Legazpi, Ligao and Tabaco Cities, and Albay Province - Compiled Threads [Archive] - Page 29

yoh_1

April 20th, 2008, 02:31 PM

BOULEVARD, City-Park by the Sea: A Revitalization of Legazpi City's Shorelines
by: ARCH. LEO A. DEL ROSARIO, UAP

Parks, often called the green space, play a vital role in any city development. It improves community health and offer opportunities for recreation, reflection and relaxation. Everyone who lives in a city is affected directly and indirectly by the presence of parks. It helps spur urban revival by attracting business and revitalizing neighborhoods. It nurtures physical and mental health and reduces crime delinquency. For many years and in many cities throughout the world, parks have played a pivotal role in shaping the success of cities. It is an essential component in transforming and enriching our cities.

But despite the obvious advantages of having green space, parks were not always been successful. There are only three major parks in Legazpi City but they are in crisis and under threat of diminishing because they have been too expensive to maintain and they often converted to other income generating use. A typical example is the Peñaranda Park which was converted into a commercial building disguising as a park. (Arch. Rino DA Fernandez, Dean CAFA AUL)
Our people as a whole seem to disregard the value of natural aesthetics, open spaces had been neglected, river- banks or legal easements was occupied by squatters, and the continuous disposal of garbage to swamps. The significant role of parks and other open spaces in the process of urbanization had been totally neglected in order to balance man-made and natural environment.

It is very unfortunate that at present, almost all of us have been neglecting our traditional town plazas and parks in favor of the shopping malls- of what we call now as the “New Town Centers”. (Arch. Alberto Dumlao uap, How do we make our plazas work?) Parks, plazas, and our historic city centers had been avoided by most people. Parks are assets in term of investment since it makes the city safe and healthy.

Life and experience in the public realm of these cities had been very inhuman brought about by the neglect of the society and the built structure around them. The beautiful landscape is threatened and is being despoiled at an alarming rate. In the downtowns, public squares and plazas, playgrounds and parks had been transformed to offending areas and eyesores because of neglect and irresponsibility. Parks and public realms that normally provide centers of urban life and activity are almost totally lacking and disappearing.

The City government had taken initial step to safeguard its natural environment and the public space. Urbanization in Legazpi City is now being felt. Malls and business establishments are now occupying a bigger portion of the City, a greater percentage against the public realms and open spaces had resulted to the thinning of the city port district urban life. Hence, this causes to overlook the cities waterfront which is very important in urban vitality.

The BAYWALK BOULEVARD, City-Park by the Sea, aims to revitalize the City’s Shorelines and to enhance Legazpi being a Port City. This linear park development of shorelines is an attempt to bring people back to the port area where the city started its growth. It will focus to the orderly development of Legazpi shorelines as a public linear park and walkway to appreciate the city. The City would try to look down to one of its assets, THE SEA. The Bay Boulevard is an option for park goers, with the aim to bring back the glory days of parks, where it served as gathering place for the elderly to sit, relax and gossip, where businessmen meet, where children play, where residents would come for socio-cultural activities during fiestas and tiangges. A place away from noise, pollution and tension brought about by cars, instead it offers the fresh sea breeze and the music of the waves of the sea. This ambitious project of the city suggests an enlightened treatment and interrelationships by which it can become an integral element in the total structure of humane city. In short a time, it will offer many recreational activities such as: a Play field, Playgrounds, Multipurpose lawns, Interactive water feature , Athletic space, Concert space , Skateboard park , Picnic, Food vendors, Views (Mt. Mayon, Sleeping Lion-Kapuntukan Hill, dramatic Sun Rise), Fishing pier, Or even Performance/events space Unknowingly, Sawangan (old name of Legazpi City) and Maynilad (old name of Manila) have striking similar characteristics. Both settled and grew by the sea and river; Manila Bay and Pasig River for Manila while Albay Gulf and Yawa River for Legazpi City. Both cities were blessed with natural waterscapes and unique history. And like Manila, Legazpi Port District had grown into the city’s Central Business District, the busiest area in the province of Albay. It has been the Center of excellence for business, shopping, entertainment, culture and recreation. She had experience dramatic change brought about by economic blast and industrialization and now categorized as the second “more urbanized” of the places in the Bicol Region, next to Naga City (Legazpi City CLUP). Because of its strategic location and setting she can be best described as “Gateway to Bicol”.
Though it is not as ambitious as compared to other waterfront parks in some part of the world, but at least all Legazpeños can and should take special pride in the fact that through the combined efforts of many individuals and leadership groups, the city now owns major portion of land, a park beside the sea adjacent to the busy urban centers.

Programs, policies and schemes to play and work with nature must be adopted and imposed by the City policy makers in order to protect the endangered park and park-users and prevent them from dangers of modern life. It is important for everyone to understand why green space as a public realm exists, and what can be done to preserve it.

garzland

April 20th, 2008, 03:53 PM

^^I really like that proposed project by the city government. Actually, in my sim cities, I make baywalks or boulevards. I would love to see this get realized as soon as possible.

[dx]

April 20th, 2008, 06:09 PM

Legazpi City Aerials by jboyd122 (http://picasaweb.google.com/jboyd122/)
Legazpi is arguably one of the most photogenic cities in the country today.

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn66/d3xtr/IMG_0687-1.jpg
Just after take off

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn66/d3xtr/IMG_0688-1.jpg
The beautiful Albay Gulf

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn66/d3xtr/IMG_0689-1.jpg
View of Legazpi Port District from a plane

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn66/d3xtr/IMG_0690-1.jpg
Legazpi Port District, Sleeping Lion and Albay Gulf with Poliqui Bay at far left

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn66/d3xtr/IMG_0691-1.jpg
Legazpi waterfront

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn66/d3xtr/IMG_0692-1.jpg
The mouth of the Yawa River

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn66/d3xtr/IMG_0694-1.jpg
Mayon from the air

[dx]

April 20th, 2008, 06:12 PM

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn66/d3xtr/IMG_0660-1.jpg
St. Raphael Church (Parish church of Legazpi Port District) and Plaza Rizal

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn66/d3xtr/IMG_0667-1.jpg
Aquinas University Professional Schools

Photos by jboyd122
(http://picasaweb.google.com/jboyd122/)

Farirah

April 21st, 2008, 06:56 AM

Gov’t allots P550 M for airport project in Bicol
International airport to be located in Alobo, Daraga, Albay
Florencio P. Narito

LEGAZPI CITY – The national government has allotted R550 million for the development of the proposed P3.4-billion Bicol International Airport in Barangay Alobo, Daraga, Albay.

Raul Basallote, Bicol area manager of the Department of Transportation and Communication (DoTC), disclosed last week the information to members of the sangguniang panlalawigan of Albay.

In a briefing, Basallote said that P250 million was initially earmarked last year for the project. He said that the DoTC has asked for P600-million budget for this year, but only P300 million had been included in the General Appropriations Act (GAA) for 2008.

The DoTC official said he is optimistic that the project would be pushed through because President Arroyo has included it as one of her priority projects she announced in her state-of-the-nation address (SoNA).

Conceptualized in 1992 by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the proposed international airport was intended to replace the existing Legazpi airport in Legazpi City.

Basallote said the Legazpi airport could not be developed into an international airport that could accommodate big airplanes like Boeing 747 or Airbus because it has a short runway and the obstruction posed by Mayon Volcano and Ligñon Hill.

In 1997, the Philippine government requested the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to undertake a study on the possible site of an international airport in Bicol.

Furthermore, he said that an instrument landing system could not be installed at the Legazpi Airport due to the two obstructions.

"If the Bicol International Airport in Barangay Alobo becomes operational, the area occupied by the Legazpi Airport would be disposed of," Basallote said.

A study concluded showed that Barangay Alobo in Daraga is the most suitable alternative site for the new international airport because of its flat topography, low population density, and the agricultural land is mostly unirrigated.

"We have already made parcellary survey, conducted advanced feasibility study, and the engineering design is going on," he said.

During an open forum, Fred Mansos of Barangay Kinawitan, one of the affected barangays, voiced his opposition to the project because, he said, Albay Gov. Joey Sarte Salceda had asked the President to order a moratorium on land conversion in the wake of the food crisis.

Board Member Neil Montallana, head of the technical support group, had arranged the meeting with the affected residents.

http://www.mb.com.ph/PROV20080421122399.html

:applause::applause::applause:

Monsi

April 21st, 2008, 08:22 AM

Thanks DX :) this forum got me hooked!

Imagine, I finished reading all 12 Thread in 2 days! Have to stay awake till 5am to be able to do so, but it's worth it! :nuts:

I sign-up on the first day, then I was so frustrated for not immediately having to post anything (my mistake, have to wait for the confirmation pa pala):bash:

anyway, when i go for holiday (hopefully) this june, i'll take pix of my beloved village & post it here.

:cheers: mate!

^Welcome to the thread... finished threads 1 to 12 in two days? Wow! I suppose you're in Dubai judging from your avatar... I joined SSC Legazpi/Albay in April 2006... indeed it is addicting...

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r244/Legazpeep/DSC02866.jpg
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r244/Legazpeep/DSC02862.jpg
^Bike show at Landco Activity Shed, evening of April 18...

[dx]

April 21st, 2008, 11:51 AM

Mond87

April 21st, 2008, 12:34 PM

^^i hope there are more pics of those bikes... i particularly like that harley davidson even though i have no idea what's the name of that model...

Mond87

April 21st, 2008, 12:41 PM

;19849915']Legazpi City Aerials by jboyd122 (http://picasaweb.google.com/jboyd122/)
Legazpi is arguably one of the most photogenic cities in the country today.

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn66/d3xtr/IMG_0694-1.jpg
Mayon from the air

I like this pic...

TagaMiligan

April 21st, 2008, 04:09 PM

^Welcome to the thread... finished threads 1 to 12 in two days? Wow! I suppose you're in Dubai judging from your avatar... I joined SSC Legazpi/Albay in April 2006... indeed it is addicting...

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r244/Legazpeep/DSC02866.jpg
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r244/Legazpeep/DSC02862.jpg
^Bike show at Landco Activity Shed, evening of April 18...

yup monsi in 2 days! that means, i don't do any work at all in the office except to read the messages, (& when i got home) :nuts: snooze for a few minutes & read on again!

am in Dubai & yeah i saw your previous messages in the forum. well said, it's quite addicting. i even made SCC BANNER of LEGAZPI as my desktop background! and all of my colleagues here (brits, aussies & americans) are asking me about the pix! they even like to go for holiday!:banana:

i introduced this site to one of my girl-friends (she's from Batanes) and my, oh, my, she caught the so-called 'SCC VIRUS', can't get off her computer!:ohno:

[dx]

April 22nd, 2008, 11:04 AM

Magayon Street Dancing Competition (Legend Showdown)
April 21, 2008

There will be another street presentation on April 26 (the Festival of Festivals showdown)

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn66/d3xtr/Legazpi/101_0193.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn66/d3xtr/Legazpi/101_0196.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn66/d3xtr/Legazpi/101_0197.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn66/d3xtr/Legazpi/101_0199.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn66/d3xtr/Legazpi/101_0201.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn66/d3xtr/Legazpi/101_0203.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn66/d3xtr/Legazpi/101_0204.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn66/d3xtr/Legazpi/101_0206.jpg

[dx]

April 22nd, 2008, 11:12 AM

Magayon Street Dancing Competition (Legend Showdown)
April 21, 2008

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn66/d3xtr/Legazpi/101_0213.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn66/d3xtr/Legazpi/101_0214.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn66/d3xtr/Legazpi/101_0215.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn66/d3xtr/Legazpi/101_0216.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn66/d3xtr/Legazpi/101_0217.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn66/d3xtr/Legazpi/101_0218.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn66/d3xtr/Legazpi/101_0219.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn66/d3xtr/Legazpi/101_0220.jpg

[dx]

April 22nd, 2008, 11:16 AM

Magayon Street Dancing Competition (Legend Showdown)
April 21, 2008

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn66/d3xtr/Legazpi/101_0212.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn66/d3xtr/Legazpi/101_0211.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn66/d3xtr/Legazpi/101_0224.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn66/d3xtr/Legazpi/101_0225.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn66/d3xtr/Legazpi/101_0227.jpg

Monsi

April 22nd, 2008, 11:25 AM

Networks
Embarcadero IT Park to rise in Legazpi City

Monday, April 21, 2008
With an 8,000-seat call center, the Embarcadero IT Park in Legazpi City, Albay is expected to generate 24,000 jobs for its 24/7 operations.

To be managed by HSAI Raintree, which also runs the Discovery Suites Ortigas, Discovery Shores Boracay and Discovery Tagaytay, the Embarcadero de Legazpi is targeted as the smaller version of the Mall of Asia in Pasay City, inspired by the Fishermen’s Wharf in San Francisco, California and master planned by world-renowned BN Group Pty. Ltd. of Australia.

With a few months left prior to its launching in August, Embarcadero is conducting extensive outsourcing of BPOs both for the IT park and the commercial center.

Cheaper power due to its direct connections to Napocor and TransCo is enough to ascertain the sustainability of Embarcadero as a perfect place to do business — with about 30 percent cheaper power than that of the local electric cooperative — with a backup generator set and a wind turbine that is now undergoing extensive study.

Embarcadero’s sustainability is supported by tax holidays that it would be enjoying as a tourism economic zone with an IT component, as certified by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority.

Many fiscal and non-fiscal incentives would benefit the locators of both the IT park and commercial center.

The Embarcadero IT Park realizes the long-time dream of every Bicolano for a better life. It is expected that the 24,000 jobs to be generated by the IT park alone would be more than enough to change the macro and micro economic picture of the province of Albay and the Bicol region in general.

The P1.8-billion investment for Embarcadero’s Phase 1 alone will surely be a catalyst for the much-awaited economic boom.

A hotel is also being planned at the Embarcadero complex to house expatriates and visitors to resorts and other tourist spots in the Bicol region, in addition to the existing Hotel Venezia and the new Hotel St. Ellis (formerly La Trinidad Hotel).

The Embarcadero project is highly supported by local government units, especially Legazpi City Mayor Noel Rosal who has been enthusiastic in promoting the Embarcadero.

Rosal lobbied for the Embarcadero IT Park, as Legazpi is one of the eight cities in the country that are actively promoting information and communications technology investments.

Legazpi City was awarded as the most business-friendly city in Southern Luzon in 2007 by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

In his eagerness to support the project, Rosal launched a flagship program which offers scholarship for prospective call center agents for the Embarcadero.

An initial batch of 130 students is undergoing 356-hour training as call center agents to cope with the manpower requirements of the IT park.

“We are 101 percent supportive of this world-class investment in our city. We are eagerly anticipating the actual operations of the Embarcadero, most especially the IT park. We are preparing for its full operation by means of scholarship training programs for call center agents,” Rosal said.

“Embarcadero will create a stir on Bicol’s economy and would literally facelift Legazpi’s image as the new economic tourism haven in the Philippines,” he added.

This is apart from the scholarship training being granted by Albay second district Rep. Al Francis Bichara who is offering 200-hour intensive training and from the Technical Education Skills and Development Authority (TESDA) near-hired scholarship program that is backed by Sen. Ed Angara.

The multibillion-peso investment will be infused by a full-blooded Bicolano, Elizaldy Co, chairman of the Sunwest Group of Companies, who shares every Bicolano’s dream of a progressive Bicol.

source: http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Networks&p=49&type=2&sec=32&aid=2008042017

yoh_1

April 22nd, 2008, 11:38 AM

^^

Awesome!! The project will really boost the economy of the province, especially Legazpi city. I wonder kung ano pang mga projects and darating after this one... I'm getting excited!!:banana:

Monsi

April 22nd, 2008, 12:06 PM

;19872666']^that's hot. :rock:
Thanks, Dex... Mond, here's a clip...
XFU62mkVxBs

[dx]

April 22nd, 2008, 01:55 PM

^nice clip @monsi.

Meanwhile, the new Hotel St. Ellis (formerly La Trinidad Hotel) is abuzz with activity. I think they're adding another floor, or more.

As of 4.21.08

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn66/d3xtr/Legazpi/Image206.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn66/d3xtr/Legazpi/Image207.jpg

Architect's Render:

[IMG]http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/7564/phto0519gb5ok5.jpg

bacolodchamp

April 22nd, 2008, 02:09 PM

ever heard of sunwest wharf development? to be developed by sunwestville realty and development corp.? it's already up for bidding.

[dx]

April 22nd, 2008, 02:25 PM

ever heard of sunwest wharf development? to be developed by sunwestville realty and development corp.? it's already up for bidding.

It's been renamed to 'Embarcadero'
Click here to get the latest news about this development --> http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=548449

Networks
Embarcadero IT Park to rise in Legazpi City

A hotel is also being planned at the Embarcadero complex to house expatriates and visitors to resorts and other tourist spots in the Bicol region, in addition to the existing Hotel Venezia and the new Hotel St. Ellis (formerly La Trinidad Hotel).

source: http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Networks&p=49&type=2&sec=32&aid=2008042017

^great news. another hotel :rock:

yoh_1

April 22nd, 2008, 02:53 PM

Yup!! And siguradong mabubuhay nanaman yung lugar na yun.. :wave:

yoh_1

April 22nd, 2008, 03:03 PM

http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/5558/phto0184gy5.jpg
DepEd Division of Albay Office under construction at the foot of Lignon hill.

http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/989/phto0151fe3.jpg
the renderings...

Gimo23

April 22nd, 2008, 03:04 PM

Hello SSC People...

yoh_1

April 22nd, 2008, 03:06 PM

http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/5285/phto0172rm2.jpg

http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/2686/phto0165vp8.jpg

http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/1277/phto0177ky6.jpg

http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/245/phto0171bn7.jpg

[dx]

April 22nd, 2008, 03:06 PM

Hello SSC People...

Welcome Gimo23!

@yoh_1, thanks for the update! The last time I passed by the DepEd site it was still an empty lot. Exciting developments over at Lignon Hill. :rock:

Gimo23

April 22nd, 2008, 03:15 PM

yoh_1

April 22nd, 2008, 03:18 PM

Hey Dx, I have here a couple pix of Brgy. Alobo kung san itatayo yung international airport.. Kaso they're quite large in scale.. Pwede bang ikaw nlang mag edit nun for me?

[dx]

April 22nd, 2008, 03:23 PM

thanks dx! natagpuan ko lang itong site by accident... mas clarado sakin yung progress dito sa ating siyudad with images and intelligent descriptions. keep posting... sana marami pa akong oras pero kelangan ko nang umalis... nice meeting you.

nice meeting you too. it's good we have another Legazpeño here. :rock:

Hey Dx, I have here a couple pix of Brgy. Alobo kung san itatayo yung international airport.. Kaso they're quite large in scale.. Pwede bang ikaw nlang mag edit nun for me?

sure. finally we have pics of Alobo. i sent you a PM. :okay:

bonixx

April 22nd, 2008, 03:26 PM

^^I really like that proposed project by the city government. Actually, in my sim cities, I make baywalks or boulevards. I would love to see this get realized as soon as possible.

