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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.”

“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.”

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.

By Krizaine Cordero and Jerranne Tejol (DMC Eximius Staff)

“Wag ganun men!”

These are the infamous words coming from the celebrated band, Rocksteddy, which recently held a concert in Dipolog City.

Yup! You read it right guys. Rocksteddy was here at the DMC-College Foundation campus last Monday, November 30.

The event was organized by the Globe Tatoo and Campus Connect in close coordination with DMC College Foundation.

As the popular host of the ABS-CBN’s “Showtime”, Teddy related that the band started since high school. Having been trained in their music ministry as Born Again Christians, they started joining battle of the bands originally as contingents. He even shared that sometimes they even borrow instruments from each other and see the same faces every time they join the “Battle of the Bands.” Until such time that they decided to form an acoustic band with “Rocksteady” as the original name for the band.

“Naging Rocksteddy siya dahil naging popular ‘yung i-feature ang pangalan ng lead vocalist like Kitchie Nadal’s band and Barbie Almalbis’, and hindi kami makasabay kina Aiza kaya naging Rocksteddy na siya,” Teddy.

You might probably ask the same question as we have in our minds before the interview as to their secret behind the success. And this is what they told us:

“Siguro ‘yung spirit namin, na we’re not a serious band type. All we want is to have fun and play on stage, landiin ang audience, and we are not that typical pa astig type,” as related by the band members.

Kamikazee, Parokya ni Edgar, Sandwich, Bamboo and Join D’ Club are just among the top favorite bands that the group look up to. Not being far from their vision which is to go Global and to dominate the world the band has been busy doing shows and gigs all over the Philippines. With their latest album, Ayos Lang Ako from Polyeast Universal records, “Lagi Mo Nalang Akong Dinidedma,” is becoming one of the more popular tracks among the list. It is based on Teddy’s college love story so to speak. The girl does really exist as how he puts it.

The band is composed of Jeff Cucullo in drums, Christian Sindico in bass and vocals, Juven Pelingon in guitar, and Teddy Corpuz in lead vocals. Rocksteddy was founded in March 2003. The band has released “Lagi Mo Na Lang Akong Dinededma,” “Gising Na,” and the Close Up Jingle “Smile at Me” as their singles. They have also been commissioned to provide the theme song titled “Superhero” for the ABS-CBN fantasy show Super Inggo. They also contributed to the “Kami nAPO Muna: Tribute to the Apo Hiking Society album where they recorded a cover of “Blue Jeans”. They became part of the Manila sound tribute album, “Hopia, Mani, Popcorn”, where they gave their own rendition of the Juan dela Cruz song, “No Touch”.

Lead singer Teddy Corpuz is a cousin of TV reporter, host and radio anchor Niña Corpuz-Rodriguez.

In their DMC concert, the band treated an audience from vast groups crowding the DMC open field to witness the “RockYouniverse Concert.” The evening was filled with screaming and drooling fans as the band showed their renowned showmanship! It was such a night to remember.

By Tyrone Jay V. Samson

To show its deep sympathy to the victims’ families and to hold a prayer for peace and justice in the Maguindanao Massacre, the DMC College Foundation recently held a Holy Mass at the DMC Covered Court last Friday, December 4.

Leading the prayer for the massacre victims’ souls to rest in peace was Reverend Father Beltran Patangan.

DMC students, college and high school alike, were on hand together with school officials to show solidarity in praying for the victims, their families, the government and the perpetrators for all of them  to see the light.

After the Holy Mass, DMC officials and students offered candles for a prayer for peace, harmony and justice in light with such despicable killings. A “Wall of Freedom” was also open for all students to post their words of sympathy, mourning and support to the victims’ families and the government in upholding justice in the said gruesome massacre of innocent lives.

Student leaders thereafter, through Eximius Staff associate editor and second year Nursing student Trizia Glae Tubungbanua, released the students’ official statement on the Maguindanao Massacre.

This is their statement.

