DMC Pulse + PhotoBlog

By Robert Michael V. Buchholz Jr

(DMC Eximius writer)

Showing that, indeed, it has the premiere education and training in the field of Hotel, Restaurant and Institution Management, the DMC College Foundation SHRIM recently held a Bartending Seminar-Workshop, conducted by Jamaican Food and Beverage Training Center based in Cagayan de Oro City.

The seminar was held at the DMC Auditorium and Covered Court last January 27. The seminar, the second time it is held here in DMC, was conducted for all SHRIM first year level students of DMC.

Heading the Jamaican F&B Training Center contingent to DMC is the owner and training director himself, Rey Sumania who brought along with him three of his “most excellent” flairers.

The event is aimed at unleashing the hidden talent of each DMC SHRIM student in “flairing” and to give them knowledge in bartending and flare tending.

The team of expert bartenders brought with them the experience and expertise in the field and imparted such to the students in the one-day seminar.

“With the knowledge and skills they brought and showed to us, the seminar was very successful. It was enlightening to see the career path we, as SHRIM students, are hoping to undertake in the near future through their eyes as they speak before us. Not to mention that their flairers are amazing in flair tending,” first year DMC SHRIM student Krizaine Cordero said.

At the start, a short lecture about bartending was given in the auditorium. Then, a series of drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, were given to selected students to give them a taste of “something new”. After that, the students went down to the DMC covered court to practice a simple routine with the help of the trainers which the said students performed in front of their batch mates.

Using wooden bottles and with enough time to practice a routine for their final performance, the students showed their participation by showcasing DMC students’ drive and focus towards quality and perfection as they managed to perform the tricks shown to them by the trainers.

When the main event of the seminar started, the whole crowd was jubilant in excitement when each pair performed on the stage of the auditorium.

“It is a fun experience! Being exposed to all the activities that helped me improve myself, the mixing, flaring and specially the tasting is a memorable one. I am looking forward to a next one,” Jocer Pet Regencia of  SHRIM Marriott said.

Another student, Marian Grace dela Cruz of SHRIM Hilton quipped, “before, I had a hard time flaring because I only know a little bit about it. But after the seminar, I realized that it is not that hard and terrifying at all. This event proved to me that all of us, SHRIM students should not be afraid of flaring. As they say, if you have it, then flaunt it!”

After the exhibition of each pair, the training team also showed their skills in flaring. The mob was so happy to see the expertise of the training team hoping to have the same skills in the future.

Jamaican F&B Training Center training director Sumania, in his closing message, expressed his gratitude and thanks for the full cooperation of the students in the one-day activity. He said, “I love the outcome of this event, the students learned something. I saw happy faces. I just hope that next year, we will see each other again or this coming August for the Kumbira 2010. See you there! We are also proud to say that maybe we will also conduct a Barista workshop here.”

“Water is life.”

Rotary Club (RC) of Dipolog President Edna “Beng” Capili-Chan recently made such pronouncement in highlighting the RC Dipolog’s recent project which would benefit over 300 households in two mountain villages in Zamboanga del Norte.

The beneficiary communities will have access to clean, potable water as the Rotary Club of Dipolog City and the USAID funded-Alliance for Mindanao Off-grid Renewable Energy (AMORE) Program launch the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Project on January 29 at the Provincial Capitol grounds in Dipolog City.

Community-based water systems are to be constructed each in Barangay San Antonio in the municipality of Sergio Osme?a and Barangay Panampalay in Roxas.

“The provision of safe and potable water is among the key concerns and theme of many Rotary projects worldwide. It is therefore with great pride that our Rotary Club here in Dipolog will implement this water project in collaboration with Rotary International, USAID and local government units,” Beng Chan said. “We believe that this project will have a deep and meaningful impact to the beneficiary communities.”

Among those expected to grace the groundbreaking ceremony are Zanorte Governor Rolando E. Yebes, representatives from the USAID and the AMORE Program, and Dipolog Rotary officials headed by their President Edna Chan.

Falling under the broader USAID-Rotary International Water Alliance Program, the WASH project not only promises to bring safe, potable water from the mountain source down to the communities at least 100 meters below through the construction of a water system, but aims to educate community members on proper sanitation and hygiene as well. The WASH project engages the community’s active participation in the community-based water system’s operation and maintenance for long-term sustainability and impact.

