Hosted by the Public Information Office of La Carlota City, "Proud Mangkasanon" takes you on an audio journey through the stories of resilience, culture, and success that define our city. Whether you are walking the streets of Mangkas or listening from across the globe, this podcast brings you closer to home.
Tune in for insightful interviews with local leaders, cultural icons, and the everyday citizens who make La Carlota a beacon of pride in Western Visayas.
From La Carlota to the Global 100: The Engr. Russell Robert G. Matusa Story
From a modest household in La Carlota City to managing mission-critical facilities for global giants like AIA, Telstra, JPMorgan, and PayPal, Engr. Russell Robert Genovia Matusa has built a career on the belief that engineering is ultimately about people, not just systems.
Now a Facilities Manager at JLL Australia, Executive Vice President of PSME Australia, and a doctoral researcher in Generative AI at Torrens University, Matusa was recently named one of the 100 Global Filipino Engineers and one of 10 Global Filipino Icons in Dubai — recognitions that reflect a career built on discipline, sacrifice, and service. In this episode, La Carlota City Public Information Office (PIO) Editor-in-Chief Richard D. Meriveles talks with him about the values instilled by his upbringing, the mentors who shaped him, and what it truly means to carry Filipino excellence onto a global stage.This interview was recorded on-site at Matusa's main office in Australia — and even had to shift between multiple conference rooms mid-conversation due to the team's packed schedule that day, offering a brief glimpse into just how demanding his day-to-day routine truly is.
19 Jul 2026
PROUD MANGKASANON: FROM THE DARK TO THE TOP
PROUD MANGKASANON: FROM THE DARK TO THE TOP Imagine spending four grueling months completely cut off from the outside world—no phones, no internet, no electricity, and zero news from reality. Now, imagine surviving the first three months of that isolation on a mere 1 to 2 hours of sleep per night, pushing your mind and body to their absolute breaking points.
For most, this sounds like a test of survival. For homegrown Mangkasanon FO1 John Khalil P. Liobet, it was just the baseline to becoming the best.
When he finally stepped back into the outside world, he was met with surprises as simple as skyrocketing gas prices—but he also stepped out holding a massive honor: the Top 1 Overall Highest Ranking Graduate of FBRC Class 2026! How did a Civil Engineering graduate turn extreme sleep deprivation and isolation into a historic victory? Watch the full story of his incredible journey from La Carlota City to the peak of the Academy! (Interview by Rosemarie Sarnate)
31 May 2026
How a "Jeepney Team" Defeated Millionaire Champions (And How We Rebuild That Magic Today)
What does it take to beat a million-dollar national team when you don't even have a team bus? How did Negros Occidental establish a football culture so distinct that you could identify a player just by their style? In this episode of Proud Mangkasanon, we sit down ith two absolute icons of Philippine football history: Coach Reynaldo "Rene" Dofitas (Vice President of NORFA) and Norman S. Fegidero Jr. (1991 SEA Games hero and former National U23 Head Coach). From legendary underdog victories to technical benchmarks, these tacticians pull back the curtain on the past, present, and future of our game.
17 May 2026
Engineering A Better Tomorrow | The Inspiring Story of Proud Mangkasanon Engr. Russell Robert Genovia Matusa
Purpose. People. Progress. 🇵🇭
Get to know the inspiring story of proud Mangkasanon Engr. Russell Robert Genovia Matusa as he shares his journey, values, and vision in engineering, innovation, leadership, and nation-building.
From global recognition to people-centered solutions, this full interview explores the mindset behind excellence, the importance of family, the role of technology in modern society, and the passion of carrying the Filipino name with pride on the international stage.
A meaningful conversation that highlights not only professional success, but also the heart, purpose, and resilience of a Filipino striving to make a difference.
Interview by PIO Designate Rosemarie Sarnate.