“We, the DMC College Foundation youth leaders, feel the threat in the hopeful minds of youth to have a peaceful and mass murder-free country. The inhuman and barbaric act last November 23, the violence and savagery in the Ampatuan municipality in Maguindanao, erased 57 names from the statistics of living people including respected politicians, dedicated journalists and innocent people.

The spirit of leadership, the sense of security for the watchdogs of the government – the media men, the whole fabric of diplomacy and serenity in the country, the pillar of peace and our freedom from strife are now shaking. How can we become reasonable future leaders of this country if all we see from our current leaders are political bickering leading to such heinous and barbarous act? As if vote buying, and other government and political scandals are not enough to muddle the innocent and gullible minds of the young lads in colleges and universities in the country hoping to become better leaders in the future.

Needless to say, we cannot develop our utmost potentials if we live in a society where guns, gold and goons are its prevailing business.

Now, we the DMC College Foundation youth leaders are calling for genuine political reforms. We praise the expulsion of the Ampatuan family from the Lakas Party. But this is clearly not enough. We echo the call for truth and justice. And we want more responsibility for our government officials. If the government cannot protect its people, who else will?”

(And to show our support to the victims’ families, to the journalists all over the world, and the whole nation in our cry for justice and condemning such despicable act of inhumanity, the DMC College Foundation will place black arm bands in students, faculty and staff starting today.)

By Trizia Glae Tubungbanua (DMC Eximius Associate Editor)

You always tell me you love me

But I never know if it’s true.

Those whispers on my ears,

Are they real? Or just for me to hear?

We never had a clear conversation about how we feel and I never know him for real. We only text each other and I don’t know how he could say he’ll love me through the years. Though these past weeks we’ve been going out together, still I’m not certain if it’s love I’m displaying. Perhaps I’m just used to the text messages you’re sending so my brain replies the expected answer. I’m not sure about the love I told you I have for you because I realized, you’re there, I’m here, we’re buildings apart. I’m not used to have commitments to anybody because I’ve been doing things my own way.

I don’t want to hurt your feelings by saying “I’ve fallen out of love”. However, it’s better early to reduce the agony. I want my old habits; to be single, playful and fickle. You might say it’s childish but this is my way of happiness. So I’m telling you to go because if you’ll stay I know you’ll only feel worse and miserable when you find out that I can’t pretend any longer.

I thought love could still survive. I tried to keep you inside but I’ve been too busy and preoccupied. I don’t lend time for this relationship cause many other things need my time. I don’t want to be ungrateful so I reply “THANK YOU” when you whisper “I LOVE YOU”

But I’m afraid that’s just how it goes. I guess I love you; I honestly did. But then again, not the way you love me true.

I am sorry not because I did this to you but because I feel this way for you. I know you don’t want me to be because when I said “Goodbye” you replied “You need to be free.”

So for the last time let me say “Thank You” in exchange for an “I Love You.”

(Press Freedom column; Nov. 15)

By Tyrone Jay V. Samson

DMC President Concha speaks on life at 70

“I feel good, my body is weaker but my mind is sharper. And I feel wiser, much wiser.”

“Zamboanga del Norte Governor Rolando E. Yebes arrived to personally hand a gift to DMC College Foundation president, Atty. Alberto P. Concha during his 70th birthday celebration last October 21.”

DMC College Foundation president, Atty. Alberto P. Concha had this to say with regard his recent celebration of his 70^th birthday last October 21.

“The Concha Family pose for a picture during Atty. Alberto P. Concha’s birthday celebration.”

With his better half Filomena Concha, who is a successful businesswoman; and equally successful children, Atty. Albert T. Concha, Anne Marie Montaño, Engr. Richard Concha, Dr. Gerald Concha and Atty. Diana Charlette Concha, the DMC President is beaming with pride as he goes about his daily routine in the school after a speaking engagement during a seminar held at the DMC Auditorium this week.

After yet another message relaying encouraging words of wisdom to a group of students for the nth time in his career, this writer chanced upon the DMC President in his office for a brief chitchat on life, career and his vision for DMC College Foundation.

