Thursday, March 22, 2007
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
The Undiscovered Paradise a Trekker Destination of General Santos City
Its been decades ago when the World War is over. The Japanese had already surrendered to the Americans in 1945.
But….. does the people knew where the last bastion of the Japanese Imperial Army was? Well , even we Filipinos doesn’t even know it. Since it was not stated in any history books.
What is in General Santos City that we don’t know?
Aside from being the Tuna Capital of the Philippines, what else have we heard about General Santos City? Well, if you would try to know and visit the place I guess you will really be amaze of what the hidden treasure is…it’s KLAJA.
What is Klaja? Well some other Bisaya would rather say kalaha, which is known as a frying pot., but……what is really Klaja and what is in that place? Based from our research, the B’laans would define it as a name of a river which is crocked in shape. They actually call it as El’ K’laja, el means water and klaja is a river…
Klaja is found at Barangay Conel, which is located 15km at the North East side of General Santos City, at Barangay Conel,
Kalaja is then surrounded with towers of karsts formation made millions of years ago. It produced waterfalls and caves.
Opposite of this area were the Ranch or the camping ground of Nopol Hills which borders Conel and Brgy. Mabuhay and it offers a wide view of Gensan, Sarangani Bay and some parts of South Cotabato and Sarangani Province.
Upon entering the place you have to pass and cross rivers and walk and jump over different into shapes of stones, and while hiking you can enjoy the sceneries of the different formations of mountains.
There are 10 caves used by the Japanese Imperial Army as their dwelling place during the World War 2. There are even caves allegedly known as the hospitals of the Japanese Army , their outpost area and headquarters of the Japanese Officers namely: General Kuroda, who is next to General Yamashita. The place is really historical and there are three identified bunkers in the said area, at Guadalope, Nopol and at Malakong.
Aside from that, there are caves in which stalagmites and stalactites are present. You can see the beauty of nature in it. Bats and sparrows where present into that’s caves, as if that you are been gone into the caves of some other countries, but for me, Klaja is the best among them, historical site were present and it seems to be educational and good for those who would like to go on nature tripping. The place is also suited for outdoor sports like off-road racing, rock climbing ,mountain bike racing competition ,camping and also photography.
If Lake Sebu was very famous to their seven falls… well General Santos is proud to have 13 identified falls with different sizes and shapes, there are falls made up of stones, and falls that burst water like a snow…there we have the Amsikong Falls, Samsapan Falls and other unidentified water falls . The beauty of nature is with in here….you don’t have to go to other places just to see those stunning falls, and even watch the panoramic view of mountains, we only need to expose ourselves into our own place. K’laja ! a magnificent place to explore , the hidden wealth of Mindanao, the treasure of General Santos City.
Location of "K'laja"
Klaja is located 15km at the North East side of General Santos City, at Barangay Conel, Kalaja Karsts Land derived her name from “el Klaja" which means water that or river that zigzags in its coast, and due to the surrounding towers of karsts formation made millions of years ago. It produced waterfalls and caves and opposite to this area is the Ranch (camping ground) of Nopol Hills which borders Conel and Brgy. Mabuhay. The place also offers wide view of Gensan, Sarangani Bay and some parts of South Cotabato and Sarangani Province.
During World War II, Gen. Santos City become one of the last bastion between the American and Japanese forces. Japanese retreating forces made Kalaja Karsts Land as their last ground for defenses, constructing round cemented bunkers and tunnels. Today, you can still see bunkers at Sitio Guadalupe and at Nopol Hills,. but unfortunately for the tunnels, most were deformed and even destroyed by treasure hunters and land developers, there are lmost 10 caves which we have already entered.
Saturday, March 10, 2007
“The Plight of Mindanao… for Peace”
What is Mindanao?
Why are there people (specially living in some other areas in Luzon and Visayans) who have been anxious of the places in Mindanao? What makes it dreadful? Isn’t because of the hearsay that Mindanao is a place of rebels? Or because of the prior war of the Moro National Liberation Front (MILF) and the Government of the Philippines (GRP)?
I have been living here in Mindanao all my life. And I have traveled in some other places in the Philippines, but I found out that Mindanao is really my home. I can’t exchange my place into any other place in any other part of the Philippines. This is my home, even though that I have been a victim of an explosive. “Yes” and I realized that its not really easy to fight over with this kind of combustible, this would really trigger our precious lives, even though when you are young, old, rich or poor, you can’t escape from this since it will just end you up injured.