AMORE is a rural electrification program that since 2002 has energized over 14,000 households in over 400 barangays in rural Mindanao using renewable energy sources such as solar and microhydro. And as demonstration of high-value social application of renewable energy technology, the AMORE Program has also constructed potable water systems. To date, ten potable water systems have been constructed benefiting over 5,000 households across Mindanao.

Presently, barangay residents have to endure long hours of walk to the low-lying barangay centers where water access points are located to fetch water. Sourced from the pristine mountains that nestle the barangays, water passes through rundown pipes from an old uncompleted water system in the case of Barangay San Antonio, and from low-volume, low-lying intermittent springs in the case of Barangay Panampalay. While most residents do not really complain about the lack of more accessible water source having known no other way, some community members admit to falling ill with diarrhea and stomach pains, albeit, not really recognizing that such may have been caused by infected water.

The municipalities of Roxas and Sergio Osme?a are two municipalities in Zamboanga del Norte considered “waterless,” having less than 50 percent of households with reliable access to clean, potable water. The Rotary Club of Dipolog and the AMORE Program hope that the WASH project to be piloted in barangays in these municipalities could be replicated and benefit thousands more households in the province.

The Philippines is one of the three pilot countries for the USAID-RI Water Alliance, the others being Ghana and the Dominican Republic.

The Rotary Club of Dipolog, formally organized on Dec. 6, 1950 by the Rotary Clubs of Zamboanga and Dumaguete, has a long list of activities and programs to act out its selfless motto of “service above self.” Aside from physical projects such as the current WASH Project and others such as its skating rink project at the Plaza Magsaysay which won the RC of Dipolog the Significant Achievement Award in the late 70s, the Children’s Playground Equipment at the Dipolog Pilot Demonstration School, and most recently the renovation of the computer laboratory for future computer education in the Upper Dicayas Integrated School (UDIS) on July 6 of last year; the club also boasts of service projects including the Share–A–Book Program where the club gathered more than 15 tons of books from Rotary Clubs in the United States of America and Australia and distribute such to 20 barangay elementary  and secondary schools in the city of Dipolog and some barangays in the province, the Share-A-Skill Program, and the most recent service program of “Bringing Information Technology (I.T.) Literacy” to UDIS last year. The club also features the Rotary Exchange Program, which has a history of hosting students from Japan, Australia, Canada, Mexico and the US and sending Dipolognon students as ambassadors of goodwill to countries as far as Australia, Japan, Canada and the US. In fact, to attest to such program are three former exchange students hosted by RC Dipolog and who are now active Rotarians – Atty. Albert T. Concha Jr, Engr Richard “Mao” Concha, and Dr. Gerald “Gerry” Concha. Another program beneficiary was former Australian exchange student and now active Rotarian Alan Terret, whom the club hosted in 1972 and has been coming back to Dipolog almost every year to help the club with its numerous projects, one of which is the Share-a-Book Program.

Another project of the club is the Rotary youth activity done every September of each year. It is an intensive training program for community youth leaders.  Young people from different high schools in the city are chosen for their leadership potentials, to attend an all-expenses-paid training to learn leadership skills and to learn those skills through practice

Officially adopted by the Rotary Club of Dipolog since 1981 during the time of then-president Atty. Alberto P. Concha Sr., this youth activity features top high school students in the city and will allow them to step into the shoes of provincial government officials for one week every September since 1981.

“This annual activity is one of the most significant programs of the Rotary service as students will act as public servants from governor down to board members to provincial government office officials. The impact spreads further as the program influences other young people. This program clearly demonstrates the Rotary’s respect and concern for our youth,” Rotarian, Engr. Richard Concha said. (with additional report from Tyrone Jay V. Samson)

By Tyrone Jay V. Samson

The 33-year-old Rizal Rural Bank (RBR) Incorporated recently unveiled its newly built, seven-storey state-of-the-art building – the new RBR Corporate Center located at Rizal Avenue, Dipolog City.

