The dawning of A Safe Twinville

Cong. Del de Guzman and Kap. Philip Urrutia of Nangka with new THAI President Paul Sison, Dir. Mar Ayala, and Sec. Sunny Pagaduan during the Induction Night last Dec. 27 at Twinville's Bong Davis Gym.

Cong. Del with former THAI presidents Gen. Ric Padilla, Righty Millan, and Sammy Santiago. Also in photo is Mike Miguel of Rosas St.

RARE FEAT! Would you believe that this was the first time for all 15 members of the AST team to be complete. Even during our weekly meetings prior to the elections, the highest number of attendees was 11. 

The 2009 THAI Board of Directors are: (L-R, front row) SUNNY PAGADUAN, secretary; PAUL SISON, president; ATTY. JASON MIGRINO, director for legal affairs; and SYNX ELMA, vice president. (Back) MAR AYALA, dir. for senior citizens; MANNY TABUZO, dir. for physical & technical services; FRED POLIG, dir. for sports; ED CONCEPCION, venue management; DEO PADILLA, peace & order; RODEL  BELLOSILLO, auditor; ED MALONZO, treasurer; ENGR. MARLON CAMBA, infrastructure; JUN DAGATAN, livelihood; and ALLAN LUMBO, public relations officer.

Former THAI president, Gen. Ric Padilla (ret), inducting the new THAI Board with former prexies Righty Millan and Sammy Santiago as witnesses. Earlier, Engr. Ed Parra, another former president was present and arrived on the dot but decided to leave after the ceremonies started way too late due to the late arrival of city officials.

The new board together with the children who expressed their desires and aspirations for a safe and pleasant Twinville. The directors in turn promised to be guided by 10 principles and values which they sealed via a covenant with the children as a white rose was given to the children every time a guiding principle was stated.

The big payloader goes into action

The real-sized payloader arrived today and immediately burst into action. This was made possible by Engr. Kennedy, the asst. city engineer, who promised that he would send the payloader and dumptrucks today ... and he did.

Thank you very much to Jimmy Perez and his team, the original demolition team of BF since 1992.

It was nice to see Jimmy after all these years and I told him, "ang tibay mo Jimmy ... buhay ka pa!?" Considering the dangers that go with his being the pointman for BF's "Disiplina sa Bangketa" ... it indeed is a miracle that he is still alive and kicking until now.

THE BEGINNING OF A SAFE TWINVILLE

The adopt-a-vacant lot is Team AST's version of then Mayor BF's "Disiplina sa Bangketa."

We are doing the hardest and most controversial things first. If only, to deliver the message that the common good or the greater good will always outweigh personal interests.

We will be steadfast in being guided by the greater good in everything that we do. Especially, since if this is what it will take for Twinville to be safe once again ... and become a model community in a year's time.
This is how this corner at Everlasting and Dama de Noche now looks like. Note that even the outpost will be cleared.
Same lot but taken from Hasmin Street. Gone are the rusty corrugated GI sheets and trees na "masukal".  The soil level will be scraped to that of the sidewalk. This way, the top soil will be the original fertile soil decades ago. Hopefully, carabao grass will grow naturally and with proper trimming it will look like a well-manicured grass lawn complete with landscaped surroundings, a barbecue pit, a native pavilion (no sidings), and park benches which can be used by residents for "lamyaan", picnics, and other wholesome activities.
This is the lot across which used to be a hang-out of undesirables from other surrounding communities and used allegedly for shabu sessions. Some even say that it was planted with marijuana. With gravel to be solicited from Unirock ... it will be converted into a lighted and guarded pay parking lot which will serve as a profit center for THAI.

We also envision the carpark to offer carwash services as additional source of revenue for THAI.
THAI director Fred Polig of Camia observing the operator and crew of the mini-bulldozer as they clear the track of soil. Behind them is a "KAAYUSAN" tarp of BF which reads "Pagbabago sa Kapaligiran ... Pagbabago sa Kaisipan." Very appropriate indeed for Twinville and the incoming team of A Safe Twinville.

The adopt-a-vacant lot is a project of THAI spearheaded by Allan Lumbo as Project Committee Head.

We really need all the help we can get from each resident ... and that includes YOU!

