Viva Balita

08/07/2025

05/07/2025

By Atty. Dennis Gorecho

“MakiBeki. Huwag Mashokot” reverberates in UP Diliman as a host of Pride 2025

“MakiBeki. Huwag Mashokot” is the gay lingo for the activist slogan “Makibaka. Huwag Matakot” that reverberated during this year’s Pride March and Festival last June 28, 2025, held at the University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman in Quezon City.

Not even the heavy rains could dampen the spirit of celebration as the campus was streaked with rainbow flags, vibrant floats, and creative costumes for the third edition of Lov3Laban and the 30th Pride March in Metro Manila.[...]

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05/07/2025

🔴KAPIHAN SA AKLAN ☕
𝐓𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐜: 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐎𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐢𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐤𝐥𝐚𝐧, 𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐏𝐍𝐏 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐞𝐟 𝐍𝐢𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐬 𝐓𝐨𝐫𝐫𝐞

Guest: PLTCOL. Belshazzar T. Villanoche - Deputy Prov'l Director for Operation

VENUE: IJA Compound Infant Jesus Academy, BSP Baeay Saea-puean, Cardinal Sin Ave. Andagao Kalibo

HOST: Roben Laserna

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Disclaimer:
The opinions expressed by the guest(s) on this show are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the host, the network, or any affiliated organizations.

03/07/2025

17/06/2025

By Atty. Dennis Gorecho

“MAY ASIM PA” is an appreciative Tagalog phrase often heard in storytelling involving middle-aged women that acquired its double meaning: sourness and sweet.

Literally translated in English it means “sourness retained” or “sour still”. Paradoxically the free translation is the exact opposite, as it describes a person who, despite her age, still retains a modicum of sexual appeal.
[...]

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Virgin Labfest 2025, Philippine theater festival, Filipino playwrights, Filipino stage acting, That Thing Called Tadhana, Black Box Theater

17/06/2025

By Atty. Dennis Gorecho

[...] Photojournalism is a way of communicating information through images, mainly photographs, displaying a specific event, time, accident, or person. [...]

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17/06/2025

By Atty. Dennis Gorecho

Students from the University of the Philippines Film Institute (UPFI) received major awards in the recent 21st CineMapua Student Film Festival held from May 19 to May 23, 2025, at Mapua University.

This year’s theme, “Expand Your Vision,” CineMapúa is the longest-running student film festival that has become a hub for showcasing the talents of young filmmakers from various educational institutions in Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. [...]

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12/06/2025

Gala Dinner Speech-June 10, 2025

A pleasant evening to everyone.
I trust that after a full day of panel sessions and Executive Bureau meetings, we can all agree, it has been a win for us all. And what better way to cap the day than with an evening of light fellowship and a visual feast: Hinaboe.

As important as the UCLG ASPAC meetings are, we also hope our guests can immerse themselves in the culture and heritage of the Aklanon people. Tonight, we are proud to share with you a living tradition, one that is deeply rooted in our history and shaped by the natural bounty of our land.

From the flora that grows in the hinterlands of our province comes a remarkable fiber. Through centuries of handweaving tradition, this has become our most treasured creation: the Piña cloth.

Aklan's Pin̈a cloth is dubbed as the Queen of Philippine Fabrics and just as remarkable, it's process, the Aklan’s Piña Handloom Weaving is proudly recognized as a UNESCO Inscribed Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

In the same way we champion sustainable development, we are deeply committed to conserving, protecting, and advancing this heritage industry. Our Aklan Fashion Designers Association has long been a partner in this effort, and tonight, you will witness their creativity and craftsmanship, innovations that honor our rich past while embracing the future.

We hope you enjoy this showcase of Aklanon heritage. And I can assure you without fear of contradiction, that whether for work, play, or party, wearing our Piña will make anyone in the Asia Pacific look good and stand out.

Once again, a pleasant evening to everyone.

10/06/2025

Veteran Journalist Johnny Dayang Honored in 40th Day Memorial Mass
Family, Friends, and Leaders Renew Call for Justice

Bonifacio Global City, June 9, 2025 —

Veteran journalist and staunch advocate for truth, Johnny Dayang, was honored during a 40th-day memorial mass on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at Serendra One Social Hall. Family, friends, colleagues, and public figures gathered to celebrate his life and contributions, while renewing a call for justice following his tragic assassination.

Dayang’s distinguished journalism career included roles as Publisher of Philippine Graphic magazine; Former President and Chairman Emeritus of the Publishers Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PAPI); former President of the Manila Overseas Press Club; and Secretary of the Catholic Mass Media Awards. He also served as a UNESCO Commissioner and was recognized early on as a youth leader.

