Who can recall the era of Bicol newspapers Balalong and Naga Times? They were all published and edited in the city of Naga for regional consumption. During the tumultuous years of the Martial Law era and beyond, the free press in the region was exemplified by the two publications, as with other struggling tabloids in different parts of southern Luzon.
The Balalong was published by Juan F. Triviño and edited by Atty. Alfredo Tria while Naga Times was published by Lily Tolaram with Ramon Tolaram as the editor.
[Revision/Correction: Sept. 22, 2021: Mr. Ramon Tolaram was the publisher and editor of The Naga Times while his wife, Mrs. Lily Tolaram, was the business manager.]
Both were homegrown newspapers which week after week came out with relevant and engaging news stories. Balalong ventured into more controversial, some very relevant political issues and dug into the psyche of the Bicolano readers. Fans of the tabloids can’t wait for the week’s edition of freshly printed news carrying juicy and investigative articles from its contents.
Even local radio stations sourced their headlines from both tabloids. That period was the silver era in the region of tabloid news publications as responsible publishers, editors and reporters shine in their trade.
But what do we find in the scant local newsstands in Naga city are completely different now. The “thin” tabloids mimic the look, mastheads and appearance of national broadsheets to attract enthusiasts. But inside its pages are no more than hashed press release of this and that government agency or business entity. There are more column inches allotted to legal and extra judicial notices, which gives the impression it is the main source of tabloid income and not the circulation sales.
At the town market, a local vendor was saying that the local newsprint is not enough to wrap “tinapa” and dried fish (tuyo or alang na sira) because of its scanty page as compared to the voluminous national broadsheets. What?
Glad to hear from the daughter of the big man of Naga Times. Lucky for one of our colleagues who had him as mentor for sometime in the tabloid which include gathering details, composing the news, and observing the composing of the tabloid at the local press as workers work on the linotype and the offset process. Thank you for the visit and regards.
“No, the pen cannot describe the poetry which contains the enthusiasm of a Catholic people who manifests publicly its faith, its confidence, its tenderness and gratitude, towards the enchanting Mother of beautiful love . . .” This was how the public manifestation of faith by the inhabitants of Ciudad de […]
Garo na baga sinda mga aking bagong mundag, mayong sulot na bado mientras na nagduduyan sa higdaan sa padiit-diit na pagyugyog dara kan kalipungawan saka pagkaminootan. Luway-luway sa paghiro an saindang mga burles na lawas asin an pagiging saro kaini garo may sinusunod na ritmo asin kumpas. May numero. Haloy. […]
Asin sinda magkaibahan kun kaya mientras an kamotkan relo nagpaypay, dai naheling, aram nindamayo nanggad mangyayari sa saro na dai nangyari sa kaiba,na mayo nanggad na mangyayari sobra pa digde,na ini an gabos asin permi na, ini an nakaaguiasin an ngonian pati ano pa man na maabot. Ini, na dapat […]
How I Learned to Write Poetry I never took course in poetry writing, other than the prescribed courses in American and English Literature in high school and college. But I had written my early poems years before I took my college courses. By reading poems by Filipinos and by English, […]
What is love? / Ano an pagkamoot by Eden A. Avila What is love?… A beautiful stirring of the young heart, a sudden glance, a smile, a gentle touch. The fast beating of the heart, the quickening of one’s gait to see one’s beloved. It’s the silence shared, forgetting the […]
Sarong Banggi and the dearth of mainstream Bicol songs. Now added on the sidebar of the Bicol (House Journal) section only, is the unofficial regional Bicol romantic anthem Sarung Banggi (Sarung Bangui, Sarong Banggi) a reggae version by the band Mudflow from the town of Sto. Domingo in Albay province. […]
Reintroducing the musings of Luis G. Dato We are so privileged to present some of the works of one of the early, maybe the right choice of word is pioneering, Bicolano poet and writer as personified by the consumate and dedicated muse-inspired Mr. Luis G. Dato himself. We consider him […]
isang tanghaling tapat sa buhay ni Cesar, Rommel at Mark walang atubili ang hatid ng mga kalatas na balot ng bakal sa inyo dumatal winarak ang utak tumarak sa dibdib mga bisig dinipa sa langit piping labi humalik sa mamad na lupa sige, sa inyong paghimlay isalin ang pag-asa […]
Can the choicest words and the harshest sounds provide power to a people long oppressed under the yoke of feudal and imperialist tyranny? Shall we not cast aside the broken pen that knows all terms and the paper pure prepared for lines? Shall we not transform angry words into […]
Dae mo ako haputon ngonyan / Kun haen an puso ko. / Dae mo ako hilingon na garo pinipirit / Na simbagon taka. Haen mananggad? / Kadto yaon duman sa pinakamalaad / Na bituon kun maaaga, nagtatago, /
Nagpuli ako sa harong kan magurang, / Dara an kamera maretrato kan ogma, / Pinsan saka partidaryo nagsabat usyoso, / Kun siisay an iba dai ko na bistado. / Tano ta ngonian lang ika uminabot?
