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Dateline Ibalon Learning & Education | Curated stories about Bicol and Its people

President Marcos declared a State of National Calamity. But what about declaring a Nationwide Ceasefire? Retired Judge a...
14/11/2025

President Marcos declared a State of National Calamity. But what about declaring a Nationwide Ceasefire?
Retired Judge and peace advocate Soliman M. Santos Jr. makes a compelling case for a unilateral ceasefire between the AFP and the NPA, arguing that both sides should redirect their efforts from conflict to disaster relief and rehabilitation after Typhoons "Tino" and "Uwan."
Read his timely opinion piece on why a humanitarian ceasefire is the urgent measure of goodwill and confidence-building that the calamity-buffeted Filipino people truly need right now—and why it could be the first step to rebooting peace talks.
(photo by John Dimain/AFP/ ABS-CBN News)
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Naga City, 11 November 2025 — President Marcos declared last November 6 a state of national calamity following the deadly Typhoon “Tino” in the Visayas and anticipating Super typhoon “Uwan” i…

Is the Philippines ready for a new golden age of historical storytelling?Columnist Nick Tayag argues that now is the per...
13/11/2025

Is the Philippines ready for a new golden age of historical storytelling?
Columnist Nick Tayag argues that now is the perfect time for Filipino artists to bring our forgotten heroes and intriguing historical events—from the Quince Martires of Bicol and Francisco Dagohoy of Bohol to the pre-colonial "Luzones"—to life on film, in novels, and in video games!
He makes a compelling call for narratives that are not just factual, but intelligent and provocative, urging us to reflect on the present by way of the past.
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During my recent meet-up with ex-college classmates, one of them, usually reserved and tepid by nature, was uncharacteristically raving about Jerrold Tarog’s “Quezon” which he had already watched t…

A must-read from veteran journalist Nini Cabaero, who survived a nearly fatal flash flood ordeal in Cebu City.She recoun...
13/11/2025

A must-read from veteran journalist Nini Cabaero, who survived a nearly fatal flash flood ordeal in Cebu City.
She recounts her experience of being swept away in the floodwaters of Villa del Rio and argues that the tragedy was not an act of nature, but a clear failure of government and uncontrolled development.
Why is anger the best response? Cabaero, whose family roots are from Bicol, explains why helplessness and resignation are unacceptable, and why our shared public anger is the only thing that can force accountability and prevent us from drowning again.
(photo by Cebu Digital News)
Read her powerful personal essay on turning pain into a demand for change:

We thank the author for allowing us to feature this article which was first published in SunStar Cebu under her column Beyond 30 on November 8, 2025. It also appeared on the author’s FB page …

Fr. James B. Reuter, SJ was more than just a Jesuit priest; he was a pioneering force in Philippine communications, thea...
11/11/2025

Fr. James B. Reuter, SJ was more than just a Jesuit priest; he was a pioneering force in Philippine communications, theater arts, and a mentor to a who’s who of Filipino students and personalities.
We feature the full transcript of a historic interview between Fr. Reuter and veteran newscaster B**g Lapira.
This conversation is a treasure trove of Philippine history, covering:
* Fr. Reuter’s vocation and his life-changing assignment to the Philippines in the late 1930s.
* Behind-the-scenes stories from the early days of broadcast and theater arts.
* Memories of figures like Pres. Quezon, Pres. Roxas, Pres. Garcia, Sen. Soc Rodrigo, Mayor Arsenio Lacson, Fr. Masterson and Fr. De La Costa.
Read about the man with a deep compassion for his adopted country. The article also shares his beautiful homily about life and death and the simple prayer he would begin every endeavor with.
(photo capture from Rewinder Channel video)
Click to read the full interview and honor the legacy of Fr. Reuter:

In the early 2000s, B**g Lapira, one of the country’s early and most influential television newscast anchors, interviewed Fr. James B. Reuter, SJ, who at that time was already recognized as p…

Happy Veterans Day!Today, we honor the incredible courage and sacrifice of all who have served in the U.S. Military.Take...
11/11/2025

Happy Veterans Day!
Today, we honor the incredible courage and sacrifice of all who have served in the U.S. Military.
Take a moment to read this heartfelt tribute from Alenn Nidea: "My U.S. Military Friends: They Marched to the Call and Earned Their Rewards."
It's a beautiful reminder of the dedication and service of our veterans—our friends, family, and heroes—who answered the call of duty.
Click the link to read the full story and share it thank a veteran today!
https://dateline-ibalon.com/2022/12/my-u-s-military-friends-they-marched-to-the-call-and-earned-their-rewards-alenn-nidea/

When I was 7 years old, I wanted to become a soldier.  I believe it was a strong thought and feeling among my generation. It is not surprising. Babies born in the early ‘50s came out into the …

Cardinal Pablo Virgilio "Ambo" S. David, Bishop of Kalookan, shares a profound and compelling reflection on Lakambini, t...
07/11/2025

Cardinal Pablo Virgilio "Ambo" S. David, Bishop of Kalookan, shares a profound and compelling reflection on Lakambini, the film about Gregoria de Jesús, the "Lakambini ng Katipunan."
This is more than just a historical review—it's a mirror held up to the present. The Cardinal connects Oryang's story of resilience, betrayal, and relentless pursuit of truth to the Philippines' ongoing struggle for accountability and the "unfinished project of the revolution."
He argues that a nation "cannot heal what they refuse to face," reminding us of Oryang's quiet vindication: "Walang nalilihim na hindi mabubunyag," meaning, nothing concealed will not be revealed.
(photo montage by Pelikulove)
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We thank Cardinal Pablo Virgilio S. David for allowing us to publish this article which he wrote and posted on his FB page on November 2, 2025. I must confess, when I sat down to watch this film La…

