The Jewish Place – Philippines (Masterplan) By Carlo G. Soldevilla -- Carlo Soldevilla's Paintings, Poetry and Music

[ Show ]

Support VoyForums

[ Shrink ]

VoyForums Announcement: Programming and providing support for this service has been a labor of love since 1997. We are one of the few services online who values our users' privacy, and have never sold your information. We have even fought hard to defend your privacy in legal cases; however, we've done it with almost no financial support -- paying out of pocket to continue providing the service. Due to the issues imposed on us by advertisers, we also stopped hosting most ads on the forums many years ago. We hope you appreciate our efforts.

Show your support by donating any amount. (Note: We are still technically a for-profit company, so your contribution is not tax-deductible.) PayPal Acct: Feedback:

Donate to VoyForums (PayPal):

[ Login ] [ Contact Forum Admin ] [ Main index ] [ Post a new message ] [ Search | Check update time | Archives: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 ]

[ Next Thread | Previous Thread | Next Message | Previous Message ]

Date Posted: 23:00:04 10/18/17 Wed
Author: Carlo G. Soldevilla
Subject: The Jewish Place – Philippines (Masterplan) By Carlo G. Soldevilla

The Jewish Place – Philippines (Masterplan)
By Carlo G. Soldevilla
Written on October 18, 2017

Backgrounder:

October 16, 2017 was the 3rd time when Carlo Soldevilla visited the Aetas (Aeta couple) who offered Carlo the ‘sacrifice sale’ of their land. It is prohibited for Ancestral Domain lands to be sold so Carlo asked his indigenous friend, Fely who works at OPAPP if it is good to buy rights from an ancestral domain.

Fely’s (who is of Manobo tribe) reply was on the affirmative knowing that Indigenous Peoples have plenty of lands that they can hardly manage.

There’s no legal paper in buying land rights such as this but Carlo, however, would like to take the risk with a purpose not to enrich himself but to share his farming knowledge and other skills to indigenous peoples.

The half hectare just costs 50,000 pesos. The boundaries are set after touring the area with the Aeta couples showing the points, markers or boundaries of the would-be sold portion.

(Carlo’s mother also bought rights before in Magpet from an indigenous folk that’s why he takes the same courage to buy when the offer coming from the Aetas were made.).

An indigenous friend of Carlo also told him that situations like, when the offer is coming from the Aeta and not from the buyer, is acceptable.

The Aeta couple has many debts to settle and they find it best to sell a portion of their land. Thus, Carlo found the hill between two rivers a nice place to develop to create a source of livelihood in that community located on a mountain top.

For his part, Carlo has to tell the Aeta couple that anytime, they can take back the land from Carlo at its original price after giving back the money (P50,000) to Mr. Carlo Soldevilla by the time when they are no longer economically handicapped.
Carlo, then has to return the land (developed or undeveloped) when the return of the 50k is made. Even if the land is already fully developed by that time when the money has to be returned, it won’t matter for Mr. Carlo Soldevilla because Carlo believes in the ‘spirit of law’ when it comes to land ownership.- This statement will be included in the paper which Mr. Carlo Soldevilla and the Aeta couple has to sign. Mr. Soldevilla find this as a right thing to do. (What Carlo knew is that during Israeli jubilee year –the 50th year- when one has been indebted to another in time past prior to the 50th year, all debts are considered cleared on the 50th year of indebtedness.. and in line with this, Carlo just believes that he should always return what he does not ‘literally’ own. Thus, this provision.

-0-
Location: North of Manila. It’s not a choco hill. It’s a tiny hill, perhaps the tiniest hill in Tarlac that is found between two rivers.

Description : A place for prayer; also, a place having a mini-golf, boating area, fishing (by hook) area, rest house and a vertical garden.

Reason for Establishing the Site: For people to have a reunion place; for newlyweds, a honeymoon place (place becomes exclusive for lovers in events like this) ; and a place for relaxation of the mind, body and spirit. A spa area would also be provided using the natural leaves including herbs while enjoying the dip at the foot spa area. Later, a fish (definitely not piranha) spa like that in Tibiao, Antique will also be made.

Area: The area is just half hectare. It is small like the land of Israel but it is ‘big enough’ to provide wholistic and holistic training. It would not only be for fun and recreation but a study area for agri skills, entrepreneurship, gardening, orchids growing, bee farming (like that at Ilog Maria owned by the Magsaysays in Tagaytay), etc...

Facilities: In going to the JP or the ‘prayer hill’ (which is at the same time a mini-golf), one can either hike, ride either the horse or the carabao, take a mini-boat (an elevated boating place will be made, good only for one passenger per boat aside from the boat captain), ride zip line (short distance), ride the cable car, use the golf cart, use ‘Tarzan’s Liana vines (for the adventurers) in the forest and say or shout the vowels ‘A-E-I-O-U’ while crossing the ‘sky’ in the forest like that of a monkey (the most traditional way & not recommended for children), or ride the copter and make the mini-golf area as a helipad.