Sim City ?naglalaro ka rin pala nun tol?nakakatuwa yang games na yan super gagamit ka talaga ng utak :cheers:

--Im sorry tabi, tol Mond ha di ako nakaatend ...Congratulations nga pala sayo, musta na mga Legazpeepz?muta na tol Dx,Sir Gerry?

yoh_1

April 22nd, 2008, 03:26 PM

Here are some shots of Brgy. Alobo...

http://img260.imageshack.us/img260/3802/phto0132ey5.jpg

http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/7130/phto0133xc7.jpg

http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/2070/phto0135ym6.jpg

http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/7535/phto0143up5.jpg

http://img373.imageshack.us/img373/3674/phto0144xg0.jpg

[dx]

April 22nd, 2008, 03:34 PM

Photos resized. :okay: It's good Mayon is still visible from the new airport so she can still give visitors the unique Bicolano welcome. hehe.

hey bonixx! kumusta na ang buhay may asawa. hehe. hope you're having the time of your life. say hi to ms. creshley for us. :hi:

Here are some shots of Brgy. Alobo...

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn66/d3xtr/phto0144xg0-1.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn66/d3xtr/phto0143up5-1.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn66/d3xtr/phto0135ym6-1.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn66/d3xtr/phto0133xc7-1.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn66/d3xtr/phto0132ey5-1.jpg

yoh_1

April 22nd, 2008, 03:38 PM

Thank you very much Dx! Ei, tingnan mo yung picture before this message. Ayun yata yung Brgy. Estanza. The 3 towers are visible in that picture, though they're not that clear..

yoh_1

April 22nd, 2008, 03:46 PM

fil07

April 22nd, 2008, 04:57 PM

How will the creation of an international airport in Alobo affect the rice production in the province?

[dx]

April 22nd, 2008, 05:38 PM

Last Year:
http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/4727/1009194gu9.jpg

http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/2296/1009195ao3.jpg

Completed Albay Doctor's Hospital
http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn66/d3xtr/Legazpi/Image208.jpg

olineil

April 23rd, 2008, 02:45 AM

Networks
Embarcadero IT Park to rise in Legazpi City

Cheaper power due to its direct connections to Napocor and TransCo is enough to ascertain the sustainability of Embarcadero as a perfect place to do business — with about 30 percent cheaper power than that of the local electric cooperative — with a backup generator set and a wind turbine that is now undergoing extensive study.

The Embarcadero IT Park realizes the long-time dream of every Bicolano for a better life. It is expected that the 24,000 jobs to be generated by the IT park alone would be more than enough to change the macro and micro economic picture of the province of Albay and the Bicol region in general.

wind turbines!!!! Go do it already... you don't need to study that... just kidding... this is very exciting!!

Nothing against other bicolanos but I hope that the city will impose an "Albayano First" priority in hiring. In this way Albay can also address its macro economics by making albayanos have higher buying power cause unemployment will be minimized. Am I making sense? Please correct me if I'm wrong. If the local population cannot meet the manpower needs, then the company can request from the city government to approve a non albayano employee. :) Hope nobodies offended.

OR... the city government can create a hiring ratio. Like for every 7 albayanos a company can hire 3 non-albayano, but the second priority must be a bicolano. These means that those who are elegible for priority hiring are:

1. Albayano by birth... but must have stayed in albay for at least 3 consecutive years prior to hiring.
2. Bicolano by birth... but must have stayed in albay for 5 consecutive years.
3. Bicolano by birth for the second priority.
4. Expats and from other philippine nationals are illegible only if the local population cannot fill the position or expertise required.

Do I make sense guys? Cause in this way... it will protect our revenue collection. Those who earn their money in Albay must pay their taxes in Albay, but I guess this will only work if we proceed with FEDERALISM. Oh I'm so day dreaming right now. Hehehehe... But I am really happy and excited with the cities developments.

TagaMiligan

April 23rd, 2008, 03:42 PM

wind turbines!!!! Go do it already... you don't need to study that... just kidding... this is very exciting!!

Nothing against other bicolanos but I hope that the city will impose an "Albayano First" priority in hiring. In this way Albay can also address its macro economics by making albayanos have higher buying power cause unemployment will be minimized. Am I making sense? Please correct me if I'm wrong. If the local population cannot meet the manpower needs, then the company can request from the city government to approve a non albayano employee. :) Hope nobodies offended.

OR... the city government can create a hiring ratio. Like for every 7 albayanos a company can hire 3 non-albayano, but the second priority must be a bicolano. These means that those who are elegible for priority hiring are:

1. Albayano by birth... but must have stayed in albay for at least 3 consecutive years prior to hiring.
2. Bicolano by birth... but must have stayed in albay for 5 consecutive years.
3. Bicolano by birth for the second priority.
4. Expats and from other philippine nationals are illegible only if the local population cannot fill the position or expertise required.

Do I make sense guys? Cause in this way... it will protect our revenue collection. Those who earn their money in Albay must pay their taxes in Albay, but I guess this will only work if we proceed with FEDERALISM. Oh I'm so day dreaming right now. Hehehehe... But I am really happy and excited with the cities developments.

-WAY TO GO OLINEIL! YOU HAVE MY VOTE ON THIS! NO PUN INTENDED TO MY OTHER FELLOW BICOLANOOOSSS OUT THERE!! :cheers: M-A-T-E!!!!!!

(THIS IS GETTING INTRESTING EACH DAY!):banana:

[dx]

April 24th, 2008, 03:06 AM

24,000 new jobs seen in commerce, IT park (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/regions/view/20080412-130005/Newsbriefs)
Ephraim Aguilar, Inquirer Southern Luzon

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines—The mood is upbeat in this city as 24,000 new jobs are expected from plans to build an 8,000-seat call center. The new call center is being built at the Embarcadero Commercial Hub and IT Park at Victory Village.

“This translates to approximately P240 million to P480 million in monthly salaries at P10,000 to P20,000 monthly wage for call center employees,” according to Mayor Noel E. Rosal.

Rosal said the Embarcadero was granted the status of a “Tourism Economic Zone with IT Component” by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority on Nov. 28, 2007, and is now awaiting presidential proclamation as a tourism economic zone.

wind turbines!!!! Go do it already... you don't need to study that... just kidding... this is very exciting!!

Nothing against other bicolanos but I hope that the city will impose an "Albayano First" priority in hiring. In this way Albay can also address its macro economics by making albayanos have higher buying power cause unemployment will be minimized. Am I making sense? Please correct me if I'm wrong. If the local population cannot meet the manpower needs, then the company can request from the city government to approve a non albayano employee. :) Hope nobodies offended.

OR... the city government can create a hiring ratio. Like for every 7 albayanos a company can hire 3 non-albayano, but the second priority must be a bicolano. These means that those who are elegible for priority hiring are:

1. Albayano by birth... but must have stayed in albay for at least 3 consecutive years prior to hiring.
2. Bicolano by birth... but must have stayed in albay for 5 consecutive years.
3. Bicolano by birth for the second priority.
4. Expats and from other philippine nationals are illegible only if the local population cannot fill the position or expertise required.

Do I make sense guys? Cause in this way... it will protect our revenue collection. Those who earn their money in Albay must pay their taxes in Albay, but I guess this will only work if we proceed with FEDERALISM. Oh I'm so day dreaming right now. Hehehehe... But I am really happy and excited with the cities developments.

^hehe interesting. but Legazpi is a center of education in Bicol. there are students from all over the region studying in our universities and colleges. i think it would be kinda unfair and short-sighted to limit their chances of finding jobs here in the city. well anyway, i think Albay has sufficient manpower naman. :D but i somewhat agree that those who earn their money in Albay must pay their taxes in Albay, hehe.

Sinjin P.

April 24th, 2008, 08:22 AM

Hi guys, ano ba ang famous products (food/delicacy, furniture, handicrafts, collectibles, etc.) sa Legazpi/Albay? Thanks

[dx]

April 24th, 2008, 09:06 AM

Hi guys, ano ba ang famous products (food/delicacy, furniture, handicrafts, collectibles, etc.) sa Legazpi/Albay? Thanks

Pili nut (plain, candies, preserves, jams, mazapan etc.) - can be found almost anywhere in Albay. Highly-recommended: Albay Pilinut Candy along Rizal St., Legazpi.
Abaca products (export quality handicraft, bags, mats, decor, gift boxes, baskets, etc) - Abaca product stores are found along Tahao Road in Legazpi. There are also abaca shops at Pacific Mall and LCC Mall. You can also check out the Magayon Trade Fair at the Albay Astrodome compound.
Cutlery (export quality knives, scissors, bolos, swords, katana (samurai), etc.) - Tabaco City
Ceramics & Pottery (clay pots, figurines, vases, etc.) - Tiwi town
Pinangat (gabi leaves, pork, bagoong in coconut milk) - Camalig town has the best pinangat
Longganisa - Guinobatan

guys, baka may nakalimutan ako, dagdag na lang kayo. :)

[dx]

April 24th, 2008, 12:24 PM

New 3-storey building along Alternate Road

Last year:

http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/551/1009198mf4.jpg

http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/6923/1009199zf4.jpg

As of 04.23.08:

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn66/d3xtr/Legazpi/Image210.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn66/d3xtr/Legazpi/Image209.jpg

olineil

April 24th, 2008, 03:40 PM

;19969208']24,000 new jobs seen in commerce, IT park (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/regions/view/20080412-130005/Newsbriefs)
Ephraim Aguilar, Inquirer Southern Luzon

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines—The mood is upbeat in this city as 24,000 new jobs are expected from plans to build an 8,000-seat call center. The new call center is being built at the Embarcadero Commercial Hub and IT Park at Victory Village.

“This translates to approximately P240 million to P480 million in monthly salaries at P10,000 to P20,000 monthly wage for call center employees,” according to Mayor Noel E. Rosal.

Rosal said the Embarcadero was granted the status of a “Tourism Economic Zone with IT Component” by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority on Nov. 28, 2007, and is now awaiting presidential proclamation as a tourism economic zone.

^hehe interesting. but Legazpi is a center of education in Bicol. there are students from all over the region studying in our universities and colleges. i think it would be kinda unfair and short-sighted to limit their chances of finding jobs here in the city. well anyway, i think Albay has sufficient manpower naman. :D but i somewhat agree that those who earn their money in Albay must pay their taxes in Albay, hehe.

Yeah I agree in a sense. But they do qualify as "Bicolanos who have stayed in Albay" in my quickly concucted categories. We can tweak it here and there you know.

But I think it is not short sighted. Singapore has a policy like this... well similar. And look at them now. They are also a center for education now in south-east asia. There are a lot Filipino, Chinese, indonesian, malaysian, Caucasian students there.

What they do is that they have MOM (ministry of manpower) that studies and controls the manpower needs of the country. They approve and disapprove application for job positions that will be filled by a foreigner. If the company meets the ratio and the person applying meets the qualification and that Job posting is in-demand and the local population cannot fill the position then they will approve the application.

This way, the government will have proper control and take actions accordingly to protect the local population from loosing jobs to foreigners, therefore insuring the buying capacity of the population by minimizing unemployment.

Hope this make sense now... Cheers! :cheers:

Matteo

April 24th, 2008, 08:40 PM

are those residential units on the top floor do you know?

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn66/d3xtr/Legazpi/Image210.jpg

beecool

April 25th, 2008, 12:18 AM

[QUOTE='[dx];19976494']Pili nut (plain, candies, preserves, jams, mazapan etc.) - can be found almost anywhere in Albay. Highly-recommended: Albay Pilinut Candy along Rizal St., Legazpi.
Thanks DX!
don't forget to try the BICOL EXPRESS, LAING AND LONGANISA GUINOBATAN AND PINANGAT, while you're in town.
hope you'll enjoy you're stay in Legazpi and make sure to keep us posted with your pictures during your vacation

[dx]

April 25th, 2008, 08:26 AM

Magayon Festival of Festivals Showdown 2008

One of the highlights is the “Magayon Festival of Festivals Showdown 2008”, a regionwide street dancing competition that will feature the various festivals from the region’s six provinces and six cities. The Magayon Street Dancing competition will be held on Saturday, April 26, 2008 at 3 pm at the Penaranda Park just in front of the Albay Provincial Capitol Building in Legazpi City. Big cash prizes will be awarded to the winners:

First prize-P300,000
Second prize- P200,000
Third prize- P100,000.

In addition, there will be special awards as follows:

Best in Street Dancing (moving choreographer)- P50,000
Best in Costume- P50,000

Best in Festival Legend Showdown:

First Prize- P100,000
Second Prize-P75,000
Third Prize-P50,000
Best in moving choreography-P10,000
Best in Costume-P10,000.

Silyab: Fireworks at Magayon Fest (Every Weekends)

http://www.imageox.com/image/242117-DSC_1306.jpg http://www.imageox.com/image/242116-DSC_2075.jpg

http://www.imageox.com/image/242115-DSC_2104.jpg http://www.imageox.com/image/242114-DSC_2099.jpg

are those residential units on the top floor do you know?

not sure. i'll try to get some info. :)

Mond87

April 25th, 2008, 12:39 PM

are those residential units on the top floor do you know?

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn66/d3xtr/Legazpi/Image210.jpg

I think office spaces ata (rinig ko lang).

[dx]

April 25th, 2008, 12:49 PM

http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/4518/phto0151fe3ik7.jpg
the renderings...

^I like the semi-circular shape. :okay: Kinda unusual for a government building.

Meanwhile:

Albay identifies another 12 hectares for rice plantation (http://positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Cities_And_Towns_23/Albay_identifies_another_12_hectares_for_rice_plantation.shtml)
By Mike dela Rama

LEGAZPI CITY (PNA) -- The provincial government of Albay has identified another 12 hectares of lot for purposes of palay plantation in order to increase its production within the next months. Governor Joey Salceda announced Thursday that the additional land will be utilized for plantation of palay in the third district of the province. "This is our immediate move to counter the rice crisis in the region."

"The provincial government also decided to distribute NFA rice directly to the community through local government units (LGUs)," Salceda said. He explained that the rice crisis is a political issue, that's why they want the mayors to handle the distribution. "The LGU should be the one to distribute rice not the NFA," he said.

The additional area for palay plantation will definitely increase the production in the province of Albay. "But this time we need to import from other region in order to augment the 1.6 million bags of rice deficit," he said. According to Salceda, the additional 12 hectares of rice land area is part of the 54-hectare target for palay plantation. "We need to increase the land area for rice production from 34 to 54 hectares," he said.

The governor ordered the strict rice monitoring to make sure that enough rice will reach the poor people. Salceda also appealed to Bohol Governor Erico Aumentado to withdraw his executive order issued Wednesday regulating shipment of palay and milled rice to other provinces. This came following reports that some traders from Region VIII and Cebu City are on a buying spree of palay supply in Bohol.

"Governor Aumentado’s action will tremendously affect other provinces with less palay production and it would also deprive the farmers the right to sell their palay production to retailers of their own choice and price," Salceda said.

***

Albay gov't, private groups ink Mangrove Plantation pact (http://positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Cities_And_Towns_23/Albay_gov_t_private_groups_ink_Mangrove_Plantation_pact.shtml)

MANITO, Albay (PNA) -- Albay Governor Joey Sarte Salceda, and local government officials of Manito and private groups signed last Saturday a memorandum of agreement (MOA) on extensive mangrove plantation in this town and other coastal area.

The signing of the agreement was led by Albay provincial government, together with the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC-EDC), Manito local government and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Governor Salceda has enjoined the local officials in the coastal barangays in Albay province to take the implementation of Mangrove plantation initiated by the provincial government for the protection of the marine resources. The Mangrove propagules tree planting covers 90 hectares in the coastal barangays of Manito. Manito Mayor Cesar Daep said mangrove planting is very significant in their locality that is prone to landslide and other earth distresses.

Daep said Manito has a previous 60 hectares of Mangrove plantation and it was proven to be of highly protective to marine ecosystem such as for shrimps, crabs, and also protects the coastal areas from floods, landslides and erosions in the municipality. "Now, the 90-hectare mangrove plantation is the commitment of the PNOC, the local government unit has no financial expenses for this project," the mayor said.

Daep said that the local government has a direct coordination with the task force for mangrove in each barangay and are all active to sustain the project. "I already directed our Police operatives to apprehend those engaged in cutting off of mangroves," the mayor said.

Aside from the mangrove plantation, the PNOC-Energy Development Council (EDC) project, in collaboration with the Manito local government, is the massive reforestation wherein the upland areas are utilized to plant fruit bearing trees. Governor Salceda led the tree planting of Mangrove propagules in Manito, together with media practitioners in Albay.

Monsi

April 27th, 2008, 04:15 AM

Dex, April 27 :cheers::cheers::cheers:
Matt, February 26
Guru, December 10
Jomar, October 24
Mond, September 20

[dx]

April 27th, 2008, 08:50 AM

^Thanks! :)

http://www.imageox.com/image/243367-phto0165vp.jpg

http://www.imageox.com/image/243368-phto0177ky.jpg

I like the viewing tower. I think the second photo is a spot that will become a popular vantage point when taking photos of Mayon as soon as the Lignon Hill Dev't is completed. :okay:

kevinb

April 27th, 2008, 09:03 AM

9 young Bicol studes in Math boot camp (http://www.bicolmail.com/issue/2008/april24/studes.html)

FIVE elementary school students and four high school students from Naga City and Legazpi City recently completed the highly competitive and grueling 2008 Young Mathematicians’ Intensive In-house Training Program, or Math Boot Camp, held March 23-28 and March 31-April 3 in Tagaytay City and Cebu City, respectively.

The five high school qualifiers from Bicol are:
Angela Gabrielle Tuason of Aquinas University Science High School, First Year qualifier;

Bennyvic Joyce Esguerra of Camarines Sur National High School, Third Year qualifier;

Kim Araya of Ateneo de Naga University, Fourth Year qualifier;

Aimee Masalunga of Naga Hope Christian School, Fourth Year qualifier; and

Francis Paolo Adoremos of St. Agnes Academy (Legazpi City), Fourth Year alternate.

The 4 elementary school qualifiers are:

Danica Mae Berunio of Blessed Light International Christian School of Naga City, Grade 4 qualifier;

Jeremy Charles Zantua of Naga Parochial School, Grade 4 alternate;

Richard Milante of Legazpi Hope Christian School, Grade 6 qualifier; and

Yvonne Gaile Molina of Blessed Light International Christian School of Naga City, Grade 6 alternate.

The 4-day Math Boot Camp is a gathering of the brightest young mathematical minds from all over the country. It is being conducted under the auspices of the Mathematical Trainers’ Guild, (MTG) Philippines, an organization committed to promoting advanced math education in the Philippines through competitions.

The MTG makes a pool of students that will represent the country in future international math competitions.

