Legazpi, Ligao and Tabaco Cities, and Albay Province [Archive] - Page 134

burntjay

November 15th, 2010, 08:30 AM

The reason they chose Alobo, Daraga is that it's the nearest flatland to Legazpi large enough to accommodate an airport with international standards.

Yes it's considerably farther the the existing airport but most of the airports in the Philippines are located far from the CBDs. In Iloilo it takes you about 30-45 to go to and from the airport, in Butuan it's about 20-30 minutes.

I've gone up to the edge of the access road of the proposed airport and it took me about 20 minutes to go there from Daraga. It's quite near actually The problem I foresee in the near future is the traffic in Daraga, for those who will be coming from Legazpi. It's important that by then, the traffic in Daraga should have been solved.

The Domestic Airport can be converted into something more productive. Maybe they can develop it into a tourism zone or a sports center. The area of the domestic airport is quite big.
ah, i see...
i was thinking of having the new airport in Brgy. San Francisco, that land fill area :lol: , but with what you said that Bgry. Alobo is just 20 mins. away from Daraga, i guess it is a good choice after all :D

yes, traffic in Daraga reminds me of busy streets in Manila...
the only difference is that in Daraga, I can breathe freely without the stench & filth that Manila streets are known for. :lol:

is there any word as to what will become of the Legazpi Airport?
my vote is for a theme park! :D

yranoa

November 15th, 2010, 09:19 AM

ah, i see...
i was thinking of having the new airport in Brgy. San Francisco, that land fill area :lol: , but with what you said that Bgry. Alobo is just 20 mins. away from Daraga, i guess it is a good choice after all :D

yes, traffic in Daraga reminds me of busy streets in Manila...
the only difference is that in Daraga, I can breathe freely without the stench & filth that Manila streets are known for. :lol:

is there any word as to what will become of the Legazpi Airport?
my vote is for a theme park! :D

I heard SM is eyeing a part of The Legazpi airport for SM CITY here. Wish ko lang enough na mga Malls dito sa LEGAZPI pareparehas lang mga laman ng mga malls na yan. SM CITY NAGA doesnt even have Bobson.. Tsk!

I agree with you, a Theme park would be great for the would be former airport of Legazpi.. :okay:

regarding dyan sa traffic sa Daraga, i think its high time na lahat ng jeep na may route daraga to somewhere else in Legazpi must take the Regidor, Lakandula (binitayan), Maharlika (bañag) Rizal (CBD) back to Legazpi cuz dami na nadagdag sa route dito sa LEGAZPI and most of these PUJs traverses Daraga and ang mga kalsada is same pa din 50 years ago 'di humaba so Dapat pahabain ang kalsada dyan sa daraga by re-routing the traffic all the way to bañag to accomodate all these vehicles on the streets of Daraga... :okay:

Carats

November 15th, 2010, 01:15 PM

So there's already a bridge being constructed between Cagraray and the mainland. :)

Yes,there is now an on-going construction of the bridge linking Cagraray Island to the mainland.
I hope they could finish it soon so that it may become easily accessible not only to the local residents but also to those who would like to visit and explore the island.

Some shots I took when I was in Legazpi before 'All Souls' Day'.
Pagtiyagaan nyo na lang po mga kuha ko.:)

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs478.ash2/75180_1500338432939_1368534413_31099991_1906803_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs930.snc4/74325_1500338632944_1368534413_31099993_6329057_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs955.snc4/74798_1500338752947_1368534413_31099994_8046815_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs898.snc4/73121_1500339152957_1368534413_31099997_5566343_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs577.ash2/149928_1500339312961_1368534413_31099998_4902613_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs458.ash2/73110_1500339432964_1368534413_31099999_5276041_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs470.ash2/74381_1500339552967_1368534413_31100000_7443103_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs464.ash2/73720_1500340072980_1368534413_31100004_5083618_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1122.snc4/148463_1500340192983_1368534413_31100005_6934102_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs925.snc4/73887_1500340312986_1368534413_31100006_6805237_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1132.snc4/149428_1500340432989_1368534413_31100007_6945021_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1181.snc4/150372_1500340672995_1368534413_31100008_2947700_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs459.ash2/73240_1500340953002_1368534413_31100009_4473273_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs929.snc4/74214_1500341113006_1368534413_31100010_2571105_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs480.ash2/75356_1500341233009_1368534413_31100011_2038503_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs970.snc4/76358_1500341353012_1368534413_31100012_347975_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs488.ash2/76136_1500341513016_1368534413_31100013_6962376_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1136.snc4/149878_1500341593018_1368534413_31100014_8361764_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs475.ash2/74864_1500341793023_1368534413_31100015_1328993_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs972.snc4/76512_1500342193033_1368534413_31100018_7703046_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs564.ash2/148596_1500342273035_1368534413_31100019_6052209_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs983.snc4/75669_1500342393038_1368534413_31100020_8297205_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1122.snc4/148475_1500342793048_1368534413_31100022_6701598_n.jpg

MARAY NA BANGUI SA INDONG GABOS.

[dx]

November 15th, 2010, 01:22 PM

is there any word as to what will become of the Legazpi Airport?
my vote is for a theme park! :D

Yep, not another mall please! In that area, the focal point should be Ligñon and Mayon. For the airport redevelopment, I'd like to see a mixed-used development with commercial, tourism, and residential components; and with more greens, parks, water features, and trees than concrete buildings. We already have the Ligñon Hill Park and Albay Wildlife Park adjacent to the airport site. We can expand that further. I'd like to see a commercial area within a lush green garden not a concrete monstrosity (ex. SM, etc).

yranoa

November 15th, 2010, 01:28 PM

Yes,there is now an on-going construction of the bridge linking Cagraray Island to the mainland.
I hope they could finish it soon so that it may become easily accessible not only to the local residents but also to those who would like to visit and explore the island.

Some shots I took when I was in Legazpi before 'All Souls' Day'.
Pagtiyagaan nyo na lang po mga kuha ko.:)

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs478.ash2/75180_1500338432939_1368534413_31099991_1906803_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs930.snc4/74325_1500338632944_1368534413_31099993_6329057_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs955.snc4/74798_1500338752947_1368534413_31099994_8046815_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs898.snc4/73121_1500339152957_1368534413_31099997_5566343_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs577.ash2/149928_1500339312961_1368534413_31099998_4902613_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs458.ash2/73110_1500339432964_1368534413_31099999_5276041_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs470.ash2/74381_1500339552967_1368534413_31100000_7443103_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs464.ash2/73720_1500340072980_1368534413_31100004_5083618_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1122.snc4/148463_1500340192983_1368534413_31100005_6934102_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs925.snc4/73887_1500340312986_1368534413_31100006_6805237_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1132.snc4/149428_1500340432989_1368534413_31100007_6945021_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1181.snc4/150372_1500340672995_1368534413_31100008_2947700_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs459.ash2/73240_1500340953002_1368534413_31100009_4473273_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs929.snc4/74214_1500341113006_1368534413_31100010_2571105_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs480.ash2/75356_1500341233009_1368534413_31100011_2038503_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs970.snc4/76358_1500341353012_1368534413_31100012_347975_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs488.ash2/76136_1500341513016_1368534413_31100013_6962376_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1136.snc4/149878_1500341593018_1368534413_31100014_8361764_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs475.ash2/74864_1500341793023_1368534413_31100015_1328993_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs972.snc4/76512_1500342193033_1368534413_31100018_7703046_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs564.ash2/148596_1500342273035_1368534413_31100019_6052209_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs983.snc4/75669_1500342393038_1368534413_31100020_8297205_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1122.snc4/148475_1500342793048_1368534413_31100022_6701598_n.jpg

MARAY NA BANGUI SA INDONG GABOS.

wow! Thanx for the photos! Andami! :okay:
mabuhay ka!
Dios Marhay man na Bangui! :)

underoath

November 15th, 2010, 01:36 PM

;67145609']Cebu Pacific domination -- Cebu Pacific Airbus A320 bound for Manila (left) and ATR 72-500 bound for Cebu (right) at the Legazpi Domestic Airport
Nov. 2, 2010

http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b478/legazpi_city/CebuPacificLGPcopy.jpg
Photo by me

^^The Cebu-bound plane was also jam-packed. I also saw a Caucasian family of four alight the plane. More foreign tourists are now exploring the RP via inter-regional flights. We need more of these flights. :)

excellent shot!!!

good evening legazpi and albay!!! :)

drfeelgood17

November 15th, 2010, 01:53 PM

night flights would be great...
i'd be able to maximize my vacations.

speaking here as an ordinary traveler, i'm just not too cool with the new airport in Daraga...
kinda far from where i stay here in Legazpi, & quite distant too from the CBD.
how i wish they'd retain the existing Legazpi Airport for either daytime or (if there'll be any) nighttime domestic flights...
for some sentimental reasons as well, i'd like Legazpi airport to be left as it is :lol:

Hi burntjay,

I also said in an earlier post how this famous view of LGP with Mayon and Lignon Hill just in the background will be one casualty of this move to southern Daraga. I'm sure Mayon will still be visible in the new airport but it won't be the same. I also talked about how the spectacular view from the plane as you take off and land could become another casualty because the flight path might be different. However, others pointed out that the new airport is only a few kilometres further south and the flight path will probably be quite similar. I hope so. :)

drfeelgood17

November 15th, 2010, 01:54 PM

Busy Monday Banking @BDO Dararga
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1121.snc4/148328_454457851452_703261452_5492917_1231539_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs972.snc4/76500_454466056452_703261452_5493072_442198_n.jpg

and much more busy BDO LEGAZPI ROTONDA
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs458.ash2/73118_454509201452_703261452_5493562_4708659_n.jpg
"Discreet Shots"

I might be in a verry HOT SEAT if im caught taking pix from this banks! Tsk!

From a hidden camera...? :D
As long as it's not illegal you should be ok.
That bank looks more orderly and cleaner than some of the bank branches over here. And the staff are smartly dressed.

drfeelgood17

November 15th, 2010, 01:56 PM

;67145609']Cebu Pacific domination -- Cebu Pacific Airbus A320 bound for Manila (left) and ATR 72-500 bound for Cebu (right) at the Legazpi Domestic Airport
Nov. 2, 2010

http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b478/legazpi_city/CebuPacificLGPcopy.jpg
Photo by me

^^The Cebu-bound plane was also jam-packed. I also saw a Caucasian family of four alight the plane. More foreign tourists are now exploring the RP via inter-regional flights. We need more of these flights. :)

That's a good sign, Dex, I hope this trend continues.

drfeelgood17

November 15th, 2010, 02:03 PM

The reason they chose Alobo, Daraga is that it's the nearest flatland to Legazpi large enough to accommodate an airport with international standards.

Yes it's considerably farther the the existing airport but most of the airports in the Philippines are located far from the CBDs. In Iloilo it takes you about 30-45 to go to and from the airport, in Butuan it's about 20-30 minutes.

I've gone up to the edge of the access road of the proposed airport and it took me about 20 minutes to go there from Daraga. It's quite near actually The problem I foresee in the near future is the traffic in Daraga, for those who will be coming from Legazpi. It's important that by then, the traffic in Daraga should have been solved.

The Domestic Airport can be converted into something more productive. Maybe they can develop it into a tourism zone or a sports center. The area of the domestic airport is quite big.

That is why road connections in southern Legazpi and Daraga need to be increased and improved on. That is the best way of easing congestion in Daraga. There is too much reliance on the Rizal St route. I hope in future the airport road in Taysan will also act as an alternative road.
The Domestic Airport's runway is also quite long and could be converted into an 8-lane boulevard - another potential alternative route.

[dx]

November 15th, 2010, 02:11 PM

[dx]

November 15th, 2010, 02:13 PM

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs970.snc4/76358_1500341353012_1368534413_31100012_347975_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs972.snc4/76512_1500342193033_1368534413_31100018_7703046_n.jpg

Php 150 daw ang zipline. Reasonable! (Ligñon is P200).

I will definitely try these two new attractions in Embarcadero. December please come sooner!! :okay:

[dx]

November 15th, 2010, 02:16 PM

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs564.ash2/148596_1500342273035_1368534413_31100019_6052209_n.jpg
MARAY NA BANGUI SA INDONG GABOS.

Dined here last Oct. 31. The food was okay although the servings were a bit small. They need to improve their selection of beverages though (only two kinds of beer? hehe). Ambience was great, however they need to do something about the rain. Overall, hope to see a much improved Cisyd by the time they open fully. :okay:

burntjay

November 15th, 2010, 02:31 PM

I heard SM is eyeing a part of The Legazpi airport for SM CITY here. Wish ko lang enough na mga Malls dito sa LEGAZPI pareparehas lang mga laman ng mga malls na yan. SM CITY NAGA doesnt even have Bobson.. Tsk!
really? i may have an unpopular opinion here, I've been dreaming of an SM City Legazpi from the moment I set foot here 5 years ago (forgive me, but I'm missing KFC, Kenny Rogers, Pizza Hut & Goldilocks :lol: )!
i think having it constructed on the current airport site would be a good thing- it won't eat up the small businesses in downtown Legazpi & traffic (vehicle, human) in the CBD would be reduced relatively.
but yeah, you & [dx] are right... a 4th major mall, eh?
Legazpeños need to save for rainy days, Mr. Henry Sy! :D

;67155819']Yep, not another mall please! In that area, the focal point should be Ligñon and Mayon. For the airport redevelopment, I'd like to see a mixed-used development with commercial, tourism, and residential components; and with more greens, parks, water features, and trees than concrete buildings. We already have the Ligñon Hill Park and Albay Wildlife Park adjacent to the airport site. We can expand that further. I'd like to see a commercial area within a lush green garden not a concrete monstrosity (ex. SM, etc).
you know what, with your mention of lush greens reminded me of Greenbelt in Makati :)
they should take into consideration the existing landscape, & complement it...
i think Embarcadero de Legazpi succeeded in that sense- it added a modern feel to an already beautiful yet overlooked part of the city.
i suggest an Bonifacio High Street-type of architecture in the middle of a garden/forest-like environment, surrounded by a moat...
am i taking i too far? :lol:

yranoa

November 15th, 2010, 02:32 PM

excellent shot!!!

good evening legazpi and albay!!! :)

:)same here underoath, and welcome to Legazpi City and Albay Province thread!

HI there s'doc and dx pati na mga online ngaun dito. :wave:

burntjay

November 15th, 2010, 02:45 PM

Hi burntjay,

I also said in an earlier post how this famous view of LGP with Mayon and Lignon Hill just in the background will be one casualty of this move to southern Daraga. I'm sure Mayon will still be visible in the new airport but it won't be the same. I also talked about how the spectacular view from the plane as you take off and land could become another casualty because the flight path might be different. However, others pointed out that the new airport is only a few kilometres further south and the flight path will probably be quite similar. I hope so. :)
hey, doc! :)
oo nga... arriving in Legazpi won't be the same without that picture-taking in the airport with the imposing presence of Mayon Volcano in the background!
imma take note of this & make sure that on my next flight, i'd take pictures of myself at the airport grounds! :lol:
i don't have any yet coz i always travel alone & i really refrain myself from looking like a fool camwhoring there. :D

burntjay

November 15th, 2010, 02:54 PM

that's it for now...
good night everyone :)

praying for a sunny Eid'l Adha here in Albay so that everyone will enjoy his one day break!

[dx]

November 15th, 2010, 03:08 PM

^^Enjoy the holiday!

you know what, with your mention of lush greens reminded me of Greenbelt in Makati :)
they should take into consideration the existing landscape, & complement it...
i think Embarcadero de Legazpi succeeded in that sense- it added a modern feel to an already beautiful yet overlooked part of the city.
i suggest an Bonifacio High Street-type of architecture in the middle of a garden/forest-like environment, surrounded by a moat...
am i taking i too far? :lol:

Haha, yup same concept as Embarcadero and Greenbelt but with more trees! Five years ago who ever thought something like the Embarcadero will be built in the port area? Now we have it and it just keeps on getting better. That's something we can truly call our own.

hey, doc! :)
oo nga... arriving in Legazpi won't be the same without that picture-taking in the airport with the imposing presence of Mayon Volcano in the background!
imma take note of this & make sure that on my next flight, i'd take pictures of myself at the airport grounds! :lol:
i don't have any yet coz i always travel alone & i really refrain myself from looking like a fool camwhoring there. :D

Haha yeah, halata pag turista o taga Legazpi -- the tourist stops and takes photos, the local goes directly to the arrival area :lol:

Pero minsan may mga locals (like me!) who also takes photos hehe

yranoa

November 15th, 2010, 03:12 PM

:goodnight:
good night burntjay :) its rainin cats and dogs, should i say cows and elephants kanina lang, wew! wet wet wet! Yeah, dapat mainit bukas, maaga pasok ko weh... Hahaha! :lol:

kaniguan78

November 15th, 2010, 03:40 PM

[dx]

November 15th, 2010, 03:45 PM

St. Agnes' Academy
by Owen L. Del Castillo (http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1087694571)

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs416.snc4/47966_1419158674135_1087694571_31030122_6370350_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs308.ash2/58865_1419153233999_1087694571_31030119_2686560_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs435.snc4/47784_1419151473955_1087694571_31030118_3812814_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs430.snc4/47350_1419150753937_1087694571_31030117_7876037_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs424.snc4/46677_1419165674310_1087694571_31030131_7587019_n.jpg

[dx]

November 15th, 2010, 03:47 PM

BU Gate. The BU High can now be seen from Rizal Street with the stage removed.

http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/kaniguan78/BUgate.jpg

http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/kaniguan78/bu4.jpg

http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/kaniguan78/BUGate2.jpg

Photos by Dennis Mirabueno (http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=238981&id=621484194)

Dakulaon palan an bagong gate kang BU. Dai ko ini aram, hehe. Thanks for sharing!
Good riddance for the old commencement stage! Bye bye na sa atop na gari mga plantsa :lol:
The Gabaldon-type BU High building is so much better. :okay:

yranoa

November 15th, 2010, 03:56 PM

BU Gate. The BU High can now be seen from Rizal Street with the stage removed.

http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/kaniguan78/BUgate.jpg

http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/kaniguan78/bu4.jpg

http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/kaniguan78/BUGate2.jpg

nakikita ko lang to sa mga architectural sketch in an exhibit dyan sa BU more than 10 years ago... Ngaun nagmaterialise na...
I also saw the blueprint plans to develope the japanesse tunnel dyan sa likod ng BU Grandstand, a nature/eco trail like design with bars and restos...

Hmmn... Sana pati yun matuloy para additional income ng BU and attraction sa LEGAZPI na sobrang malapit sa CBD.. Thanx kaniguan...

iMilo

November 15th, 2010, 03:59 PM

The reason they chose Alobo, Daraga is that it's the nearest flatland to Legazpi large enough to accommodate an airport with international standards.

Yes it's considerably farther the the existing airport but most of the airports in the Philippines are located far from the CBDs. In Iloilo it takes you about 30-45 to go to and from the airport, in Butuan it's about 20-30 minutes.

I've gone up to the edge of the access road of the proposed airport and it took me about 20 minutes to go there from Daraga. It's quite near actually The problem I foresee in the near future is the traffic in Daraga, for those who will be coming from Legazpi. It's important that by then, the traffic in Daraga should have been solved.

The Domestic Airport can be converted into something more productive. Maybe they can develop it into a tourism zone or a sports center. The area of the domestic airport is quite big.

Guys, don't forget the Estanza Road which to me is the fastest way to go from the international airport to Legazpi without going through Daraga. Plus Estanza is a great tourist area to showcase Daraga, Old Albay, Legazpi and Mt. Mayon.

[dx]

November 15th, 2010, 04:34 PM

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1175.snc4/154780_168117746541671_128954043791375_391982_7745880_n.jpg

You've gotta try these new amazing rides at Embarcadero: Go-Kart and Segway. Plus soon to open Jet Ski, para-sailing, paddle boat, and water jeep! :) ~ Embarcadero de Legazpi on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Embarcadero-de-Legazpi/128954043791375)

[dx]

November 15th, 2010, 04:36 PM

Be a fan of Albay Rising on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Albay-Rising/160977507255358)! Now with 2,300+ fans and counting. :okay:

Congrats Sherwin for the success of Albay Rising blog (http://albayrising.blogspot.com/) and your other Albay-related blogs! Even Gov. Salceda's blog links to Albay Rising hehe.