Inaasahan po namin ang inyong suporta at partisipasyon. (PS)

FIRST DAY OF CLEARING OF VACANT LOTS

It was just to be an ocular inspection of all 29 idle lots to be cleared the following day (Friday). 

But Jimmy Perez, head of city hall's demolition team decided to go ahead with the clearing operations today, December 11, Thursday.

At 9 a.m., the first rusty and dilapidated galvanized sheet of the perimeter fence of the property fronting the Davis residence along Dama de Noche corner Everlasting streets was torn off its equally rusty nail.

"Ang pakiusap ko lang ... kung puwedeng itira yung puno ng bayabas at santol kasi yan na lang ang natitira kong alaala ni Celia," Ed Davis requested. 

But this was something we had to politely decline because the development plan for this corner lot plus 2 more other lots beside it calls for all trees to be cut to make way for a pay parking lot.

Instead Allan Lumbo suggested, "ipapangalan na lang natin itong Celia Davis Carpark."

Fortunately, Ed Davis understood and intimated that what we are doing is good for the entire community.

While the bulldozer labored to move earth and clear the lot, the MCF volunteers transferred to the lots across and started stripping the GI sheets from the unsightly fence.

At the end of the day, it was a sight welcomed by the residents, "ang laki ng pagbabago ... ang aliwalas na ngayon. Sa Fairlane ka pa lang, kitang kita mo na."

It was heartwarming to see residents walking by or aboard their vehicles giving the THAI officers present at the site the "thumbs up" sign.

Nagsisimula pa lang tayo, mga kakambal kaya't "Panahon na para maki-isa at magmalasakit muli."

Inaasahan po namin ang inyong suporta at partisipasyon. (PS)

New THAI Officers for 2009 elected

President:  PAUL EDWARD P. SISON

Vice-President: SYNX ELMA

Secretary: SUNNY PAGADUAN

Treasurer: ED MALONZO

Auditor: RODEL BELLOSILLO

Committee Heads

Ways & Means: ED MALONZO

Asset Management: ED CONCEPCION

Infrastructure: ENGR. MARLON CAMBA

Beautification: SUNNY PAGADUAN

Physical & Technical: MANNY TABUZO

Legal: ATTY. JASON MIGRINO

Community Relations: ALLAN LUMBO

Peace & Order: DEO PADILLA

Sports: FRED POLIG

Livelihood: BITOY DAGATAN

Project Heads

Adopt-A-Vacant Lot: ALLAN LUMBO

Alternative Streetlighting: ED CONCEPCION

MCF welcomes Ed Concepcion's offer to help Teatro Marikina

Ed Concepcion met with Mayor Marides Fernando recently to volunteer his services to help Teatro Marikina.

Very few residents of Twinville know this low-key, unassuming, humble father of three from Dama De Noche Street.

There was a time when he and his family were a fixture of Twinville Chapel during Mass every Sunday. Sadly, all that was shattered by an unfortunate vehicular accident which took away the life of the eldest, a daughter named Katrina.

Ed Concepcion, theater administrator of Meralco Theater, was elected as THAI Director during the recent elections last Nov. 23, Sunday. We will rely on Ed's expertise and experience in venue management and marketing to optimize the use and revenue-generating potentials of our multi-purpose gym and other amenities of our park.

He has gone one step further by also volunteering to help Mayor Marides Fernando improve the services, operations, and earnings of Teatro Marikina.

Mabuhay ka, Ed!

Kamusta from Jerome Melu

Hi Bro/Sis,
Kumusta na kayong lahat! Dto ako sa Calamba naka base. Na visit ko na Blog and glad ako sa mga activities ng ating mga living heroes dyan. Congrats sa inyong lahat and keep it up in making Twinville a sefe place! Advane merry Christmas sa inyong lahat! By d way, ako ay ka batch nila Bobbit & Friends at dyan pa nakatira mga Nanay ko sa Milflores.
JEROME E. MELU
Telephone : +63 49 502-2381
Mobile      : +63 918 920-2026
Email        : sales@liseq.com
Webpage  : http://www.liseq.com <http://www.liseq.com/> 

Hi Paul,
Ganun ba, cge oks lang kung na post mo na. D ko na na edit mga spelling ko dun. Anyway, nag migrate ako sa Paranaque nung 1996 after I got married and nung 2000 nag settle kami sa Calamba up to now. Most probably you belong to a much younger batch kaya di tayo gaano magkakilala or may effect na sa akin ang Alzheimer.

