grabe new thread. amo ni ang photo nga hambal ko kagabi na nalipatan ko mag upload/post. i find this cool kay seldom lng ko maka kita ati nga naga saut nga naga smile, and with all the blur indicating its fast motion. the photo is unedited. gin resize ko lng kag watermark. haldok na ko nga daan sa mga kawatan :D

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/222/480744104_89516ab0cb.jpg

^^love this pic!

2Go RORO -- Iloilo's transport of choice

RORO is really faster than containerized and because we are the last to load and first to unload, our fish stays fresh for our customers." -- Antonio T. Roga, Iloilo

Antonio T. Roga has been living off the pier for over 21 years. While his wife works as on OFW in Cyprus, he supports their four kids by forwarding fresh and dried fish and fruits to Cebu, Cagayan and Manila. In all his years of experience, Antonio can attest that 2GO RORO is really a better way of transporting his goods.

Antonio explains, "Ang RORO ay ma mabuti talaga para sa amin dahil mas mabilis ito kaysa sa containerized. Sa containerized, lilipat pa sa ibang pier pagdating sa Maynila. Ang RORO diretso na." (RORO is really better for us because it is faster than containerized shipping. In containerized, we would still have to transfer to several piers in Manila. With RORO, we go direct).

2GO RORO allows the loading and unloading of self-driven vehicles onto the vessel which results in better lead time thus increasing speed and efficiency in reaching the market. And because his products are the last to load and first to unload, the fish remains fresh and immediately goes to the market.

"Mas maganda talaga ang RORO kasi less time consuming, mas mabilis ang pagkarga at pagdiskarga at safe pa ang produkto dahil naka-selya yung RORO." (RORO is really more effective because it's less time consuming. We are able to load and unload quickly and our products are secure because the trucks are sealed.), says Antonio.

In fact, RORO has been so popular in Iloilo that forwarders fight over the available trucks to load their products. This will no longer be a problem now that 2GO is converting Iloilo into a full RORO port.

"Mas maganda talaga yan para sa amin. Dahil basta may kargamento sa RORO na naming isasakay. Mas mabilis na at menos pa sa gastos." (It's great news for us, because as long as there are RORO trucks available, we will just keep loading our cargo. It's really safer, faster and cheaper for us), he adds.

source: The News Today (http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/05/02/2go.roro.iloilos.transport.of.choice.html)

Paroccia de Nuestra Señora de Candelaria. Catedral Metropolitan de Santa Elizabeth de Ungria. Arsodiocesis de Jaro

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Iloilo%20and%20Negros/3.jpg
*Circa 1890's.


*Image from Pedro Gallende. "Angels in Stone". Manila: San Agustin Museum. 1996

haha.. bernardo... puli ka bwas? mamista kami to sa Pavia...hehe... ginapreparar ko na di ang mga dal-on ko na topperwares.haha...
nadula cellphone ko...sigh!
congrats kay new thread nanaman!:)

DPWH assures completion of Iloilo flood-control project

By ANGIE CHUI

ILOILO CITY — Local officials have lauded the initiative of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in embarking on the ambitious Iloilo Flood Control Project, a R4.26-billion worth endeavor to address the problem of perennial flooding in the province.

...

According to Region 6 Director Rolando Asis, Package 1 of the project, involving the construction of the Jaro Floodway, improvement of the Tigum River and improvement of the Aganan River, which was undertaken by Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction Co., was completed in March last year several days ahead of schedule.

Package 2, which entails the improvement of the Iloilo River, improvement of the Upper Ingore Creek, and improvement of both banks of Jaro River Mouth, was awarded to the China International Water and Electrical Corp., and began in February, 2006. It is now proceeding ahead of schedule and is seen to contribute to flood mitigation, especially with the onset of the three-month La Niña phenomenon at the later part of this month.

www.mb.com.ph (http://www.mb.com.ph/PROV2007050193002.html)
If it was completed March last year, then what is this?!
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/222/481278771_f6c88b2314.jpg

Would I be standing there taking that picture if that floodway was completed? Right on that spot, I do an about-face and this is what I see:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/218/481278769_3730300136.jpg

Sheesh! That excavation is not even a tenth of the 4.7 km.

Paroccia de Nuestra Señora de Candelaria. Catedral Metropolitan de Santa Elizabeth de Ungria. Arsodiocesis de Jaro

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Iloilo%20and%20Negros/3.jpg
*Circa 1890's.


*From Pedro Gallende. "Angels in Stone". Manila: San Agustin Museum. 1996


The Cathedral of Jaro Looks better before the installation of the neogothic belfries and the misplaced canopy...sigh!... where did the statues on the belfry went? did one of them survived the tremor?

haha.. bernardo... puli ka bwas? mamista kami to sa Pavia...hehe... ginapreparar ko na di ang mga dal-on ko na topperwares.haha...
nadula cellphone ko...sigh!
congrats kay new thread nanaman!:)

Kadto lang sa Byernes. Daw makaagi man to si Toto Chy before sya maduty sa Janiuay. Ti, paano ta ka macontact ni man? :okay:

If it was completed March last year, then what is this?!
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/222/481278771_f6c88b2314.jpg

Would I be standing there taking that picture if that floodway was completed? Right on that spot, I do an about-face and this is what I see:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/218/481278769_3730300136.jpg

Sheesh! That excavation is not even a tenth of the 4.7 km.

What's new in the Philippines? :ohno:

The original plans for the restoration of the collapsed belfry was actually ok. It's just that the contractor did not follow instructions!!!:bash: :bash: :bash:

Naabtan ko pa na ang pagrestore sang belfry.. so long ago...

Announcement sa tanan:

I'm inviting each and everyone to witness what is said to be the oldest institutionalized festival in the Province of Iloilo:

Carabao Carroza Festival in Pavia

May 3-4. :)

Kag kabalo nyo na ang implikasyon sini, hehehehehe!!!! :lol:

daw nami lupad bwas haw

ahahaahha gian madala man ako tupperware. pwede lng ma check in sa eroplano ang balensyana????



ahahhahahaaha

The original plans for the restoration of the collapsed belfry was actually ok. It's just that the contractor did not follow instructions!!!:bash: :bash: :bash:

Naabtan ko pa na ang pagrestore sang belfry.. so long ago...

haha... jaro belfry looks okay...however it looks very fragile. too much windows for an earthquake baroque structure...wheeew... another earthquake and poof!

One thing I've noticed of our heritage houses is that most are still being resided upon while heritage houses in other places were turned into museums.




Iloilo Montessori School used to occupy this building.





The Sanson y Montinola House currently on a facelift.





The Lopez-Vito House and ISLA Bank-Iloilo (the family owns it).





One of the numerous Lopez houses in Iloilo. This one is a bit controversial since the auntie was able to take possession of this house from her nephews through legal wranglings. There used to be a grand staircase and a garden at the left side but was torn down when an apartment complex was build beside it in 1989. Only the balcony minus the staircase remains. Also, the second floor used to have Capiz shell windows but the new owner decided to update it with cheap looking window jalousies. The bottom floor was turned into commercial spaces for rent but it failed.





This is a Ledesma house and owned by Jesus "Nene" Ledesma. It's right beside the Lopez-Vito House. I remember seeing a sign for sale. I don't know if it was sold or they decided not to sell it.





The Arguelles-Jalandoni Mansion in Jaro. Built in 1927 and was partially damaged during World War II.





This house is built by Rodrigo Araneta Montinola. I've been inside before when I joined the on-the-spot painting contest sponsored by the Iloilo Garden Club (IGC). IGC used to occupy this house.





This used to be the Jaranilla Distellery. It's located along A. Luna St., La Paz across Gaisano City. It's a typical "bahay na bato" structure.





I hope this Ledesma house gets restored since its located at the very center of Iloilo. It's just a few meters from kilometer zero, the Arroyo Fountain, and right infront of the old Iloilo Provincial Capitol.



_____________

Thanks to @aldero2049, @soulmaker27 and @virtute for the inputs... Had my entry corrected.

One thing I've noticed of our heritage houses is that most are still being resided upon while heritage houses in other places were turned into museums.



http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/lunast.jpg
This one is located along A. Luna St., La Paz across Gaisano City. It's a typical "bahay na bato" structure.



This used to be Jaranilla Distellery... sayang and structure.

haha... jaro belfry looks okay...however it looks very fragile. too much windows for an earthquake baroque structure...wheeew... another earthquake and poof!

^^If that happens then we can restore it properly...again :)


http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/montessori.jpg
Iloilo Montessori School used to occupy this building.



^^ Is this being restored?

PLDT pays P6-M overdue taxes to City Hall
Jeehan V. Fernandez
2007-05-03

THE Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT) paid Monday its P6.5-million tax arrears for the period of 1998-2003.

Earlier, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Iloilo City government relative to the overdue tax case against PLDT.

The SC ordered PLDT to pay its tax dues which also included surcharges and interests.

“The payment will update the company’s franchise tax obligation with the city,” PLDT Iloilo business zone senior manager Rene J. Lescano wrote Mayor Jerry Treñas and City Treasurer’s Office (CTO) chief Katherine Tingson.

Treñas said the money will be utilized to fund poverty alleviation and livelihood programs, infrastructure, and road projects.

PLDT initially asked the SC to refund and exempt the firm from paying local franchise and business taxes to the City Hall.

PLDT filed the case against the city government during the time of former city treasurer Romeo Manikan.

PLDT wants to be exempted from paying taxes to the city on the grounds that they are already paying taxes to the national government.

The firm also banked its arguments on a June 2, 1998 ruling of the Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF), which is under the Department of Finance (DOF), exempting the firm from paying local franchise and business taxes to the city government.

The BLGF cited Section 23 of Republic Act 7925 (Public Telecommunications Policy Act) which provides for the equality of treatment in the telecommunications industry – as granting (PLDT) automatic tax exemption.

PLDT informed the city about its supposed exemption from local franchise tax, together with a claim for refund it already paid but the City Hall did not act.

PLDT then asked the Regional Trial Court (RTC) last January 13, 2000 for refund representing franchise taxes it paid in the first three quarters of 1998.

Consequently, the RTC rendered Aug. 31, 2001 a final order denying the claim for refund and dismissing the case.

PLDT raised the legal battle to SC but the highest tribunal declared that “the petition is devoid of merit.”

The SC ultimately ruled that “the issue raised in the petition of PLDT and the arguments in support of its have already been passed over extensively, resolved and laid to rest with finality in the 2001 case of PLDT vs. City of Davao.”

The SC likewise stated that it had reiterated the same ruling in 2005 in resolving the very same legal issue in “PLDT vs. City of Bacolod,” “PLDT vs. Province of Laguna,” and “PLDT vs. province of Cebu.”

The resolution of such cases has ordered PLDT to pay its tax dues to the said local government units.

source: The Guardian ILOILO (http://www.theguardianiloilo.ph/localnews0.php?id=2642)

Miaque loses airport concessions
Jeehan V. Fernandez
2007-05-03

A 200-man demolition team yesterday tore down the restaurant, fast-food and publication office owned by a publisher and airport concessionaire inside the old domestic airport property in Mandurriao, Iloilo City.

Head of Sheriff Winston Eguia said they hired more workers to finish in short time the demolition of Bernie Miaque’s refreshment parlor, restaurant and Daily Informer editorial and business office which started past 8am.

“There was resistance but we had followed all the process. Their (Miaque’s group) arguments delayed the implementation of the court order to demolish the subject establishments,” Eguia told reporters.

The demolition stemmed from the case filed by Air Transportation Office (ATO) against Miaque with the sala of Judge Alexis Zerrudo of the Municipal Trial Court in Cities (MTCC) Branch 3.

On a May 27, 2002, Zerrudo found Miaque “to be unlawfully detaining the premises (of the airport lot).”

Miaque was ordered to vacate the 800 sq m refreshment parlor fronting the airport’s terminal building, 310 sq m restaurant and gift shop inside the terminal building which was reduced to 183 sq m and the area occupied by his porterage service therein.

The MTCC issued a writ of execution on said case last Jan. 15.

“(ATO) through its counsel filed a motion for the issuance of writ of demolition on the ground that the property subject of the execution contains improvements constructed by (Miaque),” Zerrudo said.

“After due hearing, the motion for writ of demolition was granted and (Miaque) was given reasonable time to remove the improvements pursuant to court order dated March 1,” Zerrudo said in his order dated April 20.

A Notice to Demolish was issued by Sheriff-in-charge Johnny T. Tugado of the MTCC-Branch 3 last April 24. Miaque received the same April 25.

“Pursuant to the writ of demolition issued by the Honorable Court, notice is hereby given to you that you have three days from your receipt of this notice to voluntarily demolish your structures standing on the lot of (ATO). Otherwise, your failure to do so after the lapsed of the period given, the sheriff will be constrained to use reasonable force to demolish your structures and it will commence demolition May 2,” the notice said.

PERSECUTION

Ronnie Miaque, operations manager of Miaque’s Group of Companies and Bernie’s brother, cried harassment over the demolition.

“On our part, we saw it as sort of harassment. We were asking the sheriff that we had to do the inventory of the properties by ourselves so that there would be no trouble. We got whatever we could salvage and gave up the place. There were no resistances from us,” Ronnie explained.

“We were questioning that the 800 square meter area covered by the demolition order was not specific because our area is more than that. We asked for a surveyor to determine the specific area,” Ronnie said.

However, Ronnie said their request fell on deaf ears.

“Why will they ask for a surveyor considering the area was already surveyed? Is the ATO not knowledgeable of its own property and the space rented by Miaque? There’s no need for a re-survey because the ATO already identified it,” Eguia stressed.

“The court showed the areas to demolish. The case was finished and I instructed the demolition team to be careful with the properties,” Eguia pointed out.

Ronnie claimed the demolition team used too much force in tearing down their establishments.

“I noticed that they were very aggressive and they really wanted to implement the demolition as if somebody or someone had ordered them to enforce it. If I were to order my men to resist, they would resist but we would have no win after all. We can’t do anything because they really pursued the demolition of our place,” said Ronnie.

“We pity the 200 workers and their families who will be affected because they will have no source of income. We can’t leave our men alone – we will assist them as long as we can,” Ronnie said referring to their displaced personnel and two security guards accused of grave threats and obstruction of justice by the demolition team (see related story).

Miaque’s personnel are working in Bernie’s Place, restaurant, fast-food, porterage service and Daily Informer. He also runs a security agency.

Ronnie said the sheriff could have given them enough time to vacate as the old airport will be closed in two to three weeks time.

“I insisted that Daily Informer should be spared because it is not part of the space to be demolished. We will have to look for a place to continue the paper’s operations, even under the tree,” Ronnie asserted.

“What if the demolished structure is not part of the court’s order? The sheriff said they will answer it in court,” said Ronnie.

source: The Guardian ILOILO (http://www.theguardianiloilo.ph/localnews0.php?id=2640)

^^ ^^ such a sadcase BUT it needed to be done.:bash: Could this be another moveto make theold airport's site more sale able to the bidders? Or the Iloilo City governmentis reallyfasttracking the developmentof the area?

^^ ^^ great photos of Iloilo's old mansions. Madamo gid nga salamat, oboi. :banana: :banana:

photos c/o KHEM from photobucket...

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s217/Khem_photos/IMG_1056.jpg

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s217/Khem_photos/IMG_1059.jpg

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s217/Khem_photos/IMG_1022.jpg

flickr finds ... credits to respective photographers

Tribu Ilonganon in Aliwan Festival 2007

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/222/478830527_b14196a7bb.jpg?v=0
http://www.flickr.com/photos/digicamwhore/478830527/

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/187/478830669_95c145cd44.jpg?v=0
http://www.flickr.com/photos/digicamwhore/478830669/

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/176/477821567_4f0be56304.jpg?v=0
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jiamsy/477821567/

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/191/477822111_7bffc6afb4.jpg?v=0
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jiamsy/477822111/

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/201/477515056_f996e1217d.jpg?v=0
http://www.flickr.com/photos/digicamwhore/477515056/'

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http://www.flickr.com/photos/digicamwhore/477524597/

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http://www.flickr.com/photos/nitasphotos/479772423/

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/181/471108262_ebb8169eb0.jpg?v=0
http://www.flickr.com/photos/peterjaena/471108262/

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/192/465836885_7036bdaaa3.jpg
http://www.flickr.com/photos/andrewcv/467124015/

Panay Mountains
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/177/467071885_c8a817beb1.jpg?v=0
http://www.flickr.com/photos/13439158@N00/467071885/

Jaro Traffic
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/209/467070521_bd1fee25e4.jpg?v=0
http://www.flickr.com/photos/13439158@N00/467070521/

Farmlands
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/171/467071801_abe4f751e3.jpg?v=0

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http://www.flickr.com/photos/13439158@N00/467071313/

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http://www.flickr.com/photos/andrewcv/467124015/

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http://www.flickr.com/photos/mike_salcedo/456805463/

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http://www.flickr.com/photos/bensanjose1959/459267433/

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http://www.flickr.com/photos/56335445@N00/454020640/

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http://www.flickr.com/photos/13439158@N00/453629263/

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http://www.flickr.com/photos/13439158@N00/453613234/

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/228/453632121_c71a1c8b59.jpg?v=0
http://www.flickr.com/photos/13439158@N00/453632121/

^^ ^^ great photos of Iloilo's old mansions. Madamo gid nga salamat, oboi. :banana: :banana:
The good 'ol Iloilo. I'm fascinated looking all those pictures above. Gee, what and how do you think our old ancestors lived their lives during those times?

^^ ^^ such a sad case BUT it needed to be done. Could this be another moveto make theold airport's site more sale able to the bidders? Or the Iloilo City governmentis reallyfasttracking the developmentof the area?
I have nothing against Bernie but I don't like what he did a year ago. Remember the standstill that happened in Iloilo Mandurriao Airport where all planes bounded for Iloilo were directed to other places? 'twas a bit scary. Plus of course all his businesses in the old airport - I don't like all of them. :bash:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/192/465836885_7036bdaaa3.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/189/467124015_f066c9df4a.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/252/454020640_3f2c803559.jpg?v=0

my photos for the week. They're realy, really beautifuland astonishing! Grand !:banana: :banana:

PLDT pays P6-M overdue taxes to City Hall
Jeehan V. Fernandez
2007-05-03

THE Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT) paid Monday its P6.5-million tax arrears for the period of 1998-2003.

Good news for city of Iloilo. Another BIG addition to our tax revenue. Six-million peso is not bad though considering the amount of time - it's a five-year span tax collectibles and it's way too long already. Nagbayad sila 2007 na? he he. What a crap ! anyway, nagbayad naman eh.

This used to be Jaranilla Distellery... sayang and structure.
Ano ang ila guina-produce? Do we have distillery/ies in Iloilo at present?

Announcement sa tanan:

I'm inviting each and everyone to witness what is said to be the oldest institutionalized festival in the Province of Iloilo:

Carabao Carroza Festival in Pavia

May 3-4. :)

Kag kabalo nyo na ang implikasyon sini, hehehehehe!!!! :lol:
Happy Fiesta, Bernie. Enjoy Pavia and don't forget to take more photos. Please post any developments and "huring-hurings" dira sa Carabao Carroza capital.

My first post in IloIlo Thread.

:cheers: :banana: CONGRATULATION to all of us in Visayas.:banana::cheers:

Philippines' property sector is red-hot
By , 3 May 2007
Source: Singapore Straits Times

THE talk at a recent dinner party in Hong Kong hosted by one of Europe's largest banks for a group of wealthy clients was centred - surprisingly - on the Philippine property sector.

I can't remember the last time investors like this have waxed so lyrically about the Philippines,' said a banker, who asked not to be named. Booming demand for office space and condominiums has resulted because of a rise in outsourcing to the Philippines, as well as the purchasing power of the country's more affluent overseas workers.

The upsurge, say developers and market analysts, shows no signs of flagging. The sector's upbeat prospects are vividly reflected in the share prices of property companies, which have risen by an average of 17 per cent so far this year, nearly double the advance of the Philippine Stock Exchange's main index.

'The property market is now very much on the radar screen compared to four or five years ago, when nobody even considered this place,' said Mr Lindsay Orr, country head of real-estate services group Jones Lang LaSalle.

The expansion of foreign companies' 'offshoring' of business functions such as call centres and back-office work to the Philippines has been breathtaking, eclipsed only by India.


This has created huge demand for large office space in prime areas of Manila over the past years, which developers are scrambling to meet.
The chances of finding rentable floor area for a sizeable outsourcing centre in the business district of Makati are practically zero these days.

Call centres typically need at least 32,000 sq ft of space. New rents in Makati rose 15 to 20 per cent last year. 'They'll probably do the same in 2007,' said Mr Orr. In the district's top addresses, landlords are raising office rents by as much as 30 per cent for new tenants, with some hitting 1,000 pesos (S$ 32) per sq metre.

Thought that is far lower than in most Asian financial centres, it is sky-high by local standards, Still, despite a large pool of educated English speakers, rents and salaries here will need to stay competitive as other countries ramp up their outsourcing sectors. With no large office buildings opening in Makati this year, new operations are looking for space in other parts of the capital, especially nearby Fort Bonifacio, a former military camp, as well as cheaper regional centres.

The second city of Cebu is now fast establishing itself as an outsourcing centre, as are smaller cities like Iloilo and the pleasant university town of Dumaguete, all in the central Philippines. A decade ago, the Asian financial crisis put paid to the last major rally in the property market here.

But this time around, said the Philippine Central Bank's Governor Amando Tetangco, the market is being dri- ven by real demand: 'It's different from 1997, when the rise in property prices was due largely to speculators.'

When Net Group, a property developer focused on projects for outsourced operations, completed its 22-floor
Net Square
building in Fort Bonifacio last July, it reportedly signed up tenants for the entire leasable space of 194,000 sq ft six months before it was finished. Blue-chip developer Ayala Land has managed to pre-lease over half of its 506,000 sq ft complex in Makati before the ground was broken on the project. The US$ 64 million Dela Rosa E-Services Building is set to open in late 2008.

Going by current estimates, future demand for leasable space for outsourced operations as well as so-called build-to-suit deals for specific clients will be mighty. The Business Processing Association of the Philippines reckons that by the end of the decade, 950,000 people will be employed in outsourced operations, nearly a four-fold rise on the current level.

'We're getting around six to eight visits a week from mostly American companies sizing up whether to outsource to here or to India,' said association executive director Mitch Locsin. 'About half are choosing the Philippines.'

Based on the association's projections, analysts reckon that by 2010, an additional 26 million sq ft of office space will be needed. That represents roughly the entire office stock in Makati today. But only around three million sq ft is currently under construction across the Philippines. Even so, mega projects are coming off the drawing board.

Ayala Land wants to replicate India's campus-type IT developments in the Philippines, starting with a 37ha site in Manila's Quezon City. Early next year, it plans to break ground on a US$ 191 million technology park with shops and residences built around 10 office complexes. Mid-priced residential condominiums, with units typically costing S$ 80,000 to S$ 160,000, are the property market's other main driver.

