In the Summer of 2021, I bought my first drawing pad after failing to learn how to use my drawing tablet. I decided to take up online courses to learn new skills in creating art and using digital painting techniques. For my first course, I picked "Introduction to Children's Illustration" by Adolfo Serra. It took me a month to finish the course as I was juggling my time for work and business, too. There were four units in the course, first being introduction, learning and sharing about myself as an artist and my influences and inspirations. I created my first self-portait using my drawing pad which is my most recent photo that day.

Self-portrait sketch for my first activity for an online Illustration course. Ang hirap sketch ng face😭 *kill me now* pic.twitter.com/rIN0y6A20T

— Cedie♔ (@cedzabala) June 17, 2021

For the second unit, we learned about the concept of Children's Illustrations. We approach the children's illustration with a selection of books. We pay special attention to the relationship between text and image, the composition and the narrative. As illustrators, we reinterpret stories through images. The text is the starting point. We'll read between the lines and find what's hidden through sketches and mental maps. I chose one of the most popular Filipino children's story, "The Monkey and the Turtle" written by our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. This is a fable he wrote and illustrated himself, which many also considered him as the first Filipino cartoonist. The story is about a turtle and his mischievous friend, monkey. The story has a lot of illustrated and animated versions, and as I was researching I picked up some details that helped me in coming up with my sketches.

Catching up with my online course on Children's Illustration. In this exercise, I chose a story, created a mental map and sketched initial scenes. I chose the popular Filipino fable by Dr Jose Rizal, "Ang Pagong at ang Matsing" 🐒🐢🍌 pic.twitter.com/ms2Z64upa0

— Cedie♔ (@cedzabala) June 21, 2021

The character design is based on indigenous animals, the Philippine long tailed macaque and the Philippine Sea Turtle, as opposed to the commonly depicted tortoise which can't swim! I decided to give the turtle tortoise legs so it can stand up for illustration purposes. I also gave them personalities. Monkey has a cap worn backwards, showing his rebellious, naughty and bullish look. While turtle looks like a nerd with specs. I made a concept map to guide me in this process. In my sketches, I tried to make different compositions, poses, angles, and even lighting to depict the emotion and action of the story. I found it hard to imagine the composition and poses, so I constantly looked back from other illustrations and even character references of monkeys to help me in the sketching process. I think I did pretty okay, but needs a lot of refinement. But this are just the first few steps.

The third unit is the meatiest part of the course. I learned a lot about different traditional illustrations techniques such as using inks for painting, monotyping and creating collages. It's more about getting your hands dirty and experimenting on different techniques to come up with effects or textures that you can use. Unfortunately, I didn't have the materials to do it myself. For the activity, we have to choose a scene and create a final sketch. For my final illustration, I chose this pivotal scene in my chosen story. The mischievous monkey betrayed his friend and climbed his banana tree and ate all the fruits one night. When the turtle learned about this, he had enough of his tricks so he placed some stingers under the tree. I just love this moment because, for the first time, the turtle is fighting back from his bully.

Then, after watching a very informative series of video demos on inks, brushes, and making collages, I have to make an experimental illustration with my final sketch. I did some changes in the sketch. Matsing is now in a food coma🤣 See next tweet for final illustration🙈 pic.twitter.com/YRc9y43LT1

— Cedie♔ (@cedzabala) June 21, 2021

I chose the POV of the turtle who is secretly installing the sharp thorns while the monkey is busy eating. The composition all points to the monkey which represents his focus on his greed. The next activity is applying the different techniques to create the final illustration. And for the last unit, we have to make final decisions and do the final illustrations. It can be a mixture of everything that we've looked at before or something new combining different techniques. The term mixed technique refers to the process of using two or more artistic techniques together in a single work. We have to choose two other scenes or moments in your story and develop illustrations following the style or technique you have chosen for our first illustration. Here's the first scene that I chose. In the story, monkey and turtle saw a banana tree and decided to split it among themselves. Monkey, who was the first to see it, chose the upper half with the fruits, while turtle got the lower half with only the trunk and roots. Monkey ate all the fruits, giving none to turtle. Both of them planted their half of the tree. Monkey's tree wilted and died, while Turtle's tree, having roots grew and later produced fruits, too. This illustration shows the contrast of the two characters. Monkey is sitting on top of the wilted tree showing his arrogance and dominance, while turtle is under his tree as if he is the source of its nutrients, showing his caring and humble nature. For my second illustration, I recreated my watercolor painting into a digital illustration to be consistent with the style of the first illustration. Although this is a night scene, I used lighter colors in the background than dark colors so it will be more cohesive with the other two drawings. My last drawing shows the ending of the fable. When monkey got angry, he threatened the turtle to throw him at sea or burn him. Turtle shouted not to throw him at the sea for he will drown. Monkey tossed him but turtle surfaced and laughed at monkey. He was a sea turtle, and the sea is his home. Monkey got dumbstrucked and couldn't believe he got fooled by a turtle. And thus my first online course is completed! I learned so much about illustration, and I'm very happy to discover new style and techniques in drawing. I encourage everyone to take up online classes and continue to learn and grow no matter where your passion is. Here's my certificate!