At the in-house training program, the participants were whisked into a summer camp-like atmosphere filled with challenging math activities. They underwent marathon sessions on advanced math topics, dissect Olympiad-caliber problems and answer mind-wrecking examinations.

kevinb

April 27th, 2008, 09:06 AM

Projects worth P200M for Ligao (http://www.bicolmail.com/issue/2008/april24/projects.html)

LIGAO CITY --- The city government under the leadership of Mayor Linda Gonzalez is set to implement P200 million worth of infrastructure projects following the grand ceremonial groundbreaking activity held over the week at Barangay Herrera here.

The project has funding support from the Infrastructure for Rural Productivity Enhancement Sector (InfRES) Project of the Philippine government and is being executed by the Department of Agriculture with LGUs as proponents.

The InfRES project in Ligao is so far the biggest in the Philippines in terms of amount and scope or subprojects involved. It includes a 55-kilometer farm-to-market road which is expected to benefit some 78,000 farmers; a 32- kilometer irrigation system to service over 210 hectares of ricefields and a Rural Water System to service at least two barangays.

The groundbreaking ceremonies was attended by the city mayor, Department of Agriculture Regional Executive Director Jose V. Dayao, Mike Allman, InfRES team leader and project management specialist, former Albay Gov.Fernando Gonzalez, husband of the lady city mayor who was himself its first mayor when Ligao became a city, city and barangay officials and beneficiaries of the project.

Mayor Gonzalez said the implementation of InfRES would set into motion the modernization of agriculture in their locality.

She expressed hope that it would ensure food security and improve the living condition of the people, thus, she and the people of Ligao eagerly look forward and anticipate enjoying the benefits of the project.

Dr. Dayao for his part lauded the foresight and perseverance of Mayor Gonzalez and the city officials to pursue the project.

He said that this partnership between national government and LGUs is proving very effective and is a manifestation that government is really working on behalf of the people.

Allman underscored that the establishment of rural infrastructures was only secondary because the most important outcome of this project “is the empowerment of the LGUs through trainings, capability buildings and processes, the increase in income and generation of more jobs and the reduction of poverty in the rural areas.” Emily B. Bordado

[dx]

April 27th, 2008, 10:03 AM

Legazpi Sunset
by madzieph (http://flickr.com/photos/madzieph/)
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/102/295883243_5e8bc667a2_b.jpg

[dx]

April 27th, 2008, 10:18 AM

Magayon Festival Street Presentation (Legend Showdown)
April 21, 2008
Photos by studioworksplus (http://studioworkplus.multiply.com/photos/album/197/Magayon_Bicol_2008?replies_read=11)

http://images.studioworkplus.multiply.com/image/2/photos/197/600x600/43/0351%20Magayon%20Festival%20%2708.jpg?et=p5GMRGaDlUFhFvDLftFN0g&nmid=92272472

http://images.studioworkplus.multiply.com/image/2/photos/197/600x600/40/0348%20Magayon%20Festival%20%2708.jpg?et=huXzide3EwUkJdk%2BLKGDvA&nmid=92272472

http://images.studioworkplus.multiply.com/image/2/photos/197/600x600/15/0124%20Magayon%20Festival%20%2708.jpg?et=DBd993bqQuHijp1gzFU3YA&nmid=92272472

http://images.studioworkplus.multiply.com/image/2/photos/197/600x600/44/0352%20Magayon%20Festival%20%2708.jpg?et=bTU15PazkyNLurXG7HfViw&nmid=92272472

http://images.studioworkplus.multiply.com/image/2/photos/197/600x600/13/0111%20Magayon%20Festival%20%2708.jpg?et=QB14P%2BdzthFlDu8NjnU37g&nmid=92272472

http://images.studioworkplus.multiply.com/image/2/photos/197/600x600/10/0057%20Magayon%20Festival%20%2708.jpg?et=tm1aaiF4PPeBSDq9I1OtiQ&nmid=92272472

http://images.studioworkplus.multiply.com/image/2/photos/197/600x600/12/0105%20Magayon%20Festival%20%2708.jpg?et=lllqn695OsOOSOQUr9U%2CjQ&nmid=92272472

http://images.studioworkplus.multiply.com/image/2/photos/197/600x600/16/0142%20Magayon%20Festival%20%2708.jpg?et=AXYHdZ8XhoMMwN7tOIFp7g&nmid=92272472

http://images.studioworkplus.multiply.com/image/2/photos/197/600x600/20/0200%20Magayon%20Festival%20%2708.jpg?et=JTtafMpN3H7Nrl3N7Yj76A&nmid=92272472

[dx]

April 27th, 2008, 03:14 PM

Flickr Finds

Full moon over Legazpi Port District
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3059/2432196921_f0eb8b80b3_o.jpg
by marbleplaty
(http://flickr.com/photos/marbleplaty/)

Rizal Street in downtown Daraga.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3103/2442732673_c2c1dcfa0e_b.jpg
by KennethOP (http://flickr.com/photos/21162139@N08/)
The 5+ kilometer street begins here and ends at the intersection with Gov. Forbes St. in Legazpi

[dx]

April 27th, 2008, 03:29 PM

Magayon Festival Drag Race
Rizal St., Old Albay District, Legazpi City
by dianeskie (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dianeskie/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2092/2429968417_d3442ea440.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3034/2429715361_a32c5e968d.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3034/2429715361_a32c5e968d.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2073/2429714845_95d6bdb2f2.jpg?v=0

iamjomar

April 27th, 2008, 06:31 PM

pahabol kahit 28 na, hehehe happy birthdya dex!!!! jejeje
nice pictures too....

fil07

April 27th, 2008, 06:49 PM

http://images.inquirer.net/img/thumbnails/new/hea/pag/img/2008/04/20080428.jpg

Check out the featured photo of today's paper --------------------------- ^^

Mond87

April 28th, 2008, 10:11 AM

Belated haburpday Kuya Dex!!!

Monsi

April 28th, 2008, 10:47 AM

CEB offers P1 seats for Manila-Legaspi service

Cebu Pacific (CEB), the country’s single largest airline to the ASEAN region offers P1 seats for its Manila-Legaspi service. The promotional seat sale run from April 26, 2008 to June 30, 2008; and is good for travel for the same period.

Fare is non-refundable and exclusive of surcharges and government taxes.

Candice Iyog, CEB spokesperson said, “We are positive that many will take advantage of this limited offer. We want the public to realize that it is now very affordable to travel by air. We encourage passengers who take bus rides to experience the convenience of flying. “

CEB is currently the biggest airline operating three daily flights to Legaspi.

With the promotional fare, the all-inclusive one-way ticket to Legaspi would cost P1,180 while an almost eleven-hour bus ride will cost nearly P800.

“We encourage the public to act fast and book for their trips early. Booking online is so easy and much more convenient. Passengers can visit www.cebupacificair.com to see the fare options in their desired travel dates,” Iyog concluded.

Now in its 13th year, CEB has the youngest fleet in the country. The airline flew 5.5 million passengers in 2007. CEB flies to 14, soon to be 16 international destinations, with the addition of Kaohsiung and Kota Kinabalu in the coming months. CEB also operates flights to 21 domestic destinations.

source: http://www.cebupacificair.com/aboutus/press/2008/04252008c.html

kevinb

April 28th, 2008, 11:21 AM

LEGAZPI CITY (Capital) 179,481
Bgy. 47 - Arimbay 3,421
Bgy. 64 - Bagacay (Bgy. 41 Bagacay) 1,591
Bgy. 48 - Bagong Abre (Bgy. 42) 1,354
Bgy. 66 - Banquerohan (Bgy. 43) 6,034
Bgy. 1 - Em's Barrio (Pob.) 4,183
Bgy. 11 - Maoyod Pob. (Bgy. 10 & 11) 1,060
Bgy. 12 - Tula-tula (Pob.) 2,175
Bgy. 13 - Ilawod West Pob. (Ilawod 1) 759
Bgy. 14 - Ilawod Pob. (Ilawod 2) 868
Bgy. 15 - Ilawod East Pob. (Ilawod 3) 2,292
Bgy. 16 - Kawit-East Washington Drive (Pob.) 5,322
Bgy. 17 - Rizal Sreet, Ilawod (Pob.) 1,730
Bgy. 19 - Cabagñan 1,294
Bgy. 2 - Em's Barrio South (Pob.) 1,848
Bgy. 18 - Cabagñan West (Pob.) 3,094
Bgy. 21 - Binanuahan West (Pob.) 855
Bgy. 22 - Binanuahan East (Pob.) 1,328
Bgy. 23 - Imperial Court Subd. (Pob.) 750
Bgy. 20 - Cabagñan East (Pob.) 727
Bgy. 25 - Lapu-lapu (Pob.) 1,088
Bgy. 26 - Dinagaan (Pob.) 637
Bgy. 27 - Victory Village South (Pob.) 1,106
Bgy. 28 - Victory Village North (Pob.) 2,518
Bgy. 29 - Sabang (Pob.) 1,411
Bgy. 3 - Em's Barrio East (Pob.) 833
Bgy. 36 - Kapantawan (Pob.) b 4,144
Bgy. 30 - Pigcale (Pob.) 2,152
Bgy. 31 - Centro-Baybay (Pob.) 1,279
Bgy. 33 - PNR-Peñaranda St.-Iraya(Pob.) 2,746
Bgy. 34 - Oro Site-Magallanes St. (Pob.) 2,607
Bgy. 35 - Tinago (Pob.) 611
Bgy. 37 - Bitano (Pob.) c 2,797
Bgy. 39 - Bonot (Pob.) 3,614
Bgy. 4 - Sagpon Pob. (Sagpon 1) 1,117
Bgy. 5 - Sagmin Pob. (Sagpon 2) 633
Bgy. 6 - Bañadero Pob. (Sagpon 3) 1,195
Bgy. 7 - Baño (Pob.) 886
Bgy. 8 - Bagumbayan (Pob.) 3,436
Bgy. 9 - Pinaric (Pob.) 1,150
Bgy. 67 - Bariis (Bgy. 46) 1,770
Bgy. 49 - Bigaa (Bgy. 44) 5,199
Bgy. 41 - Bogtong (Bgy. 45) 3,706
Bgy. 53 - Bonga (Bgy. 48) 3,257
Bgy. 69 - Buenavista (Bgy. 47) 1,048
Bgy. 51 - Buyuan ( Bgy. 49) 3,162
Bgy. 70 - Cagbacong (Bgy. 50) 2,579
Bgy. 40 - Cruzada (Bgy. 52) 5,349
Bgy. 57 - Dap-dap (Bgy. 69) 1,956
Bgy. 45 - Dita (Bgy. 51) 1,586
Bgy. 55 - Estanza (Bgy. 53) 4,212
Bgy. 38 - Gogon (Bgy. 54) 5,498
Bgy. 62 - Homapon (Bgy. 55) 3,822
Bgy. 65 - Imalnod (Bgy. 57) 1,964
Bgy. 54 - Mabinit (Bgy. 59) 1,325
Bgy. 63 - Mariawa (Bgy. 56) 1,414
Bgy. 61 - Maslog (Bgy. 58) 3,757
Bgy. 50 - Padang (Bgy. 60) 1,539
Bgy. 44 - Pawa (Bgy. 61) 3,049
Bgy. 59 - Puro (Bgy. 63) 4,084
Bgy. 42 - Rawis (Bgy. 65) 8,322
Bgy. 68 - San Francisco (Bgy. 62) 2,233
Bgy. 46 - San Joaquin (Bgy. 64) 1,906
Bgy. 32 - San Roque (Bgy. 66) 5,338
Bgy. 43 - Tamaoyan (Bgy. 67) 1,440
Bgy. 56 - Taysan (Bgy. 68) 10,243
Bgy. 52 - Matanag 1,618
Bgy. 10 - Cabugao 590
Bgy. 24 - Rizal Street 2,190
Bgy. 58 - Buragwis 3,996
Bgy. 60 - Lamba 1,046

Population as of August 1,2007

[dx]

April 28th, 2008, 11:38 AM

Magayon Festival: Albay's Top Line Product Showcase
Capitol Lobby

Taken early this afternoon. :)

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn66/d3xtr/Magayon%20Exhibit/100_0264.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn66/d3xtr/Magayon%20Exhibit/100_0259.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn66/d3xtr/Magayon%20Exhibit/100_0260.jpg http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn66/d3xtr/Magayon%20Exhibit/100_0261.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn66/d3xtr/Magayon%20Exhibit/100_0262.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn66/d3xtr/Magayon%20Exhibit/100_0263.jpg

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn66/d3xtr/Magayon%20Exhibit/100_0265.jpg http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn66/d3xtr/Magayon%20Exhibit/100_0271.jpg

[dx]

April 28th, 2008, 11:42 AM

Magayon Festival: Albay's Top Line Product Showcase
Capitol Lobby

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yoh_1

April 28th, 2008, 02:53 PM

NEGATIVE MONIKERS FOR DARAGA NOW OPPORTUNITIES FOR DEVELOPMENT

Critics say “If you come to a place, from Legazpi City, where streets are glooming dark at night, then that’s Daraga and if going Sorsogon, you smell a rotten egg odor, then its Daraga”. These monikers derived from seeming neglect of providing lighted thoroughfares at night and the upkeep of an open dump site in Barangay Penafrancia, have brought negative image to this premier town for the past years.

Now, turning these liabilities into opportunities, Daraga Mayor Cicero C. Ttiunfante and a group of Engineers graduated from Bicol University, during a round-table discussions held last April 9, 2008, talked on how to use Bioenergy Technologies in lighting the streetlights charged to the garbage.

The project is about the application of biomass potential for power generation and utilizing the generated power for municipal street lighting with the use of two-phase methane fermentation and Sterling engine as an outer combustion - a Japanese technology. Hence, streetlights are lighted with the power from garbage.

With this technology, and the Japan International Cooperating Agency (JICA) behind, Daraguenos say: “Thanks to critics, we’ll learn lessons from our mistakes”.

yoh_1

April 28th, 2008, 02:56 PM

Belated happy birthday kuya Dex! Meron pa bang natira sa handa mo? hehe..
:cheers:

[dx]

April 29th, 2008, 01:45 AM

Magayon Festival of Festivals Showdown
April 26, 2007
Photos by marbleplaty (http://www.flickr.com/photos/marbleplaty/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2234/2447806291_60e03d17ca_o.jpg

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http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2167/2448619980_66476a711e_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2013/2448618518_45210d9350_o.jpg

Winners:

1st: Masbate City
2nd: Polangui
3rd: Masbate Province (?)

***

@yoh_1, thanks!!

beecool

April 29th, 2008, 03:25 AM

igthorne

April 29th, 2008, 04:49 AM

Whats the Progress on Development of EMBARCADERO????

[dx]

April 29th, 2008, 10:22 AM

BELATED HAPPY B-DAY DX!

sorry i was busy last weekend didn't have time to check the site.
better late than never huh?
hope you had a great one.
as always thank you for the updates and wonderful pictures.

Thanks!! :) and thanks to everyone for the greetings.

Whats the Progress on Development of EMBARCADERO????

Here's a thread dedicated to all news/updates about Embarcadero --> http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=548449

[dx]

April 29th, 2008, 10:48 AM

Mayon Planetarium and Science Park
Photos by Yumi Images
(http://www.flickr.com/photos/25812163@N03/)
The facility is a perfect destination for students and tourists who will be treated to slide shows and presentations on the different celestial bodies and exhibits focusing on the origins of the universe and volcanoes in the Philippines.

The planetarium, located some 3,000 feet above sea level within the Mayon Skyline Hotel in Barangay Buang, also offers an unparalleled view of Tabaco City and its neighboring towns amid the magnificence of the Pacific Ocean.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2067/2448408643_b9275566f0_b.jpg
Mayon Planetarium

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2250/2449234074_b5110496f5_b.jpg
Starship Cafe

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View of Mt. Malinao (left) and Tabaco City (right)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3134/2448412425_1a399f0aa5_b.jpg
Mt. Masaraga

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3292/2449239792_b8a2c8b5bf_b.jpg
View of Tabaco City from the slopes of Mayon

Mond87

April 29th, 2008, 10:52 AM

Masbate constantly wins in festivals of festivals... Hmmm...

[dx]

April 29th, 2008, 05:17 PM

War of Our Fathers: A Tribute to the Filipino Freedom Fighters
A multimedia exhibit at the Albay Capitol Lobby

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn66/d3xtr/War%20of%20Our%20Fathers/100_0256.jpg

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[dx]

April 30th, 2008, 06:56 AM

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn66/d3xtr/100_0314.jpg
Albay Capitol arcade looking east towards Rizal St. and a new Chowking outlet at Old Albay District

gurugeri

May 1st, 2008, 05:11 AM

So the population count has been released? What's the population of the other towns and cities of the province?

Mond87

May 1st, 2008, 06:04 AM

Hi guys! Pwde maghirilingan naman kita giraray??? Mahali na kaya ako pa-Manila sa May 23. Dai ko aram kung kinano ako babalik. heheh... PM me kung gusto nindo... ;)

[dx]

May 1st, 2008, 08:55 AM

^Sure. Good luck sa review!

So the population count has been released? What's the population of the other towns and cities of the province?

Albay - 1,190,823

Bacacay - 61,574
Camalig - 60,139
Daraga - 110,625
Guinobatan - 74,386
Jovellar - 17,815
Legazpi City - 179,481
Libon - 68,846
Ligao City - 101,179
Malilipot - 33,593
Malinao - 39,516
Manito - 21,625
Oas - 63,888
Pio Duran - 44,972
Polangui - 77, 122
Rapu-rapu -32,646
Sto. Domingo - 30,711
Tabaco City - 123,513
Tiwi - 49,185

Source (http://www.census.gov.ph/data/sectordata/2007/region%205.pdf)

fil07

May 1st, 2008, 12:18 PM

Albay is eligible of one more district.

[dx]

May 2nd, 2008, 04:22 AM

Guimata: Awakening the Senses Through Visual Arts
An Art Exhibit at the Albay Capitol Atrium - a showcase of the vibrant art scene in Albay. Here are some of my favorites.

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn66/d3xtr/100_0277.jpg
Albay Mabuhay by Johnny S. Magdasoc

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Atmosphere Gold Series by Pop Sierra

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Archsdream by Archie Perez

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The House of Poet Angela Manalang-Gloria, Tabaco City by Cesar Gueta

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Legazpi street vendors by Cesar Gueta

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Legazpi sidewalk vendors by Cesar Gueta

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Left: Mother and Child by Pat Noveno (carved out of volcanic rock). Right: Fright and Flee by Michael V. Ranola.

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn66/d3xtr/100_0298.jpg
Closer by Michael Ranola

More paintings (forgot to take note of the artists, though. Sorry) Kudos to them!

http://i301.photobucket.com/albums/nn66/d3xtr/100_0284.jpg

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gurugeri

May 2nd, 2008, 06:41 AM

Went there on April 20 and took shots of this once sleepy Albay town. Yahaha!

