Sen. Loren legarda adopted by five indigenous communities of Mindanao as ‘Bae Matumpis (The One Who Takes Care)’ during rites held at the Tribu K’Mindanawan in Davao City.

MANILA, Philippines -- The ever hardworking Sen. Loren Legarda was in Tagum, Davao del Norte over the weekend to speak before the Mindanao Indigenous Peoples Assembly in her capacity as chair of the Senate Committee on Cultural Communities. Sen. Legarda is also chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change and the Committee on Foreign Relations.

Earlier, before the two-day IP Assembly convened, Sen. Legarda who is known for her preference of indigenous clothing materials, tried her hand at weaving the dagmay cloth of the Mandaya tribe. And on Sept. 17, five indigenous cultural minorities of Mindanao, the Ata, Matigsalog, Obu-Manuvu, Diangan and the Bagobo, adopted Legarda as “Bae Matumpis,” which means “The One Who Takes Care.”

The ceremony was held at the Tribu K’Mindanawan, a tribal village where the heritage of various indigenous cultural communities of Mindanao are showcased.

During this visit, Sen. Legarda assured the indigenous cultural communities that she would use her authority in the Senate to check on the implementation of the provision of Republic Act 8371 or the Indigenous People’s Rights Act (IPRA) that requires local government units (LGUs) to appoint representatives of indigenous cultural communities in policy-making bodies and legislative councils.

She said in her speech: “I have visited various provinces and communities in our country, and every visit leads to a discovery of the rich heritage of the indigenous peoples – your intricately woven fabrics, the songs, chants and dances that narrate the story of your ancestors, and the distinct way of life you strive to preserve.

Sen. Legarda also shared with the IP Assembly participants two documentaries that she produced: “Buhos” and “Ulan sa Tag-Araw” which describe the science of climate change and present its social, economic and health impacts on vulnerable populations.

All Time Low to rock Big Dome Thursday night

What promises to be a special gig to remember for local music fans will unfold at 8 p.m. Thursday (Sept. 22) when one of the world’s hottest pop punk bands rocks the Smart-Araneta Coliseum during its much-anticipated debut performance in Manila.

Taking center stage in the one-night-only concert is the American pop punk band All Time Low, touted as the fastest-rising pop punk group in the US. Local band Typecast is opening act.

Composed of Alex Gaskarth (lead vocals), Jack Barakat (guitar), Rian Dawson (drums) and Zack Merrick (bass), All Time Low was formed in 2003 in Baltimore, Maryland and initially performed mostly covers of pop groups until it got its recording break in 2004 with its debut EP (Extended Play) album, “The Three Words To Remember In Dealing With The End,” followed by its first studio album, “The Party Scene.”

The band broke into national charts with its initial release “Put Up Or Shot Up,” which contained re-recorded versions of songs from “The Party Scene” along with two new tracks. The album peaked at No. 20 on the US Independent Albums chart.

Its 2009 album, “Nothing Personal,” debuted at No. 4 and sold 63,000 copies for the band’s best-sales week and highest charting album. “Damned If You Do, Damned If I Don’t,” one of two singles from the album, became All Time Low’s first single to land on Billboard Hot 100.

“All Time Low Live In Manila!” is produced by Ovation Productions in association with Dayly Entertainment and with the cooperation of ETC, 2nd Avenue, Jack TV, Universal Channel, Edsa Shangri-La Manila, The Rockwell Club and Dodge. Tickets are available at Ticketnet and at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum ticket office.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings for Thursday, Sept. 22, go to Violeta Sevilla, Elizabeth Cristobal, Mrs. Baby Liban, Nene Leonor, Marg Hubilla-Ordiales, FILSCAP director Emmie Domingo, Jinia Samad, Rashid Mathew Dayot, Michelle Tan, Julihan Ladub, Cristina Tanyao, Pitay Reyes-Vitan Nicky Tesoro, entertainment columnists Dolly Anne Carvajal and Bong de Leon, and Caroline Riggs of Star Magic…