Enhorabuena to the winners of the Zamboanga Film Festival 2021! Here are the Live Action and Animated short films which bagged the coveted awards in the field of cinema in Zamboanga City this year:

Every 18th day of May of the year the City Government commemorates Zamboanga's Heroism under the Revolutionary Leadership of Gen. Vicente S. Alvarez (City Ordinance No. 334).

Summer na Zamboanga is back! Last year, the Zamboanga Summer Festival was cancelled due to the pandemic. This year, the City Government has prepared a lineup of activities mostly virtual to avoid gathering of crowds and so that more people can watch the events. Comida de Zamboanga Cooking Competition which was last held 2 years ago and some Dia de Zamboanga events that were postponed last February, such as the Zamboanga Film Festival and Hip Hop Dance Competition, are now back. Check out the calendar of activities below. SUMMER NA ZAMBOANGA 2021
Calendar of Activities 

The City Human Resources and Management Office of Zamboanga - Training Division holds its first of its webinar series ever since the pandemic. Aimed to train and capacitate the city government employees, the office conducts various seminars which is now conducted online via Zoom. I was privilege to be selected as one of the participants in the 1st batch of of webinar.

Dubbed as "Zamboanga City A.G.I.L.E Professionals," the webinar was hosted by Atty. Marc Castrodes of Areté and his team of facilitators. The theme is "Thriving and Coping in the New Normal." It was held last March 8-9, 1-4 PM. We had lots of learning especially in adapting to the new work settings and challenges and opportunities in this new normal. I just want to share some of the notes that I took during the webinar.

Adapt to New Modalities

A. Accept the blended work agreements

1. Don't Resist
2. Adjust Quickly
3. Develop habits for both setups

- The Habit Loop

• Cue - reminds you it's time to work (bath, dress up)
• Routine - time-in, e-mails, meetings
• Reward - go home and rest

B. Upgrade your online presence for home and work

Mayor Beng Climaco led activities in observance of the Dia de Roseller T. Lim, marking the 106th birthday of the first and only Zamboangueno senator today, Tuesday, February 9.

The activities that took place virtually, was highlighted by the wreathlaying ceremony at the R.T. Lim Monument at the Normal Road in Baliwasan. Another highlight of the commemoration was the awarding of the five outstanding Zamboangueno Youth Leaders (FOZYL), a joint project of the JCI Zamboanga and the City Government.

Historical records show that Roseller Tarroza Lim (February 9, 1915 – July 5, 1976) was a Filipino politician who served as a member of the Senate and House of Representatives from 1949 to 1963. He also served as Court of Appeals Justice from his appointment in 1973 until his death. Lim was known as the "Great Filibuster," after he filibustered for more than 18 hours in an attempt to prevent the election of Ferdinand Marcos as President of the Senate.

Roseller Lim was born to Antonio Lim and Mercedes Tarroza. He earned his law degree from Silliman University in 1940, and passed the bar the same year. He married Amy Schuck of Jolo, Sulu and had five children — Rosamy, Mercibel, Victoria, Roseller Jr., and Amy. Lim was the first Senator to served from the city of Zamboanga.