Those clouds scared me; but the colors enthralled my eyes.
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b214/freaky_jerry/100_1901.jpg

Olala!
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b214/freaky_jerry/100_1902.jpg

Olala pa rin!
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b214/freaky_jerry/100_1903.jpg

Bell tower and the clouds
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b214/freaky_jerry/100_1904.jpg

Enigma :-p
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b214/freaky_jerry/100_1905.jpg

gurugeri

May 2nd, 2008, 06:46 AM

Market

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b214/freaky_jerry/100_1907.jpg

Blue

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b214/freaky_jerry/100_1908.jpg

Mayon at the background

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b214/freaky_jerry/100_1911.jpg

Park

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b214/freaky_jerry/100_1912.jpg

Sa loob yan ng park

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b214/freaky_jerry/100_1914.jpg

Monsi

May 2nd, 2008, 07:00 AM

The Bicol Riviera
Written by Martin Reynoso
Tuesday, 25 March 2008
The Bicol Riviera - Tiwi, Albay to Tigaon Camarines Sur

This is Bicol’s version of California’s Highway 101. Starting from Tiwi Albay, crossing over to Tigaon Camarines Sur, it is a 45 km stretch of cliff hugging roads which are at times hundreds of feet above sea level and with constant panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean- It’s simply breath taking.

read more...http://wowlegaspi.com/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=52&Itemid=43

Back in 2005, I'd reached only up to Misibis, Tiwi, past Joroan...
...it could prove to be a breathtaking alternate route to Sir Jerry's campus in Goa (a shorter one, too).

[dx]

May 2nd, 2008, 01:12 PM

1st Magayon Festival Airsoft Challenge
Bicol University Football Field
by tomfalconjr
(http://tomfalconjr.multiply.com/)
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[dx]

May 2nd, 2008, 01:20 PM

Legazpi City launches regional GMA job center kiosk on Labor Day (http://positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Cities_And_Towns_23/Legaspi_City_to_launch_regional_GMA_job_center_kiosk_on_Labor_Day.shtml)
By Josefina M. Felizardo

LEGAZPI CITY, May 2 (PNA) -- The city government of Legazpi is all set for the regional launching and installation of the greater modular access (GMA) kiosk in the city, as the main highlight of the celebration of Labor Day, Thursday. Ma. Cristina D. Zantua, Public Employment Services Office (PESO) manager, said the program designed by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) aims to provide an information portal on employment and livelihood opportunities to the public for free.

Zantua said the regional GMA kiosk center will be stationed at the lobby of the city hall compound where job applicants can search for job vacancies, do job matching, register and refer to the skills posted. The establishment of the kiosk center in Legazpi will allow Bicolano job seekers an easy access to information on available jobs where they are mostly qualified.

The kiosk will operate on-line anchored on the Phil-Jobnet both local and overseas. The center will also provide a free state-of-the-art employment service, the latest job opportunities and valuable information on services of DOLE agencies, Overseas Worker Welfare Administration (OWWA), Philippine Overseas Employment Agency (POEA) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

The kiosk also contains a list of licensed recruitment agencies for local and overseas employment. For employers, it also provides a list of job seekers with different skills and list of TESDA-certified workers.

For those who want to improve their career, the GMA job center also contains a list of schools accredited by CHED, occupational information and information on OWWA services for OFW members and dependents.

Likewise, the city government of Legazpi through the PESO office will also launch the Information Technology (IT) training center followed by a local job fair in the city as part of the Labor Day celebration.

***

DOH declares six more provinces as malaria-free (http://positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Health_21/DOH_declares_six_more_provinces_as_malaria-free.shtml)
By Filomena F. Cayaba

MANILA, April 27 (PNA)-– The Department of Health (DOH) Friday officially declared six more provinces in the country as malaria-free, or those without any case for the last five consecutive years.

With this, the Philippines has now a total of 22 provinces as malaria-free. The DOH made the declaration as the country joins the observance of the World Malaria Day themed “Malaria – a disease without borders.” The newly declared malaria-free provinces are Samar, Albay, Marinduque, Eastern Samar, Sorsogon and Surigao del Norte.

”We are giving due recognition to six local government chiefs for maintaining their provinces malaria-free,” Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III said. ”You have fought hard in achieving this malaria-free status and the DOH commends you for such an achievement,” Duque said.

The health chief, however, said the challenge now for the six provinces is to maintain their status as a malaria-free province from now on; noting that with the threat of re-emergence of malaria in these malaria-free areas still remain with present easy access to travel, expansion of development projects in malarious areas, increase in economic opportunities and migration. ”Malaria knows no boundaries. Whatever affects malaria endemic provinces is likely to impact malaria-free provinces,” Duque said.

At present, out of the country’s 81 provinces, 59 are still endemic for malaria, or where local transmission of the disease still occurs. Nine of these provinces are in the pre-elimination process.

Of the newly-declared malaria-free provinces, Samar reported no malaria case since 1995 while Albay’s last indigenous malaria case was in 1997 in Manito and Rapu-Rapu towns.

Marinque and Eastern Samar, on the other hand, have not reported any malaria case since 1999 and 2000, respectively. Sorsogon reported its last case in 2002 in Donsol municipality. Surigao del Norte didn’t have any recurrence since 2002.

Massive anti-malaria efforts, such as continuous case-finding, stream-clearing and seeding, mosquito collection, distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets and information dissemination, are still continuing in these provinces despite their status.

DOH data showed that the country’s malaria cases and deaths are on the downward trend with 35,405 cases and 122 deaths reported in 2006 or 23 percent and 18 percent reduction compared to 2005.

”Although we have made progress in bringing the malaria cases and deaths on the downward trend, behind the numbers are people who have lost their productive days of life or have permanently left their loved ones due to malaria,” Duque said.

”Even as the Philippines does not contribute significantly to the global death toll of malaria, this does not mean that we can be complacent at our task; it means that there are still a quite a number of our countrymen who are at risk of suffering and this situation is unconscionable,” he said.

Malaria is a disease common in the rural areas and is one of the mosquito-borne diseases affecting 11 million people living in hilly or mountainous, remote areas of the country where access to and availability of basic health services and correct information are difficult for the people at risk.

These areas are among the poorest in the country and belong to the 5th and 6th class municipalities. The disease is transmitted by an anopheles mosquito that breeds in clear flowing water. Commonly affected population groups are farmers relying on forest products, migrant workers, indigenous cultural groups, soldiers, and communities affected by armed conflict.

[dx]

May 2nd, 2008, 06:59 PM

Magayon Festival of Festivals
April 26, 2008
by kobe8abs
(http://kobe8abs.multiply.com/)
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[dx]

May 2nd, 2008, 07:05 PM

Magayon Festival of Festivals
April 26, 2008
by kobe8abs
(http://kobe8abs.multiply.com/)

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[dx]

May 2nd, 2008, 07:22 PM

Magayon Festival of Festivals
April 26, 2008
by tomfalconjr (http://tomfalconjr.multiply.com/)

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Mutya ng Magayon Winners

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http://images.tomfalconjr.multiply.com/image/5/photos/22/400x400/80/Mgyn08FoF_080.JPG?et=gK3Ka%2BCkhY2W0wws8VBytg&nmid=93573049 http://images.tomfalconjr.multiply.com/image/5/photos/22/400x400/53/Mgyn08FoF_053.JPG?et=O%2CkOGUCvHasNsMWmE1TEAQ&nmid=93573049

http://images.tomfalconjr.multiply.com/image/6/photos/22/400x400/12/Mgyn08FoF_012.JPG?et=I3Y%2CuSaI4Zbnn%2CACpJabWQ&nmid=93573049 http://images.tomfalconjr.multiply.com/image/5/photos/22/400x400/47/Mgyn08FoF_047.JPG?et=eaxGq9BWQP%2CkGq3OXD56Yw&nmid=93573049

http://images.tomfalconjr.multiply.com/image/6/photos/22/400x400/3/Mgyn08FoF_003.JPG?et=ZANVM2Phx6jJN2YsE02BtA&nmid=93573049 http://images.tomfalconjr.multiply.com/image/6/photos/22/400x400/11/Mgyn08FoF_011.JPG?et=wEgFLZGUZ91bqThCShg5xw&nmid=93573049 http://images.tomfalconjr.multiply.com/image/6/photos/22/400x400/15/Mgyn08FoF_015.JPG?et=LaKdI7KT7H6qX8sCgeBrIg&nmid=93573049

http://images.tomfalconjr.multiply.com/image/6/photos/22/400x400/17/Mgyn08FoF_017.JPG?et=xEiS4%2Bdaey6%2CHe8SaWdUxg&nmid=93573049 http://images.tomfalconjr.multiply.com/image/5/photos/22/400x400/31/Mgyn08FoF_031.JPG?et=b5DO87sALiD%2Czvr2E2nYuQ&nmid=93573049 http://images.tomfalconjr.multiply.com/image/5/photos/22/400x400/76/Mgyn08FoF_076.JPG?et=8huV7u4rIh3Qq2f9raicYQ&nmid=93573049

More Magayon Festival photos
Photos by mikkoranola (http://mikkoranola.multiply.com/)

http://images.mikkoranola.multiply.com/image/5/photos/27/400x400/22/DSC_1837.jpg?et=y9TF4fHcCZGfiVRPQg21dA&nmid=93306446 http://images.mikkoranola.multiply.com/image/3/photos/27/400x400/18/DSC_1757.jpg?et=C3Hfo0H%2BcvnGw6p%2C3giPTQ&nmid=93306446 http://images.mikkoranola.multiply.com/image/3/photos/27/400x400/2/DSC_1502.jpg?et=i1tKVUqN3873rpPkEh0kSg&nmid=93306446

http://images.mikkoranola.multiply.com/image/3/photos/27/400x400/8/DSC_1555.jpg?et=a8dkHWQU54q9B6MBtADBpw&nmid=93306446 http://images.mikkoranola.multiply.com/image/3/photos/27/400x400/5/DSC_1524.jpg?et=UM5wWkw8BIiNvRQFXJKKKw&nmid=93306446 http://images.mikkoranola.multiply.com/image/3/photos/27/400x400/7/DSC_1532.jpg?et=FtrfHyJflT42dGhh%2CIoXNA&nmid=93306446

[dx]

May 3rd, 2008, 08:51 AM

FIRST JATROPHA PLANTATION: Batan Island, Albay: In February 2008, GreenGold Ray had selected a 3-hectare nursery site in Batan Island suitable for planting 775,000 Jatropha seedlings at an initial cost of $12,500.00 for the first four months of cultivation. The seedlings were transplanted in the 300-hectare of Batan Island. The estimated cultivation of the plantation to maturity is about 7 to 9 months with no major soil amendments or fertilizer requirements anticipated. Jatropha seeds will be converted into diesel fuel using special equipment. Rate of return on the project within the first three years is estimated at 89.32% ROI, depending upon the yield of the plants. The plants reach full production in approximately three years, and continue at full production for up to 50 years. GreenGold Ray's lead technical engineers have hands-on knowledge and experience concerning propagation of Jatropha and extraction of diesel fuel from the seeds. The government of the Philippines is supportive of private efforts toward jatropha biofuel productions.

Source (http://www.marketwire.com/mw/release.do?id=851491)

Jatropha (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jatropha) -- recently cited as one of the best candidates for future biodiesel production.

kevinb

May 3rd, 2008, 09:15 AM

;20263254']Magayon Festival of Festivals
April 26, 2008
by tomfalconjr (http://tomfalconjr.multiply.com/)

http://images.tomfalconjr.multiply.com/image/5/photos/22/400x400/52/Mgyn08FoF_052.JPG?et=fnN4CG%2Cnb6CEWP8TCzfcyw&nmid=93573049
Mutya ng Magayon Winners

The Mutya ng Magayon is pretty. :)

But I'm prettier. :lol:

Mond87

May 4th, 2008, 09:32 AM

yah. kamukha ni shaina magdayao

gurugeri

May 4th, 2008, 12:37 PM

Fil-German belle is Mutya ng MagayonBy Florencio P. Narito and Rhaydz B. Barcia

LEGAZPI CITY --– A 22-year old Filipino-German lass from Culiat, Daraga, Albay was crowned Mutya ng Magayon 2008 during the beauty pageant and coronation held last April 25 at the Albay Astrodome.

She is Melody Adelheid Gersbach, the daughter of a German chef and a Filipina businesswoman from Daraga, Albay. A graduate of the University of Asia and the Pacific in Metro Manila, she stands 5’7” in height and weighs 105 pounds.

Melody is the second daughter of Jimmy and Bot Gersbach, owners of Gasthof restaurant here with branches in Boracay and Naga. She recently graduated with BS in Management from the University of Asia and the Pacific (UAP) in Manila.

She finished her secondary education at St. Agnes Academy, an all-girls high school administered by Benedictine Sisters in this city.

Gersbach received P100,000 cash prize for winning the title.

Katrina Villanueva of Camalig, Albay was crowned first princess and she received P75,000 as her cash prize. Diane Elaine Necio of Polangui, Albay was crowned second princess and she received P50,00 cash prize. Crisandra Berces of Tabaco City won the Miss Magayon Tourism title and she received a cash prize of P30,000.00

The winner in the Ginoong Magayon competition title went to Mac Albert Cadiz of Legazpi City.

Rafael Felix Tolentino of Tabaco City was first runner-up while Jeffrey Toriente of Pioduran, Albay was second runner-up. Jorald Arevalo of Legazpi City won the title Mr. Magayon Tourism.

For winning the title of Ginoong Magayon, Cadiz received P30,000; Tolentino, P25,000; Toriente, P20,000, and Arevalo, P10,000.

Albay Gov. Joey Salceda expressed his gratitude to the people especially the visiting tourists, both foreign and domestic, who lent their support to provincial government in its efforts to rise from the devastations wrought by the recent typhoons and flashfloods that killed 2,000 people in Albay alone.

Tourism Regional Director Maria ‘Nini’ Ong-Ravanilla said that Albay after suffering from a series of disasters was once again to the road to recovery and development.

“With the proposed construction of Bicol International Airport in Daraga, Albay and with its roll-on-roll-off ports connecting the island of Luzon to the Visayas and Mindanao, I hope that someday Albay will emerge once again as number one tourist destination in Bicol with the able leadership of Gov. Joey Salceda,” Ravanilla said.

yoh_1

May 4th, 2008, 04:14 PM

gcdelapaz

May 5th, 2008, 04:23 PM

^^

Melody and Katrina were former Agnesians.. Ka-batch ko si melody, tas si Katrina naman ahead kami ng one year. Hindi na po all-girls school ang Santa Ines! Hindi lang siguro updated yung writer ng article! Hehe..:nuts:

Hi yoh_1,

You're from St. Agnes too? Wow! Batch 2003? I'm from Batch 2002. Do you mind if I ask your name?hehe

Gian

[dx]

May 5th, 2008, 04:55 PM

^^

Melody and Katrina were former Agnesians.. Ka-batch ko si melody, tas si Katrina naman ahead kami ng one year. Hindi na po all-girls school ang Santa Ines! Hindi lang siguro updated yung writer ng article! Hehe..:nuts:

haha. napansin ko din. carelessness. tsk. :lol:

Hi yoh_1,

You're from St. Agnes too? Wow! Batch 2003? I'm from Batch 2002. Do you mind if I ask your name?hehe

Gian

cool. another Agnesian. :okay:

Mond87

May 6th, 2008, 10:44 AM

Katrina Villanueva is my friend. Surprised ako na 1st Princess pala siya. She's my friend kasi friend niya mga friends ko sa BU Nursing. heheh...

Mond87

May 6th, 2008, 10:45 AM

Puro mga agnesian palan ang mga yaraon digdi. heheh... nag-iisang aquinian ako!!!

[dx]

May 6th, 2008, 02:12 PM

PAL Express to serve 22 routes initially (http://peanuts.aero/low_cost_airline_news/airline/9543/59/PAL+Express+to+serve+22+routes+initially+)

Philippine Airlines (PAL) President, Jaime J. Bautista, announced that PAL Express, the new, low-fares subsidiary of PAL, will serve 22 inter-island routes initially, including some provincial points currently without air service or underserved by other carriers.

Caticlan, gateway to the resort island of Boracay, is the first destination of PAL Express, which will operate 12 flights daily from Manila, commencing 05-May-08. New, 50-seater Bombardier Q300 turbo-propeller aircraft are deployed on the route.

PAL Express will dramatically expand its network over the next two months, with services scheduled to be launched on 22 routes.

Thirteen of those new routes emanate from PAL Express’ main hub of Cebu, where operations start on 19-May-08, with services to five points, including Caticlan, Bacolod, Tacloban, Butuan and General Santos. On the same day, a daily flight between Manila and Busuanga in northern Palawan will also commence.

On 26-May-08, three more services will operate out of Cebu to Davao, with thrice-daily flights; Iloilo, twice daily; and Puerto Princesa, a single flight everyday.

On 23-Jun-08, four new destinations will be served from Cebu to Dipolog, Ozamiz, Cagayan de Oro and Zamboanga, with the last service proceeding onward to Davao and back.

Meanwhile, PAL Express’ other hub in Manila will add several new routes in July: Surigao, Legazpi, Virac and Cauayan (Isabela) on 21-Jul-08, and San Jose (Occidental Mindoro), Calbayog and San Fernando (La Union) on 26-Jul-08.

gcdelapaz

May 7th, 2008, 03:58 AM

GMA urges Bicolanos to push Mayon for 7-Wonders

MANILA, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo urged Bicolanos to nominate Mayon Volcano for inclusion among the new Seven Wonders of the World as she vowed to speed development of the region to attract more tourists.

"Dapat lahat ng taga-Albay [at] lahat ng taga-Bicol ay bumoto [sa] www.new7wonders.com para sa Mayon Volcano [All residents of Albay and residents of Bicol should vote at www.new7wonders.com for Mayon Volcano]," Arroyo said in a speech during her visit to the Pistang Bayan in Oas, Albay, which was aired n government station Radyo ng Bayan.

Among the projects Arroyo announced were the construction of an international airport in Daraga, Albay and the repair of roads leading to Oas town to make the province more accessible to tourists.

She said the national government has started negotiating with private landowners for the acquisition of their properties for the airport and access roads.

The active Mayon Volcano in Albay is famed for its near-perfect cone.

"I-promote natin ang turismo ng Albay. After all, ano ba ang original na tourist attraction ng Bicol? Walang iba kundi Mayon Volcano [Let us promote tourism in Albay. After all, what is the original tourist attraction of Bicol? No other than Mayon Volcano]," Arroyo said.

Arroyo also campaigned for Tubbataha Reef and the Underground River in Palawan, and Bohol’s Chocolate Hills, which are also contending for inclusion in the Seven Wonders and are currently among the top 20 in the list of new wonders.

