I see what you mean, Olineil. Because you have relatives in Cebu it's also much more convenient for you. Is your wife from Cebu City? Does she like Bicol?

ei doc, ei guys.:wave:
musta na kayo? hmm..mukhang puno na yata 'tong thread natin.
i took the liberty to make thread 5..:) post n lng po kayo..

Legazpi City, Albay and Bicol Region - Thread V (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/editpost.php?do=editpost&p=7891987)

DAGOS PO KAMO SA LEGAZPI CITY!
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First posted 05:45am (Mla time) April 03, 2006
Inquirer

PILI, Camarines Sur -- A similar arson pattern, which employs a plastic trash container set on fire under a pile of plastic chairs, was observed in the burning of a state college building here and an attempt to raze a state university in Legazpi City.

On March 20, the Teacher's Educational Institute Building of the Camarines Sur State Agricultural College (CSSAC) in Barangay San Jose burned down at lunch break. Nobody was reported hurt.

Fire Officer 3 Tomas Sinfuego, fire investigator, said the arsonist escaped unnoticed and locked the doors of the building so that nobody could even try to put out the blaze.

Sinfuego said the fire had already crept to the ceiling and other portions of the building when the firefighters arrived.

Sinfuego said he had gathered evidence leading to a motive that might help investigators identify the arsonist.

The remains of a plastic trash container that the arsonist used to burn the building had been recovered, he said.

said the container was full of plastic materials and crumpled paper, and set on fire under a pile of Monobloc chairs.

Sinfuego said that while the firefighters were busy putting out the fire, another fire started in a building several meters away.

Another plastic container filled with plastic materials and crumpled paper was found burning inside the toilet of the Research Building, he said.

Fortunately, the fire was put out in the nick of time, he said.

Dr. Yolanda Castroverde, assistant to the college president, said the CSSAC administration had asked police provincial director Senior Superintendent Romeo Mapalo for the deployment of at least six police officers on campus.

She said the school had only 15 security guards and seven are on duty at any given time to secure the vast campus. The buildings are far apart and there are trees between them.

Castroverde said she called a meeting of all department heads and personnel, and members of the student council to discuss security matters.

She said she was surprised to find out on Wednesday from Bicol University officials that the same arson pattern had been employed when one of the buildings was set on fire sometime in January.

Castroverde said the BU officials had told her that a plastic trash container under Monobloc chairs had also been set on fire, but that the fire was easily controlled because of the high ceiling and the concrete materials used in the building.

She said the CSSAC officials had experienced a series of arson incidents this year. The first happened at the Graduate School Building on Feb. 20 but it was put out before the flames could spread to the ceiling, she said. Juan Escandor Jr., PDI Southern Luzon Bureau

----

The BU Little theater is gone..nasunog kahapon..dunno the cause...pero kung arson nga..ewan ko :gaah:

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Legazpi City is a first class city in the province of Albay, Philippines. It is the capital city of Albay, and the regional center of Bicol Region. It is nicknamed the "Queen City of Southern Luzon".

Positioned in the geographical center of the peninsula and the between the two island provinces of Catanduanes and Masbate, Legazpi has the strategic advantages of being a commercial, institutional, and transportation hub. Legazpi City is the southernmost terminus of the Philippine National Railways Main Line South. It also has a national port handling export.

According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 157,010 people in 30,612 households.

The City of Legazpi is the business hub not only of the Province of Albay but also of the whole Bicol Region. It is regarded as the heart of Mayon and a friendly venue of conventions.

Events

Ibalong Festival, held every October, is the fiesta that is widely celebrated in the City. It recounts the events related in the folk epic "Ibalong" which is about the story of how the ancient Bicols conquered not only the wild beasts that scoured the land, but also the temptations to morality that would have derailed their noble purpose of building a peaceful community. It also tells how the early Bicols made inventions that brought them economic progress.

The festival is celebrated by means of dramatic re-enactment of the epic, a street presentation, a beauty pageant, cultural and sports events, trade fairs, and art exhibits. On the same month of October after the Ibalong Festival, the Parish of St. Raphael in Legazpi Port District also holds its religious celebrations to honor the Citys Patron Saint, St. Raphael. Boat races and other sports events are held during the fiesta. The apogee of the fiesta is a maritime procession in Albay Gulf in which the different coastal barangays of Legazpi join to chant praises to their patron saint.

Feature

The most distinguishing feature of Legazpi City in recent years is that it has grown in popularity as a convention venue because of the hotels and big convention centers here. In the past three years, Legazpi has played host to the various conventions of the various group of professionals, government agencies, NGOs, civic organizations, and the like. In addition to the convention facilities are numerous entertainment and recreation destinations not only within the City but also in the nearby towns within Albay Province.



http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/30/Ph_locator_region_5.png



Bicol Region

Bicol Region or Bicolandia is one of the regions of the Philippines occupying the Bicol Peninsula at the southeastern end of Luzon island. It consists of six provinces, namely, Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Masbate, and Sorsogon. The inhabitants speak Bikol, and the commercial/financial centers and transportation hubs are Naga City and Legazpi City, which is also the regional center.

Btw, that's not my collage. ;)

o cool. Thread 5 for region 5! hehehe

First posted 05:45am (Mla time) April 03, 2006
Inquirer

PILI, Camarines Sur -- A similar arson pattern, which employs a plastic trash container set on fire under a pile of plastic chairs, was observed in the burning of a state college building here and an attempt to raze a state university in Legazpi City.

On March 20, the Teacher's Educational Institute Building of the Camarines Sur State Agricultural College (CSSAC) in Barangay San Jose burned down at lunch break. Nobody was reported hurt.

Fire Officer 3 Tomas Sinfuego, fire investigator, said the arsonist escaped unnoticed and locked the doors of the building so that nobody could even try to put out the blaze.

Sinfuego said the fire had already crept to the ceiling and other portions of the building when the firefighters arrived.

Sinfuego said he had gathered evidence leading to a motive that might help investigators identify the arsonist.

The remains of a plastic trash container that the arsonist used to burn the building had been recovered, he said.

said the container was full of plastic materials and crumpled paper, and set on fire under a pile of Monobloc chairs.

Sinfuego said that while the firefighters were busy putting out the fire, another fire started in a building several meters away.

Another plastic container filled with plastic materials and crumpled paper was found burning inside the toilet of the Research Building, he said.

Fortunately, the fire was put out in the nick of time, he said.

Dr. Yolanda Castroverde, assistant to the college president, said the CSSAC administration had asked police provincial director Senior Superintendent Romeo Mapalo for the deployment of at least six police officers on campus.

She said the school had only 15 security guards and seven are on duty at any given time to secure the vast campus. The buildings are far apart and there are trees between them.

Castroverde said she called a meeting of all department heads and personnel, and members of the student council to discuss security matters.

She said she was surprised to find out on Wednesday from Bicol University officials that the same arson pattern had been employed when one of the buildings was set on fire sometime in January.

Castroverde said the BU officials had told her that a plastic trash container under Monobloc chairs had also been set on fire, but that the fire was easily controlled because of the high ceiling and the concrete materials used in the building.

She said the CSSAC officials had experienced a series of arson incidents this year. The first happened at the Graduate School Building on Feb. 20 but it was put out before the flames could spread to the ceiling, she said. Juan Escandor Jr., PDI Southern Luzon Bureau

----

The BU Little theater is gone..nasunog kahapon..dunno the cause...pero kung arson nga..ewan ko :gaah:

Ha! What! Thats a very memorable place for me...thats the place where my College time Rock Band had a first performance...Dang!

Uragon, Thread 5 na...Hahahaha...Kumusta mga Kabanwa?!

Thread closed...move on to a new one:)

The promise of Bicol

By Fran Katigbak
Inquirer

BICOL is haven to many wonderful, elusive things, especially toward visitors and tourists unfamiliar with the peninsula.

Why elusive?

To begin with, a trip to the region from Manila takes a grueling 12-hour bus ride by the frugal traveler, while those coming from the Visayas used to have no other choice except the mandatory Cebu-Manila-Legazpi flight itinerary. Direct Cebu-Legazpi trips were recently introduced by Air Philippines, along with the airline’s Manila-Legazpi flights, to aid Bicol in opening its doors to the Visayas.

Perhaps another reason for the province’s elusive charm is the fact that it’s one of the country’s underdeveloped regions. However, now that Bicol is emerging as an eco-tourism destination, it remains to be seen whether the rural setup, or the lack of infrastructure, is boon or bane. The region’s abundant natural resources include mountains, caves, waterfalls, black sand beaches and marine life. Of these, two prominent gems make Bicol distinct from other local eco-tourism hotspots.
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One of these is famous for its near-perfect cone. It majestically stands at the center of Albay Province. Mt. Mayon is visible even from neighboring provinces and looms over the Cagsawa Ruins, site of the remains of the volcano’s worst-recorded eruption, which has become many a photographers’ favorite snapshot of the province.

Thick, stubborn clouds veil Mayon’s tip on certain days though, as was the case during this writer’s trip to Bicol last month. After waiting two whole days for a glimpse of the entire mountain, we finally saw it “unveiled” early morning of the last day of the visit. Getting a view, it turned out, was as simple as looking out the window of our room on the topmost floor of Hotel Venezia.

Gentle giant

“Butanding,” pronounced with strong consonants and emphasis on the second syllable, is the Bicolanos’ beloved whale shark (Rhincodon typus). A high concentration of these creatures frequents the waters of Donsol, Sorsogon, an hour’s drive from Legazpi City. Despite its enormity—the largest can grow up to 18 meters and weigh up to 24 tons—this marine gem is gentle, docile, and feeds only on plankton. Swimming among butanding is thus generally safe.
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/whaleshark1.jpg
The Donsol Tourism Office requires visitors to register, attend a brief orientation on whale shark interaction, and set off accompanied by an able crew of butanding interaction officers (BIO), a spotter and two others to man the boat. Although these whale sharks can be spotted in Sorsogon waters the whole year round, there is no guarantee of seeing them unless the search is conducted during the February-April peak season.

Searching for butanding is best done in the morning when the water is clearer. On peak season, one can spot as many as a dozen or more of the gentle giants. Grumpy weather cut short our whale shark interaction, but not before we snorkeled two meters above one with white spots that seem to glow under water. Swimming close to the butanding was an overwhelming, not to mention humbling, experience. To merely wait for a glimpse of the creature from the surface would be a terrible waste of opportunity.

Matching the Bicolanos’ fondness for butanding is their devotion to the region’s patroness, Our Lady of Peñafrancia. Religious festivals such as September’s Peñafrancia Festival highlight the yearly calendar of events in the region. Devotees continue to flock to Naga City, a center for pilgrimage, in order to pay homage to the patroness.

The people’s religiosity is likewise evident in the preservation of historic churches, among them Albay’s Our Lady of the Gate Church in Daraga, Oas Church in Oas, St. Dominic Guzman Church in Santo Domingo, St. John the Baptist Church in Camalig and Our Lady of Assumption Parish in Guinobatan.

Passion for ‘sili,’ ‘gata’

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A trip to Bicol, of course, is incomplete without a taste of regional cuisine. It is almost preposterous to stay in the province without sampling variations of the popular Bicol Express and pinangat, premium samples of Bicolano passion for sili (chili) and gata (coconut milk) in cooking. Longganisa de Guinobatan, a favorite breakfast fare, should not be missed either. The small sausages, sold P3-P3.50 apiece at the Guinobatan market, taste a little sour and salty and, when cooked the right way, become delectably crunchy.

If vacation plans don’t include trips to the wet market, however, eating Bicolano food is as easy as stopping over at Small Talk Café along Doña Aurora Street in Legazpi. The quaint establishment owned by Didette Peralta is one of the most sought-after dining venues in the city. The café offers common meat, seafood and vegetable dishes as well as fusion cuisine, a combination of western and homegrown cooking Peralta developed.

Picking ‘pili’
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Although Bicol is famous for pili products, poor-quality variants also abound.
Pili nut confections are sold in most markets, groceries and stores in Bicol, so ask your tour guide where to buy the best kind. A well-trusted brand is Albay Central Pili Nut Candy, which has a shop at 873 Rizal St., Old Albay District, Legazpi City. Products are sold at a slightly higher price but rest assured the pili snack you buy has the right crunch and flavor.

For eager shopaholics, Satellite Market at Tahao Road across Legaspi City Terminal will satiate even the greatest urge to splurge on souvenirs and pasalubong. A network of stalls display an assortment of abaca bags, home décor, rugs, handmade paper products, indigenous materials, shirts and small souvenir items, most of which are very affordable. Bargaining is almost always an option.

After all, like the entire Bicol hiatus, it’s the pursuit and the strategy behind it that makes the experience a lot more rewarding. The place: Bicol region, home of majestic Mayon and gentle ‘butanding'

How to get there: A frugal traveler can take the 12-hour bus trip from Manila. By air, it takes about 55 minutes to reach Legazpi, Albay, either from Manila or Cebu.

What to bring: It's better to come prepared with extra cash. As an emerging eco-tourism destination, Bicol has yet to really regulate the fees of tourist attraction sites and activities. One can always haggle though. Keep smaller denominations for frequent jeepney or tricycle rides.

Don't forget to throw in swimming gear, essential gadgets like cell phone and digicam, plus a disposable underwater camera.

What to do: Go on a rolling tour of historical landmarks and churches. Join any of the eco-tourism activities and festivals listed in Bicol's official website. Then swim with butanding in Donsol!

What to eat: Anything on the menu of Small Talk Café at Doña Aurora Street in Legazpi. Visit the row of Capitol Annex Outdoor Restaurants.

What to buy: There's an array of very, very affordable abaca products, adorable souvenirs, artwork and shirts at Satellite Market. Buy pili nut delicacies from Albay Central Pili Nut Candy shop.

Other tips: Travel light but bring an extra lightweight bag for shopping goodies. Most establishments in Albay close earlier than those in Manila. Try to be up the earliest time possible to meet your itinerary and accomplish all activities. Know the jeepney and tricycle rates. Contact a local tour operator if you, or any of your friends and family, are uncomfortable touring the region on your own. Contact Royal Quest Tours' Richard and Nhing Paraguya (0918-3325566) for tour inquiries

Dang, those pili nuts looked so gooood! I immediately waxed nostalgic about my late tia in Daraga who would make the best-ever mazapan de pili that she'd pack into bulging baon for each of us to take home as pasalubong...

