Roxas City

Villa Borda Swimming Poo
http://corporate.mozcom.com/dot/capiz11.gif

SWIMMING WHAT!?!?! :hilarious :lol: :lol:

lol. wrong spelling, wrong ba dito? Si Chymera mahilig sa Poo. Sa Dinagyang mero rin siyang Mr. Poo Poo. lol.

Actually, I haven't seen much of Capiz countryside. On our way to Roxas ages ago, only towns of Sigma caught my attention more. It's more like of Roxas city's extension pa.


Well, Roxas City is leading the pack of Northern Panay town/municipalities and city. Go Roxas!

I know thats why I love highlighting it coz its funny. :lol: Been to Roxas city a lot. Usually, I visit this place in addition to Iloilo kasi marami akong mga kamag-anak din doon. Roxas city is getting prettier. Its like a subdivision - you can just ride the tricycle and they can take you anywhere around the city. No wonder walang taxis doon. :lol:

RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS IN CAPIZ (http://www.mycapiz.com/)

SWIMMING WHAT!?!?! :hilarious :lol: :lol:
ay sori ... i-edit ko lng, :lol:

RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS IN CAPIZ (http://www.mycapiz.com/)


thanks for sharing Daks. There's few more subdivisons around Roxas City galing kay wala kita direct posters from that place. Tani maka-share man sila di pics sa aton sa forum. thanks.

Gov’t sets more fund
to support farmers



ROXAS City – To address farmers’ needs during harvest season, the government has set sufficient procurement fund for their farm produce.

Palay deliveries will be accommodated by the warehouses of the National Food Authority (NFA) situated in the first and second districts of Capiz.

Information Officer Edna Artates disclosed that the harvests in the second cropping this January to March can be accommodated by their warehouses in Sta. Cruz, Dumalag town, in Mangoso, Sigma and in Bolo, Roxas City.

For January alone, a total of P3 millions have been allotted by the NFA provincial office as procurement fund for palay deliveries including additional incentives to individual farmers and farmer’s cooperatives, Artates said, adding that more procurement funds are expected for the months of February and March.

For convenience in their palay deliveries to the agency and availment of the government’s support price, Provincial Manager Sergio Balofiños has urged farmers to renew or revalidate their farmer’s passbook by complying all the requirements and avoiding manipulation of unscrupulous rice traders.

Artates said that the food agency sets a P10.00 per kilogram price for clean and dry palay, adding a drying fee of P0.15, P0.10 delivery fee, and P0.25 cooperative fee as incentives per kilogram of palay sold.

She added that while they continue to buy farmer’s palay harvests, they also maintain the Bigasan ng Bayan in various public markets throughout the province. This is to ensure that Capiceños have access to quality and affordable rice, Artates said.

She stressed that their regular milled rice remains at P16.00 per kilogram while the well-milled rice is sold at P18.00 per kilogram.


(from Panay News online)

P66-M ILS installation at
Kalibo airport to start soon



KALIBO, Aklan – The installation of the Instrument Landing System (ILS) at Kalibo Airport will start soon.

Gov. Carlito S. Marquez said the installation would allow the conversion of Kalibo Airport into a regional airport for direct flights of ASEAN tourists.

It can be recalled that Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo ordered the release of P66 million for Kalibo Airport ILS in her two-hour presidential visit in Kalibo last January 14, 2006.

Arroyo was invited by Mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo and the united leadership of Cong. Florencio T. Miraflores, Gov. Marquez and Vice Gov. Ronquillo C. Tolnetino to join Aklanons and guests in the celebration of the world-renowned Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati-Atihan Festival.

The need for an increased flight frequency was earlier voiced by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan noting that the influx of tourists both foreign and local has dramatically increased as per Department of Tourism (DOT) record.

Kalibo Senior SB Member Mark Vega Quimpo said that accessibility is a major and critical factor in the enhancement and promotion of tourism.

“One of the tenets of the tourism industry to be fully developed, highly successful and institutional is the assurance to foreign and local tour operators of a sufficient air capacity and environment flight schedule,” he further said.

At present, various airline companies –Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and Asian Spirit maintain flights daily to Kalibo.

But these flights could not cope with the volume of traffic for regular commuters and tourists.


(from Panay News online)

Aklan tourism is now a P4-billion industry

Kalibo, Aklan -- Tourism, said Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez in his recently-delivered "State of the Province Address (SOPA), "continuous to be an anchor industry of our province. By the end of last year, we nearly hit the half-a-million mark in terms of number of domestic and foreign visitors."

Marquez said Boracay's tourist arrivals for 2005 were 499,452. Of this number, 155,739 were foreign visitors while the remaining 343,713 were local tourists. The arrivals of these tourists in the world famous paradise island of Boracay generated an estimated P3.8 billion in tourism receipts, money which circulated into Aklan's mainstream economy.


Marquez said that in preparing the province, particularly the resort island of Boracay for the projection of one million tourist by 2010, the province has committed P1 million for the purchase of land ferry service (multicabs) which maybe leased out to a transport cooperative in Malay to cater to the needs for transportation facilities of Boracay residents and workers at comparatively lower fare rate. He also said the province appropriated P1 million to promote and market alternative tourist destinations of the province like the Manggad it Kalibo in the Mangrove Eco Park, the Bugna It Tangalan Jawili Falls and the Hurom-Hurom Cold Springs of the town of Nabas.

The tourism industry in Boracay is also a big in factor in generating jobs in the province. Boracay's existence is instrumental in the direct employment of more than 5,000 skilled and unskilled workers, 56 percent of which are Aklanons, engaged in various services in the island and employed by tourism-related businesses in the prime tourist destination of the country - a ready answer to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's call for job generation and livelihood opportunities.

Governor Marquez delivered his State of the Province Address at the Aklan SP Session Hall before Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members, heads and representatives of national and provincial government offices, mayors, non-government organizations, people's organizations and the local media.

(VG Villanueva/PIA)
The News Today Iloilo

Capiz searches for a hymn

Roxas City -- The Province of Capiz, the place that gave birth to Manuel Acuna Roxas, the first President of the Philippine Republic, is looking for a hymn that will aptly convey its greatness and the way of life of Capiceños.


The province occupies a prominent niche in the annals of the country's history for having been chosen by the Spaniards as their second settlement in the Philippines after Cebu back in the 16th century.

Capiz is a surplus food producer and is reputed as the seafood capital of the Philippines. Its major tourist attractions include the Sta. Monica Parish Church in Panay town which has one of the world's biggest bells, Suhot Cave in Dumalag, and Baybay Beach in Roxas City. Its major festival is Sinadya sa Halaran held every December.

Annette C. Alagban, Supervisor for Physical Education, Health and Music (PEHM) of the Division of Capiz (Department of Education), said the Provincial Government is sponsoring a competition that will select the song that will become the official hymn of the province that will be sung during programs and other occasions here.

Alagban said Gov. Vicente Bermejo is fully supportive of the endeavor.

The contest is open to all amateur and professional songwriters in the province. The composer of the winning entry will receive a plaque and cash prize of P20, 000.00. Two other finalists will receive a plaque and consolation prizes while all participants will be given Certificates of Participation.

The song shall have at least 24 measures or bars and in 2/4 or 4/4 time signature.

Entries must be taped and submitted together with the printed lyrics, which must be in Hiligaynon, to Mrs. Alagban on or before March 20, 2006. Registration forms are available at the DepEd Division of Capiz and Office of Provincial Tourism Officer Alfonso Bediones, Jr.

(PIA-JSC)
The News Today Iloilo

Capiz LGU, DepEd officials
lead WVRAA 2006 hosting


ROXAS CITY – Gov. Vicente Bermejo and Roxas City Mayor Antonio Del Rosario are heading in an honorary capacity the Executive Committee that is working out everything for the hosting of the 2006 Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association (WVRAA) Meet on March 12-18 here.

The executive committee is chaired by Schools Division Superintendent Lagrimas Ubal of the Division of Capiz with Dr. Jesse Gomez, OIC-Schools Division Superintendent of the Division of Roxas City, as Co-Chairperson.

Gov. Bermejo has named Vice Gov. Victor Tanco, Sr., the province’s “sports czar,” as the lead person for the provincial government

The Department of Education, represented by the two schools divisions here, are closely coordinating with the provincial and city governments to ensure the success of the regional meet that will see the participation of Aklan, Antique, Guimaras, Iloilo, Negros Occidental and the host province.

The Secretariat is chaired by Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Gilbert Ardivilla with OIC-Asst Schools Division Supt. Dr, Eveleth Gamboa, OIC-ASDS Angelita Ragodo, and PEHM Supervisor Annette Alagban as Co-Chairpersons.

Two other important committees, namely Finance and Solicitation, are chaired by Provincial Administrator Dante Bermejo and Provincial Tourism Officer Alfonso Bediones, Jr., respectively.

The main venue of the sports competitions will be the Villareal Stadium which is presently undergoing a massive face-lifting from the provincial government. Covered by the renovation works are the oval tracks, swimming pool, grandstand and other facilities inside the 8-hectare stadium.

Several other places here have also been identified as alternate venues for some of the 17 events lined up for the week-long competitions.

(from Panay News online)

Hydro power project to solve
Aklan power crisis



KALIBO, Aklan – The provincial government here hopes that with the implementation of the long standing proposal of a hydropower plant at Timbaban in the town of Madalag the power crisis experienced by the province will soon be solved.

Gov. Carlito S. Marquez said that the 20-megawatts Timbaban Hydro-Electric Power Plant to be set up would supply low cost electricity as long as Aklan River continues to flow.

“A run-of-river type of power generation project, the Timbaban Hydropower Plant will have a maximum output of 29.1 MW, more power than Aklan and Boracay need, thus the possibility of the plant supplying the power requirements of neighboring provinces,” he further said.

Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) Chief Engr. Roger Esto confirmed the West Japan Engineering Consultants has already completed an updated feasibility study and the PNOC shall be filling an Environmental Compliance Certificate with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

The provincial leadership is confident of the enactment of a law, which will exempt the Timbaban area from the National Integrated Protected Areas System.


(from Panay News online)

all news .. wala tayong pics ... hehehe.

we can use our imagination, I guess. lol. :)

Hydropower plant seen to solve Aklan's power woes


Kalibo, Aklan -- The province of Aklan is eyeing a long-term solution to the province' power shortage through the operation of a hydropower plant at Timbaban in Madalag, Aklan.


West Japan Engineering Consultants, said Governor Carlito S. Marquez, has already completed an updated feasibility study and the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC) shall soon be filing an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

If fully realized, the Timbaban Hydropower Plant, a run-of-river type of power generation project, will have a maximum output of 29.1 MW, more power than Aklan and Boracay need, so there is a possibility of the plant supplying the power requirements of neighboring provinces.

Currently, however, the province is waiting for the enactment of a law exempting the Timbaban Area from the National Integrated Protected Areas Syastem (NIPAS) which Congressman Florencio T. MIraflores is soon to file as a bill first.

The province' bid for a sufficient and steady source of electricity is aimed at successfully attaining its objectives for agriculture and tourism which would reduce poverty through employment generation. With cheaper and sustainable power, said Governor Marquez, agriculture will be industrialized and factories and food/agricultural processing plants would be put up.

Presently, Mirant, a power supplier, has put up two plants in the province - one each in New Washington and Nabas, but the capacity is not enough to answer the needs of the whole province. (VGVillanueva/PIA-Aklan)

Link:
http://www.thenewstoday.info/2006/02/08/hydropower.plant.seen.to.solve.aklans.power.woes.html

paspas, Aklan !

:cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:

Laua-an celebrates "Pahinis" Festival

SAN JOSE, Antique (PIA) - The municipality of Laua-an launched "Pahinis" Festival recently in commemoration of its 91st foundation anniversary.

Mayor Aser S. Baladjay said the grand historic affair unite Lauan-ons as one people, enriching their identity and remembering the historic deeds of those who worked and died for the freedom and independence of today's generation.

Laua-an became an independent municipality in January 1915 by virtue of Executive order No. 129 of then Gen. Francis Burton Harrison. It is the 12th municipality of the province during the Filipino-American regime.

Located 55 kilometers from the capital town of San Jose, Laua-an is the leading producer of muscovado sugar (brown sugar). Muscovado sugar is a major industry in the municipality with big sugar mills existed since the 19th century. Laua-an is also the home of sugar migrant workers in the sugar land of Negros Occidental and other parts of the country.

"Pahinis" Festival derived its significance from the Muscovado sugar as a promising industry in the town of Laua-an. "Pahinis" is a local term for cleaning and preparing equipment, tools, paraphernalia and materials before the production of brown sugar. It also stages a ritual or thanksgiving for a bountiful sugarcane harvest.

This year's theme is "Paghanduraw kang Nagriligad, Tulay sa Paghiriugyon sa Pag-ugwad (Reminiscing the past, a Bridge for Unity and Progress). The theme goes with the call of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo for Filipino people to unite and move forward as one nation.

Thousands of spectators witnessed the historic launching of "Pahinis" festival with Governor Salvacion Z. Perez as guest of honor. Various activities were conducted such as the unveiling of the municipal landmark, slideshow of the town's history and profile, launching of the municipal theme song, Ati-ati tribe competition and other cultural and sports activities.


Panay News Online

Ati-Atihan town is ready, nat’l press confab all set

By BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

KALIBO, Aklan – School paper student-writers and key education officials from 17 regions are set to attend the five-day schools press conference with the theme "Responsible and Quality Campus Journalism: Gearing Up to the Challenge of the Schools First Initiative" on February 20 to 24, 2006 here.

Hosted by the Dep Ed Aklan, almost 2,500 delegates from the country’s top school papers in public and private elementary and secondary schools will troop to Kalibo for the annual National Schools Press Conference.

The conference aims to serve as a forum for communicating through a variety of journalistic approaches the objectives of the Schools First Initiative; enhance journalism competencies through friendly individual and group competitions; demonstrate commitment to the challenges of SFI through responsible and quality campus journalism and to provide a fertile ground for the future career opportunities of students with journalistic potentials.

According to Dep Ed Aklan Officer-in-Charge Dr. Victorina Larosa, the venues of the competition are Augusto B. Legaspi Sports Complex, Aklan Catholic College, APSTA Center, Aklan State University-SIT Kalibo and Gov. Corazon L. Cabagnot Tourism and Training Center.

Delegates are expected to arrive on Sunday, February 19 through points of entry like Caticlan Airport, Kalibo Domestic Airport and Caticlan Jetty Port. On February 20, the five-day event will start with a street parade from Kalibo Pastrana Park to the ABL Sports Complex where a festive Ati-Atihan opening program follows.

Aklan Governor Carlito Marquez, Aklan Rep. Florencio Miraflores and Kalibo Mayor Raymar Rebaldo will grace the affair.

Rebaldo, said the event which was hosted by Surigao City in Caraga Region last year, has the all-out support and cooperation of government officials, principals, school division superintendents, principals and key education officials in Aklan.

"In fact, the local government of Kalibo is hosting an Ati-Atihan night to all the guests on February 21," Rebaldo told Panay News.

The competition is also an added opportunity for the town of Kalibo and the province of Aklan to showcase the eco-tourism potentials to visiting delegates like the Bakhawan Eco-Park, Bugna it Tangalan and the famed resort island of Boracay, Larosa said.

Various individual writing contests in editorial writing, news writing, photojournalism, sports writing, editorial cartooning, copyreading, feature writing and headline writing will highlight the weeklong conference.

Prominent media practitioners will also conduct professional lectures during the national writing competitions. Top 10 winners for each individual writing competition will be awarded certificates of recognition.


Panay News Online

Franchise seminar in Kalibo set

KALIBO, Aklan -- Successful enterprises here will have the opportunity to expand and grow via the franchising format as the Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) sets its sixth leg of regional franchise show dubbed as “Aklan Venture Facilitation and Linkaging Seminar.”

The seminar is on February 18 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Jojo’s Function Room, Aklan Sampaguita Gardens Resort and Spa, Inc, 506 Rizal St., New Washington, Aklan.

The whole day activity is a joint effort of PFA, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in coordination with the Aklan Ati-Atihan Chamber of Commerce and Industry. It is funded by CIDA Pearl 2.

Titled “How to Franchise Your Business,” the seminar will provide “franchise-able” businesses in Aklan and the neighboring provinces in Region VI with knowledge on franchise benefits and advantage, franchise development process and overview of the franchising industry.

It will also provide insights on the legal requirements of franchising, the importance of information, communication and technology solutions and the financial resource providers linkage.

The whole day activity will provide participants with the opportunity to meet people who can help them in expanding their businesses, how to utilize technology for optimal franchise operations, and to learn more about franchising the right way.

Interested parties may contact the PFA Secretariat at (02) 687-0365 to 67, fax: (02) 687-0635 or email: pfa@nwave.net, Aklan Chamber of Commerce and Industry at (036) 262-9614 or Department of Trade & Industry – Region 6 at (033) 335-0548 / 335-0222.

Special registration rates of P300 for the first 30 participants (First come, First serve basis

Panay News Online

more good news coming from every corners of Panay. Go Aklan !

DPWH constructs P66-million infra projects in 2005
By PS Mabaquiao

San Jose, Antique -- The Department of Public Works and Highways Antique Engineering District has constructed infrastructure projects in total amount of P66 million for calendar year 2005.


Engr. Thelma Escanillas of DPWH said that most of these projects are located in the countryside. These are requested by Barangay Officials to the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) of Congressman Exequiel B. Javier and other party list representatives.

Many of the projects are roads and bridges in the amount of P34.2 million that pave the way for upland dwellers to have easy access of their farm products to the market and bringing people in far flung barangays near the seat of local governance. Also included are hanging footbridges in Barangays Cuyapiao, Patnongon and San Agustin, Valderrama who are separated by floodwaters during rainy season.

In terms of disaster control and management, DPWH has constructed P6.3 million flood control projects and drainage system while P7.3 million were used to construct potable water supply projects such as Artesian wells, spring development projects, pumping stations and conduits. Water supply projects have help household in remote areas avail of safe drinking water.

DPWH has also constructed school buildings in line with education for all programs in the amount of P8.7 million particularly intended for construction of classrooms in various elementary and high schools in the province.

Other infrastructure projects funded under the congressional initiatives are market and slaughter houses in the towns of Tobias Fornier and Culasi and multi-purpose buildings in 7 other barangays.

For party list projects, DPWH constructed 3 multi-purpose building in a cumulative amount of P1.1 million in Barangay Abiera, Sebaste, Barangbang, San Remigio and San Jose.

The source also said that budget of these projects were approved in 2004 however, construction only started in 2005. Aside from these projects DPWH still conduct regular maintenance of national highways and bridges in the province.

These infrastructure projects are in support to the Ten Point Agenda of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo dubbed as BEAT THE ODDS. Construction of infrastructure projects provides employment and hastens economic activity particularly agricultural production. (PIA)


Panay News Online / The News Today Iloilo Online

DENR pushes for declaring two Antique towns as mining reserves

SAN JOSE, Antique – The Mines and Geosciences Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources pushes for the declaration of the towns of Sibalom and San Remigio as mining reserves for semi-precious stones for future exploration.

In a dialogue held last February 7, the MGB Regional Director met with 17 out of 24 barangay officials together with Mayor Elizabeth Coloso, SB Members Malvar Pahinaga, Joelben Baleña and Hester Mission of San Remigio at the EBJ UDP Training Center, Environment and Natural Resources Officer, Binirayan Hills, San Jose, Antique.

Among others who attended were Governor Sally Perez, Board Member Calixto Zaldivar III, representatives from Iglesia Filipina Independiente, Ecumenical Movement for Justice and Peace and Madiaas Ecological Movement (MEM).

In the one day confab, Regional Director Leo Van Juguan urged the officials of the said town to support the move of their agency for the declaration of the two towns as an area open for the mining of semi-precious stones.

In an exclusive interview with Panay News ‘mineral reserve’ Juguan revealed, is a place where the President of the Republic can state as a place reserved for the utilization or development since it has been found to have raw materials needed by strategic industries for the development of the economy.

Juguan bared that in the present thrust of the national government in mining thru RA 7942 or The Philippine Mining Act of 1995 as embodied in Executive Order No. 270-A as amended or National Policy Agenda on Revitalizing Mining in the Philippines focuses on the revitalization of the country's mineral industry including the 24 national priority projects of the government that are focused to streamline and to help the economic development of the country for the next 3 to 6 years.

Approved MPSA applications in the implementation of actual mining operations would last to 25 years renewable for like period. Meanwhile exploration period is up to two years extendable to 6 years for non metallic and 8 years for metallic mining.

Juguan said that in the whole Western Visayas, semi-precious stones can only be found in abundance in San Remigio, Sibalom and a portion of San Joaquin, Iloilo.

“The semi-precious stones found in the area were jasper, agate, chalcedony, quartz, crystals, adventurine, bloodstone, schist, and serpentine, among others. If these stones would be utilized these gemstones may be the source of income for the people in the said area,” Juguan said.

After the approval of the declaration, Juguan said that the area would be open for local or foreign mining companies for exploration and later on operation. In the case of applicants being given permit to mine semi-precious stones and have found out other precious minerals such as gold in the area, those mining companies will again apply for another mining permit to mine such.

Benefits

Juguan said that the benefits that could be acquired in the utilization of these natural resources will benefit the people through taxes and royalties paid by the mining companies.

“Among other benefits, people living near the mining areas will be given jobs, trainings, machineries and other livelihood projects as part of the operations. Gemstones to be excavated or taken from riverbeds would be used in making jewelry, decorations, simple laboratory instruments, and other utilities that have been found to be expensive in other countries in accordance with the research of MGB,” he said.

Areas Covered

The barangays to be declared as mining reserves were: Bongbongan, Sido, San Juan, Maasin, Villafort, Imparayan, Cabanbanan, Cabiadan in Sibalom; Cadolonan, Magsaysay, La Union, Tubudan, Nagbanggi, Osorio I, Carawisan I, Carawisan II, Barangbang, Poblacion, Nasuli, Iguirindon, Maragubdub, Vilvar, Baladhay, Magdalena, Cabiawan, Adricula, Bagumbayan, Cabungaan, Lumpatan, Bugo, Sinondolan, Trinidad, San Rafael, Sumaray and Rizal in San Remigio.
The total land area to be covered by mining exploration if approved would be 10,854 hectares; Sibalom - 7, 66.6940 hectares and San Remigio – 3,473.6320 hectares.

Lopsided Development?