The demand here is being spurred by Filipino professionals working overseas and, lately, enticingly low mortgage rates. Some eight million Filipinos - a tenth of the population - live and work overseas. Many are in low-paying jobs, but an increasingly large number are nurses, engineers and other professionals.

That trend is being closely watched by property developers. As long as the remittances of overseas workers keep growing, there should be no let-up in demand, said Mr Victor Asuncion, research director of property consultants CB Richard Ellis Philippines.

The Philippine Central Bank expects overseas workers to wire home a record US billion (S$ 22 billion) this year. A sizeable chunk of that is expected to be spent on real estate. Remittances are also keeping shop tills ringing at home, and that is driving the construction of new malls.

With an eye to buyers from overseas, developer Megaworld now has 40 sales offices in countries with sizeable Filipino diasporas. The company, which pioneered the mid-end condominium market in the 1990s, expects 40 per cent of sales for middle-income housing to soon come from overseas earners.

Its biggest project is a 9,000-unit, 20-tower complex called Manhattan Gardens, on a 5ha site in Quezon City. The first tower, set for completion in late 2011, has been 90 per cent pre-sold. The surge in demand from overseas workers is also partly demographic.

'Many professionals who went overseas in the 1970s and 1980s are retiring and buying pro- perty in the Philippines as second homes and investments,' said Ayala Land spokesman Paulo Campos. Filipinos are also taking advantage of local mortgage deals, which have never been better. Some banks are now offering 25-year mortgages at fixed annual rates of 11 per cent.

The boom is clearly reflected in the earnings and share prices of the country's five major developers: Ayala Land, Fil-Estate Land, Megaworld, Robinsons Land and the SM Group of tycoon Henry Sy.

Megaworld is pencilling in a 40 per cent increase in net profit this year after earning 2.04 billion pesos last year. Condominiums are the only property that foreigners may own in the Philippines, though ownership restrictions may be relaxed.

President Gloria Arroyo, her economic managers and many in the business community favour loosening a number of restrictions to attract more foreign investment.

@kirby - Jaranilla Distellery I think was producing some liqour during the spanish era and early american period. I don't know much about their products but when I was young I could read the advertisement painted on the wall beside that house. I will inquire my grandfather about this.

Treñas to Alim: What GTZ means?
Jeehan V. Fernandez
2007-05-04

WHAT is the meaning of GTZ?

Re-electionist Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas wants his challenger, lawyer Joshua Alim to “study” what GTZ is all about.

The local media has been picking on Treñas’ line “we have to study that” as his standard response to queries to concerns bugging the metropolis.

GTZ is the acronym of German Technical Cooperation which has been helping the City Hall’s computerization program.

“He (Alim) doesn’t even know what GTZ is. Thus, I asked Atty. Raul Anlocotan to give him a lecture about GTZ,” Treñas said.

Treñas and Alim faced off in the recent candidates’ forum hosted by RMN-774 where Anlocotan, an economic specialist of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA)-6, acted as one of the debate panelists.

Treñas made the potshots at Alim, who is running under the opposition bloc, when the latter broached that his running-mate Winston Porras wants to codify the records of city council for easy reference.

Alim said Porras, who used to work for the Sangguniang Panlungsod, plans to install a computerized system to create the database of SP records.

“While you are still in the planning stage, we have already started implementing the computerization of the City Hall offices,” Treñas said in response to Alim.

Treñas and GTZ program manager Martina Vahlhaus recently signed a memorandum of agreement for the Small and Medium Enterprise Development for Sustainable Employment Program (SMEDSEP).

Treñas said GTZ is involved in several projects aimed to establish computer-aided system in government offices in order to fast track the flow of documents the applicants want to secure.

The mayor said the project will cover the computerization of processing of business and building permits for efficiency.

The computer-run scheme will be applied on the offices of the city’s treasurer, licensing and permit division, assessor and accounting.

He added that the online system will also organize the building permits being handled by the City Engineer’s Office (CEO).

The city government allotted P100,000 as counterpart fund to the GTZ-initiated project.

Treñas said they would purchase some 25 computer units as well as the necessary software programs

source: The Guardian ILOILO (http://www.theguardianiloilo.ph/localnews0.php?id=2647)
^^ ^^ Bless thy soul (Alim). Sa pagka-suplado kay Jerry ah. :lol:

My first post in IloIlo Thread.

:cheers: :banana: CONGRATULATION to all of us in Visayas.:banana::cheers:

Philippines' property sector is red-hot
By , 3 May 2007
Source: Singapore Straits Times

....
Welcome Hansboy. Thanks for posting a very inspiring article. It's nice to know that three Visayan cities (Cebu, Dumaguete and Iloilo) are included in the list of "property hotspots" outside Metro Manila. It's an honour to note that Asian businessmen have their eyes in these cities when looking for business venture. Hala Bira 1

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/192/465836885_7036bdaaa3.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/189/467124015_f066c9df4a.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/252/454020640_3f2c803559.jpg?v=0

my photos for the week. They're realy, really beautifuland astonishing! Grand !:banana: :banana:
good choice, Kirb. The first one is awesome.

Good news for city of Iloilo. Another BIG addition to our tax revenue. Six-million peso is not bad though considering the amount of time - it's a five-year span tax collectibles and it's way too long already. Nagbayad sila 2007 na? he he. What a crap ! anyway, nagbayad naman eh.


Ano ang ila guina-produce? Do we have distillery/ies in Iloilo at present?


Happy Fiesta, Bernie. Enjoy Pavia and don't forget to take more photos. Please post any developments and "huring-hurings" dira sa Carabao Carroza capital.
it's good nga magbayad na sila. Puwede pa ina naton magamit ang ila bayad sa mga proyekto sa ciudad sang Iloilo.

Happy Fiesta sa mga Pavianhons. Bernie indi pagka-limti ang valenciana ko.

The good 'ol Iloilo. I'm fascinated looking all those pictures above. Gee, what and how do you think our old ancestors lived their lives during those times?


I have nothing against Bernie but I don't like what he did a year ago. Remember the standstill that happened in Iloilo Mandurriao Airport where all planes bounded for Iloilo were directed to other places? 'twas a bit scary. Plus of course all his businesses in the old airport - I don't like all of them. :bash:
Ahay ...... what a way to get rid of Bernie Miaque.

photos c/o KHEM from photobucket...

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s217/Khem_photos/IMG_1056.jpg

^^ ^^ Del Rio looks really cool. Daw wala man giapon nagbag-o sa Del Rio.

http://i153.photobucket.com/albums/s217/Khem_photos/IMG_1022.jpg

^^ ^^ is this Tribu Taga-Jaro? The very daring tribe of Dinagyang 2007? Di ba daw amo man ini ang gin-picturan ni eric sang nag-Dinagyang last January? :lol: :lol:

Napocor barges energize Iloilo City
Jeehan V. Fernandez
2007-05-04

TWO power barges of the state-run National Power Corp. (NPC) based in Bo. Obrero, Lapaz, Iloilo City is now energizing the metropolis which has been suffering from power outages because of unreliable electricity supply.

NPC President Cyril del Callar yesterday led the ceremonial switch-on of the newly-installed, 32-MW Power Barge 101.

PB 101 is operating side-by-side the 32-MW PB 102, in time for the 25th anniversary of the “sister” power barges.

NPC has been supplying Iloilo City with electricity after the Panay Electric Co. (Peco), the sole power distributor of the city, entered into a supply agreement to address its rising power demand.

Before the NPC agreement, Peco used to buy electricity supply from lone producer Panay Power Corp. (PPC) which operates a 72-MW diesel-fired plant at Barangay Ingore in Lapaz district.

However, the city, which has a peak demand of 81MW, has been experiencing rotating brownouts because PPC has no more power reserve.

“We have agreed with Peco for the electricity supply – it’s just a matter of signing it. We have committed Peco with firm power of 20MW at any time since April 26,” del Callar told reporters.

He added that NPC could provide the city enough power supply especially during peak hours of 6 to 9pm.

National Transmission Corp. (Transco) vice-president for operations and maintenance Lorymir Adaza said they signed with Peco the transmission agreement last month.

“We have ongoing rehabilitation projects of major substations in Sta. Barbara and Dingle as well as the proposed augmentation and upgrading of Negros-Panay submarine cable which will reinforce and add more reliability of power here,” Adaza explained.

Del Callar said the arrival of PB 101 fulfilled their promise to Mayor Jerry Treñas who has been waiting for the deployment of the power barge since last year.

PB 101 was initially set to be deployed to the city late last year but it was first stationed in Mactan, Cebu because of the Asean Summit last January.

“The power barges are a great help before Panay Island could operate a base load plant 24/7,” del Callar said, noting the island may put up a coal plant.

He added that NPC could give power to Peco on a rolling three-year period contract until Iloilo or Panay Island could establish a sustainable plant.

Asked whether NPC’s supply to Peco will lower the costly electricity here, del Callar said their billing to Peco will be the same as what consumers of Cebu-Negros-Panay (CNP) grid are getting at P3.09 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) generation rate.

“Our rate varies up and down depending on the use of fuel but so far from March-June, we have a constant rate. We will submit another rate petition before the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) by end of June but we are looking at the same rate,” said del Callar.

Peco buys power from PPC at around P7 per kWh.

“Peco should pass on to consumers the commensurate cost of power they will be getting from NPC while the 20MW we could provide would translate to 30 percent of Peco’s total demand,” del Callar said.

“I don’t have the numbers of Peco but they have to go to the ERC for proper rate adjustment – it needs the blessing of the ERC,” he clarified.

source: The Guardian ILOILO (http://www.theguardianiloilo.ph/localnews0.php?id=2644)

Business sector confident with pushing through power
Thursday, May 03 2007 @ 02:28 PM BST

Business sector confident with pushing through of 2 coal-fired power plants in Iloilo.

Iloilo residents will soon say goodbye to power supply insufficiency with the church leaders, city government and the business sector now joining hands to thresh out concerns relative to the putting up of coal-fired power plants in the province.

Iloilo Business Club president Antonio Jon and Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas recently met with Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo and explained to the latter the impact of the lack of supply and high power rates on investments in the city.

Jon said the Archbishop did not manifest objection to the proposal but what is important is that all concerns shall be taken care of and work together for the betterment of the Ilonggos.

A multi-sectoral meeting was likewise conducted, attended by representatives of the church, business sector, city government and non-government organizations concerned with the environment where they discussed how they could provide solution to the problem.

"All of us have agreed that we will be working together, seeing to it that whatever concerns would have to be addressed. The objection in the past was premised on the idea that they didn't understand the issue and there was no consultation. As long as there will be consultations and as long as standards will be met and proper procedures will be undertaken I think we will be able to hurdle this," Jon emphasized.

At present, the two interested investors, the DM Consunji Inc. (DMCI) and the Metrobank Group, are looking forward to establish a 100-megawatt coal-fired power plant each in Concepcion and Barotac Viejo towns, respectively.

Iloilo Federation of Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Panay president Reynaldo Navarro said the cost of electricity in the city is very high, thus, there is that need of private investors to invest into coal-fired power plant.

He added that any apprehension on the possible effect of the coal-fired power plant can easily be addressed because even countries like Australia and America are already shifting to this kind of power source.

Napocor president Cyril del Callar who led the commissioning of their 32-megawatt Power Barge 101 in Iloilo City Thursday also cited the need for a reliable base load.

"We are looking at supporting any new power provider here within the private sector to put up more power plants that are sustainable," he said. (PNA)

source: Balita.Business.Ph (http://biz.balita.ph/html/article.php?story=20070503142833344)

^^ ^^ This is a good move. I hope people back home will open their eyes regarding the possibility of coal-fired plants and the advantages it can give to all Ilonggo residents. As said awhile ago, even first world countries are shifting to coal-plants considering that disposal of waste are managed properly. I hope they'll reconsider the proposals soon.

^^ And hopefully, it will not affect global warming either.

^^ ^^

SEE. Didn't I mentioned earlier that the "BROWNOUT SCENARIO" would eventually pave the way for coal power plants. I was right, that after staging the "brownout drama", our local officials would announce the need for new power players.

Bizmen push for entry of coal-fired power plant in Iloilo
By Maricar M. Calubiran

The business sector is pushing for the entry of coal-fired power plants to address the imminent power problem in the city and province of Iloilo.

Iloilo Business Club (IBC) president Antonio Jon said, presently two companies expressed their interest to operate coal-fired power plants in Iloilo.

These companies are DM Consuji (DMCI) and the Metrobank Global which also owns Panay Power Corporation (PPC).

Jon said the business community appreciate their intentions to invest here as both the city and province of Iloilo need additional power to meet the growing needs of its consumers.

Years back, DM Consunji Inc. intended to set up a coal fired power plant in northern Iloilo. They, however, withdrew their plan due to strong opposition from various sectors.

Jon added that they have already talked to Archbishop Angel Lagdameo on the intentions of the two groups to set up a coal fired power plant in Iloilo.

He said, the archbishop expressed no objection to proposal as long as all issues raised regarding the coal fired power plant will be addressed properly. Public consultations and proper procedures should be undertaken before any interested group gets the chance to operate a coal-fired power plant, said Jon.

Jon said the city needs to address its power needs on a long term basis highlighting that the power produced by diesel plants are very expensive and are limited.

from: The News Today
link: http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/05/04/bizmen.push.for.entry.of.coal.fired.power.plant.in.iloilo.html

Power Barge 101 now ready to augment city's power needs
By Maricar M. Calubiran

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/05/04/power.barge.jpg
NPC's Power Brage 101 and Power Barge 102
moored in Barrio Obrero, La Paz.
A. Chris Fernandez photo

The 32-megawatt Power Barge (PB) 101 is now ready to augment the power needs of the city. A ceremonial switch-on of the said power barge was held yesterday at the National Power Corporation (NPC) in Barrio Obrero, La Paz district.

Panay Electric Company (Peco) is eyeing to get some of its power requirements from PB 101 after Panay Power Corporation (PPC) incurred some failures in providing reliable power supply.

Peco is about to enter into an agreement with the NPC regarding the planned interconnection. The agreement should have been inked yesterday but it was deferred because a member of the Cacho family, majority owners of Peco, died.

Yesterday's ceremonial switch-on of PB 101 was led by NPC President Cyril del Callar and other top officials of NPC and the National Transmission Commission (Transco).

PB 101 is now moored in Bo. Obrero, La Paz beside Power Barge 102. Yesterday was the silver anniversary of PB 101 and 102.

PB 101 can connect and supply power to the Cebu-Negros-Panay grid within five days to beef up the dependable capacities in Panay. The barge's four units can generate as much as 24 megawatts. PB 101 arrived in Iloilo City last March 17, 2007 after it was used for the ASEAN Summit in Cebu last January.

Del Callar said they will be selling power to Peco at P3.09 per kilowatt hour or much lower than that of the PPC.

Both Peco and NPC have agreed in principle relative to the power supply agreement, Del Callar said. The signing of the contract was temporarily deferred because a pillar of the Cacho family, Jose Ma. E. Cacho passed away.

Initially, the contract will last for three years. Del Callar assured PB 101 will stay in Iloilo as long as it is needed.

He, however, said that Iloilo City should not only depend on the power barge but should look forward to having a new power provider or utilities especially a coal fired powered plant to address the power needs of Iloilo City.

The transfer of PB 101 from Cebu to the city was worked out by Mayor Jerry Treñas and Representative Raul Gonzalez Jr. The chief executive was not around for the ceremonial switch-on since he was called by President Arroyo in Manila.

from: The News Today
link: http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/05/04/power.barge.101.now.ready.to.augment.citys.power.needs.html

Environmental Art: The blessing of the St. Anthony de Padua Art Assemblage

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/05/04/mosaic.jpg
Completed St. Anthony de Padua
ceramic tile mosaic with the artists.

The St. Anthony de Padua Parish of Barotac Nuevo, Iloilo will be the province' first institution to claim ownership of the first environmental artpiece, the latest emerging artform, in this part of the country. This parish church is recipient of a commissioned artwork entitled "St. Anthony and Child Jesus", a ceramic tile mosaic of the image of the parish' patron saint holding the baby Christ.

"What is interesting with this artpiece is that it makes use of ceramic, granite and marble wastage from construction companies", shared Mr. RJ Juarez, the artist who was commissioned to do the artpiece. "Not only are we creating an artwork for everyone to enjoy and appreciate, we are also creating awareness of protecting the environment through waste recycling.

Indeed, making use of waste found in our environment as raw material for an artwork is the latest emerging artform. Specifically known as "environmental art", its goal is to raise awareness of the fragility of nature by coming up with a nature-inspired art made from found objects.

The St. Anthony de Padua Art Assemblage is a landmark piece since this is the first in the region to install such a massive environmental art assemblage. The ceramic tile mosaic is made of 5,043 tiles (tessarae) and is 10 ft by 14 ft high. Each tessarae is hand cut to the necessary size and shape, individually chosen for its unique shade of color and texture to, fit the image design. They are then skillfully plastered on small cement groupings, adjusted and secured, producing an artistic composition that will be treasured for generations.

This artwork started as a challenge project among friends and relatives RJ Juarez, Lorman Juarez, Aida Montajes and Lorenzo Juarez. They started working on it since November 2006 and took six months to complete. As they progress on the completion of the project, the artistic experience becomes more spiritual. They approached the municipal parish priest, Rev. Msgr. Ramon Pet, to offer the artpiece to the church, which was gratefully accepted by the latter. The good reverend helped in the conceptualization and design, and provided funds for the mounting of the artpiece.

The finished artpiece is fittingly complemented with a waterfall, greenery and lighting effects for better appreciation during nighttime, and to highlight the environmental undertones suggested by the use of waste materials. Mr. Juarez and Rev. Msr. Pet hope that this artpiece would be one of Iloilo's tourist attractions and be able to convey the message of hope, good health, and bountiful life as exemplified by the message St. Anthony's pious life.

The artpiece was commissioned by spouses Roberto Juarez and Elmera Cernol for the Barotac Nuevo Parish Church. A special mass to bless the environmental art assemblage based on the image of the beloved St. Anthony will be conducted by Rev. Msgr. Ramon Pet on May 6, 2007, Sunday at 8:00 A.M. Local parishioners, devotees and patrons of the beloved saint will grace the said event.

This first environmental art assemblage is being promoted by the BM 230 (Marketing Management) Class of Prof. Joseph Idemne, College of Management Graduate Program, UP in the Visayas, as part of their class project.

source: The News Today (http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/05/04/environmental.art.html)

Museo Molo inaugurated

Museo Molo, the first and only exclusively pictorial museum in the Philippines, was inaugurated last April 15, 2007 with a holy mass and blessign of the first 29 pictorial exhibits by Archbishop Angel N. Lagdameo at St. Anne's Church in Molo.

The exhibits, which are three feet by five feet in dimension are classified into Religious Section and Who's Who in Molo Section.

The Religious Section shows the different scenes of the Molo Church (facade, murals, altars and statues of saints), churches of Oton, Tigbauan and San Miguel, Sto. Niño of Arevalo, relics of the Crucifixion, Divine Mercy, Lanciano Eucharistic Miracle, Marian apparitions (Lourdes, Fatima and Guadalupe), apparitions of San Miguel in Italy, Blessed Pedro Calungsod, Mill Hill War Martyrs in Panay and bishops of Jaro.

In the Who's Who Section are 30 deceased prominent people from Molo like Blessed Pedro Calungsod, Senators Jose Ma. Arroyo, Chief Justice Ramon Avanceña, Potenciano Treñas, Rodolfo Ganzon and Jose Zulueta, Governors Raymundo Milleza, Timoteo Consing and Mariano Arroyo, General Esteban de la Rama and Col. Julio Infante, Iloilo executives Ignacio Arroyo, Salvador Infante and Leopoldo Ganzon, Constitutional Commission delegate Efrain Treñas, civic leaders Rosendo Mejiza, Angel Magahum and Fritz Loring, leader of the revolution Julio Infante, business leaders Cornelio de la Rama and Manuel Loring, first Miss Philippines Pura Villanueva, and Sister Rosario, founder of Dominican sisters, among others.

The honorary chair of Museo Molo is Rev. Fr. Tomas D. Delicana and honorary vice chair is Rev. Fr. Jesus Mana-ay. The chair is SK Rex S. Salvilla with SK Antonio T. Rojas as vice chair.

The other officers are SK Jose Tocio Jr., secretary and directors SKs Rogelio Garcia, Ramon Valasote Jr., Jose Calvo, Ramon Tabornal, Oscar Hormillosa, Rodolfo Salmo, Efrain Salcedo, Arvin Misola and Edxaro Moserate.

Museo Molo is a project of the Knights of Columbus Molo Council No. 5028 and Blessed Pedro Calungsod Assembly of the Fourth Degree.

The blessings of the second batch of exhibits will be on Sunday, July 1, 2007 at the Molo Church.

source: The News Today (http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/05/04/museo.molo.inaugurated.html)

What about the excess power from Negros?! Why produce more dirty power when we have excess clean power? Instead of building power plants, we just need to upgrade the submarine connection. Gosh.:ohno:

Just because Australia and America are using coal power plants does not make it the best choice. Please take note of the country that contributes the most to Global CO2 production. I can't believe they're at it again.:down:

^^ And hopefully, it will not affect global warming either.
Hopefully WILL NOT. Actually, I'm just so concerned on why there's a strong opposition towards the realisation of these coal-fired power plants in Iloilo? And why environmental sectors are so concerned, moreso, totally opposing of building them in Iloilo? Will they (investors) be given a chance to highlight the plant's advantages and given same time to highlight the reason and "how to" these plants will operate? In as much as I would love to preserve our lovely environment back home, I am as keen as well to have a good and cheaper power supply. And to think that other countries in the west are using it, meaning there's this best alternative effort to dispose the coal waste. If we're that concern in protecting our environment back home, how much more these countries in the other side of the world are doing to protect them, too? They're even all out and giving support to other poorer countries to preserve nature. And yet, few of their main source of energy came from coal. I hope our fears will be addressed by keeping our option open rather than totally opposing it blankly. To say the least, I am not a proponent of coal-fired energy BUT I would like these investors to be given the benefits of doubt and will be able to present their dealings to all of us Ilonggos regarding their plans. This way we will not be biased with our decision.

^^ ^^

SEE. Didn't I mentioned earlier that the "BROWNOUT SCENARIO" would eventually pave the way for coal power plants. I was right, that after staging the "brownout drama", our local officials would announce the need for new power players.
Maybe you are right though. In some way, there's a truth behind it. Hopefully, we will be slowly addressing this power problems back home. I would like Iloilo to have a stable energy in the future, not only thru coal-fired power plants but also other alternative energy providers. One thing though, we are slowly taking this matter seriously.

