Yes - I can't believe it myself padi :)
maybe we should post some more general info on Bicol - what do u guys think?

Its a must...

DENR exec won’t shut down Lafayette

First posted 11:51pm (Mla time) Nov 17, 2005
By Blanche S. Rivera
Inquirer News Service



Editor's Note: Published on Page A17 of the November 18, 2005 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

LEGAZPI CITY—A regional environment official yesterday continued to defend a mining firm that had leaked toxic waste into the waters of Rapu-rapu, Albay, saying it won’t be shut down because it committed only one violation—failure to contain excess effluents that led to the breaching of its tailings pond.

Reynulfo Juan, Mines and Geosciences Bureau regional director, said while his office welcomed calls for the closure of Lafayette Philippines Inc.’s operations in Rapu-rapu, he saw no reason to do so.

He said the MGB will base its decision on its findings, not on the protests and growing clamor to shut down Lafayette.

But he told reporters at the DENR that his office found the rehabilitation plan submitted by Lafayette to be inadequate.

“We find it inadequate. We have a lot of comments on their plan,” he said.

The MGB is also seeking a review of the entire tailings disposal system of Lafayette to check if it was faithful to the DENR plan.

the study submitted by Lafayette was “theoretically okay” but it was possible the actual set-up in the plant was different.

The storm water run-off drainage, for example, passed through the tailings pond, which should not be the case because this would naturally cause the pond to overflow during heavy rains, the MGB said.

The EMB has also suspended the water discharge permit it issued to Lafayette, stopping the company from using its tailings ponds.

No cyanide

Lafayette was also prohibited from buying cyanide pending the rehabilitation process.

These prohibitions could delay Lafayette’s scheduled shift to base metals production from gold production because it could not use its tailings ponds or cyanide during the rehabilitation process.

The long-term rehabilitation could take around three months, Juan said. Lafayette’s gold processing has been indefinitely suspended by the MGB.

The Rapu-Rapu Polymetallic Project, dubbed as the flagship project of the country’s revived mining industry, was responsible for two mine spills the last month, causing fish kills and cyanide contamination of two nearby creeks, Hollowstone and Ungay.

A defective valve channeled mine tailings to the events pond instead of the tailings pond, causing the events pond to overflow on Oct. 11. Three weeks later, heavy rains caused the tailings pond to overflow on Oct. 31, according to official MGB reports.

“They said they did not foresee the amount of rainwater, but we don’t find that as an excuse,” Juan said.

The MGB has directed Lafayette to do an immediate physical cleanup of the shorelines and detoxify the environmental ponds to ensure that the effluent released would meet DENR standards. With a report from Gil Francis Arevalo, PDI Southern Luzon Bureau

awesome:okay: look at the power Mayon volcano has over the region.

Whenever I see Mt. Mayon, I never cease to be awed and amazed by its magnificent beauty!

stig talaga ng pics mo drfeelgood17 !

stig talaga ng pics mo drfeelgood17 !

Thanx Sista & Lil - I'll post some more soon! :)

Yipee! The sequel is finally released! I love Legazpi City so much. I'd like to see it boom in the future! :)

@Matteo, drfeelgood17, olineil: Thanks so much for posting the wonderful Legazpi and Mayon pics. It made me realize to love this city so much. :)

All you need is white rice, and bud :cheers: hehe:

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/pinangat4.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/pinangat2.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/pinangat1.jpg

The ever yummy Pinangat, one of Bicol's gastronomic delights!

.......dang, I want some now.......

Yipee! The sequel is finally released! I love Legazpi City so much. I'd like to see it boom in the future! :)

@Matteo, drfeelgood17, olineil: Thanks so much for posting the wonderful Legazpi and Mayon pics. It made me realize to love this city so much. :)

@Sinjin, I just realised we almost have the same B-day! Mine is on the 25th :)

hmm that's very appetising Matt - with lots of chillies of course ! :)

All you need is white rice, and bud :cheers: hehe:

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/pinangat4.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/pinangat2.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/pinangat1.jpg

The ever yummy Pinangat, one of Bicol's gastronomic delights!

.......dang, I want some now.......

Wowowie sinonf di mawiwili! LOL...my saliva in drooping like a pitbull's now...LOL

By Charles E. Buban
Inquirer News Service

THE NEW Masibis Resorts and Estates in Cagraray Island is earning a reputation as Albay's rising star among the province's numerous destinations, with its upcoming masterplanned community, natural attractions and the P1 billion investment that its developer has earmarked for its 2015 completion.

Masibis Resorts and Estates is a 260-hectare property located at the southeastern part of the island, which is about 20 km northeast of Legazpi City.

"It will be a continuing development that will span 11 years. Last year, we started the first phase involving 60 hectares," reports Masibis Land Inc. president and CEO Elizaldy Co.

P500-M development

Within this P500 million development, Masibis Land is planning to build a 900-lot residential property that they hope would attract retirees and those looking for second homes.

"For now, we are completing the commercial portion of the development, which will be the centerpiece of the planned residential development," says Co.

He reports that they are now completing the boardwalk and gazebos, clubhouse with function rooms, restaurants and bars, infinity pool and deck, business center, 24 guest rooms and 28 cabanas, entry lounge and coffee shop, poolside sunken bar, spa and health clinic, recreational facilities and equipment in time for the soft opening on April 2006.

Also, Co shares that Masibis Resorts and Estates has built a P60-million sewage treatment plant to process its waste water.

"With the growing awareness of eco-tourism and the development of infrastructure attractions, it has become necessary to use best practices to reduce the impact of increased visitor numbers," says Co.

Because of the developer's efforts, Masibis Resorts and Estates was evaluated as a "Class AAA" resort by the Department of Tourism and the third Tourism Estate Zone resort after Boracay and Fort Ilocandia by the Department of Tourism and the Philippine Economic Zone Authority.

More developments

By April 2009, Co reveals they will add 30 more guest rooms, convention hall, spa, basketball and tennis courts, and even a helicopter ride.

"Hopefully, if things go as planned by 2010, we would have built a golf course, farm lots, marina yacht basin, canopy walk and many more within the remaining 200-hectare portion of the property," says Co.

He says Albay Gulf, where the property is located offers a myriad of attractions for their would-be residents.

"For example, the three-kilometer Sula Channel is nearly enclosed so it looks like a lake if you're in the middle. And because its water is calm, the channel is perfect for fishing, enjoying water activities, and diving [there are sunken galleon ships located in the area, too]," reveals Co.

He reveals that the islands surrounding Albay Bay provide a new investment environment for hotel and resort development companies interested in providing nature theme vacation destinations as well as home developers wanting to build residential communities.

By Gil Francis Arevalo
Inquirer News Service
Advertisement

NINETY PERCENT OF THE MARINE REEFS IN at least 19 coastal areas of the Bicol region has been considerably destroyed, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. But thanks to the department's community-based resource management program (CBRMP), the town of Malinao in Albay province is not on the watch list of environmental concerns.

An underwater assessment conducted in 2003 by the Bicol Scuba Divers Foundation Inc. (BSDFI) and the DENR Bicol office found that more than half of the 625-hectare Curangon shoal found in Malinao north of Legazpi City has a good coral cover. Still, they are not relaxing.

The shoal found near Malinao's Quinale River that spills into the Lagonoy Gulf in the eastern portion of Mt. Malinao, serves as the spawning and nursery ground for different endangered species of fish, corals and other marine organisms.
With finely crushed dead corals for its bed, the shoal started to attract attention in 2002 but authorities believe
it is not too late to prevent the use of cyanide and blast fishing in catching aquarium fishes and collecting corals.

The shoal is home to 39 genera of live hard corals, 91 types of soft corals and 1,431 fishes belonging to 47 species and 20 families, according to Jose Roco, spokesperson of the BSDFI and a member of the assessment team of the Technical Services Staff of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Bicol office. And these were seen only in the 12 sampling stations that the team assessed.

Protection

To protect the shoal, concerned government agencies led by the DENR and private citizens established in 2003 a fish sanctuary and marine reserve covering 450 hectares of coral reefs.

Aside from the 450-hectares managed through the CBRMP, the shoal has 28 hectares of shoreland forest and 141 hectares of mangrove forest.

The DENR, local government unit and peoples' organizations in the five coastal villages within the bounds of the Curangon Shoal have joined hands to conserve its ecology.

Most residents living in Malinao rely on the resources in the coral reef. Fishermen used to frequent the area to catch octopus, squid and reef fishes, but now they have more regard to the marine life.

To date, the DENR and the BSDFI are closely monitoring the islands of Cagraray, Rapu-Rapu and San Miguel, and the towns of Sto. Domingo, Manito and Pioduran.

Benefits

The CBRMP has especially benefited the five coastal barangays of Malinao-Jonop, Baybay, Bariw, Balani and Balsa. The officials and residents manage the shoal, with assistance from the local government.

Enhancing natural resource management in Curangon's coral reefs has increased fish yield by more than 50 percent, with enough supply for the sustainability of the shoal's biodiversity.

Lolito Ruben, 43, a farmer and fisherman, said the establishment of the CBRMP has been helpful in supporting the families that depend on the shoal.

Ruben is a member of the Bantay Dagat, which continuously monitors the place alongside the local government and DENR technical team.
"Because of the increased fish yield, there are selected areas, that are parts of the Curangon Shoal where fishermen are allowed to fish."

Municipal agriculturist Norberto Resontoc said their sustained information drive has reduced the gathering, harvesting, collecting and exporting of precious and endangered corals.

It has also stopped the rampant cyanide, blast, and compressor fishing, while the exploitation of endangered species like bivalves, locally known as giant clams, has been controlled.

The growth of the crown-of-thorn sea star, a deadly coral predator responsible for causing tremendous damage to corals, has also been curbed.

More than these, the partnership of government agencies, private sector and local folk has resulted in the establishment of bamboo plantations that help stabilize the major riverbanks and the planting of more mangrove forests in Malinao.
The partnership has also resulted in the strict enforcement of the law, especially with the creation of the Bantay Dagat.

Community tourism

The local government of Malinao has also embarked on high-value crop production, abaca production and weaving, nipa shingle production and bull-crab farming as well as planting of agoho and talisay trees to make the community a possible eco-tourism area.

Still, Andy Kallos, a community organizer at Barangay Jonop, said support from the local government must be maximized to make the livelihood projects sustainable.

"The place, just like Mt. Malinao, is well-monitored and regulated. Yearly assessment is being done to know if the coral cover is still good or possibly reaching an excellent rating. We are now putting back the original vegetation of our mangrove forests," Malinao Mayor Emily Kare said.

Tourism regional director Maria Ravanilla said that owing to its distinct and diverse marine life, the Curangon Shoal is now on the map as one of the nation's best diving sites.