In the open forum, some officials expressed their doubts on the final results in case the mining exploration pushes through. Juguan claimed that town officials from Sibalom had already given their nod on the proposal. One official, however, claimed that in usual mining operations, agricultural areas where people are getting their livelihood would be affected by the mining operations. Thus, as what Director Juguan claimed that mining is a temporary activity, the people in the area especially those who are based their livelihood on land tilling would be devastated.

Further, the environmentalist group Madiaas Ecological Movement expressed their own opposition on the move of the DENR saying that where mining as a whole does not portray a good image in the country especially in many incidents that had destroyed ecological balance and livelihood of the people. They also cited that in areas where mining operation existed regardless if it is small-scale or large-scale have never made the affected area progressive or develop, because mining companies particularly the foreign ones are allowed to be given tax holidays and later on bring profit to their country, leaving mining areas barren and livelihood destroyed.


Panay News Online

Roxas City's going Metro ... wow .. Go Roxas ! Go Capiz !

Cutflower growers to join
int’l horti expo, conference


ROXAS City - The province of Capiz will join the 12-day international horticultural exposition and conference in Intramuros, Manila.

Leading the group of cutflower growers of the province who will join said gathering are officers and members of the Capiz Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Incorporated (CMPCI) under the Provincial Small and Medium Enterprise Development Council (SMED-C).

Nenita Urquiola, CMPCI chairperson and owner of Rose Lawn Garden, together with Llora Reyes, Sarah Pequierda, Edna Viterbo of Talon Integrated Farm, Lily Ong of Sunshine Integrated Farm, and Ken Queenie Cuñada of DTI here will be among the delegates from the province.

The said international activity signals the launching of the FLORA FILIPINA EXPO led by two of the country’s biggest and oldest horticulture societies, namely the Philippine Orchid Society and the Philippine Horticultural Society that will mark its 60th and 30th anniversary, respectively.

Trade and Industry Provincial Director Rebecca Rascon stressed that the participation of the Capiz SMEs to the said exposition and conference is seen as a good avenue for the local industry to attain its marketing goals of building a strong domestic market-base and expanding its global market.

Rascon said that through this activity, set from February 23 to March 6 this year, the local group expects to generate market links in Hong Kong and Korea. It also hopes to establish at least three new networks or industry affiliation.

Similarly, they also look forward to having the knowledge and skills on ornamental plant propagation as well as in packaging both for domestic and international markets.

Rascon disclosed that during the expo and conference, there will be 120 trade booths, 40 landscaped exhibits, tour packages and exclusive plant auction.

She added that the activity aims to further foster the country’s performance in the international horticultural circuit, stimulate the development of the local industry and contribute to the enrichment of national economy.

Capiz through the CMPCI has become one of the major suppliers of cutfoliage in the leading and biggest importing firm of Japan that resulted not only in dollar gains but also provided livelihood opportunities to Capiceños, Rascon pointed out.


(from Panay News online)

EBJ statue's original splendor restored—Prov'l Historical Council

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2006/02/15/ebj.statue.jpg
Wreathlaying ceremony at Eveliio Javier monument
with Manila Mayor Lito Atienza, Gov. Sally Perez
and other provincial officials.


The Provincial Historical Council of Antique defended its move of restoring the statue of the late Governor Evelio B. Javier in time for the 20th commemoration of the Antiqueño martyr.

"Cong. Javier is right that anybody can't just do what he wants with the work of art just because he wants to impress the people that he cares. It will be vandalism indeed! But he was wrong because the vandalism referred to had actually restored the statue of his brother to its original self. Otherwise stated it was already vandalized. It took the province through the Provincial Historical Council to have it restored to its previous splendor," said SP Majority Floor Leader and Chairman of the Historical Council Dr. Zoilo Bernardo Tubianosa.


The council chaired by Tubianosa was tasked by Gov. Perez in the grand preparation for Evelio B. Javier's 20th martyrdom anniversary. Part of the preparation was the repair of the shrine and the restoration work on the hero's statue.

"That's the reason why we restored the former splendor of the monument tampered by Valspar varnish (or black paint) that hid the original brilliance of the bronze work. We haven't tampered with anything in the monument. Our boys knew what they were doing. The polishing work done in the bronze monument used only the kind of abrasive that removes the varnish coating but not hard enough to scratch the bronze work. We haven't seen any scratches seriously damaging the face of the statue as alleged and if ever there was so, the congressman would have had overly reacted or confronted us about it. The people can attest to the fact of whether or not there was damage. It's one generation now since Evelio's martyrdom, and it's them that we want to impress about Evelio, not any other politician. If we leave the statue as it is, what would others say? Take the case of that memorabilia center. See the ruckus it created when the work momentarily stopped? Now we are doing a great job for Evelio's tribute and yet this is what we got!" Dr. Tubianosa lamented.

During her radio program, Gov. Sally Z. Perez lambasted Cong. Javier on his overreaction and obsession on the provincial government's preparation. Javier said all cues must emanate from him and the Javier family regarding the preparation of the celebration.

"I am very proud of what I am doing. I know Evelio and I know that he approves. I can't understand this erratic behavior of our Congressman. Instead of being grateful, he still attacks us. I will fight for this. I don't even know if Evelio touched the life of his brother, but he definitely touched ours... Evelio does not belong to you. He belongs to all of us Antiqueños... All Antiqueños therefore have a right to celebrate or commemorate his death anniversary. Even the whole Panay declared February 11 as holiday. That's why I wrote to all the governors in Panay to remind all of them of the 20th death anniversary of our hero Evelio. All the governors responded to this... You are always good at attacking, when in fact, you don't even plan the activities for the said celebration. Well, this governor has planned a very good program for the whole month of February. All provincial activities will be in honor of Evelio... That's why instead of attacking us, the Javier family should in truth have to thank us. We do not deserve your attacks on us because we are doing what Evelio deserves. If you don't like what we do, then just let us be, instead of attacking us. We feel that this province must honor Evelio Javier," Perez said.

(from The News Today Info online)

good news for both Antique and Capiz ! :cheers:

:applause: :applause: :applause:

Go Aklan-Antique-Capiz !

any news for the planned International Airport in Caticlan?

any news for the planned International Airport in Caticlan?

If there should be direct international flights to Region 6, I think it would be more feasible to have them go direct to Caticlan due to the sheer volume of tourists going to Boracay. I think more people would be going to the Philippines this way because they could avoid having to the dirty and crime infested Metro Manila.

-edited-

Luli graces ANS centennial celeb opening


Presidential daughter Luli Macapagal Arroyo recently graced the opening program of the centenary of Antique's premier high school, the Antique National School (ANS), formerly Antique High School (AHS) last February 8, 2006.


After Luli explained her reasons for coming to the said occasion, she finally rounded up to how her grandfather, former President Diosdado Macapagal has had close relationships with the Antiqueños and how she was invited by her "Tita Sally", referring to Gov. Sally Z. Perez, during one of their dinners together. "I also hope that among the students now, the future president would come from you", she also quipped, causing a stir in the studentry. She amused her audience as she also spoke in Visayan just as her mother Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

Luli, together with Gov. Salvacion Z. Perez, Department of Education Secretary Fe Hidalgo and Mayor Fernando Corvera also inaugurated the newly renovated Gabaldon building and the Information Technology Center (ITC). Both Luli and Sec. Hidalgo commended ANS for setting high education standards which allows its students to be competitive, having produced remarkable leaders not only in the province, but also in the Philippines and the whole world.

Likewise, Gov. Perez lauded ANS for its one hundred years of providing "solid foundation for all our young people, as they go out and go to higher schools of learning." Perez also declared that she, together with San Jose mayor Fernando Corvera and the ANS alumni, exerted all efforts to renovate the Gabaldon building, despite the limited resources.

The 18 classroom Gabaldon building was rehabilitated under the Secondary Education Development and Improvement Project (SEDIP), a program of the national government in partnership with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC). The total rehabilitation costs an estimated P12,190,014.28. The provincial government under the leadership of Gov. Salvacion Z. Perez provided P2 million while the municipal government shelled out P1.47 million as LGU equity. According to Mr. Rodolfo J. Caberoy, ANS OIC Principal, the building will not be used until next year as it will include all facilities necessary to make it a disabled-friendly building. All additional funds collected, including those collected by the ANS Alumni Association which amounted to approximately P700,000 will cover other expenses needed to finish the building.

The Information Technology Center was also established through the concerted efforts of the school's administration and stakeholders. The center will serve as a venue for developing students' knowledge and potentials in the field of multimedia.

The Antique National School is the oldest and the biggest secondary school in the province. Established in 1906, it was first named, Antique Provincial High School, then Antique High School in the year 1918-1919 and was later renamed to Antique National School through Republic Act 3657.

Over the years, the Antique National School has produced thousands of graduates, some of whom have already become leaders and officials of the province.

(from Panay News online)

any news for the planned International Airport in Caticlan?

I'm very happy with this news. Boracay (Aklan) deserves a direct international flight gid. :cheers:

How's Guimaras Island/Province now?

Is it a proposal? Or the expansion is undergoing already to make Caticlan Airport as International Airport? Boracay deserves an international airport considering that it is the famous holiday place in the Philippines.

I'll try to locate the article, Jon. I hope it will be an approved proposal na. Basta sa mga Akeanon, ayos gid ! :cheers:

Improving na gid man ang Guimaras. Wonder why our batch loves Guimaras. I hope to see more infras and developments to our beloved sister province. :)

Guimarasnon's miniature paraw wins in contest



A MINIATURE paraw by a Guimarasnon was adjudged the winner in the Miniature Paraw-Making Contest held at SM City Iloilo.

The winning entry is owned by Michil Odin Endencio of Hoskyn Jordan, Guimaras.

The paraw that won second place is owned by James Mark Salarda of Barangay Sinikway, Lapuz, La Paz.

The paraw that won third place is owned by Eros Escaro Endencio of Hoskyn Jordan, Guimaras.

They received P10,000, P8,000 and P5,000 in cash respectively.

The entries were judged according to their originality and creativity, 25 percent; innovativeness and craftsmanship, 25 percent; visual impact, 25 percent; and relevance to the standard design of paraw and the proportioning of the work, 25 percent.

Every year, SM City Iloilo hosts the said competition in connection with the Paraw Regatta Festival. (KVC)

(from Sunstar Iloilo Nes online)

100,000 cash awaits Binirayan's best Malay-Ati tribe
For the first time in the history of the Binirayan festival, the winner in Malay-Ati competition takes home 100,000 cash.


The Binirayan Foundation, Inc., (BFI) official events organizer of Antique's annual Binirayan festival announces it has increased the prizes for the Malay-Ati competition. The first prize is 100,000 pesos, an increase of more than 60% over last year's prize money. The second and third prizes are P50,000 and P30,000 respectively, while non-winners get a consolation prize of P10,000. The contest will be held on April 29.

The Malay-Ati contest is Antique's version of the street-dancing similar to other festivals in the Visayas. The concept is based on Binirayan’s motif of the convergence of Malay and Ati cultures. Since 2001, the organizers of the Binirayan has seen the event as not only about the establishment of the first Malayan settlement in Malandog with the coming of the Bornean datu, but also about the generosity of the Ati who were the original settlers in Antique. The Malay-Ati dramatizes the integration of both cultures.

The Malay-Ati competition is open to all organizations and institutions, including schools and local government units. Each tribe must consist of at least 50 performers, excluding the drummers and instrumentalists. The music must be live, using the tonggatong or bamboo percussions as the base instrument. Each tribe shall perform for eight to 10 minutes at the EBJ Freedom Park, and participate in the street dancing.

Last year's trophy was won by Tribu Kumpletos Rekados (San Jose), followed by Tribu Pandanon (Pandan), and Tribu Hamtikanon (Hamtic). This year's competition will be stiffer with the participation of schools. As of press time, three national high schools and two colleges have already signified their participation.

Roxas City ranks among Asia’s fine adventure destinations
by A. Lumaque

Roxas City (22 February) -- A 15-minute documentary about Roxas City is regularly shown over Living Asia Channel in its travel guide segments as among Asia’s fine adventure destinations.

The documentary named “Of Sand Dunes and Curious Wonder: Exploring Roxas City” depicts the city as a Seafood Capital of the country and attracts travelers with its folkloric charm as well as natural and man-made wonders. It features the abundant seafoods, cultural and religious landmarks including shell craft and horticulture industries.

A harvest of angel wings locally known ‘diwal’ was presented in the story as among the abundant seafood popular for its exotic taste.

The bivalve is popularly claimed to have aphrodisiac substances beneficial to diwal aficionados.

Roxas City Mayor Antonio del Rosario declared the first ‘Diwal Festival’ in time with the harvest season of diwal last July 2005 to celebrate the return of the bivalve in considerable volume in local municipal and city coastal waters.

The feature produced by CCI Asia New Media Productions, Inc. displayed establishing shots of the city and popular infrastructures like the ‘Ang Panubli-on’ city museum, city hall, Roxas City cathedral, and Roxas Bridge among others worthy of a visit for personal experience and appreciation.

The Roxas City Promotion and Development Office reported an estimated 28 percent increase in the arrival of tourists here last year with an estimated 32,042 tourist arrivals, higher than the 22,917 recorded in 2004.

Roxas City can be reached thru sea transport and or a 45-minute plane ride by tourists coming from Metro Manila. (PIA) [top]

Antique's Binirayan 2006 vies for longest festival


Antique province's annual Binirayan festival might turn out to be the longest festival in the country. Binirayan Foundation, Inc. (BFI), official events manager of the 32-year old cultural festival announced that Binirayan 2006 will start from April 1 and end with a three-day highlight on April 27 to 29.


The Binirayan festival committees has planned out a program of events starting with a formal launch on April 1 at the EBJ Freedom Park and week-end special events that include the Komedya festival, the Semana Santa, music and food festivals, and trade fairs.

The komedya festival is the newest addition to the events of the Binirayan. Antique is the last bastion of the komedya, a traditional theater form, which some scholars consider as the national theater of the Philippines. It is a play in verse that employs extravagant costumes, swordfights, magical elements and spectacle on stage. While the komedya has become extinct in other provinces, komedya troupes in Antique, such as in San Antonio, Barbaza, continue to produce it every year during the fiesta. Reviving the komedya during the Binirayan is one last ditch effort for the province to save it, consistent with Governor Salvacion Z. Perez's program for cultural nurturing. Four komedya troupes from Barbaza, Lauaan, Bugasong, and San Jose are presenting komedyas of different themes.

The Semana Santa, which falls on April 9 to 16 also becomes part of the festivities. Holy week activities such as the via crucis and visita iglesia are practiced widely throughout the province. On Holy Thursday and Good Friday, elaborately decorated santos dramatizing the characters in the Pasyon are taken around town in an afternoon procession. The best processions could be seen in San Jose and Hamtic as these feature life-sized and antique santos. In San Jose, kapiya or chapels depicting each of the stations of the cross are being built beside the streets. But the best attractions may be witnessed in San Pedro, a barangay of San Jose. On Good Friday is the Pagtaltal, a street theater about the crucifixion of Christ, and on Black Saturday the Hudas-Hudas, where effigies of Judas are being burned for public censure at the plaza.

Other activities include the nightly band concerts at the food festival, talents competition, and the presentation of the candidates for Lin-ay kang Antique. On the final dates, visitors may join the Biray kang Barangay from the San Jose Port to Malandog Beach. The biray dramatizes the coming the Bornean Datu to Antique, the historical and cultural basis of the Binirayan Festival.

The Binirayan Festival was first organized by Governor Evelio B. Javier in January 1974 as a celebration of Antique's rich cultural heritage.


Panay News

Roxas City ranks among Asia’s fine adventure destinations
by A. Lumaque

Roxas City (22 February) -- A 15-minute documentary about Roxas City is regularly shown over Living Asia Channel in its travel guide segments as among Asia’s fine adventure destinations.

The documentary named “Of Sand Dunes and Curious Wonder: Exploring Roxas City” depicts the city as a Seafood Capital of the country and attracts travelers with its folkloric charm as well as natural and man-made wonders. It features the abundant seafoods, cultural and religious landmarks including shell craft and horticulture industries.

A harvest of angel wings locally known ‘diwal’ was presented in the story as among the abundant seafood popular for its exotic taste.



congratulations Capizenos ... all well for people and province of Capiz !

Guys, could you please post pictures of the Gaisano malls in Roxas City and Kalibo! Is Kalibo a city yet?

Guys, could you please post pictures of the Gaisano malls in Roxas City and Kalibo! Is Kalibo a city yet?
Kalibo isn't a city yet ... I don't think it is gearing for cityhood anytime soon, except maybe if they expand the 45sq.km. land area of Kalibo.

Kalibo isn't a city yet ... I don't think it is gearing for cityhood anytime soon, except maybe if they expand the 45sq.km. land area of Kalibo.

i DON'T THINK THEY NEED TO ACTUALLY INCREASE THE LAND AREA FOR IT TO BECOME A CITY. MANILA ITSLEF IS ONLY ABOUT 20++ SQ.KM. IF I'M NOT MISTAKEN.

Kalibo isn't a city yet ... I don't think it is gearing for cityhood anytime soon, except maybe if they expand the 45sq.km. land area of Kalibo.

Kalibo is way too far for cithood, NOT BECAUSE OF HIS INCOME but because Kalibo people doesn't want Kalibo to be a city .... their mayor and other officials are not too keen to apply for cityhood for some economic reasons. Kalibo's annual budget can surpass other cities per se but the cityhood is very unlikely until the residents decided to make it as one.

Manila is 38.55 sq. km. That is not assumption, that is the fact.

i DON'T THINK THEY NEED TO ACTUALLY INCREASE THE LAND AREA FOR IT TO BECOME A CITY. MANILA ITSLEF IS ONLY ABOUT 20++ SQ.KM. IF I'M NOT MISTAKEN.

and Metro Manila is around 600 square km.

Roxas City ranks among Asia's fine adventure destinations (http://www.thenewstoday.info/2006/02/27/roxas.city.ranks.among.asias.fine.adventure.destinations.html)


Roxas City -- A 15-minute documentary about Roxas City is regularly shown over Living Asia Channel in its travel guide segments as among Asia's fine adventure destinations.


The documentary named "Of Sand Dunes and Curious Wonder: Exploring Roxas City" depicts the city as a Seafood Capital of the country and attracts travelers with its folkloric charm as well as natural and man-made wonders. It features the abundant seafoods, cultural and religious landmarks including shell craft and horticulture industries.

Manila is 38.55 sq. km. That is not assumption, that is the fact.

but at least i was right about Manila being smaller in land area than Kalibo. I was just asking about it because I didn't know anything about Kalibo. Do you have any pictures of Kalibo and Roxas City?

Roxas City ranks among Asia's fine adventure destinations (http://www.thenewstoday.info/2006/02/27/roxas.city.ranks.among.asias.fine.adventure.destinations.html)


Roxas City -- A 15-minute documentary about Roxas City is regularly shown over Living Asia Channel in its travel guide segments as among Asia's fine adventure destinations.


The documentary named "Of Sand Dunes and Curious Wonder: Exploring Roxas City" depicts the city as a Seafood Capital of the country and attracts travelers with its folkloric charm as well as natural and man-made wonders. It features the abundant seafoods, cultural and religious landmarks including shell craft and horticulture industries.

This is one of the best news for Roxas City. Keep it up guys !
Cheers everyone !

I have not seen this yet. I'm going to watch it.
Go Roxas City!!!

This is one of the best news for Roxas City. Keep it up guys !
Cheers everyone !

Hope there will be a tourism boost to promote Roxas City and Capiz province. Aklan is leading the way right now with Boracay and Kalibo as their selling points. I don't know how serious Antique is when it comes to tourism industry. Let's just wish all the best for these three provinces of Panay Island.

Yups. When other municipalities are gearing for CITYHOOD, Kalibo on the other hand is going on the opposite direction. Also may pagka protectionist sila sa kalibo. I remembered when Gaisano was still proposing or under way pa sa construction sang ila Mall, damo gid nag attempt to have the project derailed. Its understandable man siguro kay ti ang entry sang gaisano would most likely kill the small enterprises. Also, when establishments were coming in na, medyo ginapabudlayan pa nila mga negosyante kay ti dapat makipagkita ka gid anay sa mayor, pero it could also be good intention man on the part of the mayor siguro para makilala ya gid personal ang mga new investors nya sa iya lugar.

I think partly the reason why Kalibo isnt keen on the cityhood thing, is the tax woes. People will be paying more taxes in a city compared to a municipality.

Kalibo is way too far for cithood, NOT BECAUSE OF HIS INCOME but because Kalibo people doesn't want Kalibo to be a city .... their mayor and other officials are not too keen to apply for cityhood for some economic reasons. Kalibo's annual budget can surpass other cities per se but the cityhood is very unlikely until the residents decided to make it as one.

Hi daks! Diri na lang ta ya. Gin-close ni GreyX ang Iloilo thread.

Question: Are you familiar with Barbasa, Antique?

Daw di gid ako familiar sa Barbasa, Antique ah. I have friends in San Jose,Hamtik,Culasi, and Pandan. I think medyo sa tunga sang antique province ang barbasa, im not sure though kun its much nearer the aklan and antique border coz some antiqueños find it easier to do their shopping in kalibo with a gaisano mall than proceeding to Iloilo City or going to Roxas City.

Hi daks! Diri na lang ta ya. Gin-close ni GreyX ang Iloilo thread.

Question: Are you familiar with Barbasa, Antique?

check this out...a big mansion atop a hill in roxas city, capiz

http://www.pbase.com/explorer/image/39608660

http://www.pbase.com/explorer/image/39608658

http://www.pbase.com/explorer/image/39608659

kay sin-o na balay daks? the ex-mayor of roxas was my classmate in grade school. ambot kun iya ni?

Iya ini bala kuno ni Engr. Go, I dunno kun ano ni iya business but siling sang mga tawo daw active ini sya kuno sa divine mercy religious movement kay may ginpatindog man sya nga daw simbahan sa babaw man sang isa ka hill...bale duwa or tatlo ka hill lang ang pagitan halin sa balay nga ina hehehe kita ko lang ni ang balay everytime we visit roxas city

kay sin-o na balay daks? the ex-mayor of roxas was my classmate in grade school. ambot kun iya ni?

daks, ang mansion nga gin post mo, indi na iya sang isa kaforeigner nga nakapangasawa sang taga-roxas city? daw amo na nga balay ang gin-feature sa programa ni Korina Sanchez. Ukon lain 'na sya?

