On Fire

Our President Gloria Macapagal- Arroyo has stated her 9th and last State of the Nation Address (SONA), last 27th of July 2009.
Is this her LAST SONA or what?

Before the President begun her speech towards her SONA 09, many Filipinos are criticizing and mad at the same time because they were expecting more promises from the President that are made to be broken like what she did during her last SONA 2008 and perhaps she'll be promoting CON-ASS. They think she's a Liar. Come to think of it, it is expected that politicians lied! No offense. And before they started criticizing, let her first speak up.

During her SONA, she reported to everyone about her advocacy and accomplishments that she have done for almost 8 1/2 years of ruling the country. She also acknowledge whose names that are recognized as a progressive entrepreneurs and also those who brought honored in our country.

President Arroyo portrayed a powerful SONA and said some statements towards her critics in a diplomat way which was very professional but she did not even reported the truth about our ailing nation condition.

"I did not become President to be popular". "To work, To lead, To protect people, that is why I became President" she said. Well, perhaps not to popularity but greediness for POWER and MONEY. Is that what you mean?

Other than that, looking at the President's good deeds towards our nation. We could tell that she have done so much for our country. She was proud to announced to everyone that the government have built lots of infrastructures and even continued those unfinished ones. They developed new and better roads, new improved airports, sea ports and even declared the Philippines Transport Security Authority Law. And also they gave over 700,000 farmers a land to owned for agricultural purposes.

For health, they tried their best to have a low price for medicines.
Wait, I don't think so folks. Because until now, people are complaining due to some over priced medicines. But I highly appreciated the government's efforts towards on it.

In terms of Education System, the government had built over 95,000 class rooms, 60,000 teachers are added and they even had a 1.5 Billion Pesos fund for teaching training especially for 100,000 English Teachers.
They even assisted half of the students in private high schools. And distributed 600,000 College and post graduates Scholarships. She even proudly announced one of her scholar Mylene Amerol- Macumbal, who finished at MSU-IIT and went to Law school and fortunately placed 2nd in the last bar exam.
Indeed, our president have done many things that benefits our country.
But the question still remains, Are this enough to sustain the society needs?
In my opinion, NO, because we need more.

She even mentioned about housing policies that were designed to help the poor and they've created 8 Million Jobs. But why is it many are still homeless and jobless?
Perhaps they are not anticipating to it. You see, many are given free houses especially in the squatters area but instead on living it, they sold it. And guess what comes next? NO HOME! yet they get involve to rallies and shouted to the streets that the government set aside them.
Many also are still jobless and they are also shouting that the government left them. Well, are you guys participating on any job a fairs? Because if you did, maybe you'll have work.

She even traveled to different countries to have a strong friendly relationship within it. So that we, Filipinos could obtained and have a safe work in abroad. She even take care for those OFW's who were accused by death penalties in Middle East. She strive for the Filipinos wealth benefits and even save their lives to death.

Aside from the boastful achievements of the President had stated, she also defended her side to those who keeps on criticizing her. Here are some of her message towards them "I never expressed the decision to extend myself beyond my term". It is not clearly said whether she will not going to run for any position after her presidency but she will never run for presidency next year.
"Those who live in glass houses should cast no stones. Those who should be in jail should not threaten it, especially if they have been there".
Is that for Former president Erap Estrada? Ouch!
"To those who want to be president, this is an advice, If you really want something be done, just do it, Do it hard, Do it well, Don't pussyfoot. Don't mander and don't say Bad Words in Public"
This is one of my favorite lines.

Before she ended her speech, she said " I shall step down from this stage, but not from the Presidency"
This was a powerful statement uplifting her dignity and pride as a women, mother, wife and as the president of the Philippines.


Though our economy is strong as they claimed to be but they could never change the fact that she did not elevate the condition of the Filipinos today. She may uplifted the economy of the Philippines but in terms of uplifting the lives of the poor and the needy, she is not that effective.
She maybe working 24/7 as a president of this nation for the sake of our betterment but it will never denied the fact that the people does not considered its effort. In the eyes of many, it is not enough. Come to think of it, Why is it some of us are not satisfied for all the presidents efforts? And you keep on blaming the government for all of your failures and sufferings in life? What are you doing? Do you have any contribution towards the society? Don't blame others by your own mistakes.

In the other hand, despite all of the allegation, assumption and critics, she had shown a strong and intelligent wise decisions. She never shown her weaknesses. She remained calm at all times in the midst of economically and politically meltdown, so that's why she owe my respect and also salutes her.