Copyright 2005 Inquirer News Service. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

First posted 01:31am (Mla time) Nov 21, 2005
By Michael Jaucian
Inquirer News Service



Editor's Note: Published on page A1 of the Nov. 21, 2005 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

LEGAZPI CITY, Albay -- Agricultural engineer Justino Arboleda of the Philippines won the first prize in the First World Challenge contest sponsored by BBC World television in London on Nov. 17 for his soil erosion control net or coconet.

Coconet, made from waste coconut husk, was adjudged the best environmental grassroots project in the world. It was among 456 entries from 90 countries.

Malta, which introduced a biodiesel product, took the second prize, while Vanuatu was in third place for its rechargeable battery.

From 12 finalists, the field was cut down to three.

Fifty percent of one's score was given by the judges and the other 50 percent by votes cast on the Internet, according to Arboleda's wife Julie. She, however, could not give the exact number of the Internet votes her husband received.

Arboleda, who is still in London, told the Inquirer in a text message that he received the award at 7 p.m. (London time) on Nov. 17, [2 a.m. on Nov. 18 in the Philippines]. He also received a cash prize of $20,000.

The winners will be featured by the BBC in a special program on Dec. 3 and 4 and by Newsweek magazine in its Dec. 3 issue, according to the agricultural engineer.

Arboleda said winning the first prize was a great honor for the country.

"With the world recognition, it would be very easy for us to promote our cocofiber products throughout the world," he said.

He expressed confidence that increased demand for coconet would help alleviate poverty in the country because more jobs would be created. He said demand for coconut materials would also benefit thousands of poor Filipino coconut farmers.

Coconet is manufactured by Juboken Enterprise, which Arboleda owns.

His coconut husk business was featured by the Inquirer in January. It has provided jobs for at least 1,650 families in the Bicol region and other parts of the country.

About 800 families have benefited from the venture in Albay province, 400 in Mindanao, 150 in Aklan and 300 in Southern Leyte.

Arboleda has also developed other uses for the different waste products generated by his coconut farm. These include doormats, stuffing for car seats and mattresses, and fertilizer (made from coconut dust).

Before Arboleda bagged first prize in the BBC World Challenge, he was cited for excellence in export by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Dec. 13 last year during the Golden Shell Award held in Metro Manila.

Arboleda's wife said she was very proud of her husband and would like to thank the Filipinos for voting for him.

She said it was Agnes Sarmiento, who told her that she had read the Inquirer story about Arboleda and his coconet project, who nominated the coconet project in the BBC World Challenge.

Arboleda was expected to arrive in Manila last night, Julie said.

Isn't she hot?

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/ww-PMayon.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/wwmayon.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/m05big.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/m03big.jpg

oh dang, I didn't mean for that other photo to be that big. soweee...

Isn't she hot?

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/wwmayon.jpg

Talk about a Mall with Mayon in the Background!!!! Nice...

oh dang, I didn't mean for that other photo to be that big. soweee...

It's okayyy - I like the eruption one with the full moon - spooky!! :) And the one with the Pacific Mall is great too.

My warmest congratulations to fellow Bicolano Mr Justino Arboleda for winning that BBC World prize !! :cheers: :)
Actually, I heard about this contest a long months ago, but forgot to mention it to you guys - sorry! I voted for them, naturally.

My warmest congratulations to fellow Bicolano Mr Justino Arboleda for winning that BBC World prize !! :cheers: :)
Actually, I heard about this contest a long months ago, but forgot to mention it to you guys - sorry! I voted for them, naturally.

Voted for him too. There was actually a thread dedicated to urging people here to vote for him. I guess we were part of the voting public who pushed him to success, plus of course the ingeneouty(tama ba?) of his work.

Voted for him too. There was actually a thread dedicated to urging people here to vote for him. I guess we were part of the voting public who pushed him to success, plus of course the ingeneouty(tama ba?) of his work.

Wow, it's good to know our votes made a lot of difference! And SCC can be empowering! :)

how about a casino hotel on the foot of mayon,... they're building a fake volcano, in a casino in macau..... hey legazpi has a real one, why not use it....lols

BTW, Pacific Mall looks similar to Market! Market! huh? From the colors, to the structure. :)

how about a casino hotel on the foot of mayon,... they're building a fake volcano, in a casino in macau..... hey legazpi has a real one, why not use it....lols

interesting thought. vegas has one too. although the representation of the volcano wasn't as good as i had expected it to be. but it's still a nice attraction:

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b270/paluwagan/jamesmes/vegas-mirage-200c.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b270/paluwagan/jamesmes/mirage.jpg

so why not use the real one. hehehe:

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/hehe2.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/hehe.jpg


ok.. these are malls, but hey, you get the picture... hehehe (sowee about the bad photoshop work)

i would love to see that!!!!

hey guys... when I went to bicol.. people told me that according to legend only a virgin can see mayon.... if a casino hotel opens in the vicinity.... it would be a honeymoon capital, think of the effect.....

bored ako. :gaah:

bored ako. :gaah:
walang kalaro si Matt? :)

alright, I'm off for the weekend.

H A P P Y T H A N K S G I V I N G E V E R Y O N E ! ! !

:drunk: :drunk: :drunk: :drunk:

wow.. Mayon Volcano is indeed very majestic.. sadly that it is no longer a perfect cone... but anyways... it never cease to awe me... :D

I just hope one day that we can make the Mayon a national symbol or a major tourist icon just as Mt. Fuji of Japan has become...

I'm just curious, are there still insurgents in the Bicol region?

wow.. Mayon Volcano is indeed very majestic.. sadly that it is no longer a perfect cone... but anyways... it never cease to awe me... :D

I just hope one day that we can make the Mayon a national symbol or a major tourist icon just as Mt. Fuji of Japan has become...

su what volcano to be considered the most perfect cone then, as far as i know based on the skybar we have the most perfect volcano there is :sleepy:

as far as I know... it has lost the status of being a perfect cone after the 1994 eruption if I'm not mistaken, when one side of the volcano crater collapsed.. the pictures of Mayon in the earlier page is the other side of the collapsed crater...

well.. I may be mistaken...:D

^^ ey ka-bday ur toking 'bout this pics
http://www.malapascua.de/Volcanoe-Map/Mayon__Philippines/Vulkan_MAYON-3/Mayon-June22-1999-CraterAfter.jpg

http://www.malapascua.de/Volcanoe-Map/Mayon__Philippines/Vulkan_MAYON-3/Mayon-June22-1999-CraterFloor.jpg

:no: despite of this, still look like it kept its coca cola shape :D

^^ehh coca cola shape?!! HAHAHA what the?!!..*me dont get it...*

as far as I know... it has lost the status of being a perfect cone after the 1994 eruption if I'm not mistaken, when one side of the volcano crater collapsed.. the pictures of Mayon in the earlier page is the other side of the collapsed crater...

well.. I may be mistaken...:D

Nop, it's not true... Mayon's slopes are still perfect... One of it's slopes collapsed during one of its eruptions but in its series of recent eruptions it has recovered, the collapsed part was replaced and deposited by tons of ashes and lavas that made it perfect once again... It's being very active makes its shape perfect... Albay is located in an area where winds blow from different directions that gives equal share of falling ashes, lava's and other volcanic particles deposited in each side of the slopes of the volcano is a major reason why it maintains it's still perfect shape...

^ nice to hear that :applause:

I'm not sure how current this picture.. but if you'd look at the right side of the main crater, you'd see some land portruding on that side... that is actually the collapsed side.. and you guys would try look more closely, that side of the crater seemed not as steep as the other side of the crater...

[QUOTE=drfeelgood17]
[IMG]http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a141/drfeelgood17/4392020Mayon20volcano.jpg

This pic is from 2004 so very recent - I would say that despite all the recent eruptions, and as far as I can tell from the pics, Mayon is looking good and doin fine! :) As slerz was saying, subsequent lava deposits tend to compensate for earlier damage to the summit/crater. It kinda self-corrects itself... :)


[IMG]http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a141/drfeelgood17/4392020Mayon20volcano.jpg

I'm just curious, are there still insurgents in the Bicol region?

Insurgents? We don't have Iraqis in Bicol, Lili. :jk:
Ok, I'm sure you mean the NPA...well they survive in remote parts of the region, especially in rural Camarines Sur and Sorsogon. You will certainly not encounter them in urban areas like Legazpi or Naga. Even in the smaller towns they are rarely seen. Nowadays their activities consist mainly of extorting so-called "revolutionary taxes" from poor farmers. Their targets are mainly the local police and military (themselves very corrupt and hardly blameless), rather than tourists or the general population. As in the rest of the country, their numbers have sharply declined because of difficulty in recruitment. So I don't think tourists need to worry about them. :)

I'm not sure how current this picture.. but if you'd look at the right side of the main crater, you'd see some land portruding on that side... that is actually the collapsed side.. and you guys would try look more closely, that side of the crater seemed not as steep as the other side of the crater...

[QUOTE=drfeelgood17]
[IMG]http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a141/drfeelgood17/4392020Mayon20volcano.jpg

But it's not a defect on Mayons shape... that is a close up view so we can see it's excesses of mountain ranges along its slopes... some slopes of Mayon is not that 100% equal but it's still the world's most perfect cone...

This is the oldest pic of Mayon I've seen so far - 1897- the year before the Spaniards left the Philippines. If anyone finds an even older pic, I would be very grateful if you could send it to me please! :)

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a141/drfeelgood17/luzvol.jpg

As you can see, Mayon's crater looks a lot less perfect back then due to the high number of eruptions during the 19th century (more than 40, compared to only 8 in the 20thcent). Compare this with a pic from 1959, below, which appears to confirm Slerz's point that Mayon recovers from eruption damage over time and the crater kinda 'grows back'. As you can see, Mayon is back to its former level of perfection:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a141/drfeelgood17/legazpi59.jpg

I just hope one day that we can make the Mayon a national symbol or a major tourist icon just as Mt. Fuji of Japan has become...[/QUOTE]

I think it already is like a national icon - but maybe the government needs to do more to promote it! By the way, does anyonw know if we have a "national mountain", like we have the Philippine eagle as our 'national bird'? Perhaps because Mt Apo is the country's tallest mountain/volcano, it tends to be promoted as the de facto national mountain...but maybe I'm wrong because, despite this, Mayon is more photographed and famous.

what's in Legazpi by the way? Aside from Mayon Volcano? is there a beach there?

what's in Legazpi by the way? Aside from Mayon Volcano? is there a beach there?

Lot's more!! I recommend this site, it tells you about Legazpi and Albay provinces other sights/attractions:

http://tourism.albay.gov.ph/index.html

To Lili and Matteo and other Fil-Ams - Happy Thanksgiving!! :cheers1:

By the way, do you also exchange gifts for Thanksgiving? Or is it just pure kainan? Tirahan niyo ako ng turkey, by Fedex please!!

