Malayang Isip

A Day in Service: Tuesday, January 28, 2025 By Christian Jay Laya, LPT, CSPE- HGE, MAPS (CAR) The first working day of the week in Alabel began with the familiar yet meaningful tradition of the flag-raising ceremony at the Municipal Hall. Mayor Vic Paul Salarda led the event, using the opportunity to extend his heartfelt congratulations to all employees of the Local Government Unit (LGU). He recognized their efforts and accomplishments over the past week, emphasizing their collective contribution to the town’s progress. His words served as an inspiration to all, a reminder that every individual’s hard work builds toward the greater good of Alabel.   Celebrating Excellence in Sports    One of the day’s highlights was documenting the handover of a Plaque of Recognition awarded to Alabel for ranking 1st during the Sarangani Provincial Athletic Association (SPAA) Meet 2025, held in Glan. This victory reflects not only the athletic excellence of Alabel’s youth but also th...

The Power of Optimism in Shaping Public Perception by Christian Jay Laya, LPT, CSPE -HGE, MAPS (CAR) In the realm of political science, branding plays an influential role in shaping the narrative, guiding public perception, and ultimately securing trust and support from constituents. A critical component of political branding is ensuring that it resonates with the values, emotions, and aspirations of the people. One key strategy for effective political branding is the use of optimistic language, avoiding terms or imagery that suggest violence, pessimism, or division. This approach not only aligns with the principles of democracy but also strengthens the relationship between politicians and the electorate. The importance of optimism in political branding cannot be overstated. Optimism instills hope and confidence in the future, offering citizens a sense of progress and direction. It conveys a message of positivity and unity, something crucial for building trust among a diverse populatio...

Gratefulness fills my heart as I reflect on a significant academic milestone: completing the academic requirements for my Master in Arts in Philippine Studies. It is a journey marked by challenges and triumphs, one that has enriched my perspective on our nation’s heritage, culture, and identity. Yet, despite reaching this pivotal point, I made the decision to pause, with only my thesis proposal marking the final step toward completing the program.   The decision to halt my studies was not made lightly. Balancing multiple responsibilities, such as work and personal growth, made it evident that I needed to focus on other priorities for the time being. It was a humbling realization, one that reminded me of the importance of pacing myself and respecting the rhythm of my own journey. Though I temporarily stepped away, my passion for Philippine Studies remains steadfast—a fire that continues to burn within me, waiting for the right moment to reignite.   Completing the thes...

Continuity Lost: How Legacy Drives Political Agendas by Christian Jay Laya   When successors deny or dismantle the legacies of their predecessors, it reflects a recurring pattern in Philippine politics that continues to this day. Rather than building on the policies or programs of their forerunners, many politicians focus on charting their own distinct path, often at the expense of continuity. This approach is rooted in the desire to establish a lasting imprint on history—a "legacy" that becomes synonymous with their name. The New Manila International Airport Terminal 1 was viewed as one of the World's most modern structures during its opening in 1982.  Designed by National Artist Leandro V. Locsin/  Source: Docu Lico This obsession with legacy can lead to a cycle where every new administration resets priorities, sometimes discarding worthwhile initiatives simply because they are associated with a previous leader. While the desire for individuality and achievement is unde...

ROGELIO “BOY” C. CORDUA: ALABEL’S RENAISSANCE MAN OF SERVICE, MUSIC, AND MEDIA By Christian Jay Laya Rogelio “Boy” C. Cordua, a vlogger from Alabel, Sarangani, exemplifies the spirit of dedication and versatility. A guitarist, basketball player, church vocalist, and singer, Boy has worn many hats throughout his life, leaving a legacy that spans community service, church leadership, and cultural advocacy. From Private Worker to Church Leader Boy dedicated 40 years of his life to ALSONS, working as a private company employee from 1974 until his retirement in 2019. His commitment to sports earned him the role of Sports Commissioner at the company, showcasing his passion for teamwork and athleticism. In 1971, Boy began serving as a guitarist for the San Isidro Labrador Parish, a role he continues to fulfill to this day. His involvement in the church is profound. As a member of the Knights of Columbus (KofC), he initiated the establishment of two councils in Alabel: the OLPH Spring Council...

Alarming Surge in Teenage Pregnancies in Alabel, Warns Municipal Health Office By: Christian Jay Laya, MiO of Alabel ALABEL, Sarangani Province – A disturbing rise in teenage pregnancies has been recorded in Alabel, with recent reports from the Alabel Municipal Health Office showing a significant increase in cases, especially in the Poblacion area. The youngest mothers on record are only 12 or 13 years old. Local authorities are now calling for urgent action to address this growing concern that threatens the health, education, and future opportunities of the youth in the municipality. Teenage pregnancy, which refers to pregnancies among women aged 19 or younger, carries serious negative effects. For those as young as 12 or 13, the risks are even more pronounced. These young girls are physically underdeveloped, and carrying a pregnancy at such a tender age can cause severe health complications, including high blood pressure, preeclampsia, and complications during childbirth that can thr...

  Doc G Optical Clinic Opens in Alabel Alabel, Sarangani Province – A new optical clinic, Doc G Optical Clinic , has opened its doors in Alabel, offering a variety of eye care services and stylish eyewear. Located at Prk 8 C.P. Garcia St., Poblacion, Alabel, beside Purple Cake, the clinic aims to provide the community with comprehensive eye care. According to local social media vloggers Joven ni Goys and Brheanz Vlogs , the clinic offers services such as prescription glasses and contact lenses, pediatric eye care, eye washing, dry eyes management, color vision tests, and fashionable eyewear from top brands. With the opening of this new clinic, Alabel residents now have convenient access to professional eye care services in their community.

To kick off the New Year, my friends Nico, Rogel, Joleah, and Joleah’s sister Johara gathered for an afternoon catch-up session at Kenny Rogers Roasters. The famous roasted chicken lived up to its reputation—juicy, tender, and perfectly seasoned. The sides, especially the mac and cheese and coleslaw, were delightful, though some servings felt a bit small for the price.   The restaurant's cozy and welcoming ambiance provided the perfect backdrop for our bonding. Over hearty meals, we shared laughter, silly memories, and future plans, with Nico and Rogel adding their humorous takes on life, and Joleah, ever the goal-setter, inspiring us with her 2025 resolutions. Johara’s witty remarks added even more joy to the afternoon.   While the staff were polite and accommodating, the service was slightly slow given the crowd. Despite this, Kenny Rogers Roasters gave us not just a delicious meal but also a priceless chance to reconnect and create new memories. Here's to more gat...

  📽️ The Kingdom Review (MMFF 2025)  🎞️ "The Kingdom" stands out among this year’s MMFF lineup, delivering an exceptional cinematic experience. Rated 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟, it’s a beautifully written and masterfully executed film, making every penny spent worth it.   The movie captivates from the first five minutes, blending layers of emotion and character depth. Just when you start hating a character, their hidden side emerges, evoking empathy or admiration.   At its heart, "The Kingdom" is a family movie enriched with political intrigue and cultural homage. The use of deep Tagalog language feels natural and reflective of Filipino heritage. Every detail resonates with Filipino identity, from the dialogues to the visual elements.   The cast delivered stellar performances. Sue Ramirez and Piolo Pascual shone, with Sue embodying a regal "Dayang" perfectly. Christine Reyes, Sid Lucero, and even the Babaylan characters were impeccably cast. Bossing Vic Sotto’s...