During the recent commemoration of National Heroes Day, the “historians” in Malacanang had been very selective at naming personalities that figured during the Philippine campaign for independence. Generals Vicente Lukban and Vito Belarmino made it to the cut as the palace announced that a special set of 24 printable trading […]
Today we make an easy recall of the days when we were little. What came to mind was the classic and popular folk song of one about “our” small house. Some say the original version was in Tagalog entitled “Bahay Kubo” composed by Felipe de Leon: Bahay kubo kahit munti […]
Being the first chance to visit the barangays of Binanuaanan, an eerie feeling there will be less encounter with the general populace of the area was filling us. But some information and direction about the place had to be sourced. Definitely, there will be a conversation between the unwelcomed visitor […]
On the day and time we were supposed to depart for the twin barangays of Binanuaanan in upland Calabanga, rain poured in abundance it was more than enough to give us a good bath. We had to cancel the trip. The next day, the weather was a complete opposite. We […]
One school day of 1934, the residents of barrio Vito in the town of Siruma, installed on a pedestal a bust of a national hero at the school grounds of Vito Elementary School. The event was attended by most of the locals including the teachers and pupils of the school. […]
Even as I have discussed and recalled memories, stories and current events about Siruma, I kept missing one more place much nearer our residence and of my father’s hometown. In a way, it is my third hometown, though. I am referring to Bolaobalite, which immediately stirred a chord in my […]
There must be rich memories spun and created behind the Bicol Teachers College and Bicol High School that alumni of the defunct twin institutions in Calabanga town keep a semi-active reunion dates. This, despite the graduates are now octogenarians and many are in far off places or gone to their […]
Sunday, September 17, 1972. At a distance, yesterday, the Colgante bridge looked beautiful, with colorful buntings and lighted with different colored bulbs. As the day’s sun descended, the bridge’s silhuette on the Naga river provided a lovely backdrop for the still unfolding culmination of the Peñafrancia religious festivities.
Saturday, September 16, 1972. As the “vancuerna” of the images of the Virgin of Peñafrancia and the Divino Rostro passed under the bridge, the people became more excited and jostled for a good view. Some were praying the rosary, many were chanting “Viva La Virgen!!!” and “Viva El Divino Rostro!!”
Just mention The Bicol High School and The Bicol Teachers College and it will trigger enough interest and talk, and more of an endless poignant memory recall of its surviving and now aging students.
On Monday, we revive The Bicol House Journal on the online pages of Cbanga360. It will follow the same attitude and aspiration in publishing literary content as before. Looking back we republish here the idealism and objective of the BHJ: The Bicol House Journal is a modest attempt at publishing […]
Semana santa is a tradition deeply rooted in the heart of every Calabangueño. The holy event is ever so old and yet always new. The Calabangueño reflects in solitude, in sanctity and in seclusion. Deep in his heart finds joy and anticipation of the filial, friendly and Godly devotion renewed and refreshed by the holy week celebration. Thus, it tugs him to go on a yearly exodus he just wouldn’t want to miss.
You only have to set foot on Calabanga’s heart (the ever commotion-packed Parada) in order to know its language. “Oatat ka man magmarat nin iwos?” a Calabangueño would ask you if you are a stranger. Several dialects would come rushing into your mind but not a single word from the sentence just uttered would equal that which you think you know.
To her native sons and daughters, Calabanga is a beautiful town even if it seems slow in making progress. Many of its sons and daughters have left her to find their fortunes elsewhere or their particular place in the sun, but it is not a final breakaway.
The town of Siruma boasts of white sand beaches almost equal to that of Caramoan’s. But wait, the beaches of Siruma languishes for attention and development. Camarines Sur has invested, time and resources for Caramoan’s development and Siruma is waiting.