Lot's more!! I recommend this site, it tells you about Legazpi and Albay provinces other sights/attractions:

http://tourism.albay.gov.ph/index.html



i see.. so there are beaches in Legazpi. like this Misibis Resort. I think it would be cool if someone takes a photo of this white sand beach and then there's Mayon Volcano in the background.. that's WOW!!! i never seen such a picture tho..

The coast of Legazpi should look good with white sand. and with marina, yacht, etc..

It can be like Napoli, Italia.

i see.. so there are beaches in Legazpi. like this Misibis Resort. I think it would be cool if someone takes a photo of this white sand beach and then there's Mayon Volcano in the background.. that's WOW!!! i never seen such a picture tho..

The coast of Legazpi should look good with white sand. and with marina, yacht, etc..

It can be like Napoli, Italia.

Yes, I think that's the whole idea behind the development of this new wharf and cable car - they hope to turn Albay Gulf into an Asian Bay of Naples. As for white sand beaches, the best are located in Sorsogon and Catanduanes - many are very pristine and untouched by tourism. Sorsogon is only 1-2 hours away from Legazpi, so easily accessible, plus you can also check out the whale sharks in Donsol.

oh... I've been there it's great, tell me is Rev. sorra still the bishop of legaspi??

i see. so they are developing the area. that;s good,

yes definitely... it can look a lot better than this:

http://www.pizzoccoviaggi.it/Offerte-Viaggi/Viaggi%20Pizzocco/images/napoli.jpg

oh... I've been there it's great, tell me is Rev. sorra still the bishop of legaspi??

Hi Kyle, sorry am not familiar with local priests, if you want I'll ask my aunt - she knows everyone! :)

That pic of Naples is very scenic - shows what we can do to enhance our coastlines! I think Mayon looks prettier than Vesuvius though - but I'm biased hehe

don't tire youself it's no biggie...

That pic of Naples is very scenic - shows what we can do to enhance our coastlines! I think Mayon looks prettier than Vesuvius though - but I'm biased hehe

you're not biased... it's a fact that Mayon is prettier than Vesuvius...

yeah I agree.. Mayon is a lot more beautiful, scenic and dramatic than Vesuvius..... when I visited the Bicol region in Dec 2002 and toured around the region by having a road trip 360 degrees around the Mayon.. it never stopped me for enjoying its beauty and majesty of all its side even that damaged tip...

oh.. regarding the national icon that I posted... I'd like to correct myself to saying instead that I hope that the Mayon would become an international icon... :D Mayon is currently the national volcano...

Insurgents? We don't have Iraqis in Bicol, Lili. :jk:
Ok, I'm sure you mean the NPA...well they survive in remote parts of the region, especially in rural Camarines Sur and Sorsogon. You will certainly not encounter them in urban areas like Legazpi or Naga. Even in the smaller towns they are rarely seen. Nowadays their activities consist mainly of extorting so-called "revolutionary taxes" from poor farmers. Their targets are mainly the local police and military (themselves very corrupt and hardly blameless), rather than tourists or the general population. As in the rest of the country, their numbers have sharply declined because of difficulty in recruitment. So I don't think tourists need to worry about them. :)

Thanks for the clarification @drfeelgood :)

To Lili and Matteo and other Fil-Ams - Happy Thanksgiving!! :cheers1:

By the way, do you also exchange gifts for Thanksgiving? Or is it just pure kainan? Tirahan niyo ako ng turkey, by Fedex please!!

Thank you! Cheers! No exchange gifts for Thanksgiving just a lot of pigging out. Panay left-overs na lang yung turkey. Next time, you're invited. :)

let's hope it's not more powerful than vesuvius

To Lili and Matteo and other Fil-Ams - Happy Thanksgiving!! :cheers1:

By the way, do you also exchange gifts for Thanksgiving? Or is it just pure kainan? Tirahan niyo ako ng turkey, by Fedex please!!

hello hello! i'm back!

drfeel (dr. phil nyehehehe), no gifts, but tell you what we did for thanksgiving. bunch of my friends and i organized this fundraising project three weeks ago wherein we gathered some of our slightly used clothing and sold them for like a buck each. we've managed to come up with an amount close to 700 dollars, i think. we used that money to buy food, turned them into packed lunches then distributed them to our homeless brothas and sistahs for thanksgiving! it was so much fun, and very fulfilling to say the least.

it actually became a semi full-blown campaign - we had t-shirts and banners and advertising pieces done for the event. like these ones:

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/OSala1.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/OSala2.jpg

sorry, i had to block out the contact info, i might get in trouble hehee...

we aptly named it operation: salamat, our way of giving thanks for what we have, and an opportunity to share what we have been blessed with.

we plan on doing a similar event for christmas. :)

all in all, it was a great thanksgiving.


---- i apologize if this is out of topic okie. thanks :nocrook:

look what i found online:

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/legazpi-hotel-map.jpg

never mind, i couldn't make it any larger.

here's the link if you wanna see...www.mayonlodge61.org/ hotels.html, then click on hotel location map.

Nice map man! 3744x2423!
Wish i could find a detailed map from Manila like this......

[QUOTE=Matteo]look what i found online:



Thanx Matteo, once again, great find!! You're a star! :cheers:

hello hello! i'm back!

drfeel (dr. phil nyehehehe), no gifts, but tell you what we did for thanksgiving. bunch of my friends and i organized this fundraising project three weeks ago wherein we gathered some of our slightly used clothing and sold them for like a buck each. we've managed to come up with an amount close to 700 dollars, i think. we used that money to buy food, turned them into packed lunches then distributed them to our homeless brothas and sistahs for thanksgiving! it was so much fun, and very fulfilling to say the least.

it actually became a semi full-blown campaign - we had t-shirts and banners and advertising pieces done for the event. like these ones:

sorry, i had to block out the contact info, i might get in trouble hehee...

we aptly named it operation: salamat, our way of giving thanks for what we have, and an opportunity to share what we have been blessed with.

we plan on doing a similar event for christmas. :)

all in all, it was a great thanksgiving.


---- i apologize if this is out of topic okie. thanks :nocrook:

That's very civic minded of you Matteo! No need to apologise at all. Well done!! Btw, when you say for our brothers, do you mean that the recipients of your aid are homeless Fils ? Are there lots of homeless Fils over there?

Great posters and artwork btw :)

Btw, @Matteo and @Neil, while you guys were away, I was kept busy defending Mayon's "perfect cone" status from rival 'canoes' ! I think we should show our thread to the Albay/Bicol tourism officials to show them how much marketing and selling we've been doing on their behalf!! This is supposed to be their job! I think we deserve a free room at that Misibis resort - at least... :tongue3: :nuts:

Nice map man! 3744x2423!
Wish i could find a detailed map from Manila like this......

Welcome Champs - There tons of Manila maps - just Google for them!
If not, I'm sure the guys in the Manila threads can help out

Looking at that map, I now understand why they want to relocate the airport - it's just way too near the downtown and residential areas - there's even a subdivision right behind it - crazy huh?

Go Legazpi... a truely promising city

Hey guys, im back sorry I wasnt able to post for the past 3 days. I went for our church camp since wednesday. Very exhausting, but spiritualy envigourating. Hope to get back to posting mood soon... coz i will be away from my pc again in just under 3 hours... practice na naman..hehehe...music ministry kc ako sa church namin... :)

Nice to see Bicol and Legazpi city thread getting busier! Cheers.

ive never been to Legazpi actually. I hope to go there by modern national rail someday.

Trivia: Did you know the Legazpi is the only Philippine city in the Pacific coast??

Check the map. Most Philippine cities are facing South China Sea and Celebes.

Other major Pacific towns are Baler (Aurora), Daet (Camarines Norte), Borongan (Eastern Samar) and Tandag (Surigao del Sur).

Trivia: Did you know the Legazpi is the only Philippine city in the Pacific coast??

Check the map. Most Philippine cities are facing South China Sea and Celebes.

Other major Pacific towns are Baler (Aurora), Daet (Camarines Norte), Borongan (Eastern Samar) and Tandag (Surigao del Sur).

Yup, I've just realized that too...

Yup, I've just realized that too...

Considering how long our Pacific coastline is - that is very surprising! How strange...

ive never been to Legazpi actually. I hope to go there by modern national rail someday.

hmmm you could be in for a long wait - it looks like the government is prioritizing Northrail, and neglecting Southrail - in the meantime, flying is much quicker (50 minutes) - though maybe not as scenic.

That's very civic minded of you Matteo! No need to apologise at all. Well done!! Btw, when you say for our brothers, do you mean that the recipients of your aid are homeless Fils ? Are there lots of homeless Fils over there?

Great posters and artwork btw :)


thanks dr. no they weren't homeless fils. i dont think i've ever seen any homeless pinoys here...hopefully there arent any!

Btw, @Matteo and @Neil, while you guys were away, I was kept busy defending Mayon's "perfect cone" status from rival 'canoes' ! I think we should show our thread to the Albay/Bicol tourism officials to show them how much marketing and selling we've been doing on their behalf!! This is supposed to be their job! I think we deserve a free room at that Misibis resort - at least... :tongue3: :nuts:


i agree. heheh 3 days would be alright.

anyway, correct me if im wrong, but in my opinion local albay officials are quite passive when it comes to promoting the province in terms of tourism and developments. i mean, even the albay website hasn't been updated for a very long time, and the legazpi city website has not been touched since 2004.

olineil, what's your take on this? am i right?

i agree. heheh 3 days would be alright.

anyway, correct me if im wrong, but in my opinion local albay officials are quite passive when it comes to promoting the province in terms of tourism and developments. i mean, even the albay website hasn't been updated for a very long time, and the legazpi city website has not been touched since 2004.

olineil, what's your take on this? am i right?

You may be right. But come to think of it, i think current Albay Provincial Government has been actively promoting the use of the web to promote Albay compared to the times of like, Gov. Salalima and it was abit better off with Bichara.. I do believe that tourism is one of Albays core focus, but the issue is the accessibility problem. Bus is 10hrs from Manila, wores if u go by train, plane is only 1 flight-in/1 flight-out everyday for PAL, no cruise ships to legazpi either coz we are in the pacific ocean portion (not much economic activity in that vast emptiness compare to South China Sea). I believe thats why they built the Pantao port to get a fair share of shipping traffic in the inter-island business.

i agree. heheh 3 days would be alright.

anyway, correct me if im wrong, but in my opinion local albay officials are quite passive when it comes to promoting the province in terms of tourism and developments. i mean, even the albay website hasn't been updated for a very long time, and the legazpi city website has not been touched since 2004.

olineil, what's your take on this? am i right?