The official opening of the said building was held last January 8 in front of RBR officials headed by its chief executive officer, Atty. Alberto P. Concha; former Dipolog City Mayor Roberto Uy; Vice Mayor Senen Angeles; and Zamboanga del Norte provincial tourism officer, Atty. Ivan Patrick Ang. Also present during the opening were officiating priests Father Beltran Patangan and Father Cuaton; and other guests including PNB manager, Dr. Cesar Bala.

“Looking back in 1977, with only meager resources but driven with the zealous desire to advance development and promote progress in the countryside, I courageously built my first branch in Mapang with a firm faith on our God Almighty. And with unwavering faith, by offering the best services through the time-honored practice of professionalism, fairness, dynamism, prudence and reliability, it is with great pride to have built a sturdy and tall edifice to show our eagerness to be a significant partner in the building of a strong Republic starting from the grassroots – empowering our farmers, overseas foreign workers, teachers and other small to medium entrepreneurs. Like a tiger, we will fiercely growl with prosperity and abundance for the Filipino people,” RBR chair, Atty. Concha said.

Guided by its vision “to gain leadership in the rural banking sector, providing superior and responsive products and services to uplift the lives of the Filipino people,” the bank dubbed as “Ang Bangko Nga Kasaligan, Para Sa Tanan” and is originally located in Mapang, Rizal, Zamboanga del Norte as head office, has produced four established branches in Dipolog City, Polanco, Sindangan, and Calamba, Misamis Occidental.

“RBR in its 33 glorious years has been true and has never wavered in its vision and mission to be the most respected financial institution in the countryside and to achieve the goal of poverty alleviation and reduction in our community. With the help of our beloved members of RBR family, we can make things happen, we can make a real difference in the lives of our borrowers and depositors and in return our lives as well! This edifice are not stonewalls but a symbol of our stability, and our ever increasing desire to be at top in the business of banking,” RBR assistant vice president for Marketing, Dr. Gerald Concha, said.

The RBR was established in August 29, 1975 with eleven (11) entrepreneurs as incorporators and is duly authorized by BANGKO SENTRAL NG PILIPINAS (BSP) and a member of PHILIPPINE DEPOSIT INSURANCE CORPORATION (PDIC). It commenced its operation on January 17, 1977. The Program Components of Rural Bank of Rizal (ZN), Inc. then was Training, Savings Mobilization, Credit Services, Insurance and others.

RBR was honored with an award by the Landbank of the Philippines as Most Outstanding Rural Bank in Region IX FOR 2002 & 2003. aside from that, the RBR is also a Philippine Credit and Finance Corporation (PCFC) awardee in 2003. It is a member of various banking organizations including the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC), Rural Banker’s Association of the Philippines, Rural Banker’s Federation of Zanorte, Southwestern Mindanao Confederation of Rural Bankers, Rural Bankers Research and Development Foundation, Inc., and the Dipolog City Bankers Club.

Recognizing that microfinance is one if not the most effective tool in empowering the low-income entrepreneurs to improve the quality of their lives, RBR opened its doors to micro-financing in 1998 in addition its traditional banking operations.

Among its new products for this year, the RBR is offering a “Pabahay Loan” which features a chance to purchase a house and/or lot or construction, renovation or repair of residential house and lot. Another offering is the “Kotse Loan” which features an acquisition of vehicles for personal use, car repair or upgrade with accepted models 2005-2010 and with your car as collateral. There is also the “Negosyo Loan” featuring Market-Stall-Owner Loans, Stall Business Loan or Retailer’s Loan, and Cart Loan; the “OFW Allotment & Seaman’s Loan” for families with a family member working abroad and receiving an allotment of at least P15,000.00 per month; “Back-to-back Loan”; “Farmer’s Loan” featuring Palay Production Loan, Farm Equipment Loan, and Sa-op Loan; and “Jewelry Loan”.

By Tyrone Jay V. Samson

Putting the DMC College Foundation banner high in the field of sports, DMC teams in football, badminton and lawn tennis garnered the school recognition in the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Games held in Zamboanga City last December 16-22.

Reinforcing its hold as the regions number one in football, the DMC Lifesavers’ Booters team recently bludgeoned its opposition winning the championship match against the Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) with the score of 2-1. the said championship match pitted the Private Schools Athletics Association (PRISAA) champion DMC against the State College and Universities Athletics Association (SCUAA) champion WMSU.

