Category Archives: Kish Javellana

March 16, 2012

Personal Story and a Champion’s Tribute: Western Visayas Regional Meet 2012

By Mark Mayo - Magallanes

Opening Ceremonies for the Western Visayas Regional Meet at Panaad Stadium

Two days ago, I received a Facebook message informing me that my cousin Jason Adrian Mayo-Mirabueno won in the swimming competition over at the Western Visayas Regional Meet. Deep inside, I was elated and happy that he is finally achieving his dream. Friends back home in Bacolod City have shared some photos with me of the opening at Panaad Park and Stadium and I was about to blog about it like an Ernie Baron in the web. However, I found a really personal side to the story which I wanted to share somehow, so forgive me if I will border on something deeply personal.

Photo-ops before the competition proper

My eyes were witnesses to how this dearest cousin honed his swimming talent as a child when he first became curious of the learn to swim lessons for the Panaad Swim Team. He grew from being a curious child to a bemedalled athelete that he is now. His swim lessons are of curious interest to me whose passion I saw in his eyes while he follows his older brother James went first with the training. His victories over at amateur competitions and interprovincial meets proved that potential.

My cousin Jason waiting for his turn with competing Western Visayas athletes

My vision for this young cousin of mine seeing the national competitions grew stronger when I was still with my ex-girlfriend who happened to be an all-time champion in this very same Regional Meet and Palarong Pambansa a few years ago. I envisioned my cousin to draw the same swimming champion path as my ex-girlfriend and I even planned for a meet-up between the two achiever swimmers. Eventually, things did not happen as I planned it when my relationship with this ex-girlfriend ended bitterly and in a sour note over something slightly related to swimming and some other reason as well.

Western Visayas swimmers preparing for a relay competition

Though I love my cousin so much, that sour experience almost killed my interest with swimming. A part of me would be happy if my cousin won but another side of me did not want to hear anything about swimming again. This was my hindrance with celebrating my cousins victories through the times but his rise to swimming stardom was simply unstoppable. Somehow, blood is thicker than the waters of past experiences and swimming has found another meaning and redemption in the persona of my cousin Jason. After all, he is my cousin, right? A really talented cousin for that matter. He deserves all the accolades and honors for his years of continuous training and hard good work.

Receiving the gold medal for Negros

Events competitions continues today at Panaad Park and Stadium where Western Visayas Provinces continue to showcase athletic talent. If you are a kasimanwa and in Bacolod City, please take time to watch the games and support Team Negros athletes especially my cousin Jason. As of the latest medal tally, Negros is leading in the gold medal count. The Negros Occidental Swim Team contributed twenty-two gold medals more to the medal tally count. Athletes like my cousin Jason need all our prayers and support for a landslide win for our Negros.

The champ posing with his gold and silver medals

My personal prayer for my cousin is that he will continue down the champion’s path not only carrying the province’s banner but the country’s as well in the future. I would wish to see his talent honed in the top notch universities here in Manila when the time comes for him to enter university studies. This blogger-cousin would always be proud of you and will always be here to support you hundred percent! His four golds and three silvers qualifies him for competing in the Palarong Pambansa this May 6-12, 2012 at Dagupan City, Pangasinan. Kudos Jason for your victories and to God be all the glory!

2 comments   |  tags: , , , , , , , | posted in Culture, Events, Kish Javellana, Negros Occidental, Online Journal, Personal, The Bread Rolls

October 23, 2011

Sunny Hours at the Coast in Carbin Reef

By Kish Javellana


“Life’s a beach”. Good enough for a cliche. There is just something about it that soothes a torn soul. Last Wednesday, I had a chance to visit Sagay City, the home of the 32,000-hectare Sagay Marine Reserve, with some friends. Carbin Reef is such a beautiful marine sanctuary with colorful schools of fish. I’ve been here three times and it never gets old (believe me, it’s worth playing hooky for). I just love that feeling when I sit on the sand and I bury my feet in it like I did when I was a little kid, and I just look out to the sea.


Carbin Reef is a tongue-shaped, white sandbar. There are no trees or shrubs so the number one thing that you should never ever forget is your sunscreen. Trust me, you don’t wanna get burnt. Another thing you might not want to forget is water. Nobody wants to drink sea water right? So you really have to make sure you bring enough water and food since there are no shops in the islet. Ascertain that you pee or poop too before getting on the 15- to 20-minute boat ride because there aren’t any toilets available there.


They have tents for you to stay in and a two-storey tower which you could rent for about Php300-600, all seasons. At low tide, the sandbar is exposed to the sun’s dazzling rays. During this time diving is discouraged due to the shallow water. In contrast, at high tide the sandbar can be submerged. Though it rarely happens during the day, it is important that you check the tides before planning a visit. For this reason, Carbin Reef visitors can only go on a day-trip. I wish I could spend a night in the islet but for safety purposes, they just let guests stay up until 3-4 pm only depending on the wind strength and direction. Still, it attracts plenty of bathers and people who are just eager to get away from the mainland for a spot to play a game of volleyball or frisbee in or even just for picnic.


The place is perfect for a scenic somersault, my favorite pose when they take me a picture. It’s all free play. Sometimes though, small rocks or shells in the rough sand cut my feet as I tread across the beach. Still, it is definitely worth getting my feet on those sands everytime for an ultimate fun and memorable Carbin Reef experience.

13 comments   |  tags: , , , , | posted in Kish Javellana, Negros Occidental, The Bread Rolls, Travel