Roseller Lim was the first and only politician from Zamboanga to be elected to the Philippine Senate. In March 16, 1982, President Ferdinand Marcos signed the Batas Pambansa No. 183[5] creating the municipality of Roseller T. Lim in the province of Zamboanga del Sur (now in Zamboanga Sibugay) in honor of Lim.[6] A famous boulevard in Zamboanga City was named after the latter which has the view of the beautiful Basilan Strait and the Sulu Sea beginning from the city proper to the industrial complex of the city. In 2006, the Zamboanga City Council approved Ordinance Number 283 designating February 9 as "Dia de Roseller T. Lim" (Roseller T. Lim Day) and a bronze monument was carved at the rotunda of the Normal Road and the R. T. Lim Boulevard.

JCI Zamboanga, Inc. in coordination with the City Government of Zamboanga, annually celebrates “DIA DE R.T. LIM” by conferring the Five Outstanding Zamboangeno Young Leaders otherwise known as FOZYL Award to five (5) deserving young Zamboangueño community leaders, who best exhibit the traits of leadership, excellence, civic responsibility and community service as exemplified by the late Senator Roseller T. Lim. Since 2007, Seventy (70) passionate Zamboangeno Community leaders had already been recognized by the search. Most of which are now champions of various advocacies and leaders of their respective fields. On its 15th year celebration, the search proudly confers the award to: Mario R. Obra Jr., Joseph Lou C. Sta. Teresa, Aljaser J. Hadjibata, John Carlo C. Oboy and Maid T. Jammang, a variant of young professionals, student leaders, community servants and indigeneous leader/s.
Our first Outsanding Zamboangueño Young Leader is Dr Mario R. Obra,Jr - is the Office Director for External Linkages and Quality Management Systems of WMSU and championed the certification of the WMSU Quality Management System to ISO 9001:2015, and has been involved to scientific and civic engagements in the recent years on aspects of teacher trainings, science investigatory research, environmental protection; biodiversity conservation; biosafety and biosecurity for Zamboanga City. Joining the roster of this year’s Five Outsanding Zamboangueño Young Leaders is Engr. Joseph Lou Sta Teresa. He currently holds the position of an Education Supervisor II at the Commission on Higher Education. He was part of the delegation of Youth Ambassadors of the Philippines in the 38th Ship for Southeast Asian and Japan Youth Program and his exposure to the programs of the Association of South-East Asian Nation strengthened his advocacy for Youth Leadership and Development. Our next Outsanding Zamboangueño Young Leader is Mr. Aljaser Hadjibata. a 3rd year student of Universidad de Zamboanga taking up Bachelor of Science in Medical Technology, an alumnus of Philippine Youth Leadership Program batch 14, Area Coordinator of PYLP for Zamboanga City and Sibugay, and the Alumni Relations Officer of USGAA. He is an active volunteer and led various projects for the community. Our Youngest FOZYL Awardee this year is Mr. John Carlo Oboy, a college freshman in the University of the Philippines Cebu, where he is currently taking up Bachelor of Arts in Communication. He has been competing in different debate competitions locally and internationally and was recently crowned as 8th Open Best Speaker of the world in the Open Octofinalist in Uhuru Worlds. He is a community leader; the founder and project head of Project Tabang Ayuda, and is currently a student council member in UP Cebu. Last but not the least, joining the lineup of prestigious FOZYL Awardees is Mr. Maid T. Jammang, an active bajau youth from Arena Blanco with the great tradition and rich culture. He was elected as an SK kagawad in his community and is a volunteer in NGOs like PAZ and KKI (katiligban sa kalambuan inc.). Through scholarship and help from his High School teachers, he was able to enroll in college and currently he is a third year student at ZSCMST and a student leader. He believes that his poor life is not a hindrance to pursue his ambition to become a teacher so that he can teach his fellow Bajau in his community and to educate them about their rights and responsibilities. He wants to encourage and inspire the young generation of this era to be the best version of them, to do good things and avoid negativity in life.

Watch the full virtual commemorative program and awarding of Five Outstanding Zamboangueño Young Leaders here:

The local government is preparing for the line-up of activities set to commemorate the 84th Dia de Zamboanga on February 26. This year’s celebration will be marked by key events held virtually due to the restrictions on mass gathering. Among the main events being prepared for the Dia de Zamboanga celebration are the Local Achievers Award (February 26), the Zoom In: Inter Barangay Vlog Competition (February 26), and the Dia de Zamboanga Photography Competition 2021 (February 22-28, exhibit; February 26, awarding of winners).

The main program for the 84th Dia de Zamboanga City will be a virtual commemoration to be broadcasted at the Beng Climaco and local government official FB pages on February 26, 8 AM.