PJ Arañador will stage 'Destinations', a fashion show on May 5
By Bombette G. Marin
Photos by Romeo "Toby" Pagulayan Jr. -- PALI

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/05/03/fashion4.jpg
PJ Arañador and Ria Bolivar

PJ Arañador's latest resort wear collection is pleasant, composite wardrobe of clothes that fully express the wearer's democratic spirit

In 2004, International Lifestyle Designer PJ Arañador rewrote fashion history in Iloilo, presenting hand-woven designs---the indigenous look re-created for today. Majority of his designs hailed a return to classic elegance and classy femininity with the main attraction of using hablon fabrics like the ones produced in Miag-ao and Oton. The delicate, winning beauty of the fabric was given form and character with alternating color schemes and structures, well-defined and free to play imaginatively with memories and references, where past images return in more contemporary, fashionable forms.

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/05/03/fashion5.jpg
Tipay and John for Nautilus

From evening glamour to summer power dressing, Arañador takes Iloilo as a usual starting point. Colors and prints freely combined in a rhythmic movement that alternates different lengths and structures. His latest resort wear collections is pleasant, composite wardrobe of clothes that fully express the wearer's democratic spirit. A profusion of ideas dedicated to the individual with a natural flair for fashion---fun-loving, astonishing beachwear---sensuality effectively contrasted with catwalk action.

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/05/03/fashion6.jpg
Ria Bolivar

Right accessorizing can transform one from so-so to sophisticated. Arañador invents new combinations and embellishing the look with accessories. There is a perpetual backlog for the designer's one-of-a-kind accessories where price is not an object for these hot items this season.

Arañador has a very unique taste and the ability of interpreting fashion in an absolutely creative way. He simply loves going around markets, restaurants, clubs and the streets in search of ideas. Dressing should be fun, expressing yourself with clothes that celebrate your individuality.

Arañador's shows are open windows on Filipino diversity. He has always tried to transmit a contemporary spirit to his garments. He develops a flexibility that perfectly responds to demands made by universal time. He has also turned his attention to and is actively involved in, humanitarian causes and projects.

With Iloilo as one of the more carefully watched fashion capitals in the country, so it seemed strange that it will not have a taste of Aranador's latest collections for summer. DESTINATIONS, a resort wear fashion show by PJ ARAÑADOR is due to launch at PIER 16 on May 5 2007 at 9 p.m. Must haves for the summer season will be shown up on runways by Iloilo professional models and the country's top fashion mannequin, RIA BOLIVAR.

source: The News Today (http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/05/03/pj.aranador.will.stage.destinations.html)

^^ Bantay lang si Sir Bombette sa akon. Wa'ay gatext mo. hehehehe!!! :lol:

http://img107.imageshack.us/img107/4963/carrozapg3.jpg
A farmer fell on his carabao with carroza while rushing to the finish line during the 34th Carabao-Carroza Race in Pavia, Iloilo, May 3, 2007. Farmers use their carabaos to tilt their land, however during this festival their carabaos were used to race with other farmers a day before the town fiesta. The winner won P4,500. (Sun.Star Iloilo/Leo Solinap)

http://img63.imageshack.us/img63/7610/carabaotnpb3.jpg
A farmer drives his carabao with carroza to the finish line during the 34th Carabao-Carroza Race in Pavia, Iloilo yesterday.
http://www.thenewstoday.info/

^^ That's usual. Nice gani magtan-aw sang karera kay ang karbaw has a mind of its own. :D

Thanks to Chymera & Pacific for visiting. :D

Sa Domingo gali, tani indi kamo kalipat: 9AM @ Jolibee General Luna. Sa mga gusto mag-upod, kontak lang kamo. We have a newbie and wants to meet SSC Iloilo. ;)

Ay ti sakto gid eh... the brownouts perpetuated the realization of 2 coal power plants....tsek tsek... good strategy sa side sang PPC owners ha....conspiracy?

^^Brown-out drama pla, magaling ang mga masterminds :applause:


OT: one year na gle ako dri sa SSC! owow! :cheers2:

^^ Very Pinoy guid ang drama. Predictable plots! :lol:

Day 1: My Hometown - Iloilo

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Mount Canlaon in Negros Island

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La Villa Rica de Arevalo, Batiano and Iloilo Rivers

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The distinct sea green colour of Iloilo Strait and the deep navy blue of Panay Gulf

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The New CBD

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TRaffic was intense!!!

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and hot!!!

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Iloilo%20and%20Negros/Image00028.jpg
Its so cool to be back in UPV

May 3 2007

Cloud seeding operation starts in Iloilo City

ILOILO City – This city finally found a solution to the problem on the scarcity of water being experienced by its residents since the onset of the summer season.

The cloud seeding operation requested by the Iloilo City Government and the Metro Iloilo Water District (MIWD) from the Department of Agriculture commenced last Saturday and will last for 25 days.

This was confirmed by Iloilo City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas who made the official request for the operation two weeks ago and even brought the matter to the attention of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

The cloud seeding operation is focused on Maasin, Iloilo the site where the Metro Iloilo Water District (MIWD) sourced out its surface water to be distributed to its consumers.

The operation is good for 50 hours with a two-hour flight everyday.

The call for a cloud seeding operation was brought about by the shortage of water supply in the city. The MIWD conceded that the water they produce is no longer enough to supply their 26,000 concessionaires thus they resorted to water rationing.

MIWD can only distribute as much as 22,000 cubic meters compared with their previous capacity of 42,000 cubic meters.

The ongoing cloud seeding is being managed by the Bureau of Soils and Water Management, which made a study of the cloud formation in Maasin and its impact to standing root crops prior the operation.

from: Panay News
link: http://www.panaynews.com.ph/news5.htm

NO MORE BROWNOUTS?
Napocor interconnects with PECO, finally
By DAVID ISRAEL SINAY

ILOILO City – Finally, the National Power Corp. (Napocor) has interconnected with this city’s sole power distribution firm - Panay Electric Company (PECO) – to augment the metropolis’ power requirements.

Napocor will supply PECO a steady 20-megawatt power “at anytime” as an “agreement in principle” both companies arrived at, said Napocor President Cyril Del Callar, who was here during the switch on ceremony yesterday.

Supposedly yesterday, both – PECO and Napocor – officials or representatives should sign the contract to affirm the agreement. However, no representative from the distribution utility arrived. It was learned that somebody from the Cacho family passed away. Majority of the shares of PECO is owned by the Cachos.

Antonio Jon, president of the Iloilo Business Club, said he is hopeful that there will be no more power interruptions in this city.

With a stable power supply “investors will no longer be reluctant to come (in),” said Jon.

“Power is one of the most important factors in business. If we can assure reliability … it favors fully all our businesses in this city,” said Jon, who was representing the business sector during the ceremony.

“It will create a big impact in our business industry,” Jon added.

The Power Barge 101 has a capacity of up to 32 megawatts.

Since last year, city government officials had been asking the state-owned generation firm to complement the intermittent power supply here. Mayor Jerry Treñas even sought the help of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for a power barge to be transferred here.

In 2006, PECO noted that power demand during peak hours reached 82 megawatts.

PECO was then solely sourcing its power from Panay Power Corporation, an independent power producer.

With PECO sourcing a fraction of its power from Napocor, it is expected that the power rates shall drop. But before that, PECO must first apply for power adjustment at the Energy Regulation Commission, del Callar said.

from: Panay News
link: http://www.panaynews.com.ph/news3.htm

CPU STARTS SEARCH FOR NEW PRESIDENT

CENTRAL Philippine University, a center of educational excellence, is officially announcing her search for the next University president whose term of office will commence in 2008, the same time current president Dr. Juanito Acanto’s term of office, will end.

Whoever will be chosen as next CPU president will surely have big shoes to fill in. Dr. Acanto has shown sterling leadership, propelling CPU to become one of the best tertiary schools in the country and even Asian.

It is fervently hoped and prayed that the next CPU president can at least equal if not surpass the excellent achievements of Dr. Acanto.

The CPU Board of Trustees Search Committee is now inviting groups to nominate. Invited to nominate are the alumni chapters or groups of alumni in the country or abroad; Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches, Inc. and its auxiliary organizations (Youth, Women, Men, and CBMA); provincial associations (Kasapulanan) of Baptist Churches; other institutions, which are affiliated/members of the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches; and/or individuals; who are holding key positions in the aforementioned organizations.


CENTENNIAL PRESIDENT

“CENTENNIAL President” Dr. Juanito M. Acanto had served as interim-president of CPU for one year earlier before he was elected university president from 1998 to 2008.

He has extensive training and experience in positions requiring administrative competence and leadership. He is a man of proven managerial ability and integrity.

He is a man of liberal ideas, broad sympathies, wide cultural interests, and a certain springiness of temperament which enable him to entertain and enjoy all challenging ideas.

He has pleasing social qualities that enable him to meet and mix with people with ease, aplomb, and grace.

He believes with all his heart in the objectives and mission of CPU and speak of it effectively in all occasions.

He is also well-known as an active leader, faithful in church work, and a strong believer in Christian education. He is ecumenically minded, a supporter of spiritual unity, and in active fellowship regardless of sect and denomination.

from: Panay News
link: http://www.panaynews.com.ph/lapsus.htm

Ay ti sakto gid eh... the brownouts perpetuated the realization of 2 coal power plants....tsek tsek... good strategy sa side sang PPC owners ha....conspiracy?

^^ ^^
It would also set up the possible re-entry of MIRANT. Aside from Kepco and DMCI, I think MIRANT is also keen on putting up a coal power plant.

For all we know, the two coal power plants are already a done deal. I think after the elections, the local govt will be announcing the start of the project. Let's just hope that their so called state of the art power plant would live up to all the hype that it is boasting. Let's never forget that we live in a 3rd world country, we are not the US or Europe who have enough financial resources to clean up or cover up an environmental disaster.

It's been awhile I haven't visited Iloilo. My trip was totally unexpected. Got my ticket the night before my early morning flight. I didn't sleep at all but I almost missed my flight! Got carried away chatting with my friends at the other side of the world. Since nobody was available to drive me I hailed a cab, "Manong sa centennial po. Pakibilisan lang po!" No time to take pics around the airport. Got to the check-in counter at 4:30am. The person manning the check-in counter said, "Sir, you're late." But she still checked me in. Hehe!


http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/01guimaras.jpg
Guimaras Island as the plane was on its final approach to land.


http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/02approach.jpg
The sun welcoming us as we were about to land.


http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/03carpenters.jpg
A glimpse of the city that's just waking up.


http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/04touchdown.jpg
Touchdown 5:50am. A light drizzle greeted us. I'm the last passenger to deplane.

^^ ^^
It would also set up the possible re-entry of MIRANT. Aside from Kepco and DMCI, I think MIRANT is also keen on putting up a coal power plant.

For all we know, the two coal power plants are already a done deal. I think after the elections, the local govt will be announcing the start of the project. Let's just hope that their so called state of the art power plant would live up to all the hype that it is boasting. Let's never forget that we live in a 3rd world country, we are not the US or Europe who have enough financial resources to clean up or cover up an environmental disaster.

Hopefully they will impose/implement strict environment-friendly policies/systems.

^^ That's usual. Nice gani magtan-aw sang karera kay ang karbaw has a mind of its own. :D

Thanks to Chymera & Pacific for visiting. :D

Sa Domingo gali, tani indi kamo kalipat: 9AM @ Jolibee General Luna. Sa mga gusto mag-upod, kontak lang kamo. We have a newbie and wants to meet SSC Iloilo. ;)

Bernie, wala ka gid nagtext after mo tawag.. are you treating SSC Iloilo to Jollibee? Pwede kaupod? :D

Biz groups, archbishop give nod to coal plants
Jeehan V. Fernandez
2007-05-05

TWO major business groups in Iloilo and Panay and the Archbishop of Jaro approved the proposed establishment of a coal-fired power plant in the province despite strong opposition from environmentalists.

Several years back, Korean power company Kepco planned to build a $150-million coal-fired plant in Ajuy but it fizzled out amid massive protests from various cause-oriented groups here on the grounds of environmental and health hazards.

Kepco then moved the project to Banate but the provincial board came up with a resolution rejecting the project in February 2004.

The Korean firm later transferred to Naga, Cebu and built a 200-MW coal plant.

The business groups and city officials have been pushing for the construction of a coal plant to address the rising power demand brought by fast developments.

Iloilo Business Club, Inc. (IBC) president Antonio Jon said their group together with Mayor Jerry Treñas and Rep. Raul Gonzalez Jr., initiated discussions with the opposing sides including the local Catholic Church and non-government organizations (NGOs) as regards the coal plant.

“We had made representations to Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo explaining to him the impact of lack of electricity supply and at the same time high power rates on investments in the city. It was very well understood,” Jon told reporters.

“We also held a multi-sectoral meeting late last year with the church, business sector, city government and NGOs who are very concerned about the environment and we appreciated the values and points that they raised,” Jon added.

The IBC chief hinted that everything might have been settled.

“All of us have agreed that we will be working together seeing to it that whatever concerns regarding coal plant would have to be addressed,” Jon stressed.

“There were objections in the past due to lack of better understanding because there were no consultations about the coal plant project. As long as there will be consultations and the standards are being met and proper procedures undertaken, I think we will be able to hurdle this. The objections were already threshed out,” Jon clarified.

Jon said there are two prospect investors each planning to put up a 100-MW coal plant – DM Consunji Inc. (DMCI) in Concepcion and Global Power Group in Barotac Viejo.

“The archbishop has no objections. It’s just a question that we have to take care of all the issues being brought up and we have to work together for the common good of the Ilonggos,” Jon pointed out.

While the business community here welcomed the newly-installed Power Barge 101 of state-run National Power Corp. (NPC) switched on by NPC president Cyril del Callar Thursday at Bo. Obrero in Lapaz district, they see the need for a long-term solution to the local power concerns.

“The power barge is something that we had been asking for because we want to see Iloilo City grow. Definitely, we have to look at something on the long term – an alternative power source and lower rate,” Jon asserted.

Reynaldo Navarro, president of Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FCCCII-Panay) said the city cannot just rely on NPC’s power barges to augment energy demand.

“We are glad with the additional 32-MW but we cannot just totally depend on the power barge because you see this is movable – it can be withdrawn anytime. Besides, we are using diesel which is imported. The opposition can be solved easily because as you see even Australia is using coal fired plants,” said Navarro.

“That’s why we are encouraging the private sector if possible to put up a coal-fired power plant because our country possesses a lot of coal source, especially in Semirara which is very near in Panay Island,” Navarro added.

He hinted that the coal plant, aside from providing reliable power, will reduce electricity rate.

“Hopefully, we have two private groups who are interested to tap coal plant – they are interested to come in. While Iloilo City has expensive power rate, we might not be able to survive because of the high cost of electricity,” Navarro said.

source: The Guardian ILOILO (http://www.theguardianiloilo.ph/localnews0.php?id=2651)

^^ That's usual. Nice gani magtan-aw sang karera kay ang karbaw has a mind of its own. :D

Thanks to Chymera & Pacific for visiting. :D

Sa Domingo gali, tani indi kamo kalipat: 9AM @ Jolibee General Luna. Sa mga gusto mag-upod, kontak lang kamo. We have a newbie and wants to meet SSC Iloilo. ;)
SSC Iloilo gathering in Jollibee. Puwede ka upod? Dugay na ko wala kakaon sang Jollibee. How's Pavia town fiesta, Bernie? Any otherdevelopment noted in Pavia at present? Do you know this 100-hectare Fil-estate development in Pavia?

^^ Bantay lang si Sir Bombette sa akon. Wa'ay gatext mo. hehehehe!!! :lol:
I hope Mr Marin can meet you guys. Pamangkuta niyo man palihog kung ano ang iya plans or projects for the province's tourism? Is he planning to launch some drive or initiative to augment the province's tourism potentials? Abi plaihog lang gid. Madamo gid nga salamat.

^^ ^^
It would also set up the possible re-entry of MIRANT. Aside from Kepco and DMCI, I think MIRANT is also keen on putting up a coal power plant.

For all we know, the two coal power plants are already a done deal. I think after the elections, the local govt will be announcing the start of the project. Let's just hope that their so called state of the art power plant would live up to all the hype that it is boasting. Let's never forget that we live in a 3rd world country, we are not the US or Europe who have enough financial resources to clean up or cover up an environmental disaster.
We can actually raise this issue during orientation or workshop or consultation process. The question lies on how open-minded we are to listen to the investors. People back home tends to shut things off eventually as we are more likely to have our prejudices brought by pressure coming from media, academe and environmentalists. We can even try to contrast environmental issues with other exisiting coal-fired plants in our country at present.

CPU STARTS SEARCH FOR NEW PRESIDENT

CENTRAL Philippine University, a center of educational excellence, is officially announcing her search for the next University president whose term of office will commence in 2008, the same time current president Dr. Juanito Acanto’s term of office, will end.

Whoever will be chosen as next CPU president will surely have big shoes to fill in. Dr. Acanto has shown sterling leadership, propelling CPU to become one of the best tertiary schools in the country and even Asian.

It is fervently hoped and prayed that the next CPU president can at least equal if not surpass the excellent achievements of Dr. Acanto.

The CPU Board of Trustees Search Committee is now inviting groups to nominate. Invited to nominate are the alumni chapters or groups of alumni in the country or abroad; Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches, Inc. and its auxiliary organizations (Youth, Women, Men, and CBMA); provincial associations (Kasapulanan) of Baptist Churches; other institutions, which are affiliated/members of the Convention of Philippine Baptist Churches; and/or individuals; who are holding key positions in the aforementioned organizations.


CENTENNIAL PRESIDENT

“CENTENNIAL President” Dr. Juanito M. Acanto had served as interim-president of CPU for one year earlier before he was elected university president from 1998 to 2008.

He has extensive training and experience in positions requiring administrative competence and leadership. He is a man of proven managerial ability and integrity.

He is a man of liberal ideas, broad sympathies, wide cultural interests, and a certain springiness of temperament which enable him to entertain and enjoy all challenging ideas.

He has pleasing social qualities that enable him to meet and mix with people with ease, aplomb, and grace.

He believes with all his heart in the objectives and mission of CPU and speak of it effectively in all occasions.

He is also well-known as an active leader, faithful in church work, and a strong believer in Christian education. He is ecumenically minded, a supporter of spiritual unity, and in active fellowship regardless of sect and denomination.

from: Panay News
link: http://www.panaynews.com.ph/lapsus.htm
I hope to see a leader with good stance to replace Acanto. Acanto brought many developments to CPU. At least, the new president will do the same by balancing academic and structural developments. Farewell Dr Acanto !

BERNIE, ang letter gali nga gin istoryahan ta.. jaz inform si Ben or sir bombette about it.. i dont want to file any formal complaints against it. tamaranna ako sang gamo.. i just want to let them know htat it happened.

I hope to see a leader with good stance to replace Acanto. Acanto brought many developments to CPU. At least, the new president will do the same by balancing academic and structural developments. Farewell Dr Acanto !

I think the new president should prioritize academic over physical development of the school. CPU has been lagging lately on academic excellence. Also, his successor should be less 'political.' ;)

^^ Bantay lang si Sir Bombette sa akon. Wa'ay gatext mo. hehehehe!!! :lol:
Indi ayhan sako man sa pamulitika si Bombette? Man bern ang politica sa Iloilo, tourism-related man or turistic man ang dating. Imagine dira makita halos tanan nga controversial personalities sa Iloilo. During campaign daw ara ka lang sa peryahan.

Ay ti sakto gid eh... the brownouts perpetuated the realization of 2 coal power plants....tsek tsek... good strategy sa side sang PPC owners ha....conspiracy?
Seriously speaking, it would be very ironic if PPC owners will be happy with the entry of 2 coal plants. These coal plants will be another competition brewing. Rather that buying diesel, mas cheaper and I could not find a reason why PPC will benefit sa coal plants nga ipatindog sa Iloilo. PPC is run by a diesel, whilst the Kepco and Mirants will use coal. daw wala man relevance. Then kung mag-operate na ining coal plants, Iloilo will source out their power from here hence PPC will be out of sight na kay mas barato na coal compare sa diesel-powered PPC.

I think the new president should prioritize academic over physical development of the school. CPU has been lagging lately on academic excellence. Also, his successor should be less 'political.' ;)
^^ ^^ you're right, Oboi. Acanto focuses more on structural developments sang CPU whilst giving very minimal consideration sa academic. However, we can argue that Acanto is not academically-inclined leader. He was a politician before he became the university's president. Also, number counts in CPU na. Quantity over quality. The more students, the higher the school's income. Imagine having 13 to 16 thousand students in a single campus? Right now, the biggest in Western Visayas in terms of student's population. I don't want to touch the academic side of Acanto cos personal bantering na ina karon. How I wish lang nga ang masunod nga presidente will follow Acanto's legacy like making the university more popular and alumni-friendly plus the massive structural dev'ts. Pero like what you said, dapat the emphasis will be on academia. pamangkot lang, diin naton ginapadala ang mga scholars sang CPU? Before they were sent to study in America, NOW, ara lang sila sa DLSU, UP or in Thailand University. Check lang bala ... :lol:

^^I too have a lot to say of our dear alma mater but holding it. My dad was a scholar of Asian Institute of Technology in Bangkok, Thailand when he graduated from the College of Engineering way back in 1969. Classmate sila ni Papang. :)

______________

Regarding the power scenario in Iloilo, what else is new? Everything is a charade.

After I was done with my business I went around the city the next 2 days to update myself and my fellow SSC-Iloilo especially those who are away from Iloilo.


http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/05biscochohaus.jpg
Biscocho Haus


http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/05biscochoinside.jpg
Biscocho Haus interior.
I asked permission from the cashier if I can take pictures and she said yes but got surprised that I took pictures of the place sans myself. Hehe!


http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/06paa.jpg
Jaro Bakery & Grocery/Panaderia ni Paa (since 1890)
Although change and progress is inevitable, how I wish they didn't demolish the old structure that used to stand there.


http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/07montessori.jpg
I still don't know who owns this art deco house but the Iloilo Montessori School used to occupy this. It has been left to the elements eversince the school moved out. I hope they'll restore this.


http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/07belfry.jpg
Jaro Belfry
Still standing tall after it's so-called restoration during the presidency of Cory Aquino. Prior to its restoration, I always wonder what's this old structure when I was still a child.


http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/07jec.jpg
Jaro Evangelical Church
The first Baptist church in the Philippine. Founded in 1900 by American missionaries.


http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/08depaul.jpg
De Paul College
The campus looks better now that one can see through its fence. They tore down the old wall that used to cloister it from the outside world.


http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/09total.jpg
Total Gas Station
THe property occupied by Total used to be part of De Paul College campus. Did DPC sell or lease it out?


http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/10sanjose.jpg
Colegio de San Jose
The oldest existing school in Western Visayas. Our office & bar used to stand right across the school.


http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/11jolli.jpg
Jollibee - Jalandoni-E. Lopez St. Branch
My earliest recollection of this place is being a Caltex Gas Station. Mariner's Point, a billiard hall, popped up after and was leased briefly by Nato and Helen.


http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/11nelly.jpg
Nelly Garden
Always charming and fascinating.


http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/12mercury.jpg
A former car delearship before it was turned into La Botica (a joint venture between Sy and Luzurriaga) and then to Store Ko! after their venture turned sour. It underwent various redevelopment. A Jollibee used to exist on the very spot where a Mercury Drug now stands.