The Albay tourism website itself is not bad at all. The problem is the Legazpi City website, which dates back from 2001!! Makasupog mga padi! I mean, surely there are hundreds of IT students who would be willing to update this site for next to nothing! Compare this to Naga's superb website:

http://www.naga.gov.ph/

That's a case of passive governance. On the positive side, I think Noel Rosal (correct?) is doing a WONDERFUL job as mayor - probally the best we've had so far....what do you guys think? He's so hard working and full of energy. It also helps that he has some political clout with the Arroyos - if I'm not mistaken he's related to them. So although we missed the chance of having a Bicolano president, we have something like the next best thing - a president who finally takes interest in Bicol (or at least appears to...), judging by the number of times she has been to Legazpi. I don't remember Cory visiting Legazpi even once. I think Bicolanos should make the most of this influence while it lasts.

^^ You Bicol natives are really great-- Operation Salamat, church camp, holding the fort, promoting and defending Albay and Legazpi. I commend your civic mindedness, spirituality and spirit of giving and sharing. Bravo to you sons of Bicolandia!

BTW, the US census had shown that among ethnicities, the Filipino household as the highest per capita income in the US. Hence, you will hardly see a homeless Filipino. If ever there is, it is temporary and he/she can seek refuge among other kababayans' homes. That's the Bayanihan spirit -- the spirit of helping, giving and sharing. :)

Go Legazpi... a truely promising city

Daghang salamat, slerz! :)

[QUOTE=Lili]^^ You Bicol natives are really great-- Operation Salamat, church camp, holding the fort, promoting and defending Albay and Legazpi. I commend your civic mindedness, spirituality and spirit of giving and sharing. Bravo to you sons of Bicolandia!

maraming salamat po, Lili :)

I just wanted to share this "feelgood" and success story from fellow Bicolana and Agnesian, Cheryl Diaz Meyer:


FEATURE
Lessons from a Pinay
Pulitzer photo winner
Posted: 0:51 AM (Manila Time) | Apr. 17, 2004
By Gil Francis Arevalo
Inquirer News Service

Dream

LEGAZPI CITY -- She sneaked into this city unnoticed on Tuesday and left Friday with only close relatives knowing about it.

But US Pulitzer Prize winner for photography Cheryl Diaz Meyer did not go without imparting a message to Filipinos in an exclusive talk with the Inquirer: Have a dream and pursue it at all costs.



"It really feels great to win this award, but it's not actually winning the award," Meyer said. "It's primarily because I have the passion and love for (photography) since the time my family migrated in the United States in 1981."

Despite people telling her that her photos were worth a Pulitzer, she said she never expected to win.

"But one thing is very sure, I'm happy and proud to be a Filipino, and will always be," the Bicolana-born awardee said in an interview in her family's ancestral home in Guevarra Subdivision here.

It took more than six decades before another Filipino won a Pulitzer award.

The first was the late journalist-diplomat Carlos P. Romulo, who won the prestigious prize in 1942 for a series of articles on the tense situation ahead of the outbreak of World War II.

In what seemed like a coincidence, Meyer's subject was also about war-she had been assigned in Iraq and her pictures that won her the prize in the photography category were about the Iraq war.

She shared the honor and a financial award of 10,000 dollars with her partner, David Leeson.

'Anything is possible'

Anyone with a passion for journalism and photography can win the Pulitzer or any kind of award. Take it from Meyer.

"Anything is really possible if you really put your mind and heart to it," she said. "Maybe that's the reason why I've come this far. I'm honest with myself and always speak my mind. Thus, I'm competing with myself. That's my personal challenge in life. I want to be the best I can be."

She added: "I love this job and this is what I want to do ... Learn how to value who you are and whatever you want in life. Work for it and the best chances and opportunities will come to you."

Meyer, married to an American named Kenneth Manning, was only 13 and had just finished her first year in high school at Saint Agnes Academy here in 1981 when she and her family migrated to America.

She took up German for her college course, being an exchange scholar in Germany at 16.

"I have no idea then what to take up, so without much plan I just took up this course (major in German)." She took up journalism as a second degree, which eventually led her to "fall in love with photography."
After graduating cum laude at the University of Minnesota, she was immediately employed at the Minneapolis Star Tribune. It was at the Tribune that she was given the chance "to make mistakes and permitted to grow," she recalled.

Then she was hired as a senior staff photographer of the Dallas Morning News-where she has been working when she won the Pulitzer.



"I'm so very, very lucky for the opportunities that came to me. I always try to be more artful and creative in my job. I'm inspired by any human-interest story," she said.

"I haven't experienced any racial discrimination from my colleagues, for I'm very true to myself and I know how to defend myself."

"I prove to all of them that I can do better and I really work hard, for what I'm doing is for the best and I really strive for excellence."

'Filipinos make difference'

She said many Filipinos abroad have made breakthroughs in their fields.

"I do believe, based on my experience, that foreigners have high regard for us Filipinos. Anywhere, we can make a difference and impact. It's in our blood to do more than what is expected of us.

"Maybe these opportunities can only be given to us (Filipinos) if we're working abroad than in our country. It's really sad but let's take it as a challenge."

Not known to many, Cheryl was in Legazpi for three days visiting her family and cousins. She said she really never wanted to talk to media.

She just wanted to make her visit very quiet, and make the most of her time with her family.

The Inquirer, luckily, got to talk with her.

"I'm very proud of being back here ... I'm a Bicolana and I'm very proud of it," Meyer said.

"Of course I really missed my family-a lot of cousins, a lot of relatives. We are very, very close. I can never both explain how happy and wonderful my childhood experience was here in Legazpi."

She said she also missed Bicolano foods, such as laing, the Bicol express, kusido, salted dried fish and even lumpia.

"At least now I know how to cook laing in Dallas," she said.

"Of course, I missed, too, the beautiful Mayon Volcano and other beautiful sceneries here in Albay." She also missed the stories told her when she was a child.

Ghost stories

"I still remember then ghost stories being told to us, especially during the Spanish and Japanese times. It was really scary, and I laugh to myself every time I remember those. I also missed the brownouts," she said.

Out of this art of storytelling, she said, she was able to have the "continuing passion for creative photography."

Even as a child, Cheryl was already adventurous. If she had the passion for something, she would do it.

From the time that Chit Diaz-Lagata learned from her sister, Sylvia Meyer (Cheryl's mother) abroad that her niece-Cheryl-had been assigned by the Dallas Morning News to cover the US invasion of Iraq, she and other relatives here were "very, very much worried" for her.

At first, Lagata could not believe the news that her niece, the only girl in the family, "is very determined to go to Iraq in spite of the war-torn atmosphere of the place."



Lagata said: "Actually, it just came to our knowledge when Cheryl was already in Iraq. Thus, we're just amazed to learn from my sister Sylvia that Cheryl had been twice assigned in Iraq during the very, very violent retaliation of Iraqis against Americans.

"Just try to imagine that? She's a very intrepid and determined person ... We're very, very proud of her. Indeed her passion and determination paid well."

Meyer's cousin, Rosemarie Battung, remembered her as "a very simple girl (with) that overwhelming desire to accomplish (things) if she thinks she can do it and as long she really likes it."

Still so humble

Said Lagata: "The last time she visited us here, we were totally amazed, for she still knew how to speak Bicol fluently. And as far as attitude and upbringing is concerned, nothing has changed, for she's still so sweet and humble."

Battung said Meyer seldom talked about her job and her experiences as a photographer.

"She simply talks about her childhood here and some of the things she really misses about Bicol," Battung said. "She still loves to eat most, if not, all Bicolano dishes being served to her. She's more concerned about our bonding, and it never comes to a point when she would share her experiences about her job.

More advice

Meyer, who left yesterday to return to her Dallas, Texas home, had simple pieces of advice to aspiring Filipino journalists and photographers.

"Read a lot of newspapers. Study the criteria (Pulitzer) for you to win or at least be given the opportunity to compete with the best of the best. There's always a big possibility to win an award if you put your mind and heart to it."

She added: "Write good stories and take artful shots. Of course, be inspired by successful and award-winning individuals. Learn and appreciate their experience."

What an awe-inspiring story. Thanx 4 the news... ^^ ^^

more of Mayon:

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/mayonvolc2.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/mayonvolc.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/nomdeusuario/mayon.jpg

BACON CHURCH, SORSOGON "CITY" (SORRY MANILENO :) )

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a141/drfeelgood17/Bacon_Church_7.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a141/drfeelgood17/Bacon_Church_3.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a141/drfeelgood17/Bacon_Church_1.jpg

AND BARCELONA CHURCH...

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a141/drfeelgood17/brclnc01.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a141/drfeelgood17/brclnc90.jpg

In other words, not exactly ancient...

nquirer Southern Luzon : Albay townsfolk save last frontier

First posted 10:33pm (Mla time) Nov 30, 2005
By Gil Francis Arevalo
Inquirer News Service



Editor's Note: Published on Page A15 of the December 1, 2005 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

THREE years ago, the diverse ecological life of Mount Malinao, one of several mountains that form a volcanic chain in Bicol, was in danger due to the illegal cutting of trees, hunting, kaingin (slash-and-burn) farming and garbage dumping.

The number of species was declining and the ecosystem deteriorating in Malinao, 31.5 km north of Albay’s capital city of Legazpi, according to people who frequent the place.

That picture changed after the municipal government of Malinao declared the mountain a biodiversity conservation and protected area. The residents, especially those living on the periphery, have joined hands to make it so.

The community response came after a team from the University of the Philippines at Los Baños’ Institute of Biological Science (UPLB-IBS) conducted almost three years of exploration in Malinao that ended on March 27, 2002.

The team presented its findings to the local community and recommended that all means be exhausted to protect Malinao town’s last frontier.

UPLB-IBS professor Jaycee Gonzales said the mountain had a peculiar wildlife habitat. Rare and endangered creatures endemic in its forests were threatened, the team said, pointing out that many of the villagers were dependent on the place for their livelihood.

Malinao, which means “clear,” is part of Bicol’s volcanic chain that includes Mounts Mayon and Masaraga in Albay, and Iriga and Isarog in Camarines Sur.

It has intrigued historians and hikers who say that the mountain doesn’t actually live up to its name. Clouds often cover its peak, depriving them of a beautiful sight, they say.

Prevented

Three years after the UPLB-IBS team made their suggestions, the local community has witnessed the success of the Malinao program, involving ecological balance management, rehabilitation and an awareness campaign, implemented by the local government.

Tourism-in-charge German Gonzaga said forest guards had been deployed, a youth mountaineering and monitoring group had been formed, and an information drive had been launched in the villages.

Bantay Gubat volunteers have apprehended illegal wildlife poachers coming from Legazpi and Tabaco cities.

Since the residents started helping protect and conserve the endangered species, they have noted an increase in the population of wild animals, such as boars, monkeys, flying fruit bats, snakes and native ducks in the mountain.

Gonzaga also said the people were actively participating in activities to replant and preserve the mountain’s trees. An increase in hardwood species, such as narra and molave, has been noted although their actual count has yet to be recorded.