During a portion of the war years the governor of Camarines Sur was Mariano Villafuerte. Together with wife, Soledad, eldest son Manuel, Japanese military officer named Kwasima, Villafuerte took a motorboat from Sabang, Calabanga and landed at the barrio of Vito in Siruma. The fleeing governor was looking for an influential leader named Pedro P to seek aid and become his intermediary, but who left with his own family much earlier before their arrival.
After the May 10, 2010 general elections, the local government of Siruma and its town folks received its first ever and most distinguished visitor of the land, and a surprise yet.
The quaint, little and big town of Siruma lies on the northeastern section of Camarines Sur, much properly on a peninsula jutting out to the sea. Its shores is lapped by the cool waves of the Pacific, while the inland territory is generally of mountainous terrain abundantly sun-basked.
Fifty eight years last month, in November 18, 1952, the former mayor of Calabanga town unveiled a donation of a (cement) bench located at the plaza. Now with the onslaught of change and modest modernization, the bench still occupies its original location. But it has served its purpose and the passage of time clearly made its mark.
During his elementary days, one would see him at their home front sari-sari store sketching komiks (yes, komiks was so popular that time) characters like the famous “Palos” and many more, honing his skills. At an early age he has shown the propensity and inclination for the visual arts, just […]
Here and now, the Bicol river’s name was for the second time used in disgrace, shame and shambles. The unfinished dam will remain the tangible evidence to this for people to see in the years to come. As always, failures leave behind some ugly memorials.
Easily, then, Bicol river is both the queen and mother of all rivers in southern Luzon due to its size and influence. It holds sway and impact on the fertile and floodplains of the provinces, dictating the state of economic well-being and status affecting thousands of lives of people- including farmers, fisherfolks, travellers, etc., around its sphere of natural terrain.
The banca operator is so experienced he managed to device a system of not going straight ahead after departing from Balongay but instead maneuvers a sharp curved route to curtail the push and shove of the current. Imagine being in a crib on a rocking motion. Just looking at the transport boat, do not expect amenities of comfort for the seat will be a piece of bamboo pole nailed across its rim.
Sarong Banggi and the dearth of mainstream Bicol songs. Now added on the sidebar of the Bicol (House Journal) section only, is the unofficial regional Bicol romantic anthem Sarung Banggi (Sarung Bangui, Sarong Banggi) a reggae version by the band Mudflow from the town of Sto. Domingo in Albay province. […]
One school day of 1934, the residents of barrio Vito in the town of Siruma, installed on a pedestal a bust of a national hero at the school grounds of Vito Elementary School. The event was attended by most of the locals including the teachers and pupils of the school. […]
The town of Siruma boasts of white sand beaches almost equal to that of Caramoan’s. But wait, the beaches of Siruma languishes for attention and development. Camarines Sur has invested, time and resources for Caramoan’s development and Siruma is waiting.
“No, the pen cannot describe the poetry which contains the enthusiasm of a Catholic people who manifests publicly its faith, its confidence, its tenderness and gratitude, towards the enchanting Mother of beautiful love . . .” This was how the public manifestation of faith by the inhabitants of Ciudad de […]
Fifty eight years last month, in November 18, 1952, the former mayor of Calabanga town unveiled a donation of a (cement) bench located at the plaza. Now with the onslaught of change and modest modernization, the bench still occupies its original location. But it has served its purpose and the passage of time clearly made its mark.
During a portion of the war years the governor of Camarines Sur was Mariano Villafuerte. Together with wife, Soledad, eldest son Manuel, Japanese military officer named Kwasima, Villafuerte took a motorboat from Sabang, Calabanga and landed at the barrio of Vito in Siruma. The fleeing governor was looking for an influential leader named Pedro P to seek aid and become his intermediary, but who left with his own family much earlier before their arrival.
At the edge of the river bank, a waiting shade serves as the landing-terminal point for arriving and departing passengers. One can let time pass just by sitting on the steps or on the cement seats. I did just that and kept awed and bewildered at how huge and overwhelming the Bicol river is.
One Calabangueno stand tall and proud on a pedestal facing what used to be the town plaza (up until the construction of the multi-purpose Octagon edifice) for many decades now. He is Emilio Tible, Sr., or should be rightfully referred to as the monument erected and dedicated in his honor […]
The story of the Bicol martys began with the discovery of the Katipunan secret society. And the message sent by then Manila-based Governor-General Blanco to all civil governors precipitated mass arrests throughout the country.