[dx]

November 15th, 2010, 04:42 PM

;67165703']http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1175.snc4/154780_168117746541671_128954043791375_391982_7745880_n.jpg

You've gotta try these new amazing rides at Embarcadero: Go-Kart and Segway. Plus soon to open Jet Ski, para-sailing, paddle boat, and water jeep! :) ~ Embarcadero de Legazpi on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Embarcadero-de-Legazpi/128954043791375)

By the way, this is the first in the country :okay:

olineil

November 15th, 2010, 04:59 PM

BU Gate. The BU High can now be seen from Rizal Street with the stage removed.

http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/kaniguan78/BUgate.jpg

http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/kaniguan78/bu4.jpg

http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/kaniguan78/BUGate2.jpg

Photos by Dennis Mirabueno (http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=238981&id=621484194)

Honestly... IMO... this is just a complete waste of money and priorities gone wrong. The money burned to do this entrance and the construction and deconstruction of the stage could have been used better in improving the classroom facilities and the actual school buildings. What do you need another entrance for when you already have 3 entrances. :bash::bash:

[dx]

November 15th, 2010, 05:34 PM

You have a point, Neil! The MP Bldg (now BUCAL) needs refurbishing.

jhid

November 15th, 2010, 08:47 PM

[QUOTE='[dx];67165855']Be a fan of Albay Rising on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Albay-Rising/160977507255358)! Now with 2,300+ fans and counting. :okay:

Congrats Sherwin for the success of Albay Rising blog (http://albayrising.blogspot.com/) and your other Albay-related blogs! Even Gov. Salceda's blog links to Albay R

Nag-like na ako para maging loyal fan kaini :banana:

Brandon32

November 16th, 2010, 02:06 AM

BU Gate. The BU High can now be seen from Rizal Street with the stage removed.

http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/kaniguan78/BUgate.jpg

http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/kaniguan78/bu4.jpg

http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/kaniguan78/BUGate2.jpg

Photos by Dennis Mirabueno (http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=238981&id=621484194)

wow. i think this is a great move to start modernizing the architecture of Bicol University...I hope next they will build a campus building similar to that of moscow state university...hehehe

drfeelgood17

November 16th, 2010, 02:12 AM

wow. i think this is a great move to start modernizing the architecture of Bicol University...I hope next they will built a campus building similar to that of moscow state university...hehehe

Wow that's pretty ambitious. :)
Some pics of MST:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/52/141207847_f624909b72_z.jpg?zz=1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eldar/141207847/)
Moscow State University (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eldar/141207847/) by Eldar (http://www.flickr.com/people/eldar/), on Flickr

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2106/2347235533_2a00915d88_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/13958710@N05/2347235533/)
Lomonosov Moscow State University (http://www.flickr.com/photos/13958710@N05/2347235533/) by C_Elena (http://www.flickr.com/people/13958710@N05/), on Flickr

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3392/4601796027_78e124e2ba_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/yulia_vadimovna/4601796027/)
Moscow State University (http://www.flickr.com/photos/yulia_vadimovna/4601796027/) by yulia vadimovna (http://www.flickr.com/people/yulia_vadimovna/), on Flickr

By the way, what is that new BU colonnade's purpose? Is it part of the new gate?

Brandon32

November 16th, 2010, 02:14 AM

Brandon32

November 16th, 2010, 02:30 AM

Wow that's pretty ambitious. :)
Some pics of MST:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/52/141207847_f624909b72_z.jpg?zz=1 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eldar/141207847/)
Moscow State University (http://www.flickr.com/photos/eldar/141207847/) by Eldar (http://www.flickr.com/people/eldar/), on Flickr

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2106/2347235533_2a00915d88_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/13958710@N05/2347235533/)
Lomonosov Moscow State University (http://www.flickr.com/photos/13958710@N05/2347235533/) by C_Elena (http://www.flickr.com/people/13958710@N05/), on Flickr

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3392/4601796027_78e124e2ba_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/yulia_vadimovna/4601796027/)
Moscow State University (http://www.flickr.com/photos/yulia_vadimovna/4601796027/) by yulia vadimovna (http://www.flickr.com/people/yulia_vadimovna/), on Flickr

By the way, what is that new BU colonnade's purpose? Is it part of the new gate?

yup pretty ambitious...but who knows..

kaniguan78

November 16th, 2010, 03:19 AM

Come on guys...those malls are not just for the Albayanos, remember there are now more and more foreign tourists visiting the province...lets give them more choices to shop and the reason to visit our city more often...

Having an SM in Legazpi is good for the province but it's not a must. I've been dreaming of it since I was in high school. SM is just waiting for the right time to open here. As far as Gaisano, EM, LCC and even Bichara mall are concerned, their doing good. I'd rather see Landco be fully developed into a premier business park. Legazpi has a unique offering in Embarcadero, nowhere in the Philippines can you find a mall like this. It's good to know that more and more shops are opening up in EM. LCC is doing good with their small scale shopping centers around the Bicol Region. The Albayanos have fallen in love with Gaisano and even though there's already an SM in Naga, Gaisano is still a great shopping destinations for Bicolanos.Why? Beause it's the only Gasiano in the Bicol Region. Bichara is gearing to be the 3D capital in Albay. By they way, we already have an SM in the guise of Savemore.

As to the growing foreign tourists in Albay, why would they go to SM when there is an EM around which is by the sea and have more unique things to offer. There are SMs all over the Philippines. We should promote homegrown businesses like LCC, LKY and Bichara.

As to the choices, I think we have enough choices already. What I would like to happen is for more stand alone shops to open not necessarily in an SM City Legazpi.

Albay, doesn't need an SM rather SM needs Albay as it needs a market. It's just a matter of time before it opens.

kaniguan78

November 16th, 2010, 03:32 AM

drfeelgood17

November 16th, 2010, 05:29 AM

;67155819']Yep, not another mall please! In that area, the focal point should be Ligñon and Mayon. For the airport redevelopment, I'd like to see a mixed-used development with commercial, tourism, and residential components; and with more greens, parks, water features, and trees than concrete buildings. We already have the Ligñon Hill Park and Albay Wildlife Park adjacent to the airport site. We can expand that further. I'd like to see a commercial area within a lush green garden not a concrete monstrosity (ex. SM, etc).

Come on guys...those malls are not just for the Albayanos, remember there are now more and more foreign tourists visiting the province...lets give them more choices to shop and the reason to visit our city more often...

Having an SM in Legazpi is good for the province but it's not a must. I've been dreaming of it since I was in high school. SM is just waiting for the right time to open here. As far as Gaisano, EM, LCC and even Bichara mall are concerned, their doing good. I'd rather see Landco be fully developed into a premier business park. Legazpi has a unique offering in Embarcadero, nowhere in the Philippines can you find a mall like this. It's good to know that more and more shops are opening up in EM. LCC is doing good with their small scale shopping centers around the Bicol Region. The Albayanos have fallen in love with Gaisano and even though there's already an SM in Naga, Gaisano is still a great shopping destinations for Bicolanos.Why? Beause it's the only Gasiano in the Bicol Region. Bichara is gearing to be the 3D capital in Albay. By they way, we already have an SM in the guise of Savemore.

As to the growing foreign tourists in Albay, why would they go to SM when there is an EM around which is by the sea and have more unique things to offer. There are SMs all over the Philippines. We should promote homegrown businesses like LCC, LKY and Bichara.

As to the choices, I think we have enough choices already. What I would like to happen is for more stand alone shops to open not necessarily in an SM City Legazpi.

Albay, doesn't need an SM rather SM needs Albay as it needs a market. It's just a matter of time before it opens.

Yep, we're too saturated with malls already, pwede rin gawing semi-industrial zone/techno hub yang airport, to create employment. Kung walang employment, sino bibili sa mga malls na yun.

To be honest, I'm also not a big fan of "mall architecture" -they tend be a blot on the landscape - as Dex puts it, "monstrosities". I think an SM City where the current aiport terminal is located would be a total eyesore and we can kiss goodbye to that famous view of Mayon and Lignon Hill from the airport road. I think it would be even better for SM to build their mall near the future intern'l airport - somewhere in southern Daraga or Legazpi - away from the city centre but still strategically located as it would capture the markets of Legazpi, Daraga and Sorsogon.

But....how about another idea? Why not turn the whole city into a shopping mecca, once the new airport is open? Before Hong Kong and Singapore became expensive they used to be known as shopping destinations for tourists wishing to purchase discounted clothes, jewellery, cameras etc...the question is - how did they do it? What do yo do to attract retailers and shoppers to come to your city and to keep them coming back? How did they keep their prices so low? Maybe our entrepreneur iMilo can help here. :)

I think in the long run this would make better economic sense than being dominated by one or two malls. At least this way, our "stand alone" retailers would flourish.

drfeelgood17

November 16th, 2010, 05:37 AM

;67145745']^That's one of my concerns too. But I think by the time the new airport is operational, there will be new and more convenient transportation options. (I'm thinking a new jeepney route perhaps or more cabs) You're right, the traffic problem in Daraga needs to be addressed. The Legazpi Boulevard connection to the airport should be completed by that time (2014-15)

This Legazpi Blvd connection to the airport should have been built as a four-lane street, to make it an attractive and efficient alternative road. Otherwise, people will just stick to the usual Rizal Street route if they think it will take just as long. Perhaps they could use both streets in a loop-system, Daraga bound vehicles will go via Rizal St and Legazpi bound via this alternative road.

Brandon32

November 16th, 2010, 06:16 AM

Brandon32

November 16th, 2010, 06:21 AM

Having an SM in Legazpi is good for the province but it's not a must. I've been dreaming of it since I was in high school. SM is just waiting for the right time to open here. As far as Gaisano, EM, LCC and even Bichara mall are concerned, their doing good. I'd rather see Landco be fully developed into a premier business park. Legazpi has a unique offering in Embarcadero, nowhere in the Philippines can you find a mall like this. It's good to know that more and more shops are opening up in EM. LCC is doing good with their small scale shopping centers around the Bicol Region. The Albayanos have fallen in love with Gaisano and even though there's already an SM in Naga, Gaisano is still a great shopping destinations for Bicolanos.Why? Beause it's the only Gasiano in the Bicol Region. Bichara is gearing to be the 3D capital in Albay. By they way, we already have an SM in the guise of Savemore.

As to the growing foreign tourists in Albay, why would they go to SM when there is an EM around which is by the sea and have more unique things to offer. There are SMs all over the Philippines. We should promote homegrown businesses like LCC, LKY and Bichara.As to the choices, I think we have enough choices already. What I would like to happen is for more stand alone shops to open not necessarily in an SM City Legazpi.

Albay, doesn't need an SM rather SM needs Albay as it needs a market. It's just a matter of time before it opens.

i agree. kahit may SM pa dyan, sa LCC,Embarcadero, LKY pa man giraray ako magbabakal kan mga dapat na babarakalon ko...since ang savemore ay nasa LKY, eh di magtaga bakal man paminsan-minsan sa savemore..hehe..

Carats

November 16th, 2010, 06:40 AM

wow! Thanx for the photos! Andami! :okay:
mabuhay ka!
Dios Marhay man na Bangui! :)

Thank you yranoa! :)

;67158243']Dined here last Oct. 31. The food was okay although the servings were a bit small. They need to improve their selection of beverages though (only two kinds of beer? hehe). Ambience was great, however they need to do something about the rain. Overall, hope to see a much improved Cisyd by the time they open fully. :okay:

I was unlucky that time because my visit coincided with Barangay Election Extension(Oct. 26) and the stores strictly implemented the 'liquor ban'.:)

[dx]

November 16th, 2010, 06:51 AM

Yep, we're too saturated with malls already, pwede rin gawing semi-industrial zone/techno hub yang airport, to create employment. Kung walang employment, sino bibili sa mga malls na yun.

Having an SM in Legazpi is good for the province but it's not a must. I've been dreaming of it since I was in high school. SM is just waiting for the right time to open here. As far as Gaisano, EM, LCC and even Bichara mall are concerned, their doing good. I'd rather see Landco be fully developed into a premier business park. Legazpi has a unique offering in Embarcadero, nowhere in the Philippines can you find a mall like this. It's good to know that more and more shops are opening up in EM. LCC is doing good with their small scale shopping centers around the Bicol Region. The Albayanos have fallen in love with Gaisano and even though there's already an SM in Naga, Gaisano is still a great shopping destinations for Bicolanos.Why? Beause it's the only Gasiano in the Bicol Region. Bichara is gearing to be the 3D capital in Albay. By they way, we already have an SM in the guise of Savemore.

As to the growing foreign tourists in Albay, why would they go to SM when there is an EM around which is by the sea and have more unique things to offer. There are SMs all over the Philippines. We should promote homegrown businesses like LCC, LKY and Bichara.

As to the choices, I think we have enough choices already. What I would like to happen is for more stand alone shops to open not necessarily in an SM City Legazpi.

Albay, doesn't need an SM rather SM needs Albay as it needs a market. It's just a matter of time before it opens.

To be honest, I'm also not a big fan of "mall architecture" -they tend be a blot on the landscape - as Dex puts it, "monstrosities". I think an SM City where the current aiport terminal is located would be a total eyesore and we can kiss goodbye to that famous view of Mayon and Lignon Hill from the airport road. I think it would be even better for SM to build their mall near the future intern'l airport - somewhere in southern Daraga or Legazpi - away from the city centre but still strategically located as it would capture the markets of Legazpi, Daraga and Sorsogon.

But....how about another idea? Why not turn the whole city into a shopping mecca, once the new airport is open? Before Hong Kong and Singapore became expensive they used to be known as shopping destinations for tourists wishing to purchase discounted clothes, jewellery, cameras etc...the question is - how did they do it? What do yo do to attract retailers and shoppers to come to your city and to keep them coming back? How did they keep their prices so low? Maybe our entrepreneur iMilo can help here. :)

I think in the long run this would make better economic sense than being dominated by one or two malls. At least this way, our "stand alone" retailers would flourish.

Yeah, perfect idea...i know the current box-type SM mall buildings are not that attractive...but i believe the company is doing some innovations, already...just look at how the company has developed SM north edsa into something like Ayala's Trinoma. It incorporated lots of green and water into its mall.

I just hope that when SM builts its mall in legazpi, they will make it as beautiful as the city surroundings and as majestic as Mt Mayon...hehe

My sentiments too! I think the Embarcadero has set the bar high because it's different from the usual mall. It follows, and even enhances, the character of a place. As I've said, who would've thought that something like Embarcadero will rise from the Victory Village area.And Embarcadero is not just a shopping mall, it's also becoming a sports and recreation center. :okay:

I was never really a fan of big malls. They take up too much space and yes, 'chews up the scenery'. I think in the US now, huge malls are actually considered relics of the '80s and the 90's.

Here in RP, when malls became 'uso', they replaced the 'plazas' of the earlier times, the places where people converge and mingle. Personally, I'd take the laid-back plaza with trees and fresh air over a cold, nondescript, generic mall any time! hehe

I honestly think that the trend for shopping areas of the future should be low-rise and low-impact with more focus on nature and wide open spaces. We should be forward-looking and not stuck in the aesthetics and sensibilities of bygone times. :okay:

[dx]

November 16th, 2010, 07:00 AM

Congrats Manny! Aside from the unprecedented feat of earning 8 boxing titles, the Pacman won my admiration again by showing that the heart of a true champion is humility and empathy. This article: Pacquiao-Margarito: What We Can Learn From The Humility, Empathy, and Grace of Manny Pacquiao (http://michaeldsellers.weearth.com/2010/11/14/pacquiao-margarito-what-we-can-learn-from-the-humility-empathy-and-grace-of-manny-pacquiao/) is a good read. :okay:

* * *

Albay sets November 15 as Manny Pacquiao Day (http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/news/regions/32174-albay-sets-november-15-as-manny-pacquiao-day)
Tuesday, 16 November 2010 00:00

LEGAZPI CITY: Gov. Joey Salceda of Albay on Monday declared November 15 as “Manny Pacquiao Day” in the province to celebrate the pride and unity the boxing icon inspired among Filipinos. Albay province—the first sister province of Saranggani—is proud of Manny “PacMan” Pacquiao’s spectacular victory for bringing honor and binding force to the country, Governor Salceda said.

“Pacquiao proves Ninoy right who spoke of ‘The Filipino is worth dying for’ and over the objections of many even Marcos ‘This nation can be great again.’ And, Pacquiao proves Quezon wrong about ‘a country run by hell by Filipinos,’ the governor said.

“Albayanos uniquely share such honor because Albay is a Sister-Province of Sarangani, the home province of the great boxer. It is but fitting and proper for the people of Albay to rejoice and celebrate with pride such achievement of Manny Pacquiao who is at the same time a member of the Lower House of the Philippine Congress,” Salceda said.

With this, Salceda declared and proclaimed November 15 as Manny Pacquiao Day in the entire Province of Albay, but a working holiday to celebrate with pride and discern the possibilities enlarged by the great achievements of the Filipino Fighter, our kababayan from the first sister-Province of Albay—Saranggani.

Aside from being the sister province of Sarangani, Pacquiao’s Filipino trainor Buboy Fernandez is a resident of the municipality of Polangui, Salceda’s home town here.

“But more than the forex resources, he brings honor to our nation. Pacquiao plays what economists call ‘a binding force’ even quite briefly and fleeting by enabling stubbornly disparate forces in Philippine society to come together and overcome our differences to celebrate our national pride.

Monsi

November 16th, 2010, 07:40 AM

Honestly... IMO... this is just a complete waste of money and priorities gone wrong. The money burned to do this entrance and the construction and deconstruction of the stage could have been used better in improving the classroom facilities and the actual school buildings. What do you need another entrance for when you already have 3 entrances. :bash::bash:
I went to BU two Saturdays ago; they have started the demolition of the stage inspired by the Sydney Opera House--a past president of the premier state university in Bicol--built that monstrosity of a stage! At least I could tolerate that I.M. Pei-inspired pyramid adjacent to the MP Building. Now President Lauraya builds a gate--It must surpass the grandeur of Arc de la Triumph or the Brandenburg Gate; else I'll be very disappointed, heheh.

@Kaniguan, drfeelgood, Brandon, dx, etc., on SM Mall, I am not too keen on welcoming another mall. Pacific Mall/Gaisano is doing fine; it is filled with locals even during weekdays; the visitors seem to gravitate towards the Embarcadero because it provides plenty of rides and photo ops. Should SM Prime and its local partners (LKY?) pursue putting up an SM here, I suggest they could just expand Savemore and transform part of the LKY into an SM Supercenter sans cinemas and call it SM Tahao to rhyme with SM Cubao, heheh. (by the way; that building that looks like a warehouse adjacent to the fx/jeepney terminal exit gate is getting dismantled; future expansion?) Let's leave runway 06/24 of the present airport alone; at 2,280 meters long and 36 meters wide, it could serve well as a 'ceremonial' venue for festivals, parades, street presentations, etc., with the present terminal and tarmac providing space for bleachers or grandstand that would not obstruct the view towards Mayon and Lignon Hill. Long term, SM should consider adding to their landbank areas between Daraga and Sorsogon, say Castilla, Pilar, Villa Hermosa, or Anislag, closer to the airport in Alobo but as iMilo would like to stress, away from geohazards. Just an opinion. Maray na Albay satuya gabos.

yranoa

November 16th, 2010, 08:08 AM

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs599.ash2/155148_455138126452_703261452_5499896_2255660_n.jpg
Good Afternoon!

lakwatser0

November 16th, 2010, 03:08 PM

Legazpi City

http://photos-p.friendster.com/photos/34/40/122920443/2_739481894l.jpg

http://photos-p.friendster.com/photos/34/40/122920443/2_447804298l.jpg

http://photos-p.friendster.com/photos/34/40/122920443/2_118054963l.jpg

http://photos-p.friendster.com/photos/34/40/122920443/2_380603743l.jpg

lakwatser0

November 16th, 2010, 03:11 PM

Legazpi 2010

http://photos-p.friendster.com/photos/34/40/122920443/2_834416091l.jpg

http://photos-p.friendster.com/photos/34/40/122920443/2_583285203l.jpg

http://photos-p.friendster.com/photos/34/40/122920443/2_854843097l.jpg

http://photos-p.friendster.com/photos/34/40/122920443/2_756902942l.jpg

lakwatser0

November 16th, 2010, 03:13 PM

Legazpi 2010

http://photos-p.friendster.com/photos/34/40/122920443/2_887602039l.jpg

http://photos-p.friendster.com/photos/34/40/122920443/2_570991620l.jpg

http://photos-p.friendster.com/photos/34/40/122920443/2_911729347l.jpg

http://photos-p.friendster.com/photos/34/40/122920443/2_185991567l.jpg

lakwatser0

November 16th, 2010, 03:15 PM

Legazpi 2010

http://photos-p.friendster.com/photos/34/40/122920443/2_108444378l.jpg

http://photos-p.friendster.com/photos/34/40/122920443/2_937541780l.jpg

http://photos-p.friendster.com/photos/34/40/122920443/2_639224551l.jpg

http://photos-p.friendster.com/photos/34/40/122920443/2_220687449l.jpg

lakwatser0

November 16th, 2010, 03:17 PM

Legazpi 2010

http://photos-p.friendster.com/photos/34/40/122920443/2_947620381l.jpg

http://photos-p.friendster.com/photos/34/40/122920443/2_941467828l.jpg

http://photos-p.friendster.com/photos/34/40/122920443/2_423812285l.jpg

http://photos-p.friendster.com/photos/34/40/122920443/2_866437039l.jpg

lakwatser0

November 16th, 2010, 03:19 PM

lakwatser0

November 16th, 2010, 03:23 PM

Legazpi 2010

http://photos-p.friendster.com/photos/34/40/122920443/2_781141883l.jpg

http://photos-p.friendster.com/photos/34/40/122920443/2_570341837l.jpg

http://photos-p.friendster.com/photos/34/40/122920443/2_725914244l.jpg

http://photos-p.friendster.com/photos/34/40/122920443/2_977209140l.jpg

http://photos-p.friendster.com/photos/34/40/122920443/2_977209140l.jpg

http://photos-p.friendster.com/photos/34/40/122920443/2_610380378l.jpg

http://photos-p.friendster.com/photos/34/40/122920443/2_933468988l.jpg

http://photos-p.friendster.com/photos/34/40/122920443/2_803555418l.jpg

denz161

November 17th, 2010, 12:37 AM

MbytfGUrQEg?fs=1&

Marhay na Aga Bicolandia....!!!!!!Thanks God,,,may pasok na naman......May internet access na naman..heheheh.....:) :) :)

denz161

November 17th, 2010, 12:40 AM

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines
– It’s open skies at the Southern Luzon International Airport (SLIA) once it becomes operational two years from now.

This is the policy the Albay provincial government will pursue to support a strategy of sustainable growth in the countryside with the completion of the P3.07-billion airport in Daraga town.

Albay Governor Joey Salceda said the provincial government will endorse this proposal during the Regional Development Council (RDC) meeting on Nov. 24.

“The RDC will endorse the proposal to the National Air Transport Authorities for a selective open skies policy at the SLIA,” said Salceda.

Salceda told The STAR that the move complements province’s goal of attracting more tourists as the international airport draws more foreign airlines.

Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim earlier said foreign visitors can easily fly to their preferred tourists spots because of an aggressive tourist promotion program.

Salceda, who was elected Bicol RDC chair for the second term, said there’s a need to prepare the groundwork for the operationalization of the international airport which is still under construction.