But why is it that there are those who would like to spread violence in our place? But what is Mindanao this time? The Armed Forces are doing their part in internal security aspect They want to have physical and psychological stability in Mindanao, particularly in Region XII.
I have been to Awang, Cotabato asking officers telling me about the peace and order situation in Mindanao.
According to Philippine Army, Col. Mario F. Chan, (JSC) Chief of Staff 61 PA; Mindanao can stand alone by itself, since it has a lot of natural resources, its potential is very high, and some political leaders said that Mindanao is the one generating prosperity of products in the Philippines and yet they are just getting 38 % of the entire budget and Mindanao is providing almost 60 % to the national government and then they’re just imparting back 38 % to Mindanao. Well I think that forfeits Mindanao. Because they are trying to push for federalism so that Mindanao would generate all the income and then it can move economically.
The natural resources of Mindanao are complete, and it can stand alone as what Col. Chan said. But having the internal conflict for 30 years or more historically. But it is not easy to end the conflict though the Armed Forces are germinating the peace process, they are looking in a strategic level and with the assistance of the (OIC) Organization of Islamic Communities like Organizations of Islamic Countries. Now Malaysians and the Brunei government including Libya have sent their representatives to overseen peace process here. From the very high level of violence that happened from year 2000 it went down so much, so low that even the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) is now telling the positive growth of the economy and it settle down a lot in terms of peace and order is concerned. Because the GRP and the MILF had respected the cease fire agreement and the level of confidence between the two parties have increased so much with the participation of Malaysia and the International Monitoring Team (IMT) which it is not under the auspices of the United Nation, but it is under the arrangement where the Philippines entered into the OIC and some ASEAN countries. Since Philippines is looking forward not to shed blood with our internals by the International terrorist, which means that the MILF will not be tagged as a terrorist group.
Looking back at their history at some point in time, they coordinated and got some support from Osama Bin Ladin because of Muslim brotherhood.
The Americans are still considering MILF as a terrorist group, but the President of the Philippines, Gloria Arroyo said that they are not terrorists.
One of the good developments is that there is no breakaway group from the Philippine Army, because almost 5,000 among the troupes of the MNLF got to be integrated with the Philippine Army due to the peace agreement. And they are treated as an Officer of the Philippine Army, as an enlisted man and they are accepted and treated equally. And they are already serving the Philippine government because they contrast their experiences from Nur Misuari.
Several times that the AFP had won in military combats, from year1999, 2000 and up to 2003 which have the worst dilemma occurred. But still AFP won against them. As of now, peace process is still on operation.
But as Mindanaons, how can we promote peace towards our very own place? Do you think a simple citizen can advocate peace?
Try to look at ourselves, aside from the bomb explosions and massive killings in the known cities in Mindanao, there are crimes exist, due to drug addiction and rebellion. But, what help can we bestow?
Peace begins within ourselves, if we just allow ourselves to have harmony and serenity within us, we can commit our plight for peace.
Why are there people (specially living in some other areas in Luzon and Visayans) who have been anxious of the places in Mindanao? What makes it dreadful? Isn’t because of the hearsay that Mindanao is a place of rebels? Or because of the prior war of the Moro National Liberation Front (MILF) and the Government of the Philippines (GRP)?
I have been living here in Mindanao all my life. And I have traveled in some other places in the Philippines, but I found out that Mindanao is really my home. I can’t exchange my place into any other place in any other part of the Philippines. This is my home, even though that I have been a victim of an explosive. “Yes” and I realized that its not really easy to fight over with this kind of combustible, this would really trigger our precious lives, even though when you are young, old, rich or poor, you can’t escape from this since it will just end you up injured.
But why is it that there are those who would like to spread violence in our place? But what is Mindanao this time? The Armed Forces are doing their part in internal security aspect They want to have physical and psychological stability in Mindanao, particularly in Region XII.
I have been to Awang, Cotabato asking officers telling me about the peace and order situation in Mindanao.
According to Philippine Army, Col. Mario F. Chan, (JSC) Chief of Staff 61 PA; Mindanao can stand alone by itself, since it has a lot of natural resources, its potential is very high, and some political leaders said that Mindanao is the one generating prosperity of products in the Philippines and yet they are just getting 38 % of the entire budget and Mindanao is providing almost 60 % to the national government and then they’re just imparting back 38 % to Mindanao. Well I think that forfeits Mindanao. Because they are trying to push for federalism so that Mindanao would generate all the income and then it can move economically.