To get to the cross over championship, DMC humbled the Pagadian PRISAA 4-0 in the PRISAA finals after hammering the Basilan PRISAA 12-0 in the semifinals.

The DMC team, under the mentorship of Coach Reginald Jukes, is composed of GR Gleen Acopiado, Jeffrey Arquiza, Michael Aubrey Atienza, John Lloyd Bastasa, John Michael Bastasa, Clifford Daypuyat, Johnquinnoel Dequiña, Vincent Gambana, Cyri Icalina, Oliver Manalo, Renando Mantua, Lendon Loi Marcojos, Niño Ochotorena, Je-lord Paghasian, Sergio Alexis Pellerin, John Michael Samonte, Russel Veña, and Rezziel Villaespin. Accompanying them are the DMC coaching staff of Head Coach Jukes, Assistant Coach Joseph Fiel and Sports Coordinator Joelito Turno.

Also giving DMC another regional champion is the DMC women’s team of badminton under Coach Ronald Enero. The DMC men’s team of badminton, on the other hand, is not so fortunate as it succumb to Ateneo de Zamboanga in the championship match finishing second place.

Finally, the DMC Lawn Tennis team under Coach Dexter Abria also lorded the CHED Regional games competition as it defeated WMSU in the men’s championship.

The aforementioned DMC Booters, badminton team for women and the lawn tennis team of men will represent region 12 – Eastern Mindanao in the CHED National Games 2010 to be held in Pasay City in Manila on February 20-28 this year.

“With such a positive result here, I hope that we can do the same during the national games. I’m very proud of the DMC athletes. Congratulations to all of you. The hard work you’ve put forth in practice have definitely paid off. With the school’s support, I hope that you will continue to strive for excellence in your respective fields,” Turno said.

By Tyrone Jay V. Samson

To commemorate the true meaning of Christmas, the DMC College Foundation through its Student Affairs and Alumni Services (SAAS) and the Civic Welfare Training Service (CWTS) departments held a Care and Share Program for pupils in the San Antonio Elementary School in Barangay San Antonio in Katipunan, Zamboanga del Norte last December 13.

“DMC SUV volunteers took time to talk to the children during their Care and Share Program.”

More than 200 pupils were the beneficiaries of the said Care and Share Program which include gift-giving; distribution of school supplies such as pad of papers, pencils and pens; distribution of rice to the parents; and food for snacks. Aside from that, SUV student volunteers also took time to talk to the children to relate to them and give advices.

“It is very satisfying and gratifying to see not only the young pupils who benefited such program, but also watching the DMC students doing such a very admirable charity work. In behalf of the SAAS, I would like to express my gratitude to the student volunteers who took time to be with the children of San Antonio,” DMC Student Affairs Coordinator Cherrie Rose Sagario said.

“DMC pose with the children during their visit to San Antonio, Katipunan last week.”

Among the students who attended the program are the DMC SAAS United Volunteers (SUV) Shammah Belarmino,. Froaih Sale, Desianne Lee, Carlo Recamara, John Woo, Alvin Meraveles, Jovan Ni Macadangdang, Femril Gudmalin, May Gumolon, Joviemae Tampon, Erly Patagoc, Cris Olasiman, Harold Nabor, Yoyevie Carpitanos, Annalou Bala, May Joy Odantabao, Ery Jean Mangubat, Shielden Gallemit, and Katrina Grace Gurdiel. Members of the DMC Yearbook, Eximius, staff such as Trizia Glae Tubungbanua, Donnabel Patangan, Robert Buccholz and Krizaine Cordero were also there.

The CWTS students who lent their support to the program include Romey Clark Amante, Peter Alegarbes, Raymond Almonte, Hazel Anadeo, Fitz Sheena Ann Aranas, Envie Rakel Berago, Kit Vincent Bulao, Daizel Mae Caducoy, Elaine Ego-ogan, Deborah Faith Ehidio, Kristoffer Gadon, Mhay Gomolon, Nezel Jumuad, Ivory Mae Legados, Gerald Llorente, Joshua Maligro, Ma. Jendreska Maligro, Marie Jyrill Murro, Sydfrey Navoa, Tessabel Kris Padogdog, Ledna Simona, Ronel Yap, Ralph Yntig, and Jemariz Zamoras.