Learn more about the incredible journey of the Philippine Wikimedia Community User Group as they celebrate their 10th an...
06/11/2025

Learn more about the incredible journey of the Philippine Wikimedia Community User Group as they celebrate their 10th anniversary.
Discover how the PhilWiki Community is literally putting the Philippines on the map of free knowledge! This article, Part 2 of a Series of 3, highlights their major achievements, from promoting our stunning natural and built heritage through Wiki Loves Philippines (with Filipino photographers earning international recognition!), to preserving indigenous languages with the Wikisource Loves Manuscript (WILMA) PH program, and mobilizing cultural institutions through Project GLAM.
See how they're also actively working to close content gaps on Wikipedia and Wikimedia Commons with successful campaigns like Feminism, Fashion and Folklore!
(photo by Fpj455 for PhilWiki)
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This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Philippine Wikimedia Community User Group, a registered non-stock non-profit organization dedicated to promoting unrestricted access to knowledge wi…

Museum curator and culture advocate Abel C. Icatlo's latest piece explores the powerful and complex intersection of Cult...
05/11/2025

Museum curator and culture advocate Abel C. Icatlo's latest piece explores the powerful and complex intersection of Culture, Patriotism, and Identity. How do our traditions and roots influence our sense of self and our love for our country?
As the national observance of Bonifacio Day draws near, this is a must-read for anyone thinking deeply about the enduring spirit of the Filipino identity.
(digital art by Dateline Ibalon using Canva)
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Nowadays, when the idea of identity is being obfuscated by a flurry of various social influences, it is imperative to bring to the forefront of public discourse the immense relevance of culture in …

What happens when the official tasked with guarding government integrity quietly undoes a final justice order?Dateline I...
04/11/2025

What happens when the official tasked with guarding government integrity quietly undoes a final justice order?
Dateline Ibalon co-founder Raul F. Borjal's insightful piece exposes the controversy surrounding former Ombudsman Samuel Martires' 2019 reversal of a final and executory dismissal order against Senator Joel Villanueva over the misuse of pork barrel funds—a reversal made without public notice.
The article dives into the legal and moral question: Did the former Ombudsman act without jurisdiction, effectively making his action void? Borjal argues that this wasn't merely an administrative error, but a potential usurpation of authority and a profound breach of public trust.
This is a must-read analysis on the limits of power and why secrecy can undermine the very office designed to fight corruption. Current Ombudsman Boying Remulla now faces a critical choice that will define the institution’s integrity.
(photo montage credits: Rappler, PhilStar, and Wikipedia)
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When Ombudsman Samuel Martires quietly reversed a lawful dismissal order issued by his predecessor, Conchita Carpio-Morales, against Senator Joel Villanueva in 2019, it appeared to be a routine adm…

Congratulations to Kutur ni Jean on its 10th Anniversary! Celebrating a decade of timeless Bikol fashion. Read more...
04/11/2025

Congratulations to Kutur ni Jean on its 10th Anniversary! Celebrating a decade of timeless Bikol fashion.
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Pioneering Pinukpok in Fashion Kutur ni Jean and Jaq Hernandez are talented fashion designers from Bicol who have embraced the beauty of pinukpok fabric in their collections. Their innovative desig…

The author Evita Jimenez-Tuazon and her husband recently visited Don Lauro Bilaos, a remarkable man from Malilipot, Alba...
04/11/2025

The author Evita Jimenez-Tuazon and her husband recently visited Don Lauro Bilaos, a remarkable man from Malilipot, Albay, who, at 109, is Bicol's living heritage. He has witnessed the world progress from kerosene lamps to solar panels, from wooden carts to electric tricycles. She hopes that he, and elderly folks like him, would live to see the day when the lights of their homes will be powered by affordable energy.
In her latest piece, educator Evita Jimenez-Tuazon beautifully connects Don Lauro's life to the future of the region—the massive, groundbreaking offshore wind power project coming to San Miguel Bay in Camarines Sur. This project is set to be the Philippines' first, offering a chance for Bicol to have cheap, clean electricity.
But with great promise comes great responsibility. The author urges for vigilance, reminding us that these "windmills of the future" must rise not as monuments to greed, but as symbols of integrity and innovation—protecting communities and honoring the people and the planet.
(photo by Canva)
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At 109, Don Lauro Bilaos of Barangay San Jose in Malilipot, Albay is not just a centenarian — he is living heritage. The oldest reported living man not only in Bicol but perhaps in the entire count…

The arrest and surrender of former President Duterte to the ICC—was it a betrayal of Philippine sovereignty or a fulfill...
03/11/2025

The arrest and surrender of former President Duterte to the ICC—was it a betrayal of Philippine sovereignty or a fulfillment of the rule of law?
In this must-read analysis, Raul F. Borjal breaks down the legal foundation, arguing that Duterte's surrender is not "rendition" but a constitutionally sound act of sovereign cooperation. He explains how the 1987 Constitution's doctrine of incorporation and the specific provisions of Republic Act No. 9851 (The Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law) allowed the authorities to proceed with the ICC warrant.
The article provides a powerful counter-argument to claims of illegality, asserting that this moment affirms both justice and sovereignty.
(photo by Rappler)
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The arrest and surrender of former President Rodrigo Duterte to the International Criminal Court (ICC) have sparked fierce debate over national sovereignty and constitutional rights. Was this act l…

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