24 Apr 2026
Football is back in the heart of La Carlota City! ⚽
Join the community this weekend, April 25–26, at the DHSBNHS Oval for the 3rd Pasalamat Football Festival. Watch as our Under-13 and Under-15 athletes take the pitch in a tournament that’s about more than just trophies—it’s about legacy and the future of our youth.In this video, Councilor Jojo Jalandoni shares the mission behind the city's grassroots program. Backed by Mayor Jose Luis Jalandoni, the city is providing 100% free training and brand-new equipment to ensure every young player has a shot at success—both on the field and in the classroom.Come out to the oval and cheer for our teams from South 1, Hagimit, La Granja, and North Elementary!Let’s Go La Carlota!#Mangkasanon #LaCarlotaCity #PasalamatFestival #GrassrootsFootball #YouthSports #JojoJalandoni #FootballLegacy #LetsGoLaCarlota #NegrosOccidental
20 Mar 2026
7 Golds. 0 Luck. The "AQUAMAN" of La Carlota
"I don't believe in lucky charms."
In a world where many look for a shortcut or a"swerte" charm, 7-gold medalist Ethan stands on a different foundation: Hard Work and Faith.
Recorded on March 12, 2026, this exclusive sit-down reveals the grit behind the glory. While other students are heading home to rest, Ethan is diving into an 8,000-meter training session—pushing through freezing water and pure exhaustion.
THE CHAMPION’S MINDSET:
The 30-Minute Miracle: On his final day, Ethan won the 200m freestyle just 30 minutes after a grueling 400m IM.
Millisecond Victory: His 400m IM was so close, it came down to a fraction of a second.
Beyond the Pool: As the first serious swimmer in his family, he’s now inspiring his younger sibling to follow in his "butterfly" strokes.
The Ritual: No superstitions—just a prayer before every whistle blows.
This is just the first of our many features on theincredible NIRAAM athletes who dominated the podium! These champions are now officially bound for the Palarong Pambansa in Agusan Del Sur this May 24–31, 2026.
This interview was assisted by our dedicated PIOInterns from La Carlota City College (AB English Students): 🎓Mariel Dela Cruz, Lea Mae Sarnate, Kenneth Delos Reyes, Din Mar Jallorina, andKerby Dueño.
2 Mar 2026
Fire Chief's Warning: Never Do This During a Fire | La Carlota BFP
Fire Chief Inspector Michael Lopez of La Carlota City shares a crucial fire safety lesson that could save your life. In this clip from our Fire Prevention Month special interview, Chief Lopez explains why going back inside a burning building—even for valuables—is the #1 mistake that costs lives.🔥 KEY TAKEAWAYS:• Why people don't survive going back inside• The proper exit protocol for families• What to prioritize when fire breaks out📞 La Carlota Fire Station Emergency Contacts:Landline: 466-3996Mobile: 0949-113-0777Facebook: BFP NIR La Carlota City Fire Station
28 Feb 2026
Celebrating National Arts Month: Are we losing touch in a hyper-connected world?
As National Arts Month comes to a close today, February 28, it is the perfect time to reflect on the works of Mangkasanon father-and-daughter terracotta artists, Susanito and Vincent Sarnate.
Through their art, they remind us that clay is more than just a medium—it’s a profound reflection of our humanity.
Through his “Free Hugs” figures, Susanito challenges our highly curated, screen-deep digital lives. He warns that treating modern relationships like business transactions leaves us isolated, emphasizing that warm, physical human connection is vital for our mental health.
Vincent grounds this message in the raw intimacy of molding clay by hand. Inspired by a student's pure joy over tasting chocolate cake for the first time , her work strips away mindless consumerism to remind us of the profound value in the simple things we often take for granted.
Experience this incredible artistry up close: Susanito’s ongoing exhibit at the National Museum of Fine Arts is open now and runs until June 14, 2026!
The message is clear: log off, reach out, and share a real, unfiltered moment today.
28 Feb 2026
From Four 'No's' to One life-saving 'Yes'
FIRE OFFICER III MARK MIALEN had to court PCpl SOCORO MIALEN four times before she finally said yes! But that persistence literally saved his life.
While responding to a sugarcane fire, Mark's crew was suddenly rushed by locals armed with machetes ("ispading" and "binangon")! With no radio signal in the area, he managed to call his wife. She swiftly dispatched a police rescue team that arrived in just 5 to 10 minutes to secure the scene!
As we wrap up the Month of Love and step into Fire Prevention Month this March, watch how this brave couple in uniform balances the extreme risks of public service with their ultimate priority: Family.