He cited the sudden jump in international air traffic at the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport in Clark from 7,880 to 600,000 after the open skies policy was applied in 2004.

“An open skies policy should equalize the opportunities for regional destinations vis-a-vis the more developed incumbents like Manila, Cebu and Davao,” said Salceda.

“Open skies at SLIA could further accelerate the tourism growth of Bicol which Secretary Lim acknowledged as one of the fastest-growing destinations for foreign tourists with Legazpi ser-ving as the gateway to a well-diversified portfolio that includes Misibis, Caramoan, Mayon, CWC and Donsol.”

Salceda added that more tourist arrivals in Bicol could also help the Department of Tourism achieve its target to double the number of foreign tourists to the country by 2016.

“The synchronized pursuit of regional industrial policy laser-focused on tourism by the provincial governments of Albay, Camarines Sur and Sorsogon utilizing their organic budgets should be complemented by the National Government investment in the SLIA by providing a more conducive policy framework like an open skies.”

Salceda, who is also an international consultant on finance, added that the open skies policy “ should breed the beginnings of sustainable development in the countryside.”

Source: (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=629759&publicationSubCategoryId=66)

denz161

November 17th, 2010, 12:43 AM

FROM : Governor joey sarte salceda

To : Heads of Departments/Offices and all Employees

of PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT OF ALBAY (PGA)

Subject : GUIDANCE ON Christmas Celebration 2010

DATE : November 15, 2010

We are launching the Green Christmas Initiative: Christmas without risks in line with our overarching provincial governance goal- environmental protection and climate change adaptation. To set the tone for the Christmas celebration in the entire province, the initiative must begin in the capitol before we publicly unveil the major components of Green Christmas Initiative essentially social marketing of zero casualty sa paputok, reduced use of plastic bags in shopping, low-carbon celebration).

And as our share to this program, we are setting out the following guidelines this early:

1. Affirmative Directives

a. Starting this year, the celebration of Christmas by employees of the PGA should center around either (a) Tree Planting, (b) Beach or River Clean-Up, (c) Resettlement Socials (d) DRR through games and magic in children’s homes or among children of informal settlers, and similar activities.

b. Departments, sections or groups will still choose their own venues.

2. Negative List:

a. All departments are banned from procuring Christmas Trees and other plastic ornaments and decors and are, therefore, encouraged to decorate existing trees at the Park and spruce up ornamental plants inside your offices with recyclable or biodegrable decorative materials;

b. In serving food, plastic or paper plates and cups should be banned and their procurement is prohibited; instead banana leaves, banana bark, coconut shell and/or “bilaos” shall be used. They are more earth-friendly and, given current trends, more fashionable and “going native”, more patriotic.

c. And as far possible, it is advised that this practice should extend to your household and village celebrations.

3. Another feature during the Green Christmas Celebration shall be an inter-department contest in the making of a Christmas Tree out of trash.

4. Focal Persons: Mrs. Teresita S. Oringo (PGSO) shall coordinate and oversee activities that may use the Park, while Mr. Jojo Elvira (ARPO/AMDGO) shall oversee and coordinate activities that may be scheduled for the Beach Clean-Up and the Tree Planting activities. Deployment of the “clowns” shall be coordinated with Cedric Daep (APSEMO). Ms. Yolly Guanzon (PSWDO) shall assist those who decide to spend their Christmas party among children resettlement communities and informal settlers. Mr. Jose M. Briones (PTCAO) and Mr. Nhong Rangasa (CIRCA) shall take charge of the Trash for a Christmas Tree Contest.

5. Any suggestions or better ideas to refine or reinforce this modest start may be referred to the focal persons.

For strict compliance.

(sgd) Joey Sarte Salceda

MEMO’10_heads-green-christmas-initiatives

Source: (http://joeyssalceda.wordpress.com/2010/11/17/green-christmas-initiative-christmas-with-no-risks/)

denz161

November 17th, 2010, 12:47 AM

denz161

November 17th, 2010, 12:52 AM

After the weeklong sports activities involving at least 128 game matches, Bicol University based in Albay emerged as the overall champion, besting six other Bicol-based tertiary schools, in the 2010 State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA) competition.
http://wowlegazpi.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/IMG_5840.jpg

Dominating in the swimming and athletic events, and clinching most of the ball and racket games, BU garnered a total of 134 gold, 61 silver, and 42 bronze medals, tailed far second by Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA), based in Camarines Sur, with 45 gold, 46 silver and 30 bronze medals; while ranked third was the Camarines Norte State College (CNSC) with medal haul of 14 gold, 40 silver, and 40 bronze.

The SCUAA 2010 was participated by at least 1,600 athletes coming from BU; CBSUA (formerly Camarines Sur State Agricultural College-CSSAC); Partido State University (PSU); Camarines Norte State College (CNSC); Camarines Sur Polytechnic College (CSPC); Catanduanes State Colleges CSC); Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa, Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology (DEBESMSCAT) based in Masbate; and Sorsogon State College (SSC).

This year’s competition is geared on the theme “Strengthening Regional Solidarity through Sports”. Bicol University (BU) as the host school utilized all of its facilities and resources offering superb and well-prepared services to the participating delegations as spearheaded by its Institute of Physical Education, Sports and Recreation (IPESR).
BU President Dr. Fay Lauraya said that though she was very pleased by the result, she offers their victory to all the participating state universities for their full support and very high display of their athletes’ sportsmanship in the weeklong competition.
“BU’s victory is ignited by the sports challenges offered by our equally prepared state university and college athletes. This is a triumph for all of us SCUAA participants,” Lauraya said.

On Monday’s opening ceremony, Albay Gov. Joey Salceda inspired the athletes and challenged them to observe the highest level of sportsmanship, as he also rendered then sumptuous dinner during the “Governor’s Night.”

“Albay is always supportive to activities promoting sportsmanship and camaraderie believing that they help shape goodness inside every athlete who turns to be a responsible member of the society,” Salceda said.

SCUAA’s yearly competition is highly competitive sports challenge due to the active participation of the seven state-run tertiary schools serving the 4.5 million Bicolanos, with BU on the top in terms of population with 22,000 students and employees. (CEDematera, BUCAL/PIA/mal)

Source: (http://networkedblogs.com/azu7G)

denz161

November 17th, 2010, 12:58 AM

Congratulations to those who passed the September 2010 Licensure Examination for Teachers! Mr. Miguel Dominique Anzano Martinez of Bicol University (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bicol-University/109609595733777) is ranked 8th for the LET Elementary Level with a rating of 83.80!
Congratulations!!!:banana::banana::banana:

Source: (http://www.facebook.com/legazpicity/posts/159166754125627)

nacnuD 2:-)

November 17th, 2010, 04:51 AM

Jollibee
cor Fr. JL Bates & JP Rizal Streets, Albay District
Legazpi City 4500

http://i973.photobucket.com/albums/ae214/naes_nacnud/PICT0286.jpg

nacnuD 2:-)

November 17th, 2010, 05:02 AM

Check this out >>> Fantastic Rides at Embarcadero de Legazpi (http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=159636720744732)

aidz

November 17th, 2010, 06:14 AM

drfeelgood17

November 17th, 2010, 06:38 AM

I went to BU two Saturdays ago; they have started the demolition of the stage inspired by the Sydney Opera House--a past president of the premier state university in Bicol--built that monstrosity of a stage! At least I could tolerate that I.M. Pei-inspired pyramid adjacent to the MP Building. Now President Lauraya builds a gate--It must surpass the grandeur of Arc de la Triumph or the Brandenburg Gate; else I'll be very disappointed, heheh.

@Kaniguan, drfeelgood, Brandon, dx, etc., on SM Mall, I am not too keen on welcoming another mall. Pacific Mall/Gaisano is doing fine; it is filled with locals even during weekdays; the visitors seem to gravitate towards the Embarcadero because it provides plenty of rides and photo ops. Should SM Prime and its local partners (LKY?) pursue putting up an SM here, I suggest they could just expand Savemore and transform part of the LKY into an SM Supercenter sans cinemas and call it SM Tahao to rhyme with SM Cubao, heheh. (by the way; that building that looks like a warehouse adjacent to the fx/jeepney terminal exit gate is getting dismantled; future expansion?) Let's leave runway 06/24 of the present airport alone; at 2,280 meters long and 36 meters wide, it could serve well as a 'ceremonial' venue for festivals, parades, street presentations, etc., with the present terminal and tarmac providing space for bleachers or grandstand that would not obstruct the view towards Mayon and Lignon Hill. Long term, SM should consider adding to their landbank areas between Daraga and Sorsogon, say Castilla, Pilar, Villa Hermosa, or Anislag, closer to the airport in Alobo but as iMilo would like to stress, away from geohazards. Just an opinion. Maray na Albay satuya gabos.

Thanks for the update on the mall situation in Legazpi, Mr Monsi.
Your idea of using the present runway as a future "ceremonial venue" for festivals and parades sounds good and could be an additional attraction besides Lignon Hill. It could either be entirely pedestrianised or converted to dual use - both as an alternative road (by-passing the CBD) and as ceremonial boulevard closed closed to traffic during special occasions - in fact, rather like our own Champs Élysées.

drfeelgood17

November 17th, 2010, 06:40 AM

hmm... I like his idea! :D
Green Christmas indeed.
wonder if all private corporations would do this as well... :D

Probably not, unless they can see a clear financial incentive to do so. :)

drfeelgood17

November 17th, 2010, 06:42 AM

Legazpi 2010

http://photos-p.friendster.com/photos/34/40/122920443/2_478624003l.jpg

http://photos-p.friendster.com/photos/34/40/122920443/2_209334803l.jpg

http://photos-p.friendster.com/photos/34/40/122920443/2_875545019l.jpg

http://photos-p.friendster.com/photos/34/40/122920443/2_382195074l.jpg

After the weeklong sports activities involving at least 128 game matches, Bicol University based in Albay emerged as the overall champion, besting six other Bicol-based tertiary schools, in the 2010 State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA) competition.
http://wowlegazpi.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/IMG_5840.jpg

Dominating in the swimming and athletic events, and clinching most of the ball and racket games, BU garnered a total of 134 gold, 61 silver, and 42 bronze medals, tailed far second by Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA), based in Camarines Sur, with 45 gold, 46 silver and 30 bronze medals; while ranked third was the Camarines Norte State College (CNSC) with medal haul of 14 gold, 40 silver, and 40 bronze.

The SCUAA 2010 was participated by at least 1,600 athletes coming from BU; CBSUA (formerly Camarines Sur State Agricultural College-CSSAC); Partido State University (PSU); Camarines Norte State College (CNSC); Camarines Sur Polytechnic College (CSPC); Catanduanes State Colleges CSC); Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa, Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology (DEBESMSCAT) based in Masbate; and Sorsogon State College (SSC).

This year’s competition is geared on the theme “Strengthening Regional Solidarity through Sports”. Bicol University (BU) as the host school utilized all of its facilities and resources offering superb and well-prepared services to the participating delegations as spearheaded by its Institute of Physical Education, Sports and Recreation (IPESR).
BU President Dr. Fay Lauraya said that though she was very pleased by the result, she offers their victory to all the participating state universities for their full support and very high display of their athletes’ sportsmanship in the weeklong competition.
“BU’s victory is ignited by the sports challenges offered by our equally prepared state university and college athletes. This is a triumph for all of us SCUAA participants,” Lauraya said.

On Monday’s opening ceremony, Albay Gov. Joey Salceda inspired the athletes and challenged them to observe the highest level of sportsmanship, as he also rendered then sumptuous dinner during the “Governor’s Night.”

“Albay is always supportive to activities promoting sportsmanship and camaraderie believing that they help shape goodness inside every athlete who turns to be a responsible member of the society,” Salceda said.

SCUAA’s yearly competition is highly competitive sports challenge due to the active participation of the seven state-run tertiary schools serving the 4.5 million Bicolanos, with BU on the top in terms of population with 22,000 students and employees. (CEDematera, BUCAL/PIA/mal)

Source: (http://networkedblogs.com/azu7G)

Jollibee
cor Fr. JL Bates & JP Rizal Streets, Albay District
Legazpi City 4500

http://i973.photobucket.com/albums/ae214/naes_nacnud/PICT0286.jpg

Thanks for the lates pics, lakwatser0, Denz and Nacnud! :okay:

drfeelgood17

November 17th, 2010, 06:45 AM

that's it for now...
good night everyone :)

praying for a sunny Eid'l Adha here in Albay so that everyone will enjoy his one day break!

Is this a public holiday now in the RP? Are there any celebrations of it in Albay?

drfeelgood17

November 17th, 2010, 06:49 AM

Check this out >>> Fantastic Rides at Embarcadero de Legazpi (http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=159636720744732)

Exciting stuff! :banana:
The advantage of these new rides and attractions is that even if Mayon is obscured in clouds tourists can still have an enjoyable time whilst staying within the city. Legazpi will hopefully become a destination in its own right and not just a "viewing point" for Mayon or a "jump off point" for whale shark fans.

drfeelgood17

November 17th, 2010, 06:51 AM

drfeelgood17

November 17th, 2010, 06:53 AM

;67165855']Be a fan of Albay Rising on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Albay-Rising/160977507255358)! Now with 2,300+ fans and counting. :okay:

Congrats Sherwin for the success of Albay Rising blog (http://albayrising.blogspot.com/) and your other Albay-related blogs! Even Gov. Salceda's blog links to Albay Rising hehe.

Thanks, I've become a fan!
@ Yvette, hopefully, we now have the ear of the Governor for our "ideas"! :lol:

denz161

November 17th, 2010, 06:54 AM

Thanks for the lates pics, lakwatser0, Denz and Nacnud! :okay:

Good Afternoon Doc. :D thanks poh!!!:):)

drfeelgood17

November 17th, 2010, 06:56 AM

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4153/5172605684_bcb9f2eca1_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/marbleplaty/5172605684/)
chapel03 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/marbleplaty/5172605684/) by marbleplaty (http://www.flickr.com/people/marbleplaty/), on Flickr

Can anyone guess the building?

denz161

November 17th, 2010, 07:00 AM

Did you create this Tabaco Daily Photo Website, Denz? Good idea!

opo..hehe...thanks po Doc. especially to sir sherwin.... :):):)

drfeelgood17

November 17th, 2010, 07:00 AM

;67145971']1st Legazpi All Mountainbike Challenge 2010 got featured in last Saturday's Sports Unlimited

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs566.ash2/148820_10150123311803572_137895883571_7773620_4823798_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs931.snc4/74467_10150123311998572_137895883571_7773623_1308025_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs921.snc4/73446_10150123316658572_137895883571_7773697_1821616_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs918.snc4/73194_10150123317153572_137895883571_7773707_6555685_n.jpg

I hope these events attract more publicity and sponsorship. It will showcase the province's many attractions.

denz161

November 17th, 2010, 07:02 AM

drfeelgood17

November 17th, 2010, 07:04 AM

opo..hehe...thanks po Doc. especially to sir sherwin.... :):):)

Good afternoon Denz! It's good to know that Sherwin's initiative has inspired your own website for Tabaco. I'm sure one day the respective LGUs of Legazpi, Tabaco and Ligao will recognise you (and Sherwin and Dex) for their efforts in promoting your cities. I think this has already partly happened in the case of Dex where I saw one of his pics being used by the Legazpi City website (with credits, this time). :)

drfeelgood17

November 17th, 2010, 07:10 AM

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs912.snc4/72544_121225621267760_100001409676486_132312_2118327_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs907.snc4/72071_121225647934424_100001409676486_132313_4705768_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs447.ash2/72071_121225667934422_100001409676486_132318_5226099_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs447.ash2/72071_121225664601089_100001409676486_132317_1093956_n.jpg

Somewhere in Cagraray Island......
Photos by:Jay Abion.. (http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=18445&id=100001409676486)

Cagraray has so many secluded beaches, coves and cliffs - some really awesome scenery. In fact, it has other white sand beaches besides Misibis. They should introduce boat trips (or mini cruises) to these islands from the EM harbour - if they haven't already.

drfeelgood17

November 17th, 2010, 07:18 AM

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4032/5102779714_218a739a14_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bingbudiao_or_dulasalarawan/5102779714/)
NightShot of Mayon_02 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/bingbudiao_or_dulasalarawan/5102779714/) by dulasalarawan (http://www.flickr.com/people/bingbudiao_or_dulasalarawan/), on Flickr

drfeelgood17

November 17th, 2010, 07:20 AM

;67145345']Rainbow over Legazpi Boulevard

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4153/5171995607_62fc579549_o.jpg
by marbleplaty (http://www.flickr.com/photos/marbleplaty/)

Beautifully shot and captured! :okay:

drfeelgood17

November 17th, 2010, 07:29 AM

Fatal Attractions. Or is it Les Liaisons dangereuses?

Things are rumbling again in our arrivals and hotel occupancy stats in Albay even if Mt. Bulusan is in Sorsogon. There is something truly amazing (and disturbing) in the way danger attracts humans. We saw similar display of predisposition for danger in the Mayon eruption only last year. In 2009, Mayon eruption induced arrivals in the month of December what it would take a majestic yet slumbering volcano a year to attract. This gave rise to a perverse mode of tourist movement- disaster tourism. Thus, our disaster response strategy had be to significantly reconfigured to secure our zero casualty goal since a dead tourist is also a violation of zero casualty. This time is a bit different- Albay is getting tourists without incurring the risks clearly establishing the geostrategic position of Legazpi as the gateway to Bicol destinations. Not surprising, DOT RV officially reporting a109% increase in Albay tourist arrivals- 62,280 in past three months with possibly an enviable mix of 27,290 foreign almost equaling domestic of 34,990. Still, Albay is more comfortable with tourists due to Donsol encounters than to Bulusan eruption. If Sorsogon seeks help, we will do so out of duty, not out of debt.

source (http://joeyssalceda.wordpress.com/)

drfeelgood17

November 17th, 2010, 07:35 AM

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

ALBAY TOURISM LEAPS BY +109%, THIRD FASTEST GROWING TOURISM HUB IN PHL

LEGAZPI CITY --- The Department of Tourism (DOT) in Bicol said tourist arrivals in Albay posted a remarkable surge by 109 percent with 62,280 local and foreign visitors making the province the third fastest growing tourist hub in the country.

Albay Gov. Joey Salceda, quoting on Tuesday a DOT report, said tourist arrivals in Albay posted from July to September 62, 280, of whom 27,290 were foreign and 34,990 domestic tourists, a surge that boosts Bicol’s new title as the “third fastest growing tourist destination” of the Philippines .

Salceda said “Albay is finally actualizing its tourism potential both for hosting iconic endowments’ and for its role as gateway to Bicol’s emerging tourist destinations- witness: arrivals leaping to record high of +109% during the last three months. “

Tourism Secretary Albert A. Lim, during a recent visit here, referred to Albay as the third fastest growing tourist destinations in the country second only to Cebu and Boracay with new and diversified tourism come-ons.

Such standing, according to Lim, necessitated recommending the speedy completion of Southern Luzon International Airport (SLIA), to make Bicol a top tourist destination as well as support DOT’s target of doubling the number of foreign tourist arrivals in the country.

Lim at a with tourist stakeholders forum said “I will strongly recommend SLIA to Department of Transportation and Communication as one of the top priority airports in the country.”

Also a recent come for tourist – among others – was the province of Sorsogon due to Mt. Bulusan’s restive character, according to Governor Salceda. Mount Bulusan spewed ash about three weeks ago, but volcanologists said there's no threat of an explosive eruption.

“There is something truly amazing – and disturbing – in the way danger attracts humans. We saw similar display of predisposition for danger in the Mayon eruption only last year. In 2009, Mayon eruption induced arrivals in the month of December what it would take a majestic yet slumbering volcano a year to attract’, Salceda said.

He added that this gave rise to a perverse mode of tourist movement- disaster tourism. Thus, disaster response strategy had be to significantly reconfigured to secure our zero casualty goal since a dead tourist is al so a violation of zero casualty.

But he said recent developments, such that of Bulusan Volcano eruption, were a bit different; Albay is getting tourists without incurring the risks clearly establishing the geostrategic position of Legazpi as the gateway to Bicol destinations.

He said Albay is more comfortable with tourists due to Donsol encounters than to Bulusan eruption.

Also boosting tourist arrivals in Albay is the six–times a day flight of three big airlines by way of the Legazpi City Domestic airport; PAL, Cebu Pacific, and most recently Air Philippines, which helps establish Albay’s role as gateway to the Bicol Region, Salceda added.

(LGU Albay/PIA/mal)
source (http://piabikol.blogspot.com/2010/11/albay-tourism-leaps-by-109-third.html)

:applause: :banana:
Albay's LGUs, entrepreneurs and civil society have made this surge possible - despite Salceda's somewhat ambivalent attitude to tourism. I agree it would be better if tourists came not just to see eruptions but in order for that to happen you need to be more proactive in your approach. I think this is lesson is finally being learnt.