The new Seven Wonders will be declared in 2010 by the New7Wonders Foundation, at whose website can vote for or nominate their choices.

[dx]

May 7th, 2008, 10:47 AM

Arroyo allots P15M for Albay rice production
(http://www.gmanews.tv/story/93549/Arroyo-allots-P15M-for-Albay-rice-production)
MANILA, Philippines - President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Tuesday said the government will be allotting P15 million for the construction of additional irrigation canals in Albay in an effort to boost food production in the province. A radio report said President Arroyo made the announcement in a speech she delivered in Oas town Tuesday morning where she attended a town fiesta.

The President said special attention should be given to government farm-to-market road projects as well as the planned P200-million construction of two dams in Albay province to increase rice production.

President Arroyo, likewise, urged Church officials to work hand in hand with the government to further intensify the campaign in putting a stamp on rice hoarders. The local government of Albay has also begun distributing cheap rice from the National Food Authority through the “Bigasan sa Parokya," the radio report added.

The Department of Agriculture is said to present before a multi-sectoral assembly meeting in the province a report on the local rice hoarders who had been arrested for withholding the staple from the market.

On Monday, President Arroyo set out for a two-day visit in the Bicol Region. She spent the first day inaugurating an Information Technology project and electrification program in the Camarines Sur. - Mark Merueñas, GMANews.TV

fil07

May 8th, 2008, 12:31 PM

yoh_1

May 8th, 2008, 12:42 PM

Hi yoh_1,

You're from St. Agnes too? Wow! Batch 2003? I'm from Batch 2002. Do you mind if I ask your name?hehe

Gian

Hi kuya Gian! I'm Joshua Evangelio.. I remember, u were our school president way back in highschool. Ayt?? :)

yoh_1

May 8th, 2008, 01:09 PM

1,657 out of 3,158 pass midwife licensure exam

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) has announced that 1,657 out of 3,158 passed the Midwife Licensure Examination given by the Board of Midwifery in Manila, Baguio, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Legazpi and Zamboanga last April, 2008.

On the Board of Midwifery which gave the licensure examination are Dr. Alejandro R. San Pedro, chairman; Dr. Remy B. Dequiña, Dr. Josephine H. Hipolito, Ms Lolita I. Dicang and Ms. Rhodora L. Lopez, members.

The successful examinees who garnered the 10 highest places are:

Maria Sophia Francesca Dimacali Cruz, Our Lady of Fatima College-QC, 90.05; Julie Ann Leheup, Bicol University-Legazpi, 89.80; Michelle Dela Torre Ardales, Bicol University-Legazpi, 89.35; Ma. Christabel Lucero Dualan, St. Joseph College-Amaya, Inc., 88.95; Clarebel De Lima Borbe, Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges, 88.65; Gerald Bongalos Soriano, University of Saint Anthony, 88.20; Sheryllene Baliwas Almeda, Bicol University-Tabaco, 88.05; Donna May Sison Fronda, Saint Joseph College-Cavite City, 88.00; Frances Marie Luna Lotivio, Bicol UniversityLegazpi, 87.95; Jamaica Magistrado Verdeflor, Camarines Sur Polytechnic College, 87.95; Emmie Aslor Villamer, Universidad De Santa Isabel, 87.95; Twinkle Jean Eridiano Pulmano, Bicol University-Legazpi, 87.85.

The results were released in three working days after the last day of examination.

Registration for the issuance of Professional Identification Card (ID) and Certificate of Registration will start on Monday, May 12, 2008 but not later than May 28, 2008.

Those who will register are required to bring the following: duly accomplished Oath Form or Panunumpa ng Propesyonal, current Community Tax Certificate (cedula), two pieces passport size picture (colored with white background and complete nametag), 1 piece 1" x 1" picture (colored with white background and complete nametag), two sets of metered documentary stamps, and one short brown envelope with name and profession; and to pay the initial registration fee of R450 and annual registration fee of R420 for 2008-2011. Successful examinees should personally register and sign in the Roster of Registered Professionals.

The oathtaking ceremony of the successful examinees in the examination, as well as the previous ones who have not taken their Oath of Professional, will be held before the Board on Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at 1 p.m. at the Centennial Hall, Manila Hotel, One Rizal Park, Manila.

Registration for membership with the Integrated Midwives Association of the Philippines (IMAP) will start on May 12, 2008.

^^
Congratz to our fellow Bicolanos!! :banana:

fil07

May 8th, 2008, 01:33 PM

Breakdown

BU-Leg. - #2,3,9,10
CSPC - #5,9
USAnt - #6
BU-Tab. - #7
USI -#9

[dx]

May 9th, 2008, 08:40 AM

The road connecting Albay and Sorsogon
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2201/2474391685_b994175395_b.jpg
by tsubibo (http://www.flickr.com/photos/tsubibo/)

[dx]

May 10th, 2008, 01:27 AM

Tabaco Church
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2126/2472914851_4387378c1b_b.jpg

Tabaco Church altar
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2024/2472936009_4c958b165c_b.jpg

Tabaco Church interiors
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3006/2472933295_90a38d5a8f_b.jpg

Malilipot Church
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2352/2472961403_c3c680dee3_b.jpg

Photos by pibtabar_ptrpmd (http://www.flickr.com/photos/tabar_md_photography/)

Mond87

May 10th, 2008, 01:42 PM

Dapat may magnominate pirmi pag nawawara sa list.

Arog tlga kaan???

@kuya Dex, pirmi ka baga online?

gcdelapaz

May 10th, 2008, 03:57 PM

Hi kuya Gian! I'm Joshua Evangelio.. I remember, u were our school president way back in highschool. Ayt?? :)

Hi Joshua :-)

It's good to see you in this forum. Dami nga palang Agnesians here.hehe

Gian

fil07

May 10th, 2008, 04:00 PM

Arog tlga kaan???

@kuya Dex, pirmi ka baga online?

Yes. Nasa #40s na dati si Mayon kan nawara.

Mond87

May 11th, 2008, 09:46 AM

^^Aram ko ngani nag-abot paan sa #13. Garu man... Kaipuhan ba tlgang magparanominate? Bata iugakan ako... :(

Btw, masiramun mag-bikol sa forum. Unu kaya kung gibuhun ta ini ngunyan na semana? Kaso lang, bukun bawal na? Pero dai man ngani nasusunod... heheh...

iamjomar

May 11th, 2008, 07:35 PM

congratz sa taga legazpi nkalimutan ko name
ms eath-eco tourism po xa jejeje
napadaan lang.....

yoh_1

May 12th, 2008, 03:41 AM

^^
Yeah... congratz to Maria Venus Raj of Legazpi City for winning the Miss Philippines-Eco Tourism title this year! Gaganda ng mga contestants ah!! Even I was nervous during the question and answer portion. Wow, grabe! hehe... Anyway, yung nanalong Miss earth who represented Cebu city was also a former Agnesian. She was my batchmate.. And if I'm not mistaken, she's a good friend of Melody who just won the Miss Magayon title here in albay.
:nuts:

yoh_1

May 12th, 2008, 03:47 AM

Hi Joshua :-)

It's good to see you in this forum. Dami nga palang Agnesians here.hehe

Gian

Good to see you rin in this forum kuya..! :cheers:

[dx]

May 12th, 2008, 03:50 AM

Aquinas University (main building)
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2118/2482467700_85f5ed84e7_b.jpg
by detective_lance01 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/22390067@N03/)

[dx]

May 12th, 2008, 06:03 AM

PGMA makes pitch for Mayon in search for new 'Seven Wonders of the World' (http://www.pia.gov.ph/default.asp?m=12&r=&y=&mo=&fi=p080512.htm&no=03)

Legazpi City (12 May) -- Before the Camarines Water Complex, before Donsol in Sorsogon, before Caramoan in Camarines Sur -- all in the Bicol Region -- there was majestic Mount Mayon! Thus stressed President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo during her visit early this week to Bicol whose focus on developing the tourism industry has uplifted the economy of the region.

In 2001, Bicol was No. 2 in the roll of the country's poorest regions. Thanks to tourism and other economic activities in the area, Bicol has climbed out of the No. 2 slot to No. 4 under the Arroyo administration. "Kaya i-promote natin ang turismo ng Albay. After all, ano ba ang original tourism attraction ng Bicol? Walang iba kung hindi ang Mayon Volcano. Wala pa man Camarines Water Complex, wala pa man yung Donsol, wala pa man yung Caramoan, nandoon na yung Mayon Volcano," the President said.

Addressing a town fiesta in Albay -- home of the world-famous Mayon Volcano – the President called on the Bicolanos to lead the campaign for their hometown's tourist attraction to join the new batch of the Seven Wonders of the World. "Kaya Joey (Albay Governor Jose Salceda), magkampanya naman tayo para iboto yung Mayon Volcano as one of the world's new seven wonders. Dapat lahat ng mga taga-Albay, lahat ng mga taga-Bicol ay bomoto sa www.new7wonders.com para sa Mayon Volcano," the President urged the Albay residents.

She added: "Pero dahil kailangan bomoto kayo sa pito (in the list of choices), huwag niyong kalilimutan, bomoto rin kayo sa Tubattaha Reef (in Palawan), sa Chocolate Hills (in Bohol), at saka sa Puerto Princesa Underground River." Pointing out that Bicolandia belongs to the Central Philippines tourist belt which attracts 55 percent of tourists visiting the Philippines, the President said:

"Gusto natin pabilisin ang kaunlaran (all over Albay) hindi lamang sa pamamagitan ng palay, hindi lamang sa pamamagitan ng SEA-K (Self-Employment Assistance-Kaunlaran), tubig at kuryente, kundi na rin sa pag-unlad ng turismo dahil ang Bicol ay bahagi ng Central Philipines kung saan 55 percent ng mga turista sa ating bansa ay pumupunta sa Central Philippines."

On the part of the government, the Chief Executive vowed to provide tourists access to the country's attractions, including Mayon Volcano, just east of the Legaspi Airport. "Sa pagpa-unlad ng turismo, ang papel ng pamahalaan ay access – kalsada at paliparan. Ang kabutihan ng Mayon Volcano ay malapit na nga sa airport, maganda ang kalsada, at nasa Maharlika Highway.

"Pero dito sa Bicol, kung gusto nating dumiretso na ang mga turista dito mula sa ibang bansa, kailangan ng international airport," the President said, adding that the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) is acquiring the land pinpointed as the site of the proposed Legaspi International Airport. The international airport, which will service the entire Bicol Region, will be located on a picturesque plateau in Daraga, Albay – site of the famous Cagsawa Ruins at the northwest foot of Mount Mayon.

"Tamang-tama kasi yung Cagsawa Ruins, hindi ba nasa Daraga? Ang status ngayon, tinanong ko kay (DOTC) Secretary Lary Mendoza kagabi, binibili na yung lupa para sa ganon, kasi kung international airport, malaki yun, kaya binibili na yung lupa," the President said. "Kaya importante na masimulan natin ang international airport at maayos parati ang Maharlika Road," the President said.

Earlier, she had ordered the DOTC to rehabilitate the old Maharlika Road, the first national road network to connect the Philippine islands from Luzon – passing through the Bicol region's five mainland provinces -- to the western seaboard of the Visayas and Mindanao.

gurugeri

May 12th, 2008, 08:39 AM

;20596492']
Earlier, she had ordered the DOTC to rehabilitate the old Maharlika Road, the first national road network to connect the Philippine islands from Luzon – passing through the Bicol region's five mainland provinces -- to the western seaboard of the Visayas and Mindanao.

Five? Four.

[dx]

May 12th, 2008, 11:32 AM

St. Dominic de Guzman Church, Sto. Domingo, Albay
http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/4068/2281974970101626063awcrpt6.jpg
by ShereeBaldovino (http://community.webshots.com/user/ShereeBaldovino/profile)

[dx]

May 12th, 2008, 12:11 PM

Gazebo of Pristine Memorial Garden
http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/1646/9669793az3.jpg
by bongskie (http://www.panoramio.com/user/1654581)

Monsi

May 12th, 2008, 12:18 PM

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r244/Legazpeep/CamaligMayon2Palnog.jpg
^Roadside, from Palanog Cement Factory...

Monsi

May 12th, 2008, 12:20 PM

;20596492']PGMA makes pitch for Mayon in search for new 'Seven Wonders of the World' (http://www.pia.gov.ph/default.asp?m=12&r=&y=&mo=&fi=p080512.htm&no=03)

Legazpi City (12 May) -- Before the Camarines Water Complex, before Donsol in Sorsogon, before Caramoan in Camarines Sur -- all in the Bicol Region -- there was majestic Mount Mayon! Thus stressed President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo during her visit early this week to Bicol whose focus on developing the tourism industry has uplifted the economy of the region.

In 2001, Bicol was No. 2 in the roll of the country's poorest regions. Thanks to tourism and other economic activities in the area, Bicol has climbed out of the No. 2 slot to No. 4 under the Arroyo administration. "Kaya i-promote natin ang turismo ng Albay. After all, ano ba ang original tourism attraction ng Bicol? Walang iba kung hindi ang Mayon Volcano. Wala pa man Camarines Water Complex, wala pa man yung Donsol, wala pa man yung Caramoan, nandoon na yung Mayon Volcano," the President said.

Addressing a town fiesta in Albay -- home of the world-famous Mayon Volcano – the President called on the Bicolanos to lead the campaign for their hometown's tourist attraction to join the new batch of the Seven Wonders of the World. "Kaya Joey (Albay Governor Jose Salceda), magkampanya naman tayo para iboto yung Mayon Volcano as one of the world's new seven wonders. Dapat lahat ng mga taga-Albay, lahat ng mga taga-Bicol ay bomoto sa www.new7wonders.com para sa Mayon Volcano," the President urged the Albay residents.

She added: "Pero dahil kailangan bomoto kayo sa pito (in the list of choices), huwag niyong kalilimutan, bomoto rin kayo sa Tubattaha Reef (in Palawan), sa Chocolate Hills (in Bohol), at saka sa Puerto Princesa Underground River." Pointing out that Bicolandia belongs to the Central Philippines tourist belt which attracts 55 percent of tourists visiting the Philippines, the President said:

"Gusto natin pabilisin ang kaunlaran (all over Albay) hindi lamang sa pamamagitan ng palay, hindi lamang sa pamamagitan ng SEA-K (Self-Employment Assistance-Kaunlaran), tubig at kuryente, kundi na rin sa pag-unlad ng turismo dahil ang Bicol ay bahagi ng Central Philipines kung saan 55 percent ng mga turista sa ating bansa ay pumupunta sa Central Philippines."

On the part of the government, the Chief Executive vowed to provide tourists access to the country's attractions, including Mayon Volcano, just east of the Legaspi Airport. "Sa pagpa-unlad ng turismo, ang papel ng pamahalaan ay access – kalsada at paliparan. Ang kabutihan ng Mayon Volcano ay malapit na nga sa airport, maganda ang kalsada, at nasa Maharlika Highway.

"Pero dito sa Bicol, kung gusto nating dumiretso na ang mga turista dito mula sa ibang bansa, kailangan ng international airport," the President said, adding that the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) is acquiring the land pinpointed as the site of the proposed Legaspi International Airport. The international airport, which will service the entire Bicol Region, will be located on a picturesque plateau in Daraga, Albay – site of the famous Cagsawa Ruins at the northwest foot of Mount Mayon.

"Tamang-tama kasi yung Cagsawa Ruins, hindi ba nasa Daraga? Ang status ngayon, tinanong ko kay (DOTC) Secretary Lary Mendoza kagabi, binibili na yung lupa para sa ganon, kasi kung international airport, malaki yun, kaya binibili na yung lupa," the President said. "Kaya importante na masimulan natin ang international airport at maayos parati ang Maharlika Road," the President said.

Earlier, she had ordered the DOTC to rehabilitate the old Maharlika Road, the first national road network to connect the Philippine islands from Luzon – passing through the Bicol region's five mainland provinces -- to the western seaboard of the Visayas and Mindanao.

^I hope SLIA Alobo gets built before I'm retired, heheh... looks like Cebu Pacific can't wait for the inaugural flights there; in the meantime, its roots are growing deeper...here...
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r244/Legazpeep/CebuPacificBldgsite.jpg
^Too bad it will obstruct the view... soon...

[dx]

May 12th, 2008, 03:15 PM

looks like Cebu Pacific can't wait for the inaugural flights there; in the meantime, its roots are growing deeper...here...
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r244/Legazpeep/CebuPacificBldgsite.jpg
^Too bad it will obstruct the view... soon...

This move by Cebu Pacific to build their own building inside the airport premises could be in anticipation of more commercial flights to and from Legazpi. This is a great spot for 'plane-watching' though. I hope they would still leave some space for well-wishers or the plain 'usisero' hehe.

beecool

May 13th, 2008, 03:02 AM

i tried several times to access the 7 wonders site but can't find Mayon on list. help!

Mond87

May 14th, 2008, 11:10 AM

;20607497']This move by Cebu Pacific to build their own building inside the airport premises could be in anticipation of more commercial flights to and from Legazpi. This is a great spot for 'plane-watching' though. I hope they would still leave some space for well-wishers or the plain 'usisero' hehe.

OR maybe they could opt for a cafe where customers could still see the view. But whatever happens, I'm against that proposed building. maybe the Legazpi City Tourism Council could do something about it...

I agree w/ Monsi. The proposed airport in Daraga might not come into existence. It's been way too long since they started the buzz (back in the 90s) but it has never realized. I believe it might end up a hoax for I could now clearly see the new beautiful fences the current airport now has. But what's with the international airport anyway? back then, i used to debate on this and would fight for its cause but now i don't see any reason why it should be built.

Meanwhile, me and my friends sort of made a little tour around the city and I'm surprised there are developments and improvements particularly near the old la trinidad and then near the terminal. i've been seeing them before but I never felt this much progress before.

[dx]

May 14th, 2008, 02:38 PM

Albay at +/- 30,000 feet
http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/6599/img06781gy8.jpg
by bend1k (http://www.trekearth.com/members/bend1k/)

[dx]

May 14th, 2008, 06:56 PM

GMA News features: (click)

Magayon Street Dancing (http://www.gmanews.tv/largevideo/related/21828/Gimik-sa-Tag-init-Street-dancing-in-Albay-Bataan-N-Ecija)
Dhio Endheka Resort/Tuburan Hill (http://www.gmanews.tv/largevideo/related/21520/Gimik-sa-Tag-init-Summer-spots-in-Bicol)

Matteo

May 14th, 2008, 11:14 PM

i saw a video of a miss earth contest and the girl representing legazpi city was hot.
who was she?

kristelle lazaro was there too but she represented a place somewhere in pam,panga

[dx]

May 15th, 2008, 03:18 AM

i saw a video of a miss earth contest and the girl representing legazpi city was hot.
who was she?

kristelle lazaro was there too but she represented a place somewhere in pam,panga

http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/9586/dsc6620uw7.jpg

Winners from left to right:

Miss Philippines EcoTourism 2008 - Maria Venus B. Raj (Legazpi City)
Miss Philippines Water 2008 - Marian Michelle T. Oblea (Municipality of Obando)
Miss Philippines Earth 2008 - Karla Paula G. Henry (Cebu City)
Miss PAGCOR International Tourism Ambassadress - Melanie Felix (Filipino communities in East Coast, USA)
Miss Philippines Air 2008 - Marie Razel T. Eguia (Dipolog City)
Miss Philippines Fire 2008 - Ma. Kristelle M. Lazaro (Municipality of Candaba)

Source (http://digitalphotographer.com.ph/forum/showthread.php?p=401019#post401019)

Ei Matt, her name's Ma. Venus Raj, originally from Bato, Cam. Sur, I think, but studying in/graduated from BU.