Just mention The Bicol High School and The Bicol Teachers College and it will trigger enough interest and talk, and more of an endless poignant memory recall of its surviving and now aging students.
What is love? / Ano an pagkamoot by Eden A. Avila What is love?… A beautiful stirring of the young heart, a sudden glance, a smile, a gentle touch. The fast beating of the heart, the quickening of one’s gait to see one’s beloved. It’s the silence shared, forgetting the […]
Semana santa is a tradition deeply rooted in the heart of every Calabangueño. The holy event is ever so old and yet always new. The Calabangueño reflects in solitude, in sanctity and in seclusion. Deep in his heart finds joy and anticipation of the filial, friendly and Godly devotion renewed and refreshed by the holy week celebration. Thus, it tugs him to go on a yearly exodus he just wouldn’t want to miss.
With its towering height of 8,077 feet (2,462 meters), the almost perfect-coned volcano is the main tourist attraction of the province and the regions’ natural wonder.
But don’t be guiled with its beauty and charm, for it has erupted times too many since its first recorded activity in 1776. The most destructive was in 1814 when the town of Cagsawa was buried under its mudflows and only the church belfry was left standing. The town was later relocated into what is now the bustling trade center of Daraga.
During the recent commemoration of National Heroes Day, the “historians” in Malacanang had been very selective at naming personalities that figured during the Philippine campaign for independence. Generals Vicente Lukban and Vito Belarmino made it to the cut as the palace announced that a special set of 24 printable trading […]
Nagpuli ako sa harong kan magurang, / Dara an kamera maretrato kan ogma, / Pinsan saka partidaryo nagsabat usyoso, / Kun siisay an iba dai ko na bistado. / Tano ta ngonian lang ika uminabot?
Today we make an easy recall of the days when we were little. What came to mind was the classic and popular folk song of one about “our” small house. Some say the original version was in Tagalog entitled “Bahay Kubo” composed by Felipe de Leon: Bahay kubo kahit munti […]
The banca operator is so experienced he managed to device a system of not going straight ahead after departing from Balongay but instead maneuvers a sharp curved route to curtail the push and shove of the current. Imagine being in a crib on a rocking motion. Just looking at the transport boat, do not expect amenities of comfort for the seat will be a piece of bamboo pole nailed across its rim.
Reintroducing the musings of Luis G. Dato We are so privileged to present some of the works of one of the early, maybe the right choice of word is pioneering, Bicolano poet and writer as personified by the consumate and dedicated muse-inspired Mr. Luis G. Dato himself. We consider him […]
On Monday, we revive The Bicol House Journal on the online pages of Cbanga360. It will follow the same attitude and aspiration in publishing literary content as before. Looking back we republish here the idealism and objective of the BHJ: The Bicol House Journal is a modest attempt at publishing […]
The story of the Bicol martys began with the discovery of the Katipunan secret society. And the message sent by then Manila-based Governor-General Blanco to all civil governors precipitated mass arrests throughout the country.
During the recent commemoration of National Heroes Day, the “historians” in Malacanang had been very selective at naming personalities that figured during the Philippine campaign for independence. Generals Vicente Lukban and Vito Belarmino made it to the cut as the palace announced that a special set of 24 printable trading […]
Easily, then, Bicol river is both the queen and mother of all rivers in southern Luzon due to its size and influence. It holds sway and impact on the fertile and floodplains of the provinces, dictating the state of economic well-being and status affecting thousands of lives of people- including farmers, fisherfolks, travellers, etc., around its sphere of natural terrain.
Asin sinda magkaibahan kun kaya mientras an kamotkan relo nagpaypay, dai naheling, aram nindamayo nanggad mangyayari sa saro na dai nangyari sa kaiba,na mayo nanggad na mangyayari sobra pa digde,na ini an gabos asin permi na, ini an nakaaguiasin an ngonian pati ano pa man na maabot. Ini, na dapat […]
Great read! My dad’s (Ramon S Tolaram) birthday is today.
Glad to hear from the daughter of the big man of Naga Times. Lucky for one of our colleagues who had him as mentor for sometime in the tabloid which include gathering details, composing the news, and observing the composing of the tabloid at the local press as workers work on the linotype and the offset process. Thank you for the visit and regards.
Happy Bday to Naga Times editor-publisher, Mr. Ramon S. Tolaram.