Monsi

November 17th, 2010, 07:47 AM

Thanks for the update on the mall situation in Legazpi, Mr Monsi.
Your idea of using the present runway as a future "ceremonial venue" for festivals and parades sounds good and could be an additional attraction besides Lignon Hill. It could either be entirely pedestrianised or converted to dual use - both as an alternative road (by-passing the CBD) and as ceremonial boulevard closed closed to traffic during special occasions - in fact, rather like our own Champs Élysées.
Still on malls, LCC is doing fine; it is still the most accessible to the locals, what with its strategic location; I just hope they'd give up that burnt market area for other developers, or perhaps the city could build on it a two-level structure with the ground level devoted to street food vendors and hawkers and the second floor a parking area, which at night could be used for public events and parties; I think with enough setback, a two-level structure would still allow pedestrians on Quezon Avenue unimpeded view of Mayon.

denz161

November 17th, 2010, 10:02 AM

Good afternoon Denz! It's good to know that Sherwin's initiative has inspired your own website for Tabaco. I'm sure one day the respective LGUs of Legazpi, Tabaco and Ligao will recognise you (and Sherwin and Dex) for their efforts in promoting your cities. I think this has already partly happened in the case of Dex where I saw one of his pics being used by the Legazpi City website (with credits, this time). :)

:):):)hehehe...i dont know what to say.....:):)
i'm so happy.....its my pleasure sir to promote our city....:):)
in just a simple way....:):)

denz161

November 17th, 2010, 10:07 AM

Albayano

November 17th, 2010, 10:39 AM

http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/1497/mov00057avi000022022.th.jpg (http://img521.imageshack.us/i/mov00057avi000022022.jpg/)
http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/554/mov00057avi000017484.th.jpg (http://img16.imageshack.us/i/mov00057avi000017484.jpg/)
http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/7452/mov00057avi000008274.th.jpg (http://img192.imageshack.us/i/mov00057avi000008274.jpg/)
http://img593.imageshack.us/img593/4797/62330152655378102033100.th.jpg (http://img593.imageshack.us/i/62330152655378102033100.jpg/)
http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/86/62330152655381435366100.th.jpg (http://img257.imageshack.us/i/62330152655381435366100.jpg/)
http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/8136/62330152655384768699100.th.jpg (http://img227.imageshack.us/i/62330152655384768699100.jpg/)
http://img44.imageshack.us/img44/4633/60524152655341435370100.th.jpg (http://img44.imageshack.us/i/60524152655341435370100.jpg/)
http://img560.imageshack.us/img560/6037/62330152655374768700100.th.jpg (http://img560.imageshack.us/i/62330152655374768700100.jpg/)
http://img201.imageshack.us/img201/9866/mov00057avi000005772.th.jpg (http://img201.imageshack.us/i/mov00057avi000005772.jpg/)
http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/2897/mov00057avi000001901.th.jpg (http://img690.imageshack.us/i/mov00057avi000001901.jpg/)
http://img441.imageshack.us/img441/1395/mov00057avi000000033.th.jpg (http://img441.imageshack.us/i/mov00057avi000000033.jpg/)
http://img834.imageshack.us/img834/3092/62330152655388102032100.th.jpg (http://img834.imageshack.us/i/62330152655388102032100.jpg/)
http://img593.imageshack.us/img593/8444/mov00057avi000474540.th.jpg (http://img593.imageshack.us/i/mov00057avi000474540.jpg/)
http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/1059/mov00057avi000472672.th.jpg (http://img190.imageshack.us/i/mov00057avi000472672.jpg/)
http://img571.imageshack.us/img571/8076/mov00057avi000471137.th.jpg (http://img571.imageshack.us/i/mov00057avi000471137.jpg/)
http://img703.imageshack.us/img703/7618/mov00057avi000468734.th.jpg (http://img703.imageshack.us/i/mov00057avi000468734.jpg/)
http://img203.imageshack.us/img203/3388/mov00057avi000446412.th.jpg (http://img203.imageshack.us/i/mov00057avi000446412.jpg/)
http://img714.imageshack.us/img714/7240/mov00057avi000438838.th.jpg (http://img714.imageshack.us/i/mov00057avi000438838.jpg/)
http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/350/mov00057avi000399065.th.jpg (http://img258.imageshack.us/i/mov00057avi000399065.jpg/)
http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/4482/mov00057avi000335601.th.jpg (http://img208.imageshack.us/i/mov00057avi000335601.jpg/)
http://img715.imageshack.us/img715/5595/mov00057avi000347246.th.jpg (http://img715.imageshack.us/i/mov00057avi000347246.jpg/)
http://img600.imageshack.us/img600/4316/mov00057avi000363730.th.jpg (http://img600.imageshack.us/i/mov00057avi000363730.jpg/)
http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/469/mov00057avi000363863.th.jpg (http://img222.imageshack.us/i/mov00057avi000363863.jpg/)
http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/4336/mov00057avi000371170.th.jpg (http://img258.imageshack.us/i/mov00057avi000371170.jpg/)
http://img541.imageshack.us/img541/4352/mov00057avi000384317.th.jpg (http://img541.imageshack.us/i/mov00057avi000384317.jpg/)
http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/9868/mov00057avi000387787.th.jpg (http://img24.imageshack.us/i/mov00057avi000387787.jpg/)
http://img99.imageshack.us/img99/7282/mov00057avi000031031.th.jpg (http://img99.imageshack.us/i/mov00057avi000031031.jpg/)
http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/752/mov00057avi000087020.th.jpg (http://img20.imageshack.us/i/mov00057avi000087020.jpg/)
http://img255.imageshack.us/img255/6761/mov00057avi000165031.th.jpg (http://img255.imageshack.us/i/mov00057avi000165031.jpg/)
http://img832.imageshack.us/img832/8126/mov00057avi000228027.th.jpg (http://img832.imageshack.us/i/mov00057avi000228027.jpg/)
http://img703.imageshack.us/img703/7596/mov00057avi000228228.th.jpg (http://img703.imageshack.us/i/mov00057avi000228228.jpg/)
http://img808.imageshack.us/img808/3235/mov00057avi000172038.th.jpg (http://img808.imageshack.us/i/mov00057avi000172038.jpg/)
http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/8430/mov00057avi000117016.th.jpg (http://img24.imageshack.us/i/mov00057avi000117016.jpg/)
http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/3301/mov00057avi000033033.th.jpg (http://img230.imageshack.us/i/mov00057avi000033033.jpg/)
http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/7739/mov00057avi000123022.th.jpg (http://img163.imageshack.us/i/mov00057avi000123022.jpg/)
http://img703.imageshack.us/img703/9987/mov00057avi000038038.th.jpg (http://img703.imageshack.us/i/mov00057avi000038038.jpg/)
http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/5641/mov00057avi000189022.th.jpg (http://img15.imageshack.us/i/mov00057avi000189022.jpg/)
http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/7559/mov00057avi000228861.th.jpg (http://img339.imageshack.us/i/mov00057avi000228861.jpg/)
http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/3934/mov00057avi000233466.th.jpg (http://img245.imageshack.us/i/mov00057avi000233466.jpg/)
http://img26.imageshack.us/img26/9936/mov00057avi000191024.th.jpg (http://img26.imageshack.us/i/mov00057avi000191024.jpg/)
http://img811.imageshack.us/img811/9132/mov00057avi000126025.th.jpg (http://img811.imageshack.us/i/mov00057avi000126025.jpg/)
http://img94.imageshack.us/img94/9985/mov00057avi000049049.th.jpg (http://img94.imageshack.us/i/mov00057avi000049049.jpg/)
http://img707.imageshack.us/img707/6834/mov00057avi000055021.th.jpg (http://img707.imageshack.us/i/mov00057avi000055021.jpg/)
http://img541.imageshack.us/img541/4947/mov00057avi000133032.th.jpg (http://img541.imageshack.us/i/mov00057avi000133032.jpg/)
http://img709.imageshack.us/img709/5260/mov00057avi000215248.th.jpg (http://img709.imageshack.us/i/mov00057avi000215248.jpg/)
http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/3375/mov00057avi000268735.th.jpg (http://img59.imageshack.us/i/mov00057avi000268735.jpg/)
http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/9687/mov00057avi000302135.th.jpg (http://img717.imageshack.us/i/mov00057avi000302135.jpg/)
http://img444.imageshack.us/img444/7876/mov00057avi000224724.th.jpg (http://img444.imageshack.us/i/mov00057avi000224724.jpg/)
http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/602/mov00057avi000074040.th.jpg (http://img405.imageshack.us/i/mov00057avi000074040.jpg/)
http://img547.imageshack.us/img547/6245/mov00057avi000136035.th.jpg (http://img547.imageshack.us/i/mov00057avi000136035.jpg/)
http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/6876/mov00057avi000083016.th.jpg (http://img140.imageshack.us/i/mov00057avi000083016.jpg/)
http://img545.imageshack.us/img545/2033/mov00057avi000159025.th.jpg (http://img545.imageshack.us/i/mov00057avi000159025.jpg/)
http://img152.imageshack.us/img152/8169/mov00057avi000227794.th.jpg (http://img152.imageshack.us/i/mov00057avi000227794.jpg/)
http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/2221/mov00057avi000309008.th.jpg (http://img18.imageshack.us/i/mov00057avi000309008.jpg/)

garycooper

November 17th, 2010, 11:17 AM

To be honest, I'm also not a big fan of "mall architecture" -they tend be a blot on the landscape - as Dex puts it, "monstrosities". I think an SM City where the current aiport terminal is located would be a total eyesore and we can kiss goodbye to that famous view of Mayon and Lignon Hill from the airport road. I think it would be even better for SM to build their mall near the future intern'l airport - somewhere in southern Daraga or Legazpi - away from the city centre but still strategically located as it would capture the markets of Legazpi, Daraga and Sorsogon.

But....how about another idea? Why not turn the whole city into a shopping mecca, once the new airport is open? Before Hong Kong and Singapore became expensive they used to be known as shopping destinations for tourists wishing to purchase discounted clothes, jewellery, cameras etc...the question is - how did they do it? What do yo do to attract retailers and shoppers to come to your city and to keep them coming back? How did they keep their prices so low? Maybe our entrepreneur iMilo can help here. :)

I think in the long run this would make better economic sense than being dominated by one or two malls. At least this way, our "stand alone" retailers would flourish.

;67206137']My sentiments too! I think the Embarcadero has set the bar high because it's different from the usual mall. It follows, and even enhances, the character of a place. As I've said, who would've thought that something like Embarcadero will rise from the Victory Village area.And Embarcadero is not just a shopping mall, it's also becoming a sports and recreation center. :okay:

I was never really a fan of big malls. They take up too much space and yes, 'chews up the scenery'. I think in the US now, huge malls are actually considered relics of the '80s and the 90's.

Here in RP, when malls became 'uso', they replaced the 'plazas' of the earlier times, the places where people converge and mingle. Personally, I'd take the laid-back plaza with trees and fresh air over a cold, nondescript, generic mall any time! hehe

I honestly think that the trend for shopping areas of the future should be low-rise and low-impact with more focus on nature and wide open spaces. We should be forward-looking and not stuck in the aesthetics and sensibilities of bygone times. :okay:

I went to BU two Saturdays ago; they have started the demolition of the stage inspired by the Sydney Opera House--a past president of the premier state university in Bicol--built that monstrosity of a stage! At least I could tolerate that I.M. Pei-inspired pyramid adjacent to the MP Building. Now President Lauraya builds a gate--It must surpass the grandeur of Arc de la Triumph or the Brandenburg Gate; else I'll be very disappointed, heheh.

@Kaniguan, drfeelgood, Brandon, dx, etc., on SM Mall, I am not too keen on welcoming another mall. Pacific Mall/Gaisano is doing fine; it is filled with locals even during weekdays; the visitors seem to gravitate towards the Embarcadero because it provides plenty of rides and photo ops. Should SM Prime and its local partners (LKY?) pursue putting up an SM here, I suggest they could just expand Savemore and transform part of the LKY into an SM Supercenter sans cinemas and call it SM Tahao to rhyme with SM Cubao, heheh. (by the way; that building that looks like a warehouse adjacent to the fx/jeepney terminal exit gate is getting dismantled; future expansion?) Let's leave runway 06/24 of the present airport alone; at 2,280 meters long and 36 meters wide, it could serve well as a 'ceremonial' venue for festivals, parades, street presentations, etc., with the present terminal and tarmac providing space for bleachers or grandstand that would not obstruct the view towards Mayon and Lignon Hill. Long term, SM should consider adding to their landbank areas between Daraga and Sorsogon, say Castilla, Pilar, Villa Hermosa, or Anislag, closer to the airport in Alobo but as iMilo would like to stress, away from geohazards. Just an opinion. Maray na Albay satuya gabos.

The current trend in mall development includes lots of greenery. Strips malls like Boni High Street and Greenbelt are really world class. During my last trip to the US, this is what I observed particularly in California. Malls in the US are not really big. The strip malls of Sta. Barbara and Sta. Monica looks very refreshing with piazzas in between the buildings. I'm glad Embarcadero was developed following this new concept. Legazpi is in the groove.

As far as I'm concerned, new urban development in the city should now be focused in the southern barangays accessed via Legazpi Boulevard up to the Taysan area and going farther to the Daraga highlands the new international airport. With these developments, it is high time that urban development of Legazpi and Daraga should be well coordinated. If the two cannot be merged in the near term, a Metro Development Council should be formed to coordinate the activities. Daraga is lagging behind Legazpi in development for lack of funds to finance its projects. It sorely needs more funds for its survival. It's downtown is deteriorating. A merger with Legazpi augurs well for a more efficient urban management of the municipality. It will actually more beneficial for both local government units.

By the way, an SM mall will still be viable in the city, but it should be built in a new urban area in the southern barangays.

Time out muna ako. I will post more ideas later. Dakulon na naman na naglalaog na mga ideya sa alimantak ko. :)

garycooper

November 17th, 2010, 11:23 AM

Jollibee
cor Fr. JL Bates & JP Rizal Streets, Albay District
Legazpi City 4500

http://i973.photobucket.com/albums/ae214/naes_nacnud/PICT0286.jpg

One of the most beautiful Jollibee stores I've seen. If not the most beautiful.

[dx]

November 17th, 2010, 01:38 PM

The current trend in mall development includes lots of greenery. Strips malls like Boni High Street and Greenbelt are really world class. During my last trip to the US, this is what I observed particularly in California. Malls in the US are not really big. The strip malls of Sta. Barbara and Sta. Monica looks very refreshing with piazzas in between the buildings. I'm glad Embarcadero was developed following this new concept. Legazpi is in the groove.

nBcWFEQHpeM

Where else in the Philippines can you find a mall/lifestyle hub that offers these kinds of activities? :colgate: :okay:

Go kart, Segway PT, Jet Ski, Zipline... and more coming soon! Only at Embarcadero de Legazpi!

If you're bored with the usual mall, aimlessly wandering along shiny floors and the same old stores -- Embarcadero is the place for you! :okay:

burntjay

November 17th, 2010, 01:39 PM

One of the most beautiful Jollibee stores I've seen. If not the most beautiful.
yes!
i was hoping though that their "fast" food service had improved...

The current trend in mall development includes lots of greenery. Strips malls like Boni High Street and Greenbelt are really world class. During my last trip to the US, this is what I observed particularly in California. Malls in the US are not really big. The strip malls of Sta. Barbara and Sta. Monica looks very refreshing with piazzas in between the buildings. I'm glad Embarcadero was developed following this new concept. Legazpi is in the groove.

As far as I'm concerned, new urban development in the city should now be focused in the southern barangays accessed via Legazpi Boulevard up to the Taysan area and going farther to the Daraga highlands the new international airport. With these developments, it is high time that urban development of Legazpi and Daraga should be well coordinated. If the two cannot be merged in the near term, a Metro Development Council should be formed to coordinate the activities. Daraga is lagging behind Legazpi in development for lack of funds to finance its projects. It sorely needs more funds for its survival. It's downtown is deteriorating. A merger with Legazpi augurs well for a more efficient urban management of the municipality. It will actually more beneficial for both local government units.

By the way, an SM mall will still be viable in the city, but it should be built in a new urban area in the southern barangays.

Time out muna ako. I will post more ideas later. Dakulon na naman na naglalaog na mga ideya sa alimantak ko. :)
that's what i want for SM to do if they get hold of the airport site- sophisticated strip malls, not the old giant shoe-box structures...
it's the only way that they can counter the growing opposition...:D

southern barangay, you say? how about converting the ruins of Mayon Imperial Hotel into an SM City Legazpi?
it would remind one of SM City Baguio...hehe...
oh, i just want my SM somewhere nearER... not some 90km away :D

& speaking of abandoned hotel buildings, what's with Albay Hotel along Penaranda St.?
that's one of the questions I had in mind the first time I arrived here :lol:, & every time that I pass by that area, i can't help but wonder what went wrong, & what are they planning to do with it.
sayang kasi...
during the Reming crisis, i wanted to open it myself & offer it to the victims in evacuation areas.:p

[dx]

November 17th, 2010, 01:43 PM

& speaking of abandoned hotel buildings, what's with Albay Hotel along Penaranda St.?
that's one of the questions I had in mind the first time I arrived here :lol:, & every time that I pass by that area, i can't help but wonder what went wrong, & what are they planning to do with it.
sayang kasi...

Blame the owner. They were not paying taxes so the city government shut it down. Hehe. Yeah sayang ang structure and ang location. I'm secretly hoping Sunwest will buy and redevelop that one too. :lol:

[dx]

November 17th, 2010, 01:45 PM

The 350 meter (1,148 feet) zipline at Embarcadero de Legazpi will open in December. Did you know that the original Embarcadero in San Francisco also had a 600-ft zipline which temporarily opened last April 2010? Looks like our little Embarcadero upstaged San Francisco's on this one. Haha!

* * *

Zip-Lining Along the Embarcadero (http://www.urbandaddy.com/sfo/leisure/9450/Urban_Zipline_Zip_Lining_Along_the_Embarcadero_San_Francisco_SFO_Event)

http://static.urbandaddy.com/uploads/assets/image/articles/standard//16006ad6466310e8dce6cd07bba2aa7f.jpg

Usually, buildings are just buildings.

But what if—with a little imagination, and some Canadian ingenuity—those very same buildings acted more like tall trees. And you could soar from one to the other like some sort of urban aerialist/Spider-Man combination.

Well, that time is now.

Enter Urban Zipline, a 600-foot-long tightrope adrenaline rush, set up for 11 days of your zipping pleasure, starting tomorrow at Justin Herman Plaza.

For the next few days, an inch-and-a-half thick, taut gondola cable perched eight stories above the Embarcadero will be your best bet for letting off some steam, grabbing a bird's-eye view of SF or just getting from one end of Justin Herman Plaza to the other at 50 mph (why walk when you can fly).

For some reason, the good people of British Columbia took it upon themselves to grace us with their zip line—normally reserved for the jungles of Costa Rica, the lush valleys of Kauai or the treetops of Whistler—making San Francisco the first city outside of Vancouver to offer urban zipping.

All you need to do to get airborne is head over to Sens in the Embarcadero Center, get harnessed in, and you're ready to go.

Think of it as one small step for mankind.

burntjay

November 17th, 2010, 01:51 PM

;67280537']nBcWFEQHpeM

Where else in the Philippines can you find a mall/lifestyle hub that offers these kinds of activities? :colgate: :okay:

Go kart, Segway PT, Jet Ski, Zipline... and more coming soon! Only at Embarcadero de Legazpi!

If you're bored with the usual mall, aimlessly wandering along shiny floors and the same old stores -- Embarcadero is the place for you! :okay:
ba't kaya hindi nakaisip ng ganito sa Boracay or Cebu? :D

one thing that disappoints me whenever I go to Embarcadero (aside from the lack of stores that i usually visit) is that they didn't put up concrete figures of all the letters of the alphabet at the entrance!
unfair to those who want to take their picture but their names don't start with the letters of Embarcadero :lol:

[dx]

November 17th, 2010, 01:54 PM

ba't kaya hindi nakaisip ng ganito sa Boracay or Cebu? :D

one thing that disappoints me whenever I go to Embarcadero (aside from the lack of stores that i usually visit) is that they didn't put up concrete figures of all the letters of the alphabet at the entrance!
unfair to those who want to take their picture but their names don't start with the letters of Embarcadero :lol:

Hahaha, this one cracked me up. Oo nga naman. Buti na lang may 'd'. And as expected, I had a picture taken of myself on top of that 'd' last year. :lol:

[dx]

November 17th, 2010, 01:56 PM

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs912.snc4/72544_121225621267760_100001409676486_132312_2118327_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs907.snc4/72071_121225647934424_100001409676486_132313_4705768_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs447.ash2/72071_121225667934422_100001409676486_132318_5226099_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs447.ash2/72071_121225664601089_100001409676486_132317_1093956_n.jpg

Somewhere in Cagraray Island......
Photos by:Jay Abion.. (http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=18445&id=100001409676486)

What Cagraray needs is ACCESS! Hehe. These awesome spots are literally in our backyards. Maybe the new bridge crossing the Sula Channel will help open up these new destinations to tourists. It's so near Legazpi so hindi sya hassle puntahan. Kahit balikan ka lang, okay lang. :okay:

[dx]

November 17th, 2010, 02:10 PM

Off topic. It was weird to see my name on the Inquirer today (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20101117-303659/From-Wow-to-Pilipinas-Kay-Ganda). :lol: I'm just echoing the sentiments of the majority about the Pilipinas, Kay Ganda' campaign.

Why the big fuss? Php100 million was given to DOT to 'rebrand' the Philippines and this is what they came up with? What's wrong with the 'More than the Usual' campaign? The TV ads they made for Wow Philippines were great and I can still vividly remember some of them. Now they're pulling out the new website (www.beautifulpilipinas.com) because the URL is similar to another less than flattering site (p*rn) You can't just release a new brand with much fanfare and then say 'ay hindi pa pala to final'. Huh? :dunno:

They're also saying the money will be spent on 'social media'. This clearly shows how clueless they are. You can launch a successful campaign on social media (such as Facebook, Twitter, etc.) for less than 0.01% of that budget! I mean, I didn't even spend a single cent when I put up the Legazpi City Facebook Fan Page (well aside from the Internet bills, of course. haha)

garycooper

November 17th, 2010, 02:15 PM

;67281395']What Cagraray needs is ACCESS! Hehe. These awesome spots are literally in our backyards. Maybe the new bridge crossing the Sula Channel will help open up these new destinations to tourists. It's so near Legazpi so hindi sya hassle puntahan. Kahit balikan ka lang, okay lang. :okay:

When we were kids, my father brought us to Mancao. I don't really remember if it is an island or just a barangay of one of those islands. we used to pass these islands but I never really appreciated the beauty these paradise. Ganoon palan sinda kagayon.

drfeelgood17

November 17th, 2010, 04:18 PM

;67282021']Off topic. It was weird to see my name on the Inquirer today (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20101117-303659/From-Wow-to-Pilipinas-Kay-Ganda). :lol: I'm just echoing the sentiments of the majority about the Pilipinas, Kay Ganda' campaign.