The natural resources of Mindanao are complete, and it can stand alone as what Col. Chan said. But having the internal conflict for 30 years or more historically. But it is not easy to end the conflict though the Armed Forces are germinating the peace process, they are looking in a strategic level and with the assistance of the (OIC) Organization of Islamic Communities like Organizations of Islamic Countries. Now Malaysians and the Brunei government including Libya have sent their representatives to overseen peace process here. From the very high level of violence that happened from year 2000 it went down so much, so low that even the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) is now telling the positive growth of the economy and it settle down a lot in terms of peace and order is concerned. Because the GRP and the MILF had respected the cease fire agreement and the level of confidence between the two parties have increased so much with the participation of Malaysia and the International Monitoring Team (IMT) which it is not under the auspices of the United Nation, but it is under the arrangement where the Philippines entered into the OIC and some ASEAN countries. Since Philippines is looking forward not to shed blood with our internals by the International terrorist, which means that the MILF will not be tagged as a terrorist group.
Looking back at their history at some point in time, they coordinated and got some support from Osama Bin Ladin because of Muslim brotherhood.
The Americans are still considering MILF as a terrorist group, but the President of the Philippines, Gloria Arroyo said that they are not terrorists.
One of the good developments is that there is no breakaway group from the Philippine Army, because almost 5,000 among the troupes of the MNLF got to be integrated with the Philippine Army due to the peace agreement. And they are treated as an Officer of the Philippine Army, as an enlisted man and they are accepted and treated equally. And they are already serving the Philippine government because they contrast their experiences from Nur Misuari.
Several times that the AFP had won in military combats, from year1999, 2000 and up to 2003 which have the worst dilemma occurred. But still AFP won against them. As of now, peace process is still on operation.
But as Mindanaons, how can we promote peace towards our very own place? Do you think a simple citizen can advocate peace?
Try to look at ourselves, aside from the bomb explosions and massive killings in the known cities in Mindanao, there are crimes exist, due to drug addiction and rebellion. But, what help can we bestow?
Peace begins within ourselves, if we just allow ourselves to have harmony and serenity within us, we can commit our plight for peace.
WORLD WAR II The Pacific Theatre ( Overview)
Welcome, this is a brief tutorial that give an overview of the Pacific War as a whole, after reading this short lesson you can move onto the more in depth articles of each battle.
Most people know that America joined World War II to fight the Germans and Japanese. Fewer people know why or when. America had stayed out of the second World War, which had its beginnings as far back as 1938. However, on December 7, 1941 Japan struck in a sneak attack slaughtering thousands of Americans at Pearl Harbor. But why did Japan attack? The answer: Japan needed oil, in fact they were using almost ten times as much as their small island nation could produce in a year. But just south of Japan is the Phillipines, rich in oil deposits. Thus Japan could thrust outward quickly destroying any meager resistance and taking the oil that they needed. But there was one problem; the Americans. America was rich in resources, natural and human, and was referred to by the Japanese as a "sleeping giant". They knew that America could potentially endanger their plans. To avoid such difficulties a brilliant tactical plan was created by Japanese Admiral Yamamoto and implemented to destroy as much of the United State's Navy at once and potentially remove The United States from its threatening status. America was caught off guard on the Sunday morning in Pearl Harbor and much of its navy was destroyed. But the United States would percevere.
With America crippled Japan continued spearheading outward, invading Thailand, Malaya, Guam, Wake Island, Hong Kong, and the Phillipines. America's gung-ho General MacArthur lead ground troops into Manila to the Bataan Peninsula. His troops were sadly outnumbered and outgunned. This was the site of the Bataan Death March, one of the greatest tradgedies in American History. American ground forces would suffer another devastating defeat at Corregidor, or the Rock, where General Wainwright was forced to surrender as Japanese tanks plowed almost to his front door. On the Naval front the United State's Navy faired little better when the planes from the carrier Yorktown and carrier Lexington happened upon two Japanese carriers and managed to destroy one. However, the Lexington was lost as well when the Japanese planes from the remaining carrier retaliated. This was known as the battle at Coral Sea. After the haphazard encounter at Coral Sea, America finally got a break that would later become known as the turning point of the war. At the battle for Midway America had a distinct advantage. They had cracked Japanese code, known of the supposed sneak attack and ignored the 'real' attack the Japanese had planned for elsewhere. In this battle America finally established superiority. Next would come the battle for Guadalcanal, a six month war in and of itself, from which America would eventually emerge victorious. Many smaller conflicts followed, including battles at the Aleutians, Central Pacific, and Philipines. Towards the end of the war America was forcing its way closer and closer to Japan itself, two major obstacles would prove to be Okinawa and Iwo Jima. These bloody invasions and massive loss of ground forces lead to the decision to drop the Atomic Bomb, rather than risk an invasion that would cost countless American lives, as even the women and children of Japan would rather die fighting than surrender to the Americans. Thus two bombs were dropped, one on Hiroshima (August 6, 1945) and one on Nagasaki (August 9, 1945). The bombs in turn led to the unconditional surrender by the Japanese, and General MacArthur assuming command of Japan and rebuilding it.