^^
Yeah... congratz to Maria Venus Raj of Legazpi City for winning the Miss Philippines-Eco Tourism title this year! Gaganda ng mga contestants ah!! Even I was nervous during the question and answer portion. Wow, grabe! hehe... Anyway, yung nanalong Miss earth who represented Cebu city was also a former Agnesian. She was my batchmate.. And if I'm not mistaken, she's a good friend of Melody who just won the Miss Magayon title here in albay.
:nuts:

hmm. so 3 pala ang Bicolana/Part-Bicolana/or at least connected to Bicol. wehehe

gurugeri

May 16th, 2008, 05:57 AM

i saw a video of a miss earth contest and the girl representing legazpi city was hot.
who was she?

kristelle lazaro was there too but she represented a place somewhere in pam,panga

Yes, it was confusing that she represented Candaba, Pampanga. In her Binibini stint, she represented Daraga. She lives in Marikina. Haha. I didn't like her until the Q and A.

The one who represented Legazpi is actually from Buhi, a third year journalism major at BU. I wanted her to win. She was soooo classy during the long gown portion. Her final Q and A was not as good as the others' though.

gurugeri

May 16th, 2008, 05:58 AM

;20692458']http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/9586/dsc6620uw7.jpg

Source (http://digitalphotographer.com.ph/forum/showthread.php?p=401019#post401019)

Ei Matt, her name's Ma. Venus Raj, originally from Bato, Cam. Sur, I think, but studying in/graduated from BU.

hmm. so 3 pala ang Bicolana/Part-Bicolana/or at least connected to Bicol. wehehe

Four. There was someone from Irosin. Only Venus made the cut.

gurugeri

May 16th, 2008, 06:00 AM

;20667742']Albay at +/- 30,000 feet
http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/6599/img06781gy8.jpg
by bend1k (http://www.trekearth.com/members/bend1k/)

Wow, I love this shot! Eastern Albay?

Monsi

May 16th, 2008, 07:13 AM

Monsi

May 16th, 2008, 07:23 AM

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r244/Legazpeep/DSC03478.jpg
^Embarcadero last Saturday...

Monsi

May 16th, 2008, 07:31 AM

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r244/Legazpeep/DSC03725.jpg
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r244/Legazpeep/DSC03713.jpg
Early early Sunday morning, Legazpi Airport...

Monsi

May 16th, 2008, 07:40 AM

Penaranda Street...
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r244/Legazpeep/DSC03500.jpg
^Mickey's family's hotel (Xandra)

[dx]

May 16th, 2008, 07:42 AM

^Western... there's Panganiran Bay to the right and Pantao left side... shot before sunrise...(I once took the same shots 11 years ago aboard a PAL Airbus A300B4 on an early morning flight to Cebu).

Alternate Road, Legazpi City High School, left side, PNP HQ, blue building middle, and behind the Coastway Building is the new LCC Supermarket...
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r244/Legazpeep/DSC03750.jpg
^Taken yesterday afternoon...not so flattering, what with those canal trash, but what I'd like to show is the clearing of the informal settlers, making this part of Alternate Road way way wider. It just takes political will. I hope the City Engineer's Office will do the same from the Railroad Crossing, Washington Drive, right side of the road to LTO Albay. They've done that also along Lakandula Drive; the problem is haphazard implementation. Dapat, implement full 15 meter road right-of-way.

lol. natawa ako sa nasa motorcycle. mahuhulog na yung nasa likod :lol:

Anyway, this area is buzzing with activity/construction. It's good that they are widening the road here, maybe in anticipation of the new integrated bus terminal. They're also widening the road shoulder at the junction of Bogtong Road and Peñaranda Extension in Bonot. I wish they would rename Tahao Road and Alternate Road, though. hehe. Parang napaka generic ng current name.

Thanks for the Embarcadero update. Looks like the site is well on its way for the 08.08.08 (August 8, 2008) opening.

@gurugeri. taga-Buhi pala sya, i thought Bato, hehe. maybe kristelle is half-kapampangan.

beecool

May 16th, 2008, 08:19 AM

hey mga peeps,
make sure to watch this new show called MAG, i guess short for magazine on ABS/CBN TFC for overseas viewers.
They will feature Legazpi. it's gonna air on Sunday before ASAP. not sure of the time though. it would be nice if somebody can tape it and download on You Tube, so other people can watch it too.
thanks and have a great weekend.

[dx]

May 16th, 2008, 09:41 AM

Penaranda Street...
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r244/Legazpeep/DSC03500.jpg
^Mickey's family's hotel (Xandra)

hmm. what happened to mickey? paging mickey. hehe. BTW, there's a large rendering (in full color) of the new St. Ellis Hotel displayed prominently on the facade of the building. There's also a new bank just across the street from the hotel. I'll try to get a pic. Meanwhile, the new Kamiseta store at Pacific Mall will open today.

hey mga peeps,
make sure to watch this new show called MAG, i guess short for magazine on ABS/CBN TFC for overseas viewers.
They will feature Legazpi. it's gonna air on Sunday before ASAP. not sure of the time though. it would be nice if somebody can tape it and download on You Tube, so other people can watch it too.
thanks and have a great weekend.

Ok, we'll watch out for it. :okay:

olineil

May 16th, 2008, 02:43 PM

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r244/Legazpeep/DSC03478.jpg
^Embarcadero last Saturday...

Nice! Its now taking shape. I'd like to see the lighthouse tower being built though. Anybody has an idea when are they gonna start it? Hope they are not gonna do it last or put as a last priority incase budget doesn't allow. That is the ICON of this edifice. Its about time that someone constructed an iconic structure in the city. Hopefully this will start a new revolution on construction in the city, like how pacific mall started the "COLOR" revolution after its operation. Hehehehe...

eonynx

May 16th, 2008, 04:55 PM

^^congrats legaspi city! you're ssc's banner for the day!:) beautiful!

SUV111

May 16th, 2008, 06:11 PM

congrats!!!! nice!!! the natural skyscraper of Legaspi!!! the Majestic Mayon :)

iloilocitykid

May 17th, 2008, 06:28 AM

^^congrats legaspi city! you're ssc's banner for the day!:) beautiful!

This happened twice already..:)

gurugeri

May 18th, 2008, 09:11 AM

;20736123']

@gurugeri. taga-Buhi pala sya, i thought Bato, hehe. maybe kristelle is half-kapampangan.

Hello sorry whatever was I thinking? Taga-Bato sya. Hehe!

gurugeri

May 18th, 2008, 09:22 AM

It seems that nobody among the Legazpi/Albay forumers knew that Legazpi was the banner yesterday! Haha!

Mond87

May 18th, 2008, 11:01 AM

I knew and I saw it, guru! I just don't know what to post. heheh.... :D

[dx]

May 19th, 2008, 02:28 AM

It seems that nobody among the Legazpi/Albay forumers knew that Legazpi was the banner yesterday! Haha!

I knew and I saw it, guru! I just don't know what to post. heheh.... :D

hehe. actually twice na na-feature - Last April 17 and last Saturday. Hindi lang daw na update ng forum admin kaya naulit ang Legazpi banner. You can view previously featured banners here --> SkyscraperCity Banner Archives (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=507745)

[dx]

May 19th, 2008, 03:27 AM

Hotel St. Ellis construction/renovation in full swing

http://img93.imageshack.us/img93/6287/1000537cy3.jpg

http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/4092/1000538vl8.jpg

Almost got into trouble when i took these photos. Thanks to the building administrators for allowing me to take pictures. If ever you get to read this, rest assured that we all support this new development (or any developments within the city) that's why we want the world to know about it through pictures/articles/blogs. We love Legazpi. :)

Meanwhile:

A new bank just a few meters across St. Ellis

http://img146.imageshack.us/img146/5279/1000536jb6.jpg

[dx]

May 19th, 2008, 03:51 AM

Hotel St. Ellis
As of 5.19.08

http://i25.tinypic.com/24bw3dz.jpg

Monsi

May 19th, 2008, 07:18 AM

Mond87

May 19th, 2008, 08:43 AM

hey guys, has anybody here seen the cherry tree beside the capitol? It was really blooming...

Mond87

May 19th, 2008, 08:47 AM

Comments about monsi's pic...

1) the expressway would provide views even the majority of albayanos have never seen before. who knows how good-looking that side of albay really is? Maybe it could attract tourists to visit those areas. however, I don't think it would really be that much used coz of its relative remoteness and its likelihood to be a long-cut rather than a shortcut.

2)the alternate site for the airport seems too remote as well... i don't even know if that area would be safe as well...

Just my thoughts though... heheh...

Monsi

May 19th, 2008, 10:20 AM

Goku_25

May 19th, 2008, 10:50 AM

Just fantasy...Albay 2020...
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r244/Legazpeep/WestAlbay.jpg
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r244/Legazpeep/FunchalOverview.jpg
^Like Cubi Point/Subic International Airport, Funchal in Madeira is hewn from seaside land feature (a point, a peninsula); I was also thinking of Maslog in Legazpi...

Hey that Pilar-Donson-Pio Duran-Pantao-Pasacao-Pamplona Expressway should connect to SLEX Naga Extension (if proposed) in the future. That would be an alternative route from lava-prone highways.

[dx]

May 19th, 2008, 11:12 AM

That's why it's fantasy...and it's long term, i.e., 2020.
What I'd like to show is, Albay has room for growth... and the western seaboard is best for longterm development as it is open to the Visayas, and a good distance away from Mayon. I know as a citizen of Daraga you'd like to see Alobo rise; I do, too, as a compromise. However, longterm, we have to move West... while it is not yet developed; i.e., you can do whatever you want there with no fences or walls to demolish. There' s this adage...built it and they'll come.

I agree. hehe. We should look at the long-term effects/benefits not just the immediate. The question is, where can the Albay government get the funds needed to accomplish its future plans? That's why I am for federalism. It's about time Albay gets the bulk, if not all of the profit from its rich geothermal resources.

Mond87

May 19th, 2008, 12:06 PM

That's why it's fantasy...and it's long term, i.e., 2020.
What I'd like to show is, Albay has room for growth... and the western seaboard is best for longterm development as it is open to the Visayas, and a good distance away from Mayon. I know as a citizen of Daraga you'd like to see Alobo rise; I do, too, as a compromise. However, longterm, we have to move West... while it is not yet developed; i.e., you can do whatever you want there with no fences or walls to demolish. There' s this adage...built it and they'll come.

Yeah I know but since we're talking about future, any fantasy can be a reality. and besides, we get to talk about something! :) Anyways, I still think the west should not be touched. At least, we need it for environmental purposes. Don't touch it and we myt get more oxygen... That's how I think it is. All but opinion there...

[dx]

May 19th, 2008, 04:54 PM

Kamiseta - Pacific Mall opening
Photos by Yves (http://yves188.multiply.com/photos/photo/108/3)

http://images.yves188.multiply.com/image/3/photos/108/orig/3/_MG_4642.jpg?et=bwhqvj%2BXv4a5A4Wtq6K1MQ&nmid=96508558

http://images.yves188.multiply.com/image/3/photos/108/orig/9/_MG_4653.jpg?et=8zMIhBjW6TqlyhdMQBccKA&nmid=96508558
The Ms. Magayon winners

http://images.yves188.multiply.com/image/3/photos/108/orig/18/_MG_4668.jpg?et=l%2CYxY1DdJbMvJYo7jdLR7g&nmid=96508558

Matteo

May 19th, 2008, 08:11 PM

dex, that winbank spot, wasnt that the site of robertsons dept store before?
and that quick n hearty building, are they renovating it thats why its all boarded up?

[dx]

May 20th, 2008, 01:07 AM

dex, that winbank spot, wasnt that the site of robertsons dept store before?
and that quick n hearty building, are they renovating it thats why its all boarded up?

Nope. The former Robertson is directly in front of the bank. The Quick N' Hearty building is being occupied by a medical transcription company.

[dx]

May 20th, 2008, 01:23 AM

Your Brother Travel & Tours launching two months ago
Photos by Yves (http://yves188.multiply.com/)

http://images.yves188.multiply.com/image/3/photos/111/orig/1/IMG_1588.jpg?et=uq688jM8%2BylwMMDYb7fklg&nmid=96623450

http://images.yves188.multiply.com/image/3/photos/111/orig/2/IMG_1589.jpg?et=xQfgDiy0Fa8so8HccUGqEQ&nmid=96623450

http://images.yves188.multiply.com/image/3/photos/111/orig/15/IMG_1607.jpg?et=J%2CKhAUvIrf9eknXArvbJsw&nmid=96623450

http://images.yves188.multiply.com/image/3/photos/111/orig/17/IMG_1618.jpg?et=1MGuslWyXc73mlR62195Fg&nmid=96623450

http://images.yves188.multiply.com/image/4/photos/111/orig/16/IMG_1617.jpg?et=mmdZsuyOg%2B%2BOZj8%2CLclU9A&nmid=96623450

BTW, Sunwest is going full blast in advertising and promoting Embarcadero. There are a number of large Embarcadero billboards and banners around the city. I hope someone takes a shot of one. :okay:

Monsi

May 20th, 2008, 06:13 AM

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r244/Legazpeep/DSC03777.jpg

Monsi

May 20th, 2008, 06:14 AM

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r244/Legazpeep/DSC03782.jpg

Monsi

May 20th, 2008, 06:15 AM

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r244/Legazpeep/DSC03781.jpg

Monsi

May 20th, 2008, 06:16 AM

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r244/Legazpeep/DSC03785.jpg

Sinjin P.

May 20th, 2008, 09:17 AM

Please vote for your favorite entries in the 2008 Philippine Independence Day Banner Contest here: http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=630569

me_mickey

May 20th, 2008, 09:55 AM

hey guys I'm back after a looooong time...

Anyway, I love the quick developments in my home city and i would love to go back and witness it myself. With the city's recent face lift, which is occurring as we speak, I hope our city is gaining more and more popularity as a great destination and vacation spot.

The site banner featuring the Legazpi skyline was fantastic! And it happened twice, it's a really good feeling to see it be among very beautiful cities like Dubai, Shanghai, New York, Paris etc. Today Metro Manila is featured, and I AM in Metro Manila right now.

The Embarcadero (de Legazpi) is taking shape and I'm really glad for that. In some pics, the place looks small, but it isn't small, right?

The roads widening, commercial constructions here and there, beauty pageant winner(s), and vibrant events show the action that can happen to a really potent beautiful city like Legazpi City.

Let's admit it, IT'S GREAT!

[dx]

May 20th, 2008, 11:21 AM

Here's a very interesting blog post about a climb to Mayon Volcano's summit. It's kinda long but it's a good read. :)

My First Mountain - Mayon Volcano (http://travelcentralph.blogspot.com/2008/05/my-first-mountain-mayon-volcano.html)

http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/4256/mayon3lb3.jpg

So, Mayon Volcano. That one with the nearest perfect cone and rising at more than 8,000 feet was going to be my first taste of mountaineering. I nearly begged off but Ping (God Bless his soul) assured me that I could do it. Well, he told me that, so maybe I could really do it!

Going to Legaspi City in Albay Province was sort of a breeze. If not for the frequent stops, I would have slept like a baby during those 12 hours of travel from Manila.

In Legaspi City I had a quick breakfast and proceeded to the DOT office. There I watched the mountaineers start coming in. Many of them were students based in Legaspi City and they all had with them those prominent backpacks filled to the brim. They all had three days’ worth of clothing. They had sleeping bags and tents neatly packed in. They also had numerous liters of water, stove and food! Lots of them! The only thing I had in my backpack was my sleeping bag and my tent which were lousily packed. My food? I had one loaf bread, cheese, one can each of corned beef and sardines and one liter of water. The last item was my most precious possession – my instamatic camera.

I was watching them guys and one by one they started noticing me. I was wearing brand new trekking shoes! Almost all of them were wearing old shoes. Many were not even fit for hiking .

At that point I became very conscious. Had they realized that there was a neophyte in their midst? I kept hearing comments on my shoes and that it will be destroyed by the mountain. Sayang daw. I just hoped that they were just envious of my brand new shoes. If they would only mind their own business and just laugh inside and ponder at my future for the next three days.

Everybody belonged to a group or a mountaineering club. Me? I was a guest of the DOT regional office. It was too late when I realized that we were all guests of the DOT. Each group should be self-contained. They must have enough tents, water and food for the entire trip. Luckily, I met four other guys who were like me. Two (Buboy and his friend) were students based in Legaspi City, one (Elmer) was a local and unemployed guy; and the last was Tony Banks from New Zealand. I guess it was one of those laws – “lost souls stick together”. We saw each other and immediately clicked. I found a group! I realized later that having your own group or a buddy is crucial in mountaineering. First, you are never lonely, and second is that there is a support group that can elevate your confidence. And many times, a buddy separates the thin line between giving up and pushing on and making your conquest.

The Hike

I thought I was already prepared. The hike started quite far from the base of the volcano. We walked over a gully and it took us about two hours before I felt a change in the slope of the trail. Aside from the gully, the trail crossed through tall cogon grasses and open spaces. The sun was nearing its maximum intensity and I felt like melting in the middle of the trail. It was Day 1 and we were not even near Camp 1. I had four leg cramps, two on each leg. I wanted to quit. But I was already in the middle of nowhere. It was a good thing that Buboy was always there and waited for me during cramp attacks. I kept saying, ‘I can do it, I can’t quit, God help me, and aguuy!. By lunchtime we finally reached Camp 1. There I saw more than 100 guys who joined the activity. Some were having lunch and a few were already on their way to Camp 2. My water was almost gone and I still have two and a half days to go. Then sounding like a voice from heaven, somebody said that there was a water source nearby. Buboy and I immediately raced there. And as we were going, somebody shouted, ‘bring a straw!’ A what?!

A straw!… The water source was only about 100 meters from Camp 1. It was neither a river nor a spring. It was solidified lava where indentions were formed and became water traps. “It rained the previous night so it’s a fresh supply of water’, somebody said. The traps were not big and most of them can only hold about a cup of water. A straw was really a necessity. I had a bottle to fill so I jumped from one trap to another filling the bottle using its cap. Anyway, I had a water-purifying tablet with me. It is also better that way than picking up a pebble later on and putting it in my mouth like a candy to induce salivation (A.K.A. emergency water).

