor Day kicked off with an early opening program, which was followed by the tree planting activity, and the tagging of century and heritage trees.

Mayor Beng Climaco spearheads the tree planting activity in sitio Abong-abong, Upper Pasonanca in observance of Arbor Day Wednesday. JOEY BAUTISTA

A highlight of this year’s celebration was the unveiling of the Tree of Hope which was completed with participants pinning on symbolic leaves containing their declaration of support, commitments, and promises to plant more trees, conserve natural resources, and protect the environment.

In her message, City Mayor Beng Climaco emphasized the continued commitment of the local government to the environment, and extolled participants to do the same.

“We commit to take care of our environment, and the City Government encourages each and everyone to plant a tree,” said Climaco.

Climaco further added that the Arbor Day is an activity which seeks to remind the public, especially the youth, of their responsibility to protect and care for natural resources, and serves as an avenue where individuals can physically contribute and do something for the environment.

An acacia tree in Pasonanca is one of the 12 trees declared and tagged as century tree by Mayor Beng Climaco and representatives from various agencies during Arbor Day Wednesday. JOEY BAUTISTA

Following the massive tree planting efforts, Climaco led the simple tagging rites for 12 trees identified as century and heritage trees. Located in the areas of Pasonanca and Sta. Maria, 9 century and 3 heritage trees were tagged and recognized, as per the provisions of Ordinance 341 which declares the preservation of century and heritage trees in the City.

Joining the massive crowd for the Arbor Day activities were Councilors Roel Natividad, Juan Climaco Elago, Noning Biel, and VP Elago, and the different City department heads. Also present were the representatives of local and national agencies, officials from the military and police commands, and participants from the academe, and different local organizations, and groups.

The celebration of Arbor Day na Ciudad de Zamboanga is pursuant to Ordinance 281 and is in observance of Philippine Arbor Day on June 25 every year.

The ordinance mandates active public participation in tree planting activities. (Jasmine Mohammadsali)

Ciudad Medical Zamboanga shares photos taken as they join the city-wide celebration of Arbor Day 2014.

 

International AIDS Candlelight Memorial in Zamboanga City @ May 16, 2014

I would like to share about the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial in Zamboanga City last May 16, 2014.

ZMSAC leads AIDS candlelight memorial

Saturday, 17 May 2014 11:58

United in the advocacy to control and prevent the spread of HIV-AIDS, thousands of people turned up for the AIDS Candlelight Memorial 2014 at Plaza Pershing yesterday afternoon. Organized by the Zamboanga City Multi-Sectoral AIDS Council (ZMSAC), the activity was an international activity themed “Let’s keep the light on HIV”. A torch parade from Ciudad Medical in Nuñez Extension to Plaza Pershing at 5pm kicked off the activity. It was followed by a program graced by Mayor Beng Climaco and highlighted by an ecumenical prayer and praise songs—all in memory of the people who died of HIV-AIDS. The lighting of the candles and the community singing capped the activity. Councilor VP Elago acknowledged the guests and participants while City  Health Officer Rodel Agbulos gave the welcome remarks. Department of Health Regional Director Dr. Nimfa Torrizo delivered the closing statement. Agbulos said 86 cases of HIV-AIDS were reported in the city from 1995 to present. From January to May this year, the CHO recorded 6 cases while four other cases are for confirmation in Manila. Agbulos stressed that most of the cases are from the 15 to 34 years old age group registering about 72 percent. The International AIDS Candlelight Memorial started in 1983 and is one of the world’s oldest and largest mobilization campaigns for HIV-awareness globally. The web page of the International AIDS Candle light memorial hosted by the Global Network of People living with HIV states that the event is more than just a memorial. “The International AIDS Candlelight Memorial serves as a community mobilization campaign to raise social consciousness about HIV and AIDS. With 33 million people living with HIV today, the International AIDS Candlelight Memorial serves as an important intervention for global solidarity, breaking down barriers of stigma and discrimination, and giving hope to new generations,” the web page said. — Sheila Covarrubias