Iya ini bala kuno ni Engr. Go, I dunno kun ano ni iya business but siling sang mga tawo daw active ini sya kuno sa divine mercy religious movement kay may ginpatindog man sya nga daw simbahan sa babaw man sang isa ka hill...bale duwa or tatlo ka hill lang ang pagitan halin sa balay nga ina hehehe kita ko lang ni ang balay everytime we visit roxas city

Iya ini bala kuno ni Engr. Go, I dunno kun ano ni iya business but siling sang mga tawo daw active ini sya kuno sa divine mercy religious movement kay may ginpatindog man sya nga daw simbahan sa babaw man sang isa ka hill...bale duwa or tatlo ka hill lang ang pagitan halin sa balay nga ina hehehe kita ko lang ni ang balay everytime we visit roxas city

The house looks so cute. I wonder how much the F.A. is? Do you know?

Some pics I snapped recently using a review unit of the new Kodak dual-lens camera during a trip to Kalibo and Boracay

Kalibo from the air

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid201/p36016fdd5895197f9607e0ddaeff970d/f004ebfb.jpg


Kalibo airport

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid201/peb5b65c9b654ffd2f9e9f2a2008cf67d/f004ebf6.jpg


Bridge into Kalibo

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid201/p9cc5734ac91e082f201be6c1f116e30b/f004eb08.jpg


Roxas Avenue

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid201/p7f047dc0bfdca860071f81c6b817a9ba/f004eafb.jpg


Kalibo church

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid201/p6b664db087110477222cf07150084c59/f004eaf6.jpg


Museo it Aklan

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid201/pd76f7fda65d33f169ca4199b726b718b/f004eaf0.jpg


Gaisano Kalibo

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid201/pdfdb59230568d1cc9e4033ef4ecdf7f4/f004eae9.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid201/p8c42c7ae61f999c44a4046048192f1bd/f004eae0.jpg


Municipal Library and Ati-atihan Museum

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid201/pee31770961040367bafb6ca913d31ec0/f004ead5.jpg


Pastrana Park

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid201/pb1c9c469a474e8795ce5febb5220cab1/f004eace.jpg

im not sure kun amo ina, pero from what I've heard, its owned by one engr go...damo lang abi speculations kun sin-o ang tag-iya sina o ano ang background sang nagpatindog hehehehe basta kun ara ka sa roxas...just ask kun diin dampi ang capiz gun club kay u'll pass by that house going to the shooting range...different route ini nga dalan ya ang agyan mo going thru ivisan...ang bus routes ya nagalabay sa loctogan area which is tama gid kalubak

also kun maka swing ka sa kalibo...you could visit the sampaguita gardens...iya ni sam boucher nga founder sang precious moments...i think na post na ina diri one time ang pix sang sampaguita gardens...if you could remember, there was once a famous doll house in arevalo, that's sam boucher's house too...also there is this other house in kalibo which is owned by a NASA Engr, a big house with an elevator, para sa mga parents ya pero the olds doesnt like living in a big house kay mga simple lang nga tawo ya, patindogan na lang sila ya liwat gamay nga balay sa kilid o sa likod sang dako nga balay eh hehehehe

daks, ang mansion nga gin post mo, indi na iya sang isa kaforeigner nga nakapangasawa sang taga-roxas city? daw amo na nga balay ang gin-feature sa programa ni Korina Sanchez. Ukon lain 'na sya?

FINALLY!!!! Thanks JudeD!!! People have been clamoring for this pictures for quite some time na hehehehe


Some pics I snapped recently using a review unit of the new Kodak dual-lens camera during a trip to Kalibo and Boracay

Kalibo from the air

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid201/p36016fdd5895197f9607e0ddaeff970d/f004ebfb.jpg


Kalibo airport

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid201/peb5b65c9b654ffd2f9e9f2a2008cf67d/f004ebf6.jpg


Bridge into Kalibo

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid201/p9cc5734ac91e082f201be6c1f116e30b/f004eb08.jpg


Roxas Avenue

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid201/p7f047dc0bfdca860071f81c6b817a9ba/f004eafb.jpg


Kalibo church

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid201/p6b664db087110477222cf07150084c59/f004eaf6.jpg


Museo it Aklan

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid201/pd76f7fda65d33f169ca4199b726b718b/f004eaf0.jpg


Gaisano Kalibo

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid201/pdfdb59230568d1cc9e4033ef4ecdf7f4/f004eae9.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid201/p8c42c7ae61f999c44a4046048192f1bd/f004eae0.jpg


Municipal Library and Ati-atihan Museum

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid201/pee31770961040367bafb6ca913d31ec0/f004ead5.jpg


Pastrana Park

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid201/pb1c9c469a474e8795ce5febb5220cab1/f004eace.jpg

Hey JudeD, thank you very much. It's really great to see Kalibo and Aklan's pics here. Keep on posting.


Some pics I snapped recently using a review unit of the new Kodak dual-lens camera during a trip to Kalibo and Boracay

Impressive pictures of Kalibo, Aklan !

Go Aklan !

thank you JudeD. :cheers:

Thanks for sharing your Aklan's pics, Jude. Kanami ah. Paspas na gid man ang Aklan !

im not sure kun amo ina, pero from what I've heard, its owned by one engr go...damo lang abi speculations kun sin-o ang tag-iya sina o ano ang background sang nagpatindog hehehehe basta kun ara ka sa roxas...just ask kun diin dampi ang capiz gun club kay u'll pass by that house going to the shooting range...different route ini nga dalan ya ang agyan mo going thru ivisan...ang bus routes ya nagalabay sa loctogan area which is tama gid kalubak

also kun maka swing ka sa kalibo...you could visit the sampaguita gardens...iya ni sam boucher nga founder sang precious moments...i think na post na ina diri one time ang pix sang sampaguita gardens...if you could remember, there was once a famous doll house in arevalo, that's sam boucher's house too...also there is this other house in kalibo which is owned by a NASA Engr, a big house with an elevator, para sa mga parents ya pero the olds doesnt like living in a big house kay mga simple lang nga tawo ya, patindogan na lang sila ya liwat gamay nga balay sa kilid o sa likod sang dako nga balay eh hehehehe

Sampaguita Gardens is one of the best spots in Kalibo at present. Hope to visit the place someday. yehoo ! :)

Visit Punta Punting beach resort
By RONELO LADIAO AND CHEASTER CABASAC


If you want to visit a secluded and tranquil beach resort this summer, Punta Punting is one of the ideal tourist destinations to be. Located at Brgy. Sabang, Sibunag, Guimaras, Punta Punting attracts and allures many beach lovers.

A 20-minute boat ride from Ortiz wharf going to Jordan will lead visitors to take a fun and bumpy two-hour van ride to Brgy. Sabang. The van will directly bring the guests in the entrance of Punta Punting that captivates many beach folks.


http://www.panaynews.com.ph/images/people%20pic.jpg
FEEL the tranquility in the breathtaking tree house at Punta Punting.



‘Punta Punting’ in local Ilonggo dialect means, “tip of the seashore” since this simple but splendid beach resort surrounded by islets can be found in the edge of the seashore.

The breathtaking scenery of the beach greets its visitors with a warm feeling for those who would love to spend quiet moments with their loved ones or hang out with friends. The crystal clear water, the panoramic view of the different small islands nearby and the soothing breeze under the sun are truly inviting for nature-lovers.

Franky Jardeleza, the friendly 28-year-old resort manager of Punta Punting ensures guests the promise of a warm and memorable accommodation. His degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management from St. Therese College gave him a reason to manage their family-owned business.

Presently, there are 6 cottages in Punta Punting. Three of these cottages are suited for huge groups of 10 to 15 persons while the rest are smaller cottages for two to three people. Each cottage is complete with amenities such as a clean comfort room, electric fans or aircon, a steady water supply and many others.

Near the entrance, is a spacious Function Hall with a small canteen at the back suited for various occasions that accommodate 35-40 guests.

Among the great attractions in Punta Punting is the wooden bridge in the nearby canal connected to a huge fishpond. The bridge exudes a warm feeling for nature-trippers since green vines and lush vegetation give attraction to the place. Various small islands can be seen around the place like the Us-usan Island (far right), Natunga Island, Nadulaw, Naoway Island (far right also) and Nagarao Island, another well-known island resort in Guimaras.

Most of these small islets have significant, cultural and mythical legends according the local folks that would surely enchant tourists and guests.

In order to improve their service, this family-owned beach resort will undergo a facelift by constructing air-conditioned cottages, spacious rooms, a restaurant that serves native delicacies and additional facilities to accommodate a big number of guests. Soon, more recreational activities will be available at Punting Punting like fishing in the nearby fishpond.

The resort has been recognized by the Department of Tourism office as one of the licensed resorts to operate in the region. The owners are determined to further develop and improve Punta Punting’s tourism potential as one of Guimaras Island’s best beaches.

(info taken from Panay News)

Where to relax in Antique:

Make it KAMMEA!

SAN JOSE, Antique – In the province where the mountains meet the sea tourists are awed by nature’s splendor stretched before them.

Antique is one province where you get the thrill of an adventure and the excitement of the beach.

And just when your body grows tired of all the excitement, there is just one beach resort that visitors will surely fall in love at first sight.


http://www.panaynews.com.ph/archives/2006/0308/images/people%20pic.jpg
KAMMEA is located along Dalipe Coastal Road, which is 3 kilometers from the heart of the Antique capital town, San Jose de Buenavista.


Probably, Antique’s best as it defies the traditional just-nipa-cottages-and-nothing-more concept of a resort.

KAMMEA Beach Resort is a recluse especially for individuals and families who are in constant search of that relaxing atmosphere and experience what a real vacation is; all for a reasonable cost.

Kammea is located along Dalipe Coastal Road, which is 3 kilometers from the heart of the Antique capital town, San Jose de Buenavista.

It offers one of the comforts of beach features designed with indigenous artistry and stylized comfort.

Although operating for less than a year now, the owners, Dr. Melvin and Mrs. Fe Dela Serna offer vacationers the delight of the sea, sun and sand.

The resort features a swimming pool, a lounge, gazebos, a family rest house and several cogon shades.

Local clients unconsciously do the grapevine advertising and international tourists always makes it a point to assure the resort staff that they will surely be back.

See it for yourself. Experience the ambience! Make it KAMMEA!


(article taken from: Panay News)

First Komedya festival slated in Binirayan 2006


San Jose, Antique -- It's a festival within a festival. The four-day komedya festival in San Jose, Antique on April 20 to 23 is the first to be organized in West Visayas. This is one of the activities included in the month-long Binirayan celebration in the province of Antique.


The komedya is a folk theater form originating in the nineteenth century and became popular until the early 1900s. It is characterized by fantastic storylines, swordfights on stage, and resplendent costumes, traditionally dramatizing the conflict between the Christians and Moslems, and centering on a romantic theme. The first documented komedya in Western Visayas was in San Jose, Antique, as recorded by the newspaper El Eco de Panay.

Four komedyas are scheduled to be shown. These are "Gugma kag Corona ni Gracia" of Guinbangaan, Lauaan (April 20), "Leonaria" of Madrangca, San Jose (April 21), "Ludovico" (April 22), and "Ang mga peste sa parayan" (April 23) of San Antonio, Barbaza. The first three are traditional komedya, while the last is contemporary in that it uses as subject the integrated pest management (IPM) and is used to educate farmers about the benefits of organic farming. A demonstration of the swordfight routine will also be featured on the last day of the festival. All shows shall start at 6:00 p.m. in front of the San Jose Municipal Hall, the original venue of the komedya in the 60s and 70s.

The komedya festival is an effort by the Binirayan Foundation, Inc. (BFI), events organizer of the Binirayan festival, to revive local traditions and culture. The Antique province, under Governor Salvacion Z. Perez, leads in a cultural awareness program and is active in the Kalahi Cultural Services program of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.


Link : http://www.thenewstoday.info/2006/03/10/first.komedya.festival.slated.in.binirayan.2006.html

http://us.geocities.com/capiznon_ph/gaisano.jpg
In the field of commerce, Roxas City has become the center of retail trading in northern Panay. The establishment of the 30000 sq. meter Gaisano Mall, with its department store, first-class shopping amenities and popular food outlets, all fully air-conditioned, has made the city a gathering place not only Capiz but also the neighbor provinces of the northern Iloilo and Aklan even as far away as Masbate and Romblon. The location of MR Electronics in the city which is involved the processing of electronics microchips has also made Roxas City a potential electronic and It product export hub.

http://us.geocities.com/capiznon_ph/roxas.html

Program to lure more tourists underway


ROXAS CITY -- The provincial government of Capiz will formulate a program to entice foreign and domestic tourists to take a closer look at the province and its tourism attractions.


Gov. Vicente Bermejo led a group of tourism officers and representatives from the private sector and other government agencies in a roundtable discussion held last March 7 at the Gerry Roxas Foundation to map out strategies to strengthen the local tourism promotion and development program.

The group used as inputs for the discussion the results of the regional tourism summit held last month in Iloilo City that was initiated by the Department of Tourism (DOT).

link: http://www.thenewstoday.info/2006/03/13/program.to.lure.more.tourists.underway.html

(from The News Today)



_____________

Glad to note that Capiz is moving well, too ... definitely Panay provinces are on its way to progress when in comes to tourism and infrastructures. Go Capiz ! :cheers:

paspas na ang Capiz kag Aklan, ang Antique daw naulhi haw? Abi mga Antiqueno, paspasan ta gid ... hope San Jose will prosper soon and be hailed as a city, too. Go, go, go Aklan-Capiz-Antique !

tanx for the PIX of Gaisano Roxas...at least people will have an idea kun ano tsura sang mall sa capiz....a 30K sq/m mall in a city like roxas is surprising but what's more suprising is, gaisano is constructing another mall(mini mall) not too far away from the gaisano city site...nice development for capiz! :)



http://us.geocities.com/capiznon_ph/gaisano.jpg
In the field of commerce, Roxas City has become the center of retail trading in northern Panay. The establishment of the 30000 sq. meter Gaisano Mall, with its department store, first-class shopping amenities and popular food outlets, all fully air-conditioned, has made the city a gathering place not only Capiz but also the neighbor provinces of the northern Iloilo and Aklan even as far away as Masbate and Romblon. The location of MR Electronics in the city which is involved the processing of electronics microchips has also made Roxas City a potential electronic and It product export hub.

http://us.geocities.com/capiznon_ph/roxas.html

MR ELECTRONICS - MR (Manuel Roxas)??

This is more suprising, I have no idea that Roxas City is involved in electronics and microchips business. Hipos hipos lang ang roxas pero gabanat man gle no hehehe

Always admire the serenity of these three provinces of Panay ... hopefully, they'll see more investments in the future. Roxas City at present is developing well and so with Kalibo in Aklan. And wow ... impressed gid ko Daks sa statement mo. It's a good move.

Gaisano City Roxas looks impressive. I hope ang mini-mall nila will be at least a three-quarter as big as this man. Cheers to Capizenos !

This is the banner story of the Daily Informer right now ..

ILOILO to host reg'l WOW Philippines

Governors in Western Visayas unanimously approved a resolution recently to hold the WOW Philippines regional exhibit in Iloilo City on October 2006 instead of the yearly activity at Intramuros, Manila.

It's all in line to promote WV as the tourism center of the Philippines. If you notice lately WV provinces are aggressively developing their tourism sector to reach this goal: Capiz, Aklan, Guimaras, Iloilo, Negross Occidental ( Antique has potential, but I haven't heard much from them)

also, while I like the idea of another attraction for Iloilo and the whole of WV, it seems kind of traitorous of WV to pull out from the nation-wide WOW Philippines in Intramuros (or is it just me). I just hope WV doesn't fall flat on the face on this one, hehe.

-deleted- double posting

Roxas City is improving. That's all that matters. I hope SM will put up a branch in Roxas City, too. More competition, the better for the economy of the city.

Chymera, does that mean Iloilo (and whole of Western Visayas) will not join the national WOW Philippines? I'm just hoping we can compete with Metro Manila, just in case. It's a bit though BUT really a challenge for all of us Ilonggos.

I think WV is doing the right thing. You gonna end up short changed if you will just rely on the programs provided by the national goverment. Remember the controversy on the WOW Philippines(regineV) commercial?

Also it would be more practical to showcase our own destinations in our own backyard. Instead nga kita ang magasto, ma imbitar na lang kita sang makadto kay para sila na lang ang magasto hehehe aside sina, dehado kita sa mga more established tourism destinations(with the exception of boracay for reg6) in terms sa presentation and booth display. Di gid kita matatapan mayo didto.

Other, regions or cities like cebu and davao are also promoting their respective tourism destinations independent from the national goverment agency.

:)


This is the banner story of the Daily Informer right now ..



It's all in line to promote WV as the tourism center of the Philippines. If you notice lately WV provinces are aggressively developing their tourism sector to reach this goal: Capiz, Aklan, Guimaras, Iloilo, Negross Occidental ( Antique has potential, but I haven't heard much from them)

also, while I like the idea of another attraction for Iloilo and the whole of WV, it seems kind of traitorous of WV to pull out from the nation-wide WOW Philippines in Intramuros (or is it just me). I just hope WV doesn't fall flat on the face on this one, hehe.

I agree Daks. It's high time for Iloilo and the rest of Western Visayas to start promoting the region's tourism industry themselves. It's competitive and tough but I guess it's worth the sweat.

MR ELECTRONICS - MR (Manuel Roxas)??

This is more suprising, I have no idea that Roxas City is involved in electronics and microchips business. Hipos hipos lang ang roxas pero gabanat man gle no hehehe

Wow! I'm glad to hear about this matter. Let's all pave the way for Roxas City's electronics and microchips business industry. Go! Go! Go! Roxas City and Capiz province!

Any idea of Guimaras tourism industry or the province's tourist scheme?

Yups. When other municipalities are gearing for CITYHOOD, Kalibo on the other hand is going on the opposite direction. Also may pagka protectionist sila sa kalibo. I remembered when Gaisano was still proposing or under way pa sa construction sang ila Mall, damo gid nag attempt to have the project derailed. Its understandable man siguro kay ti ang entry sang gaisano would most likely kill the small enterprises. Also, when establishments were coming in na, medyo ginapabudlayan pa nila mga negosyante kay ti dapat makipagkita ka gid anay sa mayor, pero it could also be good intention man on the part of the mayor siguro para makilala ya gid personal ang mga new investors nya sa iya lugar.

I think partly the reason why Kalibo isnt keen on the cityhood thing, is the tax woes. People will be paying more taxes in a city compared to a municipality.

I've heard about it, too, Daks. I wish Kalibonhons will see the move of becoming a "city" more of an advantage rather than a mere addition to their taxes, etc. The moment Kalibo becomes a city, more investments will pour into place.

Kulang pa ang promotion sang Guimaras both nationally and internationally. Within Western Visayas siguro medyo naga-start na siya. Right now, they're promotion is always in conjunction with Iloilo. Hopefully someday they'll promote Guimaras as a separate entity coz there's a lot of potentials in terms of tourism sa island province nga ini. Former Gov Lopez sana is very much of a visionary about sa tourism industry nila. I've no idea with Gov Nava right now kung ano iya priorities for Guimaras.

^^ Hoping to see Kalibo City someday. :)

Capiz and Aklan is moving too well ... how about Antique? Paging Gov Zaldivar! Keep on moving !

it's a good start for a new province though .. but I wish they'll do it more aggressively. Guimaras like any other islands in the Philippines has so much to offer to tourists, too, especially when it comes to white sand beaches and venue for spiritual retreats. Right now, it serves as a good haven to small number of international tourists, the residents of the neighbouring province of Iloilo and Panay. I hope Gov Nava will focus more in promoting the province internationally to lure a good number of foreign visitors and holiday makers alike.

hey guys im from buenavista. Our house is located directly in front of buenavista gym. Its been 3 year that i've been away. how's it goi'n out there? I hope that place becomes a prime spot cause there had been rumors that the area will converted to a business district. Is that true???? hope it is.......

Hi Cool. Welcome diri. I'm glad to hear somebody from Guimaras itself (though not literally in Guimaras right now). Join us here in making Guimaras known to everyone. We're mostly all from Iloilo province so less idea of what's exactly is going on in Guimaras.

Regarding sa proposed business district in Buenavista area, I wish it'll come true. It's a great dream seeing Guimaras as progressive as ever. Cool, are you still in contact with people back home. Basi may nabal-an ka nga balita about Guimaras, do share it with us. Go Guimaras !

Latest tourism data for 2005...

Tourist Arrivals - 181,941
Tourist Receipts - P3,344,694.2
(in thousand pesos)

http://www.nscb.gov.ph/ru6/transpo.htm

A bit outdated but something I would like to share:

Did you know that ... Guimaras, dubbed as the "Mango Country," is becoming a popular tourist hub in WV?…tourist arrivals soared to 384.68% in the last 5 years...

In 2003, tourist arrivals in Guimaras soared to a high of 116,880, the highest since the island became a full-fledged province in 1993. Compared to its level of 24,115 five years ago, tourist arrivals grew by 384.68 percent in 2003. The overwhelming surge may be attributed to Guimaras efforts to be known as one of the popular tourist hubs in Western Visayas. Currently, Guimaras Provincial Government under the able stewardship of Governor JC Rahman A. Nava still works for a giant leap in the tourism industry.

http://www.nscb.gov.ph/ru6/facts_15.gif

Regionwise, tourist arrivals in Guimaras account for 12.0 percent share to the total regional tourist arrivals, following Iloilo with 22.0 percent, Negros Occidental with 23.0 percent and Aklan with 38.4 percent. Correspondingly, tourist receipts increased by 6.81 percent in 2003 as compared to its level a year ago. This growth accounts for 12.9 percent share, making it the 4th largest contributor to the total regional tourist receipts. This statistics indicates an optimistic scenario for the generation of more employment and investment opportunities in the province.

Guimaras boasts of its prestine beauty - white sand beaches where one can enjoy fishing, hiking, trekking, deep sea diving, and beachcombing, and moreover, - a perfect venture for island hopping to newly-developed island and islet resorts. Other attractions that Guimaras offer to tourists include the Trappist Monastery, the first and the only of its kind in the country offering refuge to tired spirits for reflection and prayers; and "Pagtaltal sa Guimaras," during the lenten season.

http://www.nscb.gov.ph/ru6/facts_16.gif

The island province of Guimaras is also known as the "Mango Country of Western Visayas," producing mangoes "...one in the world renowned for its sweetness." Guimaras mango first entered the world market in 2002. This paved the way for the Department of Tourism to give top priority in their campaign showcasing the "Manggahan Festival" celebrated every third week of May every year.