“DMC SUV distributes rice to parents of children in San Antonio, Katipunan during the Care and Share Program.”

The students were accompanied in this event by Ms. Sagario, Community Extension Services Coordinator Pilar Cruz, Alumni Coordinator Tyrone Jay Samson and Assistant Vice President for External Affairs Randy Iniego.

Meanwhile, the DMC College Foundation in partnership with the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) and the ABS CBN television company conducted a bloodletting activity at the DMC Covered Court last December 12.

A total of 38 students donated their blood to the blood supply of PNRC.

“We are very glad to assist in any way we can for such a life-changing endeavor. My heartfelt thanks to those who donated,” DMC Emergency and National Service Training Program Coordinator Jeffrey Laput said.

By Donnabel Patangan (Eximius Features Editor)

The National Federation of Junior Philippine Institute of Accountant (NF JPIA) conducted a Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants (JPIA) orientation for affiliation in DMC College Foundation last December 5.

Seven students from the DMC College of Accountancy including Jess Patangan, Anchari Clay Reboyun (Local President), DC Dougphar Secretaria, Anjo Dale Singguello,Aiza Ello, Jessa Jolane Tulang and Princess Suma-oy participated in the orientation.

The students were supervised by DMC College of Accountancy Dean Aileen de Guzman, CPA and Business Management and Education (BME) Coordinator Marites G. Refugio.

The said orientation was conducted by the JPIA Regional and Local Officers of the Saint Vincent College and Western Mindanao Council. The activity’s main purpose is for the DMC BME to be organized and instill awareness with regard the By-Laws and Constitution  and their guidelines in the selection of officers and other activities.

Also, to become one of the eight schools in the Province of  Zamboanga del Norte.

By Tyrone Jay V. Samson

Notwithstanding the fact that DMC College Foundation is already recognized as one of the leading Information Technology institutions in the whole Region IX, the DMC College of Computer Studies (CCS), in its quest for even more IT knowledge, recently participated in the 3^rd Pinoy Animation Festival dubbed as the “Animahenasyon 2009” at the Gateway Mall of Araneta Center in Manila.

The 3^rd Pinoy Animation Festival is a flagship project of the Animation Council of the Philippines, Inc. (ACPI).

“Standing from left are PSITE IX President Talaroc; ACPI President Rowena Bagadion (also of Media Farm, Inc);DMC CCS dean, Dr. Concha; and Chief Executive Officer of the Cutting Edge Productions Erwin Escubio (also ACPI treasurer).”

The list of skills you can outsource now seem endless. Today, routine and ho-hum business processes are not the only things outsourced; you can now throw imagination and artistry in.   Here in the Philippines, animation is a bustling sub sector of outsourcing. It is one among the five sub sectors that is heavily promoted by the Philippine government, the others being call centers, software development, medical transcription and BPO,” DMC CCS dean, Dr. Gerald T. Concha said.

There to witness local and international IT experts showcase their world-class animations with Dr. Concha was Philippine Society of IT Educators (PSITE) Region 9 President Jovanie Talaroc.

“This year, ACPI invited international speakers who are experts in animation and game development. The speakers shared to us their techniques on how to intensify animation-making in our country. The animation festival also features the different original Filipino animated projects featuring contributions from members of ACPI. I just realized that our animation here in DMC is not far behind when it comes to technology and I am positive that as a new member of ACPI, we will showcase next year the talents of our own animators in the 4^th Pinoy Animation Festival,” PSITE President Talaroc said.

Among the highlights of the four-day gathering is the recognition and the giving of the Lifetime Achievement Award to the late great comics artist and cartoonist Jose Zabala Santos, who passed away on September 7,1985. Santos, popularly known as Mang Pepe, is the famous genius in humor and cartooning in the comics section of the Liwayway creating some of the most popular characters in the history of Philippine cartoons including Popoy and Lukas Malakas. Mang Pepe was also part of the creative team of the Halakhak Komiks. Moreover, he also created an animated cartoon about the folk-legend of Juan Tamad. These were the very first animated cartoons created by a Filipino artist.