As a result of the local initiatives, the Philippine fairy blue eagle and other endangered species, like the Kapa-Kapa medinilla (belonging to the Melastomaceae family) and 15 other species of birds, frogs and lizards, four species of dipterocarps and a big number of orchid varieties, have been saved from near extinction.

“It’s a wake-up call for all us here, knowing that all the species are endemic only in Albay. Protecting them is our top priority, that’s why we heeded all the recommendations of the expedition experts and the very reason why we [have] come this far,” Mayor Emily Kare said.

More explorations

Kare said that aside from programs supported by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the municipal government is spearheading more explorations, especially to the crater of the 1,548-meter Malinao, believed to have a more diverse and still undiscovered lush vegetation.

She said UPLB might be invited again to assess if the mountain could be considered a national park because of its protected diverse biological ecosystems. Further explorations, she said, would also enhance the local eco-tourism program that would provide alternative livelihood for the residents.

Malinao also has abaca plantations in its slopes—the source of local abaca weavers—and other commercial crops in selected areas.

Community immersion

Gonzaga said that as part of the conservation and preservation efforts, tourists and environment enthusiasts would be invited to live with the local folk so that they could fully understand the community’s role in monitoring and protecting the mountain.

He said the residents would usually tell visitors that in spite of their dependence on resources from the mountain, they were willing to sacrifice to protect it for future generations.

“All throughout the year, we encourage hiking for a cause, encouraging our youth mountaineering clubs to guide hikers in seeing the new life of Mount Malinao while educating them about the endangered species dwelling in the mountain,” the official said.

“And more than that, we even tap former poachers and offenders to be part of Bantay Gubat for them to understand why we’re protecting this last frontier.”

I think Bicol has been very lucky this year as it hasn't been hit by any powerful typhoons. So far, most of the storms have tracked north of Bicol - but I know that typhoons can sometimes strike as late as December, so touch wood....

hello drfeelgood
hello olineil
hello lili

hello drfeelgood
hello olineil
hello lili

ciao Matteo :)
I remember there were quite a few Bicolanos that introduced themselves in this thread about 2 months ago...where have they gone?

hello drfeelgood
hello olineil
hello lili

Hello Matteo,

Aburrido todavia?

Hello Matteo,

Aburrido todavia?


ello lili.

may aburido ka today, what?
:hahaha: nyehehe

nothing. i'm just bored at work.


dr feel, they're probably busy shopping for christmas. hehe

hey!

this looks like pacman • • • • • • • • • •:hahaha:

BACON CHURCH, SORSOGON "CITY" (SORRY MANILENO :) )


http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a141/drfeelgood17/Bacon_Church_3.jpg

In other words, not exactly ancient...

The statues and the columns just needs repairing and the church would look fantastic! :)

hey!

this looks like pacman • • • • • • • • • •:hahaha:

You really are bored. haha.

ello lili.

may aburido ka today, what?
:hahaha: nyehehe

nothing. i'm just bored at work.


dr feel, they're probably busy shopping for christmas. hehe

Or busy doing this: :cheers: mga buyong!!!

Baka may tama. ;)

It's Friday night but I don't feel like in a party mood - I might have a quiet night - some candles and soothing music.....ohm shanti...

The statues and the columns just needs repairing and the church would look fantastic! :)

Yes, it could also do with a nice paint job - and as long as they refrain from putting a tacky neon cross on top, I'd say Amen to that! :)

It's Friday night but I don't feel like in a party mood - I might have a quiet night - some candles and soothing music.....ohm shanti...

Just by yourself or with someone?

Just by yourself or with someone?

Just by myself -
but you are in my thoughts as I sit here, sipping my wine and watching the moonlight through my window

Nice. How morantic.

But I really like the picture you've created.

Nice. How morantic.

But I really like the picture you've created.

:kiss:

Really drfeelgood, you are feeling a bit frisky, huh? Frisky Friday? :lol:

Or busy doing this: :cheers: mga buyong!!!

oh that'll be for tonight. hehee just kidding. it's aeon flux night tonight.

Aeon Flux. I wonder if I should watch that one.

:kiss:


oh my.
i just went to lunch and what the heck did i miss! oh, man!

Aeon Flux. I wonder if I should watch that one.


charlize theron in a tight suit? heck yea, baby! :yes:

Anyone out there to keep a lonesome boy warm tonight??

How can I keep you warm when we are miles apart? :jk: (Teka, baka may magselos.) I really should behave.

Anyone out there to keep a lonesome boy warm tonight??


was he talking about himself, or was he sending out an advertisement for me. nyehehehee :lol:

Matteo. Matteo.

"Are you lonesome tonight?" pala ang theme song dito. Puera lang kay Olineil. Happily married na kasi. :okay:

was he talking about himself, or was he sending out an advertisement for me. nyehehehee :lol:

I didn't think about that but now that you mention it ..... :hahaha:

But what if I'm not your type? Will you break my heart? :tongue4:

Whats going on here, I just slept for the night and look whats happenin here...hehehehehe...

I guess this is what timezone difference can create...hahahaha...

I know I better behave myself from now on hehehe....i think scared away Matteo with my joke! He started it though LOL :runaway:

tanong lang po: when will the sm group or robinsons will build a mall in legaspi? nagboboom na ang legaspi!

tanong lang po: when will the sm group or robinsons will build a mall in legaspi? nagboboom na ang legaspi!

I guess SM will not tap Legazpi.

I guess SM will not tap Legazpi.

Really? I thought they were planning to. But maybe I'm wrong.

Really? I thought they were planning to. But maybe I'm wrong.

i heard it was to be in naga.
but then again, it's been a rumor since i was 6 years old. hehee

i heard it was to be in naga.
but then again, it's been a rumor since i was 6 years old. hehee

hmm ...how long ago was that? :) :)

Bicol's Seven Cities

According to Wikipedia, the Bicol Region now has 7 cities. Here they are in order of population size based on the 2000 census:

Legazpi: 157,010,
Naga: 137,810,
Sorsogon: 134,678*
Tabaco: 107,166
Ligao: 90,603
Iriga: 88,893
Masbate: 71,441

* Sorsogon and Bacon merged in 2000 as Sorsogon City, hence the sudden jump in its population.

Cityhood in Bicol is an unreliable indication of population size. Some Bicol towns, such as Daraga and Daet have larger populations than some of the above cities. If it were a city, Daraga (101,031) would be Bicol's fifth largest and Daet (80,632) eight biggest.

@Matteo or Olineil, do you guys have 2005 projections for these cities?

Look what video I found at yourtube.com Click me... (http://www.youtube.com/watch.php?v=sHblRgo-8pA&search=philippines)

Look what video I found at yourtube.com Click me... (http://www.youtube.com/watch.php?v=sHblRgo-8pA&search=philippines)

good morning Neil - excellent find !! Maybe this should be the theme song of our thread? :)

Matteo would love this song. :D

What's the tallest building in Bicol BTW? ;)

Hi Sinjin,
I'm not really sure - I don't think we have any skyscrapers yet LOL. The closest we have to tall buildings are the biggest malls - either LCC Legazpi or Naga are probably about 10-12 storeys each ... :) so, not there yet - oh and maybe the Smart building in Legazpi might already be 15 storeys - Matteo or Neil might know.

Their Skyscraper is Mt. Mayon. No need to build edifices to rival the beautiful volcano grazing its skyline. ;)

Hi Sinjin,
I'm not really sure - I don't think we have any skyscrapers yet LOL. The closest we have to tall buildings are the biggest malls - either LCC Legazpi or Naga are probably about 10-12 storeys each ... :) so, not there yet - oh and maybe the Smart building in Legazpi might already be 15 storeys - Matteo or Neil might know.

Yeah, LCC's office building is about 10-12 storyes. SMART building? hey havnt heared of this, where is this located?

I think Smart building is somewhere behind the St Agnes Campus, the one with the bluish-tinted glass, in one of the pics that Matteo annotated in our first thread....but I'm really not sure though. It looks quite tall to me!

I might have mistaken it with Bayantel....

I think Smart building is somewhere behind the St Agnes Campus, the one with the bluish-tinted glass, in one of the pics that Matteo annotated in our first thread....but I'm really not sure though. It looks quite tall to me!

I might have mistaken it with Bayantel....

OK confirmed its Bayantel...I think its about 6-8 floors.

Is Pacific Mall a nice mall..? Well, comparing it to SM since SM will be building a mall quite soon...

>I'm impressed with the Cinema lobby.

maganda ang pacific mall (in pics) sa legaspi! how many has. ba ang mall sa legaspi? maliit ba cya? kung maliit well at least maganda

maganda ang pacific mall (in pics) sa legaspi! how many has. ba ang mall sa legaspi? maliit ba cya? kung maliit well at least maganda

Legazpi Pacific Mall is currently 40,000 sqm of retail space and will be expanding to 65,000 sqm soon. Not that big compared to Manila Malls but is Big enough for a medium sized city like Legazpi. The whole business Park is 5 has. where the Pacific Mall is the centerpeice of the Development.

Bicol's Seven Cities

According to Wikipedia, the Bicol Region now has 7 cities. Here they are in order of population size based on the 2000 census:

Legazpi: 157,010,
Naga: 137,810,
Sorsogon: 134,678*
Tabaco: 107,166
Ligao: 90,603
Iriga: 88,893
Masbate: 71,441

* Sorsogon and Bacon merged in 2000 as Sorsogon City, hence the sudden jump in its population.

Cityhood in Bicol is an unreliable indication of population size. Some Bicol towns, such as Daraga and Daet have larger populations than some of the above cities. If it were a city, Daraga (101,031) would be Bicol's fifth largest and Daet (80,632) eight biggest.

@Matteo or Olineil, do you guys have 2005 projections for these cities?

try this one:

http://www.nscb.gov.ph/ru5/updates/projections/albay.html

Yeah, LCC's office building is about 10-12 storyes. SMART building? hey havnt heared of this, where is this located?


12 storeys? which one is this, the lcc mall/dept store buildings on quezon ave? or did they build a corporate office or something?

i thought hotel la trinidad was 10 storeys tall...am i right?

I know I better behave myself from now on hehehe....i think scared away Matteo with my joke! He started it though LOL :runaway:

i read the posts and i didnt get it. i re-read and re-read and got it. hehehe
its cool man. don't worry about it.

good morning Neil - excellent find !! Maybe this should be the theme song of our thread? :)

Matteo would love this song. :D

it was hard to understand.

Look what video I found at yourtube.com Click me... (http://www.youtube.com/watch.php?v=sHblRgo-8pA&search=philippines)


Hey Matteo, have u listened to Olineil's audio post above? It' soooo funny! :)
ok u just did hehe
it just cracked me up.
"and Bicolana dai madadaug sa kagayunan...pirming maogma...." :lol:

hmm ...how long ago was that? :) :)

aaah. not too long ago. heeheehee

Hey Matteo, have u listened to Olineil's audio post above? It' soooo funny! :)

yea i did. it was cool

aaah. not too long ago. heeheehee
does this mean you're about 18....? wild guess, sorry!