Beyond journalism, Dayang exemplified public service as Governor of the Philippine Red Cross, a volunteerism advocate, and close friend of current Chairman and former Senator Richard Gordon. He also served as Officer-in-Charge Mayor of Kalibo, Aklan, and worked in public relations for the Ambassador Antonio L. Cabangon Group of Companies.

The memorial drew notable attendees including former Philippine President and House Speaker Congresswoman Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, a close family friend who stood as Ninang at Johnny and his late wife Ofelia Dayang’s wedding anniversaries and at their son Juan Jr.’s wedding.

Johnny and Ofelia’s children—Bernadette; Juan Jr., with wife Maria Francesca; and Geraldine, with husband Atty. Jose Roderick Fernando and their children—were joined by extended family, friends, and supporters.

The Mass was celebrated by Fr. Alex Colmeiro, who spoke about compassion and justice in the face of tragedy.

Music during the memorial was provided by Carlo Florendo and alumni of the Philippine Madrigal Singers, offering a moving and heartfelt tribute to Dayang’s enduring legacy.

Following the service, guests shared a merienda cena and viewed a memorial table featuring Johnny’s book Echoes from the Woodwork, a collection of columns chronicling two decades of Philippine history.

The Dayang family calls on authorities to intensify efforts to bring justice, as the hired gunman remains at large and the mastermind has yet to be identified.

Though his voice has been silenced, Johnny Dayang’s legacy endures as a symbol of truth, integrity, and service.

END

Contact:
Geraldine Dayang Fernando
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +63 917 539 6235

Source 👇
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19AS8dJPnb/

07/06/2025

☕KAPIHAN SA AKLAN ☕

Topic: Post-Election Evaluation of 2025 Midterm Election

VENUE: IJA Compound BSP ( Baeay Saeapuean) Cardinal Sin Avenue Andagao, Kalibo

HOST: Ralph Isidore Zamora, Aklan Press Club Inc.

Guest: Mr. Crispin Raymund Gerardo - Focal Person, COMELEC-Aklan

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Disclaimer:
The opinions expressed by the guest(s) on this show are solely their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the host, the network, or any affiliated organizations.

06/06/2025

STATEMENT OF THE DAYANG FAMILY
On the Premature Declaration of a “Cleared” Case in the Killing of Johnny Dayang

We, the Dayang family, express our serious disappointment and deep concern over the premature announcement made by the Kalibo Municipal Police Station declaring the murder case of veteran journalist Johnny Dayang as “cleared.”

Let us be clear: the Department of Justice has filed the case, but as of today, no warrant of arrest has been issued, and the suspect remains at large. To publicly declare the case “cleared” under these circumstances is grossly misleading, legally inaccurate, and irresponsible.

A case is not “cleared” when the key suspect is still free. It is not “cleared” when the principal has not been identified. It is not “cleared” when justice has not been delivered.

We are alarmed by the investigative lapses that continue to cast a shadow over this case. The suspect’s face was established early, yet provincial exit points were not alerted, and it took several days before the suspect’s identity was released to the public. Such inaction is inexcusable. This is not a matter of limited resources—it is a failure of leadership, protocol, and commitment to justice.

We question why the suspect was not immediately placed under surveillance or held for investigation. We question why full coordination with regional and national agencies wasn’t mobilized in the crucial first 48 hours. And yes, we question if the delay in releasing the suspect’s image was intentional.

These failures suggest a dangerous possibility: that the gunman is no longer accessible, possibly silenced to conceal the identity of the mastermind.

To the authorities: appearances will not replace accountability. Tactical gear, public hearings, and media statements do not amount to justice. Only a lawful arrest, prosecution, and conviction can do that.

We also previously expressed dismay over the lack of support from local leadership. In this light, we now thank Mayor Juris Sucro and Governor Jo-en for offering a reward of ₱500,000 for information leading to the arrest of the suspect and the identification of those behind this heinous crime. This is a necessary and commendable step—but it must be backed by follow-through and pressure at every level of government.

Our father, Johnny Dayang, was more than a journalist. He was a principled man who dedicated his life to telling the truth and serving the public. His assassination is an attack not just on our family but on democratic values, freedom of the press, and the dignity of human life.

Let us be unequivocal: this case is not cleared until the suspect is arrested, the mastermind is exposed, and justice is fully and lawfully served.

The Dayang Family
Kalibo, Aklan/ Manila
6 June 2025