(til this day I entertain thoughts of how to smuggle pili seeds back to Hawaii, but I doubt I would survive to see it grow into a nut-bearing tree!)

@Dex & Sinjin, thanks for starting the new Legazpi thread! Good work guys! :applause:

good job guys!!!! hats off to ya!!!

hi guys, lovely pili nuts. they are tasty. my partner always brings me pili nuts from your place. mga bicolano rocks...

sana makapunta ako dyan...

I hope we get a lot of responses here. and some Legazpi highrises;) I expect a lot of things from every stickied thread

Whale Shark Interaction

Whale Sharks, these creatures have been frequenting the waters off Donsol, Sorsogon for generations and in 1998, the Philippine Department of Tourism declared this area an official sanctuary for the Whale Shark, thus protected this fascinating species. Although Whale Sharks, or "Butanding" as they are locally known, are enormous in size and power, reaching lengths greater than 15 meters, they are remarkably gentle and docile enough that it is generally safe to swim among them. Swimming among the whale sharks is a captivating experience. Generally, the whale sharks at Donsol swim very close to the surface of the water. Some basic snorkeling gear are just about you'll need in the water to be able to experience swimming among them.


http://www.legazpi-online.com/pictures/001-00.jpg

What you need...

- Snorkel Equipment, Mask, Fins, Snorkel. Or you rent it (300 Peso) by the Office of Tourism or Divecenter.
- Live Vest is on the boat
- Plenty of Water is very important. Food is available at a number of locations in Donsol.
- Sun Protection, swimsuit, towels, camera (no flash!), sunglasses, achange of clothes and if you have, a sealable platic bag.


How you start...

- Donsol, about 1 hour from Legazpi City. 25km in direction Sorsogon, then follow the sign boards to Pilar and Donsol.
- CheckIn by the Office of Tourism for registration and briefing. Here you get the [important rules] and guidlines.
- Costs 3500 Pesos per Boat, Registration (first time) foreigner 300 Peso per person, 100 Peso locals.
- Enter the boat (about 12m / 40ft) with your boarding pass. Max. 7 people per Boat. One boat per Whale Shark.
- Your crew: 1 Spotter, 1 BIO (Butanding Interaction Officer), 2 Boatmen

Season and Timing
- The season starts arround November and goes on through May
- Peak Season February through April.
- Best time, eary in the morning / before noon

Legazpi City pier area:

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/256567-Mayon-Volcano-0.jpg

I see they're still not done with that boardwalk thingie.
I wonder if that wharf project is still gonna push through...

Tanchuling Hotel, hmm I forgot where this was at. Although it looks better than how I remember it. :lol:

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/256571-Tunchaling-Hotel-0.jpg

Photos by GlenW. Check out his travel blog, link below.

photos/article courtesy of GlenW: http://www.travelblog.org/Asia/Philippines/Legaspi/blog-47368.html

Mayon Volcano for you all:

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/260263-Mayon-from-the-boat-0.jpg

isnt she lovely? hehehe
photo credit GlenW

A bit old news, but if you haven't read it yet:

Landco plans P200-M Pacific Mall Legazpi expansion

Landco Pacific is set to invest 200M for the expansion of its shopping mall development in Legazpi City.

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Pacific Mall Legazpi will be expanded from 27,000 sq. m. to 38,000 sq. m. to accommodate more Metro Manila-based tenants and widen the mall’s entertainment and amusement area. The expansion will also cover the department store, which will add another floor to its existing three-storey area.

The expansion area will also house more micro-retail outlets or tiangge, a unique innovation introduced in the mall when it opened in 2002.

A joint venture between Landco and Metro Gaisano Mall of Cebu, Pacific Mall Legazpi is the only integrated shopping center of its size in the Bicol region. It welcomes 35,000 visitors a day from Legazpi City and nearby Sorsogon, Masbate, Naga and Catanduanes.

Located inside the Landco Business Park in downtown Legazpi, the mall is regarded as a complete one-stop destination with other complementary facilities provided by establishments within the business park.

The mall’s retail mix will also widen with new areas being opened up for lease. Major retail and dining outlets such as KFC, Pizza Hut, Shakey’s, Dunkin Donuts, Mister Donut, Baby Guess and Kids, Body Shop, Kamiseta, Odyssey and Smart Communications have expressed interest in setting up shop at the mall.

"This expansion will further fortify Landco’s leadership in the Bicol market. Legazpi has now become the hub of Bicol with Pacific Mall Legazpi as the magnet of the entire development," said Arlene Magtibay, Landco Vice President and SBU Head of Shopping Centers & Central Business Districts.

She also said that Landco, through its shopping mall project has contributed greatly to the region’s development and has helped turn around the lifestyles of many Legazpeños by introducing the mall concept.

Since its opening, Pacific Mall Legazpi has become a venue for the promotion of local products and entrepreneurship, thereby helping stimulate economic activity in the area. Through its incorporation of micro-retail stalls, local retailers find themselves thriving profitably side by side with major Metro Manila-based tenants.

"More than just a shopping mall, it is considered as an important hub and the most happening place for media events, cultural and social activities, and government-led programs and exhibits in the region," added Magtibay.

Aside from Legaspi City, other shopping mall developments of Landco include the NE Pacific Mall in Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija and Pacific Mall Lucena, Quezon.

Landco Pacific Corporation is a multi-product developer of premium residential resorts, leisure farms, first home residential developments, shopping centers and CBD’s and memorial parks. Now celebrating its 15th year milestone, the company continues to take lifestyles to the next level by developing innovative and original lifestyle concepts that revolutionize the way you live. For more information please call 807-2232 to 34 or visit www.landcopacific.com.

----- article from philstar.com
----- photo credit: gobicol.com


Btw, article was dated 3/18/2005

by MS Arguelles, CT Amo

Legazpi City (5 April) -- The provincial government of Albay has turned over P.8 million worth of computer equipment to the Philippine National Police (PNP) provincial command in Albay to reinforce the communication technology link among various police units across the province.

Albay Gov. Fernando V. Gonzalez led the turn-over of 15 computer units worth P750,000 on Saturday to the PNP in the province to beef-up its computer-based technology system for the 15 town police stations in the province.

The turn-over rites was personally witnessed by PNP Director-General Arturo Lomibao and Police Chief Sup’t. Victor B. Boco, Bicol police regional director, during the inauguration of the shaded walk at Camp Simeon Ola here, on Saturday.

Gonzalez said the computer units with internet capability will be used by police units in all towns of the province for their data recording and computer network link that would facilitate the release and retrieval of police records and other pertinent data for police operations.

"These facilities will enable law enforcers to improve their capabilities and effectively perform their functions in order that the peace and order situation in the province will be secured," Gonzalez pointed out.

He said that the computer equipment given to various police stations in the province forms part of his commitment to the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) which he chairs.

Lomibao lauded the Albay provincial government for the continued support given to the PNP and assured Gov. Gonzalez that the PNP would focus on upgrading the facilities of the police.

He said "one of our important programs is building strong police stations in the country for a stronger republic by way of upgrading police facilities."

Lomibao said that since he took over the helm of the PNP he had already built some 100 police stations nationwide.

Part of the cooperative endeavor is the putting up of the new police station buildings in Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, and Sorsogon with two each and Masbate with three.

Lomibao said that aside from the police station buildings in Bicol in various stages of construction complementary supports like vehicles, investigation and intelligence equipment will also be provided for police operating units.

Lomibao also announced the P1 billion funding given by Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is aimed at strengthening the various units of the PNP nationwide.

Any one have updates on that wharf project?
Dex, what's goin on over there?

ei..not much...bad news meron..apparently some pyromaniac is going around trying to raze schools..una yung BU Little Theatre, tas lately lang yung A/V room ng DWCL...sicko.:mad2:

i read in an online article that they did that to a school in Pili too.
Anyway, Pambansa Games in Naga! woohoo, Bicol again! :okay:
you going Dex?

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/market.gif

ONE FOR RIPLEYS. The most expensive public market in Asia can be found in the city of Tabaco, Albay. Consider this: a glass door worth P496,455.18; 27 pieces of toilet bowls (water closet) at P21,616.95 each with a sum of P583,657.65; 35 pieces of lavatory worth P114, 656.50; 1 set of lightning arrester, P430, 659.22 (which can be bought only for not more than P3,000 a set); and 1 unit of fire pump with controller amounting to P3,347,565.47 which an LGU official said is more than the amount of 2 fire trucks. Jason Neola courtesy of bicolmail.com


^^ Does this sill sound reasonable, or a bit too extravagant? hehehe

^^^Wow all this just for a public market! Go Tabaco! LOL Judging from the pics alone, it already looks better than most malls!

Bill seeking to upgrade Catanduanes school filed by Catanduanes lawmaker

VIRAC, Catanduanes — Rep. Joseph Santiago here said he has has sought the help of his colleagues in Congress to ensure the swift approval of House Bill 1284 which seeks to upgrade the Catanduanes State Colleges (CSC) into a state university.

If the measure is approved into law, the CSC would be Bicol’s third state University, Santiago said.

Santiago said the CSC — with eight colleges, over 10,400 students and nearly 400 academic and non-teaching personnel — now has all the attributes of a full-grown state university.

Based in the capital of this island-province, the CSC would emerge as the country’s 42nd state university once Santiago’s bill is enacted into law.

At present, Bicol has two state universities and six state colleges. The CSC is the second largest state institution of higher learning in the region after the Bicol University, which has five campuses in Albay.

The CSC is even bigger than the region’s other state university, the Partido State University which has four campuses in Camarines Sur.

Santiago described the CSC as one of the country’s most progressive institutions of higher learning.

The proportions of CSC graduates passing the various professional licensure tests are higher than the national average passing percentages, Santiago said, adding that the state college has also produced some of the country’s finest civil engineers.

Santiago expressed confidence that access to affordable university education and to a broader selection of undergraduate as well as post-graduate academic programs would empower young Catandueños.

Under Santiago’s proposal, once transformed into a full-fledged university, the CSC would enjoy the general powers of a corporation under the law. The school would have its own governing board of regents and academic council.

The new university would primarily provide advanced instruction in trade, commerce, fishery, agriculture, arts and sciences, industrial technology, nursing, midwifery, education, engineering, public administration, information technology and other relevant fields of study.

The university would also undertake research and extension services, and provide progressive leadership in its areas of specialization.

The CSC used to be the Virac Agricultural and Trade School until it was upgraded into a state college by Congress in 1971.

From Manila Bulletin Online

---

go catanduanes :D ei doc! :wave:

Morning Dex!! Hows your weekend so far? What have you got planned? Beach? Bbq? Is it sunny in Legazpi at the moment?
That's great news for Catanduanes!

yup, sunny!..summer na! hehehe..no plans yet, so far..i'm at work.i wish i were at the beach, just chilling out, miss ko na nga catanduanes
hehe..how 'bout you? kumusta dyan sa Londres. hehe :D

wowowow! Mayon Volcano looks very elegant. :bow:

Mayon Volcano for you all:

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/260263-Mayon-from-the-boat-0.jpg

isnt she lovely? hehehe
photo credit GlenW

I'd love to see this erupting in person someday. That'd be an experience!

^^ Nice pic, Matt (credit to GlenW), but unlike ram, though I'd also like to see it in person someday, I wouldn't want to see that thing erupting at all. :lol:

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

Restaurant Name: Tago-Tago Food Garden

Description:
It is located in the outskirts of Legaspi City, away from the usual city noise and pollution. Tago-tago Food Garden's specialty is spicy Bicol food cooked/laced with coconut milk. The place has lot of coconut trees and ornamental plants shading the cottages and providing a fresh and cool rural ambiance. Nipa cottages floating in a mid-size pond are for small-group of guests. For big groups, screened pavillions that can accomodate up to 40 persons each are available.

Favorite Dish:
The specialty of the place that shouldn't be missed >> Bicol Express, Ginataang kilawing tanguigue. Grilled fish.

Comparative Price: more expensive than average
Prices: less than US$10

Address: Legaspi City


Directions:
"Tago-tago" means well-hidden. Hence, going there means driving through a string of narrow road as if you got lost and a first class restaurant is not within the area. But any local should know the place >> ask for directions

photo/story courtesy of: http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/a7646/740/2/

^^ Nice pic, Matt (credit to GlenW), but unlike ram, though I'd also like to see it in person someday, I wouldn't want to see that thing erupting at all. :lol:
hey andy, how's you.
its actually not that bad at all.
it's kinda scary at first, but it gets real fascinating to watch once you get used to it hehehe :lol:

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/mayonerupt.jpg
1978 Mayon eruption

anyway the city of legazpi isnt at all in danger when the volcano erupts :D

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/256567-Mayon-Volcano-0.jpg

hey doc, you remember this?

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/paulines.gif

^^ Does this sill sound reasonable, or a bit too extravagant? hehehe

matty, hmmm...and smells a little fishy perhaps? hehehe... a toilet bowl for P21,000?? :runaway:

the commission on audit isn't doing much of a job :bash:

matty, hmmm...and smells a little fishy perhaps? hehehe... a toilet bowl for P21,000?? :runaway:
hehe definitely won't be in the budget, IF i was the mayor of this place hehehe
what up c0ke

^^ hehehe...if i can vote, then i'd vote for you when you run for mayor ;)

maybe you can be my campaign guy

more mayon eruption pics..hehe
http://usera.imagecave.com/dxpsycho/new/Mayon.jpg
--
http://usera.imagecave.com/dxpsycho/new/mayon.photoimage.2.jpg
--
http://usera.imagecave.com/dxpsycho/new/mayon_24022000_pyrflow.jpg
--
http://usera.imagecave.com/dxpsycho/new/mayon_24022000_summit.jpg
this may sound sick, but i love it when mayon erupts..hehe..nakakatakot na nakakamangha, shower of rocks tsaka ash clouds pag umaga, fountain of fire pag gabi..dati i wanted to be a volcanologist too..because of mayon. :D
---
ei matt, nakaabot na dito sa bicol ang gulat disease..haha..