During the recent Animahenasyon Festival, Mang Pepe’s works were exhibited for this generation’s artists and animation experts to appreciate and learn from. Also, the event included an animation master class and workshop.

This year’s event featured a global animation forum where delegates from the continents of North America, Latin America, Canada, Australia and the Asia-Pacific showcased the latest trends and best practices from their respective countries in the field of animation, game development and the digital creative industry in general.

ACPI is a non-stock and non-profit organization whose member companies are into 2D, Flash or 3D animation.

“Philippine animation studios have been subcontracted in many lucrative animation projects in the past for the likes of Hanna-Barbera, Marvel, Warner Brothers, Cartoon Network, DreamWorks and even Walt Disney.   It is also a given fact that Filipino animators had a hand in many animation hit such as Hoodwinked, Finding Nemo, Adams Family, Buzz Lightyear, Timon and Pumbaa, Johnny Bravo, X-Men and so much more.   Through the help of our network in the Academe and Industry, we hope to produce great Filipino animators and digital artists in this side of the country. This summer selected faculty members will be sent to De La Salle University-Colege of Saint Benilde’s School of Design and Arts and Ateneo de Naga University for trainings in animation and digital arts,” Dr. Concha said.

By Tyrone Jay V. Samson

DMC College Foundation, in line with its advocacy to “Go Green” and put environmental consciousness at the top of its community extension priorities, recently participated in the worldwide simultaneous common call for action to put the world on a course to solve the climate crisis.

DMC students together with the school officials, faculty and staff were in the DMC open field to show their support to the 350 movement to showcase their solidarity with the citizens from all over the world whose very survival is threatened by the climate crisis. They formed the figure of 350 in the open field and beat drums all 350 times. The students and school officials then at once sang Michael Jackson’s “Heal the World” song to end the ceremony.

“This action is a precursor that DMC is going green and we “scream green”,  hence we put environmental integrity through environmental ethics as one  of our main agenda in the years to come,” DMC AVP for External Affairs Randy Iniego said.

The event is simultaneous with global day of rallies, marches and protests on Saturday in many cities worldwide. Moreover, communities of faith all over the globe rang church bells, beat drums, and blow horns last Sunday. The 350.org, the official website of the 350 movement, proclaimed that their focus for the weekend is on “coordinating candlelight vigils at iconic and strategic locations around the world, and vigils for Earth’s survival.”

“This is the school’s own way of helping spread the word that with global warming, the world is slowly, is gradually changing as we know it and threaten the lives of millions of people. This is our way, our own contribution to the global call for pressure on governments and our political leaders to adapt solutions that science and justice demand to save our planet,” DMC Student Affairs Coordinator Cherrie Rose Sagario said.

Here are some facts about the 350 movement against global warming.

What is the 350 movement? This movement is a community for inspiring the Earth’s conservation and stop global warming.

So, what is global warming and what’s the problem anyway? An article published by CNN.com wrote that “the science is clear. Global warming is happening faster than ever and humans are responsible. Global warming is caused by releasing what are called greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The most common greenhouse gas is carbon dioxide. Many of the activities we do every day like turning the lights on, cooking of food, or heating or cooling our homes rely on energy sources like coal and oil that emit carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gases. This is a major problem because global warming destabilizes the delicate balance that makes life on this planet possible. But don’t give up hope! You can help stop global warming by taking action here at 350.org.

What does this 350 number even mean? 350 is the number that leading scientists say is the safe upper limit for carbon dioxide—measured in “Parts Per Million” in our atmosphere. 350 PPM—it’s the number humanity needs to get back to as soon as possible to avoid runaway climate change. By now, the planet has 390 parts per million CO2 – and this number is rising by about 2 parts per million every year. Scientists are now saying that’s too much – that number is higher than any time seen in the recorded history of our planet – and we’re already beginning to see disastrous impacts on people and places all over the world. Glaciers everywhere are melting and disappearing fast—and they are a source of drinking water for hundreds of millions of people. Mosquitoes, who like a warmer world, are spreading into lots of new places, and bringing malaria and dengue fever with them. Drought is becoming much more common, making food harder to grow in many places. Sea levels have begun to rise, and scientists warn that they could go up as much as several meters this century. If that happens, many of the world’s cities, island nations, and farmland will be underwater. The oceans are growing more acidic because of the CO2 they are absorbing, which makes it harder for animals like corals and clams to build and maintain their shells and skeletons. Coral reefs could start dissolving at an atmospheric CO2 concentration of 450-500 ppm.