To all those corrupt and hypocrites people as if they were serving the country, rendering there services especially during election days. Shame on you! Make sense, do projects which could build us a stronger state. Do something that will move us all forward.

We should not wait for others to do something towards our progress in life. As if we are waiting something that falls down from heaven that easily. Let's make a move. Let us do something before we remorse it. And I believed that change starts within ourselves. Wake up people. Do something worth while.

What is happening now?

Butuan City is known for its splendid historical events. Indeed, it is also known as the Timber City of the South due to its logging industry process but because of humans illegal practices it is sad to say the fact that the once known as Timber City had faded.. It is rude to accept that we've portrayed a betrayal in our beloved forest! And because of those illegal actions by man, the city is now suffering tragic such as demerits of trees that leads to Global Warming.
Another fact is that the continues increase of poverty that leads to more on going hardship.Because of it many people are now suffering hunger, homeless, jobless, uneducated and even sick.
Many children are now working at a very young age in order to survive the cruelty of the world. Instead of playing outside and having fun while they are still kids or even go to school to gain more knowledge, they would actually preferred to work so that they could sustain their needs and help their parents as well like what some kids used to do in the wet market "Langihan" or in the rice fields. People who just lost their jobs proceeds to illegal practices,rob banks and houses, rob innocent students etc just to survive as well sustaining their family needs. Other women even sold their purity and dignity just to earn more cash in a fastest way. Many government officials are steeling money from the fund of the people payed taxes. Instead of using it for the benefit of the city and to help the people,they used it for their financial purposes. They spend it for their personal necessities or even go abroad. Where is the justice there? They supposed to render their services for the city's progress. How come they always promise things that are made to be broken.

Other than that, some people used to discriminate Butuan because the place has no improvements at all. All I can say towards to those have judge mental mentalities is that Butuanons has a simple way of living. We are proud of our culture that we expressed during our colorful festivals and we have a good agricultural foundation. We are living peacefully despite all those deficit. We are proud to present our new structures that is really indeed one of a kind like our new second bridge.
And now, many are abuse because of mans greediness towards power and money.

What is happening in our society now? Do we have to wait before its to late for us Butuanons? We need Change! And I believed that change must start within ourselves!
Let us fight for our right! Let us Break our silence! Report those abusive people. Make a move for the better and progress.

BUTUAN....

"In the beginning there is NO Philippines but there was BUTUAN"

Butuan City is a swamp area and one of the Philippines oldest civilized settlements. It's located at the Northeastern part of Agusan Valley sprawling across the Agusan River, known as the second longest river in the Philippines. They believed that Butuan originated from a sour fruit "Batuan" or come from "Datu Buntuan", a chieftain who once ruled Butuan. According to the scholars that the word But-an means a person who has a sound and discerning dispositon.
As early as 10th Century Butuan was already in contact with China. According to the Chinese song "Shih" that has recorded the first appearance of the Butuan Tributary Mission at Chinese Imperial Court. People from Butuan have already established trading relation with the Kingdom of Champa which is South Vietnam now. Later Butuan made to be the center trade and commerce in the Philippines in the 11th Century. This is proven by the evidence of the Nine Balangays (Butuan Boats) and other archeological facts like masks, Chinese porcelain, weighing scale, gold and jewelries found in Ambangan, Libertad near the old El Rio de Butuan and Masao River.

EXPLORE BUTUAN’S BEAUTIES

TRY our Traditional and Delicacy Foods

KINILAW - anexotic spicy Food

Puto Kunsinta, Sapin-sapin, Kamoteng Kahoy, Palagsing, Bud-bud, Buko halo-halo, Bukayo, Lacsoy etc...

SPEND Time, RELAX and ENJOY Jamming in "New Timberlance"

Located along Pizarro St. Butuan C

ity

The Philippine Centennial Tree

Visit one of the Philippines oldest, beautiful, blooming and living for 5th Century tree. Found in Magallanes...

Take a BREAK and EAT

at Lutong Bahay ni Aling Cora....

Located in Front of GAISANO

WEEGOLS

Located DOONGAN (City Hall)

TITA'S CAFE

specialty in SAOPAO and LOMI

They are just 3 of Butuan's Famous Rest

aurants....

For sure you'll gonna love all the food's they'll served!

You can DROP BY at PIT STOP CAFE

Located along J. C. Aquino Avenue

It looks like a Car Store but its only car parts

are used for its furnishing...