Restaurant Name: Tago-Tago Food Garden

Favorite Dish:
The specialty of the place that shouldn't be missed >> Bicol Express, Ginataang kilawing tanguigue. Grilled fish.
Wow, sarap!!! :drool:

Matt, ganda ng mga pics.

hey andy, how's you.
its actually not that bad at all.
it's kinda scary at first, but it gets real fascinating to watch once you get used to it hehehe :lol:

[IMG]http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/mayonerupt.jpg
1978 Mayon eruption

anyway the city of legazpi isnt at all in danger when the volcano erupts :D

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/256567-Mayon-Volcano-0.jpg

whats up dex. i was wondering where you guys went...
any new news form you? pics? hehhee

thanks andy

^^ Yaya ko nung bata ako, bicolana... kung anu-ano itinuro sa aking salita pero ang naalala ko lang ay "udo", "butu/buto" at "pisot". :rofl: (Dapat siguro sa Wala Lang Thread ito...)

^^ahahahaha, ibang klase din yung yaya mo, ano..:rofl:

foggy Mayon Rest House.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/000_0019a.jpg
photo credit: http://rapmarbella.multiply.com/photos/photo/4/15.JPG

Wireless internet widens reach

Two years ago, wi-fi (wireless internet) provider Airborne Access had a hard time convincing establishments to deploy hotspots within their vicinity.

Wi-fi, or 801.11b, is a technology that lets users surf the internet via wireless connection through access points called hotspots, using notebook computers, personal digital assistants and other portable devices.

"During that time, there were only few [wi-fi] devices available and acceptance in the side of operators was still low. We really had to sell the idea to them," recalled Airborne Access President Jay Fajardo in an interview with BusinessWorld.

Over the next two years, devices started to flood the market, bringing down the price tag by almost 50%.

"The adoption is driven by price and availability. The device vendor just took the chance, they just kept on manufacturing devices until the price dropped," he said.

Now, Airborne Access has deployed some 70% of the hotspots nationwide, in 238 locations and still counting. It has a cash-rich partner with ePLDT, the information technology arm of Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co., which has 51% stake in Airborne Access.

Rival GlobeQuest, a unit of Globe Telecommunications, Inc.’s Innove Communications, Inc., holds the remaining 30% wi-fi market share.

In its latest top 40 list, Seattle’s Best Coffee in Greenbelt 3 in Makati City ranked first in terms of popularity of the area as a wi-fi zone and frequency of customers who are surfing the internet wirelessly.

Other than Seattle’s Best Coffee, selected stores of Starbucks, Coffee Bean, UCC, Gloria Jeans, Coffee Bean and Figaro are also wi-fi-capable.

"Now, they are the ones calling us. And a big percentage of our hotspot deployment is being paid by them. Most of the time we don’t have an initial investment," said Mr. Fajardo.

...Interestingly, small business hotels are ahead in wi-fi deployment such as NetWorld in Manila and Casablanca and Hotel Angelina in Legazpi City in Albay.

"Business travelers really prefer this than luxury hotels. This is really the market that we want to tap," he said.

Aside from hotels, resort owners are also pushing the adoption of wi-fi technology. Big mall owners such as Shangri-La Plaza in Mandaluyong City and soon in Eastwood City in Libis, Quezon City are also investing on the technology to attract new customers and increase satisfaction in their customers.

And with the recent P20-million additional investments from ePLDT, Airborne Access is now looking at expanding to other cities and provinces.

"We need to go beyond the Metro Manila area because a lot of people are looking like Cavite, Bicol area and Davao," Mr. Fajardo said.

Aside from establishments, Mr. Fajaro said wi-fi adoption is growing in the consumer segment.

"We are seeing significant growth going forward. Demand comes not only from the enterprise [companies] but more so from the consumer side, homeowners and students," said Mr. Fajardo.

Over the past two years, the wi-fi market has evolved beyond the corporate mobile worker market. Increasingly, a wi-fi-ready device is now becoming a lifestyle symbol.

"It is no longer your conventional market behavior which we first considered. Now, there is the lifestyle play. For instance, when you go to Seattle’s Best in Katipunan Ave. [Quezon City], you see celebrities working on their wi-fi-ready laptops. For non-celebrities, it becomes an aspirational product," he said.

Going forward, he said GSM (global system of mobile communication) phones with wi-fi will further increase the technology’s use.

In the recently concluded Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, cellphone makers such as Nokia and Motorola unveiled several models of wi-fi-capable GSM phones with Skype internet telephony service.

In the recently concluded Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, cellphone makers such as Nokia and Motorola unveiled several models of wi-fi-capable GSM phones with Skype internet telephony service.

-------------

Dex, where's this Angelina Hotel located at?

article from: link doesn't work no more, dated 01.17.06

[QUOTE=Matteo]http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/tago-tago.jpg

Restaurant Name: Tago-Tago Food Garden



Favorite Dish:
The specialty of the place that shouldn't be missed >> Bicol Express, Ginataang kilawing tanguigue. Grilled fish.

I've been to this restaurant when I was last back home in 2002. I really recommend their tanggigue, squid and Bicol express. Thanks for posting this Matt!

NAGA CITY – Lafayette Philippines Inc. will start transforming Rapu-Rapu Island and its surrounding areas into a progressive community once it resumes operations.

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

for full story --> http://www.mb.com.ph/issues/2006/04/09/PROV2006040961018.html

hey doc, you remember this?

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/paulines.gif

hmm I'm not sure if I do Matt - what building is it and what's fishy about it? :)

hey doc, you remember this?

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/paulines.gif

I think this is Paulines Bookstore on the Saint Gregory the Great Cathedral, fronting the that Basketball court with expectator seating behind the Albay District police. Am I right?

::::Ey guys...hows everyone? Doc, Matt, Dx?

yes it is Olineil.

helo helo, where have you guys been??
im here all alone :(

olineil, getting ready for your trip?

Yeah, something like that. More on preparing my work so that I will not have much backlog when I return.

Bad News is that, I may have to cut short my trip Home to Legazpi coz of unforeseen circumstances. Anyway, better than not going home at all.

ei guys, maray na aga saindo gabos..hehe..just passing by, another busy day ahead... :bash:

^^ and im goin home hehee. busy day done for me

[QUOTE=Matteo]http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/tago-tago.jpg

Restaurant Name: Tago-Tago Food Garden



Favorite Dish:
The specialty of the place that shouldn't be missed >> Bicol Express, Ginataang kilawing tanguigue. Grilled fish.

I've been to this restaurant when I was last back home in 2002. I really recommend their tanggigue, squid and Bicol express. Thanks for posting this Matt!

Wow, you got me craving for those food there. It will be nice to try out this place.

IS the mountain snowcapped in cold months?

IS the mountain snowcapped in cold months?
yap. we even go snowboarding and stuff.
you wanna see some photos, smart guy?

IS the mountain snowcapped in cold months?

Is this an honest question? U from Philippines? Well if you are not, yes its snow capped....Hahahaha, but the snow is grey when its erupting, hahahaha...ay ash pala tawag dun....tanga ko naman....hahahaha.

Ah yes try it first

yap. we even go snowboarding and stuff.
you wanna see some photos, smart guy?
Yes I would love to.
I dont want pictures without you, but see you snow boarding on fire. COOL

here you go asswipe.
flaming snow capped mountain, specially for you. enjoy

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

woohoo Matt's quite fiery today! So what have you been up to lately, Matt? BTW, I really enjoyed your live performance! I didn't know you sing. You should audition sometime. :)

@ hEY Olineil, how many days are you staying in Bicol? I hope you can still take many pics :)

Ang ganda ng flow ng lava sa Mayon, parang ang peaceful tingnan, at hindi siya yung volcanong grabeng pumutok... Kaylan daw ulit puputok ang MAyon? will it putok? hahaha.

Hopefully it will never erupt Pinatubo-fashion, kung hindi kawawa tayo. It's supposed to erupt on average once every decade, but as you can see it's been doing much better than that lately. In the 19th century it used to erupt every 3-4 years, so perhaps, we're reverting to the old cycle of frequent, but small-scale eruptions.

@ hEY Olineil, how many days are you staying in Bicol? I hope you can still take many pics :)

I'll be in Legazpi for 5 days only. I will still take as many as I can.. I've already armed my Digicam with 512mb of Flash Memory + 128mb for spare + my laptop to transfer the photos. Hahahaha....here I come.... i'll be also taking tons of Cebu Photos so ill be flooding cebu thread when return to singapore.

when are you leaving?

you should meet up with dex or something...

I can't wait till I go next year! I'm planning to go next March. What about you Matt? Any plans for a vacation?

hi doc.
i wanna. :D

Cool let's all meet up with dex - dex drinks are on you ok? :tongue3: :)

can't wait till oli gets back with tons of pics hehehe

haha..cool! ok lng, hintay ko kayong lahat..:cheers1:

ei neil, in case you wanna meet up and painggitin sina doc at matt, just pm me :lol:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/Mayon_Flug.jpg
mayon....never fails to amaze me

haha..cool! ok lng, hintay ko kayong lahat..:cheers1:

ei neil, in case you wanna meet up and painggitin sina doc at matt, just pm me :lol:

Geez i'd really love to Dex... PM me ur cell number...if i find the time to free up myself from Family activities...ill give u a buzz! 5 days seems to be very tight tho. We havn't even planned what we are gonna do when we get there. Any Suggestions? Guys? Maybe you can try and remind of some rare things that I may miss out to let my wife experience...its gonna be her first time in Legazpi so most of our itenerary will be for her. Coz of the Enourmity of Mayon, it seems to cloud my thoughts of other places of interest in Albay.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/Mayon_Flug.jpg
mayon....never fails to amaze me

OMG! That pic is so breathtaking!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/Mayon_Flug.jpg
mayon....never fails to amaze me

This is splendid... beautiful... natural perfection!

if u r planning to visit naga dis lent.
..these are some religious landmarks and pilgrimage sites in naga!!!! you can visit them anytime...i chose to post this pics in tym for the lenten season!!! hope all of us will hav a meaningful and holy lenten season..
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/cathedral1.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/basilica_exterior1.jpg
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/basilica1.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/chapel_precol1.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/coronation1.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/fluvial1.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/ina1.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/major1.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/mass1.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/minor1.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/palacio1.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/precol1.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/quadri1.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/resurrection1.jpg

yun, nakuha mo rin nikki..hehe..nice li'l collection you got there. being a bicolano, i'm ashamed to confess that i have never been to the Penafrancia festival...i'd love to go this year.:D

waiting for the whale sharks in Donsol, with mayon peeking in the distance....i wanna go whale shark watching too..!!

http://usera.imagecave.com/dxpsycho/new/0258-Whaleshark_spotting.jpg
but i think i'll pass up on the 'swimming with the sharks' part.
i just can't take that darn jaws movie out of my mind :lol:
http://usera.imagecave.com/dxpsycho/new/0264-Whaleshark_spotting.jpg
^^this might not be a gentle whale shark, but a hungry hammerhead...yoiks! :runaway:

photo credits: siliconium.net

ive been 2 donsol and we had whale shark watching..it was a great experience..especially once you jumped off the boat to swim with d giants..its jz disappointing bcoz i havnt able to touch even one... :) but still it was a great adventure.. :) :)

try this guys....a lot of things to know about cam sur are discussed...plus many beatiful photos of heritage and natural sites in cam sur!!!

http://www.adnu.edu.ph/wowphil/gallery.asp

whoa...i thought no one's allowed to get too near the whale sharks coz one big swipe of their humongous tail or maybe a flipper, can knock you out..or worse..hehehe..
anyways, thanks for the links nikki! :)

According to the whale shark website I saw, you're supposed to keep a distance of at least 3 metres from the sharks, precisely because they might accidentally hit you. As you can see, they're are far from tiny. lol

ei doc! :wave: kumusta? why don't you take a break this May tas sama ka kay olineil paguwi nila dito..hehe :D

Hi Dex! Maray man...musta na? One question for you: what happened to the old "gym" in St Agnes? What replaced it? Do you have any pics?

whoa...i thought no one's allowed to get too near the whale sharks coz one big swipe of their humongous tail or maybe a flipper, can knock you out..or worse..hehehe..
anyways, thanks for the links nikki! :)


un ngae ehh.. dey say dat der is a certain kind of emotion or feeling dat u feel if ur able to touch it... cguro dahil sa risk involve..we wer also told by d tour guides and boatmen not to touch or get too close to the fish....pero cguro ms maganda if i am able to touch them dba? sayang tlaga!! pero ang saya dun..sna maulit uli yun.. :)

n try mo n pla ung site na pinose ko???

yun, nakuha mo rin nikki..hehe..nice li'l collection you got there. being a bicolano, i'm ashamed to confess that i have never been to the Penafrancia festival...i'd love to go this year.:D

Naga is indeed an interesting place to visit. hope you can visit here soon and discover our city!!! :) :) :) by d way the penafrancia fiesta is held every september, its really nice to witness the festivity, lots of gigs and bands, plus d very colorful street parades, beautiful churches and sites, foods till u drop and ofcourse the vever loving INA..Nuestra Neñora de Peñafrancia... :) :)

here are more pics>> Churches in NAGA!!

Naga Cathedral
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/030903_1636111.jpg

Interior
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/030903_1634311.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/001_071520041.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/001_071820041.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/001_071420041.jpg[/IMG

Basilica Minore De Peñafrancia
[IMG]http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/103003_1451101.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/465805760pgfIZl_ph1.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/4_200309121014261.jpg

Milaor Church
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/4_200309231544251.jpg

Traslacion (Held during d Penafrancia fiesta) d trnsfer of INA frm d Basilica To Cathedral..
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/5_200509271055061.jpg

try dis links 2!!

http://www.adnu.edu.ph/wowphil/gallery.asp

http:/www.naga.gov.ph

Thanks for posting Nikki! Welcome to our thread! Which part of Naga are you from? My grandparents are from there too.