If we are already past 350, are we all doomed? No. We’re like the patient that goes to the doctor and learns he’s overweight, or his cholesterol is too high. He doesn’t die immediately—but until he changes his lifestyle and gets back down to the safe zone, he’s at more risk for heart attack or stroke. The planet is in its danger zone because we’ve poured too much carbon into the atmosphere, and we’re starting to see signs of real trouble: melting ice caps, rapidly spreading drought. We need to scramble back as quickly as we can to safety.

How do we create the political change to steer towards 350? We need an international agreement to reduce carbon emissions fast. The United Nations is working on a global climate treaty, which is supposed to be completed this December of 2009 at a conference in Copenhagen, Denmark. But the current plans for the treaty are much too weak to get us back to safety. This treaty needs to put a high enough price on carbon that we stop using so much. It also needs to ensure poor countries like the Philippines a fair chance to develop. This year, we can create a grassroots movement connected by the web and active all over the world.

An article published in CNN.com. wrote that the debate now turns from the question of “if global warming happens” to the more fitting questions such as “how fast”, “what’s the collateral damage” and “what we can do?”

Another article in the Internet disclosed that “accelerating arctic warming and other early climate impacts have led scientists to conclude that we are already above the safe zone at our current 390ppm, and that unless we are able to rapidly return to 350 ppm this century, we risk reaching tipping points and irreversible impacts such as the melting of the Greenland ice sheet. The Arctic is sending us perhaps the clearest message that climate change is occurring much more rapidly than scientists previously thought. In the summer of 2007, sea ice was roughly 39% below the summer average for 1979-2000, a loss of area equal to nearly five United Kingdoms. Many scientists now believe the Arctic will be completely ice free in the summertime between 2011 and 2015, some 80 years ahead of what scientists had predicted just a few years ago.”

By Tyrone Jay V. Samson

He is an internationally recognized culinary wizard and at 33 years old, this chef may have a long way to go of his dream of building his own baking school and rising to the ranks of culinary masters and actually becoming an Executive Pastry Chef, and, later on as a Group Pastry Chef. However, it is very clear that he already has gone a long way since his days in Mibang, Sta. Filomena where he created the first ever fondant wedding cake in the city.

“Nouel poses for a picture with DMC CCS dean, Dr. Gerald Concha, DMC vice president for Administration, Atty. Diana Charlette Concha, and student participants in his DMC visit last January.”

He was here in Dipolog, specifically in the DMC College Foundation just last January 15 of this year, to talk to DMC students about his pastry and other delicacies.

Here’s a peek at his illustrious resume.

He is the present Chef Patissier of Oceania in Middle East & Asia as well as the Pastry Chef of the world-renowned Kuredu Island Resort and Spa in Lhaviyani Atoll, Maldives. This after a stint as the Head Pastry Chef of The Westin Beijing Chaoyang in Beijing, China from April of 2008 to February of 2009; as the Pastry Chef of the Sofitel Fiji Resort and Spa in Nadi, Fiji Islands, from August of 2006 to March of 2008; as the Demi Chef de partie of Burj Al Arab in Dubai, United Arab Emirates from June 2005 to July 2006; as the Commis de Cuisine-Pastry of the Hyatt Manila Hotel and Casino in Manila last July of 2004; as the Pastry Chef & Owner of the Nouel’s Kitchen Gourmet Shop; as the Culinary & Pastry Arts Instructor of the Philippine Women’s University in Cagayan de Oro from March of 2003 to April of 2004; as the R&D Chef of Jonie’s Flavored Chicken in Mandaue from October 2002 to February 2003, and the list goes on and on.

Among his educational and training highlights include culinary schooling in prestigious institutions like the Lenotre-Paris in Sydney and the French Culinary Institute in New York.

This proud Dipolognon. This proud son of Virgilio and Gabina Gracia Omamalin. This proud brother of Amber, Joyce, Noah, Joas and Jay. This proud man is Nouel C. Omamalin.