Guimaras also made a history in the statistical community for having the first Provincial National Statistical Information Center (NSIC) in the Philippines. This was officially launched in May 2003.

Binirayan gears up for biggest tribe competition


San Jose, Antique -- With the major cash prize of P100,000 up for grabs, this year's Binirayan festival may well be the grandest tribe competition in the festival's 32-year history. As of press time, eight tribes have confirmed their participation in the Malay-Ati competition.


The Malay-Ati is Antique's version of the mardi gras and street-dancing like Kalibo's Ati-atihan and Iloilo's Dinagyang. It is unique in that it is based not on religious devotion but on cultural celebration of the province's history. The Antiqueños trace their roots to the original Ati settlers of Panay and the Malay immigrants who arrived around 12th century A.D. The Malay-Ati dramatizes this and is envisioned to showcase the integration of Ati and Malay cultures in present-day Antique life. Other innovation in this tribe competition are the compulsory use of bamboo-made "tonggatong" and "tultogan", which form the basic musical instruments, and the use of the Binirayan beat, which was first introduced in the Ati-atihan tribes competition in the early eighties.

The contesting tribes in this year's Malay-Ati competition are Tribu Buroyloganay of Sibalom, Tribu Urukay of Anini-y, Tribu Tugbong of Pandan, Tribu Pahinis de Bukidnon of Guisijan, Laua-an, Tribu Kamunuan of Hamtic, Tribu Pahinis of Laua-an, St. Anthony' College, and Tribu Hantikan. The performances will be judged at the EBJ Freedom Park at 2:00 PM on April 29.

The winner gets P100,000 cash and trophy, while the second and third placers get P50,000 and P30,000, respectively. Last year's champion Tribu Kumpletos Rekados, which is composed of the local gays association, is not joining. The runner up, Pandan's Tribu Tugbong represented the province at the Wow! Philippines! in Intramuros in June 2005.


Link : http://thenewstoday.info/2006/03/22/binirayan.gears.up.for.biggest.tribe.competition.html

awaiting to see Antique's awakening .. actually, I'll cheer more sa Antique ah. It's a natural beauty gid. Paspas Antique! :cheers:

where's cool ash now? Welcome gid diri sa Guimaras Thread, Cool ash. I hope you can help us keep informed sa mga nagakinatabo sa Guimaras. Hala Bira ! :cheers:

let's cheers for Antique as they celebrate their Binirayan Festival !

thanks for posting the article Chymera. I hope Guimaras will continue to draw more tourists to visit their province. Guimaras is absolutely beautiful.

Btw, welcome cool ash.

Friday, March 24, 2006
Pope gets a taste of Guimaras mangoes

TRUE to the realization of her pet campaign when she first ran for public office, former Guimaras Governor and Congresswoman Emily Relucio-Lopez did put the Guimaras mango on the world map.

And albeit retired from politics, she has not ceased to work in pushing for that honor.

"Plant a mango tree and send your child to college," went her motto then with years she spent in government service best remembered by her commitment, perseverance and strong resolve to do just that --- put the Guimaras mango on the world map.

Last Tuesday, members of the Philippine Delegation which includes Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, Senator and Mrs. Ralph Recto, Bea Zobel, Merci Tuazon and many others were off to the Vatican, bringing with them a basket of these Guimaras produce, the mangoes being a special gift for His Excellency, Pope Benedict XVI.

"We wanted to give him the very best," Philippine Ambassador to the Holy See, Ambassador Leonidas Vera said.

The former lawmaker was more than willing to personally work on putting together the special gift.

"These mangoes are not only from me but from all the people of Guimaras headed by Congressman Edgar Espinosa and Governor Rahman Nava. This comes with so much pride and honor that I share with each and every Guimarasnon. Our efforts has paid off and with the continued efforts to keep Guimaras mango the best that it is, then we can be assured of it remaining to be world-class," Lopez said.

And it is not only the Vatican where the distinct taste of Guimaras mangoes will be enjoyed. During Lopez's term, then US President Bill Clinton also had one special treat at the White House --- a basketful of Guimaras Mangoes. Guimaras' fertile soil said to cover about half of its land has since been found to be ideal for a range of fruit trees and upland crops. Some thirty percent of thousand mango trees bear a variety called "Carabao mango," considered and acknowledged to be the sweetest among its class.

Back in the Lopez administration with efforts and government resources still minimal, Guimaras was then said to have exported thousands of Guimaras mangoes to Singapore, Hongkong and Japan.

The Guimaras mango is the only one in the Philippines and the third in the world that has passed the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) pest-free test. It is also accepted in Australia.


Link : http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ilo/2006/03/24/news/pope.gets.a.taste.of.guimaras.mangoes.html

May Pope Benedict enjoy the taste of Guimaras Mangoes. :)

tanx for the PIX of Gaisano Roxas...at least people will have an idea kun ano tsura sang mall sa capiz....a 30K sq/m mall in a city like roxas is surprising but what's more suprising is, gaisano is constructing another mall(mini mall) not too far away from the gaisano city site...nice development for capiz! :)

That's right. I wonder why Gaisano has built malls in Roxas and San Carlos and skipped Dumaguete, which I think is bigger and far more important than both cities in so many ways...

i used to live in roxas because of work, i like the place, di nga lang siya kasing progressive ng yloilo pero may dating. ciguro i just like the scenery. too many buildings and less parks or greenery is nothing.

the only thing i hate sa roxas ang tricycles. kahaladlokan magtabok, kadasig abi magpadalagan. but the heck, im always afraid to cross the road (chicken) even with jeepneys.

I like the beach, very relaxing as watching the waves where the sun is setting while drinking beer and eating native foods. Haaayyy, i miss roxas. Well i guess, i like the simple life of the people in roxas.

Ara pa na da ang floating restaurant sa river sa roxas? naga enjoy ko nga daan sa foods dira.

May ara floating resto sa Roxas? Wow!I've been there once and "seafoods" is absolutely great! Barato pa. Wish to visit Roxas pagbalik ko naman sa Iloilo.

I think Gaisano have done their homeworks about Roxas and San Carlos. Maybe they found out that a mall in Roxas or San Carlos will be bringing them more profit than putting up a mall in other cities.


That's right. I wonder why Gaisano has built malls in Roxas and San Carlos and skipped Dumaguete, which I think is bigger and far more important than both cities in so many ways...

There can never be a Gaisano in Dumaguete because Lee Plaza is a member of the Gaisano family. There is a hypermart at the outskirt of Dumaguete which is considerably big with its huge parking space and bodegas at the back (some callcenter companies even consider locating there), they call it LP Hypermart, and which considerably looks like Makro. Robinsons has acquired a 6-hectare lot in Dumaguete besides Teletech Center and is building a mall there to open late this year or early next year. Mart One, a national commercial establishments operator (it has branches in the CALABARZON and Central luzon areas) has plans of expanding at its back portion.

I think Gaisano have done their homeworks about Roxas and San Carlos. Maybe they found out that a mall in Roxas or San Carlos will be bringing them more profit than putting up a mall in other cities.

So Lee Plaza is owned by Gaisano. Hmmm, maybe Gaisano decided that the Gaisano brand is just too common for Dumaguete. Just do not underestimate other places outside Panay. I haven't yet been to Roxas but I do know some things about it. I almost visited Roxas while I was studying at UPV because some girl invited me. But before that, she visited Iloilo and met with me. First thing she asked was "which one is your car"? There was a trike parked several slots away from my van... I pointed to that trike... heheh! Was totally turned off that I decided not to go to Roxas to visit her anymore. But I also have nice friends from Filamer Christian College.

i heard the owner of lee plaza used to work as one of the top officers of white gold (also a member of the gaisano empire) in cebu, and decided to settle in dumaguete...

So Lee Plaza is owned by Gaisano. Hmmm, maybe Gaisano decided that the Gaisano brand is just too common for Dumaguete. Just do not underestimate other places outside Panay. I haven't yet been to Roxas but I do know some things about it. I almost visited Roxas while I was studying at UPV because some girl invited me. But before that, she visited Iloilo and met with me. First thing she asked was "which one is your car"? There was a trike parked several slots away from my van... I pointed to that trike... heheh! Was totally turned off that I decided not to go to Roxas to visit her anymore. But I also have nice friends from Filamer Christian College.
too common?

Hmmm...Sounds familiar...hehehe anyway, what do you know about Roxas City?

Btw, there are also plans of putting up a Gaisano Mall in San Jose, Antique.


So Lee Plaza is owned by Gaisano. Hmmm, maybe Gaisano decided that the Gaisano brand is just too common for Dumaguete. Just do not underestimate other places outside Panay. I haven't yet been to Roxas but I do know some things about it. I almost visited Roxas while I was studying at UPV because some girl invited me. But before that, she visited Iloilo and met with me. First thing she asked was "which one is your car"? There was a trike parked several slots away from my van... I pointed to that trike... heheh! Was totally turned off that I decided not to go to Roxas to visit her anymore. But I also have nice friends from Filamer Christian College.

Hmmm...Sounds familiar...hehehe anyway, what do you know about Roxas City?

Btw, there are also plans of putting up a Gaisano Mall in San Jose, Antique.

Chy, Too common means too ordinary... they are everywhere! As for what I know about Roxas, it has about the same population as Cadiz City, San Carlos City, Kabankalan City (they also have a new Gaisano), and Bago City. Only difference is all these cities do not have their own airport yet. Kabankalan and San Carlos is getting their own airport soon though I think Cadiz would be in a better position to have its own airport due to its distance. Roxas also has its Filamer Christian College which I hear is quite good. The rest, you've mentioned here in this thread already. Am sure interested to see what Roxas is like in the future.

Just a question lang gid, what's with the Negrosanon cities do with Roxas City of Capiz and other Panay provinces? Would they be of help at all? Looks like the topic is too irrelevant to be discussed here in this thread. Besides, I don't find any reason to compare Roxas with other cities. It's a lame comparison to discuss who got a Gaisano mall, etc. It's like telling everyone we have a Gaisano store in our area .. and SO?

-reserved-

Just a question lang gid, what's with the Negrosanon cities do with Roxas City of Capiz and other Panay provinces? Would they be of help at all? Looks like the topic is too irrelevant to be discussed here in this thread. Besides, I don't find any reason to compare Roxas with other cities. It's a lame comparison to discuss who got a Gaisano mall, etc. It's like telling everyone we have a Gaisano store in our area .. and SO?

I guess you're right about this. Sorry for strying off a bit here. But somebody did ask what I knew about Roxas. I just answered his question.

Thanks. Back to the proper topic then. The thread is for Panay Provinces. Let's keep it that way.

i used to live in roxas because of work, i like the place, di nga lang siya kasing progressive ng yloilo pero may dating. ciguro i just like the scenery. too many buildings and less parks or greenery is nothing.

the only thing i hate sa roxas ang tricycles. kahaladlokan magtabok, kadasig abi magpadalagan. but the heck, im always afraid to cross the road (chicken) even with jeepneys.

I like the beach, very relaxing as watching the waves where the sun is setting while drinking beer and eating native foods. Haaayyy, i miss roxas. Well i guess, i like the simple life of the people in roxas.

Ara pa na da ang floating restaurant sa river sa roxas? naga enjoy ko nga daan sa foods dira.
And don't forget the seafoods, Caloy. Much cheaper and fresher. And yes, Roxas City beaches are beautiful, too.

magkano gagastusin ko kung mag-food trip ako dyan... kaya ba ang 2,000?

2,000 for Roxas City will go a long, long way. Depende iyan kung ano ang bibilhin. If you happen to like lobsters, etc. then expect it a little bit less though mas mura siya compare to anywhere else. But 2,000 foodtrip for a day is a big amount for a food alone when in Roxas.

i'm allergic to crustaceans... sadly... but i like oysters and fish.

Antique

Water Kayak
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e248/lewdsaint/antique_white_water_kayak.jpg

Malumpati Health Spring
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e248/lewdsaint/antique_malumpati_health_spring.jpg

Biraymalandog
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e248/lewdsaint/antique_biraymalandoghamtic.jpg

Antique Ati-atihan
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e248/lewdsaint/antique_atiatihan.jpg

i'm allergic to crustaceans... sadly... but i like oysters and fish.
well, you can have it all there. Served less than 2grand, for sure.

Thanks. Back to the proper topic then. The thread is for Panay Provinces. Let's keep it that way.

Well, I just said it is similarly sized to... since there are no other similar sized cities in Panay, then I had to mention which other cities would be most like ROxas. But enough of that.

Btw, was there a province named Jordan in Panay?

isn't that the capital of that island off iloilo?

Btw, was there a province named Jordan in Panay?
Jordan is the Provincial Capital of Guimaras.

isn't that the capital of that island off iloilo?

That Island happens to be a province. But since its outside Panay Island, shall we go back to the topic of this thread?

Antique

Water Kayak
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e248/lewdsaint/antique_white_water_kayak.jpg

Malumpati Health Spring
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e248/lewdsaint/antique_malumpati_health_spring.jpg

Biraymalandog
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e248/lewdsaint/antique_biraymalandoghamtic.jpg

Antique Ati-atihan
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e248/lewdsaint/antique_atiatihan.jpg
Lew, thanks for the pics of Antique.

Okay, I thought it was part of Panay. :) Thanks for the clarification.
@Dinho, you don't need to say that, he was just asking a question. :) We should answer him politely.

Okay, I thought it was part of Panay. :) Thanks for the clarification.
@Dinho, you don't need to say that, he was just asking a question. :)

Uh, sorry... More pictures of Roxas City please. And which of the 3 airports in Panay do the tourists to Boracay usually use? I hope there would be a fast craft service between Bacolod and Boracay/Roxas in the future.

Okay, I thought it was part of Panay. :) Thanks for the clarification.
@Dinho, you don't need to say that, he was just asking a question. :)
That's right and I agree with you, Sinjin.

magkano gagastusin ko kung mag-food trip ako dyan... kaya ba ang 2,000?

for a 500 pesos, busog ka na. if u know where to go properly. kag indi ka lang pislian. 500, duha na kami before busog busog guid. talaba is soooo big. namit namit guid ya. lol.

namit ka talaba ka roxas. the only thing i missed is buying dried fish to masbate. masbate is very close to roxas. nanay used to go to masbate just to buy those. ci nanay lang, di ako kaupod cang una kay nagsakit tyan ko, waaaaaaaaaaaa...

even in yloilo city 2,000 is more than enough.

come and visit roxas and capiz. it has a different atmosphere. if you want from there, u go to kalibo, then to boracay, afer which, you go to antique, or yloilo, then to guimaras. nice places to go.

Tibiao: A progressing town in the heart of Antique

TIBIAO, Antique – Strategically located in the heart of Antique, Tibiao is blessed with several rustic, unspoiled and panoramic beauty of its surroundings.

Tibiao though considered a fourth class municipality, is a fast progressing town endowed with breath-taking nature and friendly people with only a two-hour ride away from Boracay Island, Aklan and 73 kilometers away from San Jose de Buenavista with buses and vans and jeepneys providing services to and from the neighboring municipalities and the rest of Panay.


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WHITE water kayaking at Antique.


Aside from its natural landscape, Tibiao prides its annual celebration of Panguyang Festival every 3rd week of February and its religious fiesta on September 11 in honor of its patron saint San Nicholas de Tolentino.

2005 Tibiao’s Infrastructure Projects

Under the able leadership of Mayor Sotera Tamayo, Tibiao has provided various infrastructure and social projects for its constituents in its vision of making Tibiao a progressive municipality.

Mayor Tamayo’s project includes the construction of Poblacion Water Supply (Phase III) in Poblacion amounting to P1, 020,332.90; Rehabilitation of Parian St., - P100, 000, Construction of 1-unit two stalls in Public Market – P 360,000; completion of Tourist Registration Center (Importante) – P 50,000; improvement of Muscovado Sugar Mill (La Paz) – P 77,000; rehabilitation of streetlights (Sta. Ana) – P 65,000; concreting of Brgy. Road (Castillo) – P 50,000; construction of Barangay Hall Phase I (Pitac) – P 50,000; Martinez Spring Development (Martinez) – P50,000; construction/installation of roofing, concreting of benches (Tigbaboy) – P50,000; expansion of Barangay Hall Phase I & II (Sto. Rosario) – P100, 000; renovation of stage (San Francisco Norte) – P 50,000; completion of Brgy. Hall (Malabon) – P50, 000; Drainage System (Malabon) – P50, 000; construction of Reservoir (Amar) – P 50,000; concreting of Brgy. Road (Alegre) – P50, 000; rehabilitation of farm to market road (San Isidro) – P50, 000; improvement of Barangay road (Bandoja) – P50, 000; rehabilitation of Brgy. Stage – (Natividad) – P50, 000; construction of two-storey Brgy. Hall (Tuno) – P50,000; Barangay road maintenance (Poblacion) – P50,000; construction of perimeter fence (Importante) – P50,000; streetlights (San Francisco Sur) – P50,000; demolition/construction of Multi-Purpose Hall Phase I (San Francisco Norte) – P150,000; water supply (Importante) – P50,000; electrification of Principal’s office (Poblacion) - P7,000; Flood Control (La Paz) – P50,000; Barangay road maintenance – (Sta. Justa) – P50,000; construction of RCPC (Esparagoza) – P50,000; hanging bridge Phase I (Salazar) – P50,000;
improvement of MPDC Office (Mun. Hall) - P64, 415; improvement of Accounting Office (Mun. Hall) – P 41,000; repair of market stall (Poblacion) – P45,000; rehabilitation of Lamar Extension road (Poblacion) –P100,000; Drainage Canal Phase II (Poblacion) – P150,000; construction of street lights (Gua, Poblacion) – P118,000; construction of Fish building (Public Market) – P625,000; rehabilitation of Day Care Center in Brgys. San Francisco Sur, San Isidro and Sto. Rosario - P73,188.47; re-channeling of Dalanas River (Sta. Ana) – P229,000; Shed House, fencing (Phase I & II) and construction of riprap at dumpsite (Malabor) -P 124,000; construction and demolition of Multi-Purpose Hall (San Francisco Norte) – P100,000; rewiring of public plaza – P140,000; repair of 3CL Bagong Lipunan Bldg. (Sto. Rosario) – P350,000; improvement of assessor’s Office – P 11,000; maintenance of muscovado sugar mill (La Paz) – P51,000; water supply at Central School (Poblacion) – P25,000; repair of Home Economics Bldg. (Pitac) – P175,000; Martinez Spring Development (Martinez) P89,875.49; Rice Hull Fired Kiln (Bandoja) –P221,729; construction of one unit of 3CL School Bldg. and one unit of 3CL School Bldg. with toilet and one unit school toilet (TLM Highschool) – SEDIP Project (25 percent LGU – 75 percent SEDIP).


Tourist Attractions

Tibiao is endowed with its own beautiful sceneries of nature ideal for the visiting tourists and nature lovers.

Among those were the ‘Bugtong Bato Falls,’ which can be found in Tibiao, it is a seven-tiered waterfalls located at Tuno, Tibao, Antique.

Tibiao River is ideal for white water kayaking, rises at the slopes of Mt. Madja-as the highest point in Panay Island and plunges with over 1,000 meters on its short run to the ocean. There is about 23 kms. of navigable water on the river but access to upper section is difficult.

The EBJ Rain Forest, located in Brgy. Tigbaboy has an area of 100 hectares with a thick variety of wild and known forest trees, named after the first evolved hero in Antique, Evelio B. Javier who sowed the first seed to open the nursery for the municipality in 1970s. Mahogany and Gemelina are most dominant.

The Hanging Bridge located at Brgy. Tigbaboy stretches up to 80 meters suspended across Tibiao River.

Constructed in the early 1980’s which served as a finishing line to Kayaking-slalom competition and gateway to nearby barangays, since the area is half lined with steep river filled with wild specially during wet spill.

Paris Mountain Resort, the early ancestral settlement site headed by Datu Oguid of Borneo in the year 1786. In this place evolved a community where Christianity, trade and commerce were first practiced.

Seco Point island, a two-hour motorboat ride from the mainland, resembles a giant floating object due to its white sand. Approximately one meter above sea level, it stretches up to 1.5 kms. and 500 meters to its widest and is ideal for island hopping, fishing, scuba diving and culture of “Tambalang” algea.

In the Poblacion, the palm-fringed Villa Arsenia Beach is itself a scenery.

Tiguis by the Beach is located at Brgy. La Paz, along the national highway. Both provide swimming enthusiasts with the exotic blend of big white rocks under the roof of thick “Lunok” tree.

The Coral Resort, approximately five hectares wide submerged landscape of colorful corals assorted variety of flora and fauna growing abundantly at its bed.

This is ideal for snorkeling, whereby one can view the vastness of large sponges, star fishes, cucumber, urchins, colored barnacles clinging to protruding stones and drifted wood, tiger fish, perch, eels, lapu-lapu and octopus in assorted colors and sizes.

Located at Poblacion Sur, it is just 50 meters from the shoreline by wading. For beginners, bangkas are available for hire.


(from Panay News)

thought we're talking bakery here. Go Tibiao! Go Antique! :)

P149M Panay-Boracay power
project set to start operation


BORACAY – Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla is set to inaugurate the P149-million Panay-Boracay Interconnection Project on April 8.

Information Officer Cora Dureza of the National Transmission Corporation (TransCo-Region VI) said the Panay-Boracay Interconnection project is the first phase of the TransCo’s Small Island Submarine Interconnection Development (SISID) program aimed to establish a bi-directional electricity highway at the nation’s western corridor and eventually complete the Luz0n-Visayas transmission loop.

As earlier announced by TransCo President Alan Ortiz, the 69-kilovolt interconnection project is their commitment to meet the increasing power requirements of Boracay Island, the country’s world-famous tourist destination.

The SISID program, a multi-phase transmission project, as envisioned will start at Panay-Boracay, then the Luzon-Mindoro, followed by Mindoro-Semirara Island-Panay; and finally the Boracay-Tablas-Romblon transmission links.

This development program will allow the interconnection of key small islands and enable it to maximize its economic potentials.

The new transmission highway will complement the Leyte-Luzon Interconnection Link in the Eastern corridor.

As to the Panay-Boracay Interconnection project, TransCo successfully completed the laying of 1.6 kilometers submarine cable which will connect TransCo’s future cable terminal stations in Caticlan and in Manok-Manok, Boracay which are being fast-tracked for completion by the end of this month or early April.