Hi Dex! Maray man...musta na? One question for you: what happened to the old "gym" in St Agnes? What replaced it? Do you have any pics?

after it was destroyed by a typhoon, they built a new gym..bigger than the old one. i don't have any pic nga lng..hehe.
marami na rin bago sa SAA, new buildings, canteen, convent, gate (at the back), pergola..etc..

Thanks for posting Nikki! Welcome to our thread! Which part of Naga are you from? My grandparents are from there too.


Concepcion Grande poH!!!

do u know d place?

ano b l8est ngaun sa leg???

I actually live in London now Nikki, but I'm orginally from Legazpi. I've heard of Concepcion Grande - it's on the outskirts of Naga, correct?

This story was taken from www.inq7.net

http://news.inq7.net/regions/index.php?index=1&story_id=72553
Sculptor starts carving with a prayer
First posted 11:52pm (Mla time) April 13, 2006
By Jocelyn P. Dimaculangan
Inquirer

EVERY time Holy Week approaches, noted Bicolano sculptor Ely Benito of Legazpi City keeps himself doubly busy with the traditional religious activities spearheaded by the St. Gregory the Great Cathedral Parish Pastoral Council.

For several years, as consistent chair of the procession committee, he has been leading these annual religious preparations where he has noted an increasing number of "pasos" (holy images) in the grand summer procession.

This time, he's doing it again, and it has become both a "panata" (promise to God) and a legacy to his family.

Besides his active involvement in the Church, Papa Ely, as he's fondly called even by the bishops, is contributing this Holy Season a 14-piece sculpture for the pilgrim-church of St. Lawrence the Martyr in Tiwi, Albay.

Fr. Ricardo Barquez Jr., parish priest, who commissioned the veteran sculptor, lauded the latter's work, saying, "it's a realistic presentation of the different portrayals of the Stations of the Cross."

In a cell phone interview, Fr. Barquez said the artwork would be installed and unveiled in time for the Semana Santa when people are accustomed to turn to God and do penance as they recollect the Lord's Passion.

The sculpture, which he completed in just a month-and-a-half, is made out of fiberglass resin in antique bronze finish.

It depicts the characters and scenes of the Passion of Christ.

Papa Ely has been building monuments and creating carvings of religious images for churches all over the Bicol region.

One of the landmarks he has installed is a statue of the revolutionary hero, Gen. Simeon Ola, mounted on a war horse at the Heritage Park of Camp Ola (named in honor of the last Filipino general to surrender to the Americans) where his basalt volcanic rock creations abound.

Asked why he uses volcanic rocks, Papa Ely said, "I found beauty in Mt. Mayon. She could be furious sometimes but she's calm and beautiful always. It's also reasonable since the materials are very expensive nowadays."

He also made the bust of Spanish conquistador Miquel Lopez de Legazpi at the City Hall Compound.

At Buang Park in Tabaco City, he set up a nine-foot statue of Daragang Magayon in marble finish.

Papa Ely is the founding chair of the "Kairiba Para sa Arte-Bikol (Kaparte-Bikol) and a member of the Art Association of the Philippines and the Center for Bicol Arts Foundation Inc. (Cebica).

Along with other famous members of these associations, he has participated in several provincial and national exhibits.

His advice to fellow artists, particularly the new ones: "Keep on working. We can't do it overnight. Persevere. Work. Unknowingly, we already achieve it."

His secrets as an inborn talent include a well-concentrated visualization, dedication to work, and the guidance of the Lord. He said that every time he starts his work, he prays and glorifies the Lord-after which, doing the rest seems so easy.

Until now, Papa Ely continues to explore and experiment. He believes that "there's no perfect art."

"It's unending," he stressed.

hey dex, any news or updates regarding the upcoming magayon festval 2006?

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/2993462610088640530FUjfyX_ph.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/2214010680088640530DzPPZS_ph.jpg
photo credits: komisar

RESORT NEAR STO DOMINGO

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

DHIO ENDHEKA RESORT, TABACO CITY

http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a141/drfeelgood17/aendheka5.jpg

ei doc, matt! :wave:

nice, i've been to these places...

hmm, bout magayon festival, there is no buzz yet..it's been this way ever since the new governor came in..wala na masyado excitement ang magayon festival, i remember in previous years, buhay na buhay ang penaranda park pag gabi...ngayon, wala e

ei nga pala, pasensya na kung wala pa rin pics..hehehe..pressured tlga ako sainyo..

Hey Dex! BTW, who's the new governor again? Sorry, I'm so out of touch with Bicol news....So you don't think he's as good as Bichara?

Hey Dex! BTW, who's the new governor again? Sorry, I'm so out of touch with Bicol news....So you don't think he's as good as Bichara?

Gov. Fernando Gonzales..

hmm, not really..i just hate it when they stop doing a project or an event that seems ok naman, just because the one who initiated them is no longer in power.

whats up dex.
any new projects by this new governor, though?
im getting the impression that he;s not as proactive as bichara. sad.
anyway, whats goin on in your part of the world?

hi doc. been to those resorts? they look nicey

eto..bisiiiiiiiiiiiii...naandito pa bossing namin from your part of the world..hehe..m tired, need a break..waa..
as far as i know, the gov has no prominent projects unlike Bichara..pero i heard ngtipid tlga sya, that's why capitol employees got huge christmas bonuses..i don't care, i'm not a capitol employee anyway..:dunno:
kelan kaya darating si neil, sya n lng kumuha ng sangkatutaks na pics..:lol:

What about the news that we had read regarding the new airport in alobo, daraga?
im thinking he had no help in getting that approved?

whats up dex.
any new projects by this new governor, though?
im getting the impression that he;s not as proactive as bichara. sad.
anyway, whats goin on in your part of the world?

hi doc. been to those resorts? they look nicey

Nope Matty, haven't been yet to these nicey resorts. Next time I go home I will check them out. I think the one in Sto Domingo was what used to be the Kagayunan Resort.

Doc and Matt,

How long ago have you been to your hometown? And where precisely in Bicol?

P.S. This feels like deja vu for me visiting you in this thread. :)

EDIT: I've just re-read the threads and I got the answers. No need to answer guys. :)

Dex, whats this:

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/92.jpg

This one specially for Lili:

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/2624246470088640530GZqECo_ph.jpg
photo credit: komisar

Oh, thank you Matty! Such an awesome picture of Mt. Mayon. :)

Hey guys...kamusta....hahaha...sensya na talaga ni hindi ako maka-post kahit 1 liner lang. TOOOOOOOO BZ sa work....Last day of work today so more BZ. I'll be in Legazpi on the 25th....NEXT WEEK NA....HAHAHAHAHAH!!!!YOOOOOOHOOOOO!!! Paparazzi abot sakin ng Legazpi!!! :righton: :righton: :righton:

ei matt..that's the new radio station dito..mostly easy listening, r&b, pop..
that's a cool mayon pic, i've been trying to capture that kind of cloud formation around mayon. sometimes there's this cloud cap just hugging the very tip of the summit..looks great, kaso palagi wrong timing, wala ako cam na dala..:no:

@ Olineil, enjoy your trip to legazpi! I'm sure you'll be taking pics galore!
@ Matt, that's a great pic, as Dex was saying, it's not easy to capture such an unusual cloud formation!

what up doc, dex, olineil, lili.
thanks to username komisar for that mayon pic heheh
wonder where that was taken though, i cant seem to figure out.

oli, safe and good trip to you.
im excited for you. how long does it take to pi from singapore anyway?
we'll be waiting for your lovely pics, cant wait :D

dex, lagi mo kasi dadalhin ang cam para masaya hehe

doc, when are you coming over here? andy the quietlife will be in LA i think sometime in may...?

The naked truth about the Bicol international airport
By Stephen F. Sergio

The announcement that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has approved a three-year budget of P3.6 billion for the construction of a Southern Luzon International Airport (SLIA) in Barangays Alobo, Burgos, Mabini, Gapo and Inarado of the town of Daraga, Albay did not get the desired effect from many Bicolanos. Why are they not dancing on the streets to the tune of cha-cha?

for full story --> http://www.bicolmail.com/

* Editor’s note: The author was former Undersecretary of Labor, and editor of the Bicol Mail.

Matt, I don't know what you think, but I sense a very political agenda behind this very negative article. I'm glad he at least admitted that he was the "former undersecretary of Labour".

Im in changi Airport na mga chong...everything is going according to plan. Wooowoot...I shall be in cebu 12:30am. Legazpi City Here I come.

I was going through some of my old stuff, I found this.
A friend of mine sent this to me.
I'm not so good with scanning stuff so it got cut at the bottom.
Seems like this was the master plan that Olineil was talking about before, but that Asian financial crisis struck, so not all were completed. :(

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

Pics:

Updates on construction/dev't Misibis Resort and Spa

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/A738996D-1C2B.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/F3F1F100-510F.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/7890B969-BDB8.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/04748CFC-B800.jpg
photo credit: username puerasibang, gobicol.com

interesting read...

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

^^ Hey Matt! Remember my friend Nicole whom you met in Vegas? The one who sat across from you when we had dinner at the Wynn? She's the one who wrote that article. :)

A big thanks you to your friend Nicole, chot!

Hehe Steve. I'll let her know. :)

o thats right, i remember :D :okay:

im new here... and my "boss" created this thread.. hehe.. Hi Dex!!! 'Finally wound up here.. i registered so i won't have to look at your pc everytime you're browsing this forum.. :)

whoaa..allina?! :lol: hahaha, anyways..welcome, and i hope you share pics and info too..meanwhile..back to work! :runaway:

A warm welcome to our latest recruit, Allina! :cheers:

This week's Uh-oh!

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/waste.gif

WASTES ALL OVER. Environmentalists are shocked by hazardous wastes that consists of syringes and dextrose bottles along the roadside of Estevez Hospital located at Guevara Subdivision in Old Albay District, Legazpi City.

Hey Matt!
Yes, that's really awful. I remember Estevez Hospital as we used to pass by it on the way to St Agnes. It used to a be quite a clean subdivision.

hey doc, hiya doin.
yea. last i heard though the hospital was expanded or something.
i duno if its upward or sidewards hehehe
any news from you? you guys left me alone over here :(

AQ DOME, Aquinas University, Legazpi City

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/aqdome2.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/aqdome1.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/aqdome3.jpg

How big is this thing? What's the seating capacity Dex do you know?
Which is better of the three: AQ Dome, Ibalong Centrum, Albay Astrodome?
Are there any other structures like this there anyway?

hello...i ddnt knw dat ders a new dome in legazpi.....is it owned by the school?(aquainas) were can we see it??? its really nice..another venue for major concerts, sports events and otherss...:))

^ I'm sure Dex can update us on Aquinas....earth to Dex ...hehe
I went to Aquinas for one term - I wonder what the Science High School looks like now?

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e132/restardo/Noticias/vulcan.jpg

LEGASPI, Philippines (AFP) - A Philippine volcano spewed a column of ash nearly a mile (1.6 kilometers) into the sky, showering surrounding villages with ash, vulcanologists said.

The Philippine Institute of Seismology and Vulcanology said steam inside Mount Bulusan, located 600 kilometers (370 miles) southeast of Manila, caused the ash to come out.

There were no reports of casualties or damage. The incident occurred at 10:44 am (0244 GMT) Saturday.

There was no sign of lava in the 1,565-meter (5,133-foot) volcano and the government is not raising the alert level around Mount Bulusan.

Bulusan had a similar eruption of ash last month.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20060429/wl_asia_afp/philippinesvolcano_060429092705

^ I'm sure Dex can update us on Aquinas....earth to Dex ...hehe
I went to Aquinas for one term - I wonder what the Science High School looks like now?

haha..sorry, yup Aquinas University has a new facility, the AQ dome. marami bago sa aquinas, for those who haven't been there for a while, there's a new chapel, buildings, etc..

took a break with some friends and officemates at a spring resort in Guinobatan..

http://usera.imagecave.com/dxpsycho/pics/100_0125.JPG

http://usera.imagecave.com/dxpsycho/pics/100_0145.JPG

http://usera.imagecave.com/dxpsycho/pics/100_0113_filtered.JPG

http://usera.imagecave.com/dxpsycho/pics/100_0134.JPG

http://usera.imagecave.com/dxpsycho/pics/100_0153.JPG

http://usera.imagecave.com/dxpsycho/pics/100_0154.JPG

http://usera.imagecave.com/dxpsycho/pics/100_0111.JPG

dat resort in guinobatan is really magnificent....very quiet and relaxing, plus the very nice landscaping and clean environment...wer is dat exactly in guinobatan??? how's d rate?? thanks..

Hey pards! Nice ones, eh! ...Ditto, could you also tell us more about the resort? I'd like to pay a visit to the site someday... =)

...and Tahao Road from Redemptorist Church to Vel-Amor is now being paved, the section from Alternate Road to the railroad crossing in Vel-Amor is now also four-lane. PhilHealth Regional Office and GSIS Albay located here near the intersection of Alternate Road and Tahao road hastened the widening of what used to be narrow two lane asphalt roads into concrete four-lane. I hope these roads will also be overlaid with asphalt like Rizal Street. As you know, Rizal Street, Legazpi and Daraga's continguous main thoroughfare is now smooth, four-lane, asphalt overlaid, and illuminated ala Manila's Ermita and Malate Districts. Westernmost end of Alternate Road you will find the newly constructed five story Aquinas University Hospital, soon to be the Bicol Region's most modern health center. Past Tahao Road and the railroad crossing in Bitano is Landco Business Park with Pacific Mall's expansion now in full swing. DIGDI NA KITA SA LEGAZPI! I have loads of pics but as a new member, I presume I cannot yet post them.

ei monsi! welcome to ssc! :wave: please post your pics, there's no rule that forbids newbies to post 'em..:D it will be greatly appreciated here...post mo na sila dali! hehe

btw, that's good news monsi, i hope that will spur further development in that part of the city.

to chris and nikki. the resort is Oohlala Paradise Spring Resort in Mulad Bucad Grande, a good 15 minute ride from Guinobatan Centro. Entrance is Php 80-100 with cottages ranging from Php 300-600. Its one of the best spring resorts here in Albay, i think, ok kasi ang pagka landscape nya tsaka malinis and malamig yung tubig..

chris, long time no post..hehe

@ Yes, Monsi, please post your pics now! And welcome! :cheers:
@ Dex, thanks for the Aquinas update! I agree, some of the streets in Legazpi need widening. It will ease the congestion.
@Russel, thanks for the Bulusan article.

tnx sau dx!!! welcome monsi...hope 2 see more pix from u!!