Why the big fuss? Php100 million was given to DOT to 'rebrand' the Philippines and this is what they came up with? What's wrong with the 'More than the Usual' campaign? The TV ads they made for Wow Philippines were great and I can still vividly remember some of them. Now they're pulling out the new website (www.beautifulpilipinas.com) because the URL is similar to another less than flattering site (p*rn) You can't just release a new brand with much fanfare and then say 'ay hindi pa pala to final'. Huh? :dunno:

They're also saying the money will be spent on 'social media'. This clearly shows how clueless they are. You can launch a successful campaign on social media (such as Facebook, Twitter, etc.) for less than 0.01% of that budget! I mean, I didn't even spend a single cent when I put up the Legazpi City Facebook Fan Page (well aside from the Internet bills, of course. haha)

I agree that marketing and branding are important BUT this particular rebranding shows how clueless they are. First of all, a brand must be recognisable and must communicate its message efficiently. Now how many people outside the RP, who have no connections with the Philippines, can understand Tagalog? If they can't understand what "Pilipinas kay ganda" means I very much doubt they will bother to inquire what it means - they will simply move on to our competitors (Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia etc) with simpler but HIGH IMPACT branding - in English. Leave the Tagalista nationalism at home. Secondly, a tarsier might be well known to Filipinos but if I didn't live in the Philippines I wouldn't have a clue what it is or what it's suppose to represent in that logo. Now, unfortunately, tourists will just think it's a monkey hugging a coconut tree - which, is after all , a common portrayal of monkeys. I'm afraid the new logo will simply communicate the unfortunate "message" that the Philippines is a sunny land of smiling monkeys - a very silly message IMO!
As for the president helping with this rebranding, that is another silly idea. A president or a tourism secretary do not necessarily make good marketing people - leave it to the professionals please! :bash:
The new logo and its nationalistic flavour shows just how the Dept of Tourism still has not understood one basic fact about tourism - what the locals desire might not necessarily be what tourists want. In other words it might make (some) Filipinos feel good, but will tourists buy it?

In my previous posts, I have harped on how important it is to have attractive streets and buildings in our towns and cities. The survey that The Inquirer quotes proves my point that this is not a superficial or wasteful indulgence. Note how "sightseeing" comes on top of what attracts tourists to a country. Lots of countries all over the world have white sand beaches, spectacular mountains and landscape, colourful festivals - none of these are unique to the Philippines. Sightseeing also includes visiting historic cities, temples, famous buildings - and generally strolling through attractive city streets. This, rather, than "branding" or new logos, is the RP's weak point, IMO. We might think that Vigan is wonderful and historic, but I'm afraid if you've been to Europe or Latin America - it really is nothing special. I'm afraid that is the harsh truth. It is special to us mainly because we LOST SO MUCH of our architectural heritage (see the Intramuros and Old Manila threads at SSC). What I think we need to focus on rather than nationalistic rebranding is to preserve and make as attractive as possible what remains. That means not tampering with Daraga Church, not putting up more Mcdonalds and Jollibees in Vigan. It means removing or hiding those spaghetti wires that plague our cities. It means repainting or refurbishing those grey, mouldy buildings in our city centres. It involves building pavements on streets so pedestrians can actually walk on pavements (and not share the road with vehicles)! Look at Macau, look at Singapore and Hong Kong, these places also had few historic buildings left - but they, unlike the RP know how to preserve their heritage.

Btw, the fact that the Inquirer quoted Dex just shows how successful at marketing and branding he is - thanks to his wowlegazpi.com and Legazpi Facebook, he is now becoming famous. Show the Dept of Tourism how it's done Dex! :lol:

denz161

November 17th, 2010, 04:56 PM

wKgbAVQWh_0&feature=related

waaaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh!!!ngayun kolang to napanood....ang saya naman nila...haha...kaingit.....makatry din kaya....nuarin daw?hmmmmm.....
marhay na banggui!!!....

drfeelgood17

November 18th, 2010, 12:59 AM

^^ That was the SSC Legazpi funride, Denz! :)

drfeelgood17

November 18th, 2010, 01:03 AM

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4019/4719771911_6efcd3a657_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/akosikenet/4719771911/)
Magayon (http://www.flickr.com/photos/akosikenet/4719771911/) by akosikenet (http://www.flickr.com/people/akosikenet/), on Flickr

drfeelgood17

November 18th, 2010, 01:07 AM

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4105/4985405108_686d2bf277_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/52723382@N07/4985405108/)
Lignon Hill (http://www.flickr.com/photos/52723382@N07/4985405108/) by sleekyett (http://www.flickr.com/people/52723382@N07/), on Flickr

drfeelgood17

November 18th, 2010, 01:09 AM

Tourism industry unimpressed with new DOT slogan

source:
By Mayen Jaymalin (The Philippine Star) Updated November 17, 2010 12:00 AM Comments (201)

MANILA, Philippines - The local tourism industry appeared unimpressed with the new Philippine tourism slogan “Pilipinas Kay Ganda,” which the government launched Monday in a bid to lure more foreign visitors to the country.

According to Alejandra Clemente, president of the Federation of Tourism Industries of the Philippines Inc. (FTIP), the Department of Tourism (DOT) should have thought of a catchier phrase that would get the attention of the international market.

“The slogan did not ignite much excitement. Maybe they rushed in coming out with a new brand. But what we need is something that would create a great impact,” she said.

Clemente said she had the impression that the latest tourism promo was simply lifted from the “WOW Philippines” that really stirred the foreign market and generated a lasting impression.

“Although DOT did not use it too much in their marketing campaign in the past years, WOW Philippines is still being remembered. Because in the beginning of the campaign, it was wow… impressive,” she said.

In an online forum, many bloggers also aired disappointment over the new slogan, saying it was unimaginative and unlikely to connect with foreign tourists.

Clemente pointed out many foreign countries do not change their tourism slogans.

Clemente though said the tourism industry would be willing to support the DOT’s efforts and programs to overcome the negative impression of the country that discouraged many tourists from visiting the country.

Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim said the new brand focused on the beauty of the country and was reflective of the hope and optimism of the new Aquino administration.

Even before the new slogan came about, Lim clarified the centerpiece of the country’s marketing campaign was “still a work in progress” since the tourism industry’s inputs would be considered to strengthen it.

Lim conceded the tourism sector had a negative impression and was resistant to the new slogan, which he said was a “radical departure from what our neighbors are doing.”

While every country is trying to own an English word or phrase as a brand description to promote itself, Lim said the Philippines decided to use the vernacular to express national pride and rise above the competition.

Lim explained the new concept adhered to the criteria of Simon Anholt, foremost authority on nation branding, that positioning a country’s brand or image should highlight attributes differentiating it from other nations while being relevant and believable.

The new brand carries both visual and verbal idioms of how beautiful the Philippines is through the tagline “Pilipinas Kay Ganda” and a colorful logo that incorporates the coconut tree, sun and tarsier to depict the country’s unique tropical beauty and its people’s sunny disposition.

Lim said the government of Singapore also encountered opposition when it launched a new slogan three years ago, yet they expanded the market as a result of the new brand.

“We need to be more daring in expressing our brand, if we are to rise above the clutter,” Lim said.

Lim also ruled out the option of rehashing the eight-year-old Wow Philippines campaign, which dates back to when former senator Richard Gordon headed the DOT.

^^I think this proves our point, Dex. Lim's comparison with Singapore is spurious and misleading, IMO. I am not putting down Tagalog but in marketing you need to think about your audience, not yourself. How proud or patriotic it makes you feel is completely irrelevant. It is all about your target market, if they do not speak or understand the language they will not relate to it.
And this is hardly "daring" or new - wasn't this Tagalog (or "Filipino") sloganeering pioneered during the Marcos-era? "Banco Filipino, subok na matibay, subok na matatag".."Kilusang Bagong Lipunan"....and PAL's use of "Mabuhay" in the early '80s...etc....If it didn't work back then, why should it work now?

denz161

November 18th, 2010, 01:36 AM

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs282.snc3/27757_387125851470_552686470_4464318_7171398_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs312.ash1/27757_387125846470_552686470_4464317_1689995_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs262.snc3/27757_387126121470_552686470_4464323_7951339_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs282.snc3/27757_387126116470_552686470_4464322_6495286_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs312.ash1/27757_387126136470_552686470_4464325_348998_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs262.snc3/27757_387126131470_552686470_4464324_1178734_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs282.snc3/27757_387126146470_552686470_4464326_5799496_n.jpg

MarhAY NA aGA bICOLANDIA!!!:):):)

denz161

November 18th, 2010, 01:39 AM

Posted on November 18, 2010 by TGE Blog Admin
Albay is finally actualizing its tourism potential both for hosting iconic endowments and for its role as gateway to Bicol’s emerging tourist destinations- witness: arrivals leaping to record high of +109% during the last three months.

Albay Gov. Joey Salceda quoting a report from the Department of Tourism (DOT), said tourist arrivals in Albay posted from July to September 62, 280, of whom 27,290 were foreign and 34,990 domestic tourists, a surge that boosts Bicol’s new title as the “third fastest growing tourist destination” of the Philippines .

Tourism Secretary Albert A. Lim, during a recent visit to Legazpi city, referred to Albay as the third fastest growing tourist destinations in the country second only to Cebu and Boracay with new and diversified tourism come-ons.

Such standing, according to Lim, necessitated recommending the speedy completion of Southern Luzon International Airport (SLIA), to make Bicol a top tourist destination as well as support DOT’s target of doubling the number of foreign tourist arrivals in the country.

“I will strongly recommend SLIA to Department of Transportation and Communication as one of the top priority airports in the country,” Lim said.

Also a recent come for tourist – among others – was the province of Sorsogon due to Mt. Bulusan’s restive character, according to Governor Salceda. Mount Bulusan spewed ash about three weeks ago, but volcanologists said there’s no threat of an explosive eruption.

“There is something truly amazing – and disturbing – in the way danger attracts humans. We saw similar display of predisposition for danger in the Mayon eruption only last year. In 2009, Mayon eruption induced arrivals in the month of December what it would take a majestic yet slumbering volcano a year to attract’, Salceda said.

He added that this gave rise to a perverse mode of tourist movement- disaster tourism. Thus, our disaster response strategy had be to significantly reconfigured to secure our zero casualty goal since a dead tourist is also a violation of zero casualty.

But he said recent developments, such that of Bulusan Volcano eruption, were a bit different; Albay is getting tourists without incurring the risks clearly establishing the geostrategic position of Legazpi as the gateway to Bicol destinations. Still, the governor said Albay is more comfortable with tourists due to Donsol encounters than to Bulusan eruption.

Also boosting tourist arrivals in Albay is the six–times a day flight of three big airlines by way of the Legazpi City Domestic airport; PAL, Cebu Pacific, and most recently Air Philippines, which helps establish Albay’s role as gateway to the Bicol Region, Salceda added.

Source: (http://joeyssalceda.wordpress.com/)

denz161

November 18th, 2010, 01:40 AM

http://joeyssalceda.files.wordpress.com/2010/11/albay-layout-for-dec-smile-magazine.jpg?w=640&h=416

Carats

November 18th, 2010, 01:44 AM

When we were kids, my father brought us to Mancao. I don't really remember if it is an island or just a barangay of one of those islands. we used to pass these islands but I never really appreciated the beauty these paradise. Ganoon palan sinda kagayon.

Sir Gary,you must be referring to Brgy.Mancao of Rapu-rapu.It lies on the northwest of Batan Island,facing Sitio Malobago of Brgy.Cagbulacao in Cagraray Island,Bacacay.
Maray na aga sa indong gabos.

Carats

November 18th, 2010, 02:36 AM

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs447.ash2/72071_121225667934422_100001409676486_132318_5226099_n.jpg

Somewhere in Cagraray Island......
Photos by:Jay Abion.. (http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=18445&id=100001409676486)

This is Guinanayan Island of Rapu-rapu,Albay,another future beach destination.
Here is the info...http://www.geographic.org/geographic_names/name.php?uni=-3346577&fid=4973&c=philippines

Albayano

November 18th, 2010, 03:22 AM

burntjay

November 18th, 2010, 03:28 AM

kaniguan78

November 18th, 2010, 03:36 AM

that was a really lame slogan...
i could just imagine DOT Secretary Lim & P-Noy looking at each other's twinkling eyes while singing "basta't tayo'y magkasama, laging may Pilipinas na kay ganda..." for the ad spot :lol:

earlier, i was listening to The Morning Rush with Chico & Delamar (RX 93.1) & this slogan brouhaha is the topic for their funny daily Top 10 (listeners send in entries thru texting & the DJs rank them 1-10)
one of the top entries for the 1st batch (@ 7am) goes "Boom Boom Mayon... Bye Bye, Albay!" :lol:

where was this taken? is that placid body of water a lake, large swamp or a calm river?

I think this is a fishpond or a just-harvested rice field.

Carats

November 18th, 2010, 05:14 AM

Thyanks for the pic Carats, ano tabing barangay an nakaksakop kaini?
Dios Marhay na Albay sa satuya gabos!

Brgy.Galicia tabi kan Rapu-rapu,Albay...
I've been there & Brgy.Galicia centro after the barangay elections.

I'll post some of my pics later. :)

garycooper

November 18th, 2010, 05:54 AM

Sir Gary,you must be referring to Brgy.Mancao of Rapu-rapu.It lies on the northwest of Batan Island,facing Sitio Malobago of Brgy.Cagbulacao in Cagraray Island,Bacacay.
Maray na aga sa indong gabos.

Thanks Carats for the information. I always thought that Mancao is part of Bacacay. Rapu-Rapu palan.

OT - We owned some properties there. I really don't know what happened to those properties after my father passed away. I only remember our tenant bringing to our house in Old Albay sacks of palay after harvest. After my father died, the supply of palay stopped coming. :ohno:

garycooper

November 18th, 2010, 05:59 AM

that was a really lame slogan...
i could just imagine DOT Secretary Lim & P-Noy looking at each other's twinkling eyes while singing "basta't tayo'y magkasama, laging may Pilipinas na kay ganda..." for the ad spot :lol:

earlier, i was listening to The Morning Rush with Chico & Delamar (RX 93.1) & this slogan brouhaha is the topic for their funny daily Top 10 (listeners send in entries thru texting & the DJs rank them 1-10)
one of the top entries for the 1st batch (@ 7am) goes "Boom Boom Mayon... Bye Bye, Albay!" :lol:

where was this taken? is that placid body of water a lake, large swamp or a calm river?

I was also listening to them this morning. I really enjoy the inanities in their daily banter. I was floored when Chico blurted out the "Boom Boom Mayon . . .:ohno::bash::lol:

garycooper

November 18th, 2010, 06:15 AM

yes!
i was hoping though that their "fast" food service had improved...

that's what i want for SM to do if they get hold of the airport site- sophisticated strip malls, not the old giant shoe-box structures...
it's the only way that they can counter the growing opposition...:D

southern barangay, you say? how about converting the ruins of Mayon Imperial Hotel into an SM City Legazpi?
it would remind one of SM City Baguio...hehe...
oh, i just want my SM somewhere nearER... not some 90km away :D

& speaking of abandoned hotel buildings, what's with Albay Hotel along Penaranda St.?
that's one of the questions I had in mind the first time I arrived here :lol:, & every time that I pass by that area, i can't help but wonder what went wrong, & what are they planning to do with it.
sayang kasi...
during the Reming crisis, i wanted to open it myself & offer it to the victims in evacuation areas.:p

With the on rush of calamities brought about by the fury of Mayon, it is about time that the city starts thinking of developing a new city somewhere away from mudflows and floods. There is no other way to mitigate the current problems that the city is experiencing but to go elsewhere because we don't want a repeat of the results of Reming's fury. And there is no other place the city can expand to but the southern barangays. A very well planned new community in the southern barangays is for me the answer to all these. In the previous threads, I laid out a 10 point urban development proposal for this new city I am envisioning. I will try to sort it out and re-post it here for our new members.

I know you are exaggerating on your 90 kms to drive your point, but for your appreciation, Taysan and Lamba area is less than 5 kilometers away from downtown. In fact, I know already of a couple of big time developers one from Metro Manila and the other from Cebu, looking for possible sites in these areas. One of them talked to me directly asking for referrals.

nacnuD 2:-)

November 18th, 2010, 06:50 AM

Cebu Pacific Air (http://www.cebupacificair.com/index.html)
SEAT SALE ANNOUNCEMENT: NOV 18, 2010
by Cebu Pacific Air on Thursday, November 18, 2010 at 12:08pm
THAI-yo na at magsaya! Take advantage of our Seat Sale!

INTERNATIONAL
Manila to Bangkok
P1,999

Clark to Bangkok
P1,499

DOMESTIC
Manila to Cauayan (Isabela), Laoag, Legazpi, Naga,San Jose (Mindoro) or Tuguegarao
P399

Davao to Cagayan de Oro
P399

Travel is valid from Jan 1 – Mar 31, 2011. Hurry, Sale is only until Nov 22 or until seats last! See you onboard!

Source: Cebu Pacific Air Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/notes/cebu-pacific-air/seat-sale-announcement-nov-18-2010/142275075823050)

burntjay

November 18th, 2010, 07:20 AM

I think this is a fishpond or a just-harvested rice field.
ah, ok... Mayon Volcano & its reflection on the water is simply breathtaking.

With the on rush of calamities brought about by the fury of Mayon, it is about time that the city starts thinking of developing a new city somewhere away from mudflows and floods. There is no other way to mitigate the current problems that the city is experiencing but to go elsewhere because we don't want a repeat of the results of Reming's fury. And there is no other place the city can expand to but the southern barangays. A very well planned new community in the southern barangays is for me the answer to all these. In the previous threads, I laid out a 10 point urban development proposal for this new city I am envisioning. I will try to sort it out and re-post it here for our new members.

I know you are exaggerating on your 90 kms to drive your point, but for your appreciation, Taysan and Lamba area is less than 5 kilometers away from downtown. In fact, I know already of a couple of big time developers one from Metro Manila and the other from Cebu, looking for possible sites in these areas. One of them talked to me directly asking for referrals.
the nearest SM supermall which is SM City Naga is 90km from Legazpi, right? :D

it's high time that Legazpi's southern barangays get to be developed...
so much potential there... time to liven up that sleepy part of the city :D

nacnuD 2:-)

November 18th, 2010, 07:39 AM

Misibis Bay (http://www.misibisbay.com/)
Cagraray Island
9Ka11zlEetE&feature
video by bajjybajjy (Legazpi to Misibis - chopper (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Ka11zlEetE&feature=related))

Monsi

November 18th, 2010, 11:04 AM

Monsi

November 18th, 2010, 11:32 AM

Albayano

November 18th, 2010, 02:44 PM

Brgy.Galicia tabi kan Rapu-rapu,Albay...
I've been there & Brgy.Galicia centro after the barangay elections.

I'll post some of my pics later. :)

Thanks, aram ko na dakul pang magayon na views sa rapu-rapu. Igua tabi akong nahiling na saday na opening pag sakat ko sa bulod can ligban sa camalig
kaya lang day ko pa naipost. saro na cueva day pa masyadong exposed sa mga tauo.

[dx]

November 18th, 2010, 04:29 PM

I agree that marketing and branding are important BUT this particular rebranding shows how clueless they are. First of all, a brand must be recognisable and must communicate its message efficiently. Now how many people outside the RP, who have no connections with the Philippines, can understand Tagalog? If they can't understand what "Pilipinas kay ganda" means I very much doubt they will bother to inquire what it means - they will simply move on to our competitors (Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia etc) with simpler but HIGH IMPACT branding - in English. Leave the Tagalista nationalism at home. Secondly, a tarsier might be well known to Filipinos but if I didn't live in the Philippines I wouldn't have a clue what it is or what it's suppose to represent in that logo. Now, unfortunately, tourists will just think it's a monkey hugging a coconut tree - which, is after all , a common portrayal of monkeys. I'm afraid the new logo will simply communicate the unfortunate "message" that the Philippines is a sunny land of smiling monkeys - a very silly message IMO!
As for the president helping with this rebranding, that is another silly idea. A president or a tourism secretary do not necessarily make good marketing people - leave it to the professionals please! :bash:
The new logo and its nationalistic flavour shows just how the Dept of Tourism still has not understood one basic fact about tourism - what the locals desire might not necessarily be what tourists want. In other words it might make (some) Filipinos feel good, but will tourists buy it?

In my previous posts, I have harped on how important it is to have attractive streets and buildings in our towns and cities. The survey that The Inquirer quotes proves my point that this is not a superficial or wasteful indulgence. Note how "sightseeing" comes on top of what attracts tourists to a country. Lots of countries all over the world have white sand beaches, spectacular mountains and landscape, colourful festivals - none of these are unique to the Philippines. Sightseeing also includes visiting historic cities, temples, famous buildings - and generally strolling through attractive city streets. This, rather, than "branding" or new logos, is the RP's weak point, IMO. We might think that Vigan is wonderful and historic, but I'm afraid if you've been to Europe or Latin America - it really is nothing special. I'm afraid that is the harsh truth. It is special to us mainly because we LOST SO MUCH of our architectural heritage (see the Intramuros and Old Manila threads at SSC). What I think we need to focus on rather than nationalistic rebranding is to preserve and make as attractive as possible what remains. That means not tampering with Daraga Church, not putting up more Mcdonalds and Jollibees in Vigan. It means removing or hiding those spaghetti wires that plague our cities. It means repainting or refurbishing those grey, mouldy buildings in our city centres. It involves building pavements on streets so pedestrians can actually walk on pavements (and not share the road with vehicles)! Look at Macau, look at Singapore and Hong Kong, these places also had few historic buildings left - but they, unlike the RP know how to preserve their heritage.