Other facilities (where the traditional meets the modern) are the traditional Ifugao house, the modern pyramid house and the brick igloo house. (The plans for building constructions are kept secret.).

Vakuls will also be provided for those who want to protect themselves from the heat of the sun during summer time. The tall trees are good enough to provide shades in summer, too. You can also find in the JP an aquarium, mini-pool, a dirty kitchen (not that literal dirty) where you can use wood for fuel in cooking, mountain bikes (2) , small turtles (if DENR allows for having them as pets), fruit nurseries, vegetable garden, herb garden and a music room.

If you are a backpacker, use of the comfort room and the area to pitch your tent will just cost you P7.00 per night of stay. If you don’t own a tent, you can rent a tent made from sack of rice for just P7.00 per tent.

History: Children need a place to run freely, shout jubilantly and fly the kites happily. Thus, this place is created.

Reservation: Reservation must be made 7 minutes in advance on a First Come, First Serve basis. An on-line or website will be created at the voyagers forum (use of the website is free). Payment can also be made on-line or the cash payment can be made upon the day of arrival at the JP.

‘ First Reserve, First Use’ is the rule so there will be no walk-ins except for ‘emergency’ purposes. Going to the Jewish Place (JP) must calendared because the place strictly observes privacy. Thus, the exclusive use is needed for a 7-Star (not 5-star) accommodation or standard. Payment online can also be made on the reservation date.

There is always the ‘price package’ of 3 days stay (for couple guests). This rule does not apply to backbackers (Mr. Carlo was once a backpacker, having climbed Mt. Apo for 4x with only the recycled sacks of rice as his tent. Thus, he gives special privileges to backpackers, for them to only pay P7.00 for night’s stay and included in this cost is the use of bathroom and toilet. Once a backpacker, always a backpacker). This implies that if the guest just stays for a day, he/she will be charged for the said 3-day package (I hope this does not defy the DTI policy or else, this package policy has to be changed). The intention for the package is for the guest to totally enjoy the serenity of the place and that they will be provided more time for recreation.

The minimum number of JP guests or participants is 1 and the maximum number of JP participants is 70 (If the guests are more than 2, a new ‘proportionate’ computation will be made.).

Cancellation: The full cash amount made for reservation will be refunded in case of cancellation for the use of the JP (Jewish Place). No Service, No payment is the policy here.

Breakdown of Charges: The JP charges P4,200 pesos for the 3 days stay. The aeta guards (3 guards) will be paid P2,100 pesos ( 700 pesos each; and this will be reviewed if this is in accordance with the DOLE standards)after their tour of duties for two nights (with free food and drinks).
The remaining P2,100 pesos goes to the use of the place and the facilities, scholarships for the underprivileged indigenous peoples and for JP’s future expansions.

Business Partnerships: The JP plans to propose or have a business partnership with the owner of laguna buko pie maker (c/o Jeremiah 0943 353 6648) who is based in Capas, Tarlac. The pie is sold at 150 pesos per box. A little mark- up may be made when the pie is sold at JP considering the distance from Capas to JP and the cost of labor involved.

Business Operating Procedure: The business of JP operates like a paperless office. JP is not ‘manned’. Only the 3 Aeta guards are there to guard (especially at night) and they are just restricted to just stay outside the ‘gate’ or at the surrounding perimeters of JP because the place is meant for exclusive use of the guests. (The analogy here is comparing the people living at Forbes with those living in Tramo Pasay. This is not to ‘boast’ about privacy.. but Mr. Carlo grew and was raised in Kidapawan. Their house space is 240 square meters and their lot’s total lot area (including where the house is built) is 1,000 square meters. There’s a spring budding in their front lawn & until now it oozes out water. Mr. Carlo used have turtles and monitor lizard as pets –I guess, this is strictly not allowed by DENR now, and he also experienced bathing their gray horse from the water in the spring and took the horse and the carabao which their family owns in their farm in Magpet for grazing.

So back to business, it’s a ‘Shared Experience’ so the guests will experience privacy and that they will know and feel how it is to be alone and to be free as they commune with G-d and nature.

General Instructions:

1. Plant a tree, vegetable or herb (your choice) upon arrival. You may opt not to plant but this activity is encouraged for the good of the environment.
2. Bringing of food items is allowed (no corkage charges).
3. A car (Ford Lynx, good air-con, commodious) for rent is provided at 700 pesos per day (gas not included; estimated at 10 km/liter). The area of travel is limited to Tarlac province only.
4. Organic wastes must go ‘directly’ to the soil (in the area identified; no need to use plastic garbage). Non-biodegradable wastes are the only items that have to be placed in the garbage bin. What comes from the soil must go back to the soil is the concept here. They (biodegradable) have to decompose and ‘give back’.
5. Other places in Tarlac which Mr. Carlo recommends for you to visit are the Monasterio (about 7,000 steps away from the JP), the buko pie house factory in Capas, Tarlac, the Betty’s kakanin in Capas public market, the potter’s place (address in Tarlac still to be searched), ‘Gerry’s Antiques (Mr. Carlo has to talk yet with the owner for him to open his gallery site), Capas National Shrine (where Carlo’s Uncle Quintin Geroche who is mom’s eldest brother died during the infamous Death March..and his name (engraved in the wall of Capas Shrine as Quintin Geroche instead of Geroche Quintin) is engraved in the wall of the Shrine because he was one of those 50,000 foot soldiers who marched from Mariveles, Bataan to Capas, Tarlac), Tarlac Museum at Diwa, Tarlac, the Jewish Art Gallery at Villa dela Paz (now undergoing ‘facelift’), and the Sunday Night Market (4 pm-9 pm) at Villa dela Paz, Tarlac.
6. The plan for the opening date of the JP will be on January 1, 2018.
7. The Jewish Foundation for Indigenous Peoples (JFIP) will have to be registered at SEC in December, 2017. The JFIP owns the JP.

Conclusion:

Mr. Carlo Soldevilla does not yet know where this project would lead him but he trusts that this project will be sustainable and be enjoyed by many.

Mr. Carlo trusts that G-d will bless the work of his hands..but he also prepares his heart in case time will come when the government will get the land, knowing that it (the land he plans to buy) is not supported by a land title. (Carlo remembers during the time he went to the Touch of Glory prayer mountain in Bosoboso, near Coguio and he had inquired about the lands there..that even the lands there before were bought through rights. It’s there at the prayer mountain that he saw the mother of Atty. Gozon, the owner of GMA 7 whose house is just beside the prayer mountain. The Gozons donated the land to be dedicated for place of prayer. Carlo was also able to visit the Gozon’s house and he saw old and nice paintings there, the place to dine and the pool area.). Later, Carlo brought there (prayer mountain) his best friend..and the funny thing, before they reached the place, they happened to stop at a store and the woman who was manning the store offered a ‘temptation of the flesh’ (asked them if they want ‘ladies’ to ‘entertain’ them should each of them want one because right beside the store is a bar), but they politely refused before they finally reached that place of prayer called the Touch of Glory prayer mountain.

Note: The idea of this (The Jewish Place-Philippines) took place after the successful Night Markets (Sundays Only) that were made at Villa Dela Paz Subdivision (To get there, right across Starbucks located at Hacienda Luisita mall & passing along irrigation road, a vehicle ride : trike or private vehicle may take you 15 minutes). The Sunday night market begins at 4 p.m. and it closes at 9 p.m. This Sunday night market has the same schedule with the Jewish night mini-golf and both are operating successfully for about 2 months already. In this night market, penoy eggs are just sold for 5 pesos and the salted eggs are sold for 8 pesos only (the salted egg with broken shell is sold at 5 pesos only.). Food and clothes are sold at reasonable prices.

The Jewish night mini-golf in the villa opened one week ahead of the night market. (The result? This simultaneous events of the night market and the night mini-golf created a healthy economy and a vibrant community.).

It’s time to make another ‘vibrant’ community right there in Lubigon, Tarlac near the Monastery where the Shalom Garden (partnership of the Israel Embassy and the Monasterio) is located.

Thank you.

-0-

Note:

The Tarlac’s tiny hill (JP)which looks like ‘Taal Volcano’ in Tagaytay will be manicured with Bermuda grasses and it can become a mini-golf where children can also play shatu, Chinese garter, hide & seek (surrounding the area are trees), kadang-kadang, luksong-tinik, tumbang preso (tumba lata in bisaya), sack race, palosebo and other traditional games of Filipino children.

Final Note:

This Jewish Place – Philippines masterplan is a copyright of Mr. Carlo G. Soldevilla. It can be reproduced for educational purposes.

This masterplan is made in memory of Carlo’s mother (deceased) who inspired him to be adventurous and to think of ways how he can be of help to others. Copyright, 2017 by Carlo G. Soldevilla. All rights reserved.

Visuals:

http://www.wikihow.com/Build-a-Model-Pyramid
http://www.google.com.ph/search?q=brick+igloo&tbm=isch&source=iu&pf=m&ictx=1&fir=Pqh6VQv6-MG2xM%253A%252CYDS-5bYGUvU7IM%252C_&usg=__LTqTp62D4r-Vh7F0wnEHFAPX5Nk%3D&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi79IyO__vWAhUIipQKHfGwAhoQ9QEILDAD#imgrc=Pqh6VQv6-MG2xM:

http://www.google.com.ph/search?q=how+to+make+simple+ifugao+house&tbm=isch&source=iu&pf=m&ictx=1&fir=2-ImtTcQ_ZI21M%253A%252CJ591oORhPsSJmM%252C_&usg=__kF7TR_R7uxY5ydmVunp1-k_lIhM%3D&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjimpnN__vWAhVMJZQKHUJZCq4Q9QEILjAE#imgrc=2-ImtTcQ_ZI21M:

[ Next Thread | Previous Thread | Next Message | Previous Message ]