Providing the country’s world-famous tourist destination, Boracay Island, a clean and more reliable energy is one of the thrusts of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

The 69-kilovolt Panay-Boracay Interconnection Project is a joint undertaking of TransCo and the Aklan Electric Cooperative.

(from Panay News)

Week-long fiber festival,
agro-industrial fair set
By ULYSSES ESPARTERO


KALIBO, Aklan – The Aklan Piña Fiber Festival and Agro-Industrial fair opens on April 24 at Provincial Capitol Grounds here. It will end on the 30th.

The showcase, a project of the provincial government under Gov. Carlito Marquez and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Aklan Provincial Office under Provincial Director Ermelinda Pollentes, will promote local products handcrafted by local artisans for sale at reasonable prizes.

This year’s trades fair will feature Aklan’s home lifestyle products and best tasting pasalubong.
Among the featured products at the fiber festival exhibits are loomwoven clothes and accessories made of piña, abaca and raffia fibers, gifts and house ware items made of indigenous materials like fibers, vines, handmade paper and clay; processed food; garden show featuring, among others, ornamental plants; and furniture-mixed-media using wax, steel, rattan in combination with indigenous materials.

At the Agro-Industrial exhibits, to be featured are products and services of the 17 towns of Aklan, Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR)-assisted Agrarian Reform Communities (ARCs), Aklan State University, Department of Agriculture (DA)-Office of Provincial Agriculturist (OPA), Fiber Industry Development Authority (FIDA) and Aklan Small and Medium Enterprise Development Council (ASMEDC).

The sponsors include Aklan Piña Manufacturers and Traders Association, Inc. chaired by Anna India Legaspi, the Hugod Aklanon Producers Association, Incorporated headed by Amelia Rentillo, Aklan Ati-Atihan Chamber of Commerce and Industry headed by Engr. Marlon Julius Lao, the Arts Council of Aklan Foundation chaired by Dean Erlinda Quimpo Fernandez and ASMEDC.

The event marks the fourth holding of the product showcase. Instituted in 2002 during the time of then Gov. Florencio Miraflores, the trade fair is one of the highlights of Aklan foundation anniversary.

According to Vice Gov. Ronquillo Tolentino, Aklanons will mark their 50th Golden Anniversary on August 25 when exactly five decades ago, President Ramon Magsaysay signed into law Republic Act 1414 separating 17 towns of Aklan to constitute the province of Aklan as an offshoot of House Bill 334 authored by the late Congressman Godofredo P. Ramos.


(from Panay News)

Binirayan fest sails today


SAN JOSE, Antique – Colorful banners wave around EBJ Freedom Park and the surrounding streets here as the annual Binirayan Festival officially opens today.

The drumbeating starts around town in the afternoon signaling the launching program led by Antique Gov. Salvacion Zaldivar Perez at 4 p.m.

Running the whole month of April, the Binirayan Festival bids to become the longest festival in the country.

Activities today include the opening of outdoor exhibits at the EBJ Freedom Park featuring the Ati House and the Sulod-Bukidnon House. The exhibits are part of bringing to the awareness of the public the indigenous cultures of Antique.

Local songs and folkdances will also be featured in the program. In the evening, a local showband provides entertainment at the park’s Golden Sadok stage.

This year’s theme is “Kabuganaan halin sa pinanubli nga dunang manggad” (A bountiful harvest from our natural heritage), implying that Antique’s culture is shaped as well by their natural environment.

Weekend events are lined up in the month-long festival, including night markets, Semana Santa, Komedya Festival, food and music fest, agro-industrial and trade fair, and the three-day highlights on April 27 to 29.

The Binirayan is the brainchild of Gov. Evelio Javier. Launched in 1974, it takes its motif from the Maragtas legends of the Bornean datu who landed and settled in Brgy. Malandog, Hamtic town.

Binirayan comes from the word “biray” meaning “to sail.” The festival aims to instill in the Antiqueño character pride for their noble Malay heritage.

Now in its 32nd year, the Binirayan Festival is being managed by the Binirayan Foundation, Inc. (BFI), a non-government organization incorporated in 1999 and accredited by the provincial government.

The BFI since 2001, under the administration of Perez, has modified the concept to emphasize not only the coming of the Malays but also the heritage of the Ati, the original settlers of Panay.

The organizers redefined the legendary “barter of Panay” as not a business transaction between the Ati and the Malays but a symbolic act of friendship, generosity, and thanksgiving. Thus, the Binirayan is a cultural celebration of Antique’s rich heritage.

(from Panay News)

Fashion show to showcase
one-of-a-kind Aklan fibers
By ULYSSES ESPARTERO


KALIBO, Aklan – The provincial government and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Aklan Provincial Office will be holding a craft, culture and folkways fashion show dubbed “Aninag” on April 30 at the ABL Sports Complex here.

The fashion show is one of the major events of the week-long celebration of 50th foundation anniversary of Aklan.

“Aninag” is a fashion show of clothes and accessories made of exotic, fragile yet durable, Aklan-grown fibers like piña, abaca and raffia.

Professional fashion mannequins from Manila, famous television and movie personalities were tapped to don clothes and accessories made of fibers.

DTI Provincial Director Ermelinda Pollentes recalled that the first Aninag fashion show was organized during the term of then Gov. Florencio Miraflores. Professional models from Manila, famous showbiz personalities, government officials and other VIPs added luster to the event.

This year’ show will feature the creations of PJ Arañador, internationally renowned lifestyle designer. He will be joined by Aklan’s leading designers the likes of Ed Autencio, Peter Rian Casidsid, India Legaspi, Ryan Lopez, Kitchie Marte, Jay Masangya and Mel Quimpo.

Gov. Carlito Marquez said Aklan is a province of expert weavers and craftsmen whose creations have earned a reputation for quality.

The extraction of piña fiber from pineapple leaves is a unique process, a must-see for tourists visiting Aklan because only few people outside the province have managed to master it.


(from Panay News)

This is a thread that will unite the twin cities of Bacolod and Iloilo and stop bashing one another or maybe this will be the place where they will bash one another lol. But im really hoping we could get along as we are the only Major Ilonggo cities in the country and we don't have anyone one else except one another.

Lets promote being Ilonggo as one not as being separate from 2 islands. OK here we go :)

Kabati na kamu sang illpride??? have your ever heard of them??

thanks TJ, i think we should unite, i hope wala na comaring diri ha.

I agree. STOP COMPARING. It's no use at all. I guess Ilonggos are not fond of comparing Iloilo with any other cities at all.

Thanks for starting the thread TJ. :)

Bakod ni nga thread a! Folks, here's my position: I grew up in Bacolod but my father's lineage really comes from a humble town outside Iloilo City (still Iloilo province nonetheless). Come to think of it, long before Negros began to be populated with the so called DBF's (de buen famille), these migrants had their origins in Iloilo. As such, I see no sense why we should be bashing each other. What we see here on a miniature scale right in this forum is sometimes reflective of the parochial mindset we've developed because of the physical divide created by the strait of Panay. This divide should be broken down if we want to see the entire Region 6 emerge in full bloom.

To the Ilonggos and the Negrenses, our real challenge for the longest time is that we haven't seen a visionary rise up to push forward a united Region 6. I hope that in the coming years someone can finally step up to the plate.

Sa tuod lang, back in the Commonwealth years and in the 50s, Ilonggos (I speak collectively of those from Iloilo and Negros) were considered as prime movers not just in the realm of politics, but in the business arena as well. Long before there was any established shipping line in the archipelago plying multiple routes, Negros Navigation was already there. Though primarily based in Iloilo, NN bore the name Negros more than it did Iloilo - a testament to the unified vision of NN's leaders. We all know of the expanse of the Lopez empire. This still finds its roots in Iloilo. And where would Philippine agriculture be without the far-reaching effects of Planters' Products then led under the auspices of the Montelibanos? The list goes on. So many Ilonggos to be proud of. Hence, magsuportahanay kita!

I could go on with other things and actually make a thesis out of the strength Region 6 posseses. However, I will spare you the details and not bore you to death. I will only say one thing as a parting shot. There may be a woman living by the Pasig river who thinks she runs this country. In actuality, there is a man who has tried to keep out of the limelight and yet wields similar power. He may not have the equivalent authority vested on him by way of public office, but his power is undeniable. He lives in Region 6. You will remember him everytime you lift that bottle of Pale Pilsen.

Sa mga kasimanwa, MAGHILI-UGYON KITA!


And to @TJ, I have to say this, many times in this forum you seem to not make sense with your posts and have in fact run into a number of spats with forumers (including myself). But I have to hand it to you, saludo ako sa imo for starting this thread :applause:

MABUHI KAMO TANAN!

I have thought of this lately a bridge connecting iloilo and guimaras would be 2.5km length from point a to b at the tightest possible way of connection which would be i think within the villa area. The closest possible link of building a bridge betwenn negros and guimaras is the pulupandan to the crocodile island connection which is 6km from the nearest crocodile island, and another 6km connecting to guimaras. In which all in all from iloilo to bacolod the closest possible travel distance is 70+km. Which is as much as far as himamaylan and even a lot closer than kabangkalan which is around 90km away.

If someday in the far away future if the country would progress it is truly possible to build a chesapeak bay type of bridge from guimaras to iloilo and from guimaras to bacolod. :)

Ti wala gid may isa sa inyo ga pamati sang songs ka ill pride???

Thanks TJ. I'm tired of seeing all those arguements on which city is better. Next time i see one, its an automatic lock for the thread and warnings/brigging.

Ti wala gid may isa sa inyo ga pamati sang songs ka ill pride???

pasensya ka na chief kay ako ya medyo gul-it na kun sa musika istoryahan :lol:

Pls post mga bag-o nga pictures sang Iloilo and Bacolod.

Great idea ang ginhimo mo TJ. :)

Pls post mga bag-o nga pictures sang Iloilo and Bacolod.

Baw migo Joey, kamusta na? dugay na ko waay ka bati sa imo :)

Rename naton ang thread sa sunod para mas-attracting.
Suggestion ko

Western Visayas : Festival Capital of the Philippines

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Dev't council defines tourism market for W. Visayas

"WE'VE GOT what you are looking for." This is the banner of the Tourism Action Plan 2010 of Western Visayas as presented by Department of Tourism Regional Director Edwin Trompeta.

The action plan garnered the unanimous nod of the Regional Development Council (RDC) during its first quarter regular meeting held recently in Iloilo City.

Trompeta said Western Visayas has everything what foreign and local tourists are looking for.

The region is also positioning itself as the festival capital of the Philippines.

The RDC approval was in recognition of the important role of tourism in the economic development of Western Visayas and as an important asset and enhancer of the quality of life of the people.

Tourism Action plan 2010 was prepared by the Department of Tourism in cooperation with the RDC-Western Visayas and the Canadian Urban Institute.

A common Western Visayas Tourism Action Plan until 2010 would serve as a blueprint to coordinate and communicate the initiatives that were undertaken by the tourism industry in the region for the past years.

Trompeta said the hub of the tourist attraction in Western Visayas region would still be Boracay and the other provinces would revolve around it.

Antique and Aklan province would be developed as nature-based eco-tourism and adventure sites.

Capiz will be promoted under the cupflowers, seafood, marine, and adventure attractions.

Negros Occidental and Bacolod City will be for adventure, culture, and heritage tourism and as site for meetings and conventions.

Iloilo will be marketed for its cultural heritage and as venue for conventions, conferences, and meetings.

Trompeta said they intend to work on the tourism support services under the lines of policy and communication support.

Target markets will be both foreign and local markets.

He also revealed that they are targeting the East Asian markets like Korea, Japan, Taiwan, China and Hongkong. Though the bulk of our tourists come from the North Americas at present.

Western Europe, Australia and New Zealand markets will also be tapped, he said.

Trompeta said they are proposing two taglines in marketing Western Visayas: "Festival Capital of the Philippines" and "We've Got What You Are Looking For".

Some of Western Visayas Festivals

Hiloanahay Festival
Sigma, Capiz

Along a narrow river, several bamboo rafts rendezvoused in an orderly fashion. One raft after another crossed the river. A few blocks away, on a bridge's platform, hundreds and hundreds of spectators watched as the rafts disembarked at the adjacent dam.


Manggahan Festival
Guimaras

It has been 12 years since the island of Guimaras was proclaimed an independent province. Every year, Guimarasnons express their colorful way of life through a festival called Manggahan Festival sg Guimaras. The island is not only known locally and nationally for its fresh and bountiful harvest of mangoes, but also for the artistry of its people.


Dinagyang
Iloilo City, Iloilo

Dinagyang, oh Dinagyang! The Ilonggo's spirit of revelry and eternal devotion to the Senior Sto. Niño fueled by the invigorating drumbeats and panoramic kaleidoscope of motions, colors and enchantment .


Hirinugyaw-Suguidadonay
Calinog, Iloilo

In the wake of modernization and technological breakthrough in the world today, an age-old cultural heritage that mirrors the vast wealth of the past is deeply carved in the gentle hearts of the “ Calinognons ” as depicted in their annual celebration of Hirinugyaw Festival.


Binanog
Lambunao, Iloilo

The wealth of Lambunao's cultural and religious essence cannot only be traced on its wonderful church, plaza and famous attractions such as the “ Tinagong dagat ”, the Bukidnons and their “ Binukot ” women but through its legendary “ Binanog ” dance that was artistically transformed into a major festivity of the town every first week of January.


Salakayan Festival
Miag-ao, Iloilo

The Miag-aoanons are known in the region as among the bravest people in the local history. Further, this humble town kept an age-old weaving wealth that has left unfading marks of relevance in the hearts of the Ilonggos . Its world-renowned age-old church which is included in the Unesco's World Heritage List add glitter and significance to the town's greatness.


Tultugan Festival
Maasin, Iloilo - Dec 26 to Jan 8

Tultugan Festival will feature competition of tribes and street dancing with participants wearing native costumes made of bamboo as dominant material and dancing to the live beats of bamboo instruments.


Binirayan Festival
San Jose, Antique

Binirayan is Antique's annual festival. Literally means, “where they landed”, recalls the story of the ten Bornean datus led by Datu Puti and Datu Sumakwel who fled from the oppressive rule of Sultan Makatunaw and their subsequent settlement in Panay in the early 15 th century.


Pavia's Carabao-Carroza Festival
Pavia, Iloilo

Pavia 's fiesta celebration is held every May and is highlighted by its world-famed Carabao-Carroza Festival celebrated annually. This 31-year old festival displays the Pavianhon's ingenuity as a people.


Katagman Festival
Oton, Iloilo

Old records have revealed that Katagman was the original name of Barangay San Antonio before the coming of the Spaniards. It was in San Antonio where the civilization in this part of the country started.


Masskara Festival
Bacolod, Negros Occidental

Masskara is a cardinal symbol that depicts the many faces of life and the challenges it brings. It is a festival of thanksgiving for the bounty showered upon the Negrenses during the season of harvest. Animated street dancing highlights the celebration flocked in by thousands of spectators from all over the country.

REGION VI : WESTERN VISAYAS

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GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION
Region VI or Western Visayas is composed of the four provinces of Panay, the Guimaras Island and the western portion of the island of Negros and its outlying islands. Its boundaries are the Visayan Sea on the east, the Cuyo East Pass on the west, the Sibuyan Sea and Romblon on the north and the Cagayan Island on the southwest.

Western Visayas has a total land area of 20,223.2 sq. kms. and covers six provinces: Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Iloilo, Negros Occidental and Guimaras. The region has nine cities namely: Bacolod, Bago, Cadiz, La Carlota, Roxas, San Carlos, Silay with IloiIo City as the regional capital. The latest city in the Region is the City of Passi of Iloilo.
Its topography is characterized by relatively wide stretches of coastal lowlands with rugged hills and mountains in the interior.


POPULATION
In 2000, the region’s total population reached 6,147,000. The population increased by 6% from 1995. In 1990, the urban population was 36% of the total population.

CULTURAL GROUPS
The region’s ethno linguistic people are called Panay-Hiligaynons (Ilonggos, Aklanons, Capiceños, Antiqueños and Negrenses).

CLIMATE
The province has no pronounced climate. It has a short dry season and is relatively wet the rest of the year.

LAND USE
Region VI is an agricultural region with an area of around 1.05 M hectares or 52% of the total land area. 35.4% of this is riceland. The region also produces sugar, coconut, banana, fruits, root crops and vegetables.

It is one of the top food producers in the country. It is the largest producer of sugar, 63% of the total sugar produced in 1996. In 1996, it was the third largest rice producer among the regions, third ranking marine fish producer, and fourth largest aquaculture supplier.

NATURAL RESOURCES
Western Visayas is one of the richest regions in the country in terms of natural resources. Its forests however have been denuded due to indiscriminate logging. Its waters abound with numerous species of fish and other marine products. Mineral resources include copper, gold, silver, clay, limestone, coal, sand and gravel and other non-metallic.

It is a key fisheries development area, with its 84 coastal municipalities, eight major fishing grounds, inland bodies of water and 43,050 hectares of fishponds.

INDUSTRIES
The major economic activities of the region are farming, sugar, rice and corn milling, fishing, mining and trading. Forward and backward integration in production, processing or marketing are good areas for investment. Other important industries include livestock and poultry raising and cottage industries such as rattan craft, food preservation, ceramics and confectionery manufacturing.

The region has a competitive advantage in the production of seaweeds, mangoes, pineapple, banana and cashew.

URBAN CENTERS
The major trading and commercial centers of Western Visayas are the cities of Bacolod, Bago, Cadiz, La Carlota, San Carlos and Silay in Negros Occidental; Iloilo City in Iloilo; Roxas City in Capiz; San Jose in Antique and Kalibo in Aklan.

Metropolitan Iloilo, composed of Iloilo city and the municipalities of Oton, San Miguel, Pavia and Leganes, is planned to be the center for residential, commercial, financial and industrial activities for the region.

FACILITIES
The road network of Panay is almost 2,000 kilometers. Iloilo has the longest stretch of paved roads. The region has several seaports and airports for both water and air travel. Telephone, postal and telegraphic services are available. Electricity and water supply are accessible to the population.



Government Offices
Department of Trade and Iindustry
Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Department Of Health
Departmet of Science and Technology
Department of Public Works and Highways
Population Commission


Sources:
-Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)
-National Census and Statistics Office (NCSO)
-(NAMRIA)
-Department of Tourism (DOT)
-Abigan Jr., Edmundo R. Philguides Maps Regions I - XIII
(Manila: Philippine Guides, Inc.) 1999
-Regional Development Plan: Directions for the 21st Century
Regions I –XIII, Cordillera Administrative Region
(Philippines: Regional Development Council) 1998
-NEDA Medium Term Development Plan
(Philippines, National Economic and Development Authority), 1999.
-Actual Population per Region. http://www.PIDS.gov.ph Available online.
January 2001

Baw migo Joey, kamusta na? dugay na ko waay ka bati sa imo :)
Kumusta man pre.
Busy lang gamay sa obra kag hobby sa balay ( making custom pool sticks ).

Salamat gid GreyX!

I hope you would also include in your watchlist the "pasaways" who usually are projecting themselves as "critics".

You know who they are.

Thanks TJ. I'm tired of seeing all those arguements on which city is better. Next time i see one, its an automatic lock for the thread and warnings/brigging.

gapamati ka man gle sang rap ni adlai? hehehe

Ti wala gid may isa sa inyo ga pamati sang songs ka ill pride???

Kung sin-o magreact sya na!!! hehehe!!! Wala na sanang pasaway!!!

Let's Go WV!!!

gapamati ka man gle sang rap ni adlai? hehehe

galing pigawan ko na kay adlai mag rap kay gina sunod2x ya lang ang bone thungs.. nami da ya ang iya nga upod ang partner ya na bala idol ko na ya... :D

Western Visayas has the most contingents and participants in Aliwan Festival prove the we are the Festivals Capital

Battle of the Festivals in Manila

Sparks are set to fly at this year’s “Aliwan Fiesta” as once again, the Philippines’ grandest, loudest, and most colorful festivals come together to compete in the national championship of festivals on April 27-29.


"Aliwan Fiesta 2006" is shaping up to bring excitement to a whole new level this year. For the very first time, the Sinulog Festival of Cebu joins the ranks of dance contingents gearing up to unseat the three-time champion contingent, Iloilo’s Dinagyang Festival.

Will the newcomers, the Cebuanos of the Sinulog Festival triumph and finally break the winning streak of the long-running champions, Ilonggos of the Dinagyang Festival? Or will the Ilonggos go on to win four-peat? Which festival will reign supreme? Only one thing is for certain: the heat of the competition brought about by this much-anticipated rivalry makes this year’s "Aliwan Fiesta" worth watching.

Not only will the Sinulog and Dinagyang Festivals face off for the much-coveted R1M plum prize; the grand prize winner of this year’s festival also claims the honor of being named as the ultimate Philippine festival.

The Manila Broadcasting Company (MBC), together with the cities of Manila and Pasay and the Cultural Center of the Philippines, sets the stage for another sure-fire crowd-drawer as "Aliwan Fiesta" returns on its fourth year as the grandest national championship of all festivals.

"Aliwan Fiesta 2006" is set to bring together a record number of 30 dance contingents from all over the country, the biggest number of participants in its fourth year run.

The festival is highlighted by spirited street dancing native to the participating regions, exhibiting the richness and diversity of Philippine culture and tradition.

Thousands of the country’s finest craftsmen, street performers, and amateur models will gather to compete in Dance Parade Competition, Float Competition, and Reyna ng Aliwan beauty pageant.

Holding the reputation for giving the biggest cash prizes ever, "Aliwan Fiesta" pushes the limits by giving nearly R3 million this year.

The grand prize winner will get R1 million; with second and third runners up to win R500,000 and R250,000 respectively. The top 10 finalists will each get R50,000.

