Wake-uppers:
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| Loon’s Sidlakasilak or festival of lights is one of the most important and religious festivals in Bohol calendar.-LPU |
Scene: The 15th Sidlakasilak or Festival of Lights was held on Sept. 6 in Loon town. Sixteen participants joined the first “indigay sa guriyon” (kite flying contest), while six contingents joined the Sidlakasilak Streetdancing parade in honor of the town’s patron saint the Virgen de la Luz or Birhen sa Kasilak (Our Lady of Light). This year’s celebration is meaningful after the Nuestra Señora De La Luz Church was destroyed by the killer quake last year. According to Reigh Monreal, Sidlakasilak chair, “Sidlak is to rise, Kasilak is to shine...that is to show what Loonanon culture is.” The Sidlakasilak is one of its kind in the Philippines because the street-dancing is done at night with the emphasis on the lights, on how to make it move and dance. “This year’s Sidlak festival of lights is really colorful, very elegant,” said Mary Grace Ramada.
Scene: The search for the best design for the Memorial Monument of the 7.2 Magnitude Earthquake is on. Deadline is on Oct. 6. For more info, visit Padayon Bol-anon Facebook Page or Office of the Governor or call (38) 411-3063.
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There are many forms of mass media but turn the volume up on this fact: Radio continues to fare well.
One of those who believe so is broadcast journalist Analiza “Glee” Orcullo.
“Pang-masa siya. It can reach out to the far-flung barangays and remote areas. Early risers can bring their transistor radio while in the field...it’s very practical,” said Glee, who is hosting dyRD’s “CBB Breakfast News” with another veteran broadcast journalist, Fred Araneta, 7 to 8 a.m. Monday to Saturday.
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| Glee Orcullo on radio: ‘Radio is very popular among the masses. It has become more interactive because of the Internet.’ |
Glee once asked herself if AM radio is still relevant what with various forms of media already flourishing.
She got her answer with the positive feedback from the listeners on her programs, which are still very popular among the masses,beefed-up as it is by its social media components like live streaming and text.
“It has become more interactive thanks to Internet,” shared Glee, who worked as a field reporter, anchor and TV actress on CCTN TV Channel 47 in Cebu City. “Listeners can send their feedback or reaction through text and the Internet. Paspas kaayo angfeedback sa mga listener.”
Glee is also hosting Rampa Showbiz from 3 to 4 p.m. on dyRD Monday to Friday with veteran broadcaster Pede Bolanio. It is as casual and light. It has lively discussions and incisive analysis of current issues on showbiz.
Does she have time to relax?
“Of course! Zumba helps me,” exclaimed Glee.
Glee is joining the new dance craze in town that claims to melt fats away--zumba.
Zumba classes are everywhere—in hospitals, offices, community recreation centers, and even schools and churches.
Many Filipinos are already getting hooked on zumba which allows one to enjoy the exercise while shedding off unwanted pounds.
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| Glee Orcullo (3rd from left) and her zumba buddies are getting hooked on zumba to shed off unwanted pounds. |
Introduced in 2001, zumba is now considered the world's largest and most successful dance-fitness program.
Glee found today’s radio intellectually demanding and zumba helps her to fulfil the task.
“Zumba helps me to focus and relax,” said Glee.
“Unlike any other fitness program, zumba truly is a dance party. The No. 1 benefit of zumba is burning of calories. We are moving to the music and we don’t even feel like we’re working out,” said Glee who is doing her solo zumba session last June.
"Music is the key ingredient to zumba classes," added Glee. The music sets the tone of the class, and the instructor and students add their own style.
From 138 pounds, Glee trimmed down to a fit 113 pounds.
“I am very comfortable now with my weight. I feel like I can do everything, healthy and sexy,” she added.
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| City Hall employees doing the zumba after office hours. Courtesy: Fiel Gabin |
Zumba borrows from the dance styles of cumbia, flamenco, salsa, mambo and even hiphop. In a one-hour class, one can supposedly lose more than 50 calories while having fun.
To be more effective, zumba classes should be attended at least 3 times a week.
“If you have time, you can make it as your daily exercise,” said Glee.
“I am enjoying the best of both worlds. I love the radio and I love zumba,” exclaimed Glee.
There are free zumba classes at the Island City Mall, BQ Atrium and Luisa Galleria. Englewood Hospital has free zumba session to its employees, patients and guests, courtesy of Dr. Disi Alba, hospital owner and administrator.
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