Btw, the fact that the Inquirer quoted Dex just shows how successful at marketing and branding he is - thanks to his wowlegazpi.com and Legazpi Facebook, he is now becoming famous. Show the Dept of Tourism how it's done Dex! :lol:

Yikes! I don't think I have any marketing or branding skills at all haha. I'm just using what I have learned so far in internet marketing and social media to help our city. hehe. And I'm doing this not to get famous or get my name published somewhere. It's all about Legazpi & Albay hehe :okay:

But yeah, the DOT should realize that there are people willing to help. Even here in SSC we have dozens of travel bloggers who go around the country and blog about the many destinations they've been to -- Byahero, Marc of ambot-ah.com, Bernie of habagatcentral.com, etc. Of course, hats off to Sherwin for putting up Albay Rising (http://albayrising.blogspot.com)!

[dx]

November 18th, 2010, 04:32 PM

A must-try in Albay

1st Colonial Grill's Tinapa Rice

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4128/5171556040_04a5e087db_b.jpg
by Fushigi Shigi (http://www.flickr.com/photos/marmaladeskies/)

[dx]

November 18th, 2010, 04:44 PM

[dx]

November 18th, 2010, 04:56 PM

With the on rush of calamities brought about by the fury of Mayon, it is about time that the city starts thinking of developing a new city somewhere away from mudflows and floods. There is no other way to mitigate the current problems that the city is experiencing but to go elsewhere because we don't want a repeat of the results of Reming's fury. And there is no other place the city can expand to but the southern barangays. A very well planned new community in the southern barangays is for me the answer to all these. In the previous threads, I laid out a 10 point urban development proposal for this new city I am envisioning. I will try to sort it out and re-post it here for our new members.

I know you are exaggerating on your 90 kms to drive your point, but for your appreciation, Taysan and Lamba area is less than 5 kilometers away from downtown. In fact, I know already of a couple of big time developers one from Metro Manila and the other from Cebu, looking for possible sites in these areas. One of them talked to me directly asking for referrals.

Hi sir! It was actually a 15-point program you envisioned. Hehe. I bookmarked it for future reference. Here it is:

;34086700']Hmm, I agree. This is actually an opportunity to expand the city southwards. With enough budget and most importantly, vision, we can create a new master planned community that is designed to face the challenges of the future - for example: wider streets, better zoning, better drainage and sewerage, more parks, underground electrical and telephone cables, well-designed civic structures, socialized housing projects, etc. We can actually create a new Legazpi City. That doesn't mean we have to desert Legazpi, we're just transferring the 'center of gravity' to a safer, better location.

Ambitious? Absolutely! Possible? Of Course!

Yes we can!

(Sorry, two of my interests are urban planning and architecture lol, that's why my mind is just racing with ideas right now) :lol:

I will move a step ahead now Dex. Here is a 15-point program that I envision for the urban expansion of Legazpi.

1. Identify 350 to 500 hectares of land somewhere in the Taysan area (or in the Puro-Dapdap area). The area before reaching the centro of Taysan would be very ideal for development into a new commercial business district since this is only about 3 kms from the present City Hall. If you pass through MIH, the route will be shorter even. If I’m not mistaken, it’s should be the same distance as the Albay-Legazpi route on Rizal St. Industrial development has been programmed previously by the city govenment in Homapon.

2. Redevelop the portion of the Legazpi-Manito Road going up to Tagungtong up to Taysan by widening it and converting it into a first class road complete with mercury lightings and appropriate signages. A new road should also be develop to connect the newtown to the BIA.

3. Develop initially a 3-lane boulevard (meaning 3-lanes on both sides) on the identified site. The new City Hall shall be constructed at the end of this boulevard which can be from half to a kilometer long in length. The boulevard shall connect from the widened Legazpi-Manito road.

4. Site development maybe patterned after the present development being done at Global City at the Fort or the Mall of Asia complex where there will be working drainages, underground cables, adequate street lightings and traffic friendly. We can actually just copy it. Why reinvent something that’s ain’t broken or is working.

5. Side streets connecting to the main boulevard shall be developed according to specifications cited in item no. 4 above.

6. Construct the City Hall large enough to accommodate all the departments plus a provision for future expansion. This is the initial magnet for commercial development and human traffic.

7. Allocate individual lots to the different regional offices. An alternative would be just to build 3 or 4 buildings which can be sold or rented out to the regional offices. This will be easier so these offices can transfer immediately.

8. Funding can be sourced by the city internally or through financing. Financing of these projects (including land development and city hall construction) can be arranged directly with DBP or Landbank. This will be easy because the loan request can be packaged as a self-liquidating project. The city can also work out an RP guarantee so private funding can come in.

9. Development of the underlying areas can be assigned or subcontracted to private entities. I am referring here to the areas along both sides of the new boulevard. This area will be ideal for new office buildings (mainly BPO ready offices), commercial buildings, hotels, etc. LCC should be given the first crack to set up shop here not SM. We should give our homegrown businesses a chance to grow. But if SM will insist, we should be open to them too. lol

10. New subdivisions, both low cost and high end, will be developed at the periphery of this newtown development with the cooperation of private developers. We can then invite the big developers from Metro Manila to invest.

11. Aquinas University and Divine Word College should be invited to set up their new campus or future expansion in this new city. A prominent space should be allocated to them because they attract human traffic.

12. The Diocese of Legazpi shall likewise be invited to build a church. A town will not be complete without a church in the vicinity. A church also invites human traffic.

13. Trees should be planted all over the newtown development.

14. To complete the livable city concept, jeepneys shall not be allowed to ply inside the newtown. I would suggest that only mini-buses be allowed. Taxi business will be benefitted by this development.

15. To compensate for the loss of the greens and coconut trees in this area, a massive agricultural development and reforestation shall be implemented in the neighboring barangays down south. There are a lot of unutilized land in the area after Banquerohan up to Buenavista. These can be reforested or developed into agricultural lands. In Davao, cacao is intercropped under the coconut trees in many areas.

Dex, like you I’m also a sucker for urban planning. This has been the main ingredients of my initial postings here. I can see now your grumbling faces. This vision is not an unreachable goal. Guys, yo should visit the Cagayan de Oro thread so you will get a clearer picture of what I'm saying. They did a very similar program for their urban expansion. I know it will take a long time so let's start the planning now.

[dx]

November 18th, 2010, 04:57 PM

Drab of old...now getting more colorful...
http://multiply.com/mu/legazpeep/image/1/photos/4/1200x1200/147/DSC05502.JPG?et=21O2nd6XpIKak2ikBYv6uA&nmid=279080575
^Busy basin...

^^Haha, I like the 'parade' of water vessels. :okay: I think the yellow one is the paddle boat - a future attraction in Embarcadero

[dx]

November 18th, 2010, 04:59 PM

[dx]

November 18th, 2010, 05:03 PM

^^I think this proves our point, Dex. Lim's comparison with Singapore is spurious and misleading, IMO. I am not putting down Tagalog but in marketing you need to think about your audience, not yourself. How proud or patriotic it makes you feel is completely irrelevant. It is all about your target market, if they do not speak or understand the language they will not relate to it.
And this is hardly "daring" or new - wasn't this Tagalog (or "Filipino") sloganeering pioneered during the Marcos-era? "Banco Filipino, subok na matibay, subok na matatag".."Kilusang Bagong Lipunan"....and PAL's use of "Mabuhay" in the early '80s...etc....If it didn't work back then, why should it work now?

Yeah, the people behind this campaign are clueless at best (stupid at worst).

Even the logo is identical to Poland's. Copied? Who knows. One thing's for sure, whoever conceptualized this logo was lazy and didn't even do a thorough research of other countries' tourism campaign logos.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1158.snc4/150043_468714972374_786767374_5503775_2492872_n.jpg

[dx]

November 18th, 2010, 05:07 PM

Vera Falls
Malinao, Albay

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4105/5042621427_19c416e1a6_b.jpg
by Sir Mervs (http://www.flickr.com/photos/sir_mervs/)

[dx]

November 18th, 2010, 05:09 PM

Bacacay Church - built in 1660

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1003/5183648492_ae687e21ab_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4149/5183068199_dee0ab2c6e_b.jpg

Photo by digishooter
(http://www.flickr.com/photos/digishooter/)

[dx]

November 18th, 2010, 05:14 PM

3D photo of Mayon and Albay folk, circa 1900

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4070/5186460336_0b4fb2e83e_z.jpg
Red-Cyan glasses needed to view image :okay:

[dx]

November 18th, 2010, 05:16 PM

Mayon wall at NAIA 1

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4147/5185780867_dddabf4ef4_b.jpg

by metro71 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/metro7i/)

[dx]

November 18th, 2010, 05:19 PM

Thyanks for the pic Carats, ano tabing barangay an nakaksakop kaini?
Dios Marhay na Albay sa satuya gabos!

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs447.ash2/72071_121225667934422_100001409676486_132318_5226099_n.jpg

Somewhere in Cagraray Island......
Photos by:Jay Abion.. (http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=18445&id=100001409676486)
This is Guinanayan Island of Rapu-rapu,Albay,another future beach destination.
Here is the info...http://www.geographic.org/geographic_names/name.php?uni=-3346577&fid=4973&c=philippines

Beautiful scenery! Albay Kay Ganda! hehehe :P

[dx]

November 18th, 2010, 05:33 PM

TsBUz6qu_Bo

WOW Philippines: More than the Usual -- still the best tourism campaign PH has ever had. Why fix (or in this case, replace) what ain't broken? These ads are still appealing even after many years. We only need to create new versions and themes.

[dx]

November 18th, 2010, 06:02 PM

MPIC, San Miguel, Ayala Corp keen on govt’s PPP listing (http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/11/18/10/mpic-san-miguel-ayala-corp-keen-govt%E2%80%99s-ppp-listing)
by Lenie Lectura, Business Mirror
Posted at 11/18/2010 9:45 PM | Updated as of 11/18/2010 9:45 PM

MANILA, Philippines - Big-ticket investors such as San Miguel Corp., Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) and Ayala Corp. are among those interested to take a look at the list of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects lined up by the Aquino administration.

There are four railway and four airport projects presented by Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Secretary Jose de Jesus yesterday at the PPP summit. These eight projects, which are slated for rollout next year, cost a total of P115.2 billion. “Realistically, we will be able to prepare the feasibility study and bid documents in the second half of 2011. Initially, the reception of investors is very warm. There is a lot of interest,” said de Jesus.

DOTC Assistant Secretary George Esguerra said the agency will tap grants from Japan and the US. “We have done that in the past and we will tap them again for the conduct of the feasibility study,” he said. Esguerra also identified SMC, MPIC and Ayala as among those that could be interested in the PPP identified by the DOTC.

The four PPP slated for rollout next year include the privatization of Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 1 operation and management (O&M); Metro Rail Transit (MRT) 3 O&M; LRT 1 South extension privatization through concession; LRT Line 2 East extension project; new Bohol airport development; Puerto Princesa airport development; new Legaspi airport development; and Laguindingan airport O&M.

“We are looking at some of the toll roads, something connected with what we already have,” said MPIC chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan. “The railway projects seem interesting because we have already taken a small stake in MRT 3. We are looking at the commuter rail and the heavy trail…O&M is an option.”

He also said MPIC is open to taking a partner if the project calls for it. For now, “we are just taking a look,” Pangilinan said.

For SMC’s part, president Ramon S. Ang said the diversifying conglomerate will participate in all of government’s projects. “We will join the [PPP] bidding. SMC has enough financial muscle,” he said.

Aside from SMC, MPIC and Ayala, Esguerra said the government also expects foreign companies to explore possible partnerships with Philippine firms that are interested to participate in the PPP.

Interested parties will have to undergo a competitive bidding, said de Jesus. The government, he added, will shoulder the cost related to right of way acquisitions and infrastructure, while the private sector will have to bid for the O&M.

For LRT 1 and MRT 3, privatization of the O&M will be for a period of three to five years, with the option to integrate both railway systems, prior to privatization, through a concession.

LRT 1 south extension project involves the construction of 11.7-kilometer (km) LRT extension. The project will be implemented beginning 2011 to 2015.

For LRT Line 2 East extension project, a 4-km railway system will be constructed during the period 2011 to 2014.

Meanwhile, a new airport of international standards in Panglao island will replace the existing Tagbilaran airport. Construction for the new Bohol airport will take place between 2012 and 2014.

For the Puerto Princesa airport, this will be rehabilitated via construction of new landside facilities on the northwest side of the existing runway. Work will start next year until 2014.

A new airport in Daraga, Albay will be put up to replace the existing Legaspi airport. Preparation of bid documents is ongoing, the DOTC said.

For the privatization of the Laguindingan airport, tender documents are already being prepared.

Brandon32

November 18th, 2010, 11:51 PM

;67353427']Congrats to Albay! I'm confident that this data is not padded. hehe. Yes, July-September 2010 was indeed a busy quarter. Even wowlegazpi.com achieved all-time highs in web traffic during that period.

http://i1047.photobucket.com/albums/b478/legazpi_city/graph_summary_barchartphp.png

me too!:cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers:

Maray na Albay!!

burntjay

November 19th, 2010, 02:25 AM

burntjay

November 19th, 2010, 02:42 AM

;67354117']Hi sir! It was actually a 15-point program you envisioned. Hehe. I bookmarked it for future reference. Here it is:
wow... very interesting to read, & it would be more interesting if implemented...
i wish the the-powers-that-be got enough political will to make this happen.

aidz

November 19th, 2010, 02:47 AM

denz161

November 19th, 2010, 02:56 AM

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs980.snc4/75333_159774040730426_100000934938321_257311_239347_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1150.snc4/149214_159774280730402_100000934938321_257312_8343531_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs991.snc4/76470_159774364063727_100000934938321_257313_1536868_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs494.ash2/76696_159774420730388_100000934938321_257314_3692953_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1223.snc4/155525_159774487397048_100000934938321_257315_7368566_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1189.snc4/154126_159774640730366_100000934938321_257316_6298416_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1186.snc4/150836_159774747397022_100000934938321_257317_4152054_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs478.ash2/75101_159774837397013_100000934938321_257318_6393525_n.jpg

Source:Lgu Libon Albay @ FB (http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=28001&id=100000934938321)

denz161

November 19th, 2010, 02:59 AM

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs588.ash2/151011_159774954063668_100000934938321_257319_3665070_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs589.ash2/154131_159775104063653_100000934938321_257321_6150916_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs589.ash2/154144_159775177396979_100000934938321_257322_6442047_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1123.snc4/148526_159775277396969_100000934938321_257323_6183415_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1196.snc4/154819_159775540730276_100000934938321_257324_1248940_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs574.ash2/149601_159775660730264_100000934938321_257325_464757_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1163.snc4/150529_159775730730257_100000934938321_257326_2268156_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs932.snc4/74568_159775957396901_100000934938321_257327_7322328_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs994.snc4/76703_159776154063548_100000934938321_257328_6994016_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs586.ash2/150816_159776544063509_100000934938321_257329_6442962_n.jpg

Its Harvest Time! After months of waiting and gardening, the pupils of Harigue and Burabod Elem School have finally gathered the vegetables they have planted. This project was done through the effort of Synrgeia Luzon in partnership with East West Seed Philippines and in coopeartion with LGU Libon.

The rationale of this project is to encourage the pupils to eat vegetables and for the community to do same in their backyard. Rick Reyes, head of Product Management Group, graced the activity. District Supervisors and other representatives from the Division Office were also present in the activity.
Source: (http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=28001&id=100000934938321)

Naga Boy

November 19th, 2010, 03:14 AM

;67354589']Yeah, the people behind this campaign are clueless at best (stupid at worst).

Even the logo is identical to Poland's. Copied? Who knows. One thing's for sure, whoever conceptualized this logo was lazy and didn't even do a thorough research of other countries' tourism campaign logos.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1158.snc4/150043_468714972374_786767374_5503775_2492872_n.jpg

While everyone is saying that the new logo and the new promo would not effective- in enticing tourists, with the controversy it is creating, I would say otherwise.

Everyone- I mean everyone is talking about it.

It has succeeded on catching everyone’s attention (at least)in the Philippines.:lol:

But personally- I like the new Promo- it is in Tagalog. It’s okay to promote our country in our own language as it is okay for us to describe Mayon Volcano as Magayon, and Bicolanos as Oragons. It would boil down to marketing. Kay Ganda would stand up to the generic English translation.

Pilipinas brand would add a little bit of curiosity and a new name to the tarnished reputation of the Philippines.

LRay during a tourism forum when asked how his secret in promoting the province to international tourists, he sadly answered he promotes CamSur as a direct destination as it is hard to sell the whole Philippines.

Pilipinas would give us a new hope and probably with the new administration- a better reputation abroad.

Let's give the new promo a chance.

I like the fine line translation at the bottom.

And it would stimulate someone’s of inquisitiveness to the mysterious.

As for the similarity to the Poland Logo, I don’t think it would be a problem. The logo fits well with the sunny Philippines but for the European Poland? I don’t think so

As long as Island Cove is not complaining- it’s okay to use to the coconuts.:)

denz161

November 19th, 2010, 03:26 AM

denz161

November 19th, 2010, 03:44 AM

denz161

November 19th, 2010, 03:46 AM

denz161

November 19th, 2010, 03:53 AM

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs023.ash2/34493_408526811470_552686470_5001125_5815843_n.jpg
Paglukad,pagkopras...hehehhe..ano pa?:D

denz161

November 19th, 2010, 03:56 AM

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs293.snc4/40996_421850366470_552686470_5361907_1806615_n.jpg
Sikad-sikad is already an institution in the padyak city of Tabaco. Its all started in 1960s..hehehe..Correct me if i'm wrong..:D

denz161

November 19th, 2010, 04:04 AM

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs333.snc3/29242_1287521797375_1510084205_30654107_4328333_n.jpg
Bulwagan ng Katarungan,Tabaco City

Source: (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=112677578763815&v=photos&so=315)

denz161

November 19th, 2010, 04:09 AM

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs634.snc3/31807_399849686470_552686470_4763217_8364660_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs634.snc3/31807_399849676470_552686470_4763215_7066575_n.jpg
Tabaco College:):)

denz161

November 19th, 2010, 04:11 AM

denz161

November 19th, 2010, 04:19 AM

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs524.ash1/30797_389028431470_552686470_4511140_7055148_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs524.ash1/30797_389030996470_552686470_4511196_938725_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs524.ash1/30797_389031006470_552686470_4511198_1531993_n.jpg

arkijo

November 19th, 2010, 04:44 AM

denz161

November 19th, 2010, 05:05 AM

http://multiply.com/mu/micreations/image/9/photos/127/1200x1200/1/Our-Lady-of-Guadalupe-1.jpg?et=1MrMu0wC+Ywpjepa10GlWg&nmid=307579224
‎Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine -- Situated at the top of Buraguis hill looking over the city proper. It features life-sized depictions of the Stations of the Cross arranged at the slope of the hill and a 20 feet image of the Virgin of Guadalupe at the summit.
Photo by Dacel Andes (http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000978645271)

kaniguan78

November 19th, 2010, 05:14 AM

A new FM station in Legazpi

http://i822.photobucket.com/albums/zz149/kaniguan78/fxfm.jpg

Source: Daniel Patrick Garcia on FB (http://www.facebook.com/?sk=messages&tid=1478692123334#!/album.php?aid=38810&id=100000455364244)

burntjay

November 19th, 2010, 07:12 AM

@kaniguan78 >>> ^ano mother station nyan sa Manila?

drfeelgood17

November 19th, 2010, 07:18 AM

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3280/3043902248_086a5e08c8_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/storm-crypt/3043902248/)
Legaspi City Viewed from the North (http://www.flickr.com/photos/storm-crypt/3043902248/) by Storm Crypt (http://www.flickr.com/people/storm-crypt/), on Flickr

drfeelgood17

November 19th, 2010, 07:19 AM

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/140/409870315_5673d96ab5_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/storm-crypt/409870315/)
Legaspi City (http://www.flickr.com/photos/storm-crypt/409870315/) by Storm Crypt (http://www.flickr.com/people/storm-crypt/), on Flickr

kaniguan78

November 19th, 2010, 07:25 AM

@kaniguan78 >>> ^ano mother station nyan sa Manila?

don't know yet. standby for further announcments. :lol:

drfeelgood17

November 19th, 2010, 07:28 AM

drfeelgood17

November 19th, 2010, 07:29 AM

;67354805']Vera Falls
Malinao, Albay

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4105/5042621427_19c416e1a6_b.jpg
by Sir Mervs (http://www.flickr.com/photos/sir_mervs/)

The waters look so pristine and tempting. Is this near Tabaco?

drfeelgood17

November 19th, 2010, 07:31 AM

that was a really lame slogan...
i could just imagine DOT Secretary Lim & P-Noy looking at each other's twinkling eyes while singing "basta't tayo'y magkasama, laging may Pilipinas na kay ganda..." for the ad spot :lol:

earlier, i was listening to The Morning Rush with Chico & Delamar (RX 93.1) & this slogan brouhaha is the topic for their funny daily Top 10 (listeners send in entries thru texting & the DJs rank them 1-10)
one of the top entries for the 1st batch (@ 7am) goes "Boom Boom Mayon... Bye Bye, Albay!" :lol:

where was this taken? is that placid body of water a lake, large swamp or a calm river?