^^I too have a lot to say of our dear alma mater but holding it. My dad was a scholar of Asian Institute of Technology in Bangkok, Thailand when he graduated from the College of Engineering way back in 1969. Classmate sila ni Papang. :)

______________

Regarding the power scenario in Iloilo, what else is new? Everything is a charade.
I used to complaint a lot in CPU Forum regarding the post grad programmes, academic prospectus, etc yet it seems that no one's listening. It's like every school year is a race towards beating the number of students of the previous year. Imagine a school where ECEs, Software Eng, etc come from but all websites are not updated and RF forms are still manually filled up? What happened to the plan of ID Scanning and paying tuition over the net? Another one is the College of Nursing with a very outdated nursing references (as I've heard) and books, etc.
Oboi, daw ara pa man si Papang hasta subong? I've heard a lot though. :)

Kadlaw gid ko sa description mo ba .... everything is a charade. A very "parodic" genres. :lol: :lol:

Lovely pictures, oboi ! More, more, more !!!!

I used to complaint a lot in CPU Forum regarding the post grad programmes, academic prospectus, etc yet it seems that no one's listening. It's like every school year is a race towards beating the number of students of the previous year. Imagine a school where ECEs, Software Eng, etc come from but all websites are not updated and RF forms are still manually filled up? What happened to the plan of ID Scanning and paying tuition over the net? Another one is the College of Nursing with a very outdated nursing references (as I've heard) and books, etc.
Oboi, daw ara pa man si Papang hasta subong? I've heard a lot though. :)

We have the same sentiments to our dear alma mater. I've mentioned some of them to those people in charge but it seems all our requests fell on deaf ears. :ohno:


Kadlaw gid ko sa description mo ba .... everything is a charade. A very "parodic" genres. :lol: :lol:

:lol:

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/13luna.jpg
Luna Street
This Acacia-lined avenue is the gateway to the District of La Paz from Jaro and the City Proper.


http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/14baptist.jpg
Baptist Center Church
I like it typical American Baptist church architecture.


http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/17lopezpink.jpg
The pink house of Emmanuel Lopez.


http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/16lopezboat.jpg
The so-called "Boat House" of the Lopez family. I think the architecture is art deco. Westbridge School, a PAREF all boys school, occupied this building when it opened in 1992.

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/18wit.jpg
Western Institute of Technology
WIT main building with its new color scheme.


http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/19tanguzman.jpg
Not sure if this is a Tan-Guzman building. I was surprised to see its metamorphosis into this brand new looking building.


http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/19gaisano.jpg
Gaisano City
This mall has a lot of potentials if properly tapped. They could turn a portion of it as a convention center, a trade center/exhibit hall and host a call center. ;)


http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/20iloiloriver.jpg
Forbes Bridge Sunset


http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/21miwd.jpg
Metro Iloilo Water District
Another inutile public utility. Who in the world would turn the water on from 12 midnight to five or six in the morning when almost everybody is sleeping?


http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/22justice.jpg
Chief Justice Ramon Avanceña Hall of Justice


http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/23dot.jpg
Department of Tourism - Region VI
Whoa!? What kind of color scheme is that? I wish they just stick with the original classic white paint wherein it looks more regal and stately.


http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/24plazoleta.jpg
Chinatown of Iloilo City
As declared by the City Council, the Chinatown covers the triangular area bouned by Iznart/F. Caram Street, J.M. Basa Street and Aldeguer Street. Nothing spoils the view but the humungous billboard and the wanton overhead installation of power and utility lines. The Socorro Drug building seems to have a sail installed on top and about to embark on a voyage. Blow, wind, blow!

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/23dot.jpg
Department of Tourism - Region VI
Whoa!? What kind of color scheme is that? I wish they just stick with the original classic white paint wherein it looks more regal and stately.

^^ OMG! :puke: ,i'd prefer the all white before.
ugly colors! IMO

^^ Pastel colors is the trend in Iloilo. So many new paintjobs in pastel colors! waaahhh!!! :lol:

_______________________________
Teletech Temporary Recruitment Office in SM City Iloilo
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Iloilo%20and%20Negros/P1130069.jpg

Downtown Iloilo's low-rise skyline (the reason is valid, Iloilo City proper's soil is made of soft clay)
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Iloilo%20and%20Negros/P1130093.jpg

Saturday Night at Diversion Road
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Iloilo%20and%20Negros/P1130133.jpg

The Miserable State of our Land Terminals in Iloilo City
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Iloilo%20and%20Negros/P1130067.jpg
Central Iloilo Line

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Iloilo%20and%20Negros/P1120975.jpg
Antique Bus Terminal at Molo District

Seriously speaking, it would be very ironic if PPC owners will be happy with the entry of 2 coal plants. These coal plants will be another competition brewing. Rather that buying diesel, mas cheaper and I could not find a reason why PPC will benefit sa coal plants nga ipatindog sa Iloilo. PPC is run by a diesel, whilst the Kepco and Mirants will use coal. daw wala man relevance. Then kung mag-operate na ining coal plants, Iloilo will source out their power from here hence PPC will be out of sight na kay mas barato na coal compare sa diesel-powered PPC.

Mirant used to own PPC, but since their hundreds of million dollar settlement in penalties imposed in the US for manipulating the electricity market - Mirant disposed of their Philippine assets in 2005. If Mirant can manipulate the electricity market in the US, it is no brainer that it does so also in the Philippines and in Iloilo City particularly. There are dozens of web sites to show Mirant's market manipulation, here are samples:
http://feinstein.senate.gov/03Releases/r-ferc-10.htm
http://www.pge.com/news/news_releases/q1_2005/050114.html
http://www.bizjournals.com/atlanta/stories/2005/01/31/daily25.html

With Metrobank as investor, nabilin subong ang diesel plants kay George Ty. Problem for Ty is that the diesel plants are not delivering profits as expected, so Metrobank wants to shift to coal at the expense of the environment in Iloilo.

The Iloilo Business Club should exert moral-suation to its members - PECO and PPC - to obey orders of ERC in refunding us, consumers, P2.89 billion in overcharging. The NPC reconnection took ages to be implemented.

Biz groups, archbishop give nod to coal plants
Jeehan V. Fernandez
2007-05-05

TWO major business groups in Iloilo and Panay and the Archbishop of Jaro approved the proposed establishment of a coal-fired power plant in the province despite strong opposition from environmentalists.

. . .

Iloilo Business Club, Inc. (IBC) president Antonio Jon said their group together with Mayor Jerry Treñas and Rep. Raul Gonzalez Jr., initiated discussions with the opposing sides including the local Catholic Church and non-government organizations (NGOs) as regards the coal plant.


this is an unprofessional slant! The Church and NGOs participated in the consultations to find ways in averting a power crisis but they have to be open with other options, not just coal, and should undergo the proper processes. This is blatant news manipulation!

If they really want solutions to our energy problem - then use the excess geothermal energy in the visayas, stupid!

april 26-28, Youth Summer Camp Maasin Watershed

Participants set-up tents in Brgy. Daja on April 26 then moved to Brgy Bolo in April 27. Discussed the situation of the watershed, dialogued with KAPAWA (local people's organization protecting the watershed), energy efficiency and alternative fuels. Total of 23 participants from CPU, UP-V, WVSU, WVCST, and CSCJ. Sponsored by USAID Sustainable Energy Development Program, Iloilo City Government and CPU. Facilitated by Green Forum -WV.

Camp site, Brgy Bolo, Maasin
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o271/totopurz/maasin%20watershed/summercamp20075.jpg

Immersions and discussions in the forest
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o271/totopurz/maasin%20watershed/summercamp20076.jpg

traditional galingan sang bugas, kape, mais:
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o271/totopurz/maasin%20watershed/traditionalgalingan.jpg

for more info, visit:
http://www.sedp.ph/newsroom1.php

from the SEDP newsroom, http://www.sedp.ph/Iloilo_Summer_Camp.php:

Summer camp makes Iloilo youths contribute in solving environmental problems
APRIL 2007


“We rely on your experience in Maasin. Be conscious about the situation in the area.”

This was the statement given by Iloilo City Vice-Mayor Guillermo dela Llana as he sent off delegates in this year’s Iloilo Environmental Youth Summer Camp. The activity was held last April 26 to 28, 2007 at the Maasin Watershed in Maasin, Iloilo. The Sustainable Energy Development Program (SEDP) and the Clean Cities Coalition Iloilo Task Force (CCCITF) jointly organized the activity.

Aside from Vice-Mayor dela Llana, CCCITF Chairman and Iloilo City Councilor Jose Espinosa III likewise delivered his send-off message and expressed the same concern about the watershed. He considered the watershed as “an area of deep concern” since an estimated “3% of the Maasin forest cover remains”. Councilor Espinosa also emphasized the issue of global warming. He said that scientists agree that burning of fossil fuels worsens that phenomenon. In view of such a scenario, he encouraged the participants to do whatever they can and become “agents of change” as their future is the one at stake.

The Maasin Watershed serves as the drinking water basin of Iloilo City. Based on reports reaching the Iloilo City Government, the water reserves in the area continue to drop and thus, threaten the water supply of the city. As such, Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas declared his city as an “impending disaster area”. Given these situations, the organizers chose the watershed for the camping to make the youth aware of the environmental problems and contribute to solutions. As such they were tasked to assist in lessening Iloilo City’s dependence on fossil fuels and conserving natural resources.

Twenty-one youths with ages ranging from 17 to 21, took part in the activity. Most of them came from Iloilo City-based Colleges and universities such as Central Philippine University (CPU), University of the Philippines in the Visayas (UPV), Western Visayas State University (WVSU) and Western Visayas College of Science and Technology (WVCST). Other youths belonged to the religious group San Jose Parish Youth Organization.

Lectures and a night of fun

The three-day activity started with a message from Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer Bernabe Garnace. Mr. Garnace shared among the youth their efforts in managing the watershed as well as some forest conservation practices that the government is exerting to preserve the fragile environment. Meanwhile, a formal opening of the three-day activity followed, together with United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Development Assistance Specialist Ms. Lily Gutierrez and SEDP officers led by Country Director Divina Chingcuanco. In behalf of Maasin Mayor Mariano Malones, Municipal Administrator Cresencio Manejar delivered the welcome remarks.

As part of SEDP’s information, education and communication efforts to make Ilonggos (Iloilo City residents) use alternative fuels, Ms. Chingcuanco presented the thrusts of the Philippine Clean Cities Program (PCCP). The lecture emphasized on the various strategies and activities being undertaken to make people aware of their choices of fuels and convince them to use the alternatives for a better environment. Ms. Chingcuanco likewise shared among her audience the strong involvement of the private sector through the Fuels 4 Life Movement, which now enjoys membership of more than 30 organizations that are exerting efforts to assist PCCP and achieve its goals.

Later, City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Chief and CCCITF Vice-Chairman Engr. Noel Hechanova gave a lecture on air pollution problems and health impacts brought about by the use of fossil fuels. The lecture presented the adverse effects of air pollution in respiratory system of human beings and pointed out various illnesses that can be derived from air pollution. Likewise, he shared among the youngsters the efforts of the Iloilo City government in cleaning the air and ridding the city of air pollutants. For that matter, he thanked the USAID and USDOE for considering Iloilo City as one of the pilot areas of PCCP and for assisting the local government in its clean air campaigns.

After the series of lectures, in order for them to know more about each other, the participants prepared for a socialization night. Camping facilitators Mr. Rey Q. Bautista and Mr. Jorge Abordo, both from Green Forum-Western Visayas, requested the participants to present their talents for the night’s affair. With four groups formed, each group chose their spot within the camp and practiced their presentations for the night’s activity.

As witnessed by SEDP Senior Consultant Constancia Geroso and Consultant Joseph Peñas together with other CENRO officers, the youths had a night full of fun and zeal as they showed their talents in acting and singing. Their presentations focused more about the environment, specifically combating air pollution through information campaigns. As the highlight of the evening’s activities, all 21 participants signed on the tarpaulin to signify their intent to be part of PCCP’s campaigns for clean air.

Close encounter with nature’s destruction

The following morning, the participants started the day with a physical exercise as part of their preparations for hiking. Later, they had a 10-kilometer hike from Barangay Daja going to Barangay Bolo in Maasin, Iloilo where the other summer camp activities would be held. During the hiking, the participants were marveled with the natural beauties that the watershed offers. However, they were also exposed to various human’s activities such as tree slitting and wood burning for the production of charcoal. Some nearby residents slowly carve the bark of trees so that these will eventually wilt and die. As trees fall by themselves, these will be burned and made into charcoal for selling in the lowlands.

Such an experience made the campers aware of the looming destruction being done within the boundaries of the watershed. According to Jaime Cabarles of CPU who was also one of the tour guides during the hiking, regular visit to the area is one of the ways to discourage people from doing destructive activities in the watershed’s forested areas. More than that, he also pointed out the very low level of water that flows through the riverbanks, an indication he believed is being contributed by the destruction of the forest cover. He likewise reminded the youths about the flashflood that happened in Ormoc, Leyte last 1994 wherein thousands died due to deforested watersheds.

After the two-hour walk, the campers finally arrived at the DENR-Kapawa Maasin Watershed office where the second camp was situated. They re-built their tents and prepared for the afternoon’s activities. Later, Mr. Melvin Purzuelo gave a lecture on energy conservation matters. This was followed by the watching of videos about the Maasin Watershed (produced by Green Forum-Western Visayas), coco biodiesel, bioethanol and the documentary produced by PROBE Productions, Inc.

The youth’s contribution to save the environment

As the participants learned about the environmental challenges, they started thinking of ways to contribute to the solutions available. For that matter, SEDP prepared the IEC materials designing activity wherein each group would prepare informative materials related to the PCCP and alternative fuels.

The first group composed of Rosielle May Arteza, Marjorie Labe, Michael Orquejo, Marife Lopez, Michael Rioga and Junmar Gentuya designed a T-shirt. Second group’s Sheena Galvez, Remar Solero, Leo Francisco, Gideon Peña, Jec Dan Borlado and Peach Ledesma prepared a poster. Winston Octaviano, BJ Earl Montes and David Quimpo thought of a new design for a folder and bookmark for their group. Lastly, the fourth group laid-out the background design for PCCP and coco biodiesel flyers.

The group leaders presented their initial outputs for critiquing during a plenary session before dinner. The activity made each group improve their designs as these would be presented to USAID’s Office of Energy and Environment Deputy Chief Aurelia Micko before the summer camp’s closing.

The following morning, the final preparations for their IEC materials made the campers busy. As soon as they finished their respective outputs, they started preparing for the closing program. Meanwhile, Ms. Micko joined Ms. Gutierrez, Engr. Hechanova and other CENRO staff in their hiking from Brgy. Daja going to Brgy. Bolo. The USAID executive likewise witnessed the sad stories in the forest as depicted by the slits in the trees and traces of charcoal-making activities. Nevertheless, the clean air breezing through Camp 2 in Barangay Bolo refreshed her when their group arrived before lunch.

As soon as lunch was over, the closing ceremonies started. It was highlighted by the presentation made by Group 2 about informing citizens on the use of alternative fuels to avoid lung ailments (Group 2 won during the first day’s socialization activities). The different IEC materials including the so-called “Grand IEC Plan of the Iloilo Youth” were likewise presented to Ms. Micko. As a response, she thanked everyone for sharing their talents in designing IEC materials and encouraged them to be part of the actions to save the environment. Later, she also signed on the tarpaulin together with Ms. Gutierrez, Ms. Geroso and Mr. Peñas.

The CCCITF envisioned the youth to implement the plan they prepared which included a concert in Iloilo City for the environment and the distribution of IEC materials, initially in their schools. Part of such initiatives would be the same academic partners such as CPU, UPV, WVSU, WVCST that took part in the summer camp together with Green Forum-Western Visayas.

Apart from Clean Cities shirts, the participants were given rechargeable flashlights, info kits and certificates of participation.

Just returned from my DR duty in Janiuay, yet naka score ko 1 guid for 3 days duty, effective na guid ya family planning sa pinas ... or basi barato na guid ya ang frenzy kag trust.

Nag pamiesta kami gali daw Bernie sa Pavia, yum yum and bakareta. May na meet pa kami nga showbiz people from TV patrol ;) noh bernie, nu?

On the way to Pavia... Sta. Barbara Bypass

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/205/485227088_509f4b1e0b.jpg

Ongoing widening of road from Jaro to Sta. Barbara

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/190/485226934_0a8b109a0e.jpg

Pavia Church Windows
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/191/485226704_91c3bef57e.jpg

We managed to visit Crystalville, an inland resort near the Janiuay District Hospital (it's actually not very developed yet, it looks like it's still underconstruction)

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/182/485260917_56167973f6.jpg

Bernie came to visit us in Janiuay, so nag lagaw nlng kami

First up was the Janiuay Cemetery

http://static.zooomr.com/images/1065035_2c2045277e.jpg

http://static.zooomr.com/images/1065049_8ddf98fde5.jpg

Then, the Janiuay Church ruins

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/189/485260785_bf4bec8e02.jpg

Then nag pa Cabatuan kami, ate lunch at Leah's Tinuom and visited the church

Leah's Tinuom with Pamulogan hill in the BG
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/193/485227654_1dabcbc7c9.jpg

Cabatuan Church from the convent
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/229/485228038_3aac830543.jpg

Tree of Bondage
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/231/485227478_5067a33bbd.jpg

Seriously speaking, it would be very ironic if PPC owners will be happy with the entry of 2 coal plants. These coal plants will be another competition brewing. Rather that buying diesel, mas cheaper and I could not find a reason why PPC will benefit sa coal plants nga ipatindog sa Iloilo. PPC is run by a diesel, whilst the Kepco and Mirants will use coal. daw wala man relevance. Then kung mag-operate na ining coal plants, Iloilo will source out their power from here hence PPC will be out of sight na kay mas barato na coal compare sa diesel-powered PPC.

I think PPC and the other 2 coal plants have the same owners (or partial owners). It is not PPC will benefit much but it is the owners. It's just some market penetration strategy.

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/23dot.jpg
Department of Tourism - Region VI
Whoa!? What kind of color scheme is that? I wish they just stick with the original classic white paint wherein it looks more regal and stately.

It is good that they used pastel colors but I think the scheme is really messed up. Yikes!

^^ Pastel colors is the trend in Iloilo. So many new paintjobs in pastel colors! waaahhh!!! :lol:

_______________________________
Teletech Temporary Recruitment Office in SM City Iloilo
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Iloilo%20and%20Negros/P1130069.jpg


So it means sa SM sila maput-up sang Office? Weird, because most likely sa Robinsons gid sila maput-up sang office. Teletech has this thing with Robinsons. Anyway... I am wishing the best for Teletech in Iloilo. If their entry in the city will go well then most likely some other big players will be attracted to the city.



Downtown Iloilo's low-rise skyline (the reason is valid, Iloilo City proper's soil is made of soft clay)
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Iloilo%20and%20Negros/P1130093.jpg



I just love this pic. Wonderful! Ang cute ng angle... this is my first time to see the city in this angle.



The Miserable State of our Land Terminals in Iloilo City
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Iloilo%20and%20Negros/P1130067.jpg
Central Iloilo Line

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Iloilo%20and%20Negros/P1120975.jpg
Antique Bus Terminal at Molo District

Baw pagtag-ululan nagalutak na di. Kabudlay mana-og sa bus kung malutak. I hope they will exert effort in developing these into something attractice and convenient.. if not world class then something concrete. I hope they can allot at least 1M for these terminals from the multi-million budget they have for world-class highways.

huwaw

i missed iloilo so much

‘Pilgrims’ for clean polls trek through Panay, Negros

By Nestor P. Burgos Jr.
Visayas Bureau
Last updated 06:03pm (Mla time) 05/06/2007

ILOILO CITY, Philippines -- At least 30 pastors, students, social workers and non-government organization members took to the streets of this city in the hope of delivering a single message to all candidates -- stop the bloodshed.

On Sunday, the rallyists ended their "Pilgrimage for Peace" to call and pray for an end to violence and for peaceful elections.

Initiated by the Central Philippine University (CPU), Convention Baptist Ministers Association (CBMA) and Iloilo Coalition of Non-Government Organizations and People's Organizations (ICON), the pilgrimage was the second to be held since 2004 when the same groups first mounted a campaign for clean, honest and peaceful elections.

The pilgrimage, which started on April 23 and ended on May 2, covered the islands of Panay, Guimaras and Negros. It made short stopovers in every town to distribute voter's education materials and pray for peace.

Major stopovers were held at the Capiz Evangelical Church in Roxas City and Lifeline Center in the capital town of Kalibo in Aklan. Prayer rallies and voters’ education were also held in Canlaon Evangelical Church, Canlaon City and Fortress College in Kabankalan City in Negros Occidental.

"We would like to tell and remind the people, especially the youth that we should not be resigned to how elections in our country are," said Reverend Edwin Lariza, pilgrimage chair.

Lariza expressed concern for the rising number of fatalities and violent election-related incidents more than a week before the elections. "This [election] may turn out to be worse than in 2004."

"The spate of killings and the seemingly endless political and ideological squabbling in the country have been alarming," they said in a statement.

"We call on every voter to value their right of suffrage and exercise it wisely by voting [for] candidates, as well as party-list groups, that do not only promote peace but are truly men and women who exemplify peace," the group said.

Rinand Escuban, director of the CPU external affairs office, said they hoped that the pilgrimage brought its message of peace across.
"Peace has no boundaries," he said.
inquirer.net (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/regions/view_article.php?article_id=64413)

Treñas still on top
2007-05-07

WITH less than a week before judgment day, Mayor Jerry Treñas maintains his lead in the Iloilo City mayoralty race, based on the recent survey conducted by Random Access Consultants Inc. (RACI).

The survey was conducted May 1-2 with 600 respondents from 40 barangays in the city.

The RACI survey used the multi-stage probability sampling method and has a 95 percent level of confidence with a plus or minus 4 margin of error.

The overall result put Treñas, who is running under the Lakas-CMD party, in the lead with 82.3 percent of the total respondents. His rival from the opposition group Atty. Joshau Alim got 8 percent.

The survey also showed that most voters have made up their minds as regards the mayoralty race with only 9.7 percent still undecided.

By district, Treñas continue to thrash his opponents: Iloilo City Proper – 85.6 percent; Molo – 77.1 percent; Arevalo – 91.7 percent; Mandurriao – 80 percent; LaPaz – 74.7 percent; Lapuz – 78.3 percent; and Jaro – 86.7 percent.

Treñas is still the choice of both male (80.4 percent) and female (83.6 percent) voters.