I need your votes! Forumer for the Month of April! Please! :bow:

Thank you very much!!! :okay:

Link: http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=333341&page=1&pp=25

This would be the last day!!! :)

Tabang sa wala pa naka-boto! Iboto nako ninyo karon na mahuman!!! :cheers:

^^ i already voted Animo:D :okay:

its now a close fight between my friends hehe ANimo and Alex, 147-148 tama ba? ganyan kc nkita ko knina hehe, :)

yea well i cant vote anymore. ti says i already voted hehe
whats up kirbee. how was san diego.

di ko nakita yun mga deleted pics mo

yea well i cant vote anymore. ti says i already voted hehe
whats up kirbee. how was san diego.

di ko nakita yun mga deleted pics mo

oks naman

deleted? pics?

yea in the photo album thread

yan na poh!! vinote na kta even though i dnt knw anything bout u!! hehehe!!

kaw lng nman kc humingi support!!:)

How does one attach/insert photos? Do I have to earn the privilege to post pictures? Here is the notice at the end of this window which indicate I MAY NOT POST ATTACHMENTS:

Posting Rules
You may post new threads
You may post replies
You may not post attachments
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ei monsi..don't mind that notice. to get started you can read this post on how to post pix --> click here (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=3816391&postcount=1)

or you can browse through the whole thread about posting pics here (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=200800)

steeple of new chapel in Aquinas University, with view of Mayon, of course..:)
http://usera.imagecave.com/dxpsycho/126988110_86b94f26d9.jpg
photo credit: tony lou (flickr)

Four lane Alternate Road

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/Dsc05115.jpg
with Lignon Hill and Mayon Volcano in the background; there's my bike...

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/Dsc05114.jpg
GSIS Albay left side and PhilHealth ROV right.

I have more in Photobucket...

Tahao Road from Redemptorist Church to Vel-Amor is now being paved, the segment from Alternate-Tahao Roads intersection to the railroad crossing in Vel-Amor is now also four-lane. PhilHealth Regional Office and GSIS Albay located here near the intersection of Alternate Road and Tahao Road hastened the widening of what used to be narrow two lane asphalt roads into concrete four-lane. I hope these roads will also be overlaid with asphalt like Rizal Street. As you know, Rizal Street, Legazpi and Daraga's continguous main thoroughfare is now smooth, four-lane, asphalt overlaid, and illuminated ala Manila's Ermita and Malate Districts. Westernmost end of Alternate Road you will find the newly constructed five story Aquinas University Hospital, soon to be the Bicol Region's most modern health center. Past Tahao Road and the railroad crossing in Bitano is Landco Business Park with Pacific Mall's expansion now in full swing.
dxpsycho, thanks for the tips on posting pictures.

thanks for the pics, Monsi.
we like photos here, so keep em coming :D :okay:

kakalungkot nman!!! bat d na kau active dun sa naga thread...

try nyo rin ung bicol thread...its ol about bicol as a whole..

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/Dsc01970.jpg
Taken from the main portals of Mayon International Hotel: Flight PR277 (here a Boeing 737-300) approaching Runway 24 ahead of schedule (ETA 7:55). Who says PAL is Plane Always Late? Foreground: Bayantel Building.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/Dsc01747.jpg
Rizal Park with ABSEC (A. Bichara Silverscreens and Entertainment Center). The park lamp posts are copies of those along Roxas Boulevard of Manila; even our "Buhayon ta an Legazpi!" is 'inspired' by "Buhayin natin ang Maynila!"

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/Dsc01568.jpg
This was before Lignon Hill was spruced up. Airport runway (06/24) in the foreground; upper left on the hillside is Mayon International Hotel. It takes some 15 minutes brisk walk from street level near the Albay Park and Wildlife to Lignon hilltop, but it is worth it; howbeit you should bring a bottle of water. In the morning, some enterprizing folks sell fresh buko midway up. Lignon Hill offers 380 degrees view: you will see Legazpi Port District, Albay District, Daraga, Mayon Volcano, Sto. Domingo, and on a clear day the islands--Cagraray, Batan, and Rapu-rapu. Even the steams of Bac-Man Geothermal Plant can be seen.

These are 4MP pictures but photobucket crops them to just 1MP.

Till next post.

Thanks for the pix Monsi! :cool:
The new road projects look very promising. And I can tell from your photos that Legazpi is really expanding - what used to be just fields and grass are now developed areas. I can't wait for my trip next year!

wow! ganda naman! gusto kong pumunta ng bicol! never pa akong napadpad dyan... :)

drfeelgood17

Yes, that "can't wait for my trip next year" is familiar. Been to Saudi Arabia for eight years and the best feeling is when you can say "by this time next week," or "by this time tomorrow, I'll be eating pure pork steak adobo." The worst? Why is it that it seems too long to wait for a year (of course!) and one month vacation is a breeze! So soon it is just one week to go--you cannot enjoy the remaining days as what you can say is, "by this time next week, I'd be back to work in Saudi again." Sooner than you think, you are already seated in NAIA's pre-departure area, waiting to board PR, SV, GF, or SQ to Dhahran or Bahrain. Anyway, I'm past that as I had repatriated permanently and thanks goodness I was able to reintegrate into Philippine society...
OFWs have wide world views and if we all go back home just like what the Jews did, we can build a better country. Wishful thinking...just wishful thinking.

Here's to air travel:
Legazpi Airport
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/Dsc01681.jpg
Airport Road, here going to the airport, with the steel fence of the expansive mansion of Lita Ago (AMEC).

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/Dsc01662.jpg
Busy parking area of our small airport. What could be at the end of that rainbow?

Monsi, did you work as a photojournalist before?
Love your photos.
Where are you located now?

I don't think we've all been introduced.
<-- is Matt heheh. Im in Las Vegas
Doc, (drfeelgood17) is in London
oli (olineil) is in Singapore, but he's actually in Legazpi as of this writing, he's on vacation, lucky dude.
dex (dxpsycho) is in Legazpi City, he's the boss of Allina :D
We're usually the ones who are always here.
Since we're out of the country, and terribly missing home, we're all hungry for photos, as you can tell by now :lol:
Then we have nikki (nikki_18) from Naga City who stops by often hi nikki :wave:
nikki's got great photos as well.
Enjoy the board, it's fun. :D

tnx matteo...im so glad dat u guys appreciates the photos ive been posting!!! nywie, seems like im d youngest here...any teenagers here???:)

hehehe

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/Dsc01662.jpg
Busy parking area of our small airport. What could be at the end of that rainbow?

That is a nice shot of Mt. Mayon with that rainbow, I hope more good things will come to my province. Although I haven't set foot on Legazpi City since my high school days, I can see the big difference from those days up to now.

And Nikki really made sure we see the developments and new things around Naga City and Camarines Sur where we still have most of our relatives.
Thanks, nikki.

Makes me want to go back right now and visit our relatives in Tabaco, Legaspi City and Naga.

hi tsinoy!! tnx 4 d appreciation!!hehehe..hope u can also visit d bicol and naga threads...pls support it po...


nywei wer r u ryt now??

No probs, nikki. Are you in Naga now?

Anyway, we have a little thing here where we submit pics pf ourselves to add to the SSC banner heheheh.
Anyway, nikki, male or female? and how old are you?
Whats up tsinoy, didnt know you were a bicolano too. cool cool :okay:

im in naga...cant leave bcoz of skul...hehehe

bout my gender..uhmm, u guess..hehehe

y r u no longer active in the naga thread?

try also to visit the bicol thread...plss

Mayon volcano when we passed by Albay to Manila
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/slerz3/mayon1.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g124/slerz3/mayon2.jpg

wow! thanks again slerz for the pics! is that an airplane sa taas ng mayon? or wala lang yun?

^^I dunno if its an airplane, and also that white line above the volcano...

hi slerz, ur not frm bicol ryt???

^^I dunno if its an airplane, and also that white line above the volcano...

oongah anu yung white line na yun? kuha ba yan sa car? cause the white line overlaps the wires on the left eh...

yup, sa car... moving car...

maybe sa window yung horizontal white line na yan? hahaha or not? :)

im in naga...cant leave bcoz of skul...hehehe
bout my gender..uhmm, u guess..hehehe
y r u no longer active in the naga thread?
try also to visit the bicol thread...plss

i visit both.
yung gender q. :dunno:

hi tsinoy!! tnx 4 d appreciation!!hehehe..hope u can also visit d bicol and naga threads...pls support it po...
nywei wer r u ryt now??


I'm here in Portland, Oregon now. I love to call it Oragon also. :D

I always check that site, wala pa ako ma contribute, our photos taken from bicol are somewhere, need to dig some bauls. The last time I visited Naga, Pasacao and my little hometown of Salingugon (Minalabac) was in 1992. Lots of changes so far. (The beach is still crystal Clear and round pebbles are still white)




Whats up tsinoy, didnt know you were a bicolano too. cool cool

Yes siree, Be Cool na Be Cool po ako, every summer vacation from school during my childhood is always spent in the Bicol region, twice lang ako sa Legazpi, most of the time in Naga City. I love to ride the PNR train, now they have those A/C buses, I would not trade the sceneries along the road with air travel.

http://oragonrepublic.com/themes/grey2/images/oragonlogo.jpg (http://oragonrepublic.com/modules/xcgal/index.php)

Have you guys been to this site? Some nice Photos of Bicol and of Bicolanos here. Just click on the LOGO.

And some more here.

http://www.trekearth.com/gallery/Asia/Philippines/Bicol/

Four lane Alternate Road

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/Dsc05115.jpg
with Lignon Hill and Mayon Volcano in the background; there's my bike...

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/Dsc05114.jpg
GSIS Albay left side and PhilHealth ROV right.


is it just me, or i only see three lanes heeeheee :lol:
anyway, where is this located now? im trying to remember but i just cant :(

nice pics, monsi and slerz! just passing by, work na uli..hehehe
@ matt, tahao road starts from vel-amor subdivison near SAA and ends in front of the Redemptorist church in Gogon. The Alternate road is perpendicular to Tahao road. just imagine the vast tract of land behind SAA divided by two roads.hehe

Update May 2, 2006

Hello Guys, Matt, Doc, Nikki, Dx, Tsinoy and the gang....hope i didn't miss anyone...

Im in cebu na mga uragons. I have an abundant collection of photos taken from Legazpi. Easily 700+ hahahaha....dai ko aram kung pano ko ipo-post gabus ito...

I got lucky last saturday...managed to go to misibis ng libre... thru site trip organized by the agents in Misibis Residential Resorts. Unfortunately, my camera ran out of juice but had my Handicam with me, although not as good quality as my digi. Cant wait to post them all.

Cheers...

As you can see, the picture with my bike parked clearly shows four carriage ways. Anyway here's another--taken after sunset kaya medyo madilim.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/Dsc05117.jpg
Other side of Alternate Road... My camera lens is dirty...that round object is neither the moon nor a UFO.

ok kuta kung UFO man nanggad iyan..heheh..(cue in the x-files theme) :jk:
neil, post mo na tulos! :D

Update May 2, 2006

Hello Guys, Matt, Doc, Nikki, Dx, Tsinoy and the gang....hope i didn't miss anyone...

Im in cebu na mga uragons. I have an abundant collection of photos taken from Legazpi. Easily 700+ hahahaha....dai ko aram kung pano ko ipo-post gabus ito...

I got lucky last saturday...managed to go to misibis ng libre... thru site trip organized by the agents in Misibis Residential Resorts. Unfortunately, my camera ran out of juice but had my Handicam with me, although not as good quality as my digi. Cant wait to post them all.

Cheers...

Misibis, wow, that's one of the hidden beaches long time ago. My mother grew up in Bacacay and she said they would usually go to Cagragay Is. and visit some relatives and enjoy the white beaches around Misibis. Some friends said it is very commercially exposed with the coming of electricity around that town. Same thing with our town in Minalabac, when the electricity came in, the resorts pop-up like mushrooms. I'm gonna miss those lampara na de bomba(petromax?) at night there for sure. And no more skinny dipping.................. I was still a child that time... :D

hope 2 see lots of pix frm u olineil...:)

is it just me, or i only see three lanes heeeheee :lol:
anyway, where is this located now? im trying to remember but i just cant :(

Alternate Road and Tahao Road cut across hundreds of hectares of agricultural and pasture land and opened these for development: The place's now dotted with residential subdivisions. The Police Station in Albay District will be transferred to a building under construction in Bitano along Alternate Road; of course the bus terminal and the the Ibalong Centrum for Recreation can be found east, next to Landco Business Park. Alternate Road runs from Washington Drive (now Capt. F. Aquende Drive) beside Aquinas University Hospital, intersects with Tahao Road past Philhealth and GSIS, then crosses the railroad in Bitano, runs past Landco Business Park, and links with F. Imperial Street that ends at Dunkin Donuts in Rizal Street opposite Mercury Drug. Tahao Road connect Rizal Street and Lakandula Drive through Vel-Amor Subdivision, past a railroad crossing, then an intersection with Alternate Road, and ends at Redemptorist Church in Lakandula Drive.

Before our workshop, I had freetime after lunch and took time to take pictures... I'd been to Dhahran (work), Bahrain (stopovers), and Singapore (thrice on stopover and city tour--but they drive on the wrong side of the road!) where roads and expressways are long, wide, and well-maintained. Here, a provincial city with any semblance of improvement is a cause for celebration.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/Dsc05138.jpg
Here all four carriageways are taken. Note the same cow from my earlier pictures.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/Dsc05134.jpg
Iglesia ni Kristo and Hope Christian School are roofed in blue.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/Dsc05157.jpg
The newly constructed Aquinas University Hospital; note that the leftmost lane is recently paved and still strewn with sand.

Next time, I'll post pictures of Tahao Road and the section of Alternate Road past RR crossing up to the Landco Business Park.

Yallah, Masallamah.

