Badjaos find haven in Pampanga

DESPITE the unfamiliar surroundings, optimism runs high in the active and vibrant Badjao community also known as the “Sama Dilaut” in Mabalacat, Pampanga. For Guzman Kalingalan, one of the Badjao refugees, Mabalacat has become not only a sanctuary but a beacon of hope for people like him.

The Sama people can be quite hard to classify as their nomadic nature can also be found in several countries (especially the Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia). In Malaysia they are called Bajaus, while other Filipinos call them Badjaos or Samals, depending on which subgroup of the Sama they belong to.

Like the other Badjao refugees of “Sama Dilaut,” Kalingalan was forced to flee the hostile environment of Zamboanga to escape war and ethnic persecution. However, the pursuit of a peaceful life has cost the seafaring “Sama Dilaut” their homes, means of livelihood and way of life as they were forced to settle in Luzon, an unfamiliar territory.

“Mangingisda talaga kami. Ang kabuhayan namin nasa laot. Iyon ang kabuhayan ng mga lolo namin. Napadpad na lang kami dito dahil natakot na kami. Kapag nagpupunta kami sa laot, kapag nakita kami ng mga pirata, kinukuha yung mga makina namin. Kapag hindi namin binigay ang mga makina at mga bangka namin sa kanila, pinapatay kami,” Kalingalan said.

On the fourth day of its “Bayanihan: Pamaskong Handog ng PAGCOR 2012”, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) fostered hope and optimism among the marginalized sectors like the “Sama Dilaut” community in Pampanga. More than 100 Badjao families received gift packs that would address their immediate needs and provide them with some holiday cheers.

Pagcor also pledged to build two deep wells for the sustainable development of the “Sama Dilaut” community, according to the “Bayanihan” component of its ongoing nationwide Pamaskong Handog 2012 gift-giving project.

General Manager Alexander Ozaeta, Pagcor’s Casino Filipino Angeles branch in Pampanga, said they chose to extend help to the Badjao families because “we want them to feel that they are all part of our extended community.”

“For us in Pagcor, there is no such thing as cultural minority. Lahat ay pantay-pantay. This gift-giving activity for the “Sama Dilaut” is our way of letting them know that we are here to support them,” Ozaeta added.

The family of retired artist Sigfried Ranada, also known as Ysagani Ybarra, owns the lot where the “Sama Dilaut” community resides. He said the community was established to provide the nomadic “Sama Dilaut” a sense of stability and empower them so that they can determine their own course as a people.

He narrated that when he got stranded in Mindanao 20 years ago, the Sama Dilaut came to his aid. “Twenty years later, I had the honor of meeting some of them again and I repaid their kindness. I gave them sanctuary in our hometown to stabilize themselves, so they are able to determine their own course.”

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/news/regions/4414-badjaos-find-haven-in-pampanga

Frequently visited resort hotel in Pampanga Angeles City Clark Freeport Zone shares news, articles, suggestions and ideas on matters that might enhance your visit to Subic and Clark Pampanga for vacation and travel, as well as to organize, plan or attend a corporate or social event near Manila.

Where to stay in Clark, Philippines?

Voted Best Hotel in Clark Pampanga, this beach resort is a semi-private establishment located in the central business district near shopping, business, entertainment, airport and other conveniences of Philippines Clark Freeport Zone.   This 13 hectare lake beach resort near Manila Philippines is a place of leisure that is highly recommended for family tourists with children or couples and individuals hoping to relax and enjoy peace and quiet in a laidback American suburban lifestyle.

Adding to the charm and attractiveness of this resort hotel in Clark Philippines are certain unique factors including safety, a keen sense of security and privacy that the main zone of Clark Freeport Zone offers.  Angeles Philippines, Subic or Manila cannot offer the same sense of security like Clark Philippines.  Clearwater is one of the best hotel in Clark and the resort is a very popular venue for rest and relaxation especially for golfers after a round of golf at one of the best golf courses near Manila.   Clark is home to some of the best golf courses in Pampanga.

Philippines Travel Guide just unveiled recommendations and tips for safe and secured destinations during Holy Week and Easter Holidays in Philippines, Pampanga, Angeles City, Subic and Clark.  The report covers highly recommended resorts and hotels in North Luzon, nice getaway destinations for families with children to enjoy activities in the outdoor, secured, safe and convenient place for tourists to relax and unwind, luxurious restaurants offering privacy and good ambience, best clubs in Pampanga and resto bars in Angeles City, pubs in Clark and fine dining restaurants in Pampanga, frequently visited places as well as historical sites in Angeles City, Pampanga, Clark Philippines.