Anyway, good itong ginagawa nyo and kaisa nyo ako dyan. My heart will always be belong sa Twinville. By d way, isa ang father ko sa nag put up nung Old Chapel natin at ka batch nila yung mga Seniors na Lumbo, Camba, Sevilla, .... (Mga namayapa na silang lahat)

Cge, I will keep my self posted sa blog natin!

God bless you kapatid!
JEROME E. MELU

Kamusta mula kay Ben & Ronald Dagatan

On 11/27/08 5:48 AM, "bensito dagatan" <bensd10@yahoo.com> wrote:

maraming salamat. nag enjoy kami sa pinadala mo. mis kasi namin ang pinas,  thank you uli at tawagan ka namin,

BEN D 10 

On 11/29/08 2:34 AM, "bensito dagatan" <bensd10@yahoo.com> wrote:

talagang nakakamis ang twinville. pag nakita mo ang mga kapitbahay, kaibigan at mga mahal sa buhay. there's no place like twinville. naalala ko pa ng presidente ako ,(youthclub) ng ating subdivision. na mis ko ang bayanihan, kainan at most of all ang mga pagsasamahan ng bawat isa, sobrang saya. mga dating tambay na ngayon ay ang mga taong respongsible sa mga ikabubuti ng ating lugar. A SAFE TWINVILLE. keep it up guys.

D.O.T. "Turismo Mismo" Community Organizers are from Twinville

Sina Manny Tabuzo at Allan Lumbo sa Turismo Mismo! workshops ng Dept. of Tourism sa Club Balai Isabel sa Talisay, Batangas. Kasama nila ang kilabot ng Donsol na si Allan Amanse, presidente ng mga Butanding Interaction Officers or BIO. Kung napanood ninyo ang Donsol: The Movie ... ito ay base sa buhay ni Amanse.

Alam nyo ba na ang mga trouble shooters ni Sec. Ace Durano ng Dept. of Tourism para sa mga problematic ecotourism sites ng Pilipinas ay mga residente ng Twinville?

Sina Allan Lumbo at Manny Tabuzo ay mga community organizers ng ideasman, inc. na siyang nag-conceptualize ng programang "Turismo Mismo!" na madalas mapalabas ang commercial sa TV ngayon.

We should really be proud of Twinville. Hindi lang sila Lumbo at Tabuzo ang mga pambato natin kundi pati ang anak ni Sunny Pagaduan na si Paolo na siya namang community organizer ng World Wildlife Fund (WWF), isang international NGO.

Marami pang mga residente ng Twinville na maipagmamalaki natin ... ang problema hindi ito nalalaman ng karamihan. Kaya't pag meron kayong nais na ating parangalan sa pamamagitan ng pag-feature natin dito sa ating blog ... please email the short write up with embedded picture and accompanying caption to ideasmanph.twinville@blogger.com

Mabuhay ang Twinville! (PS)

Engr. Espiritu visits a day after elections; reveals future developments

The city engineer, Boy Espiritu, visited Twinville for more than an hour after city hall's flag raising ceremonies last Nov. 24, Monday.

Espiritu met with incoming president Paul Sison and current vice-president Allan Lumbo at the subdivision's open space where the chapel and multipurpose gym are located. THAI president Mar Ayala also dropped by for awhile.

Espiritu was invited by Sison for an ocular related to THAI's request that the THAI office, which is being sponsored by Cong. Del De Guzman, be erected by the roadside along Camia St. instead of by the river at the back of the covered court.

The THAI office can serve the residents better if it is located at the front --- spanning 2 bays of the covered court --- along Camia Street where it will be highly visible and easily accessible. Like Chairman BF, we want to show the people that "government works." In this case, the homeowners association represents government --- and we intend to replicate BF's governance style in handling day-to-day affairs of Twinville.

Offhand, he expressed doubts about the request being granted but encouraged Sison to still talk to the mayor about it. Meanwhile, he suggested 2 alternative sites for the office.