Additional activities will also include the Dia de Zamboanga Exhibit (February 20-28), Zamboanga Idol 2021 (February 20, auditions; February 27, finals), SEIMBRA: 1st Zamboanga Horticultural Festival 2021 (February 22-28), Dia de Zamboanga Golf tournament (February 27-28), and Dia de Zamboanga Airsoft Practical Shoot Fest competition (February 28).

The Dia de la Ciudad de Zamboanga is an annual observance that celebrates the city’s charter anniversary marked by the installation of the first set of appointed city officials led by Mayor Nicasio Valderosa on February 26, 1937. The February 26 observance is local holiday in Zamboanga City. (Jasmine Mohammadsali)

Aca-84 Dia de la Ciudad de Zamboanga
February 26, 2021
Calendar of Activities

Encuentro de Valientes na Dia de Zamboanga National Goldfish Online Show
Sending of Entries: February 19-22 (Friday-Monday)
Awarding: February 28 (Sunday)

Dia de Zamboanga Exhibit
February 20-28, 9AM-8PM (Saturday-Sunday), KCC Mall de Zamboanga

Zamboanga Idol 2021 (Singing Competition)

Auditions: February 20, 1PM (Saturday), PIO City Hall
Finals: February 27, 7PM (Saturday), Zamboanga Hermosa Festival FB Page

Dia de Zamboanga Photography Competition 2021 Exhibit
February 22-28, 9AM-8PM (Monday-Sunday), SM City Mindpro

SIEMBRA: 1st Zamboanga Horticultural Festival 2021
February 22-28, 9AM-8PM (Monday-Sunday), SM City Mindpro

Dia de Zamboanga Week-long Sale
February 22-28, 9AM-8PM (Monday-Sunday),SM City Mindpro

Dia de Zamboanga Job Fair 2021
February 24, 9AM (Wednesday), KCC Mall de Zamboanga

Aca-84 Dia de la Ciudad de Zamboanga Virtual Commemoration
February 26, 8AM (Friday), Beng Climaco FB Page

Turn-over of the Zamboanga City Waterfront and Heritage Walk Development
February 26, 5PM (Friday), R.T. Lim Boulevard

Dia de Zamboanga Awarding Ceremony:
· Local Achievers Award 2021
· Photography Competition 2021
· Zoom In: Inter-barangay Vlog Competition 2021
February 26, 7PM (Friday), Beng Climaco FB Page

Dia De Zamboanga Golf Tournament "Premier Challenge"
February 27-28 (Saturday-Sunday), Zamboanga Golf and Beach Park Upper Calarian

Festival de las Bellas y Flores is an annual competition of fashion designers, models and stylists in celebration of the Summer Festival and Flores de Mayo. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the competition was postponed last May and was finally moved this October in celebration of the Zamboanga Hermosa Festival. With the theme #SafeHermosa2020, the competition became a virtual instead of a live ramp semi-pageant format. The arco component was removed and a new component was added to promote safety health protocols, which is the face mask. All entries were submitted through photos and a 3-minute conceptual video also known as Fashion Film.

Fifteen designers joined the competition this year and showcased their gown creations with the theme "Philippine Mythology," a celebration of colors, culture and traditions of the different tribes and peoples of the Philippines inspired by local myths. Mythology is a folklore genre consisting of narratives that play a fundamental role in a society, such as foundational tales or origin myths. The main characters in myths are usually gods, demigods, or supernatural humans.

Here are the official entries for Festival de las Bellas 2020:

1. “Adarna” by Meldan Salazar
Mythology: Ibong Adarna
Señorita: Princess Serdenia
Director: Bernele A. Ricafort
Crew: Wilmz Apolinarion (Make Up Artist), Serpentina Ibanez, Angela Soberano, Ramisses Ramillano
2. “Un Diosa Pecadora (A Sinful Goddess)” By Vicky Go Tonggal
Mythology: Dian Masalanta (Goddess of Lovers, Childbirth and Peace)
Señorita: Areej Hassan
Director: Daryshien Sampang
Crew: Beatriz Rodriguez, Kentzun Tan
3. “Aman Sinaya” by Chris Ivan Arakan  11. “Maria Makiling” by April Joy Quintas
Mythology: Maria Makiling
Señorita: Lianne Alberto
Director: April Joy Quintas