The trail between Camp1 and Camp 2 was unimaginable. I thought that Mayon was forested. Instead, we walked over a frozen lava flow. And the steep incline was constant. I looked forward and everything was going up. I looked back and everything was going down. There was no flat land (or lava). I kept reminding myself that I cannot afford to make a slip. I would continuously roll down hundreds of meters and stop maybe at Camp 1. It was a good thing that the lava trail was dry and my brand new trekking shoes held good.

Along the trail, I occasionally encountered Manila-based mountaineering groups like the Ayala Mountaineers led by Alex Abaygar. His companions were mostly ladies and they all carried heavy backpacks. I watched them negotiate the trail and I sometimes imitated their steps.

About halfway through to Camp 2 the temperature changed. From tropical heat, it became refreshingly cool with occasional wisps of very cold wind. But my burden did not lighten. As I continuously sagged, my legs and load became heavier. It was during this time of difficulty that the human species can invent something just to survive. That time I learned that a mantra can help you stay focused and remove your attention from the pain and difficulty of the activity. My mantra was actually a song that was famous at that time. It was a rap made by Andrew E with these lines:

‘Guess what you know last night
Yo! It was the best!
I met na pretty Girl na taga IS….’

Man, I must have sung that song in my head for about 500 times.

On with the trail.

Although it seemed like an avenue from afar, the lava trail was really a jumble of huge rocks and rough surfaces. Some really difficult ones were the walls that seemed to have ‘no entry’ signs painted all over them. They were not insurmountable, though. There was always a way through those walls. Small ledges can be used as holds or steps as one negotiates the wall. But if you consider that those ledges are no more than six inches thick and that if you fall, you go straight down to about 30 feet before making a continuous roll of about 1,000 meters, then you must find a way to contain your fear.

Yes. Fear is your constant companion. And sometimes, that fear can overwhelm you and that there is a mountaineering term for it – your balls race towards your throat.

I also learned a lot along the trail. Ping showed me that the very thin vegetation in Mayon Volcano can actually nourish me. There were small, black berries the size of peas and wild strawberries along the trail. Yum! Actually, its yum if you picked the right fruit. There are other fruits that are similar to the edible berries and miniature strawberries only they don’t taste near any delicious nor edible entrée.

Camp 2 was where we settled for the night. It was an elevated area bisected by the lava flow. Colorful tents popped up on the inclined earth and those with mountaineering stoves started cooking their own dinner. The five of us prepared our tent. Yes, my tent that can comfortably hold two persons. There were five of us. Of course, there was a solution in this kind of predicament. Four of us slept inside (sideways only), one would sit outside. Every two or three hours, one of us inside came out and replace the one outside. Neat, no? Dinnertime, we had two cans of sardines, one can of pork and beans and a loaf of bread. Camp 2 was also the place where we got news. At this point, I found out that about a third of the climbers went back (must be neophytes!) and numerous others were thinking twice whether to continue the following day or head back. I also saw heart-breaking scenes. There was a lady who was so weak that her legs seemed like vegetables. The moment she attempted to stand, her legs collapsed. She was crying. The leaders made a decision. She was to be portered back the next morning. What? Portered. A local will carry her on his back and go down to Camp 1 where medical help was available. I suddenly felt pity for the local porter. She must have weighted at least 100 pounds. Can he really carry her down through dangerous trails? The Leaders assured me that he can. He can definitely do it.

Halfway through dinner, I had the creeping fear that I was again running out of water. Again, the heavens answered my concern. Ping suddenly appeared and gave me a liter of water. I felt like a guest then!

Just as we were about to call it a night, George Cordovilla, one of the leaders and the president of MAENOC, a local mountaineering club, stopped by our campsite. He had numerous fresh bruises and contusions. A little asking and we were in for a great story. He was walking at Camp 2 and he suddenly slipped. Remember the incline and the continuous roll? It happened to him. The slip caused George to roll down to numerous meters, Had it not been for his presence of mind and his mountaineering experience, he could have had a mangled body or a splattered brain. To save his precious head as he rolled down, he looked at where gravity would bring him. As he was about to land face first, he pushed his head upwards, if he would land on his back, he lurched his head and made sure that it did not hit solid ground; if there was a rock he deftly used his hands to push his body from the rock. As he finished his story, I thought that he was great. Then I became worried. If that happened to me I guess I would be singing heavenly songs and playing a harp by now.

Sleep time came and I realized another thing about mountains. Up tha’ar on those mountains are freezing temperatures. I had a sleeping bag but I guess that was not enough. My body shook a little bit the whole night. Tony, the New Zealander was quite worried. I got through it but I could not believe that hypothermia can mean a great deal in warm countries like the Philippines.

Day 2

We were greeted by a slight, warm sunlight. Buboy was already up and about and gave me some of his warm coffee. I did not care how he got hold of that coffee but its taste certainly woke up my whole system. It was going to be an assault of the peak and the only things that we had to bring were food and water. Everything else was left at the campsite. To help all of us find the right trail, small flags were set up. It was very important to follow the flags to avoid wandering off and going to a deadly crevasse. A cut-off time was established. If by 11:00 AM and you were not at the peak, you have to go back to Camp 2. Timing was very critical. Everybody had to be back to Camp 2 by nightfall. Night trekking in Mayon was like making you life hang by a thread.

On the way to the assault of the peak, the trail changed. We did not step on frozen lava anymore but on loose scree or rocks with varied sizes. This time, the level of care was multiplied. We could not just walk; we had to crawl and held on to rocks very carefully. Any mistake of dislodging a rock or even a pebble could mean one thing – a rock fall. This is the scene – if a climber carelessly steps on a rock and it dislodges, the rock rolls down, at it rolls down, it dislodges other rocks. Lucky if the event stops after a few meters. Sometimes though, fist-sized rocks would eventually dislodge another rock the size of a car. In Mayon, if a rock fall happens, somebody would shout’ “Rock!” and everybody looks up. Unfortunately, everybody is in precarious situation. He cannot go left nor right fast enough, there are no trees to use as shields, he can’t even run lest he creates another rock fall event. What he can do is to watch where the rocks are heading. If they are small enough, he’ll just use his arms to shield his head. But if the rocks are big, he would just duck, swing his body, jump over the biggest rock, or pray to God that he live through the event.

It was also here that I learned the three-point system. Of the two hands and feet, three of them must be secured first before one finds a place to hold or step on. It was effective. In fact, it might have saved a lot of lives in the loose rocks section. Try to imagine this: you’re trying to move upward; you have one of your hands and both feet firmly planted. You hold on to a rock to move upward. Suddenly, the rock is dislodged! What will you do? You can’t throw it down – it will cause a rock fall. The only thing left to do is to return the rock to its former position and (thank God you did not fall) try to find another hold.

A crucial point came for many of us – the Knife’s Edge. When I came to this point, there were already numerous people sitting just right before the Knife’s Edge. I asked around. Elmer, one of my group mates, answered that they have had enough. What?!! We were only about 300 meters to the Peak! I saw those who passed through this point and they looked like colorful ants making their way to conquest. I looked at the Knife’s Edge and saw that the trail was only about a meter wide. A rope was conveniently tied to add to our confidence. But the sheer drop simply drained whatever was left of the courage of many of the guys. On both sides were seemingly vertical drops of thousands of feet. I looked down and I almost lost it. I too, wanted to back out. It was a good thing that Tony’s eyes and mine met. They actually talked! He gave me a nod and right there and then I knew I will reach the Peak of Mayon!

Okay, so my balls raced up my throat again. In fact, they raced up a lot of times. Those colorful ‘ants’ with me included were creeping along a narrow ledge. At one time, I thought that if I died there, it would be much faster for me to reach Heaven since I was already 8,000 feet above flat grounds. The last frightening moment of the climb was when we had to pull up ourselves over a ledge. The only hold I found was a piece of frozen lava no more than an inch thick. I held on to it, closed my eyes and prayed that angels would heave me up. What do you know? The next time I opened my eyes I was only about 50 meters from the crater over an easy path.

Victory at last! We reached the crater, snapped some photos and smelled the sweet scent of sulfuric air (actually, it smelled like rotten eggs).

The descent was less than eventful but full of high spirits. We reached camp 2 at about 4:00 P.M. and decided to stay there for the night. The more experienced ones went down all the way to Camp 1. Since there were fewer tents already, we decided to transfer our tent to a better place, at the other side of the gully. Nighttime came and some very tired hikers were still coming in by trickles. It was the same story as the first night. We were crammed, I shuddered and Tony was worried. At one time, we heard a loud noise of huge rocks rolling. We listened. No shouts came. No one was hit. We then slept soundly. Morning came and the topic of the day was about the rock fall the previous night. Somebody said he saw the rocks and they fortunately hit a place where nobody was camped. He then pointed at the exact spot where the rocks rolled over. Tony, Elmer, Buboy and I looked at each other. That was our campsite.

Source (http://travelcentralph.blogspot.com/2008/05/my-first-mountain-mayon-volcano.html)

[dx]

May 20th, 2008, 11:38 AM

Here are some scans of the Embarcadero (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=548449) brochure

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/embarcadero1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/embarcadero2.jpg

[dx]

May 20th, 2008, 11:39 AM

Embarcadero IT Park
scans of the Embarcadero (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=548449) brochure

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/embarcadero5.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/embarcadero6.jpg

Matteo

May 20th, 2008, 08:05 PM

thanks for the scans/photos dex. also thank you to monsi for embarcadero photos.
you think they could really finish it in time for their planned august opening?
any updates on mih?

[dx]

May 21st, 2008, 03:35 AM

^hope so. 8.8.8 is supposed to be an auspicious date according to feng shui right? (or whatever, i'm not sure lols) so i guess they are really aiming to finish at least phase 1 by that date. i think MIH is still being gutted (i don't know if it's the right term. as seen in @monsi's previous pics they're probably taking out everything from inside the building to make way for the renovations) this calls for an update on mih, right sir monsi? :D :D thanks in advance!

Meanwhile:

Albay province to allocate P12-M for salary increase of its employees (http://positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Cities_And_Towns_23/Albay_province_to_allocate_P12-M_for_salary_increase_of_its_employees.shtml)
By Mike dela Rama

LEGAZPI CITY, May 21 (PNA) -- The provincial legislative body of Albay is set to pass a supplemental budget of P12 million for the salary adjustment of all provincial government employees. Albay board member Raul Borejon, chairman of the committee on budget and appropriation, said the P12 million budget will be used for the adjustment of bonuses, PhilHealth and Pag-ibig contributions and monetization for leave credits.

“The source of fund will be derived from our savings and it was already certified by the Department of Finance,” Borejon said. Borejon said that starting July, all employees, except those with job-order status, will receive 10-percent salary increase.

Earlier, Albay Gov. Joey Salceda has requested the members of the provincial legislative body to consider as urgent measure the passage of a supplemental budget for the salary increase. Borejon has assured the employees of provincial government that a separate savings has been set aside for the Christmas bonus of employees including those with job-order status. The Albay province has 978 employees including co-terminus and elective officials.

Monsi

May 21st, 2008, 06:08 AM

You're welcome, Matt... Dex, I don't see much progress with MIH, maybe work's ongoing behind the fenced site... perhaps they'll waiting for the concrete top deck to cure...
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r244/Legazpeep/RizalStreetNearStAgnes.jpg
^Rizal Street near St. Agnes' Academy at dusk...

gurugeri

May 21st, 2008, 11:29 AM

I can't wait to see the real thing!

gurugeri

May 21st, 2008, 11:30 AM

By the way, what used to be Daraga'a Equittable PCI Bank is now Banco de Oro.

[dx]

May 21st, 2008, 11:50 AM

Rainbow Warrior docks at Albay with the message: 'Quit coal, save the climate’
May 21,2008

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3240/2510268011_6542cc1b94_o.jpg
Photo by Green Peace Southeast Asia (http://www.flickr.com/photos/gpsea/)

The embarcadero is visible behind the ship. :okay:

[dx]

May 21st, 2008, 11:52 AM

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r244/Legazpeep/DSC03785.jpg

;20828266']Hotel St. Ellis construction/renovation in full swing

http://i25.tinypic.com/24bw3dz.jpg

http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/4092/1000538vl8.jpg

In the rendering, the top part of the new hotel looks like it has a wide expanse of glass. The embarcadero will be visible from the hotel as well. Two Misibis Land/Sunwest projects saying hello to each other. lol :okay:

Monsi

May 21st, 2008, 12:35 PM

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r244/Legazpeep/Lakandula2Penaranda.jpg
^Lakandula Drive road shoulder concreting and drainage project...

kevinb

May 21st, 2008, 12:42 PM

By the way, what used to be Daraga'a Equittable PCI Bank is now Banco de Oro.

That's because of the recent merger. I love the renderrings for the Embarcadero! :okay:

jady

May 21st, 2008, 03:22 PM

A lot of improvements going on in
legazpi ey? Cant wait to be back there!!! See you all in August!!!!!!!!:banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:

axel(08)brixx

May 21st, 2008, 03:32 PM

hmmm at madami na ring Mid - Rise Building..^8^ Napakaunlad na ng Bicolandia ^8^V

Mond87

May 21st, 2008, 04:14 PM

A lot of improvements going on in
legazpi ey? Cant wait to be back there!!! See you all in August!!!!!!!!:banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:

sayang... nasa manila na ako kaan. ate jady, baby niyo po???

jady

May 22nd, 2008, 04:32 AM

yes mond! She'll be 3 months by the time we get there. My relos are very excited to meet her already especially her lolo nd lola. She is their very 1st apo.

From Ozland with love!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Mond87

May 22nd, 2008, 11:27 AM

^^Good to hear that, ate jady!!! :)

Matteo

May 22nd, 2008, 11:43 PM

;20907677']In the rendering, the top part of the new hotel looks like it has a wide expanse of glass. The embarcadero will be visible from the hotel as well. Two Misibis Land/Sunwest projects saying hello to each other. lol :okay:

isnt that the ballroom up on the top floor?
wonder if theyre gonna keep the movie theater in there (la trinidad days)
i remember watching Casper duon heheee

Monsi

May 23rd, 2008, 11:36 AM

b15lW30991Y

Monsi

May 23rd, 2008, 11:58 AM

A webfind...
99nnmV6grVw
^...I'd passed through Changi, thrice, but never once through Kai Tak...I think the approach to Runway 06 above downtown Daraga must have approximated the experience...

[dx]

May 23rd, 2008, 06:34 PM

The View from Lignon Hill

By day:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3104/2510215311_5a7bac136b_o.jpg
by a|x photography (http://flickr.com/photos/25846344@N05/)

By night:

http://images.yves188.multiply.com/image/4/photos/110/orig/85/_MG_4488.jpg?et=BeTxSwJ5z0Se3zXof198xw&nmid=96523676
by Yves (http://yves188.multiply.com)

Monsi

May 24th, 2008, 05:17 AM

Cebu Pacific Airbus A319, May 11, 2008
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r244/Legazpeep/DSC03713.jpg
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r244/Legazpeep/PALB727papalplanetoLegazpi.jpg
^Philippine Airlines Boeing 727 February 21, 1981

gurugeri

May 24th, 2008, 05:31 AM

I love the first picture! Beautifoooool! Ganda ng kuha!

Mond87

May 24th, 2008, 02:31 PM

for me, the 2nd pic is great!

Mond87

May 24th, 2008, 02:32 PM

isnt that the ballroom up on the top floor?
wonder if theyre gonna keep the movie theater in there (la trinidad days)
i remember watching Casper duon heheee

so u're stil here in '95?

Monsi

May 26th, 2008, 02:37 AM

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r244/Legazpeep/DSC03845.jpg
^At dusk yesterday...

Mond87

May 26th, 2008, 04:49 AM

I really miss Legazpi... :(

Monsi

May 26th, 2008, 06:15 AM

^...pag CPA ka na, magpa cheese burger ka naman (a Legazpi-SSC mini-meet) here... heheh
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r244/Legazpeep/DSC03833.jpg
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r244/Legazpeep/DSC03848.jpg

Monsi

May 26th, 2008, 06:16 AM

Taken May 20...
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r244/Legazpeep/DSC03798.jpg

gurugeri

May 26th, 2008, 10:15 AM

for me, the 2nd pic is great!

Did you mean the pictures of Legazpi taken from the hill? It's waht I meant. :)

gurugeri

May 26th, 2008, 10:17 AM

I really miss Legazpi... :(

So you're now in Manila for the cpa exams? Good luck, boy!

olineil

May 26th, 2008, 07:20 PM

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r244/Legazpeep/DSC03833.jpg

I can see scafoldings of what seems to be a sign that the lighthouse tower is on the way. Can anyone confirm? I'm excited.

Monsi

May 27th, 2008, 02:44 AM

^I think it is...by mid- late June we'll clearly see if it is indeed...
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r244/Legazpeep/EmbarcaderoICTowers.jpg

allan_dude

May 27th, 2008, 02:47 AM

;21007524']
http://images.yves188.multiply.com/image/4/photos/110/orig/85/_MG_4488.jpg?et=BeTxSwJ5z0Se3zXof198xw&nmid=96523676
by Yves (http://yves188.multiply.com)

Ang cute pala ni Yves! :lol:

[dx]

May 27th, 2008, 04:44 AM

http://img112.imageshack.us/img112/7149/emblateralfs8.jpg

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r244/Legazpeep/DSC03845.jpg
^At dusk yesterday...

^...pag CPA ka na, magpa cheese burger ka naman (a Legazpi-SSC mini-meet) here... heheh
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r244/Legazpeep/DSC03848.jpg

[dx]

May 27th, 2008, 04:48 AM

Cebu Pacific Airbus A319, May 11, 2008
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r244/Legazpeep/PALB727papalplanetoLegazpi.jpg
^Philippine Airlines Boeing 727 February 21, 1981

^Nice find. The first pope to ever set foot in Bicol. :okay:

isnt that the ballroom up on the top floor?
wonder if theyre gonna keep the movie theater in there (la trinidad days)
i remember watching Casper duon heheee

hehe. yeah, i wonder what they're gonna do with the movie theater. i remember watching my first movie there with my brothers + cousin (i was probably 8 or 9). medyo action yung movie with lots of flying and stuff, forgot the title. nalula ako. haha

***
Ang cute pala ni Yves! :lol:

^that's not him. ;)

Mond87

May 27th, 2008, 05:33 AM

Did you mean the pictures of Legazpi taken from the hill? It's waht I meant. :)

basta yung luma.

@monsi, cheeseburgers are nice. pero pwede ring siopao from siopao factory. just pray for me please!!! it's a really huge hurdle!!!