Hi Burntjay.
The tag words mention Ligao so I'm assuming it's somewhere in the Ligao area. It does look like a small lake to me. Ligao has a vast land area so I'm really not sure as to the exact location. Maybe one of our local members can help identify it.

drfeelgood17

November 19th, 2010, 07:34 AM

drfeelgood17

November 19th, 2010, 07:36 AM

;67355269']3D photo of Mayon and Albay folk, circa 1900

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4070/5186460336_0b4fb2e83e_z.jpg
Red-Cyan glasses needed to view image :okay:

Rizal Street, corner Washington Drive circa 1900. :lol:

drfeelgood17

November 19th, 2010, 07:40 AM

kaniguan78

November 19th, 2010, 07:42 AM

The waters look so pristine and tempting. Is this near Tabaco?

you still have to walk to reach this falls.

drfeelgood17

November 19th, 2010, 08:14 AM

As RDC Chairman of Region V and governor of Albay, and on behalf of all Bicolanos and Albayanos, I am greatly encouraged and most grateful to the Aquino administration for pushing closer to realization this project which constitutes the most vital anchor to our aspiration for development considering that the sole comparate advantage we possess is in tourism. An international airport has long been part of the Bicolano dream – now it is becoming a reality. Prospects for poverty reduction and MDG achievement should also be lifted by a higher economic growth that would create jobs and provide a larger market to sustain livelihoods.

Moreover, we thank the President for adopting “pockets of open skies:” which would lift the long term feasibility of an international airport in Bicol. Targeted to serve 7.1m (5.4m- Bicol and 1.65m – Samar island). Such population base is just below Switzerland (7.6m) Israel (7.6m) Honduras (7.6m) and Bulgaria (7.5m); at par with Tajikistan (7.1m) and Hongkong (7.1m) and bigger than Papua New Guinea (6.8m), Libya (6.5m), Jordan (6.5m), Paraguay (6.5m), Laos (6.4m), El Salvador (6.1m), Sierra Leone (5.8m), Nicaragua (5.8m), Denmark (5.6m), Slovakia (5.4m), Finland (5.4m), Singapore (5.1m), Norway (4.9m), UAE (4.7m), Costa Rica (4.6m), Ireland (4.5m), New Zealand (4.4m), Lebanon (4.3m), Puerto Rico (4m), Palestine (4m), Uruguay (3.4m), Kuwait (3.1m). If Bicol (alone) were a country, it would be bigger than Singapore,

Safely, OFW movement should already provide a stable base for international traffic. The demand for travel is also driven by the historical migration of Bicolanos and Warays. While Bicol accounts for only 8% of total national population, Bicol-speaking people account for 12% of national total.

Tourism however will serve as kicker or driver of demand growth. Albay along registered 109% growth in arrivals in 3Q of 2010. Foreign tourists account for a healthy 45% of such arrivals.

Source: (http://joeyssalceda.wordpress.com/2010/11/19/p3-1bn-for-new-legazpi-airport-development-in-pnoys-maiden-list-of-infra-ppp/)

We could aim even higher and include Tacloban City and Leyte province within the orbit of the BIA - an additional 2 million people, and another 400,000 if we include Southern Leyte. Keep in mind that Tacloban is connected to Samar by the San Juanico bridge. So if you are going to include Samar in the BIA's service area, you might as well include the whole of Eastern Visayas. Why? Because, Tacloban and the surrounding region isn't as accessible to Cebu as you might think. For international flights you either have to fly to Cebu Mactan or board a ship to get there (could take up to a day, if not more). Otherwise, you have to fly to NAIA (which I think is the more common option). Either way, the whole journey and process is long and tedious. Now, with the opening of the BIA, turbo-prop planes can ferry passengers from Tacloban to Legazpi in under one hour and it probably won't take much longer than flying to Cebu. In other words, we have a VAST potential market (not just Samar) and this is what I meant when I said the BIA could become an attractive domestic hub because of its strategic location midway between Luzon and the Visayas, as well as being a potential alternative to NAIA for many Filipinos who are too far from MM. In fact, we could aim higher still by looking at Mindanao. Now, although Davao is one of the nation's biggest cities and it has an international airport of its own, traffic to that airport is fairly small as it is not exactly a well-known international tourist destination. As Bicol becomes more and more popular to tourists flights to and from the BIA will increase exponentially, such that there will be more choices of flights than there are currently at Davao or Cebu. Passengers from Davao and other places in Mindanao won't need to fly all the way to NAIA for an international flight if they have the option of using BIA instead (besides Mactan).

In fact, as far as I'm aware, even Mactan only has a few international destinations: Seoul-Incheon, Tokyo-Narita, Doha, Hong-Kong and Singapore.

So I really hope they pursue an open-skies policy to make the BIA a real international airport with dozens of foreign destinations.

drfeelgood17

November 19th, 2010, 08:22 AM

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs328.ash2/60859_424850706524_606681524_5390101_724461_n.jpg
Tabaco Natl. High School ground showcasing the majestic Mt. Mayon... the most perfect coned volcano in the world...
photo courtesy of Vice Mayor Rey Bragais of Tabaco City

Photos by:Taga tabaco ako @ FB (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=112677578763815&v=photos&so=105)

It is obvious from this pic that Mayon's eruptions have tended to flow southwestwards (towards the Camalig area) or southeastwards (towards Padang) rather than towards the northeast. You can see this from the relatively unblemished northern slopes of Mayon. Compare it with the pics from the Legazpi side.

drfeelgood17

November 19th, 2010, 08:24 AM

;67355411']Mayon wall at NAIA 1

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4147/5185780867_dddabf4ef4_b.jpg

by metro71 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/metro7i/)

I hope they will also showcase aerial shots of Legazpi from the Sleeping Lion hill.

drfeelgood17

November 19th, 2010, 08:39 AM

Bicol U eyes offering weather forecasting courses

By Danny O. Calleja

In response to the shortage of weathermen in the country, Albay Gov. Joey Salceda on Tuesday said he is all out in supporting the plan of Bicol University (BU) to offer climate science-related courses leading to a degree in meteorology.

“It is a given fact that our weather bureau is being confronted by a shortage in weather forecasters and that we need science-oriented colleges or universities offering courses leading to this line of expertise,” Salceda said.

So far, it is only the College of Science (CS) at the Diliman campus of the University of the Philippines (UP), through its institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology (IESM), that produces doctorate (PhD) and master’s (MS) degree graduates in this field, Salceda who is also chairman of the Bicol’s Regional Development Council (RDC), said.
For now, BU was identified as one of the schools in which Bachelor of Science (BS) in Meteorology may be offered and, for its president, Fay Lauraya, Salceda’s proposal is very much acceptable and, in fact, “we are already mapping out a plan to fast-track this project”.

“We accept the challenge and we are now exploring all possibilities of being able to offer related courses as soon as possible,” Lauraya said over the weekend.

Prisco Nilo, the former director of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) who holds a doctorate in meteorology, in a recent visit to the BU main campus here on invitation from the university’s administration, agreed with the plan.

During the visit, Nilo explained that the study of meteorology requires a highly advanced knowledge of mathematics and physics. There have been only two holders of PhD in Physics who headed PAGASA — the late Casimiro del Rosario and Roman Kintanar.

Kintanar twice became the president of the United Nations’ World Meteorology Organization (WMO), Nilo said, showing that the international physics and meteorology society recognizes the capabilities of Filipino scientists.

He lamented the fact that there are now only three meteorologists in the country, thus the dearth of experts and prospective trainers in this field of study. He revealed the sad reality that because of more lucrative opportunities abroad, the local forecasters have left the country.

Nilo expressed his willingness to invite Bicol University, along with other interested schools, to avail of their modules and one-year training at PAGASA main office. He said this would be a good move towards supplementing the weather bureau’s need to re-build its capability in weather forecasting, which would also result in improving disaster readiness in the Philippines.

The university has initial plans of starting with the short-term courses that may be attended by target faculty who will later on become core faculty for the undergraduate course.

BU Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Helen Llenaresas expressed willingness to prepare the proposal for the undergraduate four-year course observing that the general education subjects may even be offered while faculty are still training for the major subjects, so that the course may be offered sooner.

A short-term awareness course for media practitioners and other interested individuals will precede all these to support the disaster risk management system in the locale, Llenaresas said.

Students and the general public are looking forward to the finalization of plans on the matter, Lauraya said while Nilo said experts from PAGASA could serve as resource persons in certain subjects of courses in meteorology but only during off-season, that is, when typhoons are not impending, possibly late December or early January, and necessarily on weekends.

Salceda said the country is in dire need of competent weathermen that the BU would be producing when the plan materializes as the world go deeper into implementation of programs on climate change adaptation that the province of Albay had taken the lead role in the country.

The governor who has been recently named Senior Global Champion of Disaster Risk Reduction by the United Nations added that accurate weather forecasts are vital elements of disaster risk reduction, particularly that “climate change had been surprising us with a lot of weather variations”. (PNA)
DCT/LQ/DOC/cbd

source: wowlegazpi.com and PNA

drfeelgood17

November 19th, 2010, 08:46 AM

;67356453']TsBUz6qu_Bo

WOW Philippines: More than the Usual -- still the best tourism campaign PH has ever had. Why fix (or in this case, replace) what ain't broken? These ads are still appealing even after many years. We only need to create new versions and themes.

Yes the old campaign was actually quite good (although that tune was a bit irritating :lol:). Also, I don't think it was wise to boast about English speakers when proficiency in English is deteriorating in the country. Just focus on the sights and attractions. :)

drfeelgood17

November 19th, 2010, 08:56 AM

http://multiply.com/mu/legazpeep/image/1/photos/16/1200x1200/37/DSC05531.JPG?et=o9DyuD3gd2rRZeU2zFkPag&nmid=287345149
http://multiply.com/mu/legazpeep/image/1/photos/16/1200x1200/36/DSC05532.JPG?et=5efiHYccjNG1frQbIUkKYg&nmid=287345149
^Rainy morning yesterday...

I like these rainy pics. The wet road surfaces are like mirrors reflecting the city. LCC needs to decide what to do with that vacant lot as it's becoming an eyesore. If they are just holding on to it to prevent the entry of competitors (SM etc...) then that is bad news and should be discouraged. It is actually big enough to convert into a large plaza. Why not use this plaza as a future venue for all these new rides that Embarcadero is introducing (go Kart etc...)? Since space is limited at the harbour this could prove a nice and scenic alternative. Plus, as a plaza, there won't be any buildings that obstruct a clear view of Mayon. Make the ferris wheel permanent or build a special one (something like the London Eye, which is really just a giant ferris wheel for viewing London from above). Of course, it doesn't have to be as big or as expensive. And it would have to built at a certain angle so it doesn't block the view of Mayon.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3379/3333404191_ab8610258f_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/nrbelex/3333404191/)
The Eye Beholds: Dusk (http://www.flickr.com/photos/nrbelex/3333404191/) by Nrbelex (http://www.flickr.com/people/nrbelex/), on Flickr

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4144/5187550761_a2f99ecff4_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jaletta/5187550761/)
london eye (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jaletta/5187550761/) by jaletta (http://www.flickr.com/people/jaletta/), on Flickr

drfeelgood17

November 19th, 2010, 09:04 AM

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs644.snc4/60458_433946656470_552686470_5632341_4579222_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs644.snc4/60458_433946661470_552686470_5632342_5599456_n.jpg

Source: (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=112677578763815&v=photos&so=105)

They should foster business links with China, promote Bicol over there (they will soon have forgotten about Luneta, which was more of an issue for HK than the mainland, anyway) and try to attract investment, especially infrastructure, which the Chinese are very good at.

drfeelgood17

November 19th, 2010, 09:10 AM

This is Guinanayan Island of Rapu-rapu,Albay,another future beach destination.
Here is the info...http://www.geographic.org/geographic_names/name.php?uni=-3346577&fid=4973&c=philippines

Another reason to drive out Lafayette Mining before they do any more damage to our beaches and environment...
The money to be had from mining benefits mainly Lafayette and is short-term cash. Once the minerals are exhausted and gone, what will we have left? Pollution and damaged coral reefs.
Tourism on the other hand, is more of a long-term revenue, and if managed properly, can be sustainable for many years.

drfeelgood17

November 19th, 2010, 09:13 AM

Drab of old...now getting more colorful...
http://multiply.com/mu/legazpeep/image/1/photos/4/1200x1200/146/DSC05496.JPG?et=0I9zQgunjF6jaxfi1TN5ng&nmid=279080575
http://multiply.com/mu/legazpeep/image/1/photos/4/1200x1200/147/DSC05502.JPG?et=21O2nd6XpIKak2ikBYv6uA&nmid=279080575
http://multiply.com/mu/legazpeep/image/1/photos/4/1200x1200/148/DSC05507.JPG?et=LLh3MrHXNo8UKWuxMIyKbA&nmid=279080575
^Busy basin...

I agree, the port area is looking more and more attractive. You only have to look at pics of this area from the '70s and '80s and compare to see how much it has improved. I hope we'll see a similar improvement around the Quezon Avenue monument.

drfeelgood17

November 19th, 2010, 09:18 AM

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4085/5172600338_a9f32206fc_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/marbleplaty/5172600338/)
chapel01 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/marbleplaty/5172600338/) by marbleplaty (http://www.flickr.com/people/marbleplaty/), on Flickr

Carats

November 19th, 2010, 09:20 AM

The waters look so pristine and tempting. Is this near Tabaco?

you still have to walk to reach this falls.

The road leading to vera falls is already paved(though you'll encounter just a few meters unpaved along the way :))
The developer(Sunwest Group?) built a wide parking area to accomodate large vehicles and even helicopters :lol:

Here are some of my pics;

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs190.snc1/6375_1111736438132_1368534413_30242278_2913493_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs170.snc1/6375_1111733278053_1368534413_30242200_6855201_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs170.snc1/6375_1111733358055_1368534413_30242202_298027_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs170.snc1/6375_1111733398056_1368534413_30242203_1044776_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs190.snc1/6375_1111733438057_1368534413_30242204_2958156_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs190.snc1/6375_1111733478058_1368534413_30242205_657870_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs190.snc1/6375_1111733558060_1368534413_30242207_4619353_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs170.snc1/6375_1111733638062_1368534413_30242209_1717528_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs190.snc1/6375_1111733678063_1368534413_30242210_3926813_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs190.snc1/6375_1111733758065_1368534413_30242212_3287544_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs190.snc1/6375_1111733798066_1368534413_30242213_3899365_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs170.snc1/6375_1111733918069_1368534413_30242216_4734939_n.jpg
http://l13.sphotos.l3.fbcdn.net/hphotos-l3-snc1/hs170.snc1/6375_1111733958070_1368534413_30242217_4874830_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs190.snc1/6375_1111733998071_1368534413_30242218_5138563_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs190.snc1/6375_1111735958120_1368534413_30242266_7691173_n.jpg

Maray na hapon sa indong gabos :)

drfeelgood17

November 19th, 2010, 09:33 AM

The road leading to vera falls is already paved(though you'll encounter just a few meters unpaved along the way :))
The developer(Sunwest Group?) built a wide parking area to accomodate large vehicles and even helicopters :lol:

Here are some of my pics;

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs190.snc1/6375_1111736438132_1368534413_30242278_2913493_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs170.snc1/6375_1111733278053_1368534413_30242200_6855201_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs170.snc1/6375_1111733358055_1368534413_30242202_298027_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs170.snc1/6375_1111733398056_1368534413_30242203_1044776_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs190.snc1/6375_1111733438057_1368534413_30242204_2958156_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs190.snc1/6375_1111733478058_1368534413_30242205_657870_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs190.snc1/6375_1111733558060_1368534413_30242207_4619353_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs170.snc1/6375_1111733638062_1368534413_30242209_1717528_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs190.snc1/6375_1111733678063_1368534413_30242210_3926813_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs190.snc1/6375_1111733758065_1368534413_30242212_3287544_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs190.snc1/6375_1111733798066_1368534413_30242213_3899365_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs170.snc1/6375_1111733918069_1368534413_30242216_4734939_n.jpg
http://l13.sphotos.l3.fbcdn.net/hphotos-l3-snc1/hs170.snc1/6375_1111733958070_1368534413_30242217_4874830_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs190.snc1/6375_1111733998071_1368534413_30242218_5138563_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs190.snc1/6375_1111735958120_1368534413_30242266_7691173_n.jpg

Maray na hapon sa indong gabos :)

Thanks for the new pics, Carats, it's good that they've made it more accessible.
Kay-gayon na hapon! ;)

drfeelgood17

November 19th, 2010, 09:36 AM

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1325/5165589723_63cfe30c4e_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/henaisyumi/5165589723/)
Mayon from Afar (http://www.flickr.com/photos/henaisyumi/5165589723/) by ıɯnʎsıɐuǝɥ (http://www.flickr.com/people/henaisyumi/), on Flickr

drfeelgood17

November 19th, 2010, 09:38 AM

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4112/5172019938_5a53726b44_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kulaysep/5172019938/)
St John the Baptist Church (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kulaysep/5172019938/) by kulaysep (http://www.flickr.com/people/kulaysep/), on Flickr

burntjay

November 19th, 2010, 09:45 AM

don't know yet. standby for further announcments. :lol:
oki doki...
maganda ang logo...hehe :D

Pak choi is delicious, I had some the other day at a Chinese restaurant. I'm glad the province is diversifying its crop production. It shouldn't be too reliant on rice and coconuts.
hey doc :) , is pak choi the same as pechay?

drfeelgood17

November 19th, 2010, 09:57 AM

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4055/5166016739_445d62c464_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/28580339@N07/5166016739/)
Rapu Rapu Island, Albay PH (http://www.flickr.com/photos/28580339@N07/5166016739/) by dodgyharo (http://www.flickr.com/people/28580339@N07/), on Flickr

drfeelgood17

November 19th, 2010, 09:58 AM

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4038/5166016623_5c7dd42d92_z.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/28580339@N07/5166016623/)
Mayon Volcano Ruins, Legaspi City PH (http://www.flickr.com/photos/28580339@N07/5166016623/) by dodgyharo (http://www.flickr.com/people/28580339@N07/), on Flickr

drfeelgood17

November 19th, 2010, 10:00 AM

oki doki...
maganda ang logo...hehe :D

hey doc :) , is pak choi the same as pechay?

I think pechay is a variety of pak choi, so yes, more or less the same thing.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pak_choi

drfeelgood17

November 19th, 2010, 10:23 AM

Pacquiao Day in Albay a wise call - Salceda

Legazpi City (15 November) -- To celebrate national pride and savor the positive economic repercussions, Albay Governor Joey Salceda has declared Monday as Pacquiao Day though with work and with classes still going on between the weekend and the Al Adha holiday tomorrow.
But this new call awaits the feel of the nation if only to declare a no-work, no classes in the future.
Salceda said that very timely with a day that is between the weekend and the Al Adha holiday, Monday should be declared a special no-work, no-class holiday in the whole province of Albay.
"But, since there are already several holidays in November and several more in December, I balked at the unilateral move that may be perceived to be frivolous and would rather wait for the national leadership to set the feel of the nation. The idea of a Pacquiao day should blossom into a National OFW Day as a legislated national holiday," Salceda explained.
"The heroism of Manny Pacquiao partakes of the day-to-day "living" heroism of our ordinary OFWs. And, without doubt, he has stacked up by far the biggest export by a single individual in our country's economic history- in National Income Accounts- he would visibly stand out in the NFIA or Net Foreign Income from Abroad- the item added to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to get Gross National Production (GNP)," Salceda furthered.
According to Salceda, with Michael Jordan now retired and Tiger Woods now in decline, Pacquiao is now possibly the most important brand franchise in the whole world of global sporting market- a significant investment class that would assure recurring inflows (eg sponsorships, events) to our economy in the medium term.
"But more than the forex resources, he brings honor to our nation. Pacquiao plays what economists call "a binding force" even quite briefly and fleeting- by enabling stubbornly disparate forces in Philippine society to come together and overcome our differences to celebrate our national pride," he said.
"That would have been sufficient fundamental basis for us to succumb to the pervasive suggestion of declaring tomorrow as Pacquiao Day in Albay as a no-work, no-class holiday (also practical since it is sandwiched by Nov 16's Al Adha holiday) so our people could celebrate pride in being Filipino and discern the spirit of the possible that is enlarged by Pacquiao's achievements," Salceda concluded.

source: (LGU Albay/PIA/mal) [top]

Monsi

November 19th, 2010, 10:28 AM

burntjay

November 19th, 2010, 10:33 AM

I think pechay is a variety of pak choi, so yes, more or less the same thing.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pak_choi
ah, ok... it looks like GMO pechay :D

one thing i love in Bicol is the abundance of fresh, crisp produce at the lowest possible price, too... be it veggies (P3.00 for a kilo of eggplants!) & fruits (P7.50 for a kilo of banana!)
every time i go to Daraga Market to buy my weekly provision, i always have some spare money for a serving of pansit Palamigan (if i do it in Legazpi Public Market, a yummy halo-halo treat from Lana's)

drfeelgood17

November 19th, 2010, 10:37 AM

Sports Unlimited: Mayon Trail Run 2010

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a141/drfeelgood17/Legazpicity2010/sportsbicol1.jpg

The majestic Mayon Volcano, for the third straight year, has turned its postcard perfect image into the venue for the country’s toughest half-marathon trail run.

The Mayon Trail Run has attracted over 300 runners who traded off their usual weekend road race for the hardest 21K trail run. This new breed of runners came all the way to the hot province of Albay to experience the hard trail competition.

When you say it’s the toughest, imagine a race that starts with a steep and slippery 3-kilometer climb to Mt. Bariw. From an elevation of 220 meters, runners had to get back to the ground and then, ascend a sharp climb to another killer hill, the Lignon Hill where participants have to crawl inside a Japanese World War II Tunnel. Whew! And that’s just the start of the race!

This half-marathon is not just the most grueling trail run but it is also a foot race for the environment. Organized by the Junior Chamber International Philippines Legazpi Chapter, it is a one-of-a-kind race that aims to create positive change for nature.

Each runner was given a first-hand experience about the effects of climate change.

The trail leading to Mayon was carved by the flood waters during the harsh 2006 typhoon Reming which left the entire Albay province in a state of calamity. Now, Albay is back to its beautiful picture perfect image. The very same volcanic eruptions have given Mayon trails a unique venue for staging grueling runs.