12 storeys? which one is this, the lcc mall/dept store buildings on quezon ave? or did they build a corporate office or something?

i thought hotel la trinidad was 10 storeys tall...am i right?

yeah, if La Tri is about 10 storeys then LCC Metro must be at least 12....
btw...La Tri must be one of the oldest hotels in town - still going on after all these years!

does this mean you're about 18....? wild guess, sorry!

that's sinjin. hehe.
i'm a bit older than that.
dude, don't worry, i'm already of legal age. hahaha :lol:
joke lang.

oh, i like pacman better • • • • • :hahaha: • • •

that's sinjin. hehe.
i'm a bit older than that.
dude, don't worry, i'm already of legal age. hahaha :lol:
joke lang.

oh, i like pacman better • • • • • :hahaha: • • •

the younger the better :jk:

So let's try and answer our friend's question: which is Bicol's tallest building? I'm thinking it's actually the Bayantel bldg you posted a while back, Matteo, the one that's behind the St Agnes campus?

it was hard to understand.

Yeah I didn't understand some words lile makawili-wili??
But I think Sarung banggi is much harder, don't you think?

Is Pacific Mall a nice mall..? Well, comparing it to SM since SM will be building a mall quite soon...

>I'm impressed with the Cinema lobby.

Yes, it's nice, spacious and the interior is quite tastefully decorated, I also like the exterior - nice, warm colours, but too garish like LCC Metro.

Yes, it's nice, spacious and the interior is quite tastefully decorated, I also like the exterior - nice, warm colours, but too garish like LCC Metro.

i didn't know you've already been inside pacific mall. hmmm.
come to think of it, i havent seen any other interior shots of that mall except for the ones in their website.

bayantel building...i'm not sure how tall that is.
but it's a pretty nice looking structure with blue glass windows, right?

i didn't know you've already been inside pacific mall. hmmm.
come to think of it, i havent seen any other interior shots of that mall except for the ones in their website.

bayantel building...i'm not sure how tall that is.
but it's a pretty nice looking structure with blue glass windows, right?

yeah that's the one! I thought it looked taller than LCC Metro. SO when do you guys think Bicol will have its first skyscraper? I think it's only a matter of time...2020? 2050?? :)

Maybe Lili is right - we shouldn't have too many tall buildings that would obscure the view of Mayon.

yeah that's the one! I thought it looked taller than LCC Metro. SO when do you guys think Bicol will have its first skyscraper? I think it's only a matter of time...2020? 2050?? :)

Maybe Lili is right - we shouldn't have too many tall buildings that would obscure the view of Mayon.

haha 2050! i would've been 38 years old multiplied by 2 by then. *hint hint ;)*

anyway.

1 is bayantel building and 4 is pacific mall (under construction) and you can see Lcc metro (a bit fuzzy) next to pmall, in this shot at least...

<img src="http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/Legazpi-view.jpg" alt="Image hosted by Photobucket.com">

So you were born in 1974 - same year as me! I just had my birthday so you're probably a few months older. :) Kuya Matt.... :tongue3:

See what I mean. the Bayantel bldg looks tall even behind St Agnes.

So you were born in 1974 - same year as me! I just had my birthday so you're probably a few months older. :) Kuya Matt.... :tongue3:

See what I mean. the Bayantel bldg looks tall even behind St Agnes.


whaat! '74! dude! nooooo.
you know what, maybe i did my little math thingie wrong there. so never mind. i never was the math prodigy my parents wanted me to be, after all. hehehehe

i'm 24.

whaat! '74! nooooo.

2050- 76 (38x2) = 1974. No? :)

Someone's even worse than me in arithmetic :)
damn, you're younger then ...sigh.

So you were born in 1974 - same year as me! I just had my birthday so you're probably a few months older. :) Kuya Matt.... :tongue3:

See what I mean. the Bayantel bldg looks tall even behind St Agnes.


i'm all confused now.
i could've sworn bayantel was only 5 or 6 levels high...

but of course, i could be wrong... :dunno:

Someone's even worse than me in arithmetic :)
damn, you're younger then ...sigh.

olineil should be good in math, he's a engineer or i.t. guy, right?
yep, matteo's bad in math, but he's good in a lot of other things. :laugh:
hehe

You might be right after all - LCC still looks taller, even in your pic. But the point is we still don't have a skyscraper. I'm sure we'll have one sooner or later.

olineil should be good in math, he's a engineer or i.t. guy, right?
yep, matteo's bad in math, but he's good in a lot of other things. :laugh:
hehe

What other things?! ;)
pottery? arts & crafts? gardening...? :)

I always hated maths in the RP - it was so coercive - remember math in St Agnes? :)

What other things?! ;)
pottery? arts & crafts? gardening...? :)

I always hated maths in the RP - it was so coercive - remember math in St Agnes? :)

i hate math, period. hehe
so tell me more about pacific mall.
what's the inside look like?

Admit mo na Matteo. Malapit ka na sa liga namin ni drfeelgood! lol.

You might be right after all - LCC still looks taller, even in your pic. But the point is we still don't have a skyscraper. I'm sure we'll have one sooner or later.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/LegazpiCitydowntown3.jpg
Heres LCC, the office block is the Tall one behind. Come to think of it after observing the Photo it might only be 8-10 storeys high. But I still believe this is the tallest we have so far.

Admit mo na Matteo. Malapit ka na sa liga namin ni drfeelgood! lol.

almost there! hehehe

Pantomina (Sayaw nin Bicolnon)

featuring "the Bikol region"

http://www.youtube.com/watch.php?v=R_MHocZJsog&search=philippines

and


Babaying Taga Bicol

http://www.youtube.com/watch.php?v=sHblRgo-8pA&search=philippines

Legazpi Pacific Mall is currently 40,000 sqm of retail space and will be expanding to 65,000 sqm soon. Not that big compared to Manila Malls but is Big enough for a medium sized city like Legazpi. The whole business Park is 5 has. where the Pacific Mall is the centerpeice of the Development.

ano ba ang land area ng pacific mall? at least malaki na rin ung gross floor area. eh ano daw ung balitang may mall din na ipapatayo sa naga? pacific mall group din ang owners nun daw? any pics of nagaland mall *(newly opened mall)

gaano rin kalaki ung LCC? gross floor area nun mall and the land area?

ano ba ang land area ng pacific mall? at least malaki na rin ung gross floor area. eh ano daw ung balitang may mall din na ipapatayo sa naga? pacific mall group din ang owners nun daw? any pics of nagaland mall *(newly opened mall)

Actually, Pacific Mall Naga has been long time opened.

@Carljoseph: You'd better visit this first to see some of the Philippine Malls

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=260692

Pantomina (Sayaw nin Bicolnon)

featuring "the Bikol region"

http://www.youtube.com/watch.php?v=R_MHocZJsog&search=philippines

and


Babaying Taga Bicol

http://www.youtube.com/watch.php?v=sHblRgo-8pA&search=philippines

Thanks Tigs, I saw the second link yesterday - funny! :)

Actually, Pacific Mall Naga has been long time opened.

Hmmm... i think this is unfounded. Pacific Mall Naga is still on the drawing boards.

kailan naman nagopen ang pacific mall naga? nasa planning stage pa ata!

kailan naman nagopen ang pacific mall naga? nasa planning stage pa ata!

Yes, it's still in the planning stages - I haven't heard otherwise..

NAGBUKAS NA BA ANG NAGALAND MALL?

what i know (from online write-ups) pacific mall naga will break ground before this year's end, and construction to begin early 2006.
there's a e-mall naga or something set to open housing robinson's dept store and handyman in naga.

in the naga website forums, they keep talking about sm naga to start construction very soon. i doubt that its true though. i dont think the sm group is ready to penetrate the bicol market yet considering there are other cities that are far larger than naga and legazpi (bacolod etc...) that the sm group might be focusing on first.

but of course, i might be wrong... hehee

Are you a member of those naga forums? why don't you invite them to join us? - they can provide us with more pics LOL

Are you a member of those naga forums? why don't you invite them to join us? - they can provide us with more pics LOL

no i'm not a member. they all keep fighting in there hehee

so i just read.

no i'm not a member. they all keep fighting in there hehee

so i just read.

fighting?! that's so typical - i wonder what about? :)

fighting?! that's so typical - i wonder what about? :)

naga vs legazpi.
similar to what happened to that bacolod vs iloilo thread here. hehehe

naga vs legazpi.
similar to what happened to that bacolod vs iloilo thread here. hehehe

Really?? hmm maybe I should join in hehe :jk:
But since it's a Naga forum I'm guessing the Legazpi people are outnumbered/ Such a waste of energy when we should be getting together and co-operating! There I have spoken... :)

Really?? hmm maybe I should join in hehe :jk:
But since it's a Naga forum I'm guessing the Legazpi people are outnumbered/ Such a waste of energy when we should be getting together and co-operating! There I have spoken... :)

man, they're cutthroat (sp?) and brutal!
that's why i just read.

where's lili

what are these forums called - link? just curious... :)
missing Lili? don't worry she'll be here soon LOL

what are these forums called - link? just curious... :)
missing Lili? don't worry she'll be here soon LOL

go to www.naga.gov.ph then to their community board/forum

ok, fine. where's olineil hehehee

joke.

go to www.naga.gov.ph then to their community board/forum

ok, fine. where's olineil hehehee

joke.



naughty :)
I haven't seen much fighting so far...mind you it's quite a busy forum.

Oh. I think I see what you mean - it's quite pornographic too!

Oh. I think I see what you mean - it's quite pornographic too!

yup.
so you never did answer my question yesterday.
how's it inside pacific mall in legazpi?

yup.
so you never did answer my question yesterday.
how's it inside pacific mall in legazpi?

oops sorry - when i last went back home in 2002 it had just opened, but nearly all the lots had been occupied, even then. The interior is spacious, with lots of fast-food chains, restaurants, multiplex cinema, music stores, clothes stores, etc....just like a Manila mall I guess, well maybe not as big. The decor is quite nice too.
any more questions? :)

I now see what you mean - those forumers are wasting time fighting about where the SM branch should be located - Legazpi or Naga - it's hard to get an objective angle as everyone is so biased.