[dx]

May 27th, 2008, 07:12 AM

A lot of improvements going on in
legazpi ey? Cant wait to be back there!!! See you all in August!!!!!!!!:banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:

Hi jady. hope to meet you and your family in August. :okay:

Meanwhile, here are some more ongoing/proposed projects in and around Legazpi:

DepEd Albay Division (at the foot of Lignon Hill)

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a346/psychosanctum/100_0597.jpg
under construction

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a346/psychosanctum/100_0596.jpg
western perspective

A proposed building within Landco Business Park
http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a346/psychosanctum/Image256.jpg

Other projects i have observed (completed/proposed/under construction). i'll try to take photos soon.

Completed new building for AMA Computer College (along Rizal St.)
A new building inside Landco Business Park
A new school (kindergarten) with a colorful, quirky design in Washington Drive

What i would really like to see is the renovation/redevelopment of the Albay Hotel and the Bicol Roselle Royale.

jady

May 27th, 2008, 09:45 AM

Its good that DepEd albay division would have its own building. Looks too crammed in the old building in the BU compound. Yeah We'll be in Manila August 6-10 and in Legazpi from Aug 10 till 26. Hope to meet up with u pipol!!!!

iamjomar

May 27th, 2008, 08:10 PM

hello legazpi peeps!!! excited na talaga ako dyan sa embarcadero....08 08 08

[dx]

May 28th, 2008, 01:40 AM

Flickr Finds

Church of Sto. Domingo Albay
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3141/2527291710_e9733594b2_b.jpg
by ~MVI~ (http://flickr.com/photos/bigberto/)

Tabaco Cemetery Chapel, Tabaco City
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2406/2517084409_286d05485a_b.jpg
by ~MVI~ (http://flickr.com/photos/bigberto/)

Paradise Spring Resort, Guinobatan
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3026/2518216204_9ddc2268a1_o.jpg
by marbleplaty
(http://flickr.com/photos/marbleplaty/)

[dx]

May 28th, 2008, 04:48 AM

There's a lot of road widening going on in and around Legazpi especially Lakandula Drive, Bogtong Road. Which is great! There's also a new gasoline station along Lakandula Drive, near the proposed Bonot-Gogon by-pass road, apart from the new one being built in the corner of Rizal St. and Tahao Road. :okay:

[dx]

May 28th, 2008, 05:54 AM

Update on the Ligñon Hilltop Development

Renderings:

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a346/psychosanctum/100_0573.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a346/psychosanctum/100_0572.jpg
^I like this tower

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a346/psychosanctum/100_0588.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a346/psychosanctum/100_0589.jpg

[dx]

May 28th, 2008, 05:57 AM

Update on the Ligñon Hilltop Development

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a346/psychosanctum/100_0579.jpg
walkways and viewing deck

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a346/psychosanctum/100_0585.jpg
the view to the north

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a346/psychosanctum/100_0566.jpg
the view to the south

[dx]

May 28th, 2008, 06:20 AM

Update on the Ligñon Hilltop Development

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a346/psychosanctum/100_0567.jpg
al fresco dining facility under construction

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a346/psychosanctum/100_0590.jpg
is that a mazda miata?

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a346/psychosanctum/100_0591.jpg
close-up of the dome

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a346/psychosanctum/100_0594.jpg
my favorite part of the road up the hill. lol

[dx]

May 28th, 2008, 07:34 AM

I can see scafoldings of what seems to be a sign that the lighthouse tower is on the way. Can anyone confirm? I'm excited.

OT: nice blog. i like the song you composed, i hope to hear it with vocals. :okay: ni-link ta ka sa blog ko.

Mond87

May 28th, 2008, 01:11 PM

Lignon Hill is going great!!!

[dx]

May 28th, 2008, 04:14 PM

St. Gregory the Great Cathedral
Old Albay District, Legazpi City

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2289/2529756165_14fd567858_b.jpg
Facade and view from Rizal St.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2042/2529755473_6156d11f8c_b.jpg
Interior and Main Altar

Photos by ~MVI~ (http://flickr.com/photos/bigberto/)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/104/301614121_fa934ee9b4_b.jpg
by yhuong (http://flickr.com/photos/yhuongbotor/)

St. Raphael the Archangel Church
Legazpi Port District, Legazpi City

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2101/2456285081_dc5694b381_b.jpg
Facade and view from Plaza Rizal

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2009/2456285539_29212a7148_b.jpg
Nave

Photos by quasifroddo (http://flickr.com/photos/26216991@N08/)

olineil

May 28th, 2008, 05:34 PM

;21169797']OT: nice blog. i like the song you composed, i hope to hear it with vocals. :okay: ni-link ta ka sa blog ko.

Hahaha... salamat... i'll put a link of your blog too.

Monsi

May 29th, 2008, 02:33 AM

;21168414']http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a346/psychosanctum/100_0590.jpg
is that a mazda miata?

^Wow! It is! Tuesday afternoon there was this Porche Boxter zooming towards the Port Area CBD along Rizal, Sta. Teresita/Landbank area near St. Agnes'...I was too stunned to shoot! ...and how could I while driving a bike!

Dex...I'd been meaning to shoot that tree with yellow (?) flowers sans leaves in front of the facade of the main building of your alma mater... but I might get reprimanded...

Monsi

May 29th, 2008, 02:40 AM

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r244/Legazpeep/DSC03880.jpg

Monsi

May 29th, 2008, 02:43 AM

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r244/Legazpeep/DSC03884.jpg

[dx]

May 29th, 2008, 07:21 AM

^The Capitol and the City Hall are looking spiffy, just in time for June 12. Which is incidentally also the charter day of our city (June 12, 1959). Legazpi will be 50 years old next year (or at least the 3rd 'version' of the city - remember, Legazpi became a city three times) hehe

^Wow! It is! Tuesday afternoon there was this Porche Boxter zooming towards the Port Area CBD along Rizal, Sta. Teresita/Landbank area near St. Agnes'...I was too stunned to shoot! ...and how could I while driving a bike!

Dex...I'd been meaning to shoot that tree with yellow (?) flowers sans leaves in front of the facade of the main building of your alma mater... but I might get repremanded...

Di nga? A Porsche Boxster? What color, model year? hehe. cool. kay sisay daw ito? hehe. Anyway, 'bout that tree in SAA, i'll try to take a photo if i can find the time to go there. Meanwhile, you can always just park your bike near the stores across the street and secretly take a snapshot. lols.

[dx]

May 29th, 2008, 03:16 PM

Revisit Cagsawa Ruins
by ivanseanella (http://flickr.com/people/14167723@N03/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2046/2510967653_126ddf1e95_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2299/2510970379_229d75338e_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2199/2510959577_c6c7559a5a_b.jpg

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six

May 30th, 2008, 05:33 AM

pilot's view...
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k153/sixth2006/DSC00680.jpg

last passenger alighted
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5J plane
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k153/sixth2006/DSC00686.jpg

Airport Fire Station
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k153/sixth2006/DSC00685.jpg

[dx]

May 30th, 2008, 07:08 AM

^cool photos. welcome back, six!! :rock:
pano ka nakapasok sa cockpit ng 5J? hehe ganyan pala itsura ng cockpit/dashboard ng Airbus A319 :okay:

Matteo

May 30th, 2008, 09:26 AM

is six a pilot?

Monsi

May 30th, 2008, 10:32 AM

pilot's view...
http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k153/sixth2006/DSC00680.jpg
^Uragonononon!

Mond87

May 30th, 2008, 12:57 PM

okay... the aircraft enthusiasts are so happy today... wheheheh... i hope my bro sees this. he must know a lot...

Mond87

May 30th, 2008, 02:01 PM

iba pa rin tlga ang lugar na pinanggalingan mo. kahit gaano ka-unlad ng Maynila, mas gusto ko pa rin sa Legazpi-Daraga... heheh...

[dx]

May 30th, 2008, 04:27 PM

Looks like they've really spruced up the Mayon Skyline Hotel, nestled 3,000 feet up in the slopes of Mayon (seen here with view of Tabaco City and San Miguel Island in the upper left corner). There's a lot of improvements since last time I was in this place three years ago.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2208/2532261181_309299ff8f_b.jpg
by godwin2003 (http://flickr.com/photos/27191160@N08/)

Other destinations:

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Mayon Planetarium

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Starship Cafe

The facility is a perfect destination for students and tourists who will be treated to slide shows and presentations on the different celestial bodies and exhibits focusing on the origins of the universe and volcanoes in the Philippines.

The planetarium, located some 3,000 feet above sea level within the Mayon Skyline Hotel in Barangay Buang, also offers an unparalleled view of Tabaco City and its neighboring towns amid the magnificence of the Pacific Ocean

Photos by Yumi Images (http://www.flickr.com/photos/25812163@N03/)

Matteo

May 30th, 2008, 07:00 PM

dex, you mean they built a hotel up there?

fil07

May 30th, 2008, 08:03 PM

http://wikimapia.org/#lat=13.2846977&lon=123.6712235&z=18&l=0&m=a&v=2

iamjomar

May 30th, 2008, 08:06 PM

i miss that place, ang sarap ang lamig hehehe..yeah may hotel dyan i think matagal na yun nag ooperate.

iamjomar

May 30th, 2008, 08:25 PM

Ligao and some of the municipalities of Albay can now be seen on Google maps

[dx]

May 31st, 2008, 06:24 AM

Albay now Alliance on Global Disaster Reduction member (http://positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Cities_And_Towns_23/Albay_now_Alliance_on_Global_Disaster_Reduction_member.shtml)

LEGAZPI CITY, May 31 (PNA) -- Albay province is now a member of the International Alliance on Global Disaster Reduction after it has been recognized by the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction for its expertise in disaster preparedness and mitigation, specifically in their "preventive evacuation" policy during calamities.

Albay Provincial Disaster Management Officer Cedric Daep said the province has been recognized as one of the partners in building a Local Government Alliance for Disaster Reduction held in Barcelona, Spain last May 22-23. "Local government unit is a frontliner in determining the areas vulnerable to disaster which include the consolidation of baseline data," Daep said.

The context of this alliance was based from the Hygo Framework for Action, requiring the active participation and involvement of local government sectors at different levels. From the regional to the municipal level, local governments have a key role to play in reducing disaster risks and vulnerabilities.

Daep said it is at the local level that development planning is expected to first take place. "And the integration between Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and development is supposed to be realized." During the consultative meeting in Barcelona, Daep said that a broad consensus has been reached among different stakeholders on the need to establish a mechanism that brings together local governments to address DRR issues in a more coherent and inclusive manner and bridges the existing gap between the local, national and global level.

The UN Development Program and UNOSAT (Satellite Imagery) have forged a strategic partnership to build a local government alliance for disaster risk reduction (LGA/DRR) which will complement other existing capacities.
According to Daep, the UNOSAT will provide assistance for making all satellite map in Albay, particularly those areas vulnerable to flashfloods, landslide and volcanic debris erosion.

[dx]

May 31st, 2008, 02:57 PM

Camalig braces for 'Pinangat Festival' (http://positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Tourism_24/Camalig_braces_for_Pinangat_Festival.shtml)

CAMALIG, Albay-- The local government of Camalig through the Municipal Tourism Council (MTC) in cooperation with the Sangguniang Bayan members is all set for this year’s celebration of the Pinangat Festival which is slated on June 10–24, 2008. Mayor Carlos Baldo said the Pinangat Festival features various sports, cultural and religious activities. Pinangat is a local delicacy which is very popular not only in this town but also among Filipinos overseas for it's pungent, nutritious and medicinal benefits.

"The highlights of this year’s activity are the Street presentation, Pinangat eating and cooking contest, Drum and Lyre competition, Pasagugurang sa Park and the Legend of Pinangat stage play," Baldo said. The tourism council has planned more participative events and nightly shows for public viewing like the Bicol songs concerts, sing and dance contests, battle of the bands, ballroom dancing, acrobatic shows, boxing tournament and a lot more.

Pinangat
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/158/438745262_6f46c2fe92_o.jpg
by pinoycooking (http://www.flickr.com/photos/pinoyfood/)

The Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) will be in support to the slew of events by conducting Agri-Trade and Job Fairs to unemployed residents of this town. The said festivity depicts the native food delicacy of the Camaligueños which is Pinangat where the town is famous for.

Camalig Church
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by ~MVI~ (http://flickr.com/photos/bigberto/)

[dx]

June 1st, 2008, 09:49 AM

Mayon lava trek (http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/you/super/view/20080530-139807/Mayon-lava-trek)
By Karla Vizcarra
Philippine Daily Inquirer

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MANILA, Philippines—There we stood—a motley assemblage of writers, photographers, mountaineers, soldiers, medical teams, politicians and television folk—sweaty and sore, but mostly in awe. As the remaining members of our group staggered up the lava-coated boulders of Camp One’s delicate slopes, the groans and grunts were hushed into silence, and exhaustion gave way to pure, unbridled exhilaration: We had just climbed a volcano so bewitching that the elders speak of two legends behind it—one borne of beauty, and the other of wrath.

Considered one of the most perfect and most dangerous volcanoes in the world, Mt. Mayon is hauntingly beautiful, even in slumber.

JB Añonuevo, a strapping mountaineer from Legazpi and Philippine Everest team member, said not a lot of Filipinos climbed Albay’s famous peak. Unlike foreigners, Filipinos are mostly afraid of weather conditions, combined with the perpetual threat of an eruption. Mayon last spewed fire in 2006, and until now, huge stones of lava lie steaming near its base. Even as we climbed, Mayon was under Alert Level 1, although we were assured that an eruption was unlikely.

For Ricardo Dy, 76, known in Bicol as the Father of Mayon, storms and explosions are at most, inconveniences. The spunky senior has been scaling the volcano since 1954 and had once climbed through an actual eruption. In all, he’s reached Mayon’s crater more than 400 times, and had carved out most of the trails that lead to the summit, including the one we took from Buyugan.

“The climb to Camp One is actually very easy,” Legazpi councilor Cerilo Chan told us as we stood wheezing, 5, 742 feet away from the crater. “It’s for kids.”

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RICARDO Belleza (right), who has climbed the Mt. Mayon 400 times, with the youngest climber that day, 7-year-old Daniel Yunchengco and his mother Marit

And before any of us sedentary Manileños could protest, we remember that Daniel Yuchencgco, 7, and Benjamin Roy, 12, had zoomed past us on the trek—beating us all out to the top. We also remember that the Father of Mayon’s last summit climb was in 2002—when he was all of 70 years old.

In truth, the three-hour commune with greens, rock and earth under a pensive blue sky to Mayon’s Camp One—2, 500 feet above sea level—is nothing short of incredible. Upon reaching camp, any regrets coagulated while traipsing through the volcano’s winding arteries immediately dissipate—especially upon discovering the world’s sweetest-tasting water trickling down its gentle slopes. Especially if a pot of native chicken boiled in gata appears magically from someone’s pack.

Bantay Kalikasan, under Managing Director Gina Lopez, has partnered up with the province’s local government leaders to promote Mt. Mayon, among the region’s other natural yet often neglected wealth of resources for ecotourism.

“It’s been my personal conviction that our country’s natural resources can help alleviate poverty,” Lopez shared, speaking with the same resolve that has incontestably made her media giant ABS-CBN’s social and environmental conscience. “Bicol has some of the most spectacular natural wonders in the country, yet it remains one of the poorest regions. It’s just a matter of making people understand that they should take care of their environment, for example, that dolphins are more valuable to them alive than dead.”

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REACHING new heights

The outstanding transformation of Sorsogon’s Donsol into a self-sustaining, ecotourism hub has become Bantay Kalikasan’s working model for all ecotourism ventures. The small town, whose shores teem with the friendly butandings or whale sharks every summer, operates whale-watching tours to groups of seven for P3,500 per boat—enough to feed a family of five for nearly a week. Donsol sees a 110 percent increase in tourist arrivals each season—so much in fact, that Karina Escudero, project manager for ecotourism in Region Five, says the town’s 66 rooms could no longer accommodate the volume.

With the majestic Mt. Mayon proven accessible even to jelly-kneed non-mountaineers, Legazpi may now begin to partake of Donsol’s tourist surplus. The city has two other attractions open: the Lingñon Hill, which looks out to Mayon and conceals in its belly a 1940’s Japanese-built tunnel for arms and ammunitions, and the Underwater Tunnel, which, also built by Japanese soldiers in hiding, hums of history, hunger, death and bat wings.

“There have been a lot of misconceptions about ecotourism. Some people think the product just needs to have something to do with nature. In fact, ecotourism must comply with world standards, which means that first, the environment must be protected and resources must not be degraded. Second, the visitors must be directly involved in the experience: it must be educational and participative. And third, it must be self-sustaining and community-based. It should benefit as much people in the community as possible,” Escudero, who is mainly responsible for launching the ecotourism program in Donsol, explained. “Right now, Bantay Kalikasan is working on making good ecotourism packages for Mt. Mayon and other areas in the region.”

For U.P. Mountaineers Jay-Ar Caranto and Nan Enriquez though, the equation is tricky. Even during the Mayon climb, a palpable disregard for cleanliness was observed: candy wrappers and plastic bags littered the site, and the sheer number of people trampling through the trail seemed to do more damage than good.

“They must look into doing low-impact climbs.” Caranto observed. “If stress isn’t reduced and cleanliness isn’t emphasized, they will destroy Mt. Mayon, just like what happened to Mt. Apo.” The prospect is chilling, yet not unnatural. For impoverished towns ravaged by storms and volcanic eruptions left and right, who can stop people from running out and tweaking ecotourism rules a bit, so long as money comes in?

“The goal is to wake people up and tell them that natural resource is their wealth,” Escudero stated. “We can do really well in ecotourism if we understand it. All it takes is one outsider to tell people: ‘Wow, you have fireflies in your backyard. You are rich.’ People just don’t realize how lucky they are. There’s a place in Guiaanoon, where the people have waterfall springs, edible ferns and gabi leaves right there in their Robinson Crusoe type island. They don’t understand when I tell them, ‘That’s wealth.’”

Karina continued to explain how Bantay Kalikasan is committed to keeping everything natural, using Boracay as the best example of what “not to do.” “People don’t want to travel around the world just to see another concrete jungle,” She pointed out. “The ideal formula is low-tech, low-cost and low impact, which is perfect for the Philippines: Our wealth lies in our being third-world.”

Bantay Kalikasan’s partnership with Region Five is in its infancy. There is much work to be done: mindsets to change, tour guides to be trained and natural phenomena to keep uncemented. Still, the local government is excited. Legazpi City Mayor Noel Rosal speaks of a “very bright future in tourism,” led by a P1.6 billion investment going into the building of “The Embarcadero,” a huge strip of malls, hotels, call centers, restaurants, bars, spas and specialty shops right beside the sea.

Now whether it is this or the mountain climbing that will bring in the greater chunk of tourists, I have no idea. But there, gazing up at the sky within the folds of Mayon’s navel, breathing in the ancient energies of the earth’s womb, and sensing the restless, heaving crux of her volatile beauty, sweeping above the world and all its little inanities, I knew one thing: I was coming back for the crater. With ginataang manok inside my pack.