By age group, the incumbent mayor continues to garner support from all age groups: 18-21 years old (87.5 percent); 22-29 years old (86.5 percent); 30-39 years old (78.1 percent); 40-49 years old (85.9 percent); 50-59 years old (80.8 percent); and 60 years old and above (78.7 percent).

Treñas also improved his standing among voters of various educational attainments.

A total of 80.5 percent of voters who either have no schooling, reached elementary school or elementary graduates chose Treñas while 82.7 percent of voters who attended high school/high school graduate/vocational school will vote for him Monday next week.

A total of 82.5 percent of voters who went to college/college gradates/post graduates will still vote for Treñas.

Voters from all socio-economic levels also prefer Treñas in the May 14 polls: class AB – 86.2 percent; class C – 81.2 percent; class DE – 82.6 percent.

from: The Guardian Iloilo
link: http://www.theguardianiloilo.ph/localnews0.php?id=2672

-----
^^ Go, go, go Ninong ! :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

It is good that they used pastel colors but I think the scheme is really messed up. Yikes!
The new colour of the Department of Tourism Regional Office looks wierd. But it does complement with the clolour scheme of Museo Iloilo. Iloilo City is becoming more and more colourful with all the new paintings - he he - imagine if all buildings will start painting pastels and neons? Baskog guid iya Noy !

So it means sa SM sila maput-up sang Office? Weird, because most likely sa Robinsons gid sila maput-up sang office. Teletech has this thing with Robinsons. Anyway... I am wishing the best for Teletech in Iloilo. If their entry in the city will go well then most likely some other big players will be attracted to the city.
Good news. Pero biskan diin man lang, puwede guid sila kapatindog. It's not the question of where but when and how many seats? Is this the same American call center they are talking before?

Baw pagtag-ululan nagalutak na di. Kabudlay mana-og sa bus kung malutak. I hope they will exert effort in developing these into something attractice and convenient.. if not world class then something concrete. I hope they can allot at least 1M for these terminals from the multi-million budget they have for world-class highways.
more than the lutak. It simply is ugly. But what can we do? Where and who's the owner of these terminals? Di ba private properties to? Why are we allowing them to operate such terminal in a very horrible state?

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/192/465836885_7036bdaaa3.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/189/467124015_f066c9df4a.jpg

my photos for the week. They're realy, really beautifuland astonishing! Grand !:banana: :banana:

photoshop does a lot of wonders :D
great shots though.

if developed with a vision, the river can be likened to those of venice or those seaside docks of italy,etc

I used to complaint a lot in CPU Forum regarding the post grad programmes, academic prospectus, etc yet it seems that no one's listening. It's like every school year is a race towards beating the number of students of the previous year. Imagine a school where ECEs, Software Eng, etc come from but all websites are not updated and RF forms are still manually filled up? What happened to the plan of ID Scanning and paying tuition over the net? Another one is the College of Nursing with a very outdated nursing references (as I've heard) and books, etc.
Oboi, daw ara pa man si Papang hasta subong? I've heard a lot though. :)

Kadlaw gid ko sa description mo ba .... everything is a charade. A very "parodic" genres. :lol: :lol:
No comment na lang ko about sa issue sa CPU. But they really need to act on this matter. Damo na nga mga alumni ang nagareklamo diri. Soon less support from alumni here abroad ang matabo sa ila.

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/23dot.jpg

what is is this?
hansel and gretel's delectable house sprouted in iloilo?

the DOT building used to be damned coz they are located in front of a jail and hidden behind a useless overpass.

and now this color scheme?

they could have done it without VIOLET mas okay pa sya kung puti a=instead of that color.

the DOT continues it damnation

^^ he he :lol: :lol:

Technical working group on
climate information activated

ILOILO City -- The Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO) is activating the Technical Working Group on Climate Information with the holding of a Climate Forum, which will be held on May 9, 9 a.m. at the Provincial Capitol Conference Room.

OIC Provincial Agriculturist Dr. Ildefonso Toledo said his office would like to form an active group that can disseminate climate information to the public through their respective areas in order to mitigate adverse effects of climate change.

The group is composed of the offices of Provincial Disaster Coordinator, Health, Social Welfare, the municipality of Dumangas, and the Philippine Information Agency and others.

The TWG will regularly be briefed by the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA) on weather update and seasonal climate as needed, for the members to utilize information to the general public, those particularly in agriculture.

The Climate Forum will review what transpired in the first Climate Forum last year, discuss Weather Update, Climate from January to March, and Seasonal Climate which is from May to September this year.

from: Panay News
link: http://www.panaynews.com.ph/news3.htm

It's been a while since I left the hallowed hall of Central Philippine University. I've lost track of the number of shoes I've worn out and outgrown here at CPU.


http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/rotunda01.jpg
Semicircular Driveway (Rotunda[?]) at the 3rd Gate
There used to be three small boulders right in the middle which honors the working students of CPU. There's an inscription right across the 3rd gate which states: "LABOR IS HONOR." Both my mom and dad were working students.


http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/rotunda02.jpg
What used to be the Weeping Fig or "Balete" tree. I was suprised to see that it's gone.


http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/field01.jpg
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/field02.jpg
Parade Ground
Before Marymart, Atrium, Gaisano City, SM City and Robinson's Place invaded the city, this field is the hangout for most Centralians. By 7pm, nobody is allowed to hangout in the field. It has been a favorite dating place for a lot of students.


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Wall of Remembrance
Dedicate to all those who have significant contribution to what CPU is today. Went here to see my mom's name engraved on one of the walls.


http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/garden.jpg
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/butterfly01.jpg
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/butterfly03.jpg
Butterfly Garden
I really don't fancy butterflies but was inquisitive on how a caterpillar is nurtured until it becomes an imago. It was interesting to see the different stages of their metamorphosis.


http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/pool.jpg
Swimming Pool
Olympic size - 25m x 50m. I only saw the construction of this but wasn't able to make full use of it.


http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/gym01.jpg
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/gym02.jpg
Gym (Interior)

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/gym03.jpg
Gym Perspective
CPU has already celebrated its centennial but the gym still remains unfinished. A lot of work still needs to be done. I'm very disappointed of the design. I was hoping to see bold design and innovation with this new gym.


_____________________

I didn't take a lot of pictures of CPU. It seems I had enough of it even if I was just there for just an hour. Also, when one of the guards told me that taking pictures of the buildings is prohibited I questioned him about it. He told me that the directive was issued by the administration. Me thinks, what are they afraid of? Terrorists? Copycats?

Actually, I don't like what they did to most buildings when they all share the same white and light green color scheme. Everything seems bland now. Why paint the pebble-washed New Valentine Building? I lost all the connections I once had with CPU. I wanted to visit the Elementary School Building, M. Thomas Hall (former HS building) but I was disappointed with how CPU looks now and so I hurriedly left. I won't be missing CPU for the longest time. :ohno:

GMA leads Team Unity Iloilo sortie on Thursday
By DAVID ISRAEL SINAY

ILOILO City – President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will be here on Thursday to attend the political rally of Team Unity. No schedule had been arranged for the inauguration of the new Iloilo airport.

A staff from the Presidential Management Staff here confirmed that Arroyo will mainly endorse the bets of Team Unity – the administration-backed senatorial line-up for the May 14 polls.

As previously scheduled, Arroyo was supposed to inaugurate the new Iloilo airport on April 16. But, with the First Gentleman undergoing a critical heart operation, she cancelled her Iloilo trip.

“The commissioning of the new airport will be in June. The delay is affected by a lot of factors,” said Arturo Valero, acting regional director of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) here.

The postponement of the new airport’s inauguration has caused some confusion to frequent air travelers.

The Department of the Transportation and Communications (DOTC) earlier said that after the April 16 airport inauguration, commercial flights will commence landing and taking off at the new airport on April 21 – the same day that the old airport in Mandurriao district will close.

The new Iloilo airport of international standards straddles the municipalities of Sta. Barbara, San Miguel and Cabatuan.

Unlike the existing Mandurriao airport, the new Iloilo airport is situated in a 188-hectare property 19 kilometers from Iloilo City.

“With the airport transfer, certain adjustments will take place. Responsible agencies must ascertain the opening of the new airport to avoid confusion among travelers and for the public to be aware (of the transfer),” Valero said.

The new airport will be the gateway to the Visayas of air travelers in the country and worldwide. It has a runway 2.5 kilometers long and 45 meters wide, a passenger terminal with 12,000 square meters of space, and a 1,281-square meter cargo terminal.

The DOTC said the new airport is the first to have the latest technology belonging to Category F as determined by the International Civil Aviation (ICA) Organization, which means that the airport is accredited as a qualifier for international standards.

The new Iloilo airport complex also has a six-hectare regulating pod that can hold even a year's continuous downpour, hence not flood the airport runway.

Construction of the new Iloilo airport started in 2004 and was completed in March this year.

The airport can accommodate six aircrafts simultaneously parking at a time.
The opening of the P6.187-billion new Iloilo airport will also mean the closure of the existing domestic airport in Mandurriao district.

“Transfer will increase business industry,” Valero said.

Although, Valero stressed that the process of transfer “may cause problems” due to the “lack of support facilities to handle minor aberrations…support facilities will have to be provided.”

He said transportation and business facilities must be provided now that the airport is not yet operational. In going to the airport site, one must travel some 2.8 kilometers from the entrance along the national highway.

In her visit here in January 2006, President Arroyo said she was confident that the closure and privatization of the Mandurriao facility would further boost local tourism and economic activities.

Alongside with its closure, the Department of Finance is selling the existing 54-hectare Mandurriao airport property. Five land developers have expressed interest to acquire the area – SM Prime Holdings, Ayala Land, Robinsons Land, Megaworld and Filinvest.

Mayor Jerry Treñas said he would like the winning bidder to develop the old airport into a theme park, build in there a convention center, establish a hospital or set up an information technology (IT) park for business process outsourcing.

Treñas envisions the theme park to be similar to Enchanted Kingdom and Star City as this would draw more tourists to Iloilo.

Treñas said he would also want investors to put up a 5,000-seater convention center in line with his dream of making the city into the country's "convention center."

Also, with the fast growing industry on business process outsourcing, Treñas said putting up an IT park would encourage call centers to invest in this city. He said several call center companies conveyed interest to invest here but the lack of facilities holds them back from doing so.

source: Panay News (http://www.panaynews.com.ph/news3.htm)

American College of Physicians
names Ilonggo doctor a fellow

ILOILO City – Prominent Ilonggo physician, Dr. Rene Juaneza, was recently conferred the Honorary Fellow of the American College of Physicians, the governing body of all internists or doctors for adults in the United States.

This prestigious international award is given only to presidents of national societies of Internal Medicine in the world recognized by their United States counterpart.

Dr. Juaneza is the president of the Philippine Society of Internal Medicine.

This year, the distinguished chosen conferees came from Croatia, Australia, Sweden, Malaysia, Paraguay and the Philippines.

Dr. Juaneza is already a fellow of the American College of Chest Physicians, Fellow of the Philippine College of Physicians, Diplomate of the Philippine Specialty Board of Internal Medicine and Philippine Specialty Board for Pulmonary Medicine.

In the local level, Dr. Juaneza, aside from being a past president of the Iloilo Medical Society, has also received several citations and honors from government and private sectors.

source: Panay News (http://www.panaynews.com.ph/news4.htm)

City benefits from telecom firm's franchise tax payment
By Maricar M. Calubiran

The franchise tax of P6,555,294.14 recently paid by the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT) to the city government will be allocated for the poverty alleviation fund and livelihood programs intended for the poor city residents.

Other than the poverty alleviation fund and livelihood programs, portions of the franchise tax will be spent for infrastructure and road projects in the city. The poverty alleviation and giving of livelihood programs to the growing number of city residents is one of concerns of the government.

The P6,555,294.14 franchise tax covers the company's franchise obligation to the city government from 1998 to 2003. The payment included surcharges and interests. The telephone company paid the city government of its obligation after the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the city government. Earlier, PLDT questioned the decision of the lower court and made an appeal before the higher court which ultimately turned down their plea.

PLDT is only one of the utility companies which operates in Iloilo City with pending tax obligation to the city government. The Iloilo City Legal Office had been in the forefront over the number of tax cases involving the city government.

source: The News Today (http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/05/07/city.benefits.from.telecom.firms.franchise.tax.payment.html)

Iloilo activates technical working group on climate information

The Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO) is activating the Technical Working Group on Climate Information with the holding of a Climate Forum, which will be held on May 9, 2007 at 9:00 a.m. Provincial Capitol Conference Room.

OIC Provincial Agriculturist Dr. Ildefonso Toledo said his office would like to form an active group that can disseminate climate information to the public through their respective areas in order to mitigate adverse effects of climate change.

The group is composed of the offices of Provincial Disaster Coordinator, Health, Social Welfare, the municipality of Dumangas, and the Philippine Information Agency and others.

The TWG will regularly be briefed by PAG-ASA on weather update and seasonal climate as needed, for the members to utilize information to the general public, those particularly in agriculture.

The Climate Forum will review what transpired in the first Climate Forum last year, discuss Weather Update, Climate from January to March, and Seasonal Climate which is from May to September this year.

source: The News Today (http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/05/07/iloilo.activates.technical.working.group.on.climate.information.html)

Summer beach festival 2007 starts today
By Maricar M. Calubiran

The 1.5 kilometers stretch of beach in Sto. Nino. Sur, Arevalo will be filled once again with food, music and entertainment as Santo Niño Sur Villa Beach Resorts, Hotels and Resto Bar Association holds its Summer Beach Festival 2007.

Sam Larrosa, president of the Santo Niño Sur Villa Beach Resorts, Hotels and Resto Bar Association said they will have a food festival. It will showcase the bounty of the sea and other produced. There will be an array of steamed and broiled oyster, barbecue chicken, roasted pig and other foods frequently served by the seaside restaurants. The week-long summer beach festival is participated by 30 establishments along Sto. Nino Sur area.

Other than the food festival, the group also come up with several sports activities as added attraction from its food festival. They divided the long stretch of beach into three areas which they called piers. In each pier, number of activities will be held from day 1 which starts today (Monday). Pier 1 starts from Breakthrough until Tatoy's Manokan; Pier 2, Tatoys until Egings Talabahan and Pier 3 Annie's until John B. Lacson Maritime University.

The primary purpose of the celebration which is already on its third year is to promote business activities along Villa Beach area especially this summer month and encourage the occupants of nearby restaurants and houses to observe cleanliness. Years ago, Villa Beach is the favorite place of every family to visit especially during weekends. It lost its touch when the beach area got dirty. Prior to the holding of the summer beach festival, there was a clean up along the beach line. The clean up was made Sunday in preparation for the opening day of the summer beach festival.

Larrosa said people will enjoy this year's summer beach festival as they have prepared lots of fun and excitement to draw crowd. They have several innovations in terms of attraction and activities. Among the sports activities are beach volleyball, marathon, boxing tournament, trisikad race, mini-paraw race, rowing competition, power bangka race, rock climbing contest, kapay-kapay (swimming competition) and jet ski competition.

There will also be disco derby, Miss Wow Villa, battle of the bands, porma balas, videoke challenge, Miss Seareyna, beach challenge shoreline, acoustic challenge, fireworks competition and bikini open.

The organizers assured all those who want to go to Villa of their security. The Arevalo police station and each barangay in Arevalo will send their barangay tanods to maintain peace and order along the shoreline.

source: The News Today (http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/05/07/summer.beach.festival.2007.starts.today.html)

P90-M for roads, bridges to new airport
Jeehan V. Fernandez
2007-05-08

ILOILO City Mayor Jerry Treñas said the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH-6) has allotted P90 million for the widening of road and rehabilitation of three bridges in Jaro district leading to the new airport in Sta. Barbara-Cabatuan towns, some 19 kilometers north.

Treñas explained said P60 million will go to the widening of roads from barangays Dungon A to Ungka (fronting Christ the King Memorial Park) while the remaining P30 million will be used to widen three bridges along the said route.

“The road widening from the city to the new airport will be implemented so that motorists will not find it hard to travel,” Treñas stressed.

Citing his talks with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, Treñas said the P6.2-billion New Iloilo Airport Development Project (NIADP) in Sta. Barbara-Cabatuan towns, will be inaugurated after the May 14 elections.

He added that the old Iloilo Airport in Mandurriao district will be closed as soon as the new airport is opened.

The mayor also hopes that with the operations of the new airport, the sale of the 54-hecatre old airport property to private investor during the May 9 bidding will result in developments in the metropolis.

“I am happy that the new airport is already finished. And with the interests on the old airport, our dream of having a theme park like Star City and Enchanted Kingdom, convention center, medical center fully-accredited by international insurance companies, and Information and Communications Technology (ICT) park might be realized,” Treñas affirmed.

The ICT park is expected to provide employment opportunities to a large pool of human resources in Iloilo, particularly the new graduates who are capable of working in call centers.

Treñas said he has been talking with key government officials regarding prospective companies that will develop the old airport.

Department of Finance (DOF) undersecretary for privatization John Philip Sevilla announced that Ayala Land Inc.; SM Prime Holdings, Inc.; Robinson’s Land; Empire East Holdings, Inc.; and Rockwell Land Corp will bid for the old airport site which is expected to fetch from around P500million to P2billion in revenues.

Ayala Land is touted as the country’s top real estate firm; SM Prime is the largest mall developer; Robinson’s Land is also focused in operations of chain of shopping malls; Empire East is engaged in developing and marketing housing projects including condominiums and house-and-lot packages while Rockwell operates a mixed-used center in Makati.

source: The Guardian ILOILO (http://www.theguardianiloilo.ph/localnews0.php?id=2679)

‘Wow Villa’ to restore beach line’s old glory
Jeehan V. Fernandez
2007-05-08

THE Sto. Niño Sur Villa Beach Resorts, Hotels and Resto Bars Association is moving towards restoring the old glory of the famed Villa Beach as Iloilo City’s major summer destination.

Villa Beach is popularly known among tourists because seafood restaurants offering by-the-sea dining ambience.

However, informal settlers sprouted like mushrooms in the area through time and changed the scenery the city’s former top tourism attraction.

With the hosting of the 3rd Wow Villa Summer Beach Festival May 6-12, local stakeholders aim to revive the city’s shoreline tourism industry.

The activity kicked off with a clean-up drive over the weekend.

“We are promoting not only the shorelines but the whole of Arevalo to bring back its image as the tourism center of the city,” said Mohon village chief Lyndon Acap, vice-president of Association of Barangay Captains (ABC-Arevalo).

Jun Tajanlangit, owner of Villa Bora, said they envision the 1.5-kilometer Villa Beach area into a “Boracay-like” structure with three piers offering lechon and grilled cuisines, talaba and restaurant bars.

Pier 1 covers the stretch from Breakthrough to Tatoy’s; Pier 2 from Tatoy’s to Eging’s Talabahan; and Pier 3 from Annie’s Talabahan to John B. Lacson campus area.

The John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University (JBLFMU), in line with its community service project, has tied up with the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) to establish a pioneer 30-man “baywatch team,” of first generation rescuers, the first of its kind in the country.

“Villa Beach is considered as the best place to swim and favorite bonding haven for families. It is overcrowded during summer weekends but the night life has been down when there are no classes. We encourage the people to go back to the beach,” said Tajanlangit.

“We are also trying to raise extra funds for the environment because it entails expenses to clean up the beach,” Tajanlangit added.

Tajanlangit said they solicited support of various sponsors including the City government, Department of Tourism (DOT-6), GMA-7and Pepsi.

Sam Larroza, president of the Villa Beach association composed of 30 establishments, said this year’s festival is bigger as they prepared more events.

The weeklong festivities showcase fluvial parade, beach volleyball, nightly food festivals with live bands, disco derby, beauty search, samba tribes contest, marathon, trisikad race, mini paraw race, battle of the bands, sand-art contest, videoke challenge, rowing, beach football, talaba festival, rock-climbing, bangka race, jetski clinic and national jetski competition, swimming tilt, fireworks competition, variety show and bikini open contest.

source: The Guardian ILOILO (http://www.theguardianiloilo.ph/localnews0.php?id=2677)

No comment na lang ko about sa issue sa CPU. But they really need to act on this matter. Damo na nga mga alumni ang nagareklamo diri. Soon less support from alumni here abroad ang matabo sa ila.
either you post no comment or shows disappointment na lang. Ano kuno balita to Noy sa CPU? May ara man nga mga development ayhan?


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Gym Perspective
CPU has already celebrated its centennial but the gym still remains unfinished. A lot of work still needs to be done. I'm very disappointed of the design. I was hoping to see bold design and innovation with this new gym.


_____________________

I didn't take a lot of pictures of CPU. It seems I had enough of it even if I was just there for just an hour. Also, when one of the guards told me that taking pictures of the buildings is prohibited I questioned him about it. He told me that the directive was issued by the administration. Me thinks, what are they afraid of? Terrorists? Copycats?

Actually, I don't like what they did to most buildings when they all share the same white and light green color scheme. Everything seems bland now. Why paint the pebble-washed New Valentine Building? I lost all the connections I once had with CPU. I wanted to visit the Elementary School Building, M. Thomas Hall (former HS building) but I was disappointed with how CPU looks now and so I hurriedly left. I won't be missing CPU for the longest time. :ohno:
The Gym looks awful. It's tauted to become the biggest gym in WV but for longest period of time, it remains unfinished and unrefurbished. Gosh, it's very disappointing looking at that photo, oboi. Btw, the security guards in CPU recently were all bit funny 9as I've heard - as in super strikto). But there you go, they're just doing their job. They've been paid to do so or sila naman masitahan sang admin.

City celebrates Santacruzan sa Flores de Mayo

The city government through the city tourism office will spearhead the celebration of Flores de Mayo this coming May 31st.

City tourism officer Benito Jimena said that for the first time, the celebration of the annual Flores de Mayo will be highlighted with various activities and will be joined by sectors.

Jimena stated that the activities for the event include the Santacruzan Procession on the 31st of May, beginning at Sta. Maria Church and going around the major thoroughfares of the city. The ladies who will be a part of the procession will wear gowns made by the Designers Guild of Iloilo. School bands from the University of Iloilo and the University of San Agustin will also participate.

Various churches will also offer afternoon catechism class for children for the whole month of May. Kids in nearby barangays will be encouraged to join and there shall be a feeding program to complement this activity. Fastfood outlets within the area will be requested to provide snacks for the last day of catechism classes.

One of the new events to celebrate this year’s Flores de Mayo is the flower and plant exhibits which will be done for the whole month. “As the name suggest, the flowers of May should be showcased as the city also has numerous florists that are eager to participate,” Jimena mentioned.

source: Iloilo City Official Website (http://www.iloilocity.gov.ph/autogeneratedpagenews.php?id=53)


Treñas vows support for PRA

Mayor Jerry P. Treñas recently vowed to support the various plans and programs of the Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA), who recently launched its campaign “Smile at Life…in the Philippines.”