Monsi, did you work as a photojournalist before?
Love your photos.
Where are you located now?

I don't think we've all been introduced.
<-- is Matt heheh. Im in Las Vegas
Doc, (drfeelgood17) is in London
oli (olineil) is in Singapore, but he's actually in Legazpi as of this writing, he's on vacation, lucky dude.
dex (dxpsycho) is in Legazpi City, he's the boss of Allina :D
We're usually the ones who are always here.
Since we're out of the country, and terribly missing home, we're all hungry for photos, as you can tell by now :lol:
Then we have nikki (nikki_18) from Naga City who stops by often hi nikki :wave:
nikki's got great photos as well.
Enjoy the board, it's fun. :D

THANKS! SALAMATUNON.

Let's say I just have a knack for details that is why I post pictures with captions. I teach English and Literature subjects so I edit a lot.

About, the homesickness;I used to work in Dhahran (Aramco), Saudi Arabia and am familiar with the feeling. Days before going back to the Kingdom, I usually spend time walking the entire length of Rizal Street from the downtown Port District up to Daraga just to 'memorize' the features of hometown; pieces of visions that I recalled at night, when I was horizontal, staring at the ceiling. It's a good thing you now have the Internet: At least you can easily browse and get to know about issues affecting the country--in a blink of an eye. By the way, a local network, PBN, is now on the web, www.pbnbicol.com, albeit sans radio, no, not yet. I hope soon they would audio stream local news.

thanks monsi! nice pics...i hope tahao and alternate roads will have asphalt overlay soon.

[QUOTE=Monsi]drfeelgood17


OFWs have wide world views and if we all go back home just like what the Jews did, we can build a better country. Wishful thinking...just wishful thinking.

Like you Monsi, I live in hope! :)


Here's to air travel:
Legazpi Airport
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/Dsc01681.jpg
Airport Road, here going to the airport, with the steel fence of the expansive mansion of Lita Ago (AMEC).

That is a nice, well-paved stretch of road. I would like all our streets to look like that!
IMO, we also need decent pavements, for pedestrians. I'm sure as a well-travelled person you've noticed that Philippine cities generally lack pavements such that people usually find themselves squeezed between the traffic and buildings. In Manila this means inhaling vast quantities of toxic car exhaust.
No wonder people don't usually "go for a walk" in the RP.
When I was last back home in Legazpi, I told my uncle I wanted to walk home (meaning from Plaza Rizal to Bonot, about 2km) since it was a nice day. "Walk??"
He looked at me as if I was insane. "May distancia yan!", he replied. As I walked home I understood my uncle's misgivings. The pavement in that stretch of Penaranda St was non-existent in places and too narrow for comfortable strolling. I'd forgotten all about this as I'm so used to walking in London!
Judging from your pic above, at least this street has a pavement of sorts. I also like the acacia trees - we need more trees too! :)

@ Monsi, do you teach in college? Im glad we have a new hospital. I'm also excited about the new airport. Any news on that?
@Olineil - 700 pics! wow, please post them soon, thanks!

hi there. i have been quiet, but i would just like to thank you people for posting pictures in this forum! it helped me get an A on my recent collage project for school. :)

here's some of my fav pics i used that i dont think ive seen here.
i hope u like them. thanks again!

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g125/rhythmicj/MAYON.jpg
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g125/rhythmicj/_by_bashfulkarly.jpg
and a pic of the "other mountain" across mayon po.
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g125/rhythmicj/2b4520b8.jpg

nice rythmic ^^ are these your own shots? they look great.
good job on your A. :okay:
why don't you post your collage here too so we all can see :D

hi rhythmic, welcome to ssc! that's mt masaraga in the last pic right? i like that volcano because of its sharp and pointy summit..kinda like a smaller, much less perfect version of mayon.

thank you po. yes. masaraga. i keep forgetting. nabubulol ako. and yah i'll take a pic of my collage when i go back to school. it's on display. hehe. oh and no not my pictures, sorry po, i'll post my sources next time. i hope i can visit the philippines soon tho. salamat ulit!

Congrats on your A grade, rythmic! Where are you based?
Hey Matt! It's great that we have so many new members! :cheers:

Oli, where are you? :lol: nabibitin kami hehehe

Anyway, some Legazpi City schools:

St. Agnes Academy
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/0406_StAgnes1.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/0406_StAgnes2.jpg

Divine Word College Legazpi (grey structure on the right):
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/divinewordcollege.jpg

Bicol University Laboratory High School:
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/BicolUniversityHigh.jpg

Bicol University, Arts and Sciences:
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/busoccerfield.jpg

AMEC
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/amec.jpg

Computer Arts and Technology School:
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/cats.jpg

Congrats on your A grade, rythmic! Where are you based?
Hey Matt! It's great that we have so many new members! :cheers:
not only that, they bring along pics teeeheeee. so fun

i'm from michigan po. anyone from michigan here???

I'm sure someone is from Michigan somewhere...The nearest I know is Tigs who is in Chicago, I think.
@ Matt, this thread will really rock once Olineil comes back with his 700+ pics!
By the way, when you used to go to SAA, was the "gym" already gone? It was more like an indoor basketball court with a big stage for plays etc...It was located at one end of the campus.

yup. already gone.
but graduation was in a half complete new gymnasium

IC...and is the new gym at the same spot as the old one?
I wonder if the canteen is still there LOL
ok enough reminiscing hehe

yup, canteen's still there, but it's been renovated, dunno if the 'manangs' and 'manongs' are still there..hehe

nikki, monsi and rhythmiczone, post naman kayo pics nyo sa photo album sub-thread sa samahan threads..:D

yup, canteen's still there, but it's been renovated, dunno if the 'manangs' and 'manongs' are still there..hehe

nikki, monsi and rhythmiczone, post naman kayo pics nyo sa photo album sub-thread sa samahan threads..:D

One advantage of Legazpi over other cities in Bicol is that the urban area is so close to hillsides that offer city-views. Here, again during lunchbreak (art workshop) I took pictures in Taguntong along the winding highway to Manito, still less than one kilometer from the plains below.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/Dsc05205.jpg
Urban sprawl versus verdant terrain... I hate the wires, though.

i agree, the landscape surrounding Legazpi makes the views very scenic and interesting..the Taysan Hills, Sleeping Lion, Lignon Hill and of course, Mayon V.
btw, monsi, what art workshop is that? sounds interesting..

yeah--damn wires! otherwise, a fantastic photo, monsi! really depicts Legazpi as God's country :)

i agree, the landscape surrounding Legazpi makes the views very scenic and interesting..the Taysan Hills, Sleeping Lion, Lignon Hill and of course, Mayon V.
btw, monsi, what art workshop is that? sounds interesting..

I thought I have nothing to do because I am on vacation leave till Wednesday next week... It was an art workshop sponsored by the City Government of Legazpi anticipating the forthcoming Ibalong Festival. It started yesterday with some acting exercises; today we had workshop on mask making which I thought was that easy to do that I could use them in class, say, as a group project. As you know, drama is a genre of literature and classical Greek drama employed masks. Anyway, the workshop turned out a little too tedious; i.e., plaster cast has to be made (negative), when dry, this will serve as a mold to come up with the positive (I'd seen it in some travel channel which featured mask making in Venice). It might prove too time consuming even as a class project.

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/Dsc05203.jpg
Here, at 4MP (sadly photobucket automatically crops pictures to 1MB) you should be able to ID left to right Mayon International Hotel, GSIS Albay, Fatima church, Bayantel, ST. AGNES, former Gov. Bichara's mansion (?), Albay Hotel, Ibalong Centrum for Recreation, ABSEC, Gaisano, and INK. The kids playing kites did not mind me clambering the hillside planted with camote and cassava. Note the humble shack rightside. The fence leftside encloses Smart's cellsite.


http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/Dsc05194.jpg
Here's one from the same site sans wires...


http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/Dsc05187.jpg
Roadside going to MIH.
Matt: Can you spot what I presume your alma mater SAA?


http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/Dsc05174.jpg
Would you believe that that's Bicol's tallest building peeking above the treeline behind the City Hall? :jk: Do you know how many floors it has (15 stories? 25 stories?) reckoning from Rizal Street level? Let's see if you can refute this claim...

Monsi, SAA, my alma mater, indeed. same with doc :D
I like how you took that shot of the park with city hall, and the 'tallest' building hehehe. probably more like 'highest' in bicol :D
i like those lamp posts in the park. reminds me of mermaid ariel's dad's thingie that zaps you silly :lol:

by the way, is Mayon international hotel open for business again?
i know it shut down when it caught fire in 1999..... :dunno:

I came across a Legazpi blog.
It's great. Photos are awesome.
Here's some sample of the photos in there:

http://buhaylegazpi.blogspot.com/
http://yves188.blogspot.com/
all photo credits go to the author of the blog site

Rotunda area, downtown Legazpi:

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/DSC00804.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/DSC00793.jpg

A shot of Mayon International Hotel, from a grassy lot, Tahao road. remember the cow from Monsi's shot? :D

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/DSC00731.jpg

A coffee shop:

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/leg1.jpg

http://buhaylegazpi.blogspot.com/
http://yves188.blogspot.com/

nice finds matt..:) monsi, you're a literature professor? cool..

i'm from michigan po. anyone from michigan here???

Where in Michigan are you from? My bro just moved there. Hmmm...you wouldn't happen to be him, would you now?

<----Napraning bigla!!!

Monsi, SAA, my alma mater, indeed. same with doc :D
I like how you took that shot of the park with city hall, and the 'tallest' building hehehe. probably more like 'highest' in bicol :D
i like those lamp posts in the park. reminds me of mermaid ariel's dad's thingie that zaps you silly :lol:

by the way, is Mayon international hotel open for business again?
i know it shut down when it caught fire in 1999..... :dunno:

It opened as "The Pride of the South." Post 1986 EDSA, it was
sequestered by PCGG. In mid 1990's it reopened, "The Pride of the South
Once More." It is a pity to show its current state; I usually pass by "the
only five star hotel Bicol had" on my way to work and it is in a sad state
of disrepair (the owner maintains some watchmen to ward off looters but
every now and then petty crimes are committed around the premises as it
is inadequately lighted). Anyway, one morning in January I took the picture
(below) right in front of the entrance to the grand atrium. I read somewhere
in the web that it is for sale. If you have spare cash (or if you can pool the
resources of fellow Fil-Ams) you can make it as your vacation home replete
with more than 90 guest rooms for US$2M. :) But waking up with this view
every morning, don't you think it is worth every penny? :jk:
Note that the early morning sun made the SAA façade readily recognizable.
(Matt, or Doc, when you visit, chop down or at least prune those obtrusive
trees in front of your campus to reveal the other school buildings! :) )
The black strip at the bottom is actually the top of the hotel's retaining wall
--piled up round and dark volcanic rocks--plunging virtually vertical to the
access road below. Those with vertigo or altophobia should avoid stepping
too close to the edge.
[IMG]http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/PanoramicViewfromMIH.jpg

I reposted two pictures and one new one on the thread below.

We cannot compete with the likes of Cebu, Ilo-ilo, or Davao in terms of skyline.
However, can these cities compete with Mayon dominating the horizon? :jk:

Luzviminda Skyline (excluding MM) (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=8316829#post8316829)

i love your pictures, man.
theyre great. hey you have any shots of that boardwalk thng they have at the pier area?

i love your pictures, man.
theyre great. hey you have any shots of that boardwalk thng they have at the pier area?

...akin to that in Dumaguete. It might be unsightly (or exotic, depending on
the beholder) what with shacks on stilts like those inhabited by sea gypsies
in the South. I think I have somewhere... post dem later.

You must be an insomiac... of course! Las Vegas is alive at night.

Seems you dig architecture, travel or something...

NAKAKAADIK YATA ANG SSC! When I should be writing my thesis proposal,
here I am oggling at places and buildings! Anyway, mañana habit... I still have time till next Tuesday...

great!, you write the best captions, monsi..hehe :applause:
yup yup, talagang nakakaadik ang ssc..:D

great!, you write the best captions, monsi..hehe :applause:
yup yup, talagang nakakaadik ang ssc..:D

...and my electric bill will shoot up to the heavens! I was trying to downgrade
my ADSL because I shell out P1500+ a month. What do you think of
Smart Wifi at P988?

I'm using Smart wi-fi (Smart bro) at home. Service is ok most of the time, speed's just right for surfing, downloading stuff. There are frequent downtimes though. Plus, you have to be near a Smart cellsite. Btw monsi, how did you find out about SSC?

I'm using Smart wi-fi (Smart bro) at home. Service is ok most of the time, speed's just right for surfing, downloading stuff. There are frequent downtimes though. Plus, you have to be near a Smart cellsite. Btw monsi, how did you find out about SSC?

...and look for stuff that's 'developmental' about Legazpi. Any good news about our so-underrated city lifts up civic pride... Otherwise, one might be tempted to leave behind the hardship and low pay for greener pastures abroad. Nuggets of good news about the city bring hope--things like the increase in tourist arrivals, Legazpi recognized by AIM as one of the ten most competitive small cities in the country, the re-entry of Air Philippines, opening of Isuzu Gencars Legaspi, expansion of Pacific Mall, even proposed projects (SLIA in Alobo, the entry of Cebu Pacific, expansion of Legazpi Port, development of Misibis and Kapuntukan and boulevard area, and the Libon-Pantao Road and Oas-San Fernando bypass road) are sources of hope.

Going back to the topic, yes. In one of these browsings I found SSC. I also contributed some contents to the entries on Legazpi City, Legazpi Airport, and Albay, on this site:

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

It is now repeatedly edited I barely recognize my initial contributions.

WAY TOO SERIOUS ALREADY! Let's brighten up a bit! :) :) :)

ENTERING LEGAZPI FROM DARAGA...


Imagine we're approaching Legazpi by air on a single-engined light plane: We are buffetted by strong winds from the Pacific, er, hanging amihan...
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/Approachingrunway06waytoooff.jpg
Captain! We are way off Runway 06! Watch out or we'll crash into Barangay Bagtang yonder! :jk: (taken along the Maharlika Highway in Kimantong; too hazy for 'flyin'.)