.

Coffee Tables are made from old tires

Washbins are old mag wheels etc..

.

While taking a warm sip from your coffees you can enjoy watching the sunset view from Mt. Mayapay...

MAGSAYSAY BRIDGE

An arched type Steel Bridge. Built during early 60's that spans the Agusan River

ECO PARK

Experience the Beauty of Nature Here!

You'll surely enjoy its Eco friendly ambiance...

Located in Bonbon

"MASAO"

Magellan's Anchorage...

In 1521, It is believed that the First Mass was held in

this site and not in Limasawa, Leyte..

MASAO'S FISH POND

Don't worry if you forgot to brought foods while your in the Masao Beach because their is alot of mini Store where you can buy sea foods and puso( heart shaped rice) etc. Yummy!

RIZAL PARK

Where the First and Formal Philippine Flag Hoisting in Mindanao

BALANGAY SHRINE MUSEUM

It exhibits Balangay (Butuan Boat) and other artifacts excavated.

MT. MAYAPAY

ST. JOSEPH CATHEDRAL

Constructed in 1954 by the Dutch Missionaries and where the Spanish Jesuit Church of the Parish ( partially destroyed during World War II) once stood in 1879 .

BANZA CHURCH RUINS

Constructed in 1625 by the recollect friars but was reduced to ashes in 1753 by Moro Pi

rates. Only the Bell Tower was left.

Within the roots of this old Balite Tree, it remains to be one of the living witnesses to the reliance of the kingdom that thrives by the Agusan River...

STO. NINO CHURCH

One of the prominent landmarks. Constructed in Late 90's. One of the Philippines unique as its main altar offers.

CITY HALL

This structure is currently having the most Modern City

Hall building in Mindanao.

CITY LIBRARY

Its facilities as well as it looks easily earned itself as Mindanao's Most Modern Public Library. It contains the City's local historical documents and a wide collection of data that solidifies Butuan's Claim as the first Christian Mass in the country. They also had free internet connection services.

In front lawn stands the Veteran's War Memorial and one of the newest landmarks in the City.

AGUSAN RIVER CRUISE

Boat

A motorized boat ride starting from the riverrine port in New Asia that will take you upstream to the riverside barangays of Bit-os and San Vicente.

DROP BY to DIOSDADO MACAPA

GAL BRIDGE

..

Japanese Engineers constructed this bridge using their technology in 2007. It cost 2 Billion pesos.

It is one of the structural marvels of the country today.

BUTUAN’S FESTIVALS

KAHIMUNAN

Which means the "gathering"

Held every 3rd Sunday of January

A way of showing its gratitude towards one of its Patron saints.

During this Festival, participants lines up to the street to present a native music, dances, ceremonies and theatrical performances. Dressed up in a colorful customes and accessorize with native ornaments.

ARAW NG KARAGA

Held every February

Celebrates for Anniversary of being a REGION 13 KARAGA!

BALANGHAI FESTIVAL

Held every 3rd Week of May

Commemorates the historical significance of the 9 Balanghai Boats as a strong proof of But

uan's economic and cultural role in the ancient Asian Maritime Trade through exotic performances, colorful costumes and floats. It is also happened to be the feast of the City's

Patron, St. Joseph.

ABAYAN FESTIVAL

Held every 2nd Day of July

Known for its "Baroto Race" along the Agusan River. It is celebrated by a colorful fluvial procession of decorative boats carrying the image of their Patron Saint, St. Anne.

ADLAW HONG BUTUAN

Held every 2nd Day of August

Pays Tribute to Butuan's Administrative Status as a City.

It represents the City's Modern Culture through street parties, beauty pageants and motorcades.

Parade of performers with there colorful floats.

HISTORICAL FACTS

GOLDEN TARA

Known as Butuan's Home Treasure. A figurine of Buddha's consort, a

n array of lustrous, most intricate jewelry, a collection of priceless ceramics from Sung Dynasty. Presently in Field Museum in Chicago.

9 BALANGAY (Butuan Boats)

There were 9 boats discovered in Butuan City by the National Museum Archeologist in Late 1970's. It was preserved and displayed in Libertad, Butuan City. The first boat had undergone carbon-dating and dated at year 320. The second boat, dated 1250 that is located now at Maritime Hall of National Museum in Manila. The Third boat is placed in the Regional Museum. The six remaining boat was under process of excavation and preserved inorder to remain in their original waterlogged conditon to protect the artifacts.