“Nouel gives an inspirational talk to DMC students last January.”

Young Nouel was a young lad in Mibang when he discovered his passion for cooking. “In my teens. Mother kept bringing home recipe books and I always read them cover to cover. I was fascinated by the science of it so I started putting on the apron and began my baking spree,” Nouel said.

Inspired by his family and his own passion for cooking, Nouel was further drawn into the culinary world with his constant watching of cooking shows in television. “As far as I can remember, it was the Lifestyle channel chefs and baking authorities in the advent of the 90s. I did not have a specific favorite although I can remember the face of Jacque Torres – the master chocolatier.”

From there, Nouel began working as a “kitchen hand” with the family-owned restaurant and bakeshop at the young age of 18. “I believe it is both nature and nurture. Our family critically values food, always excited about what’s in it and if it deserves a thumbs up. We also grew up exposed to a variety of delicious home cooked dishes my mother prepares especially on special occasions. In fact, she owned a restaurant when I was still very young. But among all the siblings, I was the keenest when it comes to cooking, baking and creating recipes from nothing. It was a calling to be a chef,” he related.

After graduating in UP Diliman with the course of Hospitality Management, Nouel assumed the family business for five years and would later on progress to become not just a chef, but a hospitality educator.

When asked about his biggest feat in the cooking industry thus far, this is what he had to say. “I think I have been to many exotic places – places that most mainstream chefs shun because of the difficulties and challenges – each of them posing a different level of adaptation or call it survival. To successfully complete a term is a success story in itself. Believe me, this profession is not all glory and glamour. It is very demanding and unforgiving. If you talk about achievements in my work, that would be being noticed overseas by contemporaries and in international publications like the Pastry & Baking North American/Asia Pacific wherein a feature story is due for release in their next issue. The photo shoot was done in Maldives and it was worth all the effort.”

However, his demanding work schedule have its drawback. “My biggest setback is the fact that I do not have the luxury of time to spend time outside of work with family and friends,” Nouel said.

Still, the sacrifice is worth it. He said that being complimented for a good tasting creation by people from all walks of life, even celebrities, is the ultimate high. “I have worked in prestigious hotels and we have always entertained celebrities, ultra rich people and political icons alike. The most intimate experience could be preparing edible amenities, breakfast and desserts for former President George Bush Sr. and his family when they were in Beijing for the 2008 Olympics. President Bush thanked me personally for his breakfast and all the pain and sleepless nights I went through for several days paid off that day.”

In 10 or 20 years time, Nouel is hoping to be retired by then. “I always tell myself that I will retire early and build my own baking empire. Medium-term goals include internationally publishing a series of books, while becoming a food specialist/consultant for big food companies like Kraft and Hershey’s is part of my long-term goals.”

And after all the accolades and achievements, Nouel is still, and always will be, a Dipolognon by heart. And this certified international culinary master who consider anything that has to do with chocolate as his best delicacy and dessert will always come back home. “I always make it a point to go home every year to be fascinated by the growth of the local culinary scene. It is really a delight to see Dipolognons gradually embracing the idea of eating out and spending time out with friends or family over coffee and interesting sweet treats to nibble on the side. It would be a pleasure to showcase something as a way of giving back to a place where everything began.”

Finally, Nouel has this message to all budding culinary artists, to his fellow Dipolognons and to the DMC College Foundation community.

“I have to be very honest about this. Since I left the country, many schools have opened up specifically catering to culinary enthusiasts. It is a strong recognition that gastronomy is maturing in our country. However, let not be misled by the thought after completing school you are already capable to stand on your own and be the big chef. If your goal is to become an international chef working in hotels and resorts, there is a long, long road ahead of you. If your goal is to put up your own business then find that niche where you will excel in. To be successful in this field means you have to be tough physically, emotionally and mentally. I was not raised tough and strong. I am very pleasant and kind. However, I have to set a few things straight by being heartless, direct and loud. Otherwise, people will start walking on you especially when you deal with other nationalities. Up to now, I still couldn’t believe how I survived this long in this industry and working in tough places like Fiji, China and Jordan. Lastly, if cooking or baking is really your passion then go for it and aim for the stars. As they say, if you miss the stars at least you will land on the moon,” he said.