You can opt to enter by train (sorry, I don't have pictures of our rickety PNR lately).



Then we enter through Rizal Street (although you can also use Lakandula Drive in Bañag).

Can you spot the difference between Daraga and Legazpi?
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/SpotthedifferencebetweenDaragaandLe.jpg



Or try this for clarity:
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/EnteringLegazpifromDaraga.jpg




You are right! Rizal Street in Daraga is pitch dark while Legazpi welcomes you with bright street lamps copied from those in Ermita and Malate Districts.
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/BrightslightswelcomeyoutoLegazpi.jpg


OK, let's call it a truce: I'll try to resist opening SSC. Anyway, Oli will post his 700+ pictures soon. I have to do something before going back to work Tuesday next week. Thanks, Doc! I have to sign off now...

^ That's a very good article, Monsi. It's good to know one of our members is behind the Wikipedia entry be for Legazpi. It would be great if someone could develop the "history" section as it looks unfinished.
Btw, those are beautiful pics taken from the hillside!

Monsi! Your posts are off the hook! I love it :okay:
Complete with a storyline pa heeheee

Anyway, you are living in Legazpi right now, right?
Yea, I sleep late. I normally go to bed around midnight or 1 am.
Thanks to SSC and our newfound indulgence, Yahoo Messenger :lol:

I do dig architecture, travel, skyscrapers, progress, urbanity and stuff.
I guess we all do that's why we're all signed up here hehehe :D
As SSC nicely puts it - In Urbanity We Trust

Anyway, what part of the city is that welcome thingy located at?
Maybe we should rent out one of those ad spaces and advertise SSC :lol:
And those lights, do they really light up the streets well at night?
Or are they for aesthetic purposes only?

Don't worry about posting lotsa pics, we love that here. hehee

DOC, Mayon International Hotel is up for sale, wanna buy it? hehehehe

DOC, Mayon International Hotel is up for sale, wanna buy it? hehehehe

Matt, if I had enough cash I would buy the place through ebay right now.
And if you behave well, you could be my vice-chairman. ;)

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/Pilescastinsitu.jpg
Piles cast on site.



http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/truckbringssteelrebarsthatwillbecas.jpg
Truck brings steel rebars that will be cast into piles in situ.



http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/Morningarrivalsfromtheislands.jpg
Morning arrivals from the islands. The cable-stayed radio mast that 'encroaches' into the slopes of Mayon is that of Home Radio 92.3; farther afield is that of RGMA Campus Radio 96.3 atop ABSEC.



http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/Inthenewsoneoftheshipsherecausedthi.jpg
Oil dumped from one of the ships... No, not Exxon Valdez...



http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/Heysisterlovedemcars.jpg
A nun with a son. :jk:



http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/Carsonreclaimedlandandshacksstillon.jpg
Binary opposites face off... Shacks on stilts (deprivation) versus cars on reclaimed land (abundance).

...now dots places overseas--even in the very doorsteps of the Vatican!


It is time to bury those unsightly wires...
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/INCswathedincoatedcopperphonewires.jpg


With oil past US$70 per barrel, the bike is now the king of the road.
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/At70USDperbarrelthebikewillbekingof.jpg


Natural and man-made reach for the heavens...
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/Naturalandmanmadereachfortheheavens.jpg


Which is the fairer lady?
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/Whichladyisfairer.jpg

A nun with a son. :D -- niyahahaha Good caption on that.

EXPANSION OF PACIFIC MALL IN FULL SWING...


Soon, from this vantage point, Mayon's cone will be hidden from view
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/FromthisvantagepointMayonwillnotbes.jpg


Mechanical beasts that lift heavy burden...
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/Cranesgalore.jpg


That yellow four story building (partly hidden behind tree) far right (scroll right) is Dreams Inn.
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/DreamsInnstrategicallylocated.jpg


Hard hat area...
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/Safetyfirst.jpg


Part of façade now slowly torn for the expansion...
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/partoffaadeslowlytornfortheexpansio.jpg


That new cable-stayed radio mast was erected by the Diocese of Legazpi (10kw DWBS Veritas AM).
The old mast cannibalized by looters (they were caught) was of the sequestered DWGW
(Banahaw Broadcasting Corporation owned by Benedicto, a Marcos crony).
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/Thatcablestayedtransmittermastis10k.jpg


Intersection of F. Imperial Street and Circumferential Road.
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/IntersectionofFImperialandCircumfer.jpg


Busy market street (Circumferential Road)
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/busyCircumferencialRoad.jpg

Nice, large pics monsi, thanks!!:D..I think the expansion of Pacific Mall is slated to coincide with the Legazpi Port Fiesta. I hope it will be ready by then. :)Glad to know that construction at the Boulevard is also in full swing.

...long forgotten as developments moved towards Bitano and Albay District, may be revived with the opening of Isuzu Gencars Legaspi (outsiders impose on us this spelling with an s not the official z), and the 10kw Home Radio 92.3.


Harbingers of progress...
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/harbingersofprogress.jpg



...might revive the ailing La Trinidad Hotel and Arcade area.
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/Neglectedareawillberevivedsoon.jpg

Nice, large pics monsi, thanks!!:D..I think the expansion of Pacific Mall is slated to coincide with the Legazpi Port Fiesta. I hope it will be ready by then. :)Glad to know that construction at the Boulevard is also in full swing.

...I discovered that if you post pictures as they are; i.e, 4 megapixels, they turn out small because Photobucket crops 'em; whilst if you crop the pictures so that they do not exceed one megabyte, they turn out larger... a paradox. :) :) :)

...Our answer to Colon (Cebu) and Avenida (Manila).

LCC corner Rizal and Peñaranda with the ancient traffic light (not working; already needs replacement)
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/LCCcornerRizalandPearanda.jpg


You can still recognize the soon-to-be-torn-down façade of Pacific Mall behind the Trilon.
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/AncienttrafficlightswithPacificMall.jpg


Steel pedestrian barriers along Peñaranda Street.
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/PedestriansteelbarriersalongPearand.jpg


Part of Rizal Park along Peñaranda Street (as you know, Peñaranda Park is in Rizal Street).
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/PearandaStreetearlymorning.jpg


Before Pacific Mall we have ABSEC (and of course LCC).
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/BeforePacificMallwehadABSEC.jpg


In Singapore they restore old shop houses... Who could restore that derelict art deco building (De La Sierra Apartments) into, say, a bistro?
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/Whocouldrestorethatartdecobldgalong.jpg

Attention Aquinians around the country and all over the world... Visit your verdant campus in Rawis and find this gymnasium:


The AQ Dome and football field.
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/AQDomeandfootballfield.jpg


The back side still needs paint job. I bet the priests will be pleased if you donate buckets of paint. :jk:
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/Donateacanofpainttofinishthebackpor.jpg


La Niña is to blame: It rained a lot this summer the field needs constant mowing. Steeple of chapel peeking out of the treeline.
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/Itrainseveninsummerthefieldneedscon.jpg


Mayon hiding behind a veil of clouds. Very shy this beauty...
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/Campuswithfewrivals.jpg

...I found in one thread here...

The Forum...
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/img0021.jpg


Here's Palafox's concept of Pacific Mall Expansion:
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/PacificMall_image1.jpg
Note that it is four-level while that posted on billboard in the construction site is three-level (scroll up and compare with the pictures I posted above). I noticed it happen here twice or thrice: That the completed building is different from what's posted on the billboard as usually one floor (or two) is added.

Always a treat from you Monsi :D
Something to look forward to each day - your posts.
Had been waiting for a loooooong time for these kinds of pics.
Thanks bunches :)

They opened a Mcdonalds inside LCC, too?
And that Chowking, that used to be a bank across Graceland, correct?
Did the one inside Pacific Mall shut down or something?

Did they redo the interiors of LCC for it to be a mall?
Cause from what I remember, it's just a department store.

can't wait for more of your photos, Monsi heeehehee love it :okay:

^hoy ang aga aga gising kapa!!!

anyway heres a story i have to present this tuesday :lol: oh yeah im stealing some pictures of the Volcano :lol:

. (a) ASUANG STEALS FIRE FROM GUGURANG*

Long ago when the world was still young the good and evil gods were not yet enemies as they are now. They were friends, each living separately in a mountain (bolod, Bicol). One report even said that they were brothers. Gugurang, the good god, was living inside Mount Mayon, and Asuang, the evil one, inside Mount Malinao. As gods they had control of the welfare of the people. But Gugurang was more powerful than Asuang who was merely a subordinate; the former was the chief deity (cagurangnan) of the Bicols.
Now Gugurang was given full control over the people, who learned to look up to him for protection or for advancement. Whenever the people disobeyed his orders OT wishes, he would cause the pit of the Mayon Volcano to rumble terribly. The people in time took this as a sign of warning, and accordingly, mended their foul ways. Or if their sins were beyond forgiveness Gugurang would make the volcano erupt to wipe out the sinners. Gugurang then became the symbol of the good (an mga marhay) ready to punish the bad (an mga maraot). When the people saw fire (calayo) flowing out of the crater of Mayon, they would grow afraid. They would then offer a sacrifice (atang) to him to appease his wrath. The Baliana, priestess, officiated in the ceremony. Always when they committed wrong, there would be loud moaning of the earth followed by an eruption of fire and lava (abo).
Now, Asuang had no fire in his abode inside Mount Malinao (to the north of Albay). He wanted to be as powerful as Gugurang, at least. If the people aroused his wrath, he wanted to subdue them by a fire or rumbling in Mount Malinao (this was still whole then). He entreated Gugurang to give him some fire but Gugurang emphatically refused.
"How dare you ask for my fire! " Gugurang thundered. The earth trembled. "Don't you know that when the fire in my seat is carried by hands such as yours the whole world will be set on fire?"
"But I will be very careful," replied Asuang.
"Be careful! I myself with all my power cannot handle it."
"But how can you threaten the people with it?"

"It is not my will that does it. It is someone else's that you or I do not know nor will ever know." "But the rainy days are coming and I need fire to make me warm in Mount Malinao."
"Why," answered Gugurang, "you have lived there for many years and this is the first time that you have asked me for it, what will you use the fire for? Look at your people; they can live without it."
"Well, it is time for you to give them fire now."
"Give them fire!" burst Gugurang. The earth shook and the people were more afraid. But soon Gugurang quelled the commotion. Asuang himself was frightened. He never saw him that way before.
"They are not fit to have it yet! They must make themselves worthy."
"Well, am I not worthy?"
"You! you lay god! Look at your ragged mountain and compare it to Mayon which is the most beautiful in the world."
Asuang argued with him for a long time but Gugurang would not budge an inch. Asuang suddenly discovered, which before he had not, that Gugurang was all-powerful. Asuang narrowed his eyes and smiled with sinister import. He decided to oppose him from now on.
"You want to be the omnipotent power," Asuang cried. "But between us two there is not much difference. Why must I live in a humble place like Mount Malinao while you sit here gloating over your power unlimited and unchecked?" "Stop!" The earth shivered as Gugurang stamped his feet on the ground. Asuang only smiled this time. That made Gugurang angry all the more. He struck out but before his blow could land, Asuang had vanished already. Gugurang was greatly amazed at this-the new power of Asuang in making himself invisible.
Then from a short distance in the room came the voice of the evil one, "If I cannot get fire in good will, I will in bad-I will steal it." "Try-and before you can do that I will cut your mountain in twain."
"Then let there be war between us," countered Asuang. Thus the good and the evil became enemies from that time on. Motives were many to prove that Asuang was ambitious. It could not be doubted that the power to rule intrigued him. He determined to oppose every move of Gugurang. He gathered around him evil counselors and evil spirits whom he sent to the earth to turn the people to evil ways. After that, there was much immorality, lawlessness and crime. Gugurang in no time found out that it was Asuang who was causing all these things.
He sent pestilence to the barrios and for a moment the people turned to the omnipotent for protection. Gugurang asked them for another atang or sacrifice and warned them to follow his commandments strictly or be exterminated by floods or eruption. Against Asuang himself Gugurang was powerless to do anything. It seemed that in the twinkle of an eye Asuang came to possess hidden powers hitherto de0nied him.
Gugurang particularly guarded his fire lest his enemy make good his threat of stealing it. He assigned his trusted helpers (catambang) to guard the symbol of his power. He was afraid, besides, that if the fire were to go out of its confines the world would be consumed in a mighty conflagration.
But in spite of the precaution taken, Asuang was able to enter and locate the guarded object, and with many guiles and wiles, he bribed the guards with gold (bolauan). The temptation (sogot) was too sweet to be denied. Hence Asuang obtained possession of Gugurang's fire. Putting it inside a coconut shell he started with it.
Gugurang in his throne suddenly noticed that everything around him turned black, and that there were cries in the bowels of the volcano. But outside, the world was u fire. Every barrio that Asuang passed caught fire. Asuang!" Gugurang cried. And with this he flew into the air pursuing the thief. While'terror reigned among the people who were powerless against the conflagration, Gugurang and Asuang raced for supremacy. Gugurang must get the fire back, or else M would be left without any power at all. All the air around grew hot but still they t madly on. Asuang was nearing his seat and if he could get there before Gugurang, * would be lost for the good god who would then be under the spell of the devil.
Asuang braced up for the last stride and just as he was about to descend Mount Malinao, Gugurang caught up with him, snatched the fire in the coconut shell, and vanished with it. Asuang was greatly surprised. He could not make himself invisible, it as he would. Gugurang on reaching Mount Mayon returned the fire to its place, and everything as bright again inside. Now before doing anything else he set about stopping the conflagration. He bade the heavens (calangitan) to rain continuously. And there was in. And the big fire was under control. The people at once offered atangs, because they were convinced it was Gugurang who had caused the fire because of their wickedness.
Then Gugurang punished the guards by chaining them to the precipices. Then for is revenge on Asuang-he ordered Lightning (Linti) and Thunder (Dalogdog) to strike hard against Mount Malinao that was defying him. Asuang attempted to bribe pi and Dalogdog. What is the use of your serving a master when you don't even receive any reward?" Asuang asked. "Why don't you join me? Here you can have what you want. You can e your master."
Linti, quite taken, asked, "You mean what you said?" Sure," the wily Asuang answered. It is true we are driven like slaves," said the thunder.
At this Gugurang sent his thunderbolt. Boom! Crash! For several minutes the world sank and bobbed and sank again. All the mountains creaked. Then a mighty crashing was made amid the din. Gugurang then ordered the lightning and the thunder to stop. All was over in a few minutes.
Then the people noticed that what was once Mount Malinao was but half now. They thanked the omnipotent for destroying the abode of the devil. (To this day one ho sails the Tabaco Bay will still see that Mount Malinao seems to have been cut while Mayon stands majestically unimpaired.)
The people for a time believed that Asuang was killed, but later his influence was 11 doing havoc with the populace. Incidentally, the people got fire, for the enterprising few kept some embers to keep themselves warm during the rain that followed the conflagration.

oh yeah i need help if anyone here has a PICTURE OF MT MALINAO. I desperately need one

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g125/rhythmicj/2b4520b8.jpg
is this mt malinao? btw

Monsi--spectacular pics with the most amusing captions to boot! Talk about giving SSC-Legazpi folk a visual orgasm! I especially appreciate the intimate street views of downtown. Although you mentioned earlier taht we can't compare with Cebu, Iloilo, or Davao, why should we? Mayon's constant presence aside, Legazpi needs to maintain its own charm as depicted in your photojournal. It really is developing into an attractive magayong beauty with the cheerfully painted lowrise commercial buildings--no need for highrise competitors to mar the skyline and view of Mayon. Thanks so much--I will definitely go back south for a visit the next time I get to Pinas.