Espiritu also revealed plans of the city government to convert the parcel of land directly across the river into an ecopark once the portion of the river behind Twinville's open space has been diverted to straighten the flow of the river. If the ecopark pushes thru, Twinville residents will be very fortunate to live just right beside such an ecotourism development.

"Nag-meeting lang kami ng World Bank last Wednesday para sa funding ng road dike," said Espiritu, adding that, "matagal na nating project yan pero ngayon pa lang matutuloy."

The road dike project will run along the river from Nangka to Tumana, then all the way to the town proper. It will double as a flood control mechanism to protect the settlement sites and other riverside subdivisions like Twinville from perennial flooding.

Sison and Lumbo also mentioned the ff. concerns related to engineering to Espiritu who indicated awareness about Twinville's present condition:

1. drainage problem at the corner of Rosas and Milflores St.;
   
2. drainage problem at Daisy St.;
   
3. the potholes along Everlasting St. caused by a subcontractor who mistakenly dug it up more than 2 years ago thinking it was still part of Fairlane;
   
4. the Manila Water diggings left uncemented after installing pipes that crossed Camia Street; and
   
5. the clearing of empty lots for the Adopt-A-Vacant Lot project.
   

Espiritu noted all of our concerns and said it was all a matter of scheduling. 

"Tatawagan ko agad ang Manila Water para balikan nila ito," said Espiritu pointing to the damaged strips crossing Camia.

He also encouraged Sison to include the asphalt overlay for Everlasting and Camia streets among our requests when the latter meets with Mayor MCF on Friday, Nov. 28. (PS)

Paano natin gagawing ligtas ang Twinville?

Samahan ninyo kaming mangarap at umaksyon. We believe we can make Twinville safe and pleasant once again. This picture captures our present plight and what our team intends to do about it. The outpost on the right represents our failed attempt at securing Twinville. The lot at the back is one of 28 vacant lots that will be cleared of all unsightly materials and trees where criminals can hide -- then made productive via the "adopt a vacant lot" project of Allan Lumbo. The child on the left serves as our inspiration to strive and succeed in making Twinville safe once again. (PS)

Ito ang aming programa pang kapayapaan at kaayusan:

1. Gawing priyoridad ng THAI ang peace and order problem.
2. Mag-lobby para gawing priyoridad ng city government ang peace and order sa ating lugar.
   
3. I-secure ang perimeter fence ng subdivision
   
4. Humingi ng pahintulot sa city hall para sa 10 gates na bukas sa araw at sarado mula 12-4am. 1 or 2 gates lang ang bukas.
   
5. Magtalaga ng 6 na suwelduhang village security guards.  Ayon kay MCF, sasamahan sila ng 1 PNP pulis gabi-gabi at ang city government ang magpapagawa ng police outpost nito. 
   
6. Ilipat ang duty ng Bantay Bayan volunteers sa araw (daytime duty). Suportahan ang BB.
   
7. Bigyan ng sasakyan at uniporme ang security force para visible at madalas makita.
   
8. Bigyan ng walkie-talkie ang mga bantay natin.
   
9. Kumbinsihin ang mga residente na maglagay ng kahit isang ilaw sa tapat ng gate nila para lumiwanag ang kalye at sidewalk.
   
10. Magdagdag ng ilaw o palitan agad ang mga pundidong ilaw ng Meralco.
    
11. Organize residents per block para maging vigilant at nagtutulungan sa seguridad.
    
12. Bigyan ng silbato bawat bahay bilang warning system.
    
13. Print out a THAI directory para madaling magtawagan pag may problema.
    
14. Regular community activities para magkakilalanan ang mga residente at mag-bonding.
    
15. Close coordination kay Col. Jong Ramos at PNP.
    
16. Madalas na pakikipag-ugnayan at kooperasyon pang-seguridad sa mga opisyal ng mga karatig na subdibisyon.
    
17. Limitahin ang pagpasok ng mga scavengers at bote diyaryo. Mag-issue ng ID cards at sitahin ang mga hindi accredited at walang ID.
    