Treñas, who was on hand to personally meet the officials of PRA headed by former PNP chief Edgardo Aglipay, expressed his elation that PRA chose to have their board meeting in the city. “Since this is PRA’s first out-of-town meeting, the city is very honored to welcome these hard working officials who are making sure that foreigners and former Filipino citizens consider making the Philippines their retirement haven,” the mayor said.

Aglipay was accompanied by the board members namely Atty. Cahigal from the Department of Tourism, Enrique Galang from Bureau of Immigration and Deportation, Armin Santos from the Bureau of Immigration (BOI) and PRA’s general manager Fernando Francisco.

Aglipay said that a special resident retiree’s visa will be granted to interested foreigners with the following benefits: they will have the option to reside permanently; be given multiple-entry privileges; exempted from BOI’s exit clearance and re-entry permit and annual registration requirement; exempted from customs duties and taxes for the importation of personal effects up to $7,000.00; tax-free remittance of annuities and pensions; and will be provided assistance from securing documents from other government agencies like Department of Labor and Employment, National Bureau of Investigation , Bureau of Internal Revenue, Department of Finance and Land Transportation Office.

Principal retiree-applicant must be a foreign national or a former Filipino citizen who is at least 35 years old at the time of application for the program.

Meanwhile, Treñas expressed his elation over PRA and commended Aglipay for his dedication to the program. “I am strongly endorsing the various projects of PRA since the multiplier effect of their undertaking is tremendous. This is another avenue for creating numerous jobs which will benefit the whole community,” the mayor stated.

source: Iloilo City Official Website (http://www.iloilocity.gov.ph/autogeneratedpagenews.php?id=52)

I'm back!!!
Me and Chymra had a great photoshoot yesterday. Thanks to Sir Scott of Days Hotel, Spa Centrale manager, Bombette Marin, Benito Jimena, Butch Penalosa, ICCHCC, Center for West Visayan Studies, Molo Parish Priest, Prof. Henry Funtecha, Prof. Melanie Padilla, Randy Madrid and all those who I haven't mentioned yet...

There will be a flooding of pictures within this week. Stay tuned.


SSC Iloilo Southern Escapades and Maayong Gab-i Ilonggalandia! :D

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Soon.... :D

bernie> were you able to go to the city hall? gin sugiran mo si sir ben about sang MIGEDC?

^^ ^^ looking forward for all the photos, Bernie. I'm excited now ! :banana: :banana:

JICA, Iloilo Province ink MOA on
Coastal Resource Management System
Written by Gina Angela H. Celebria
Friday, 04 May 2007

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Iloilo Provincial Government have signed a Memorandum of Agreement which aimed to strengthen the coastal resource management system in the Banate Bay and Barotac Bay area in the Province of Iloilo.

JICA Team Leader and Deputy Resident Representative for Philippine Office Harumi Kitabayashi and Iloilo Governor Niel D. Tupas signed the MOA with the presence of Banate Bay Resource Management Council Inc. (BBRMCI) Chairperson Mayor Raul C. Tupas, Iloilo Planning and Development Officer Mario Nillos and BBRMCI Executive Director Mary Lou Larroza with the goal of LGU clusters for sustainable coastal resource management become functional in Iloilo Province..

The activities to be conducted in the 3-year framework will include: to assess the resource and its utilization in the Banate Bay and Barotac Bay area; conduct participatory coastal resource appraisal; review BBRMCI master plan and formulate an integrated coastal resource management plan; formulate the operation manual of coastal resource management based on present activities of BBRMCI; improve law enforcement activities for minimizing illegal fishing; improve the management activities of existing MPA in Banate Bay and Barotac Bay; implement the rehabilitation/enhancement of coastal resources activities in selected sites; introduce appropriate fishing and aquaculture technologies for reducing destructive fishing activities; monitor and evaluate project activities on rehabilitation and enhancement of coastal resources; conduct training on trainers for BBRMCI and LGU staff in coastal resource management; conduct planning and training programs on coastal management for BFARMCS and barangay leaders; share lessons and good practices of BBRMCI to other coastal municipalities and; conduct information and dissemination campaign of the project and coastal resource management.

Nillos said that the JICA counterpart on this agreement will include provision of equipment; training; dispatch of a study team when necessary and dispatch experts in Community CRM, Local Governance/Project Coordinator, Community Facilitation, and IT Public Relations. In the provincial government side will put up personnel, office space and other required expenditure for Philippine side counterparts.

Nillos said the project will be started this June and the provincial government will take necessary measures to ensure that the self-reliant operation of the project will be sustained during and after the period of Japanese technical cooperation, through full and active involvement in the project by all related authorities, beneficiary groups and institutions.

Nillos also said that the evaluation of the project will be conducted jointly by JICA and the provincial government authorities concerned at the middle and during the last three months of the cooperation term in order to examine the level of achievement.

source: Province of Iloilo Official Website (http://elgu.ncc.gov.ph/ecommunity/iloilo/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=351&Itemid=164)

OTON Celebrates KATAGMAN Festival 2007
Written by Bombette G. Marin
Friday, 04 May 2007

For centuries, people have used masks in rituals, theater, and for protection. Masks are often believed to contain great power since they are regarded as the dwelling of the spirit they represent. They vary widely in their use of symbols, and their ornamentation.

The manufacture of masks may also be subject to prescribed observances such as death masks for example, that were part of traditional burial practices, either to protect the deceased from evil spirits or, guide the dead person's spirit to its home in the afterlife. This type of masks is sometimes placed on the face of a corpse just like the golden mask dug up in Barangay San Antonio, Oton, Iloilo in 1973.

Inspired by ancient Oton’s folk pageant and custom, the extraordinary golden mask---presently enshrined at the National Museum in Manila, forms part of the fundamental characteristic incorporated during the celebration of KATAGMAN FESTIVAL. The wearing of the mask during tribe competition delivers the dramatic impact of the celebration.

Made of papier-mâché, and painted in gold, the mask covers the eyes and nose and is considered part of an accompanying costume. It creates power in expression and adds color to the delivery of the theme of the drama. The festival is based on a sense of pride felt by the people as it embodies the town’s rich history and culture and is highly appreciated among all generations.

The dance drama presentation is basically a folk art naturally developed among the people of Oton. Accompanied by traditional instruments such as bamboo, drums, cymbals and chimes, the choreography comes in calm to contemplative; rapid and athletic hand and body movements bringing a truly affirmative life-enhancing finale.

The festival also served various functions including expressing their pride that Katagaman, prior to Irong-Irong was Iloilo’s ancient name and that it used to be a flourishing Malay Port where trading among the Chinese merchants took place. The area also became the gateway of Christianity, the third in the country after Cebu and Manila since it was also the focus of Spanish colonial domination in the province. These beliefs gave shape and meaning to the celebration.

Today, KATAGMAN FESTIVAL has evolved from a local event centered on a particular community into something approaching a provincial celebration, representing the identity of Oton as a whole.

KATAGMAN FESTIVAL, just like other festivals in the province, is unique for its great variety of special events. Coinciding with the town’s 435th Foundation Day celebration, Oton, under the dynamic leadership of their municipal mayor, Hon. CARINA V. FLORES, welcomes everyone to their KATAGMAN FESTIVAL that will formally open with a Garden Show and Salvo Parade on April 28, 2007. Porma Balas and Motorboat Race will take centerstage on April 29; Bomborador kite-flying competition on April 30; the On-the-Spot Painting Contest and Fun Run with Amateur Boxing Competition on May 1, 2007; Laro Ng Lahi on May 2; and the dramatic and colorful presentation of Katagman Street Dancing and Theater Competition on May 3, 2007.

Because of its location and environmental influence, Oton has been one of the main focuses of human settlement in the province. Its history would attest to the previous existence of having one of the earliest civilizations in Panay. It is one of the more developed towns in the province. It has eight (8) flourishing subdivisions mostly concentrated in the main urban barangays. It also has five (5) beach resorts and numerous workshops engaging in handloom weaving, high quality home furnishings, blacksmithing, hat-making, candy production, rice milling and swine raising.

A third-class municipality 10.6 kilometers away from the city of Iloilo, Oton is the gateway to the southern part of the province. With 37 barangays occupying an area of 8,456 hectares, it has a large population that has preserved much of its traditional way of life.

source: Province of Iloilo Official website (http://elgu.ncc.gov.ph/ecommunity/iloilo/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=352&Itemid=190)

I would like to thank the following: SSC Iloilo (you know who you are, hehehe!!! Chymera, Pacific, IAMME), Mayad Studios (Ralph, Alvin and the rest), Sir Scott Sarria of Days Hotel, Spa Centrale manager Wein Gadian, Bombette Marin, Benito Jimena, Butch Peñalosa, ICCHCC, Ruth Prado, Center for West Visayan Studies, Molo Parish Priest, Prof. Henry Funtecha, Prof. Melanie Padilla, Randy Madrid, my family and relatives and all those who I haven't mentioned yet...Thank you very much for making my vacation memorable. In a month's time, I might return.

At its own pace....
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Muelle Loney and Aduana by Afternoon

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Museo Iloilo, Fort San Pedro Cannon and the Iloilo Provincial Capitol

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Forbes Bridge viewed from Gaisano City Parking Lot (soon to be Iloilo Promenade by 2010 as according to Mr. Peñalosa - City Planning Officer)

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Jeepney Sosyal!

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Iloilo River at dusk

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Maayong adlaw Isda! Fish Port in Iloilo. The first fishing port in Western Visayas.

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The Next Big Thing. Maatong adlaw Iloilo!!

Panoramic Iloilo City from the Capitol

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LaPaz District and Gaisano City

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Portion of Iloilo International Port

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Muelle Loney and Aduana. The Original Iloilo International Port since 1855.

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Calle Iznart Rush Hour Traffic

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Mandurriao Area (to SM City)

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Calle General Luna and Molo Area

GMA leads Team Unity Iloilo sortie on Thursday
By DAVID ISRAEL SINAY

ILOILO City – President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will be here on Thursday to attend the political rally of Team Unity. No schedule had been arranged for the inauguration of the new Iloilo airport.

A staff from the Presidential Management Staff here confirmed that Arroyo will mainly endorse the bets of Team Unity – the administration-backed senatorial line-up for the May 14 polls.

As previously scheduled, Arroyo was supposed to inaugurate the new Iloilo airport on April 16. But, with the First Gentleman undergoing a critical heart operation, she cancelled her Iloilo trip.

“The commissioning of the new airport will be in June. The delay is affected by a lot of factors,” said Arturo Valero, acting regional director of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) here.

The postponement of the new airport’s inauguration has caused some confusion to frequent air travelers.

The Department of the Transportation and Communications (DOTC) earlier said that after the April 16 airport inauguration, commercial flights will commence landing and taking off at the new airport on April 21 – the same day that the old airport in Mandurriao district will close.

source: Panay News (http://www.panaynews.com.ph/news3.htm)

:gaah: :gaah: June Opening?!!!? :gaah: :gaah: ang BP ko gulpi lang nag saka!

^^ What's new anyway. I grew insensitive na regarding it. But still, the atmosphere remains upbeat when I went home. :)

In its Own Time...
It has been difficult getting night shots for Iloilo. Chymera and I have to ask permission to authorities (Capitol and Days Hotel) to get this shot. The difficulty was rewarding.

These shots were took at around 6PM to 7PM at the Capitol Rooftop and the Atrium Rooftop.

Many thanks to Provincial Tourism Officer Bombette Marin and General Manager Scott Sarria for accommodating us.

*Apologies to all, some shots are overexposed due to the limitation of the digicam (thanks to SSC Cebu, especially rage@cebu for letting me borrow the official SSC Cebu camera)

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The Atrium and Days Hotel

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Calle Iznart (Downtown Iloilo) and Muelle Loney

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Gaisano City La Paz and Castle Hotel

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"River of Light" (Calle Iznart)

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Muelle Loney (Iloilo River Wharf)

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La Paz District

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Calle General Luna to Distrito Molo and Villa Arevalo

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Mandurriao District and the Diversion Road Strip (New CBD)

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Bonifacio Drive

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Waterfront District

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Aduana at Night

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Iloilo Provincial Capitol

^^ The Capitol Looks So Regal at Night!

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Iloilo Provincial Capitol

I like how the Iloilo Provincial Capitol is basked in gold.

Haven't been inside even if my uncle holds office here. ;)

@bernie - thanks for sharing these wonderful pics! :okay:

Sorry, delay ang pagpost ko sang pics sang Tribu Ilonganon sa Aliwan. Just want to share them.

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e248/lewdsaint/variouspics043.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e248/lewdsaint/variouspics031.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e248/lewdsaint/variouspics030.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e248/lewdsaint/variouspics023-1.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e248/lewdsaint/variouspics022-1.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e248/lewdsaint/variouspics023.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e248/lewdsaint/variouspics022.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e248/lewdsaint/variouspics010.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e248/lewdsaint/variouspics009.jpg

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e248/lewdsaint/variouspics011.jpg

Sorry guys, but our Maasin watershed is deteriorating fast, we have to do something relevant:

Turugban sang ginatus ka kasapatan ang aton ginaimnan, ang kakahuyan amat-amat nga ginapatay kag ginatus man ang nagapanglaba lagu nila sa sulod watershed kada adlaw. Anhon ta na mga festivals kag flyovers kon wala ta matinlo nga ilimnon subong kag masunod nga mga tinuig?
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o271/totopurz/maasin%20watershed/pigs.jpg

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o271/totopurz/maasin%20watershed/salabay2.jpg

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o271/totopurz/maasin%20watershed/DVC01608.jpg

The situation in the watershed is grim and getting worse by the day, please help do something!

When I go around the city, I hear janitors and waiters in restaurants complaining of the lack of water. A few times, the restaurant just provided alcohol because we can't wash our hands!

Right now I got a graver problem. For some reason, the pictures in my camera's SD card are gone. That includes pictures taken during our Southern Panay tour last Sunday. :cry::cry::cry:

I'm doing everything to recover them. If I can't, I'm going to die.
:badnews:
:jk:

Can't post all the photos right now ... pero I'm dying to show you the pics alraedy. Gotta rest pa because tomorrow (actually a few hours from now) I'll be up early because I'll be going to Concepcion, where I'll be spending the night in Agho Island (Thanks to Sir Jet(t?) for letting us stay for there). 1 night lang because may DR duty pa ko sa Sara after, hehe (Kabalan gd ya).

I'm hoping to explore more of Concepcion, Sara, and Anilao during my visit.When I get back I'll be posting about SSC Iloilo Southern Iloilo meet (San Joaquin, Miagao, Guimbal - Garin Farm, Molo), Iloilo Night Shots on top of Atrium Mall, and more pics from my trip with side duty ;)

In the meantime, here's a pic of Bernie appreciating the work of his grandfather, who once made a beautiful urban plan for Iloilo City.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/232/489980750_d84d80520b.jpg

In the meantime, here's a pic of Bernie appreciating the work of his grandfather, who once made a beautiful urban plan for Iloilo City.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/232/489980750_d84d80520b.jpg

I've seen this great plan for Iloilo City of yore. I must admit, we Filipinos have great urban planners but the question is do we implement these plans?

It's a pity that this gradious plan of Bernie's grandfather didn't come to fruition. :ohno:

LWUA eyes privatization
of water distribution in Iloilo

ILOILO City – The Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) is planning to privatize the water distribution function of the Metro Iloilo Water District (MIWD).

LWUA Administrator Lorenzo Jamora told Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas the plan would help provide more dependable water supply to MIWD’s coverage area.

The MIWD distributes water to Iloilo City’s six districts and seven municipalities of the province.

Aside from the expected improvement in water distribution, the LWUA is also projecting an increase in the number of consumers availing of the MIWD's service.

Treñas said a group from Manila will commence in Iloilo soon a study on the planned privatization.

If such plan proves viable, LWUA will seek from potential investors proposals on handling MIWD’s water distribution.

The MIWD is currently conducting a study on the viability of tapping other water sources like Tinagong Dagat in Lambunao, an area about 200 meters above sea level.

source: Panay News (http://www.panaynews.com.ph/news4.htm)

Dinagyang still the best despite
2nd place finish at Aliwan

ILOILO City – Despite coming second to Cebu's Sinulog Festival contingent during the Aliwan Fiesta held in Metro Manila, the Iloilo City government is confident that Dinagyang Festival remains to be the best festival in the country.

Mayor Jerry Treñas said he believes that Tribu Ilonganon, which represented Dinagyang Festival, did well.

Trenas said: "We have this feeling of disappointment but we'll try to show our best next year. I cannot deny that I am disappointed because the performers did well during their performance here. I do not know the real facts."

He said unless the bias is apparent, it would be difficult to conclude that there were biases in the judging of the best tribe.

"Even if we did not make it, the only festival that was featured in the national dailies is still Dinagyang. I am calling on everyone to be proud of the achievements of Dinagyang," he added.

The mayor said that Tribu Ilonganon's winning the first runner up and Miss Dinagyang Cara Sullano as first runner up also in the Reyna ng Aliwan gave Ilonggos sufficient reason to be proud.

Dinagyang's float was also adjudged 2nd runner up while another contingent from Iloilo, the Tribu Kahilwayan also landed in the top 10.

Celebrated every fourth weekend of January, Dinagyang is still holding on to its title as the Best Tourism Event in the Philippines and the only festival in the world chosen by the United Nations Development Program to help promote the achievement of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Likewise, it was cited by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) as one of the best practices in terms of tourism event.

source: Panay News (http://www.panaynews.com.ph/news3.htm)

Iloilo - pilot area for farmer’s
occupational health & safety

ILOILO City – The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has identified the province of Iloilo as pilot area for its new program on occupational health and safety for farmers living in Agrarian Reform Communities (ARCs) in sugarcane areas.

The program, dubbed Occupational Safety and Health – Work Improvement in Neighborhood Development (OSH – WIND) primarily aims to give importance to the health and safety of farmers.

The other objectives of the program are: to teach farmers simple, practical and economical means of being productive; to inculcate change among farmers’ way of life that will lead them to be more safe and healthy; and to make farmers aware of the importance of sharing with their fellow farmers in their community the various lessons learned and the experiences in integrating the program in their farming activities and eventually help them maintain a better quality life.

DAR-Iloilo Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer II Ricardo Fernandez said OSH-WIND will perk up the awareness of the farmers on how to reduce and even avoid or prevent the risks and hazards brought about by the improper way of farming activities, both in the farm and in their households.

“Through OSH-WIND our farmers will be more safe and healthy, and by being safe and healthy, they will be more productive,” said Fernandez.

Aside from Iloilo, the program will also be piloted in three other areas in the country that include Quezon Province for coconut areas, Davao for bananas and Isabela for rice.

Fernandez said farmers in ARCs in the municipalities of San Enrique and Passi City, identified as sugarcane areas in the province are among the initial beneficiaries of the program.

In this program, the DAR, being the lead agency in the implementation of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) in partnership with the International Labour Organization and Occupational Health Center (OSHC) provides the groundwork for mobilizing Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries in building a culture of safety and health wellness to further sustain the productivity of the ARCs that benefits our farmers and will help address the country’s food security needs.

source: Panay News (http://www.panaynews.com.ph/news6.htm)

New Iloilo airport opens in June

ILOILO City -- The New Iloilo Airport Development Project (NIADP) will officially commence operations in June, according to Economic and Development Authority OIC Regional Director Arturo Valero.

Valero said a smoother operation of the airport would be experienced towards the latter part of the year as it goes full swing.

Meantime it is expected that certain adjustments would take place both from the end of the passengers and even airport concessionaires because the facilities are more beefed up compared with the old airport.

Last week, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo informed Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas that she would inaugurate the new airport after the elections.

Valero said the facilities are almost fully completed, with the 99.9 percent accomplishment report made by Transportation and Communications Project Manager Eduardo Mangalili.

He added that it is but fitting that the President inaugurates the airport because it is a major or national project.

He further explained that there are no setbacks when it comes to the conduct of businesses because the new airport could even enhance economic activities with the opening of new services.

source: Panay News (http://www.panaynews.com.ph/news5.htm)

WOW Villa exhibit at SM City Iloilo
showcases Villa's Best

For the past two years, the Sto. Niño Sur Hotels and Resto Bars Association and the Association of Barangay organized the WOW Villa event in the aim to bring back the splendor of Villa Arevalo as a bonding place for families.

“Villa has a lot to offer", according to Mr. Jun Tajanlangit, the organizer of the event. “ Our group is very optimistic about this project now that it's on its 3rd year, we have been drawing support from the businesses in Villa as well as other private organizations", he added.

On that light, the group will be coming up with various activities to make the event as colorful as possible. Following the opening on May 7, there will be an exhibit of the Best of Villa which will last on May 12, 2007. Villa is known for its fireworks, flowers, sinamay and piña fabrics, seafoods and more.

"In our aim to relive Villa, we are even on the pace of making it as a little "Boracay by Night", tells Mr. Tajanlangit, we have also divided the beach into 3 Piers, Pier 1 is comprised of resorts from Breakthrough to Tatoy's, Pier 2 are the small resorts from Stanley's Talabahan and Pier 3 from Annie's Place up to the Seacugon and Villa Bora stretch", he added.

This event is also in the aim of promoting the said district's rich historical heritage--Villa is the home of the 3rd oldest Sto. Niño in Panay." We are doing things step by step as of the moment, and we (the group) are happy that we survived the past two years and we wrapped up successful. Our success in the past pushes the group to come up with better events this year", tells Mr. Tajanlangit.

The event formally opened on May 7, 2007 at the Lower Ground Floor (near Equitable PCI Bank). A Disco Derby presented by Villa Bora Restobar was also a highlight on May 8.

The Miss WOW Villa Summer Fashion Show will showcase the best of the designs of the A1 designers of Villa. Other events lined up are the Lechon Competition at 5pm on May 10, Floral Designs by Villa Garden on May 11 which will showcase the best floral designs by the Villahanons.

The event will formally close 11am on May 12. These exciting events will happen at the LGF Foodcourt Hallway.

Come and witness this event and get a glimpse of the Villa's best at your Ultimate Shopping and Entertainment Destination--SM City Iloilo.

source: Panay News (http://www.panaynews.com.ph/travel.htm)

LWUA eyes privatization
of water distribution in Iloilo

ILOILO City – The Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) is planning to privatize the water distribution function of the Metro Iloilo Water District (MIWD).

LWUA Administrator Lorenzo Jamora told Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas the plan would help provide more dependable water supply to MIWD’s coverage area.

The MIWD distributes water to Iloilo City’s six districts and seven municipalities of the province.

Aside from the expected improvement in water distribution, the LWUA is also projecting an increase in the number of consumers availing of the MIWD's service.

Treñas said a group from Manila will commence in Iloilo soon a study on the planned privatization.

If such plan proves viable, LWUA will seek from potential investors proposals on handling MIWD’s water distribution.