Trail running is very different from ordinary road races. Each runner must be prepared to negotiate with dirt, hills, lahar sand and flowing streams. There may be unexpected trials along the way but Mayon’s breathtaking sceneries rewarded each challenger with an out-of-this world treat!

Climbing the very foot of Mayon gave each racer a rare experience of getting up close the active volcano.

From the rough turnaround point at the Mayon lava trails, runners had to manage their last 5 kilometer with a steep ascent back to Lignon Hill! At this point, some of the runners have cramped their legs. But most of them still carried on to exhaust their last squeeze of endurance!

The male category was a tight battle until the very end!

The African runners who are used to road races and their cold Kenyan climate didn’t give in to our local veteran racers, including 2009 King of Mayon Alquin Bolivar and the two speedy Sabal brothers.

The 24-year old Philip Ronoh outlasted his fellow Kenyans, claiming the King of Mayon title with a time of 1 hour 37 minutes and 27 seconds, while his compatriots William Kigyego and Anthony Kosgei finished less than a minute after. Philippines’ multi-marathon champion Cresenciano Sabal may not have easily surrendered his fight but in the end, the 32-year old from the Philippine Army had to settle for 4th.

Meanwhile, 18-year old Irine Kipchumba proved her mettle with a strong finish of 2 hours 12 minutes and 23 seconds, giving her over 10 minutes lead over her rivals.

Each finisher not only crossed the finish line with pure joy but each felt like a champion when they finally wore the country’s heaviest finisher’s medal! The 900 gram medal that is made from Mayon’s volcanic debris is a gigantic reminder that this is undeniably the toughest trail race in the country!

Runners may have all complained on their way to the finish but in the end, nobody can take away the great experience covered in each hard kilometer!

The country’s toughest trail run, after all, has turned runners into stronger trailblazers.

Ibalong Festival

Expect everything fiery and hot whenever Bicol’s Legazpi City celebrates its annual Ibalong Festival. The home of Mayon Volcano has, over the years, aggressively put its boulder-rich area into an adventure destination. This year, it made sure that the whole city would celebrate its month-long fiesta with pure adrenaline rush!

From tourists wanting to get wired with the best view of the perfect coned volcano at the Sleeping Lion, to hard-core athletes yearning to spin their wheels, Ibalong festival has given fiesta a different twist of experience!

Over 50 off-roaders came all the way to Barangay Pawa, Albay for the first ever Legazpi All Mountain Challenge. The organizers of this race, The Uragon Mountan Bikers of Albay, made sure their visitors get to sample all kinds of terrain with 98% of the course was off-road. From sand, boulders, rocks and single tracks, to uphill and downhill sections, each off-roader was able to test their grit and adventurous spirit!

Runners also joined in Albay’s adventurous festivities with Pinoy style! Mayon Trail runners who just finished their 21K the previous day signed up for a one-of-a-kind recovery run where they had to roll a tire using their hands, while they ran 3 kilometers.

The Pagulong Race is a Pinoy tradition in the provinces that is why runners not only competitively raced for the finish, but they were also satisfied to reminisce their childhood memories. November 13, 2010

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a141/drfeelgood17/Legazpicity2010/sportsbicol2.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a141/drfeelgood17/Legazpicity2010/sportsbicol15.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a141/drfeelgood17/Legazpicity2010/sportsbicol12.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a141/drfeelgood17/Legazpicity2010/sportsbicol14.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a141/drfeelgood17/Legazpicity2010/sportsbicol13.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a141/drfeelgood17/Legazpicity2010/sportsbicol12.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a141/drfeelgood17/Legazpicity2010/sportsbicol11.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a141/drfeelgood17/Legazpicity2010/sportsbicol8.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a141/drfeelgood17/Legazpicity2010/sportsbicol6.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a141/drfeelgood17/Legazpicity2010/sportsbicol5.jpg

source: ABS/CBN

drfeelgood17

November 19th, 2010, 10:57 AM

November 18...
http://multiply.com/mu/legazpeep/image/1/photos/36/1200x1200/6/DSC05536.JPG?et=teQ%2C6oQ7ldnWtyd7I8TR9w&nmid=333171804
Steve, nice suggestion you've got there...London Eye, Singapore Flyer...Albay Wheel? A restful weekend to all of us Legazpeeps in Albay, London, Pasig, Las Vegas, Taguig, California, Makati, Hawaii, Cebu, and New Jersey.

Thanks Monsi, have a good weekend too! :okay:

ah, ok... it looks like GMO pechay :D

one thing i love in Bicol is the abundance of fresh, crisp produce at the lowest possible price, too... be it veggies (P3.00 for a kilo of eggplants!) & fruits (P7.50 for a kilo of banana!)
every time i go to Daraga Market to buy my weekly provision, i always have some spare money for a serving of pansit Palamigan (if i do it in Legazpi Public Market, a yummy halo-halo treat from Lana's)

Yes, and all those vegetables which are hard to find elsewhere : taro leaves etc...
Is the night market of Daraga still around? I remember it very well, the nice aroma of cooking and frying on that hill going up the church.

drfeelgood17

November 19th, 2010, 11:42 AM

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4012/4663834264_e030bb21f0_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/50193007@N03/4663834264/)
Buhatan Seascapes 12 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/50193007@N03/4663834264/) by wkendshutterph (http://www.flickr.com/people/50193007@N03/), on Flickr

drfeelgood17

November 19th, 2010, 12:10 PM

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1345/5104766365_a17746fc8d_o.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/darla1034/5104766365/)
Infinity Pool (http://www.flickr.com/photos/darla1034/5104766365/) by Darla1034 (http://www.flickr.com/people/darla1034/), on Flickr

Carats

November 19th, 2010, 01:12 PM

Thanks Carats for the information. I always thought that Mancao is part of Bacacay. Rapu-Rapu palan.

OT - We owned some properties there. I really don't know what happened to those properties after my father passed away. I only remember our tenant bringing to our house in Old Albay sacks of palay after harvest. After my father died, the supply of palay stopped coming. :ohno:

^^ You're welcome

Sayang naman pala ang property niyo :ohno:
Are you not interested to recover it?

Thanks for the new pics, Carats, it's good that they've made it more accessible.
Kay-gayon na hapon! ;)

^^ You're welcome. :)

[dx]

November 19th, 2010, 01:13 PM

[dx]

November 19th, 2010, 01:19 PM

me too!:cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers:

Maray na Albay!!

:okay: :okay:

Rizal Street, corner Washington Drive circa 1900. :lol:

:lol: Haha, could be!

The waters look so pristine and tempting. Is this near Tabaco?

Yup, just a couple of kilometers from the Tabaco poblacion :okay:

I really hope it's only a provisional logo. It does look very, very similar to the Polish one. The fact that they felt obliged to add on a dictionary entry to explain the meaning of "kay ganda Pilipinas" shows just how clumsy and ill-thought out this logo was.

Indeed... btw, I really like the Incredible India campaign. Makes me want to go and visit India. :okay:

[dx]

November 19th, 2010, 01:21 PM

Bratpack Embarcadero
Source (http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001834000728)

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1150.snc4/149224_102996369771496_100001834000728_19591_6125169_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs599.ash2/155159_102996299771503_100001834000728_19589_459968_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1136.snc4/149892_102996343104832_100001834000728_19590_3513068_n.jpg

[dx]

November 19th, 2010, 01:23 PM

Angus Beef Sinigang
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3323/3503578250_64939292a7_o.jpg

Prawn and Buco Sinigang
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3656/3503578238_d235c86aa6_o.jpg

Photos by Shaira Luna (http://www.flickr.com/photos/shairaluna/)

At Caffe San Marco, Hotel Venezia, Legazpi

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs317.snc4/41164_142637825767858_142635145768126_259324_5693481_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs246.snc4/39619_142638545767786_142635145768126_259328_1919184_n.jpg

[dx]

November 19th, 2010, 01:26 PM

Hotel St. Ellis is on Facebook -- Click here (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Legazpi-City-Philippines/Hotel-St-Ellis-in-Legazpi-City/115718538445738)

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1121.snc4/148347_175471132470478_115718538445738_670771_6494731_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs573.ash2/149518_175471152470476_115718538445738_670773_5917879_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs964.snc4/75794_175471012470490_115718538445738_670762_8011604_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1155.snc4/149731_175471122470479_115718538445738_670770_3789461_n.jpg

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs1154.snc4/149682_175471199137138_115718538445738_670776_1318439_n.jpg

[dx]

November 19th, 2010, 01:27 PM

Try the luscious desserts in Crossroads cafe and lounge here at St. Ellis. We have our Oversized White and Dark Chocolate Cookie ala Mode--fresh baked to order oversized cookie topped with dark chocolate ganache and caramel sauce.

http://l27.sphotos.l3.fbcdn.net/hphotos-l3-snc4/hs980.snc4/75295_177669125584012_115718538445738_686283_7227370_n.jpg

[dx]

November 19th, 2010, 01:27 PM

Spend a relaxing day at Salon Mye inside Hotel St. Ellis for pampering like no other. We also have a VIP room for group of friends who want private conversations while enjoying beauty and wellness. :)

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs929.snc4/74210_176604745690450_115718538445738_679136_6612936_n.jpg

[dx]

November 19th, 2010, 01:28 PM

Satisfy your gastronomic cravings with any delicacy in our all-day breakfast menu. Try our Bicol Omelette made of sauteed local sausage with chillies, salted egg, and shallots. Only here at Crossroads cafe and lounge at the entrance lobby of Hotel St. Ellis, where elegance and comfort are top-of-the-line.

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs467.ash2/74041_177404078943850_115718538445738_684472_6305849_n.jpg

[dx]

November 19th, 2010, 01:29 PM

[dx]

November 19th, 2010, 01:32 PM

I hope they will also showcase aerial shots of Legazpi from the Sleeping Lion hill.

Yes the old campaign was actually quite good (although that tune was a bit irritating :lol:). Also, I don't think it was wise to boast about English speakers when proficiency in English is deteriorating in the country. Just focus on the sights and attractions. :)

Someone from NAIA emailed through wowlegazpi. I'll try to send a couple of photos, baka pwede makahabol hehe. Yup, they should vary the tune just like what Malaysia does. But it's catchy ain't it? Hehe. I like the lightheartedness and humor of the ads especially the witty lines. My favorite is the Chocolate Hills -- Sorry, you can't eat it. :lol:

[dx]

November 19th, 2010, 01:34 PM

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs544.ash1/31807_399849691470_552686470_4763218_8222598_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs634.snc3/31807_399849681470_552686470_4763216_4195082_n.jpg
Tbaco College Hospital...Tabaco CIty

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs634.snc3/31807_399849686470_552686470_4763217_8364660_n.jpg
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs634.snc3/31807_399849676470_552686470_4763215_7066575_n.jpg
Tabaco College:):)

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs333.snc3/29242_1287521797375_1510084205_30654107_4328333_n.jpg
Bulwagan ng Katarungan,Tabaco City

Source: (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=112677578763815&v=photos&so=315)

More proof of Tabaco's progress. I like their Hall of Justice Building. :okay: Thanks Denz -- you are an asset to Tabaco! :okay:

[dx]

November 19th, 2010, 01:39 PM

MPIC, San Miguel, Ayala Corp keen on govt’s PPP listing (http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/11/18/10/mpic-san-miguel-ayala-corp-keen-govt%E2%80%99s-ppp-listing)
by Lenie Lectura, Business Mirror
Posted at 11/18/2010 9:45 PM | Updated as of 11/18/2010 9:45 PM

MANILA, Philippines - Big-ticket investors such as San Miguel Corp., Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) and Ayala Corp. are among those interested to take a look at the list of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects lined up by the Aquino administration. There are four railway and four airport projects presented by Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) Secretary Jose de Jesus yesterday at the PPP summit. These eight projects, which are slated for rollout next year, cost a total of P115.2 billion.

“Realistically, we will be able to prepare the feasibility study and bid documents in the second half of 2011. Initially, the reception of investors is very warm. There is a lot of interest,” said de Jesus.

DOTC Assistant Secretary George Esguerra said the agency will tap grants from Japan and the US. “We have done that in the past and we will tap them again for the conduct of the feasibility study,” he said.

Esguerra also identified SMC, MPIC and Ayala as among those that could be interested in the PPP identified by the DOTC.

The four PPP slated for rollout next year include the privatization of Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 1 operation and management (O&M); Metro Rail Transit (MRT) 3 O&M; LRT 1 South extension privatization through concession; LRT Line 2 East extension project; new Bohol airport development; Puerto Princesa airport development; new Legaspi airport development; and Laguindingan airport O&M.

“We are looking at some of the toll roads, something connected with what we already have,” said MPIC chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan. “The railway projects seem interesting because we have already taken a small stake in MRT 3. We are looking at the commuter rail and the heavy trail…O&M is an option.”

He also said MPIC is open to taking a partner if the project calls for it. For now, “we are just taking a look,” Pangilinan said.

For SMC’s part, president Ramon S. Ang said the diversifying conglomerate will participate in all of government’s projects. “We will join the [PPP] bidding. SMC has enough financial muscle,” he said.

Aside from SMC, MPIC and Ayala, Esguerra said the government also expects foreign companies to explore possible partnerships with Philippine firms that are interested to participate in the PPP.

Interested parties will have to undergo a competitive bidding, said de Jesus. The government, he added, will shoulder the cost related to right of way acquisitions and infrastructure, while the private sector will have to bid for the O&M.

For LRT 1 and MRT 3, privatization of the O&M will be for a period of three to five years, with the option to integrate both railway systems, prior to privatization, through a concession.

LRT 1 south extension project involves the construction of 11.7-kilometer (km) LRT extension. The project will be implemented beginning 2011 to 2015.

For LRT Line 2 East extension project, a 4-km railway system will be constructed during the period 2011 to 2014.

Meanwhile, a new airport of international standards in Panglao island will replace the existing Tagbilaran airport. Construction for the new Bohol airport will take place between 2012 and 2014.

For the Puerto Princesa airport, this will be rehabilitated via construction of new landside facilities on the northwest side of the existing runway. Work will start next year until 2014.

A new airport in Daraga, Albay will be put up to replace the existing Legaspi airport. Preparation of bid documents is ongoing, the DOTC said.

For the privatization of the Laguindingan airport, tender documents are already being prepared.

[dx]

November 19th, 2010, 01:40 PM

Government invites investors to 10 PPP projects for next year (http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&r=&y=&mo=&fi=p101119.htm&no=09)

Manila (November 19) -- The vital infrastructure projects to be opened for both local and foreign private investment under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) program, were unveiled by the government on November 18.

During the culmination of the "Infrastructure Philippines 2010: Investing and Financing in Public-Private Partnership Projects" at the Marriott Hotel in Pasay City, Transportation and Communications Secretary Jose de Jesus presented the 10 transportation priority projects to be tendered next year under the PPP program.

Secretary de Jesus said that the projects presented have completed feasibility studies, have completed right of way requirements, and have been budgeted to the required government counterpart for award and implementation by the fourth quarter of 2011.

He added that this year, they have been updating feasibility studies of such projects for actual implementation.

Among the 10 PPP infrastructure projects is the Cavite-Laguna Expressway project (Cavite side). The US$262 million project will provide vital access between various economic zones in the Cavite Province and NAIA, the Ports of Manila and Batangas and will contribute to the economic development and decongestion of traffic along Aguinaldo Highway in Cavite. This will be implemented from May 2012 to Dec. 2015.

The NAIA Expressway (Phase II) will link the Skyway and the Manila-Cavite Coastal Expressway and provide vital access to NAIA Terminals 1, 2, and 3 as well as the Cavite Economic Zone. The US$235.33 million project will be implemented from Nov. 2011 to Sept. 2015.

The LRT Line 2 East Extension project involves the expansion, operation and maintenance (O&M) of existing LRT Line 2. The expansion covers the construction of a four-kilometer eastern extension of LRT Line 2 from Santolan in Pasig City to Masinag Junction, Antipolo, Rizal with additional two passenger stations to be located at Sta. Lucia Mall and Masinag.

The MRT/LRT Expansion Program consisting of the Privatization of LRT 1 Operation and Maintenance aims to integrate LRT Line 1 operation and maintenance to a private sector service provider during the interim period of three to four years. After the O&M period, the LRT 1 South Extension Project contractor is expected to assume overall responsibility for the integrated LRT Line 1 and MRT Line 3 systems. Project costs US$171.11 million with implementation schedule of 2011-2014.

The MRT/LRT Expansion Program for the Privatization of MRT 3 Operation and Maintenance will integrate MRT Line 3 O&M to a private sector service provider during the interim period of three to four years. After this O&M period, the LRT Line 1 South Extension Project contractor is expected to assume overall responsibility for the integrated LRT Line 1 and MRT Line 3 systems.

The MRT/LRT Expansion Program: LRT 1 South Extension project involves the extension of the existing 15-km LRT Line 1 system southward to Bacoor, Cavite with an additional 11.7 kilometers which includes eight passenger stations with provision for two additional future passenger stations, a satellite depot for light maintenance to be located at the southern end of the proposed line. Inter-modal facilities installed at high-demand stations, including the provision of additional rolling stocks to meet the current demand and additional load requirements once the MRT Line 3 and LRT Line 1 are integrated. The project costs US$1,555.55 million.

The new Bohol Airport Development will involve the construction of a new airport of international standards with 2,500m by 45m runway to replace the existing Tagbilaran airport. Implementation will be from 2012 to 2014 with a total cost of US$ 168.89 million.

The Puerto Princesa Airport Development project will rehabilitate and improve the existing Puerto Princesa Airport to meet the standards of the International Aviation Organization (ICAO) through the construction of new landside facilities in the north western side of the existing runway such as passenger terminal building, control tower, administration and operation building, cargo terminal building, rescue and firefighting building and other support facilities. Also to be constructed are new apron and connecting taxiways, upgrading of existing 2.6-km runway and its strip and the provision of new navigational and traffic control equipment. Implementation is from year 2012 to 2014 with a project cost of US$ 168.89 million.

The New Legaspi (Daraga) Airport Development, the US$1.11 million-project involves the preparation of the detailed engineering design and construction of the airport facilities. It also includes land acquisition of about 180 hectares. The project components are the following landside ? Passenger Terminal, Cargo building, Control Tower, Administration building, Vehicle Parking area and other site developments. To be implemented from year 2012 to 2014.

The Privatization of Laguindingan Airport Operation and Maintenance project -- involves privatization of its O&M in Misamis Oriental to reduce government expenditures and increase current and future service levels of the airport.

Finally, the tenth project, the O&M through concession covers the newly- constructed airport on a 393-hectare property complete with facilities of international standards. The airport can accommodate 1.2 million passengers per year based on it master plan. This project costs US$33.33 million with implementing schedule from year 2011 to 2013.

These projects Secretary de Jesus said are only part of a long list of PPP projects to be opened for bidding and implementation in the years to come.

Other projects fall under the Medium-Term roll out and implementation, the Secretary said. (PIA 8)

[dx]

November 19th, 2010, 01:42 PM

With land preparation and right-of-way now almost complete, the New Legazpi Airport Development is likely to take off for the terminal construction under PPP. The 109% increase in tourism arrivals augur well for the new investor. ~ Gov. Salceda (http://joeyssalceda.wordpress.com/2010/11/19/abscbn-news-3-ppp-projects-may-start-construction-in-2011/)

* * *

Only 3 of 10 PPP projects may start construction in 2011 (http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/11/17/10/only-3-10-ppp-projects-may-start-construction-2011)
By VG Cabuag, Business Mirror
Posted at 11/18/2010 7:55 AM | Updated as of 11/18/2010 12:49 PM

MANILA, Philippines - Only 3 of the 10 listed projects under the Aquino administration’s public-private partnership (PPP) program are expected to start construction by next year. Budget Secretary Florencio Abad said most of the infrastructure projects listed under PPP for 2011 are still in the preparatory stage, and might still need more time for them to commence.

“There are only 2 to 3 projects that may take off next year since the remaining [projects] are still in the preparatory stage,” said Abad, who will speak at the Infrastructure Philippines conference on Thursday, where the Aquino administration’s flagship PPP development thrust is to take center stage. As of Wednesday, the government was able to register some 400 investors to participate in the conference, Abad said. Abad did not identify which of the listed PPP projects will start construction by 2011.

The listed 10 projects include
- Metro Rail Transit (MRT)-Light Rail Transit expansion, to cost P70 billion
- MRT Line 2 extension, P11.29 billion
- new Bohol airport, P7.54 billion
- Puerto Princesa Airport, P4.36 billion
- North Luzon Expressway- South Luzon Expressway link, P21 billion
- Cavite-Laguna Expressway-Manila side section, P10.5 billion
- Daraga International Airport, P3.07 billion

The 3 remaining projects, the costs for which have yet to be determined, are the development of the City Terminal for Diosdado Macapagal International Airport, the privatization of the Laguindingan Airport operation and maintenance, and the supply of treated bulk water for Metro Manila. Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima earlier said only a handful of the 100 listed PPP priority projects are ready for construction, and many still need additional feasibility studies to take off.

He said for next year, the government will list 10 more in the PPP priority list, and probably more than 10 by 2013. “The focus will be on three major areas which are tourism, the food-supply chain and, of course, general infrastructure to make our cities more livable and more competitive,” Purisima said.

In Thursday's conference, economic managers will introduce the country’s revitalized PPP framework under the new government. The officials will discuss the new efforts to improve project development, review and approval, financing and risk allocation in project structuring, execution and monitoring.

Implementing agencies such as the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Department of Transportation and Communications will also be presenting their infrastructure projects for possible private-public partnerships, as well as their planned timelines for bidding out these projects. Purisima said the government might also float infrastructure bonds to help shore up the necessary funding for the infrastructure projects. Proceeds of the bond issuance will be given to the project proponent as its loan from the Aquino administration.