Vox Bikol

While Iriga City is rejoicing for the successful holding of the annual Tinagba Festival, dubbed as one of the hottest celebration in the region, the University of Northeastern Philippines (UNEP) also has reasons to celebrate with the new list of their graduates  now turned registered nurses, adding up to the rooster of health professionals in the country.

Tito Genova Valiente, a Bikolano public anthropologist and columnist of Vox Bikol, is one of the three speakers invited to deliver the keynote address in the 2^nd National Art Studies Conference on Feb. 18-19, in the Tambunting Hall of the National Museum. The other two speakers are Prof. Eufracio Abaya of the University of the Philippines-Diliman and Prof. Judy Freya Sibayan of the De La Salle University.

"Who do the AkoBicol, Alliance of Bicolnon Party and the Oragon Party really represent? We are asking these groups to truthfully answer this question and reveal their nominees. We would also like to know who is funding their campaign particularly the ones who have a lot of air time both in television and radio, big billboards and a lot of vehicles?"

The Bagong Alyansang Makabayan-Bikol (BAYAN-Bikol) has this query for so-called Bikol party list groups.

Philippine Veterans Bank (PVB) recently opened 10 new branches beefing up its network to 60 branches nationwide. Last January 18th, PVB simultaneously opened 10 new branches all over the country. These are located in Pasay City, Malolos, Bulacan; Santiago City, Isabela; Olongapo; Lipa, Batangas; San Pablo, Laguna; Kalibo, Aklan; Tagbilaran, Bohol; Pagadian, Zamboanga de Sur; and Koronadal.  Late last 2009, the Bank opened 5 new branches in Luzon as part of its branch expansion and rationalization plan.

Naga City -- The Philosophy Department of the Ateneo de Naga University is sponsoring a regional convention on Philippine politics as part of its annual Philosophy Week celebration.

Dubbed "Decoding Philippine Politics: An Interdisciplinary Approach," the convention features lectures from noted author and Bikol historian Danilo M. Gerona, Center for People Empowerment in Governance (CenPEG) director Bobby Tuazon, human rights lawyer Atty. José Maria Carpio, and Marxist scholar and Ateneo de Naga President Fr. Joel Tabora, S.J., among others.

First published in 2006, the Ako asin An Kapwa Ko is a seminal work of Fr. Tria that encourages learners to use the Bikol language in the task of philosophizing.

Instead of lavishly spending the holidays, the Alfelor clan chose to end and start their new year with a spiritual activity. Dubbed as FOAS or the FOAS or Felix Ordas Alfelor Senior (FOAS), the family retreat was held at the Caritas Christi, Concepcion Grande, Naga City on December 29, 2009.

For an exemplary woman who continues to live her life as a living inspiration, not just for her family and loved ones but for everyone in the community, another year is just another blessing to truly celebrate.

Dr. Remedios Rigoroso-Alfelor, the loving wife of the late Camarines Sur Governor Felix O. Alfelor Sr., "Wawa" to her family and close friends welcomes her 95^th year as she continues to colorfully mark the legacy that she unselfishly shared, especially to the people of Rinconada area.

Since its inception in May 2004, the University of Northeastern Philippines (UNEP) Chorale has continuously widened its turf and is now one of the most reputable names in the music industry. As its way of paying tribute to its members, the chorale, together with its original members will celebrate its 5^th year Anniversary thru a concert comes December 20, 2009, 2pm at the UNEP Theater.