The MIWD is currently conducting a study on the viability of tapping other water sources like Tinagong Dagat in Lambunao, an area about 200 meters above sea level.

source: Panay News (http://www.panaynews.com.ph/news4.htm)


Why Tinagong Dagat? Why not put up a Desalination Plant? We are surrounded by waters. Are they planning to drain tinagong dagat?

naunahan ako ni space posts ba? Guys, nice pictures and articles. Bravo ! :banana: :banana:

I've seen this great plan for Iloilo City of yore. I must admit, we Filipinos have great urban planners but the question is do we implement these plans?

It's a pity that this gradious plan of Bernie's grandfather didn't come to fruition. :ohno:
Oboi: I agree with you totally. The projects' implementation back home is indeed very poorly. We loved to plan though. maybe amo ina aton forte but when it comes to implemntation, mahina kita. Una guid tuod nga example ang ciudad kag probinsiya sang Iloilo.

:gaah: :gaah: June Opening?!!!? :gaah: :gaah: ang BP ko gulpi lang nag saka!
Due to excitement or disappointment? Me, I'm starting to feel disheartened sa bag-o naton nga airport. Dapat biskan ano man natabo, na-inagurahan na ini siya. Now, we are dragging the inauguration date til when? June? I wonder?

^^ The Capitol Looks So Regal at Night!
Absolutely ! :banana:

Summer beach festival 2007 starts today
By Maricar M. Calubiran

The 1.5 kilometers stretch of beach in Sto. Nino. Sur, Arevalo will be filled once again with food, music and entertainment as Santo Niño Sur Villa Beach Resorts, Hotels and Resto Bar Association holds its Summer Beach Festival 2007.

source: The Guardian ILOILO (http://www.theguardianiloilo.ph/localnews0.php?id=2677)

^^ ^^ It's high time for Villa to shine once more. Please help clean Villa Beach seasides.

P90-M for roads, bridges to new airport
Jeehan V. Fernandez
2007-05-08

ILOILO City Mayor Jerry Treñas said the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH-6) has allotted P90 million for the widening of road and rehabilitation of three bridges in Jaro district leading to the new airport in Sta. Barbara-Cabatuan towns, some 19 kilometers north.

Treñas explained said P60 million will go to the widening of roads from barangays Dungon A to Ungka (fronting Christ the King Memorial Park) while the remaining P30 million will be used to widen three bridges along the said route.

source: The Guardian ILOILO (http://www.theguardianiloilo.ph/localnews0.php?id=2679)
^^ ^^ more roads' expansion will be seen from the new Iloilo International Airport to Iloilo City, the rest of Iloilo Province and the entire Western Visayas region in the next few months to come.

^^ hi Kirby. really great news from Iloilo, migo.

I'm back!!!
Me and Chymra had a great photoshoot yesterday. Thanks to Sir Scott of Days Hotel, Spa Centrale manager, Bombette Marin, Benito Jimena, Butch Penalosa, ICCHCC, Center for West Visayan Studies, Molo Parish Priest, Prof. Henry Funtecha, Prof. Melanie Padilla, Randy Madrid and all those who I haven't mentioned yet...

There will be a flooding of pictures within this week. Stay tuned.


SSC Iloilo Southern Escapades and Maayong Gab-i Ilonggalandia! :D

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Iloilo%20and%20Negros/Image00001.jpg
Soon.... :D

more, more, more, and more. :banana: :banana: :banana:

‘Abante Ilonggo’ aims to
improve lives in provinces

AGUINALDO “Nonoy” Miravalles is a full-blooded Ilonggo, his father is from Manduriao, Iloilo and his mother is from Silay City, Negros Occidental.

He was still a young boy when he and his family left their hometown of Silay for Manila. Poverty and lack of job opportunity for his parents were the primary reasons why their family migrated to Manila.

But instead of a better life, it became more harsh and difficult. The family was so poor they did not have money to send the children to school.

Nonoy, in his own desire to get an education, worked to finish his primary and secondary education. He wanted to get a college degree and eventually his law degree. He is now a member of the Board of Regents of the Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila. As member he is able to impart the value of education.

The experience of Nonoy’s family is very common among Filipinos in the provinces, especially among Ilonggos -- Filipinos who, because of poverty and lack of job opportunity, migrate to Manila and other urband areas.

Nonoy Miravalles together with other Ilonggos who had a similar experience organized themselves into a group which eventually led to the formation of “Abante Ilonggo.” Later, they found out that many other Filipinos (non-Ilonggos) shared the same plight thus they saw the need for the marginalized sector be represented in Congress.

Abante Ilonggo represents not only the Ilonggos but other Filipinos as well. Its thrust is to discourage Filipinos in the provinces to migrate to Metro Manila and other urban areas. The party, if elected, thus intends to pass legislations that will improve the lives of our countrymen in the provinces. Legislations such as those that will:

* attract investments to the countryside
* improve and strengthen already existing industries (like the sugar industry) in the provinces
* develop small-scale industries
* improve technology in farming
* build farm-to-market roads for product accessibility
* provide low interest loans to farmers and entrepreneurs
* provide scholarships to deserving poor students in the provinces who will have the commitment to return and serve his community.

source: Panay News (http://www.panaynews.com.ph/news12.htm)
---
let's join the crusade ! :cheers:

^^ hi Kirby. really great news from Iloilo, migo.
Dungan naman ta ba. Thanks for posting anyways. More for Iloilo, my friend.

New Iloilo airport opens in June

ILOILO City -- The New Iloilo Airport Development Project (NIADP) will officially commence operations in June, according to Economic and Development Authority OIC Regional Director Arturo Valero.

Valero said a smoother operation of the airport would be experienced towards the latter part of the year as it goes full swing.

Meantime it is expected that certain adjustments would take place both from the end of the passengers and even airport concessionaires because the facilities are more beefed up compared with the old airport.

Last week, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo informed Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas that she would inaugurate the new airport after the elections.

Valero said the facilities are almost fully completed, with the 99.9 percent accomplishment report made by Transportation and Communications Project Manager Eduardo Mangalili.

He added that it is but fitting that the President inaugurates the airport because it is a major or national project.

He further explained that there are no setbacks when it comes to the conduct of businesses because the new airport could even enhance economic activities with the opening of new services.

source: Panay News (http://www.panaynews.com.ph/news5.htm)


^^ ngaa June na naman kuno? This is becoming more and more ridiculous. What's happening?

Illegal structures dot Iloilo City sidewalks
BY MONTESA GRIÑO

ILOILO City – Illegal structures such as stalls and kiosks dot the sidewalks and other public places here at nighttime, worrying Task Force Adam’s Apple (TFAA).

Mayet Geremias, chief of TFAA, identified some streets where these structures mushroom as Arroyo and Valeria in the City Proper, and those in Jaro district.

“We allow them to operate out of humanitarian consideration,” Geremias said.

But the TFAA, she added, will not hesitate to demolish them should they cause too much inconvenience, especially in the flow of traffic.

Geremias said the task force has already arrested several operators of these illegal structures.

A fine of P1,000 is exacted from violators. Those who could not afford the fine, Geremias said, are imprisoned up to six months.

It is also possible for a violator to be both imposed a fine and imprisoned, she added.

“Sidewalks, plazas and public places are public properties and are to be used solely for passage and public use. (They) should be accessible to the public,” Geremias stressed.

City Ordinance No. 14-1990 prohibits the use or construction of any structure, stall or kiosk along the city sidewalks, public places or plazas for business or commercial purposes except during fiesta celebrations, agricultural and industrial fairs or expositions wherein such use is allowed only upon the approval of the City Council through a resolution.

“Any such construction, if illegal, is considered public nuisance and shall be summarily removed or demolished,” Geremias said.

The city ordinance aims to regulate the use of streets and other places, and summarily remove encroachments and constructions.

The City Engineer is the one tasked to remove the illegal structures. All expenses of the demolition shall be chargeable to the owner of the illegal structures or to the person operating the business.

Any person who allows such construction, or uses these public properties, or constructs such structures, stalls or kiosks and nay person who violates any provision of the ordinance will also be slapped with appropriate fines.

source: Panay News (http://www.panaynews.com.ph/news1.htm)

hey guys have anyone of you here check the iloilo government official website? i was so surprised last time i click the forum link there and find out that the topics are all pornos:ohno:

@Bernie you're from pavia, right? heard of Riverside Subdivision in Brgy. Aganan there? How far is it from the new airport and do you have any idea of the place.

thanks for posting wonderful pics here guys.

Why Tinagong Dagat? Why not put up a Desalination Plant? We are surrounded by waters. Are they planning to drain tinagong dagat?
Soon the Tinagong Dagat will not be "tinago" na and the dagat will be a creek or river na lang. ahay .... we really need to preserve Tinagong Dagat for eco-tourism.

WOW Villa exhibit at SM City Iloilo
showcases Villa's Best

For the past two years, the Sto. Niño Sur Hotels and Resto Bars Association and the Association of Barangay organized the WOW Villa event in the aim to bring back the splendor of Villa Arevalo as a bonding place for families.

“Villa has a lot to offer", according to Mr. Jun Tajanlangit, the organizer of the event. “ Our group is very optimistic about this project now that it's on its 3rd year, we have been drawing support from the businesses in Villa as well as other private organizations", he added.

On that light, the group will be coming up with various activities to make the event as colorful as possible. Following the opening on May 7, there will be an exhibit of the Best of Villa which will last on May 12, 2007. Villa is known for its fireworks, flowers, sinamay and piña fabrics, seafoods and more.

"In our aim to relive Villa, we are even on the pace of making it as a little "Boracay by Night", tells Mr. Tajanlangit, we have also divided the beach into 3 Piers, Pier 1 is comprised of resorts from Breakthrough to Tatoy's, Pier 2 are the small resorts from Stanley's Talabahan and Pier 3 from Annie's Place up to the Seacugon and Villa Bora stretch", he added.

This event is also in the aim of promoting the said district's rich historical heritage--Villa is the home of the 3rd oldest Sto. Niño in Panay." We are doing things step by step as of the moment, and we (the group) are happy that we survived the past two years and we wrapped up successful. Our success in the past pushes the group to come up with better events this year", tells Mr. Tajanlangit.

The event formally opened on May 7, 2007 at the Lower Ground Floor (near Equitable PCI Bank). A Disco Derby presented by Villa Bora Restobar was also a highlight on May 8.

The Miss WOW Villa Summer Fashion Show will showcase the best of the designs of the A1 designers of Villa. Other events lined up are the Lechon Competition at 5pm on May 10, Floral Designs by Villa Garden on May 11 which will showcase the best floral designs by the Villahanons.

The event will formally close 11am on May 12. These exciting events will happen at the LGF Foodcourt Hallway.

Come and witness this event and get a glimpse of the Villa's best at your Ultimate Shopping and Entertainment Destination--SM City Iloilo.

source: Panay News (http://www.panaynews.com.ph/travel.htm)
This is the best news happening in Villa at present. I hope they'll continue to clean Villa's seasides and promote this "once a haven" of family gathering every weekends for all Ilonggos. Villa is very nice place and indeed promising, only if we are careful enough to make it the most viable place to spend our great weekend getaway. Paspas Villa ! :banana: :banana:

In its Own Time...
It has been difficult getting night shots for Iloilo. Chymera and I have to ask permission to authorities (Capitol and Days Hotel) to get this shot. The difficulty was rewarding.

These shots were took at around 6PM to 7PM at the Capitol Rooftop and the Atrium Rooftop.

Many thanks to Provincial Tourism Officer Bombette Marin and General Manager Scott Sarria for accommodating us.

*Apologies to all, some shots are overexposed due to the limitation of the digicam (thanks to SSC Cebu, especially rage@cebu for letting me borrow the official SSC Cebu camera)

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Iloilo%20and%20Negros/Iloilosegundo00001.jpg
The Atrium and Days Hotel

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Iloilo%20and%20Negros/Iloilosegundo00002.jpg
Calle Iznart (Downtown Iloilo) and Muelle Loney

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Iloilo%20and%20Negros/Iloilosegundo00003.jpg
Gaisano City La Paz and Castle Hotel

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Iloilo%20and%20Negros/Iloilosegundo00004.jpg
"River of Light" (Calle Iznart)

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Iloilo%20and%20Negros/Iloilosegundo00005.jpg
Muelle Loney (Iloilo River Wharf)

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Iloilo%20and%20Negros/Iloilosegundo00006.jpg
La Paz District

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Iloilo%20and%20Negros/Iloilosegundo00008.jpg
Calle General Luna to Distrito Molo and Villa Arevalo

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Iloilo%20and%20Negros/Iloilosegundo00009.jpg
Mandurriao District and the Diversion Road Strip (New CBD)

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Iloilo%20and%20Negros/Iloilosegundo00012.jpg
Bonifacio Drive

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Iloilo%20and%20Negros/Iloilosegundo00013.jpg
Waterfront District

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Iloilo%20and%20Negros/Iloilosegundo00014.jpg
Aduana at Night

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Iloilo%20and%20Negros/Iloilosegundo00010.jpg
Iloilo Provincial Capitol







always, always love the nightshots. Thanks Bernie. Kanami sang capitol tulukon kung gab-i. Wow !

Old Iloilo airport lounge ‘oven hot’
Jeehan V. Fernandez
2007-05-09

Aside stinking and waterless restrooms, the old Iloilo Airport building in Mandurriao, Iloilo City is one “hot spot”.

These are just some of the scenarios travelers encounter while waiting for their flights at the pre-departure area.

Lately, it was the turn of Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas to see and feel first hand the actual state of the old airport facility.

“The old airport’s pre-departure area is like an oven. I think it is incumbent upon the Air Transportation Office to make sure that the pre-departure area is also comfortable for travelers while we are not sure yet of the exact opening of the new airport. They (ATO) have to be creative on what to do – it’s their concern to maintain the airport,” Treñas said.

The mayor added that the Air Transportation Office (ATO-6) should have taken initiative to maintain the domestic airport operations properly until it is closed.

Citing his talks with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo recently, Treñas said the P6-billion New Iloilo Airport Development Project (NIADP) in Sta. Barbara-Cabatuan towns will be opened after the May 14 elections.

Arroyo was initially set to inaugurate the new airport April 16 Iloilo but it was cancelled after First Gentleman Mike Arroyo fell ill.

The 54-hectare old Iloilo Airport property will be bidded out to private investors today.

from: The Guardian Iloilo
link: http://www.theguardianiloilo.ph/localnews0.php?id=2694

^^ definitely, the "property" is really HOT! :lol:

Please post "the winner" of the old Iloilo Airport's bidding !

Coal is the answer
Edgar Mana-ay
2007-05-09

On the front page of The Daily Guardian’s May 5-6 issue is a news item saying that two major business groups, the Iloilo Business Club Inc. (IBC) and the Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industries Inc. (FCCCII-Panay), and the Archbishop of Jaro have approved the establishment of a coal-fired electric power plant in Iloilo.

At last, majority of our people, including the Church and the business sector, have opened their eyes to the need of a coal-fired power plant to solve the power crisis we are now experiencing.

Bear in mind that the load of Iloilo City is now 85 megawatts while Panay Power Corporation can supply a maximum of 79 megawatts only. Certainly as time passes, the power gap will widen Iloilo City being fast growing metropolis. Therefore, no big time business in its right mind will establish in Iloilo knowing our power and water deficiencies.

Nearly four years have lapsed since the first public hearing on the proposed coal-fired plant was held at the Banate covered court. This writer together with Ileco I Manager Fred Billena spoke in favor of coal and we were roundly booed by the crowd composed mostly of elementary and high school students. We were even maligned by the presiding officer, Vice Governor Armada who threatened to have Ileco I Manager Bellena arrested if he continues talking! What pains the two of us is not the arrogance of Vice Gov. Armada (for after all that maybe his style) but the brainwashing of the students to be vociferously anti-coal by self-proclaimed environmentalists who do not know anything about coal.

Foremost among these groups is RISE (Responsible Ilonggos for Sustainable Energy) but a look at its leaders shows none of them has any hands-on experience with coal. Most of them have not even seen nor touched coal and yet they have the temerity to hood-wink the students and the ordinary people into believing that coal is hazardous to human health. This irresponsible act certainly impedes the progress of Iloilo. They should heed Alexander Pope who said: “A little learning is a dangerous thing.”

In the news item, the business and the religious sectors have agreed to work together to address all concerns regarding the coal plant. This should be done in private technical sessions where all interested parties will participate, excluding the politicians. This way, we avoid mob mentality and showmanship by politicians that characterize all public hearing.

The Semirara Island in Antique has a coal deposit of 330 million metric tons in situ, enough to support a 100 megawatts coal-fired power plant for 90 years. This writer was part of the PNOC exploration group that explored the coal deposit in 1978.

The irony is that the people of Panay that do not benefit from the Semirara coal but inhabitants of Cebu, Cagayan de Oro and Luzon who use the coal in their electric plants.

We could have enjoyed cheaper electricity because a coal-fired plant can generate power 30 percent cheaper than an oil-fired power plant like Panay Power.

In our next articles, we shall tell the people the truth about coal and correct the myths and the hearsays that the anti-coal groups are feeding the Ilonggos, so continue getting your copy of The Daily Guardian.

from: The Guardian Iloilo
link: http://www.theguardianiloilo.ph/opinion0.php?id=926
----

^^ this is the article I wanted to read. Keep going man ! Start educating our fellow Ilonggos about the benefits of coal. (coal supporter gali ako iya .. man nakita ko na ang benefitniya diri sa amon sa Europa)

Establishing coal-fired power plants in Iloilo with the current climate crisis is the height of social corporate irresponsibility according to Responsible Ilonggos for Sustainable Energy (RISE).

RISE asks the Iloilo Business Club (IBC) to practice social responsibility by influencing their members particularly Panay Electric Company (PECO) and Panay Power Corporation (PPC) to abide by the orders of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) in refunding consumers P2.89 billion for overcharging and reconnecting to the Visayas grid for baseload demand so that Iloilo City can enjoy cheaper and renewable electricity.

IBC president Antonio Jon said in a press statement last week that the objections on the coal-fired power plants of the church and NGOs have been threshed out. “There were objections in the past due to lack of better understanding because there were no consultations about the coal plant project.” Jon said.

"If Jon said that, he is lying," said Melvin Purzuelo of RISE. "There was a meeting with IBC last July 17, 2006 but RISE and Fr. Robert Amalay were clear in our positions that there must be a participatory and neutral process to decide on the type and capacity of power plant that must be put up."

A Multi-Stakeholders Power Development Planning (MSPDP) process was conducted from a resolution of the Regional Development Council (RDC) Region 6. The results showed that the uprating of the submarine cable from 100 MW to 200 MW supplying geothermal energy from Negros Island is enough for the baseload demand of Panay Island until 2020. There is a need for additional 20 MW in the next 5 years and 80 MW by 2020 but in terms of midrange and peaking loads. Coal-fired power plants are not suited for midrange and peaking loads.

Engr. Aurora Lim of CPU said that "contrary to their claims, we clearly understand the issues that is why we oppose the installation of coal fired power plants! That is why we promote the use of renewable energy!"

"Shall we ignore the multisectoral power development plan? Shall we ignore the environmental costs of coal-fired power plants? Shall we bow down to corporate greed? Shall we just surrender and say good bye to renewable energy which are available, clean, and eventually provide cheaper power in the long run?," Lim asked.

Iloilo City is suffering from water scarcity due to the impact of global warming according to the Metro Iloilo Water District (MIWD). Carbon dioxide emmissions of coal-fired power plants is one of the major causes of global warming.

I've seen this great plan for Iloilo City of yore. I must admit, we Filipinos have great urban planners but the question is do we implement these plans?

It's a pity that this gradious plan of Bernie's grandfather didn't come to fruition. :ohno:
^^ Like the Burnham Plan of Manila, this didn't pushed through theoretically due to lack of funding and politics.

Chy, grabe ba, grandfather ko na ya dayon? hehehehe!!! Juan Arellano is not my grandfather (first degree) but somewhat a distant relative of ours. :D


New Iloilo airport opens in June


ILOILO City -- The New Iloilo Airport Development Project (NIADP) will officially commence operations in June, according to Economic and Development Authority OIC Regional Director Arturo Valero.

Valero said a smoother operation of the airport would be experienced towards the latter part of the year as it goes full swing.

Meantime it is expected that certain adjustments would take place both from the end of the passengers and even airport concessionaires because the facilities are more beefed up compared with the old airport.

Last week, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo informed Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas that she would inaugurate the new airport after the elections.

Valero said the facilities are almost fully completed, with the 99.9 percent accomplishment report made by Transportation and Communications Project Manager Eduardo Mangalili.

He added that it is but fitting that the President inaugurates the airport because it is a major or national project.

He further explained that there are no setbacks when it comes to the conduct of businesses because the new airport could even enhance economic activities with the opening of new services.

source: Panay News (http://www.panaynews.com.ph/news5.htm)

^^ I don't want to specify dates here because I was frustrated with the April opening. Anyway, whats new in the Philippines, hehehehehe!!! :lol:

Nice airport. I've heard from taxi drivers in Iloilo City that it has a fixed rate of P350 from Iloilo Airport to Iloilo City (but I don't know whether it'll be covering the whole city instead). The distance of the airport is over 20 kilometres. Sa Pavia gani, ginapanuktan kami P200 na kay amo na ya problem sa aton kay asta Ciudad lang ang metro. Pag-gwa na sa ciudad, pakyaw na dayon. Their major reason: wa'ay na pasahero pabalik sa Ciudad.


Old Iloilo airport lounge ‘oven hot’

Jeehan V. Fernandez
2007-05-09

Aside stinking and waterless restrooms, the old Iloilo Airport building in Mandurriao, Iloilo City is one “hot spot”.

These are just some of the scenarios travelers encounter while waiting for their flights at the pre-departure area.

Lately, it was the turn of Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas to see and feel first hand the actual state of the old airport facility.

“The old airport’s pre-departure area is like an oven. I think it is incumbent upon the Air Transportation Office to make sure that the pre-departure area is also comfortable for travelers while we are not sure yet of the exact opening of the new airport. They (ATO) have to be creative on what to do – it’s their concern to maintain the airport,” Treñas said.

The mayor added that the Air Transportation Office (ATO-6) should have taken initiative to maintain the domestic airport operations properly until it is closed.

Citing his talks with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo recently, Treñas said the P6-billion New Iloilo Airport Development Project (NIADP) in Sta. Barbara-Cabatuan towns will be opened after the May 14 elections.

Arroyo was initially set to inaugurate the new airport April 16 Iloilo but it was cancelled after First Gentleman Mike Arroyo fell ill.

The 54-hectare old Iloilo Airport property will be bidded out to private investors today.

from: The Guardian Iloilo
link: http://www.theguardianiloilo.ph/localnews0.php?id=2694

^^ definitely, the "property" is really HOT! :lol:

Please post "the winner" of the old Iloilo Airport's bidding !

^^ By the way, Iloilo City Government is crossing its fingers nga Ayala kuno tani magda-ug (from the words of Sir Butch Peñalosa himself).