26 Feb 2026
Molded by Hand: A 32-Year Love Story
"Ginhimo halin sa clay." 🥺✨
When Eduardo and Helen got married, they couldn't afford expensive wedding favors, so they provided DIY clay jars. They were painted "oti-oti" or little by little.
It’s the perfect metaphor for their 32-year marriage. True love isn't about starting with everything you want; it's about what you are willing to mold and build from scratch with your own hands.
Drop a ❤️ in the comments if you believe in building a life together from zero!
16 Feb 2026
World Radio Day 2026 Special with Tatay Tony Custudio
"Dummy lang na ang imo nga report... Mas nami gid ya personal.". — Tay Tony, 88 Valentine’s Day and World Radio Day have just passed, but the lesson from 88-year-old Antonio "Tay Tony" Custodio is timeless .
In a world where we treat our cellphones like spouses—getting angry if we are separated from them —Tay Tony reminds us of the 2026 theme: Radio and Artificial Intelligence: AI is a tool, not a voice.
He argues that while computers can copy a voice, they can never replace the effort of a human reporter who physically goes to the scene to get the truth. For the former Barangay 3 village chief, an AI reporter is just a "dummy" compared to the real thing.
Listen to why the human heart—and voice—still matters most.
13 Feb 2026
Civil Registration Month 2026: A Conversation with City Civil Registrar Juvy Jomento
In this special Civil Registration Month feature, we sit down with La Carlota City Civil Registrar Mrs. Juvy Jomento to discuss the vital services her office is bringing to the public this February.
Beyond the celebration, Mrs. Jomento provides crucial advice for every Mangkasanon planning to tie the knot—from the "Kasalan ng Bayan" taking place TODAY (Feb. 13) to the strict requirements for marrying foreign nationals.
1 Feb 2026
Finding Serenity: A Conversation at Our Lady’s Garden
Following the vibrant celebrations of the 155th Annual Patronal Fiesta, we step away from the noise to enter a space of profound stillness. This interview takes us into the heart of the newly restored Our Lady’s Garden at Our Lady of Peace Parish, the sacred home of the parish grotto.
Join Reverend Father Nitodel Soriano as he reveals the vision behind this site—a faithful replica of the original grotto in Lourdes, France. From the intricate mosaic artistry of the walkable rosary to the spiritual healing found in nature, discover how this garden serves as a spiritual anchor for a community journeying toward its 150th anniversary as a parish.
In an era of constant distraction, Father Nitz shares a timely invitation for seekers of peace and advocates for mental health to find a sanctuary for reflection in the heart of our community.
(Videos by Derek Mariño, Joel Plesario, and John Michael De La Cruz; Supervision by: Noynoy Amar; Interview and Postprod by: Richard D. Meriveles)
15 Jan 2026
From the streets of Mangkasanon to the fields of UP!⚽️❤️
Meet Chelsea Hope Maguad, a proud daughter of San Agustin Street, Barangay 1 Poblacion. From starting her journey in Grade 6 to becoming a scholar-athlete for the UP Fighting Maroons, Chelsea proves that no dream is too big when fueled by grit and "time management".
"Never stop dreaming," she says to every young Mangkasanon athlete. Watch her share how she turned her "sacrifices" into a scholarship of a lifetime.
14 Jan 2026
From Weeping to Becoming: Sit-down with Miss Universe Philippines Negros Occidental
"I turned weeping into becoming. I turned my perseverance into power."
The universe didn't just align; it spoke. On the very day her late mother would have celebrated a birthday, Alexandria Margarette Colmenares received the call that would change everything.
On Jan. 9, 2026, we sat down with our city's Miss Universe Philippines Negros Occidental for an exclusive look at the heart behind the crown. From the Masskara stage in 2022 to sweeping the awards at the Pasalamat Festival, Alex has proven that her journey is fueled by more than just beauty—it is powered by the unwavering spirit of the Mangkasanons.
As she prepares to face the "giants" of Manila, Cebu, and Davao on the national stage, she carries the pride of La Carlota City in every step. Join us as she shares her emotional journey of grief, gratitude, and the relentless drive to represent the province we love. (Interview by Kei Lopez)
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