Most people know that America joined World War II to fight the Germans and Japanese. Fewer people know why or when. America had stayed out of the second World War, which had its beginnings as far back as 1938. However, on December 7, 1941 Japan struck in a sneak attack slaughtering thousands of Americans at Pearl Harbor. But why did Japan attack? The answer: Japan needed oil, in fact they were using almost ten times as much as their small island nation could produce in a year. But just south of Japan is the Phillipines, rich in oil deposits. Thus Japan could thrust outward quickly destroying any meager resistance and taking the oil that they needed. But there was one problem; the Americans. America was rich in resources, natural and human, and was referred to by the Japanese as a "sleeping giant". They knew that America could potentially endanger their plans. To avoid such difficulties a brilliant tactical plan was created by Japanese Admiral Yamamoto and implemented to destroy as much of the United State's Navy at once and potentially remove The United States from its threatening status. America was caught off guard on the Sunday morning in Pearl Harbor and much of its navy was destroyed. But the United States would percevere.
With America crippled Japan continued spearheading outward, invading Thailand, Malaya, Guam, Wake Island, Hong Kong, and the Phillipines. America's gung-ho General MacArthur lead ground troops into Manila to the Bataan Peninsula. His troops were sadly outnumbered and outgunned. This was the site of the Bataan Death March, one of the greatest tradgedies in American History. American ground forces would suffer another devastating defeat at Corregidor, or the Rock, where General Wainwright was forced to surrender as Japanese tanks plowed almost to his front door. On the Naval front the United State's Navy faired little better when the planes from the carrier Yorktown and carrier Lexington happened upon two Japanese carriers and managed to destroy one. However, the Lexington was lost as well when the Japanese planes from the remaining carrier retaliated. This was known as the battle at Coral Sea. After the haphazard encounter at Coral Sea, America finally got a break that would later become known as the turning point of the war. At the battle for Midway America had a distinct advantage. They had cracked Japanese code, known of the supposed sneak attack and ignored the 'real' attack the Japanese had planned for elsewhere. In this battle America finally established superiority. Next would come the battle for Guadalcanal, a six month war in and of itself, from which America would eventually emerge victorious. Many smaller conflicts followed, including battles at the Aleutians, Central Pacific, and Philipines. Towards the end of the war America was forcing its way closer and closer to Japan itself, two major obstacles would prove to be Okinawa and Iwo Jima. These bloody invasions and massive loss of ground forces lead to the decision to drop the Atomic Bomb, rather than risk an invasion that would cost countless American lives, as even the women and children of Japan would rather die fighting than surrender to the Americans. Thus two bombs were dropped, one on Hiroshima (August 6, 1945) and one on Nagasaki (August 9, 1945). The bombs in turn led to the unconditional surrender by the Japanese, and General MacArthur assuming command of Japan and rebuilding it.
Friday, March 9, 2007
Historical Significance
It has been six decades ago when the second World War was over. And it was in Conel, General Santos City which was identified as the last bastion of the Japanese Imperial Army against the American soldiers in World War II.
After the Japanese had scuttle over their adversaries, they went to the mountainous area of Conel. Since they are looking for a dwelling place for them to hide. They had been dwelling in the caves, and conveniently, made General Santos as their place of escape. And halt there for years .
Through different research and interviews we have found out that K’laja was identified as their den. And there are even more identified Japanese Army who had not surrendered and had been hiding there for many years and lived there and even got married to the Filipino natives and made their own family,here in Conel, through research.