I now see what you mean - those forumers are wasting time fighting about where the SM branch should be located - Legazpi or Naga - it's hard to get an objective angle as everyone is so biased.

its a fun read, nevertheless. hehehaha

oops sorry - when i last went back home in 2002 it had just opened, but nearly all the lots had been occupied, even then. The interior is spacious, with lots of fast-food chains, restaurants, multiplex cinema, music stores, clothes stores, etc....just like a Manila mall I guess, well maybe not as big. The decor is quite nice too.
any more questions? :)

yeah. you got pictures? hehe

olineil.

which one's bigger, lcc legazpi or lcc naga?
is pacific mall legazpi still the biggest one in bicol, or has it already been overtaken by something else?

its a fun read, nevertheless. hehehaha

I wonder what happened to all those Bicolanos who used to post here? Busy fighting in other forums? :)
I think our one's quite spicy as it is! LOL

man, they're cutthroat (sp?) and brutal!
that's why i just read.

where's lili
what are these forums called - link? just curious... :)
missing Lili? don't worry she'll be here soon LOL

I wonder what happened to all those Bicolanos who used to post here? Busy fighting in other forums? :)
I think our one's quite spicy as it is! LOL

You're looking for me to keep things spicy here?

It's spicy enough as it is with your Bicol Express, Drfeelgood's shirtless surfing, sipping wine by the moonlight, Matteo's pining and Olineil's Karaoke shots. And of course, the majestic fiery Mt. Mayon Volcano.

Post more of your pictures to make things spicier. ;)

You're looking for me to keep things spicy here?

It's spicy enough as it is with your Bicol Express, Drfeelgood's shirtless surfing, sipping wine by the moonlight, Matteo's pining and Olineil's Karaoke shots. And of course, the majestic fiery Mt. Mayon Volcano.

Post more of your pictures to make things spicier. ;)

my pining?

hey how do you do those quote quote quotes?

I wonder what happened to all those Bicolanos who used to post here? Busy fighting in other forums? :)
I think our one's quite spicy as it is! LOL


i didnt know there were other bicolano ones who used to post here...

i didnt know there were other bicolano ones who used to post here...

Yes, I remember some Bicolanos thanked us for our work a few months ago in the first thread. I think they were just browsing though. So when did you leave Legazpi for the US, if you don't mind me asking?

my pining?

:lol: I thought you were channelling drfeelgood's advertisement for you when he was sipping wine by the window.

I commend you guys for keeping this thread alive and alive. :okay:

:lol: I thought you were channelling drfeelgood's advertisement for you when he was sipping wine by the window.

I commend you guys for keeping this thread alive and alive. :okay:

ok. how do i explain this...
i thought dr feel good was sending out an ad for me, not from him him to me, but 'endorsing' me. does that make sense...? hehehehe

as far as the wine sipping by the window, i thought he was thinking about you. UNLESS...... hmmm :laugh: hehehe

he did say the younger, the better :wink2:

:jk: doc.

ok. how do i explain this...
i thought dr feel good was sending out an ad for me, not from him him to me, but 'endorsing' me. does that make sense...? hehehehe

as far as the wine sipping by the window, i thought he was thinking about you. UNLESS...... hmmm :laugh: hehehe

he did say the younger, the better :wink2:

:jk: doc.

That was my understanding, too. It was drfeelgood who twisted it and frightened you away. :laugh:

The younger huh? Nagkamali-mali na nga ang math mo. Aminin mo na.

Hey, drfeelgooood... ;) :jk:

That was my understanding, too. It was drfeelgood who twisted it and frightened you away. :laugh:

The younger huh? Nagkamali-mali na nga ang math mo. Aminin mo na.

Hey, drfeelgooood... ;) :jk:


hala. i think we scared him away now...

Siya naman ang natakot. Kaya dapat minsan-minsan lang ako dumadalaw sa Bicol. Mahiyain ang men eh. :)

hey how do you do those quote quote quotes?

Cut and paste ang ginagawa ko.

Siya naman ang natakot. Kaya dapat minsan-minsan lang ako dumadalaw sa Bicol. Mahiyain ang men eh. :)

i'm not mahiyahin. :cool:

By ANA MARIE MACUJA

Landco Pacific Corporation, the property arm of publicly-traded Metro Pacific Corporation, has earmarked P400 million to P500 million for the construction of a new mall in Naga City, Camarines Sur in joint venture with the Metro Gaisano Group.

Landco General Manager Michael Reyes said the mall will be constructed on a 12-hectare property and would be the second mall development for the company.

Landco has an existing mall in Legazpi City, Albay also in co-development with the Metro Gaisano Group.

The Gaisano Group is a known mall developer in the Southern part of the country. The Group is composed of five families with each family developing malls in different major cities in the Visayas and Southern Luzon.

Gaisano malls (including Metro Gaisano) are located in Lucena, Quezon, various cities in Cebu, Butuan, Iloilo, Davao and General Santos.

Meantime, Landco Pacific has outlined several other projects in the pipeline most of which are joint ventures with landowners. These projects include the development of residential subdivisions and seaside residential resorts.

Landco Pacific Senior Vice President Alby Xerez Burgos said comprehensive development plans are being finalized for a 92-hectare seaside property on the Calatagan, Batangas. The property will be developed into a residential resort similar to its Punta Fuego and Terrazas in Nasugbu, Batangas.

The Calatagan project will be developed into a mixed-use, residential, tourism and leisure estate. Landco is eyeing to launch this project by the end of this year or by the first quarter of next year.

In addition, Burgos said the company has also recently entered into a joint venture with the Escudero family to develop the latter’s 400-hectare property in Quezon called Villa Escudero. He said of the entire property, only 15 hectares is developed.

Another joint venture that Landco has inked is with Capitol Hills Golf and Country Club for the development of a 200-hectare land in Montalban, Rizal. The agreement is to develop a subdivision around a golf course.

For these upcoming projects, Burgos said, funds will be sourced both internally and from borrowings. He added the company will also try to raise funds through pre-selling.

Mateo Spring Resort, Irosin, Sorsogon (Hmmm...sayo b 2 matteo?)
http://oragonrepublic.com/modules/xcgal/albums/userpics/10001/CIMG1194.JPG

This one is a fresh water spring in Bulusan (The water here tastes bland like sprite) http://oragonrepublic.com/modules/xcgal/albums/userpics/10001/Image_11_2.jpg

Misc. Sorsogon Pic
http://oragonrepublic.com/modules/xcgal/albums/userpics/10001/CIMG1171.JPG

Pasacao Beach Cam Sur
http://oragonrepublic.com/modules/xcgal/albums/userpics/10001/Pasacao.jpg

Miss Bicolandia 2005 winners I guess...
http://oragonrepublic.com/modules/xcgal/albums/userpics/10001/IMG_6636.jpg

Peñafrancia Festival (Naga)
http://oragonrepublic.com/modules/xcgal/albums/userpics/10101/traslacion__MG_4958.jpg

Miss Bicolandia Candidates

http://oragonrepublic.com/modules/xcgal/albums/userpics/album11/020_G.jpg http://oragonrepublic.com/modules/xcgal/albums/userpics/album11/019_G.jpghttp://oragonrepublic.com/modules/xcgal/albums/userpics/album11/018_G.jpg

http://oragonrepublic.com/modules/xcgal/albums/userpics/album11/017_G.jpg http://oragonrepublic.com/modules/xcgal/albums/userpics/album11/016_G.jpghttp://oragonrepublic.com/modules/xcgal/albums/userpics/album11/015_G.jpg

http://oragonrepublic.com/modules/xcgal/albums/userpics/album11/014_G.jpg http://oragonrepublic.com/modules/xcgal/albums/userpics/album11/013_G.jpg http://oragonrepublic.com/modules/xcgal/albums/userpics/album11/012_G.jpg

http://oragonrepublic.com/modules/xcgal/albums/userpics/album11/010_G.jpg http://oragonrepublic.com/modules/xcgal/albums/userpics/album11/011_G.jpghttp://oragonrepublic.com/modules/xcgal/albums/userpics/album11/008_G.jpg

http://oragonrepublic.com/modules/xcgal/albums/userpics/album11/009_G.jpg http://oragonrepublic.com/modules/xcgal/albums/userpics/album11/007_G.jpg http://oragonrepublic.com/modules/xcgal/albums/userpics/album11/006_G.jpg

http://oragonrepublic.com/modules/xcgal/albums/userpics/album11/004_G.sized.jpg http://oragonrepublic.com/modules/xcgal/albums/userpics/album11/005_G.jpg http://oragonrepublic.com/modules/xcgal/albums/userpics/album11/003_G.sized.jpg

http://oragonrepublic.com/modules/xcgal/albums/userpics/album11/002_G.sized.jpg http://oragonrepublic.com/modules/xcgal/albums/userpics/album11/001_G.jpg

By Florencio Narito


LEGAZPI CITY – The Legazpi City Business Center, an airconditioned one-stop shop for businessmen, was inaugurated by Mayor Noel E. Rosal last June 12, the 107th Independence Day and the 46th Charter Anniversary of Legazpi as a city.

Among the guests present during the blessing and inauguration where Chief Supt. Victor B. Boco, Police Regional Office (PRO) 5 chief, Regional Director Jocelyn Blanco of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Regional Director Maria Ong Ravanilla of the Department of Tourism (DoT), Dr. Angustias D. Calleja, president, Albay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), provincial and city government officials.

The LCBC houses the Investment Promotion Unit and the Permits and License Division of the City Mayor’s Office, headed by Asuncion Viñas-Calleja.

In his message, Rosal told the businessmen: “I’d like to assure you that we’re doing everything to perfect our services especially in the issuance of business permits.”

At the same time, the city chief executive said that for the next three years there will be no increase in real property taxes.

He also revealed that he had asked the engineering, the fire department and the zoning department to make their inspection not in December but either in June or July.

On the opening of the new Legazpi City Public Market, Rosal said that “this will bring back the glory days of Legazpi City before the old public market was burned.”

Rosal disclosed that the former Satellite (Central) Market will be converted into a modern airconditioned integrated bus terminal with food chain. But the construction of the new integrated bus terminal will be through “build-operate-and-transfe” (BOT) scheme.

“We should make our bus terminal clean as much as possible to attract tourists and ordinary visitors to our city,” he said.

Rosal also reported that the Legazpi City Police Station will be transferred to a new building in Bariada, Legazpi City. Funding for the construction of the new LCPS will come from the Provincial Government of Albay, P1.5 million, from the Philippine National Police P1.5 million, and from the City Government of Legazpi, P 2 million.

Thanks for the article Olineil - it should finally clarify the status of the Naga PM - in other words, still in the planning stages. But good news that it will soon be built! Good news too regarding that Legazpi business centre!

Quote:
Originally Posted by Lili
I thought you were channelling drfeelgood's advertisement for you when he was sipping wine by the window.

I commend you guys for keeping this thread alive and alive.



ok. how do i explain this...
i thought dr feel good was sending out an ad for me, not from him him to me, but 'endorsing' me. does that make sense...? hehehehe

as far as the wine sipping by the window, i thought he was thinking about you. UNLESS...... hmmm hehehe

he did say the younger, the better

doc.
That was my understanding, too. It was drfeelgood who twisted it and frightened you away. :laugh:

The younger huh? Nagkamali-mali na nga ang math mo. Aminin mo na.