Clearwater is generally regarded as is a place of leisure and the best private resort in Pampanga.  This Clark hotel is the most frequently visited private resort outside Manila for corporate planning and team building because of its exclusivity.    Clearwater is well regarded among frequent visitors to Clark as one of the best resorts in Pampanga.

Pampanga is an important province of the Philippines slated to be the next business and tourism center of the country.  Already international traffic prefers the Clark International Airport and tourists find Clark Freeport Zone easier to get around than Manila.  Safety, low crime rate, no traffic and low pollution levels all contribute to making Pampanga Angeles City Clark Freeport Zone a preferred destination for local and international tourists.

For inquiries and bookings, <a href=”http://www.clearwaterphilippines.com/contact/index.html”>Please click here to contact Clearwater Resort for inquiries and reservations now</a>

<strong> Clearwater Resort and Country Club, Clark Pampanga </strong>

Creekside Road near Centennial Expo,

Clark Freeport, Pampanga Philippines 2023

(045) 889-5151 0917-520-4403  0922-870-5177

Joanne or Jeremy or Loydha

<strong>Getting to this lake and beach resort in Pampanga Angeles City Clark Philippines</strong>

<em>After entering Clark Freeport from Dau and Angeles City, proceed straight along the main highway MA Roxas, passing the stand-along wine shop called Clark Wine Center on the right, continue to bear right making no turns at all, go past Mimosa Leisure Estate on the opposite side of the road, one will hit a major intersection.  Go straight and the road becomes Creekside Road.  YATS Clearwater Resort and Country Club is on the right just 200m down. </em>

<strong><a href=”http://www.ClearwaterPhilippines.com”>http://www.ClearwaterPhilippines.com</a></strong>

<strong>Manila Sales Office</strong>

<em>3003C East Tower, Phil Stock Exchange Center,

Exchange Rd Ortigas Metro Manila, Philippines 1605</em>

(632) 637-5019   0917-520-4393  Rea or Chay

Email:   Inquiry@ClearwaterPhilippines.com

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qngtcg4mmRw

<strong><a href=”http://www.clearwaterphilippines.com/booking/make-reservation.html“>Please click here to contact Clearwater Resort to reserve a venue for your upcoming event now</a></strong>

Wedding couples looking for wedding reception venues and beach wedding venues can log on to this Philippines Wedding Venue web site for free information and assistance:

<a href=”http://www.PhilippinesWeddingVenue.com”>http://www.PhilippinesWeddingVenue.com</a>

While in Clark, it might be a good idea to enjoy an evening of wine-and-dine in the fine dining Yats Restaurant and Wine Bar that features an award winning 2700-line wine list.  It is located in Mimosa Leisure Estate of Clark Freeport Zone.  For more information, visit <a href=”http://www.YatsRestaurant.com”>http://www.YatsRestaurant.com</a>

YATS Leisure Philippines is a developer and operator of clubs, resorts and high-class restaurants and wine shops in Clark Angeles Philippines  <a href=”http://www.YatsLeisure.com”>http://www.YatsLeisure.com</a>

While in Clark, one might as well add to the itinerary a visit to the famous Clark Wine Center, the largest wine shop in Philippines which offers over 2000 selections of fine vintage wine from all wine regions, vintages spanning over 50 years covering all price ranges.

<a href=”http://www.ClarkWineCenter.com”>http://www.ClarkWineCenter.com</a>

Looking for famous tourists spots, places to visit and see, relax and unwind in Clark, Pampanga, Philippines?  You may want to check out these sites also:

<a href=”http://www.LondonPubClark.com”>http://www.LondonPubClark.com</a>

<a href=”http://www.HotelClarkPhilippines.com”>http://www.HotelClarkPhilippines.com</a>

<a href=”http://www.ClarkPhilippines.com”>http://www.ClarkPhilippines.com</a>

<a href=”http://www.YatsWineCellars.com”>http://www.YatsWineCellars.com</a>

For jobs and business investment opportunities in the Philippines please visit <a href=”http://www.yilp.com”>http://www.yilp.com</a>

Hot Line for what’s happening in Clark: 045 889-5151 or 0927-940-2669  ask for Loydha

0915-542-6250 (Jeramie)