Significantly K’laja is really identified as part of history. There are still thriving personalities who have confirmed that , and they personally experience and some had even participated in the said war. Hence, General Santos City needs to give merit and declared the place as a historical site. Due to the strange vestige that has been notice in the said area. There are lots of empty bombshells, Japanese Samurai, Army vehicle and Japanese paraphernalias found at the K’laja and Malakong.
After the Japanese had scuttle over their adversaries, they went to the mountainous area of Conel. Since they are looking for a dwelling place for them to hide. They had been dwelling in the caves, and conveniently, made General Santos as their place of escape. And halt there for years .
Through different research and interviews we have found out that K’laja was identified as their den. And there are even more identified Japanese Army who had not surrendered and had been hiding there for many years and lived there and even got married to the Filipino natives and made their own family,here in Conel, through research.
Significantly K’laja is really identified as part of history. There are still thriving personalities who have confirmed that , and they personally experience and some had even participated in the said war. Hence, General Santos City needs to give merit and declared the place as a historical site. Due to the strange vestige that has been notice in the said area. There are lots of empty bombshells, Japanese Samurai, Army vehicle and Japanese paraphernalias found at the K’laja and Malakong.
Thursday, March 8, 2007
A Hero in Combat
Through the hottest heat of the sun, till the coldest breeze of the night, a soldier travels in combat as they pledge their lives to our country.
They fight with brevity and integrity for us. As I look at them, I thought that they have no heart as they killed their enemies. Are soldiers bad? As the commandment says, “thou shall not kill”.
But being a soldier is not an easy task. They offered their lives to our country in the field. By spending sleepless nights, bringing their heavy weapon and bullets, in full armor gear. While walking in the forest, with grassy and muddy way. They go in combat with rumbled feelings. Will they succeed? Or… will they be alive? Can they go home with a cheerful smile and hold their love ones into their arms?
As they are marching with their troupes, on battle, they bring with them their prayers, and without even thinking of what will happen to them after the war.
Every bullet shot to their foe is equivalent to a prayer. Their enemies are also human. Just imagine their lives! They do not know who will fall down in every struck by a bullet. But every opponent falls, a tear rolls down into their cheeks as they mumble their prayer. Still pity burst forth from their good hearts, without surrendering, they still continue their quandary.
In combat, had felt all the pain, and grief and even hunger and thirst, but they did not complain, and still continue their job.
A tear falls down into my cheeks and my heart crumpled in pain as I saw an old soldier serving the country, bringing his heavy weapon into the war. I felt so much compassion in him. Just imagine he does all this things to serve his country, just to give food for his family, and even spending his precious life for our country.
They are our living heroes! They save our country from intense violence. Sometimes we have our negative impression towards them, maybe because there are those who abuse their power. But this man in uniform are working hard to gain peace, so that our dream for peaceful country will dwell.
They are our martyr living heroes, in our hearts, in our mind and in our soul.
They fight with brevity and integrity for us. As I look at them, I thought that they have no heart as they killed their enemies. Are soldiers bad? As the commandment says, “thou shall not kill”.
But being a soldier is not an easy task. They offered their lives to our country in the field. By spending sleepless nights, bringing their heavy weapon and bullets, in full armor gear. While walking in the forest, with grassy and muddy way. They go in combat with rumbled feelings. Will they succeed? Or… will they be alive? Can they go home with a cheerful smile and hold their love ones into their arms?
As they are marching with their troupes, on battle, they bring with them their prayers, and without even thinking of what will happen to them after the war.
Every bullet shot to their foe is equivalent to a prayer. Their enemies are also human. Just imagine their lives! They do not know who will fall down in every struck by a bullet. But every opponent falls, a tear rolls down into their cheeks as they mumble their prayer. Still pity burst forth from their good hearts, without surrendering, they still continue their quandary.
In combat, had felt all the pain, and grief and even hunger and thirst, but they did not complain, and still continue their job.
A tear falls down into my cheeks and my heart crumpled in pain as I saw an old soldier serving the country, bringing his heavy weapon into the war. I felt so much compassion in him. Just imagine he does all this things to serve his country, just to give food for his family, and even spending his precious life for our country.
They are our living heroes! They save our country from intense violence. Sometimes we have our negative impression towards them, maybe because there are those who abuse their power. But this man in uniform are working hard to gain peace, so that our dream for peaceful country will dwell.
They are our martyr living heroes, in our hearts, in our mind and in our soul.
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