The fiesta will bring together the country’s most popular fiestas such as Pedrista Festival (Quezon City) Marikina Festival, and Pakalog Festival (Pasig) of NCR; Panagbenga Festival (Baguio City) representing CAR; Region I’s Pamulinawen Festival (Laoag City) and Agdamdamili Festival (San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte); Region II’s Sabutan Festival (Palanan, Isabela), Pinilisa Festival (Jones, Isabela) and Sambali Cagayana Festival (Baggao, Cagayan);

Region III’s Halamanan Festival (Guiguinto, Bulacan) Sto. Niño Festival (Malolos, Bulacan), Angel Festival (San Rafael, Bulacan); Region IV’s Sumakah Festival (Antipolo City) and Boling-Boling Festival (Catanauan, Quezon); Region V’s HimagUlaw Festival (Placer, Masbate) and Pili Festival (Sorsogon City); Region VI’s Dinagyang Festival (Iloilo City), Tultugan Festival (Maasin, Iloilo), Kahilyawan Festival (Santa Barbara, Iloilo), Pintados de Pasi Festival (Passi City, Iloilo) and Babaylan Festival (Bago City, Negros Occidental); Region VII’s Sinulog Festival (Cebu City); Region IX’s Hermosa Festival (Zamboanga City) and Pasalamat Festival (Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur); Region X’s Diyandi Festival (Iligan City); Region XII’s Halad Festival (Pigcawayan, North Cotabato), and Kalilangan Festival (General Santos City); and ARMM’s Padang-Padang Festival, (Parang, Maguindanao), Meguyaya Festival (Maguindanao), and Kambulang Festival (Parang, Maguindanao).




Link : http://www.mb.com.ph/archive_pages.php?url=http://www.mb.com.ph/issues/2006/03/31/TOUR2006033160227.html

^^ Ang daming festivals from ilo-ilo ah. pero ba't wala yata ang Masskara?

Miss Teen Philippines WV 2006: The saga of beauties
By Janice V. Busil

Our definition of beauty is vague. Oftentimes we assume that anything that is pleasing to the eyes is beautiful. We reflexly relate the idea of beauty to physical form. The picture of a goddess-like face and a flawless milky skin linger in our thoughts when we utter the three-vowelled word.

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2006/04/05/teen4.jpg

Of course, the superficial aspect is just a quarter of its deeper meaning. In the real sense, true beauty is comprised of good physical features, oozing confidence and admirable talent paired with great intellectual and emotional intelligence.

Last April 1, 2006, 11 teens, 14 to 18 years old, from different parts of the region vied for the most- coveted title of Miss Teen Philippines Western Visayas 2006. The three chosen candidates will represent the region to the up-coming national finals in Manila.

The stage sizzled as the real-life Barbies did their cat-walk and their production number clad in the hip and cool Jag Jeans outfit. In a blink of an eye, the 3rd level of the SM City Iloilo was turned into a modern-day Olympus as the juvenile goddesses, on their stilettos and casual wear, gracefully inched towards the amazed crowd. A thundering applause and deafening screams enveloped the place as the young ladies breathtakingly emerged on stage on their glamorous gowns.

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2006/04/05/teen1.jpg

The CSF-draining question and answer portion came next. As expected, the candidates wittingly answered proving that behind those pretty faces there are active and healthy brain cells.

After having hard time contemplating whether who of the eleven alluring and smart girls will be given the chance to compete with other beauties in the Miss Teen Philippines 2006, the panel of judges made a tough decision. Miss Natalie Grace Roberts, Miss Ann Rency Costudio, and Miss Venna Ardales were officially proclaimed as Western Visayas' representatives. They will prove their prowess as they strive to become the Youth Empowerment for Self Reliance Inc. or YES! Foundation ambassadress.

Special awards were given to Chriscember Joy Nunez as Miss Congeniality, Venna Ardales as Best in Talent (held last March 30, 2006) and Best in Production Number, and Anne Nichole Bangiban as Miss Photogenic and Best in Evening Gown. Ann Rency Costudio was dubbed as the Face of Dermclinic 2006 and Best in Interview. Natalie Grace Roberts is this years' Miss Jag Jeans and Best in Casual Wear.

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2006/04/05/teen3.jpg

Other participants were Jhelamae Mayormente, Cathy Ann Balogo, Rowena Tigmo, Tiffany Berjes Canira, Theresa Tagnawa, and Felecette Gumaguil.

Last year's WV representative Miss Joannah Marie Gonzales, who ended up being the 3rd runner up in Miss Teen Philippines 2005, hosted the pageant leaving the audience spell-bounded by her enigmatic charm. The stunning Miss Ella Marie Reyes, also a WV representative on last year's competition, assisted the dignified guests and judges in handing out awards.

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2006/04/05/teen2.jpg

Miss Teen Philippines is a production of Image Network Management. The Miss Teen Philippines Western Visayas 2006 was made possible by Edgar Suelo, who was very emotional as he thanked the people who had helped him.

"This is not my best," he apologetically said with teary eyes. It must've been extremely hard for him to manage the occasion while his dear mother lies sick in the hospital.

The event went smooth and successful. The almost-a-dozen young beauties has eradicated the 'nothing-but-techie' and 'MTV-robots' notions. They've affirmed that indeed they are the hope of our Fatherland.

(from The News Today Info
link: http://www.thenewstoday.info/2006/04/05/miss.teen.philippines.wv.2006.the.saga.of.beauties.html)

Western Visayas hosts mineral exploration project


One of the 24 priority mining projects in the country that is expected to generate US$ 8 billion worth of investments which was disclosed by Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Angelo Reyes recently, is in Western Visayas.


Mines & Geo Sciences Bureau 6 (MGB 6) Mine, Environment and Safety Division Chief Rene de la Cruz said that Western Visayas is lucky to be one of the hosts of these 24 projects identified under Executive Order 270 signed by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. The mineral exploration project is located in Barangays Nabulao and Manlucahoc in Sipalay, Negros Occidental.

"As of the moment, confirmatory drillings are being done in the areas as to test the presence of copper," said De la Cruz.

De la Cruz said around US$ 2.5 million is expected to be spent in the exploration alone but as soon as the presence of copper is confirmed the project is estimated to be at the figure of US$268 million. The exploration activity is expected until the end of 2007.

Republic Act 7942 or Philippine Mining Act of 1995, said De la Cruz, has placed the country in more competitive advantage with other mineral producing countries.

"Through this we envision to attract more foreign investors to develop the country's mineral resources that will create more jobs and bring more revenues to the country," said De la Cruz.

De la Cruz added that the Mining Act has also given big considerations on the social and environmental aspects of the mining operation. He cited that there are now more protection measures to safeguard the environment in every stage of the mining activity.

"Another significant step is the socio - economic development that will benefit the communities covered by the project areas. We now take care of the community where our mining operations are located. We do not leave them behind, that is why when we progress in terms of mineral development, we also want the community where the operation is located to progress," said De la Cruz.

To allay fears on the perceived hazards of mining operations, De la Cruz said the government is at the forefront of protecting the people and keeping them from harm.

"If only the principle of sustainable mining is followed by all companies then the people has nothing to worry about mining operation," said De la Cruz.

West Visayas LGUs set up material recovery facility


San Jose, Antique -- Three Local Government Units in Antique (LGU) set up Material Recovery Facilities in support to the Solid Waste Management Program. These are the municipalities of Pandan and Anini-y, which are strategically located in northern and southern portion of the province respectively. San Jose, the capital town has its own MRF located at the Trade Town.


Vivian T. Barillo, Officer In Charge of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO) said that MRF serves as depository site of recyclable waste materials where sorting of wastes take place. It consists of shredder machine and engine to cut down biodegradable wastes into organic fertilizers.

One vital component of MRF is the establishment of vegetable or flower garden. Biodegradable wastes processed in the shredder machine are converted into organic fertilizers to be used in the said garden, Barillo said.

Other towns in the province according to Barillo have formulated its solid waste management plan in compliance with the provisions of Republic Act 9003 also known as Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.

For the municipality of Anini-y, it has allocated the amount of P120 thousand for the initial operation of MRF while the town of Pandan linked the MRF operations with civic groups and private individuals. The MRF of the town of San Jose is integrated in its SANAG KKK program or its Solid Waste Ordinance.

The source further urged municipal and barangay officials to campaign for household/individual solid waste management to reduce the volume of the garbage at the MRF.

Barillo further urged LGUs to follow the Four E's to Solid Waste Management such as Education which include intensive information dissemination and advocacy on Republic Act 9003 or the Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, Engineering - it consists of structures and support facilities for solid waste management. Enforcement which covers ordinance and formulation of solid waste management plan and Entrepreneurship covers recycling activities like composting and other livelihood projects out of waste materials.

ENRO is working hand in hand with Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Provincial Solid Waste Management Board for the implementation of RA 9003.

(PS Mabaquiao/PIA)

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/chymera00/iloilocitypics/iloilo-bacolod.jpg

Isn't it that Palawan is now part of Region VI? :dunno:

Palawan is already part of Region VI. It has an Executive Order already. Everybody is just waiting for the smooth transition of the governance.

To All Ilonggo's around the world congratulations.... this is a great thread to unite us all!

^^ In saying that we are all Ilonggos, let us not forget nga kadamo sang mga taga Davao, Cotabato kag iban pa nga lugar sa Mindanao, who though being located in the Southern Philippines, are still very much Ilonggo and always look back to their ancestral lineage stemming from Iloilo and/Negros.

Note that part of this diaspora of Ilonggos to Mindanao was also brought about by and large by some Ilonggos who as Baptist missionaries and church workers, viewed Mindanao as their mission field.

Among these Ilonggos who make us proud is a fine Christian gentleman we know as Atty. Perfecto Yasay Jr. -former Commissioner of the SEC. Ka nugon gid nga wala sya nakalusot as a Senator in the 2001 elections. ;)

^^ In saying that we are all Ilonggos, let us not forget nga kadamo sang mga taga Davao, Cotabato kag iban pa nga lugar sa Mindanao, who though being located in the Southern Philippines, are still very much Ilonggo and always look back to their ancestral lineage stemming from Iloilo and/Negros.

Note that part of this diaspora of Ilonggos to Mindanao was also brought about by and large by some Ilonggos who as Baptist missionaries and church workers, viewed Mindanao as their mission field.

Among these Ilonggos who make us proud is a fine Christian gentleman we know as Atty. Perfecto Yasay Jr. -former Commissioner of the SEC. Ka nugon gid nga wala sya nakalusot as a Senator in the 2001 elections. ;)
Tinuod gid.
Damo Ilonggo sa Davao, Cagayan, Iligan, Agusan kag Gen San.

Kumusta man pre.
Busy lang gamay sa obra kag hobby sa balay ( making custom pool sticks ).

Wow, that's a nice hobby!

^^ Ang daming festivals from ilo-ilo ah. pero ba't wala yata ang Masskara?

wala man gani kadayawan sa Davao :D
So it will only depend on who wants to join battle of festival...hehe

Wow, that's a nice hobby!
http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/joeyincali/?action=view&current=sn1.jpg ]

http://s2.photobucket.com/albums/y12/joeyincali/?action=view&current=sn1.jpg
Very expensive hobby.
But, they are all pre-ordered costing $650 and up.

cool! that's a good biz i say! do you have regular clients?

BIR-Antique posts P3.2-million surplus

SAN JOSE, Antique – The Bureau of Internal Revenue’s (BIR) collection efforts yielded positive results. It surpassed the tax collection goal for March 2006. Total collection amounted to P24,396,000 against a target of P21.193 million, or a surplus of P3.2 million.

Ursula Equiña, Revenue District Officer in the province, attributed the surplus in collection to sustained information drive on the expanded value-added tax (EVAT) which made the people aware that the government really means business in this undertaking.

The tax education campaign – which included door by door visit on business establishments provincewide – enabled the BIR to monitor problems affecting tax collection, especially to address the enormous issuance of receipts or sale invoice.

Equiña explained that the biggest collection for March came from the Semirara Coal Corporation for the payment of income tax.

The support of the national government agencies and the local government units particularly on the withholding taxes also contributed to the overall effort of increasing the tax collection.

With more funds, the government will be able to implement the 10-Point Agenda of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

The new revenues will be utilized for public elementary and secondary education, health insurance premium, environmental conservation and agricultural modernization among others.

The improved tax collection will motivate BIR employees in the field to be more dedicated in their work, especially with the implementation of the attrition law, wherein they will be given additional benefits for exceeding the collection goal, Equiña added.


Link : http://panaynews.com.ph/news8.htm

Antique joins Earth Day celebration

SAN JOSE, Antique – The Province of Antique joins the international community in celebrating Earth Day with the theme “Global Campaign to Climate Change Solution.”

The Provincial Government, in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Agriculture and other concerned government agencies, is supporting the global campaign to climate change solutions through its solid waste management program, sustainable agriculture and other environmental programs.

The campaign on elimination of destructive environmental practices such as burning of waste, “kaingin” and illegal fishing among others are being pushed to maintain ecological balance of the mother earth.

Why we celebrate Earth Day?

John Temana, information officer of DENR, noted tUnited Nations (UN) Secretary General U Thant rang the UN Peace Bell on March 21, 1971 to signal the annual celebration of the Earth Day. Earth Day is also called the March Equinox that signals the beginning of spring.

Spring symbolizes the renewal of life thus, Earth Day celebration reminds all people to recognize and respect the earth’s beautiful system of balance between the presence of animals on land, fish in the sea, birds in the air, human life, water, air and land.

Temana further noted that modern Earth Day is celebrated every April 22 when millions of people rallied triggering to enact laws on environmental protection.

In Antique, the Solid Waste Management Program is taking its stride to implement Republic Act 9003 otherwise known as Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 to help urban areas manage their garbage / wastes. Programs on ecological conservation continue to be implemented in the province.

On April 21, Gov. Salvacion Zaldivar Perez will inaugurate the farmer’s training center in the upland barangay of Igbucagay, Hamtic. The center will serve as venue for farmers to learn about sustainable agriculture including poultry and livestock production.

Exhibits on solid waste management such as recyclable products will be put up in the training center.


Link : http://panaynews.com.ph/news9.htm

Antique to get share in P3-M national project for muscovado standardization

SAN JOSE, Antique - Department of Science and Technology (DOST) with Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), is undertaking a 3-million national project on Process Standardization of Muscovado involving three muscovado producing provinces Tarlac, Iloilo and Antique.

The project will enable muscovado producers to standardize their varying operational processes which involves several maestros exhibiting different styles and methods of cooking, through scientific measurement using thermometers, ph meters and refractometers, for the measurement of temperature, acidity and basicity, and sucrose content, respectively, and applying GMP and HACCP (Good Manufacturing Practice and Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) right inside the mill.

The project seeks to establish minimum standards necessary for export and set uniform quality for all muscovado products nationwide.

The output of the project is an Operation's Manual on Minimum Standards for processing Muscovado, to be produced by DTI as a result of the DOST study.

With this assistance, all mills will be upgrade eventually. Those not yet improved will also adopt the technology, in order to build up capability to serve the export market. (DOST)

Source : Panaynews

Hataw ang Antique subong ah!!!!

Go Antique!!!

i heb samteng pour you to lisen... hehe ilonggo rap ni from bacolod...

http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=282243

sin-o gakanta TJ? kilala mo? i like the Syudad sang Bacolod. I find it funny kay nagatira siya shabu pero nagapomada pa sya! :lol:

namian ko sang parte sa punta nga "paus na ko men, paus na ko" . :hilarious

i heb samteng pour you to lisen... hehe ilonggo rap ni from bacolod...

http://www.soundclick.com/bands/pagemusic.cfm?bandID=282243

ayos TJ!!!

"24th st. (baynti quatro)"
(Trajedya)


Wala na, wala kna sang may e buga pa, indi na sagay tikal ang baho mo nga tikal 3x (sinu to gina upod mo man? ahh ato si corliss to tikalon no? uu tikalon bala haw kawatan pa)

Wala na, wala kna sang may e buga pa, indi na sagay tikal ang baho mo nga tikal x2 uhhhh di na sagay tikal men.. di na sagay tikal..

WV Shooters are among the best practical shooters in the country. In the recent world shoot in ecuador, Ilonggo shooters Nelson Uygongco(3rd mod division/shoot-off champion) and Philip Chua(4th Revolver Division/Revolver king of Asia) topped their respective divisions. They are now gearing to unseat Eric Grauffel(3 time world champ) of france in the premier open division on next years australasia championship in thailand.

Iloilo's Dellota tops Visayas Area Shooting Championship

WARNELL Dellota of Speedmasters Gun club tops this year's IPSC Visayas Championship held at Mactan, Cebu on March 30 to April 1, 2006 at CPRA Firing Range in Mactan, Cebu.

Shooting in the Modified Division Dellota garnered 869.8669 match points as against 825.3356 of second placer Joel Tan of Cebu. He bet all other topnotch shooters from Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, Hongkong and Taiwan. Over three hundre3d shooters from all over the country and abroad participated in the match.

In the Production Senior category Atty. Eugene Original of both Camp Delgado and Iloilo Gun Clubs grabbed the Championship with 329.3733 match points.

Atty. Original has consistently held this position during level 3 matches since the PMA Superintendent's Cup held in Baguio City last December 2005. Leo Jacildo of Iloilo Gun Club, the number one single stack shooter in the country showed his superiority when he again tops this category with 610.4260 match points. He was followed by another Iloilo Gun Club single stack shooter Edgar Roga who placed second with 531.1673 match points. Jonathan Ravena also of the same gun club came fourth with 349.8841 points.

Camp Delgado's ace Production shooter Emil Jardeleza took the second place in the Production Division with 867.9644. Daniel Torrevillas of Ormoc, the Production Champuion was thinly ahead by 2.89982 match points to take the Championship. Police Inspector Adonis Rosales of the Iloilo Gun Club grabbed the championship of the Lawman Category. He placed fourth over-all with 775.3118 match points.

Stephen Hinojales of Gun club of Negros, a Philippine Team Member in the World Shoot in Ecuador maintains his lead all throughout the match with 919.9421 match points to get the Championship crown of the Open Division . The country's topnotch Lady Shooter Janette Gonzaga from the same club also got the Lady Category Championship with 638.1025 match points.

Meanwhile, on April 2, after the Visayas Area Championship Tram Cebuana Lhuiller led by IGCI's Zinon Setias joined the First Level II IPSC Taiwan Championship. Team Members Zinon Setias, Leo Jacildo, Eugene Original, Adonis Rosales, and Pol Senecida, Champion of the 1st Mayor Brazas Cup in San Miguel, Iloilo recently, all received the First Level II IPSC Taiwan Championship Medal. Top managers of Cebuana Lhuillier, major sponsor of the Iloilo shooters are coming to Iloilo to personally congratulate the team members.

^^ tanda gid man magtiro ang mga ilonggo. hehehe!

TJ = Trajedya.. lol

Ikaw na, TJ?

Mayo ah!!!

TJ = Trajedya.. lol

trip ko lang.. kun wala mahimo hehe :)

I-develop lang, mig!
Gusto ko man si Adlai Stevension (Ill pride) mayo man iya sound.

hehe sa computer mic ko lang na gin pang record.. hehe namian man ko kay adlai pero mas namian ko sang upod ya mag rap.. si sunny blaze na bala ngalan ya mo ang sa illpride mana sa pero taga bacolod na sa ya.

sya na si mizta blaze?

indi ah.ang upod ya.. ang iya partner

ah...di ko gawa familiar sa ila. manghud ko lang may ara sya nga album nila.

diri damu na di mga pirated nila nga cd.. hehe

May gin download ko 2 gali new song pero dugay na na subong kulang gin upload.. "Hadlok (remix)" hehe matii lang.

ikaw ang naga tira shabu nga naga pomada?

did you ever consider making a CD? chief why don't you make harder hitting political rap. tutal ginatira mo na gid man ang highway project sa tangub.

Asian Spirit to fly to Antique again


AIR carrier Asian Spirit announced it would resume flights to Antique province, in the central Philippines, from Manila starting Friday "due to the public's insistent demand."

The resumption of the service will come less than a week after the airline inaugurated its first international flight, to the Pacific resort island of Palau.

"As a response to the clamor of Antiqueños and nearby municipalities alike, Asian Spirit will resume and maintain regular flights to Antique from Manila and vice versa three times weekly every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday," Asian Spirit executive vice president Jack Po said.

Asian Spirit cancelled its flights to Antique earlier this year as poor passenger traffic made its jet service to the island unprofitable.

This time, the airline will use the 70-seater British Aerospace Advanced Turboprop on the route.

It said the offices of Congressman Ezequiel Javier, Governor Salvacion Perez and local government units had asked Asian Spirit to resume flights to Antique.

The Wednesday flight will depart Manila at 9:15 AM and leave Antique at 10:50 AM The Friday and Sunday flights will leave Manila at 3:30 PM and leave Antique at 5 PM.


(from: Panay News)

cool! that's a good biz i say! do you have regular clients?
I have enough orders for the next two years.
Mostly from Singapore and Taiwan.

Pilgrimage traditions in Guimaras

First posted 00:13am (Mla time) April 08, 2006
By Jo Martinez-Clemente
Inquirer

Editor's Note: Published on Page A19 of the April 8, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer


EVEN those from faraway Finland have come to Guimaras Island for the Holy Week.

Last year, Timo Sahja and Sonja Malinen, psychiatric nurses from the Scandinavian country, set out to explore Southeast Asia. They made it a point to watch the passion play, “Ang Pagtaltal,” and to go through the Stations of the Cross on the Balaan Bukid, in Jordan, the capital town of Guimaras.

They said they learned about the events from the website of the “Lonely Planet.”

Balaan Bukid is Ilonggo for “Holy Mountain,” while “Pagtaltal,” another Ilonggo word, means “to remove.” In the context of the Lenten play, the terms mean “removing the body of Christ from the Cross.”

This season, “Ang Pagtaltal” runs its 31st year, while Balaan Bukid marks 51 years as a pilgrim site.

Do miracles happen in Balaan Bukid?

Jordan parish priest Jose Manuel Escanlar says the Roman Catholic Church has yet to receive any document or information of miracle claims for investigation or study. Even so, Escanlar says “the silent conversion of a people enlightened by their pilgrimages to the shrine that is now enjoying the fruits of their conversion is the modern-day miracle.”

“And I pray that there will be more miracles of this kind,” he says.

Mang Quiling

“Ang Pagtaltal,” a community endeavor that tells the story of the passion, death and resurrection of Christ, made its debut in 1979. The stage play was conceptualized, written and directed by Aquilino Secuzana, locally known as Mang Quiling.

Secuzana says the maiden presentation was a mime—no dialogues, just simple acting. “It was a success and the people liked it so that the following year, we improved on it and started to put in the dialogues and the costumes.”

Through the years, play performance evolved. Technology and the influx of foreign visitors prompted the organizers to pre-tape dialogues in the vernacular but with English translations flashed on a wide screen.

The cast includes ordinary residents—tricycle drivers, policemen, housewives and farmers. In contrast, the audience has top honchos of the government and private corporations, and diplomats.

What sets “Ang Pagtaltal” apart from other passion plays presented across the country?