Here are some photos with Ciudad Medical Zamboanga and other institutions joining this city-wide activity:
Photo credits from Ciudad Medical Zamboanga

NUEVO ZAMBOANGA LABORATORY HOTEL: A New Landmark in ZC @ JUNE 2014

In April 2012, I wrote in In Pinay's Footsteps:
NCZI Extension: Blessing and Inauguration April 2012
"Four years ago, my visionary friend, Monsi dela Cruz envisioned a path to help other people... and that was the beginning of the Nuevo Zamboanga College Inc. based in the Lantaka Hotel Annex. 

Initially, Nuevo Zamboanga College Inc. started with TESDA Accredited courses, then, developed the three year Hotel and Restaurant Management program, where they had just their first set of graduates and just last year, started with the four year BS Hotel and Restaurant Management and BS Criminology courses.

Last February 2012, I was invited by Monsi to attend the ground-breaking of the NZCI extension in Pasobolong, which unfortunately I wasn't able to attend. 

To my great surprise, I was now invited to the blessing and inauguration of the Nuevo Zamboanga College Inc. Extension in Pasobolong, in just two months!!!"

Indeed, a visionary!!! 

When initially, they had about 30 students, in just a few years time, they now have about 500 students! From TESDA Courses, they now also have the B.S. Hotel and Restaurant Management and the B.S. Criminology full courses.

Last February 1, 2014, which incidentally is NZCI President Crisanto Dela Cruz's birthday, was again the laying of the cornerstone for the Nuevo Zamboanga Colleges Inc. Laboratory Hotel, and in about three month's time, here we are again invited to attend the Blessing and Inauguration of the Nuevo Zamboanga Laboratory Hotel!

By the way, I was asked by my friend, Happie, why it is called a Laboratory. (I should have thought about explaining it earlier!) I hope I am right, but the primary intention of the hotel is to serve as a laboratory (as in testing!) hotel for the B.S.HRM students of NZCI and those taking the TESDA courses related to cookery, front-desk, food and beverage services, bartending and the like. The laboratory hotel is in the same compound as the Nuevo Zamboanga Colleges Inc. extension in Pasobolong. 

For those who need to undergo assessment for the TESDA courses, the Laboratory hotel may also be rented by the assessors for the examination. According to Monsi Cris, they were advised to make a laboratory hotel as a requirement for the B.S. HRM Course and not to depend on Lantaka Hotel By the Sea. It must be noted, though, that many other schools offering the B.S.HRM Course also do not have laboratory hotels.

However, since Monsi Cris and brother, Alan have made to place so elegant and with the cozy ambience, the place is so ideal, too, for parties, seminars and even team-building activities.

NUEVO ZAMBOANGA COLLEGE, INC. : new but steadily growing institution of learning for young and determined students. --- Monsi Cris

I was able to visit the NZCI Lab Hotel before the BIG DAY itself and on the same day, too, (it really isn't that far!) and I would like to share images of the beautiful place by the mountainside!
Facade.

With a College, New High School Department, Firing Range, Gym and Basketball Court, wide open Field for Baseball/ football, Swimming Pool and a New Laboratory Hotel for our students: in just few years time! - Monsi Cris

Reception.

Lobby.

Before the decors...

Simple but elegantly painted by my beloved brother: ALAN B. DELA CRUZ. -- Monsi Cris

Infinity Pool and Poolside.

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CRYSTAL CLEAR "Infinity flowing swimming pool", once a dream now a reality. - Monsi Cris

Enjoying the ambiance of the infinity swimming pool at the Nuevo Zamboanga Laboratory Hotel at Pasobolong, Zamboanga City with the sounds of the flowing water and music. - Monsi Cris

Restaurant: with beautiful view of the mountainside.
Enhancing NATURE, instead of destroying its aura and beauty, thus making the communion wholesome and pleasing to the eyes. --- Monsi Cris

Kitchen.

NEW FACILITIES for our NZCI Students costing more eight hundred thousand pesos for their hands on experience and actual use.