18. Manguna sa socio-civic projects para sa mga settlement sites na nakapaligid sa atin.
    
19. Maghanap ng sponsor para sa CTV cameras sa piling lugar ng Twinville.
    
20. I-consecrate ang Twinville sa proteksiyon ni Saint Michael at sa Mahal na Ina sa pamamagitan ng regular na pagdalo sa Misa at pagdasal ng Santo Rosaryo bilang isang komunidad.

Ang lahat ng ito ay bale-wala kung hindi ninyo kami tutulungan at susuportahan, kakambal. Kaya't halina't makiisa at magmalasakit muli. Samahan ninyo kaming ayusin ang Twinville. Tayong lahat ang makikinabang dito. (PS)

Kaya ba nating maging model community?

“Libre ang managinip at mangarap”, sabi ni BF.

   

Kaya’t pag nakamit na natin ang “A Safe Twinville” ... ang pagiging isang model community naman ang ating tatargetin.

   

Sabihin nyo sa amin ... ano ba para sa inyo ang isang model community?

   

Para sa amin ito ay tulad ng ibang gated subivision na malinis, maaliwalas, at kaaya-aya. Imaginin nyo ang Twinville na ...

• sementado lahat ng kalye at konting lubak pa lang ay natatapalan na agad ng semento o aspalto;
  
• kulay puti ang mga gutter at “dust-free” ang mga lansangan;
  
• lahat ng empty lot ay bukas, walang nakatapal na yero, hindi masukal at may mga tanim na gulay na binibili ng mga residente;
  
• may parang club house kung saan pwede mag relax at unwind ang mga residente;
  
• may senior citizen hall sa tabing ilong kung saan pwede silang magkape, magbasa ng diyaryo at mag exercise;
  
• may working office ang THAI na may tao mula 8am-5pm;
  
• maliwanag ang park sa gabi, ligtas at walang masamang elemento kundi mga residente na nag-iinteract;
  
• walang pasaway at maingay;
  
• bihira ang videoke na nambubulabog ng kapitbahay;
  
• lahat ng residente produktibo at may trabaho dahil sa job assistance program ng THAI;
  
• may bulletin board kung saan nalalaman ng lahat ang mga nangyayari, ang mga oportunidad, ang paraan kung papaano sila makakatulong sa kapwa, atbp.;
  
• may sense of pride or pride of place ang bawat residente;
  
• kumikilos ang buong sambayanan;
  
• magkakakilala ang lahat ng tao at nagdadamayan;
  
• sumusunod sa lahat ng ordinansa at batas;
  
• rinerespeto ng ibang subdibisyon o komunidad dahil mahusay makipag kapwa tao ang mga naninirahan dito; at
  
• God-centered.
  

Darating din ang araw na hindi tayo magdadalawang isip na mangimbita sa atin. Ngunit kailangan nating magkaisa. Maraming hirap ang ating daranasan ... ngunit kayang-kaya kung tayo ay sama-sama. (PS)

Chapel altar designed by Toym Imao of Marist Chapel fame

As designed by Toym Imao, this is how the altar of Twinville Chapel will look like. Work is ongoing so we can have a glimpse of its grandeur by the traditional "Simbang Gabi." 

Since our chapel is named after the Risen Christ, the altar has images of the Blessed Trinity: the Father (Eyes), the Son (face & hands), and the Holy Spirit (dove). The tabernacle will be shaped as a "host" aflame. Directly behind the tabernacle is a big black circular hole representing the cave/tomb where the Risen Christ emerged from. The altar table is shaped like a goblet with the surface having a small fountain and basin. There will be stained or cathedral glass (depending on budget).  A see-thru glass at the bottom shows the flowers and waterfalls behind the altar.

Imao also designed the altar of the Chapel of Marist School among others. He also does commissioned works for local government units and top corporations; and the present and past occupants of Malacanang Palace, e.g., Presidents Arroyo, Estrada, Ramos, Arroyo.

The altar of Marist Chapel was featured on the front pages of the Philippine Daily Inquirer. Ganoon din kaya ang mangyari sa ating altar?

The Imao's are a family of artists, the patriarch being a national artist. Their studio is located at Torres Bugallon Street, Concepcion Uno (near OLOPSC).