In Jordan, a pilgrim or plain tourist is moved back in time. For one, the actors wear Roman costumes that match the island’s ambience.

From the amphitheater, where the play is staged, the actors and the spectators move to the streets, following Christ as he carries his cross to a hill. The Roman guards who line the streets are led by a soldier on horseback.

Mt. Golgotha is a mound now fenced and maintained by the municipal government for the yearly event. And when Christ is put on the cross between two thieves in that mound, the scene is picture perfect.

Despite the hordes of people that follow the play to the hill, silence reigns. The people solemnly watch, pray and remember that Good Friday when Jesus died.

Balaan Bukid

On Thursday afternoon or earlier, pilgrims and islanders follow the Stations of the Cross through Balaan Bukid.

There are two routes to the place. One is the original path taken by Mill Hill priest, Rev. Fr. Bargil Pixner, OSB, and Crisogono Domingo when they first searched the area 51 years ago to look for a site to shelter a statue of Mary and the Child Jesus.

From a boat in the Bongolan Bay, the pilgrims trek up the mountains, passing by the Stations of the Cross and their life-size statues. The original installations were made by patients of a leprosarium in Sta. Barbara, Iloilo where Pixner served as chaplain. They were later replaced by another set coming from Spain.

The other way is a one-hour trek from the heart of Barangay Balcon Melliza. Climbing is less tedious as the mountain slopes are not as steep. The Stations of the Cross are simple, laminated color pictures mounted on huge trees or stonewalls.

There are concrete pews to kneel on. Some portions of the route are lined with calachuchi trees, which are abloom with fragrant white flowers this time of the year.

On top of the Balaan Bukid is the Ave Maria Shrine.

According to one account, the Holy Week tradition arose from a “panaad” or promise made by Domingo when he and his wife Candelaria, together with some leprosy patients, fled from Japanese forces to Panay during World War II.

The Japanese learned about their escape and started shooting the lepers. It was then that Crisogono made the promise to Mary to give her a gift if they survived.

After the war, Domingo sought out Pixner to help him fulfill his promise. The priest suggested that since he had a natural flair for the arts, he should carve a statue of Mary with a Child.

Crisogono first made a small statue model, which, according to the story, was brought to the Mill Hill House at Slingerlands in Albany, New York by Pixner. The bigger statue was later produced and blessed by the Spanish Cardinal Quiroga, who was then visiting the Diocese of Jaro.

Then Jaro Archbishop Jose Ma. Cuenco issued a decree declaring May 1 as “Pilgrimage Day” to Balaan Bukid. In time, though, the site became a pilgrimage destination during Holy Week.

When Guimaras became a separate province, the care of the shrine was entrusted to the Jordan parish.

(from: Inquirer online
link: http://news.inq7.net/regions/index.php?index=2&story_id=72010&col=39)

Hataw ang Antique subong ah!!!!

Go Antique!!!
echoing for Antique's progress ! Hala Bira, Antique ! :cheers:

BIR-Antique posts P3.2-million surplus

SAN JOSE, Antique – The Bureau of Internal Revenue’s (BIR) collection efforts yielded positive results. It surpassed the tax collection goal for March 2006. Total collection amounted to P24,396,000 against a target of P21.193 million, or a surplus of P3.2 million.

Link : http://panaynews.com.ph/news8.htm
Impressive Antique. Keep it up! :cheers:

I have enough orders for the next two years.
Mostly from Singapore and Taiwan.

a grabe! that is really good!

ikaw ang naga tira shabu nga naga pomada?

did you ever consider making a CD? chief why don't you make harder hitting political rap. tutal ginatira mo na gid man ang highway project sa tangub.


Wala ko b time mag construct sang ellaborate nga song base sa politika.. ang akon kun anu lang da ma pamisaran ko ah mga labay2x amu na gina record ko dayon.. nyahaha :)

Basta, I love mangoes :D

Survey on business, industry underway

ROXAS City - A survey on the economic activity in the province of Capiz is set to take off this month.

National Statistics Office Information Officer Rosiebelle Alanes disclosed that their agency is ready to conduct the nationwide annual survey of Philippine business and Industry, formerly called the annual survey of establishments.

She explained that the nationwide undertaking aims to gather data on the structure and level of economic activity in the country, which will serve as the basis of the government and private sectors in policy and development plans formulation.

Alanes added that the result of said survey will also be used in the construction and estimation of national and regional accounts.

Information on the economic activity, employment, hours of work and employee’s compensation, and similar other data will be among the questions to be asked from the owners or managers of sample establishments.

The survey will cover the establishments engaged in agriculture, fishing, quarrying, manufacturing, whole sale and retail trade, hotels and restaurants, transport, real estate, health and social works, among others.

keep the ball rolling guys .. good for Capiz, Aklan and Antique. Hope to see more developments in these provinces.

Revival of prawn industry to boost Capiz’ economy

ROXAS City – The revival of the prawn industry in Capiz is seen to boost the province’s economy.
The province has taken steps to revitalize its prawn industry which, almost a decade ago before it collapsed, put the province in a good name here and abroad.

According to Provincial Agriculturist Sylvia de la Cruz, in this last term of Gov. Vicente Bermejo, he is placing agriculture and fishery as top priorities of his administration.

The province through its Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) has started conducting a series of prawn technology demonstrations adopting the used system prawn culture is suited for Capiz’ condition.

The prawn technology demonstration is part of the activities under the OPA’s Research and Development activities, wherein the province has invested more than P1 million.

The said technology, which is organic farming, has been adopted from Thailand and had been found successful in the booming prawn industry of Negros Occidental, Dela Cruz stressed.

She pointed out that of the 75 prawn growers who attended the series of techno demonstrations, at least four of them have already adopted said technology.

With the utilization of Capiz agri-aqua laboratory, the province is optimistic about reviving its prawn industry very soon using scientific prawn culture, she said.

Dela Cruz disclosed that said agri-aqua laboratory worth P3.8 million was earlier acquired to help the fishing industry of the province, which has earned the reputation as the Seafood Capital of the Philippines.


Panaynews nline

mas maayo if you have a political rap/rant. tapos, isa-isahon mo gid ang mga personalities involved.

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negros island

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on my way to bacolod

Any update on the great Western Visayas? I hope we can post more news and developments of the whole region!

abi ko nadula na ang thread nga ini? Ara man lang gale siya sa page 2. Updates naman sang tri-provinces sanng Panay:

GMA: Aklan, RP’s ‘golden province’
‘coz of tourism
By BOY RYAN B. ZABAL


KALIBO, Aklan – President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo declared Aklan the “golden province of the Philippines” and underscored the key role of the prime tourist destination of Boracay Island in nation development.

“Boracay will spread the gold in the heart of development all over Aklan and the neighboring provinces in Western Visayas. Aklan contributes so much to the wealth and the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country,” said Arroyo over a rousing welcome by thousands of Aklanons at the Gov. Augusto B. Legaspi Sports Complex during the province’s 50th Golden anniversary yesterday.

In this her second visit this year, she was accompanied by Antique Gov. Salvacion Zaldivar Perez, Aurora Province Gov. Bellaflor Angara-Castillo, Public Works and Highways Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane Jr., Education Secretary Fe Hidalgo and Presidential Assistant for Western Visayas Lito Coscuella.

Arroyo expressed her appreciation of the united leadership of Aklan Gov. Carlito Marquez, Cong. Florencio Miraflores and Vice Gov. Ronquillo Tolentino.

She also thanked the late Cong. Godofredo P. Ramos and his descendants for their contribution in Aklan’s journey to independence.

“Spain earns more from tourism than Saudi Arabia from oil. That is how much Boracay is earning for Aklan and the Philippines, spelling a major difference in your province. We thank the people of Aklan for giving such golden opportunity to us,” declared Arroyo, who was also here during the province’s 46th anniversary in 2002.

After the inauguration of the world-class P319-million Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon Memorial Hospital, the President immediately proceeded to the Capitol where she handed over 25 education vouchers to private schools.

Arroyo, who flew in from Romblon and Antique aboard a presidential chopper, also underscored the need to promote and sustain the natural wonders and eco-tourism spots and fast-growing industries in Aklan by encouraging the participation of the private sectors.

MORE PROJECTS

“We are also devolving the Caticlan jetty port, a tourist roll-on roll-off port by phasing out the unloading and loading of cargoes,” Arroyo said, adding that the Philippine Port Authority (PPA) and the provincial government of Aklan should execute an agreement to devolve the operations of the Caticlan jetty port.

Prior to her visit, the President ordered the release of P55 million for the Instrument Landing System (ILS) of the Kalibo domestic airport, which would be operational in October 2006 to cater to incoming flights abroad.

The President also pinpointed Aklan, particularly the island of Boracay, as the primary tourism hub of Western Visayas and central Philippines during her visit in Romblon.

She said her administration is liberalizing the airline industry to provide more flights to Caticlan airport, develop the Boracay emergency hospital with the private sector, and guarantee the safety of tourists in Boracay through Task Force Stingray and the special task force “Baywatch.”

Arroyo also encouraged the provincial officials to discuss with the Department of Energy (DOE) to incorporate the Timbaban hydroelectric project in the town of Madalag under the 2007 Japan Yen Package.

“Let’s work together to make Aklan richer and richer. Let’s continue to dream of Aklan in abundance to generate more jobs,” she said.

(article taken from: Panay News
link: http://www.panaynews.com.ph/news5.htm)

_____

great news for Aklan. May direct flights na sila from other countries. Yehooo !

San Jose de Buenavista
Capital of Antique Province

Municipal Profile:

Land Area : 44.5 sq. km.
Population (2000) : 48,251
Population (2006 Projection) : 55,532
Density : 1084 persons/sq. km.

The coast of San Jose .... the sand is dark, it used to be coated in a layer pebbles but people started to use them for construction purposes, so few are left now .... The water is also very clear, which was nice.
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid205/pebf7a1164ca992758a4316b31db13e5c/ef2b2bed.jpg

Evelio Javier Monument
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Golden Salakot
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San Jose Commercial buildings ... actually San Jose has a "Business Park", which was once the town's public market but it was moved to another place. The CBD is not very big, the tallest building at 5 storeys but it's still impressive considering it's not a city yet and it's in Antique, one of the poorest provinces in the country ...
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Old Provincial Capitol
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new Provincial Capitol
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Catholic Church
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Jolibee
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A show (Comedia) we passed by ...
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An u/c overpass :shocked:
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St. Anthony's College
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The scenery along the Antique Highway
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:applause: :applause: :applause:
Thanks for the pics. Kanami gale sang Antique. Paspas Antique!

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e248/lewdsaint/panay.jpg

Seven and a half kilometers east of Roxas City, Capiz, is Pan-ay, the second Spanish settlement after Cebu and one of the oldest towns in the Philippines. The Spanish Augustinian Friars founded it in the year 1581.

Tales of how Pan-ay got its name

The town leaves three legends on how it got its name. The first says that when the Spaniards came, they brought with them some bread to be offered to the natives. A Spaniard upon meeting one of the natives handed the bread to him saying, “Pan” but unluckily it fell to the ground and the native exclaimed “ay”. So goes the first legend.

The second as narrated by Datu Bangkaya, a Malayan Datu who left Aklan to explore the eastern half of the region. Finding it a vast plain and suitable for rice farming, he called it “Panhay”, a local term for “plain”.



The third and widely accepted came from the Spanish term “Hay Pan” which means, “there is food”. With all these tales, there’s no one really who could say which of the tales is the real entomology of the word “Pan-ay.”

Pan-ay as the second Spanish settlement

After food shortages and attacks of the Portuguese forced him to leave the first settlement in Cebu, Don Miguel Lopez de Legaspi established in 1569 the second Spanish settlement on the banks of the Panay River.

In his report to Gaston Peralta, third Viceroy of New Spain, Legaspi said he has chosen the location because of the abundance of food and could be easily defended from outside attacks.

Meeting the people

The people of Pan-ay and their chiefs, Datu Madidong and Datu Macabaog welcomed Legaspi and party. The Spaniard’s soon learned to like the way people talked. “The inhabitants,” said an Augustinian priest, “speaks sweetly and their pronunciation resembles that of the Andalusian.” Legaspi lived in Pan-ay from the later part of 1569 up to the early part of 1571 when he sailed for “Maynilad” now Manila to pursue the conquest and Christianization of Luzon.

The font of Christianity in Panay Island

The town of Pan-ay became the center of the Catholic faith in the island of Panay, Capiz now Roxas City, Pontevedra, Pilar and Dao and the town of Carles in Iloilo were once the “Visitas” or annexes of the parish area of Luzon.

Pan-ay the historic parish

Santa Monica Parish of Pan-ay, Capiz, the first center of faith in the Archdiocese, was established in 1580. Its first curate was Bartolome de Alcantara. Pan-ay’s centuries old church completed in 1771 is the town’s historic landmark and the foremost tourist attraction. The thick walls are of coral blocks and the flooring is made of marble and Spanish red tiles. The whole structure itself is a delicate expression of the old Spanish Baroque.

Pan-ay church has three towering altars, which display antique images. The altar frontals are made of hard wood delicately engraved and sculptured with ornamental designs. Wood and ivory images, old chalices, monstrance, chasubles sewn with gold thread, precious stone and silver plates are among the priceless treasures of the parish.

The biggest Catholic church bell in Asia

Atop the five-storey belfry, the booming sound of the reputed biggest bell in Asia can be heard eight kilometers away. It is seven feet in height and diameter and weighs 10.4 tons and constructed out of 70 sacks of coins.

Pan-ay as the first capital of Capiz

Pan-ay being the first organized community in the province was made the first capital (Cabezera) of Capiz, during the early Spanish regime. Even the “Gobernador” of Capiz has been officially residing in this town where the “case real” was located.

For the two-Juezes, they are appointed by the Capitan Mayor while the Cabeza de Barangay are appointed by the Teniente Mayor from among the well off families in the barangay.

The revolutionary movement in Pan-ay

Before the coming of the revolutionary forces from Luzon to Pan-ay, a secret revolutionary organization has already existed in town. The Province of Capiz at that time was divided into three regions namely: Aklan, Pan-ay, and Ilayan, each having its revolutionary officers.

In Panay the overall leader was General Esteban Contreras under him were Colonel Pascual Barza and Lt. Colonel Domingo Balgos. The headquarter was located at the hill of Bailan, Pontevedra.

Source: Panay News Online

BIR-Antique has already collected full-year annual tax collection goal in 4 just months .... with even P10 excess!!

BIR-Antique surpasses
annual tax collection goal

SAN JOSE, Antique – The Bureau of Internal Revenue’s (BIR) intensified information campaign, especially on the Expanded-Value-Added Tax (EVAT) has paid off, bared Ursula Equiña, Revenue District Officer.
The information drive enabled her office to achieve the annual tax goal ahead of schedule by posting a collection of P298,294,461.83 against the 2006 annual target of P288 million or a surplus of over P10 million.

Equiña stressed that the figure is expected to increase, as BIR awaits tax payment report from the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) and the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) for payments made on the last two banking days of April 2006.

BIR revealed that the Semirara Coal Corporation in Semirara Island, Caluya, Antique has been the top income taxpayer. The latest income tax payment in time for the April 17 deadline amounted to P225 million, a major factor that enabled BIR to overshoot its annual collection goal within a four-month period.

Meanwhile, Equiña said BIR is waging a massive tax mapping and monitoring activities in priority areas especially by business establishments subject to EVAT. The operation has led to the discovery of unregistered establishments.

The Revenue District Officer had observed that majority of business entities in the province have strongly/positively responded to BIR’s call that “Ang Pagtaas ng Buwis sa Gobyerno ay Pagtaas ng Serbisyo sa Tao, Equiña concluded.

http://www.panaynews.com.ph/news12.htm

I think Antonio del Rosario is the present mayor of Roxas City, Sugarboy.

Per this PIA news item dated Feb 2006, Raymund Locsin is still Mayor of President Roxas, Capiz gali.



Barangay Pres. Roxas pushes entrepreneurship among barangay folk



ROXAS CITY (22 February) -- Barangays of Pres. Roxas, Capiz are making products out of raw materials that abound in their respective localities, thanks to the support of the municipal government and the enterprising spirit of their residents especially women.

The ventures seem like a scale-down model of the government’s “One Town One Product” (OTOP) project which is designed to promote the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the countrysides as part of the economic program of Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

The products, which were displayed during the Agricultural and Fisheries Livelihood Enhancement Day of the municipality held last Feb. 17, include “sinamakan,” a popular Filipino fare, peanut candy, instant salabat, papaya and coconut pith pickles, rice cakes, banana chips, dried shrimps, polvoron, ube balls, and other native delicacies.

Pres. Roxas is the only town in Capiz which has that sort of activity, which involves barangay women through Rural Improvement Clubs and men through Barangay Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Councils.

Mayor Raymund Locsin said the project was initiated by the municipal government to develop the entrepreneurial capacities of his constituents and augment their income through other means of livelihood.

Locsin has designated Municipal Agricultural Officer Leonardo Barcenas to supervise the project which is financed by funds of the local government unit. The town’s livelihood day is now on its 4th year since it was launched in 2003. The event was graced by Department of Agriculture Regional Director Jindra Linda Demeterio, Agricultural Training Institute Regional Center Director Remelyn Recoter, Provincial Agriculturist Sylvia de la Cruz and TESDA Provincial Director Victor Gallego and their respective staff. (PIA-JSC) [top]

BIR-Antique has already collected full-year annual tax collection goal in 4 just months .... with even P10 excess!!

http://www.panaynews.com.ph/news12.htm

well done, Antique. Keep moving !

www.metrobacolod.cq.bz (http://www.metrobacolod.cq.bz)
http://www.geocities.com/metropolitanbacolod/bacolod_panaadparkandstadiumarialview.jpg
PANAAD RECREATIONAL PARK AND STADIUM
http://www.geocities.com/metropolitanbacolod/bacolodcitynightlife.jpg
BACOLOD NIGHT LIFE
galing pigawan ko na kay adlai mag rap kay gina sunod2x ya lang ang bone thungs.. nami da ya ang iya nga upod ang partner ya na bala idol ko na ya... :D

mga abyan, kumusta na kamo diri?

www.metrobacolod.cq.bz (http://www.metrobacolod.cq.bz)
http://www.geocities.com/metropolitanbacolod/bacolod_panaadparkandstadiumarialview.jpg
PANAAD RECREATIONAL PARK AND STADIUM
http://www.geocities.com/metropolitanbacolod/bacolodcitynightlife.jpg
BACOLOD NIGHT LIFE

mga abyan, kumusta na kamo diri?

baritone_1984@yahoo.com

This is a thread that will unite the twin cities of Bacolod and Iloilo and stop bashing one another or maybe this will be the place where they will bash one another lol. But im really hoping we could get along as we are the only Major Ilonggo cities in the country and we don't have anyone one else except one another.

Lets promote being Ilonggo as one not as being separate from 2 islands. OK here we go :)

www.metrobacolod.cq.bz (http://www.metrobacolod.cq.bz)
http://www.geocities.com/metropolitanbacolod/bacolod_panaadparkandstadiumarialview.jpg
PANAAD RECREATIONAL PARK AND STADIUM
http://www.geocities.com/metropolitanbacolod/bacolodcitynightlife.jpg
BACOLOD NIGHT LIFE

www.metrobacolod.cq.bz (http://www.metrobacolod.cq.bz)
http://www.geocities.com/metropolitanbacolod/bacolod_panaadparkandstadiumarialview.jpg
PANAAD RECREATIONAL PARK AND STADIUM
http://www.geocities.com/metropolitanbacolod/bacolodcitynightlife.jpg
BACOLOD NIGHT LIFE


Pls post mga bag-o nga pictures sang Iloilo and Bacolod.

www.metrobacolod.cq.bz (http://www.metrobacolod.cq.bz)
http://www.geocities.com/metropolitanbacolod/bacolodnytlyfgoldenfield.jpg
GOLDENFIELD COMPLEX
http://www.geocities.com/metropolitanbacolod/bacolodcitynightlife.jpg
BACOLOD NIGHT LIFE


Thanks TJ. I'm tired of seeing all those arguements on which city is better. Next time i see one, its an automatic lock for the thread and warnings/brigging.

REGION VI : WESTERN VISAYAS

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e248/lewdsaint/region065B15D.gif

(Philippines, National Economic and Development Authority), 1999.
-Actual Population per Region. http://www.PIDS.gov.ph Available online.
January 2001

Technically speaking... upod dira ang Plawan... however, nakashelf pa lang ang materialization due to certain opposition of Region IV-B

Capiz tourism potentials tapped for dev't
By A. Lumaque

Roxas City -- Capiz's cutflowers and seafoods and marine and adventure attractions are included in the region's tourism market based on the Tourism Action Plan 2010 of Western Visayas.


The plan got the approval of the Regional Development Council (RDC) during its first quarter regular meeting in recognition of the important role of tourism in the region's economic development.

Department of Tourism Regional Director Edwin Trompeta said Boracay Island would still be the hub of tourist attractions in the region with the other provinces revolving around it.

Accordingly, the plan will develop the provinces of Aklan and Antique as nature-based eco-tourism and adventure sites while Iloilo will be marketed for its cultural heritage and as venue for conventions, conferences and meetings. The province of Negros Occidental and city of Bacolod will be for adventure, culture and heritage tourism, as well as site for meetings and conventions.

Recently, Roxas City was featured over GMA television network as the Seafood Capital of the Philippines because of its abundant and delicious seafoods and other marine products in its coastal waters.

A 15-minute documentary about Roxas City named "Of Sand Dunes and Curious Wonder: Exploring Roxas City" is being shown over Living Asia Channel in its travel guide segments as among Asia's fine adventure destinations.

The documentary produced by CCI Asia New Media Productions, Inc. depicts the city as a seafood capital of the country and attracts travelers with its folkloric charm as well as natural and man-made wonders. It features the abundant seafoods, cultural and religious landmarks including shell craft and horticulture industries.

(PIA)

Nature highs in Iloilo’s Concepcion islands

First posted 02:41am (Mla time) May 27, 2006
By Hazel P. Villa
Inquirer



Editor's Note: Published on Page A15 of the May 27, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

AFTER having spent many summer holidays in the same overcrowded and over hyped tourist destinations, the jaded Filipino vacationer starts looking for that singular beach or mountain that can still impress.

As I happen to live in Panay Island which is blessed with nature’s attractions such as the fantastic white sand islands of Boracay in Aklan and Semirara in Antique, intriguing island coves of Guimaras, winding caves of Capiz, and the ancient churches of Iloilo, I thought I had seen everything.