Hey, drfeelgooood... ;) :jk:

Are you guys trying to provoke me? Sige kayo....

Matteo, I could always re-dedicate that amorous tale to you, if you prefer. Since Lili haughtily spurned my love puwet-tree, you are now the lucky muse.
She doesn't know what she's missing does she? Shy Bicolanos indeed! Feeble excuse! Humph! Matteo...I'm waiting.... :nuts: :tongue3:

Mateo Spring Resort, Irosin, Sorsogon (Hmmm...sayo b 2 matteo?)
http://oragonrepublic.com/modules/xcgal/albums/userpics/10001/CIMG1194.JPG

This one is a fresh water spring in Bulusan (The water here tastes bland like sprite) http://oragonrepublic.com/modules/xcgal/albums/userpics/10001/Image_11_2.jpg

Misc. Sorsogon Pic
http://oragonrepublic.com/modules/xcgal/albums/userpics/10001/CIMG1171.JPG

Pasacao Beach Cam Sur
http://oragonrepublic.com/modules/xcgal/albums/userpics/10001/Pasacao.jpg

that's nice, I've been there,.... I might comeback....too

olineil. i went to a spring resort somewhere in ligao before.
by the way, which one's bigger now, lcc legazpi or lcc naga?
is lcc naga bigger than pacific mall legazpi?

Hey Matteo's back! tsk tsk tsk :runaway:

gaganda naman ng mga bicolana. :)

olineil. i went to a spring resort somewhere in ligao before.
by the way, which one's bigger now, lcc legazpi or lcc naga?
is lcc naga bigger than pacific mall legazpi?

I believe LCC Legazpi is still bigger the LCC Central Mall Naga. LCC naga is only single floor but Double height yung Roofing, and its quite long. LCC Legazpi on the other hand has 4 Major components occupying 1 block in the city center (LCC Metro with 5-6 floors + the Educational Wing with 4 floors + LCC Metro extension with 6 floors (Former Lola theater area @ peñaranda) + Grocery wing with 3 floors. All this have have found a way to creep thru like a maze and finally became 1 whole entity called LCC Legazpi. Funny I used to call it LCC Lego land before coz of the stigma of extend dito extend duon when Romy Tan manages to overtake a property in that block.

But most definitely Pacific Mall is way bigger than LCC Legazpi. You can easily see the difference in Drfeelgood's Aerial shot.
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a141/drfeelgood17/4352020Legaspi.jpg

I believe LCC Legazpi is still bigger the LCC Central Mall Naga. LCC naga is only single floor but Double height yung Roofing, and its quite long. LCC Legazpi on the other hand has 4 Major components occupying 1 block in the city center (LCC Metro with 5-6 floors + the Educational Wing with 4 floors + LCC Metro extension with 6 floors (Former Lola theater area @ peñaranda) + Grocery wing with 3 floors. All this have have found a way to creep thru like a maze and finally became 1 whole entity called LCC Legazpi. Funny I used to call it LCC Lego land before coz of the stigma of extend dito extend duon when Romy Tan manages to overtake a property in that block.

But most definitely Pacific Mall is way bigger than LCC Legazpi. You can easily see the difference in Drfeelgood's Aerial shot.



what does double height roofing mean?

whats up drfeelgood

Yeah it looks almost twice as big.

I'm ok Matteo...been waitin all day for you & Lili :jk:

what does double height roofing mean?

whats up drfeelgood

ok, its the height of 2 floor building but inside is single floor only.

ok, its the height of 2 floor building but inside is single floor only.

really. hmm a one story mall. how does it look inside, an outlet mall?

:colgate:

Are you guys trying to provoke me? Sige kayo....

Matteo, I could always re-dedicate that amorous tale to you, if you prefer. Since Lili haughtily spurned my love puwet-tree, you are now the lucky muse.
She doesn't know what she's missing does she? Shy Bicolanos indeed! Feeble excuse! Humph! Matteo...I'm waiting.... :nuts: :tongue3:

puwet tree nyeheheh.
i love your witty little interjections dr hehe
are they supposed to let us know more about you? AHA! Just kidding! :jk:

shy bicolano? not this one :colgate:

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/nomdeusuario/legazpi02.jpg

http://i14.photobucket.com/albums/a328/nomdeusuario/pacificmall.jpg

^^ galeng! kaanuano kayo ni maestro dudz? did you work for DOT?

Gracias, Mr Manila. The liittle garden/square in front of Pacific Mall wasn't there when I last visited in 2002, so this must be a recent pic.

Gracias, Mr Manila. The liittle garden/square in front of Pacific Mall wasn't there when I last visited in 2002, so this must be a recent pic.

the building looks tiny from this angle...

Legazpi City

Profile and quick facts:

Region: Bicol Region (Region V)
Province: Albay
Dates:
Founded—October 23, 1856
Cityhood—June 12, 1959
Population:
2000 census—157,010
2005 estimate - 184,133
Density—769 per km²
Area: 204.20 km²
Barangays: 70
Congressional districts: 2nd district of Albay
Income Class: 1st class; partially urban
Mayor: Noel E. Rosal

LEGAZPI DOWNTOWN

Penaranda Street:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a141/drfeelgood17/legaspist.jpg

Plaza Rizal - the tall building is Bichara Mall:


http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a141/drfeelgood17/120700941.jpg

Legazpi Phil-Am War monument and BPI bldg:



http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a141/drfeelgood17/LegazpiCitydowntown3.jpg

LCC METRO MALL:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a141/drfeelgood17/lccmetro.jpg

LEGAZPI MIDTOWN :)

Rizal St and Divine Word College:
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a141/drfeelgood17/divinewordcollege.jpg

Capitol - Region 5 HQ:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a141/drfeelgood17/capitol1.jpg

Penaranda Park, City Hall and Cathedral:
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a141/drfeelgood17/penarandapark2.jpg

Albay astrodome:
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a141/drfeelgood17/astrodome.jpg

PACIFIC MALL :
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a141/drfeelgood17/pacificmall.jpg

ganda ng mga buildings.. ang linis pa ng mga kalye..

btw, my dad is from bulan, sorsogon.. malapit din ba yan sa legazpi city?

ganda ng mga buildings.. ang linis pa ng mga kalye..

btw, my dad is from bulan, sorsogon.. malapit din ba yan sa legazpi city?

Really? Its quite close...about 1.5hrs travel on private car.

LEGAZPI UPTOWN :tongue3:

mayon planetarium

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a141/drfeelgood17/mayonplanetarium.jpg

ALBAY WILDLIFE PARK

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a141/drfeelgood17/apw1.jpg

IMPERIAL RIDGEVIEW SUBDIVISION:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a141/drfeelgood17/sub1.jpg

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a141/drfeelgood17/sub3.jpg

Views from subdivision:

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a141/drfeelgood17/sub4.jpg
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a141/drfeelgood17/sub2.jpg
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a141/drfeelgood17/sub5.jpg

Really? Its quite close...about 1.5hrs travel on private car.

thanx oliniel. it's really ironic coz my dad is tagalog but i've never been to luzon.. right now he's in antipolo, rizal

thanx oliniel. it's really ironic coz my dad is tagalog but i've never been to luzon.. right now he's in antipolo, rizal

Oh I'm confused...didn't you say he's from Bulan, Sorsogon? Was he originally from there? BTW, Bulan is quite close to Donsol, home of the whale sharks - great excuse to visit Bicol!

oh sorry.. my dad is a bicolano.. he's from bulan, sorsogon but right now he's with my aunt in antipolo, rizal.. GAERLAN ang family name ko baka may kakilala kayo diyan hehehe

Oh i see - now that makes sense. The name doesn't ring a bell but maybe Olineil or Matteo might know it.

ok, your family name figures where you came from sorsogon. Most of the "G" family names in sorsogon are found in Bulan, and Bulusan. My family name is Gallano, you can also find, Gamil, Gapas, Gallego, etc in Bulan and Bulusan.

golly.
i actually got busy at work today.
whats up drfeelgood
whats up olineil, miss your photo posts dude.

hey Matteo - hows things? I can't find you and Olineil's pics in the "SCC photo collage" - have u posted them before?

okay salamat drfeelgood17 and olineil.. baka relatives tatong tatlo.. :D

Albay Capitol, taken from the Center of Peñaranda Park
http://www.filipinomissions.org/images/2002-11-15%20020.jpg

PAL plane parked at Legazpi City Airport Tarmac
http://www.filipinomissions.org/images/Tuesday%20-%20Leaving%20Legazpi.jpg

LEGAZPI TRAIN STATION - OUR GRAND CENTRAL :)
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a141/drfeelgood17/pnr.jpg

"BICOL EXPRESS" TRAIN SCHED AND PRICES

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a141/drfeelgood17/3P4300055.jpg

At least it's cheaper than flying PAL -pak :)

AND HERE ARE THE LOVELY TRAINS! :)
HAVE A SAFE TRIP!
http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a141/drfeelgood17/3P5010143.jpg

MAP OF LEGAZPI TRAIN STATION - TAKEN FROM A JAPANESE WEBSITE

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a141/drfeelgood17/legazpi.jpg

nice.. may nalalaman pang station map. :)

hey Matteo - hows things? I can't find you and Olineil's pics in the "SCC photo collage" - have u posted them before?
umm no. where can i find that?

umm no. where can i find that?

Photo album VI - last page

Hey Matteo, did u see Olineil's great design idea for Cebu City? Check out the Cebu thread!

Hey Matteo, did u see Olineil's great design idea for Cebu City? Check out the Cebu thread!

nope not yet. ill check it out.
dyou see that new thread? it says Dead American Soldiers

nope not yet. ill check it out.
dyou see that new thread? it says Dead American Soldiers

sshhhh! i see dead people......

that was cool. i finally got to see lili and thug lookin drfeelgood hehe. just kidding dude.
are we all supposed to submit a photo? no one's told me...

that was cool. i finally got to see lili and thug lookin drfeelgood hehe. just kidding dude.
are we all supposed to submit a photo? no one's told me...
I should have posted another pic LOL
Yes you have to!! :gunz:
have you tried this ? its fun:
http://www.myheritage.com/

I should have posted another pic LOL
Yes you have to!! :gunz:
have you tried this ? its fun:
http://www.myheritage.com/

yes hehe. and im jason biggs. :lol:

who do i send my photo to?
or was i supposed to be asked my somebody if i wanted to submit? i duno

yes hehe. and im jason biggs. :lol:

who do i send my photo to?
or was i supposed to be asked my somebody if i wanted to submit? i duno

Just paste your pic and results (if u can) to the Photo album VI thread - I think Weirdo organises them into a collage - he's done a great job so far.