IF THERE IS A WILL, THERE IS ALWAYS A WAY!  - - Monsi Cris.

Function Room.

Bedroom. An odd corner was transformed to a beautiful bedroom with the view of the infinity pool... of course, I would expect the best ideas from brother, Alan! 

Gardens.

We passed by Nuevo Zamboanga Laboratory Hotel as we were driving through the ongoing EAST-WEST BYPASS ROAD. One of the corners of this road under construction is just a few meters away from NZCI.

Playground.

Kids have their place!

Interesting Transportation.

Golf Carts. With Monsi Cris personally driving Mama Julia Rojo and Dr. George Rojo driving our cart. Photo taken at the NZCI Gym just adjacent to the NZCI Lab Hotel. 

with an ATV (All Terrain Vehicle) and bikes! 

NZCI School Buses -- from Monsi Cris FB

Blessing: June 21, 2014 4:00 pm

(Photo Credits of the Blessing from Alan B. Dela Cruz Facebook)

Empowering our young people and giving them importance in their quest for a better future brings an aura of hope in a very challenging environment. - Monsi Cris

The Blessing is officiated by Msgr. Crisologo Manongas and graced by Mayor Isabel "Beng" Climaco and the gracious Mommy Ellen Dela Cruz

Elegantly decorated buffet table setting is Alan B. Dela Cruz Trademark!

The ladies of Nuevo Zamboanga Colleges Inc.: Ma'am Agnes Acorin, Ma'am Rita De Vera, Ma'am Rose De Vera with Mommy Ellen and the Dela Cruz Family!

And here is a peek into history:
Pasobolong in 2005
Here is the link: Before NCZI Extension circa 2005

Small and humble things in strides, with honor and dignity.

This is the exact place where I used to have a very small area for recollections, meetings, especially when I was building the Metropolitan Cathedral and other important undertakings. NOW, the area has been immensely blessed! - - Monsi Cris

**aerial photo by Dr. Filipinas Rojo as requested by Monsi Cris in 2005

NOW! Pasobolong (NCZI) 2014

Aerial view of Nuevo Zamboanga College, Inc at Barangay Pasobolong, Zamboanga City. - photo and caption from Monsi Cris FB

The place has a very fresh ambience and is ideal for team building activities as well as seminars and workshops, and of course, happy celebrations such as birthday parties and the like.

I recommend for you all to visit the place and see it for yourself!

TESDA-IX approves Nuevo Zamboanga College as A RECOGNIZED ASSESSMENT CENTER for: BARTENDING, COOKERY, BREAD AND PASTRY PRODUCTION, TOUR GUIDING SERVICES, FRONT OFFICE SERVICES, HOUSEKEEPING, FOOD AND BEVERAGE SERVICES. Furthermore, TESDA-IX suggested that NZCI OFFERS : HOUSEHOLD NC II and EVENT MANAGEMENT COMPETENCIES. -- Monsi Cris FB

We wish the best to Nuevo Zamboanga Colleges Inc., that NZCI may continue to give more positive opportunities for the youth (for the students it serves and molds) and further fan the glimmer of hope to a tangible reality... for a progressive Zamboanga City!

As Monsi would say, "GOD IS GOOD ALL THE TIME!"

P.S.
*    Thank you very much to the Nuevo Zamboanga Colleges Inc. B.S. HRM students with Ma'am Hazel Torres and Ma'am Rita De Vera who contributed so much to the CMZ BRA (Bra to Raise Awareness) Campaign Project through Bra Collection and during the BRA ART workshop, where they embellished among the most beautiful bras, many of which are now on display at the Lantaka Hotel by the Sea! The ladies were indeed an epitome of proper personality development training and with artistic innovation.

**    Captions tagged Monsi Cris were taken from Monsi Cris Dela Cruz Facebook Page related to his Nuevo Zamboanga posts.

***   Photos of the Blessing of the NZCI Laboratory Hotel from Alan B. Dela Cruz Facebook Page