That is, until I and some friends set foot on the islands of Concepcion in northern Iloilo last Holy Week.

Some 30 minutes boat ride away from mainland Concepcion, we espied a white sandbar about half a kilometer long, framed in the distant horizon by the sentinel mountain of Pan de Azucar and other islets.

The water is glass clear and you can count a handful of Filipinos and some Koreans who must have had the same spirit as Leonardo Dicaprio looking for
unforgettable getaway in “The Beach.”

At the heart of the 18-hectare island called Bulubadiangan is a secondary-growth forest and at the edges are some mangroves.

With a population of 50 men, women and children living in 12 houses scattered throughout the island, it is a typical coastal community that subsists on fishing and abalone farming.

Eco-tourism

Since 2004 however, the island’s residents have been part of what the local government unit calls community-based ecological tourism (CBET) with Bulubadiangan Island now going by the name of Sandbar Island Beach Resort.

Still in its infancy, Sandbar Island Resort doesn’t even have a grocery store or canteen and is unspoiled as unspoiled could get.

Visitors may opt to rent one of the two bamboo cottages near the sandbar or pay for a home stay in any of the concrete houses of the Eusala and Fransisco families who make up the island’s native population.

Simple electrical gadgets and lights are run by solar energy in the Eusala ancestral house while the rest of the cottages in the beach area are powered by a mercifully not-so-noisy generator.

There’s no refrigerator and fresh fish are bought from neighboring Agho Island, also with its own generous spread of white sand beaches.

Any other needs such as rice and canned food you have to bring yourself and request Manang Josephine, the self-appointed island cook, to prepare for a minimal fee.

If you manage not to get distracted by the awesome northern Iloilo sunset, you can join the natives in panginhas or the collecting of edible marine life during low tide before sunset.

The same collecting done in the evenings with the aid of a torch or petromax is called panulo with the catch making up the bulk of the dinner viands.

At 6 p.m. around the islands of Concepcion, boats start to move off to sea and the petromax lights begin to flicker as fishermen release a special gear for pangawil or squid jigging that lasts until 8 p.m.

These evening activities you can do at Sandbar Resort and elsewhere in the town’s 16 islands as long as the languorous moon or the stars that seem to rain down don’t drive you to a mild case of lunacy.

Adventure destination

Daytime in northern Iloilo shouts adventure with island hopping, snorkeling, scuba diving in two sunken World War II Japanese warships, and mountain climbing in Pan de Azucar.

“We adopted community-based eco-tourism because Concepcion is a nature and adventure destination. It is one of the few places in Panay where the biodiversity of flora and fauna is high and the marine ecosystem is in a good state,” said Mario Lazarito, 40, the mayor’s development consultant and municipal tourism officer-designate.

Under the leadership of Mayor Raul Banias, last year’s Rafael M. Salas awardee for Population and Development, Concepcion has had nine places classified as Marine Protected Areas (MPAS) with Barangay Polopiña in Igbon Island included in the MPAS on April 27 during the town’s Tampisaw Festival held in the islands.

Most of the seagrass beds in the islands are intact and the coastal town has a well-preserved coral atoll in the 27-hectare Baleguian Island that teems with marine life.

This same island that is two hours boat ride from the mainland, also houses one of the most modern maritime lighthouses in the country, constructed in 1998 with funding from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation, said Lazarito.

Town officials are hoping that the CBET will awaken Concepcion folks’ awareness of preserving their environment while getting income from its beauty.

“CBET was a program designed and implemented in 2002 to give capacities to local people to use indigenous and local resources,” said Lazarito, who admits that there is still much to be done to develop the technical capability of Concepcion’s CBET advocates.

Concepcion has two kinds of guides accredited by the Department of Tourism: nine are local guides with basic training and two are mountain guides for Pan de Azucar, which at 573 ft above sea level, can be scaled in three hours.

Rex Eusala, 50, one of the owners of the Sandbar Island Beach Resort in Bulubadiangan Island, is thankful for the CBET and attempts at putting more MPAs because these have stopped residents of neighboring islands from endlessly collecting the edible marine life in the five-hectare marine habitat beside the sandbar.

“People have become so many that left to themselves, they will destroy the habitats of sea creatures just so they will have something to sell or eat. They have destroyed their own panginhas grounds, that is why they are coming to Bulubadiangan,” said Eusala in Hiligaynon.

Tampisaw Festival

To help people appreciate the importance of their environment and preserve the traditional coastal way of life, the local government put up the Tampisaw Festival in 1999.

The Tampisaw festival is a “home-grown, community-based and eco-tourism festivity dedicated to the protection and conservation of Mother Earth and the celebration of the cultural richness of Concepcion.”

This year’s Tampisaw Festival, held on April 27 to 29 at Barangay Tambaliza, Pan de Azucar Island, was the launching pad of “Panabo sa Tampisaw Festival.”

Lazarito explains that in the olden days, groups of women and children from a community would meet the fishermen to check out the day’s catch and in the end, would share the bounty with relatives and friends in the belief that sharing is thanksgiving, thus the term “panabo.”

“Panabo sa Tampisaw” aims to unite Concepcion’s island dwellers into retaining environment-friendly practices such as hook-and-line fishing and establishing goodwill among communities by selling the fish catch at less the market price.

For us visitors, it is heart-warming to know that behind the clear, azure waters and sun-drenched islands are people doing their best to protect their natural wealth and become united in the process.

Concepcion’s tourism officer-designate Mario Lazarito can be contacted at 0918-3119523.



Copyright 2006 Inquirer. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


http://news.inq7.net/regions/index.php?index=1&col=&story_id=77159

hmmm, nice to know nga ang concepcion may kinaiya nga bugal ca bilog nga pinas.

the whole province of guimaras as supposedly to become part of the planned regional city of yloilo is a big welcome. the sweet mangoes to the vibrancy of yloilo makes it more sweeter at its best. united we stand... to progress we go hand in hand... again, welcome back guimaras...

Capiz tourism potentials tapped for dev't
By A. Lumaque

Roxas City -- Capiz's cutflowers and seafoods and marine and adventure attractions are included in the region's tourism market based on the Tourism Action Plan 2010 of Western Visayas.


The plan got the approval of the Regional Development Council (RDC) during its first quarter regular meeting in recognition of the important role of tourism in the region's economic development.

Department of Tourism Regional Director Edwin Trompeta said Boracay Island would still be the hub of tourist attractions in the region with the other provinces revolving around it.

Accordingly, the plan will develop the provinces of Aklan and Antique as nature-based eco-tourism and adventure sites while Iloilo will be marketed for its cultural heritage and as venue for conventions, conferences and meetings. The province of Negros Occidental and city of Bacolod will be for adventure, culture and heritage tourism, as well as site for meetings and conventions.

Recently, Roxas City was featured over GMA television network as the Seafood Capital of the Philippines because of its abundant and delicious seafoods and other marine products in its coastal waters.

A 15-minute documentary about Roxas City named "Of Sand Dunes and Curious Wonder: Exploring Roxas City" is being shown over Living Asia Channel in its travel guide segments as among Asia's fine adventure destinations.

The documentary produced by CCI Asia New Media Productions, Inc. depicts the city as a seafood capital of the country and attracts travelers with its folkloric charm as well as natural and man-made wonders. It features the abundant seafoods, cultural and religious landmarks including shell craft and horticulture industries.

(PIA)


the foods are nice and exotic, especially by the seaside and by the river is truly an experience to savour. roxas city is the dark horse of western visayas.

Some Guimaras pics from my files:
http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i80/IAMME00/Guimaras/100_3709.jpg

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i80/IAMME00/Guimaras/100_3719.jpg

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i80/IAMME00/Guimaras/BY-129.jpg

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i80/IAMME00/Guimaras/BY-22.jpg

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i80/IAMME00/Guimaras/BY-128.jpg

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i80/IAMME00/Guimaras/100_3910.jpg

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i80/IAMME00/Guimaras/BY-127.jpg

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i80/IAMME00/Guimaras/100_3867.jpg

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i80/IAMME00/Guimaras/101_0192.jpg

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i80/IAMME00/Guimaras/100_3820.jpg

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i80/IAMME00/Guimaras/100_3753.jpg

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i80/IAMME00/Guimaras/100_3764.jpg

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i80/IAMME00/Guimaras/100_3823.jpg

Nature at its best in Guimaras! Truly, a paradise-island!

Voila! Guimaras is really beautiful. I hope to see the booming tourism industry of Guimaras soon! Go Guimaras!

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i80/IAMME00/Guimaras/100_3823.jpg
Where in Guimaras is this, IAMME? I wish to walk on its bamboo bridge one day.

Island-village seen as adventure park

Roxas City -The city government will help officials and residents of Olotayan develop this city’s island-barangay into a natural park and marine sanctuary as well as diving adventure destination.

The initial step towards the realization of the plan included a study tour to Apo Island in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental last March followed by a seminar on marine sanctuary.

Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Rommel Roberto Lastimoso has coordinated with concerned national government agencies after delivering a privilege speech February this year calling for the protection and development of the island.

“The development of the island into a tourist spot will bring livelihood to the island’s residents,” said Lastimoso.

The waters surrounding the island is known for sightings of whale sharks, dugong and pawikan aside from its white beaches and hilly areas ideal for trekking.

It also has basic facilities like electricity and water and other amenities that are available in mainland barangays.

Powell Del Rosario, Olotayan Marine Sanctuary project organizer, said the village is envisioned to become a “famous tourist destination which will be managed by an empowered people.”

“We will maintain the nature and serenity of the island where people can come to relax and enjoy,” said Del Rosario. However, he said the island will not be developed to become a party place.

Meanwhile, the city’s Tourism Promotion and Development Office noted an increase in tourist arrivals in the province from January to March 2006 based on its quarterly tourism travelers survey.

This capital city has also been considered as among Asia’s fine adventure destinations and known for its abundant marine and seafood products in a documentary shown over a national cable channel. (PIA/A.Lumaque)


(source: The Guardian Iloilo
link: http://www.theguardianiloilo.ph/localprev5.php)

Daw Siete Pecados man ina siya? Adventure is the right word to describe Guimaras! Go Guimaras! :)

Uligmat Antiqueño’ vie for
Disaster Management Award

SAN JOSE, Antique – The Disaster Management Program of Antique dubbed as “Uligmat Antiqueño” vies for Annual Assessment on Excellence in Disaster Management Award national level.

Assistant Regional Director Eligio R. Calaour Office of Civil Defense Region 6 said during their validation meeting at Sumakwel Hall, New Capitol that Antique has a comprehensive disaster management program which will hopefully make it to the national level.

“Uligmat” is a kinaray-a term which means being alert or vigilant. “Uligmat Antiqueño” is Antique’s battle cry for vigilant people during calamities and disaster.

“We recognize the spirit of volunteerism and vigilance among the people which is very much needed during disasters and calamities thus we coined the term Uligmat,” said Broderick Train, Provincial Civil Defense Officer.

Uligmat Antiqueño goes with the vision of a self reliant, prepared and safe environment anchored in the spirit of volunteerism. It has a mission of empowered Antique develop through disaster management and Uligmat Antiqueño programs.

Train further said that the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC) chaired by Governor Sally Z. Perez has conducted seminars / trainings and simulation exercises in responding / managing different types of disasters or calamities. These are all integrated in Provincial Disaster Management Plan.

On the other hand, Antique, according to Train is vulnerable to flashfloods and storm surge because of the presence of big rivers and longer shorelines.

It is also prone to landslides and earthquakes since it is located in the pacific ring of fire.

A number of sea mishaps were recorded due to the fact that Antique waters were considered sea lanes by both passenger ships and merchant vessels. The most disastrous of all was the Semirara oil spill in the island town of Caluya early this year which cause millions of damages not only to the economy but to the Caluyan-nons and its environment.

Among the programs anchored with Uligmat Antiqueño are Warning and Information Dissemination System, Rescue/Emergency Response, Evacuation and Relief Operations, Rehabilitation and capability building among disaster management teams. Almost all sectors, government agencies, private/civil groups are involved in the disaster management program of the province.

Train also noted that in 2005 Barangay Indag-an in Sibalom was a national awardee in Excellence in Disaster Management - Barangay Category. Aside from the PDDC other municipalities and barangays in the province have also submitted their documents for the national award.


(source: Panay News)

Voila! Guimaras is really beautiful. I hope to see the booming tourism industry of Guimaras soon! Go Guimaras!
I agree Space. There's a lot of potentials for Guimaras Island Province. I'm sure tourists will love Guimaras, its natural beauty is superb. A penny-worth of exploring.

Paspas Guimaras!

Guimaras solon distributes farm implements
By Erly C. Garcia


Guimaras lone district Rep. Edgar Espinosa distributed ten handtractors to farmer beneficiaries in San Lorenzo town recently as part of the Arroyo administration's Integrated Agricultural Mechanization Project (IAMP).

The Kubota handtractors distributed to San Lorenzo farmers is part of the fifty units alloted for the entire province of Guimaras.

Espinosa said the distribution in the province's four other towns will be done as soon as the remaining handtractors arrive.

Espinosa said aside from handtractors the IAMP also include other components such as warehouse, dryer, sheller for corn, and the training building for farmers.


He said the project which is under the supervision of the Depart of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has an overall funding of P80 million to be implemented in five years.

Farmer beneficiaries are chosen in coordination with the barangay officials of the respective municipalities.

The San Lorenzo distribution held at the Municipal Hall was attended by Municipal Mayor Arsenio Zambarrano, Vice Mayor Jimmy Gaho, the Sangguniang Bayan members, and all of the town's barangay captains.

Coinciding with the distribution of the handtractors was the signing of the tripartite agreement among Rep. Espinosa, Mayor Zambarrano and the PhilHealth representative for the turn-over of Espinosa's PhilHealth capitation to the municipality of San Lorenzo.

Capitation is a portion of the money from PhilHealth contributions which is being returned to the local government unit for use by the Municipal Health Office.

Zambarrano said the move would be a great help to their municipality as the money would be used to improve the services of the Municipal Health Office.

PhilHealth representative Victor Chua said there are 2,046 beneficiaries under Espinosa while San Lorenzo town has 1,080 accredited members.

Chua said the tripartite agreement would maximize the benefits that could be availed from PhilHealth

(source: The News Today
link: http://www.thenewstoday.info/2006/06/16/guimaras.solon.distributes.farm.implements.html)

Shipwreck discovered off Roxas City waters
First posted 11:38pm (Mla time) June 09, 2006
By Felipe V. Celino
Inquirer

WAS the wreck found off the coast of Barangay Barra, Roxas City, a Spanish galleon or a mere trading ship?

Roxas City officials and local folk were amazed after local divers discovered the sunken ship on May 22 off the waters of Sitio Tabai in Barra. Strong currents from the last typhoon, “Caloy,” could have unearthed some portions of the sunken ship, which made it visible from the surface waters.

The ship was first thought to be a galleon or ancient trading vessel. Others believed it to be a Spanish warship.

Barra resident and well-known diver Ronilo Lorenzo, 45, was the first to discover the ship buried about 15-20 feet deep and about 3 km from the shores of Barra. Lorenzo and 10 other divers were actually diving for seahorses when they accidentally spotted the sunken ship.

He told Roxas City Mayor Antonio del Rosario that the ship was made of hardwood and they saw broken jars, among other things. They also recovered gunpowder that had solidified; it sparked when rubbed with a hard piece of stone or iron.

However, some enterprising divers and fishermen had salvaged parts of the vessel and sold it to junkshops for as high as P6,000, Lorenzo said.

A sizeable amount of artifacts taken by some fishers and divers from the ship have, however, been recovered by the city government and will remain in the keeping of the mayor.

City officials are awaiting the official announcement of the National Museum (NM) that conducted an exploration off the coast of Barangay Punta Barra last June 1.

Del Rosario instructed Capiz police director Senior Supt. Cipriano Querol to place the area under tight security upon the advice of the Philippine Historical Commission. He wanted to document all the findings for historical purposes.

The exploration team is composed of Bobby Orillaneda, archeologist from the NM Underwater Archeology Division; Eduardo Sarmiento from the NM Cultural Properties Division; Scott Souther, an Australian master diver and member of Australian Foundation; Nathaniel Floro of Far Sea Land Research Foundation; Felino Neri, a Filipino diver; and Eliza Antonino, a staff of Sen. Mar Roxas who serves as coordinator and guide for the divers.

Warning

Sarmiento warned local folk not to make any attempt to salvage the debris from the wreckage. He said Presidential Decree No. 374 prohibits the collection of objects from the wreckage under the Cultural Properties Preservation and Protection Act.

Orillaneda said the ship was likely to be a trading ship from the 1900s and not a centuries-old galleon.

He said their initial examination on the artifacts being kept at the mayor’s residence in Barangay Dayao disclosed that they were not as old as those found in 250-year-old galleons.

But he stressed it would be too early to conclude the real age or identity of the sunken vessel as they had yet to properly age the artifacts.

Samples of recovered artifacts would be brought to the National Museum for proper examination. The exploration team was expected to be back in Roxas City next month.

Based on historical records, Orillaneda said, only one galleon has been unearthed and discovered by the National Museum and that was in the waters off Nasugbu, Batangas. It was the San Diego galleon used by the Spaniards.

Roxas City or Panay Island was not one of the routes used by the galleons, he said.


(source: Philippine Daily Inquirer
link: http://news.inq7.net/regions/index.php?index=2&story_id=78634&col=39)

another milestone for Capiz and Roxas City naman ini. Hala Roxas, paspas na!

Island-village seen as adventure park

(source: The Guardian Iloilo
link: http://www.theguardianiloilo.ph/localprev5.php)
I wish to visit this island-village one day. Daw na-curious man ako sini mga migs.

I agree Space. There's a lot of potentials for Guimaras Island Province. I'm sure tourists will love Guimaras, its natural beauty is superb. A penny-worth of exploring.

Paspas Guimaras!
Absolutely agree, Kirbo. Guimaras will surely stuns visitors and guests of the island. More than anything else, they really need to take things seriously when it comes to tourism. Their governor's exposure this month to Vancouver's Mayors Confernece will surely boost Guimaras tourism bid. Nava should start promoting Guimaras internationally right now, to the point of competing head on head with Boracay. Paspas Guimaras!

Daw Siete Pecados man ina siya? Adventure is the right word to describe Guimaras! Go Guimaras! :)
Barely had any inkling of Siete Pecado's look. I really need to tour Guimaras properly. The only place I visited there was Alubihod, and that was like more than a decade ago.

Hi to ALL, it is my first visit here in this thread. Were is this island, in the south or north or middle of the Philippines. I am truly sorry about this fact that I know very little about the Philippino map. The island of the mango fruit... makes me really wish for mango right now, I saw the pictures on the first pages...delicious!!!!

hi scandinavian girl, welcome to the Guimaras thread.....
Guimaras island is located in the Mid-Western part of the Philippines between Panay Island and Negros Occidental.
http://corporate.mozcom.com/dot/r6/maps/map_wv.gif
http://www.geocities.com/pandanantique/images/map_visayas.jpg
The island is blessed with beautiful sceneries of jagged coastlines and coves, rugged terrain & mountains, secluded beaches and the most warmest and down to earth people. Plus, you will enjoy the world's sweetest mangoes as much as you can.

http://i69.photobucket.com/albums/i80/IAMME00/Guimaras/100_3823.jpg
Where in Guimaras is this, IAMME? I wish to walk on its bamboo bridge one day.
That's the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC) Mariculture Park at Igang, Nueva Valencia. They maintain milkfish and grouper broodstock. They also have abalone and red snapper culture among others.

Beautiful Guimaras Island. Thanks for the photo IAMME, and for its description. Wala pa ko dira nakakadto iya.

Visit Guimaras, the next BIG Thing when it comes to WV's Tourism.

Paspas Guimaras! :cheers:

Very interesting place indeed, Space. Roxas City and Capiz is definitely picking up economically as well. Go WV! Hala Bira! :cheers:

I hope to see more collaborative efforts from these three provinces with Iloilo to further their economic and tourism bid. Roxas City dominates the northern panay. I wish to see more developments in this city in few years time. Hala Bira Aklan, Capiz and Antique!

That's the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center (SEAFDEC) Mariculture Park at Igang, Nueva Valencia. They maintain milkfish and grouper broodstock. They also have abalone and red snapper culture among others.
Thank you again, IAMME. It's really beautiful. Hope to vist the place one day. Paspas Guimaras!

"May Pope Benedict enjoy the taste of Guimaras Mangoes" forever and ever.

Amen.

Sandrin thank you for your information and the nice descriptive maps. I now get a better picture of Guimaras Island and it´s place within the Philippines. As I have said in other threads the Philippines is a very beautiful country!!:)

Wishing you ALL a very nice Wednesday!!!

Hi to ALL, it is my first visit here in this thread. Were is this island, in the south or north or middle of the Philippines. I am truly sorry about this fact that I know very little about the Philippino map. The island of the mango fruit... makes me really wish for mango right now, I saw the pictures on the first pages...delicious!!!!
Welcome Scandinavian Girl. I hope you'll visit Guimaras in the future. I'm sure you'll enjoy Guimaras sweetest mangoes at its best. :cheers:

Absolutely agree, Kirbo. Guimaras will surely stuns visitors and guests of the island. More than anything else, they really need to take things seriously when it comes to tourism. Their governor's exposure this month to Vancouver's Mayors Confernece will surely boost Guimaras tourism bid. Nava should start promoting Guimaras internationally right now, to the point of competing head on head with Boracay. Paspas Guimaras!
absolutely right. Plus the teaming-up with Iloilo is one of the best thing happening in Guimaras right now. I hope to see more developments from this island both in commerce, tourism, infras and economy. Go Guimaras! :cheers:

Any new developments in Roxas City and Kalibo?

Some Clips of Antique from WVSU College of Medicine Website:

Welcome to Antique

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h151/soulmaker27/Gateway_to_Antique.jpg

Tibiao Waterfalls

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h151/soulmaker27/Tibiao_Falls.jpg

Dolphin Sightings in Tibiao

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h151/soulmaker27/Dolphin_sightings_Tibiao.jpg

Tibiao Sunset

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h151/soulmaker27/Tibiao_Sunset.jpg

Dao Antique Cemetery

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h151/soulmaker27/Dao_Antique_Cemetery.jpg

Pls pls consider putting up a bridge between iloilo and guimaras! that'll be great!