Our project engineer for the chapel, Mar Rilles, is a top rate contractor who works fast and is highly efficient. A former resident of Twinville who grew up here as a child and teenager, Mar is the younger brother of Remy Sanchez of Milflores Street. He accepted the project on a volunteer basis but we deemed it appropriate for him to receive a monthly honorarium for his exemplary work and management.

Engr. Mar Rilles and famed architect & artist Toym Imao discussing plans for the altar.

The Twinville Chapel Construction is a project of Twinville Mini-Pastoral Council (TMPC) headed by Ma. Gemma Sison. Other officers include Juliet Cabildo, Hermie Salazar, Mila Lacsamana, etc. Construction Head and Finance Committee Head is Paul Edward P. Sison.

The chapel project is also supported by the Twinville Homeowners Association (THAI) and the Womens Club. (PS)

A visit from Vice Mayor Marion Andres

Vice Mayor Andres (light green shirt) sharing "light" moments with Onyok, Rodel Bellosillo and Larry Castro.

Vice Mayor Marion Andres dropped by during the victory celebration on the night the elections were held. He stayed for four hours enjoying the company of Team AST (A Safe Twinville) and supporters while getting a pulse of the Twinville community.

According to our vice-mayor ... he personally supports our security measure to set up 10 perimeter gates that will be closed from 10 pm - 5 a.m. He even cited a subdivision along Sumulong Highway where city hall allowed the gates to be closed from 9 pm-5 am.

The vice mayor was chosen to be Kabayani's standard bearer in a meeting held last September and presided by Chairman BF and Mayor MCF. (PS)

Do you believe we can make Twinville safe once again?

Atty. Jason Migrino, Allan Lumbo, Paul Sison, and Manny Tabuzo ... now directors-elect of the incoming THAI board.

WHY YOU MUST

If you wish to get something done, stop telling yourself why you can't.  Begin telling yourself why you must.

Of course there are obstacles to every achievement.  Yet you can work through any obstacle when you have a clear and compelling reason to do so.

Zero in on that reason.  Make it your priority to keep that reason ever present in your thoughts.

Though the challenges may be powerful, you can always make your purpose even more powerful.  Keep telling yourself, again and again, why you must.

Make a solid connection between your actions and your purpose.  That will cause your effectiveness to soar.

Remember always why you must.  And you will.

-- Ralph Marston

(PS)

An overwhelming 15-0 mandate

The recent Twinville Homeowners Association (THAI) elections for the 2009 board of directors saw the Team AST (A Safe Twinville) running away with an overwhelming 15-0 landslide victory from the 214 voter turnout of Twinville's more than 400 families.

This is the first time in history that a complete line-up was voted into office.

Our team sees this as a clear mandate from residents for our program which we presented to all residents to work towards "a safe Twinville" before aspiring to become a model community here in Marikina City, Philippines.

The final elections results:

1. Allan Lumbo - 187 votes

2. Mar Ayala - 185

3. Manny Tabuzo - 182

4. Paul Sison - 181

5. Fred Polig - 179

6. Marlon Camba - 178

7. Ed Malonzo - 173

8. Elmer Bognot - 173

9. Sincero Elma - 172

10. Bitoy Dagatan - 172

11. Deo Padilla - 163

12. Ed Concepcion - 159

13. Rodel Bellosillo - 159

14. Jason Migrino - 157

15. Sunny Pagaduan - 154

Note that the next or 16th place garnered only 59 votes --- a wide margin that left no doubt about the clear mandate bestowed on our team. Rest assured that we are aware that with this mandate comes great expectations. We won't let you down.

For all those who voted for us, especially the majority who voted straight for all 15 of us ... our sincerest and heartfelt gratitude for the trust and initial support. We hope to translate all your support into concrete results that will contribute to the early realization of our collective dream of Twinville as "a model community where residents can walk the streets safely once again."

Maraming, maraming salamat po!

Inaasahan po namin ang inyong suporta at partisipasyon.

Godspeed. (PS)

The polls opened at 7:30 a.m. --- before the 8 a.m. Sunday Mass.

Noel Lozano & Aida Barberan ably supervised the conduct of the November 23 elections.

Sonny San Miguel of Camia St. and Cecilio Dagatan Sr. of Hasmin St. were among the early voters.