Here is an excerpt of our interview.

Tyrone: Good day sir, I’m going to start off with this question, how is life different at 70 as compared to, let’s say 40? or 30? And in what way?

President Concha: I feel good, my body is weaker but my mind is sharper, I feel wiser. There are a lot of things I used to do physically when I was younger that I find it hard to do nowadays. However, I see things more clearly now. I can decide with better precision. I have even more patience in my day-to-day routine and decisions.

Tyrone: What do you consider as your crowning glory or the biggest achievement in your life, thus far? And why?

President Concha: I take great pride in building my businesses, and most especially the academe I worked hard to help stand, the DMC College Foundation. I also have the Rural Bank of Rizal, Inc. and my other businesses to be proud of.

(Aside from DMC College Foundation, the Concha family also owns a number of businesses including the Rural Bank of Rizal, Inc., Concha Construction, Mennen’s Gift Mart, Zanorte Industries, Hot FM, La Concha Bakeshop, among others.)

Tyrone: In turn, what is your biggest setback?

President Concha: Frankly speaking, I cannot recall of any. I guess I’m just an optimistic person.

Tyrone: How do you see yourself? As an educator? A lawyer? Or a  businessman?

President Concha: I see myself as a jack of all trades, a master of none.

Tyrone: How do you want to be remembered?

President Concha: I want to be remembered as somebody who leaves behind a positive legacy for the young ones to follow, like making DMC as it is today.

Tyrone: Describe your relationship with your wife?

President Concha: Very good. With such an adorable woman as my wife, I’ve never ever committed a violation to our marriage.

Tyrone: What advice can you give us, the young generation?

President Concha: Study hard, work hard. It’s such a cliché but, take it from me, that’s the secret of success.

Tyrone: What is your vision for DMC College Foundation 10 to 20 years from now?

President Concha: Make that five years from now because I see DMC becoming a university in five years time.

Tyrone: What are the initial and major steps do you suggest in making such outlook a reality?

President Concha: With such lofty vision, we are constantly looking for qualified and outstanding personalities to help us achieve such goal. Doctorates, and those with masteral, we are looking for you.

Tyrone: Considering the very radical nature of a few students nowadays, do you still believe in total student empowerment?

President Concha: I do not completely believe in that because I still think that the students must be guided accordingly.

Tyrone: With the 2010 elections fast approaching, any plans of seeking government office? Why?

President Concha: Even in my younger years, going to politics have never crossed my mind. You cannot serve two masters at the same time. I believe that being in politics and also having your own business is too much that one may succeed but the other will eventually fail. I’d rather stick to what I know I can do with the passion needed to succeed.

Tyrone: What value do you seek most in an electoral candidate?

President Concha: Kana makamao gyud na kandidato. And as far as I can see, they are all good. Every single one of them has something to say. What is important is for the people to have the choice and for us to have a President that is really voted for by the people.

Tyrone: Any views in the current batch of Presidentiables? What do you look at in choosing the next Philippine President?

President Concha: They are all good and are all deserving to become President, even Erap is good. Dili biya ka ma Presidente kung dili ka makamao.

Tyrone: Do you really believe that honest elections is in the horizon?

President Concha: I still believe in honest elections. I choose to see the goodness in people. As long as we believe in it, as long as we start correcting our past errors within ourselves, there will always be a chance for honest elections. It all starts within each and everyone of us. Like the ABS CBN slogan, “Ako ang Simula.”

****

For those who are looking for rooms for rent, newly furnished rooms are available for rent near Saint Vincent’s College in Padre Ramon Street, Dipolog City. For more details, just contact NN on 09293971985.

(For your comments and suggestions, do drop a word in my email address tyrone_shakur2001@yahoo.com, or in my mobile phone number 0919-8405811. And remember, professionalizing our media starts with students actually enrolling in the course Mass Communication. Be part of the DMC Family, enroll and become a Mass Communicator.)