@ Tigs, I think that's Mt Masaraga. Mt Malinao is behind it, that's why you can't see it in that pic - natatakpan. I'll try and see if I can find a pic of Mt Malinao (nothing special).

Mt Malinao

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

That smoking structure is part of the Tiwi Geothermal Plant which provides most of the electricity for Luzon.

photo: from the US Geological Survey

neat, yeah i found those pics too, thanks :) anything bigger than this one, those i cant find

wooooww!!...superb pics! :applause: I love that Forum proposal, where'd you get that..I hope this one doesn't get trashed like the other previous proposals. That lot has been vacant for ages, it's become an eyesore. Build the Forum...hehehe..(nice name..reminds me of SSC :lol: )

neat, yeah i found those pics too, thanks :) anything bigger than this one, those i cant find

Nice to meet you, Tigs. :)

Try this site, but don't stray there too much... just give your eyes some rest from the allure of the city:

Tiwi, Albay landscape (http://www.pbase.com/digital_elf/image/23286959)

I have pictures of churches in Bacacay and Sto. Domingo if you are from the First District...

wooooww!!...superb pics! :applause: I love that Forum proposal, where'd you get that..I hope this one doesn't get trashed like the other previous proposals. That lot has been vacant for ages, it's become an eyesore. Build the Forum...hehehe..(nice name..reminds me of SSC :lol: )

...will give it rest for a while but for sure I'll post some more, shortly.

SSC is like popcorn, butong pakwan, or potato chips: you just can't stop! :) :) :)

Nice to meet you, Tigs. :)

Try this site, but don't stray there too much... just give your eyes some rest from the allure of the city:

Tiwi, Albay landsapes (http://www.pbase.com/digital_elf/image/23286959)

I have pictures of churches in Bacacay and Sto. Domingo if you are from the First District...
thanks :) but im from the NCR region :lol:

^ Coz of that gugurang story napagkamalan tuloy na Bicolano si Tigs. :hahaha:

^ Coz of that gugurang story napagkamalan tuloy na Bicolano si Tigs. :hahaha:

...the honorary title 'Adopted Citizen of Legazpi, Albay, and Bicol'! Uragon na man siya :)


HERE'S ALBAY DISTRICT:


Peñaranda Park, Rizal Street, and City Hall
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/PearandaParkalongRizalStreet.jpg


'Tallest' building in Bicol...
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/MIHpeekingouttreetops.jpg


Per Matteo, more likely the 'highest' building in Bicol...
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/TallestbuildinginBicol.jpg


Renovated former DOT V building...
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/Renovatedtourismbuildling.jpg


Those idle ambulant vending carts come alive at night...
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/Idleambulantverndingcarts.jpg


Blue trash cans help keep the streets around the District clean...
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/Bluetrashcans.jpg


Colorful Albay Astrodome versus white-washed Capitol Annex Building, which houses PRC V, second floor, and DTI V, third floor.
First floor hosts restaurant row offering the best (and the first?) al fresco dining in the province and the region)
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/CapitolAnnexandAstrodome.jpg


Yan muna...

Wow those picures reminds me of the good ol' days when I was still a child wandering around the streets of Legaspi. I've always wondered where I can find present photos of the city to check out what's new as well as the changes. Thanks to SSC for the virtual tour.

Btw, new member here from Calgary, Canada.

hmmhmmm no Monsi post :(

Welcome Elmer :hi:

Pili nut: More than just for eating
Posted: 7:28 PM | May 07, 2006


Inquirer



Published on Page B2-3 of the May 8, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

LEGAZPI CITY-Tagged as the Philippine's almond, pili is considered at par with the macadamia nut of Australia, considered by many as a "the prime edible nut."

Rosemarie Diaz-Battung, owner of the 70-year-old Albay Pilinut Candy factory in Old Albay District says the nuts are used for the delicacies but the fiber covering the nutshell can also be eaten.

"The shell is also a good material in firing our antique ovens," she added. The Department of Trade and Industry here says pili (Canarium ovatum) is now considered as the country's most important export nut.

Owing to its abundant supply in Bicol, especially in the province of Sorsogon, the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) declared Sorsogon as the "commodity champion for pili" while the Department of Agriculture referred to pili as "flagship commodity" for the region.

Production
Among places like the Southern Tagalog, Southern Visayas, Southern Mindanao and Caraga province, Bicol is a major pili producer.

The region accounts for 82 percent of national pili production, the bulk of which comes from Sorsogon, said DTI-Bicol.

Under the agency's "One Town, One Product" (Otop) program, pili was identified as the banner product of Sorsogon City and the municipalities of Irosin, Bulusan and Sta. Magdalena in the same province.

An average pili tree bears fruit six or seven years after planting, with certain varieties producing flowers, three to four years from planting.

However, it is only in the seventh or eighth year before the tree produces around 1,000 to 1,500 nuts.

Pili trees vary in their fruit-bearing capacity, with the older ones giving more fruits.

A poor bearer produces 500 fruits or less while heavy yielders each gives from 3,000 to 5,000 fruits during the season.

An average tree produces 33 kilos of nuts in one year.

In Bicol, the pili harvest season begins in May and ends in September with the peak July. In the Visayas, particularly Samar, harvesting is in October.

Pili fruits are harvested when fully matured. The maturity index for pili nut is the full purplish black pulp of the whole nut.

Harvesting is done once a week or twice a month by climbing the tree and using a bamboo pole with a wire hook.

A scissor-hook-type pole was developed by the Bicol University College of Agriculture and Fisheries here to equip gatherers with a better harvesting device. The device has an average picking capacity of 25.54 kg per hour--higher than the traditional method.

Proper post-harvest handling of the fruits ensures good quality and a longer shelf-life of the nuts.

Non-food applications
The only known fruit oil of commercial importance in the world market today are olive and palm oils but the pili kernel is another oil source with a big market potential as pili oil is good in the manufacture of soaps, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics.

The pili shell can be burned as fuel and the charcoal can be used to decolorize sugar, purify air and water, eliminate jet fumes in airports and be used as either a filter or deodorizer.

The shell can also be pounded and mixed with plastics to be fashioned into crafts and decorative and souvenir items.

Shell granules are good sandblasting agents for power generators, an inexpensive replacement for the apricot seed hulls which are imported and costly to obtain.

The pili testa or seed coat like coir or sawdust can be used as a potting material for growing plants such as orchids and anthuriums.

The pili resins, also called "Manila elemi," can be used as fixative for perfumes, and for the production of lacquers, varnishes, adhesives and pharmaceuticals.

Pili timber is classified as hardwood and can be turned into furniture items and wood panels.

Pili trees, strong and resistant to strong winds, are known to be good avenue trees owing to their good form and cool shade. They are used to line highways, parks and playgrounds. Unlike deciduous trees, they do not shed their leaves, which means that an area lined with pili trees will remain clean and free from dried leaves.

Market and economy
Local food processors absorb almost all of the supply of pili here in Bicol.

However, according to the DTI, the Philippines is able to export pili nuts to the United States, Hawaii, Germany, France, Great Britain, Japan and China.

Here in Bicol, pili provides additional income to some 13,435 farmers with an average of 10 pili trees in their farms and to the laborers hired as harvesters.

The processing industry generates employment for people such as traders, processors, assemblers, factory workers, storekeepers and other services in the industry.

A DTI research quoted Richard A. Hamilton of the University of Hawaii and also a macadamia breeder who said the current status of pili is equivalent to that of macadamia some 30 years ago, by far the clearest indication that the pili nut has a great potential of developing into a major industry.

Ephraim Aguilar, Inquirer Southern Luzon Bureau

http://money.inq7.net/features/view_features.php?yyyy=2006&mon=05&dd=08&file=1

Hello hello hello!!! Wow!!! we have so many new members na. Really feels good to know that there are alot of uragons out there who loves our Beloved Region. Monsi hats off to your pictures Man... I'm in awe of everything you post, jaw dropping :eek2:

Well i'm back here in Singapore armed with my 700+ pics and my ADSL2 connection (i might not be able to post them all, ill just choose the best ones). Just to warn you guys it wont be as poetic as monsi's and most of my takes are inside the car when we are on a road trip to wherever we were going. So just bare with the angles and such. Hahahaha.

So the flood shall begin....



In a few minutes or maybe days hehehehe...still need to organize them and resize it down in Picassa software. Just bare with me.

A warm welcome to Elmer! :cheers:
@ Olineil, post ahead! It doesn't have to be as poetic as Monsi's! :)

If you are tired of fastfood, try our local restos... One is Colonial Grill in front of GTS Building in Albay District...

Informatics is in the second floor of GTS Building on the other side of Rizal Street.
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/Afterdinner.jpghttp://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/DiningoutinAlbayDistrict.jpg

Wow those picures reminds me of the good ol' days when I was still a child wandering around the streets of Legaspi. I've always wondered where I can find present photos of the city to check out what's new as well as the changes. Thanks to SSC for the virtual tour.

Btw, new member here from Calgary, Canada.

Rings a bell... Are you in any way related to a professor of Engineering who taught in BU and AUL... who has roots in Manito, Albay... who lived in Sunrise Subdivision along Washington (Capt. F. Aquende) Drive? I'll try posting pictures around that area, now dominated by Renaissance Gardens, DWCL Gym, Ago Mansion, Pepperland Hotel, and Alicia Hotel. Anyway, in a few month's time I bet you'll be enjoying what those Jamaican Winter Olympic athletes did in the downhill slopes of snowbound Calgary.

In the meantime, here's something that might make you homesick some more:

I think you can reckon Sunrise Subdivision from Renaissance Gardens (Hotel Venezia, the one with steep gable roofs,
is within that subdivision); DWCL Gym is partly covered by rows of pine trees.
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/DWCLgymhiddenbehindpinetrees.jpg


Legazpi Airport in the foreground and part of Albay district beyond. The yellow two story building left side is
Pepperland Hotel; Lita Ago's mansion (painted white, beside the Regional Equipment Services of DPWH V along Airport Road)
is slightly off front of Pepperland.
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/AlbayDistrictfromLignonHill.jpg


The three towers atop Mt. Bariw ABS-CBN TV 4/MOR 93.9 (left); GMA 12 (middle); and Digitel (right). Also seen more clearly in the picture above.
Foreground: Left, before control tower/ATO Admin Bldg is the City Jail; middle, Albay Park and Wildlife; right, Provincial Jail.
Access road up Lignon Hill starts beside the Provincial Jail and the tennis court (decipherable here).
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/MtBariwwithThreeTowers.jpg


If you are a plane spotter (I regularly visit airliners.net), I am sure you know that the approach from the sea is Runway 24, and the approach from Kimantong is Runway 06.
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/Runway0624foreground.jpg


The zig-zag road halfway up is now paved you can use your bike.
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j246/Monsigh/YoucanrideabikeupLignonHill.jpg


OLI! IT'S YOU'RE TURN! OPEN THE FLOODGATES ALREADY! :jk:

Thanks for the warm welcome folks!

Monsi, yep, he's actually my dad. :) Thanks for the pics!

@Monsi I love these pics--they make me hope that Legazpi will continue its tasteful and controlled growth into one of Luzon's most gorgeous cities. Can't help but fall for this gem of a town (of course, I am biased, being partly rooted in Legazpi), especially from your attractive shots taken from Lingyon(?) Hill...

@Monsi I love these pics--they make me hope that Legazpi will continue its tasteful and controlled growth into one of Luzon's most gorgeous cities. Can't help but fall for this gem of a town (of course, I am biased, being partly rooted in Legazpi), especially from your attractive shots taken from Lingyon(?) Hill...

The hill is more popularly spelled in Spanish, i.e., Liñon; but sometimes it is spelled Lignon-- I preper the latter as you don't have to type Alt-164 to come up with a letter ñ; besides, Lignon looks more French and Italian; e.g., bologna, fillet mignon, etc. :laugh: :laugh:

Thank you for your kind comments... From which island are you? Oahu? Maui? Lanai? the big island (Hawaii)? You belong to one of the 'biggest' minority groups there along with the Japanese...

OLI's pictures will keep us busy the next days... This is the last day of my short vacation. :wave:

Legazpi City from Lignon Hill
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v653/olineil/Panos/LignonHillview.jpg

Legazpi Boulevard (The sea cleanliness is a bit of a Pity though)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v653/olineil/Panos/LegazpiBoulevard.jpg

Legazpi City Airport from Lignon Hill
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v653/olineil/Panos/LegazpiAirport.jpg

View from Mayon Skyline Hotel
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v653/olineil/Panos/MayonSkyline.jpg

hi Oli. welcome back.
cant wait to see your pics too, man :D