The way the airport is being treated, daw guinapabay-an na guid. Tamaran na gani mag-check sang bagahe ang mga ATO employees. There is a sense that although the employees are hesitant to move because of the distance, they are ready to surrender the airport for the winning bidders.

In other words, kagin-ot sa sulod airport, may it be arrival or departure section. Pirmi mo gaginutok sa sulod, especially kon aga.

When I go around the city, I hear janitors and waiters in restaurants complaining of the lack of water. A few times, the restaurant just provided alcohol because we can't wash our hands!

Right now I got a graver problem. For some reason, the pictures in my camera's SD card are gone. That includes pictures taken during our Southern Panay tour last Sunday. :cry::cry::cry:

I'm doing everything to recover them. If I can't, I'm going to die.
:badnews:
:jk:
Gani, daw ihi sang baby na lang gagwa sa gripo namon sa Pavia! Ti, pag-abot naman da sang tag-inulan, masobrahan liwat ta sang tubi nga ga-awas sa suba kag sa bukid?! :lol: But seriously, this is the environmental scenario in our water sector in Iloilo. Kind of cyclical.

^^ Rex, what's happening? Before, it was the tripod, now the pictures? :cry:

@Risktaker. Haven't heard of the Riverside Subdivision. But if the location is in Aganan or Tigum, then it'll be a 10-20 minute drive (kon dasig magpadalagan) to the new airport.

^^ may I ask, what renewable energy will Engr Lim is planning to put up in Iloilo? This is the first time I've heard a very negativistic point of view of a former CPU-VP? Mind you, this is a very hopeful intuition of an environmental advocate. I've heard so mcuh about coal plants here but none of it suggests that coal-emission plants caused global warming. Amidst all these, I support RISE for pushing the developments of other sources of energy, too. I hope they'll lobby renewable energy to a certain extent but be opened with other energy source options such as coal, diesel, etc. the question on whether we bow down to a corporate greed is very irrelevant for a multisectoral discussion IMO.

"Shall we ignore the multisectoral power development plan? Shall we ignore the environmental costs of coal-fired power plants? Shall we bow down to corporate greed? Shall we just surrender and say good bye to renewable energy which are available, clean, and eventually provide cheaper power in the long run?," Lim asked.

Dimbox: The future of animation
By Kathy M. Villalon

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/05/09/dimbox3.jpg
The people of DIMBOX*

The group is now preparing the 10-minute animation trailer of "Legend of Tibud," its entry in the National Animation Competition of the Animation Council of the Philippines Inc.

Armed with pencils, papers and the computer, a group of young men and women is out to prove to the world that Ilonggos can also excel in the animation industry.

This group is called Dimbox. The word "box" was derived from the lightbox being used in animation. "Dim" is because the group is composed of the night class students of the PGMA-TESDA course in 2D Professional Animation at the Western Visayas College of Science and Technology.

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/05/09/dimbox1.jpg
Vincent Galino III

They were trained for more than half a year to know the basic and advanced 2D Animation process from story boarding, basic anatomy, ruffs, in betweens, cleanup to post production that will qualify them to be part of a globally growing animation industry.

Some of them are good in Anime (eg. Samurai X) and some of them are into Western (eg. Mickey Mouse) style of animation. Others have expertise in 3D applications like AutoCad, 3D Smax, and Maya.

The group is now preparing the 10-minute animation trailer of "Legend of Tibud," its entry in the National Animation Competition of the Animation Council of the Philippines Inc. The story is about a boy who wants to get the treasure at the end of the rainbow.

"We have worked on the storyboard and the model sheets. We need to finish this by June," Vic "Jann" Galino III, president of Dimbox, said.

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/05/09/dimbox2.jpg
The Legend of Tibud

The ACPI will choose 30 entries to be judged by their organization. Those that make it will be judged by Disney Animations and when the said product wins, its producers will make a full-length story of it and will be sold to Animax or the Cartoon Network.

"We are still amateurs and we need more experience," Galino humbly said. He also hopes that the group gets more support so they could come up with a better product.

"We want to be successful animators and belong in the biggest companies in animation. We want to be the very first group of animators in Iloilo City," he said.

Dimbox's website is www.dimbox.net.tc

OFFICERS

VICENTE "JANN" GALINO III
President

JOSE MARI "JOMS" CORTEZ
Vice President

JOENETTE DIAERNE "BARBIE" PARDO
Secretary

MARITES DAJAY
Assistant Secretary

FRITZ DESCUTIDO
Treasurer

HENRY GIERZA
Assistant Treasurer

RANDY "ACTION" LASA
P.R.O

JOSEPH BENEDICTO
Auditor

JEFFREY TRIO
Assistant Auditor
MEMBERS: Stephen Villarante, Carlo Beleber, Randy "Tata" Baterna, Arian Mondero, Nonard Survisor, Manuel Pepito Ong, Kim Labrador, Jason Mikael Cubillan, Rodil Jover, Doni Alfaro, Ernesto Llanes, Mikael Cubillan, Ralf Hampac.

Tangyan Festival
Written by Bombette G. Marin
Tuesday, 08 May 2007

http://www.iloilo.gov.ph/images/stories/ian_pics/tangyan%20festival.jpg

The growth of human civilization is intimately associated to rivers. The earliest known civilizations arose in the great river valleys of southwest Asia, northwest India, and northern China. The “cradle of civilization,” Mesopotamia is named after a Greek word meaning “between the rivers.” The Indus River Valley became an instrument in the rise of an advanced Bronze Age culture that lasted for 1000 years. The first Chinese civilization to develop a comprehensive writing system and left a written record is the Shang Dynasty that was centered in the Yellow River Valley.

Some communities have revered the life-giving importance of rivers for thousands of years. And in Igbaras, a 4th class town located in the southwestern portion of the province and 40-kilometers away from the city of Iloilo, celebrates the connection of water in all aspects of life.

TANGYAN FESTIVAL is dedicated to the preservation, protection and sharing of the cultural heritages of the town of Igbaras. It is the time to be thankful for the river (that the people depend upon for their livelihood and economic development.

A popular family festival, Tangyan is celebrated every 2nd week in May where the town unites in recognizing the role of the river in their lives’ past, present and in the future. Many people, as far as its rural barangays stream in to take part in the celebration as community groups set-up booths to share information and sell food, crafts and other merchandise.

This year, the festivity will host daily special events that are expected to draw large number of people. The Opening Salvo and Street Dancing Competition at 8 a.m.; the Opening of Agro Industrial Fair at 1:30 p.m.; and Stationary Drum Beat Competition at 2 p.m. are set for March 10, 2007. The 2nd Mt. Napulak Climbathon at 6:30 a.m. and the Search for Lin-ay kag Ulitao sang Tangyan at 7 p.m. are scheduled for May 16, 2007. Tangyan Festival 2007 Main Event at 7 a.m. is on May 18, 2007. Be a witness to one of the most popular spectator sport in the province as competitors from all over the region test their skills, speed capabilities and endurance in the Mountain Bike Competition on May 19, 2007 at 8 a.m. and Motor Cross Competition on may 20, 2007 at 8 a.m.

The Tangyan River has immense economic importance in Igbaras. It has functioned as the economic heartland of the town where many are engaged in agriculture. The most fertile areas for farming are in the plains near Tangyan tributaries. It provides irrigation water for agriculture to nearly 4,093-hectares of ricelands. Food crops grown in the basin include corn, peanuts, monggo and garlic.

It also served as a scenic point of interest for tourism. Its scenic beauty served as the mingling point for the town’s springs and waterfalls. Guided tours through the scenic NADSADJAN and GUIRITSAN FALLS have developed into a thriving tourism industry. In recent years, the IGCABUGAO CAVE, situated nearby the river tributary has become an important attraction and has begun to attract ecological tourism. The goal of such guided tours is to attract independent travelers by encouraging more manageable ecotourism or cultural tourism.

The river is also intricately associated with benchmark events in Igbaras history. Some of these include the destruction of prominent edifices such as the Casa Real of 1799 at Calle de San Agustin; the old church 1784; and the convent 1795 that were washed away by the big floods, although remains are still visible today.

After the river overflow accident last year, the work of nature and of humans has helped to remove many of its overt signs, and the recovery process, though slow, is well underway. Out of an environmental and human tragedy has come the will to build a new, sustainable community.

The people of Igbaras headed by their active mayor, the Hon. JAIME E. ESMERALDA, have chosen to work together to ensure a better, more stable future by following the vision the community voices, “An ecologically balance, progressive, politically mature, peace loving, self-reliant, God centered and healthy constituents leading towards improved quality of life.”

source: Iloilo Province Website
link: http://www.iloilo.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=355&Itemid=190

In the meantime, here's a pic of Bernie appreciating the work of his grandfather, who once made a beautiful urban plan for Iloilo City.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/232/489980750_d84d80520b.jpg

^^ where is this at? the atrium?

^^ where is this at? the atrium?

Yup. At the Days Hotel office. Thanks to Mister Scott Sarria. :)

Anyway, Chy just texted me and I drool in envy. Ari ko, absent kay sa primero ka tyempo, nakabtyag ako sang "homesickness" kag urge nga magpuli dayon. Ato sya subong sa Agho Island sa Concepcion. Kontani ara pa ko Iloilo, ara na ko to! :cry:

Organizers: TU rally in city to gather 20T crowd
By Maricar M. Calubiran


TreñasPresident Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is set to arrive in Iloilo City to grace the rally of the Team Unity's senatorial candidates and miting de avance of the administration's local candidates on Thursday. Famous talk show host will also add color to the event.

The President's arrival was confirmed by Department of Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez Sr., vice chair of the Lakas-CMD for Visayas and Iloilo City Lakas-chair Mayor Jerry Treñas.

In earlier interview, Treñas said talk show host Boy Abunda will also be around for the rally. Both, Treñas and Abunda were classmates before in Ateneo law school.

Abunda's presence, other than candidate action star Cesar Montano, is expected to gather more crowd. The local organizers expect a crowd of more or less 20,000 to gather at the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand Thursday night.


Gonzalez Jr.Team Unity's grand rally is expected to be far different from the supposed grand rally of the Genuine Opposition at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol grounds which was canceled because of an alleged security threat. However, the so-called threat was never proven making political observers think that the rally was called off after the organizers failed to gather a sizable crowd.

Thursday's TU rally will likewise be a show of force of the group of Gonzalez, Treñas and other local candidates, as they will bring all their respective supporters. Local entertainers are also expected to entertain the crowd.


Iloilo City has been tagged as the administration's bailiwick after Ilonggos contributed millions of votes to President Arroyo in the 2004 presidential elections. The Gonzalez-Treñas tandem delivered millions of votes and placed Iloilo City in the President's heart.

It was learned that each candidate is given three minutes to speak before the crowd. They are prohibited from singing and dancing while on the stage.

Other than the local candidates, from congressman, mayor, vice mayor and councilors, the 12 senatorial candidates will also be given the chance to lay before the Ilonggos their platforms of government. The TU wants a 12-0 win here in the city.

www.thenewstoday (http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/05/09/organizers.tu.rally.in.city.to.gather.20t.crowd.html)

^^ Abi ko ya indi na sya madayon haw kay daw ginpahipos sya sang Malacañang? :hilarious:

Anyway, Cebu is already gearing up for Team Unity Miting de Advance later tonight at Fuente Osmeña. Then buas naman ta.

Come what may na sa Eleksyon. Que sera, sera.
Bantayi ang boto. Magbotar sang husto nga ginadikta sang imo nga konsensya para sa atong ikamaayo kag sa ikamaayo sang atong mga batan-on. :)

@Risktaker. Haven't heard of the Riverside Subdivision. But if the location is in Aganan or Tigum, then it'll be a 10-20 minute drive (kon dasig magpadalagan) to the new airport.

i think i mentioned the location is in Aganan. Is this place near the center of Pavia? or ano ni sya farm area? ano buot mo silingon dasig mag padalagan, that means no road limit there? 100km/hr or pede man 150 to 200, he he.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
hey i mentioned about the website of the city government ang forum link nya ngaa wala sa inyo nag comment or ako lang di ya nakakita? daw kahuluya man nga website sang gobyerno may porno contents.

well... well...well...first its electricity problem now there's water, then what's next...the new airport will be put to rust, he he...if they already open the new airport money would start pouring out already. Their consideration of postponing it is just BS i think.

i think i mentioned the location is in Aganan. Is this place near the center of Pavia? or ano ni sya farm area? ano buot mo silingon dasig mag padalagan, that means no road limit there? 100km/hr or pede man 150 to 200, he he.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
hey i mentioned about the website of the city government ang forum link nya ngaa wala sa inyo nag comment or ako lang di ya nakakita? daw kahuluya man nga website sang gobyerno may porno contents.

well... well...well...first its electricity problem now there's water, then what's next...the new airport will be put to rust, he he...if they already open the new airport money would start pouring out already. Their consideration of postponing it is just BS i think.

Philippines? Road limit? Daw sa Subic kag Clark man lang me ara sina. hehehehe!!! But really, you don't have to worry about traffic jams going to the new airport since it is still part of rural Iloilo. You can reach it within 15-30 minute period from Aganan.

Government websites are one of the least updated sites in the internet. If you key in "Iloilo" in Google, its either Wikipedia or Chy's website that will show up as part of Top 10.

The bad news....

Auction of old Iloilo airport fails

By CHARO LOGARTA

The government auction of the 54-hectare Iloilo airport failed on Wednesday after bidders failed to meet the minimum bid price set by the finance department.

Out of the five groups which were pre-qualified to bid, only three showed up at the auction, namely, Robinsons Land Corp., Empire East Land, and SM Prime Holdings.

The Department of Finance said no group met the minimum bid price of P1.2 billion.

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryID=76543

^^ Frustrating news isn't it but never lose hope. It'll be a dissapointment for the city government hearing about this news. I'm still contacting Sir Ben Jimena regarding this news.

Kalulu-oy. :ohno:

Hopefully, the Filipino "Art of Haggling" will prevail with this.

^^ i think some of you know people working there in the city gov't so might as well inform them or maybe send email to inform them. I've done it already but i just didn't receivea a reply yet. But if many will complain well i think it's different.

oh really so wala gale da road limit, daw may nakita man ko last time da speed limit sa kilid sang mga dalan wala gale na gina impose dira, te kaskasanay lang gale eh no, he he...anyway thanks for the infos.

In other words, kagin-ot sa sulod airport, may it be arrival or departure section. Pirmi mo gaginutok sa sulod, especially kon aga.

The ATO simply resorted to opeing all the glass windows in the pre-departure area. Open-air terminal?



^^ Rex, what's happening? Before, it was the tripod, now the pictures? :cry:


A series of unfortunate events? Hehe.. I found a way to recover the pics but some are simply lost forever. I'll recover what's left this weekend. I'm trying to be very careful so I need to give it some time.

Coal is the answer
Edgar Mana-ay
2007-05-09

On the front page of The Daily Guardian’s May 5-6 issue is a news item saying that two major business groups, the Iloilo Business Club Inc. (IBC) and the Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industries Inc. (FCCCII-Panay), and the Archbishop of Jaro have approved the establishment of a coal-fired electric power plant in Iloilo.

At last, majority of our people, including the Church and the business sector, have opened their eyes to the need of a coal-fired power plant to solve the power crisis we are now experiencing.

Bear in mind that the load of Iloilo City is now 85 megawatts while Panay Power Corporation can supply a maximum of 79 megawatts only. Certainly as time passes, the power gap will widen Iloilo City being fast growing metropolis. Therefore, no big time business in its right mind will establish in Iloilo knowing our power and water deficiencies.

Nearly four years have lapsed since the first public hearing on the proposed coal-fired plant was held at the Banate covered court. This writer together with Ileco I Manager Fred Billena spoke in favor of coal and we were roundly booed by the crowd composed mostly of elementary and high school students. We were even maligned by the presiding officer, Vice Governor Armada who threatened to have Ileco I Manager Bellena arrested if he continues talking! What pains the two of us is not the arrogance of Vice Gov. Armada (for after all that maybe his style) but the brainwashing of the students to be vociferously anti-coal by self-proclaimed environmentalists who do not know anything about coal.

Foremost among these groups is RISE (Responsible Ilonggos for Sustainable Energy) but a look at its leaders shows none of them has any hands-on experience with coal. Most of them have not even seen nor touched coal and yet they have the temerity to hood-wink the students and the ordinary people into believing that coal is hazardous to human health. This irresponsible act certainly impedes the progress of Iloilo. They should heed Alexander Pope who said: “A little learning is a dangerous thing.”

In the news item, the business and the religious sectors have agreed to work together to address all concerns regarding the coal plant. This should be done in private technical sessions where all interested parties will participate, excluding the politicians. This way, we avoid mob mentality and showmanship by politicians that characterize all public hearing.

The Semirara Island in Antique has a coal deposit of 330 million metric tons in situ, enough to support a 100 megawatts coal-fired power plant for 90 years. This writer was part of the PNOC exploration group that explored the coal deposit in 1978.

The irony is that the people of Panay that do not benefit from the Semirara coal but inhabitants of Cebu, Cagayan de Oro and Luzon who use the coal in their electric plants.

We could have enjoyed cheaper electricity because a coal-fired plant can generate power 30 percent cheaper than an oil-fired power plant like Panay Power.

In our next articles, we shall tell the people the truth about coal and correct the myths and the hearsays that the anti-coal groups are feeding the Ilonggos, so continue getting your copy of The Daily Guardian.

from: The Guardian Iloilo
link: http://www.theguardianiloilo.ph/opinion0.php?id=926
----

^^ this is the article I wanted to read. Keep going man ! Start educating our fellow Ilonggos about the benefits of coal. (coal supporter gali ako iya .. man nakita ko na ang benefitniya diri sa amon sa Europa)


^^ may I ask, what renewable energy will Engr Lim is planning to put up in Iloilo? This is the first time I've heard a very negativistic point of view of a former CPU-VP? Mind you, this is a very hopeful intuition of an environmental advocate. I've heard so mcuh about coal plants here but none of it suggests that coal-emission plants caused global warming. Amidst all these, I support RISE for pushing the developments of other sources of energy, too. I hope they'll lobby renewable energy to a certain extent but be opened with other energy source options such as coal, diesel, etc. the question on whether we bow down to a corporate greed is very irrelevant for a multisectoral discussion IMO.

Establishing coal-fired power plants in Iloilo with the current climate crisis is the height of social corporate irresponsibility according to Responsible Ilonggos for Sustainable Energy (RISE).

RISE asks the Iloilo Business Club (IBC) to practice social responsibility by influencing their members particularly Panay Electric Company (PECO) and Panay Power Corporation (PPC) to abide by the orders of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) in refunding consumers P2.89 billion for overcharging and reconnecting to the Visayas grid for baseload demand so that Iloilo City can enjoy cheaper and renewable electricity.

IBC president Antonio Jon said in a press statement last week that the objections on the coal-fired power plants of the church and NGOs have been threshed out. “There were objections in the past due to lack of better understanding because there were no consultations about the coal plant project.” Jon said.

"If Jon said that, he is lying," said Melvin Purzuelo of RISE. "There was a meeting with IBC last July 17, 2006 but RISE and Fr. Robert Amalay were clear in our positions that there must be a participatory and neutral process to decide on the type and capacity of power plant that must be put up."

A Multi-Stakeholders Power Development Planning (MSPDP) process was conducted from a resolution of the Regional Development Council (RDC) Region 6. The results showed that the uprating of the submarine cable from 100 MW to 200 MW supplying geothermal energy from Negros Island is enough for the baseload demand of Panay Island until 2020. There is a need for additional 20 MW in the next 5 years and 80 MW by 2020 but in terms of midrange and peaking loads. Coal-fired power plants are not suited for midrange and peaking loads.

Engr. Aurora Lim of CPU said that "contrary to their claims, we clearly understand the issues that is why we oppose the installation of coal fired power plants! That is why we promote the use of renewable energy!"

"Shall we ignore the multisectoral power development plan? Shall we ignore the environmental costs of coal-fired power plants? Shall we bow down to corporate greed? Shall we just surrender and say good bye to renewable energy which are available, clean, and eventually provide cheaper power in the long run?," Lim asked.

Iloilo City is suffering from water scarcity due to the impact of global warming according to the Metro Iloilo Water District (MIWD). Carbon dioxide emmissions of coal-fired power plants is one of the major causes of global warming.

I'll make a stand. I am against these coal power plants.
Why would these Korean investors insist in building coal plants here in the Philippines to the extent of hopping from one town to the other just to find an LGU who would be willing to take their dirty coal plants?

Just because rich countries use coal does not justify it. These rich countries have unfairly polluted the world's atmosphere to the expense of poorer countries who are less able to cope with the situation.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebitesize/geography/images/g_me_res_3.gif

Perhaps this link would help.
http://esa.un.org/techcoop/flagship.asp?Code=RAS92461

Please just upgrade the submarine connection.:D

Iloilo City experienced intermittent blackouts this afternoon lasting several hours total! I thought we have already connected to NAPOCOR? Conspiracy?

Coal is the answer
Edgar Mana-ay
2007-05-09



Really? This is the first "sentence" I encountered that coal is really the solution.... STUPID!

FAILURE OF BIDDING
Auction for ‘old’ airport fails
By DAVID ISRAEL SINAY

ILOILO City – Three of the country’s top property developers failed to meet the minimum bid price – P1.2 billion – for the 54-hectare airport property in Mandurriao district here, resulting to a failure of bidding for the privatization of the facility.

Of the five firms that earlier expressed interest and were pre-qualified to bid the property, only Robinson’s Land Corp., Empire East Holding’s Inc. and SM Prime Holdings Inc. showed up yesterday. But Finance Undersecretary John Sevilla announced that none of the three bid above the minimum price of P1.2 billion.

Robinson's Land Corp.’s bid was P1,089,478,000; Empire East Holdings Inc., P701,000,000; and SM Prime Holdings Inc., P435,791,200.

Real estate broker CB Richard Ellis had earlier placed the property's value between P500 million and P2 billion.

Robinsons Land made the highest bid but this was still about 10 percent short of the floor price.

“We are disappointed with the result,” said Sevilla after the auction.

So what’s next?

“The process will not end here,” declared Sevilla.

The two other property developers interested in the property but failed to attend the auction were Rockwell Land and Filinvest Land Inc.

“We will consult with our colleagues in the different agencies and decide how to best proceed within the coming weeks,” Sevilla said.

The DOF chairs the inter-agency group tasked to dispose the airport property. The group is composed of the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC), DOTC-Air Transportation Office, Department of Justice, and Department of Budget and Management.

The inter-agency group was created through Executive Orders 282 and 360.

The government is pushing for the sale of the property. Airport operations will be transferred to a new site – a 188-hectare lot straddling the municipalities of Sta. Barbara, Cabatuan and San Miguel.

Sevilla said the privatization group of the DOF would have to make a decision on whether the property would be re-bid or subject to a negotiated sale.

"Legally, there is no law that requires us to rebid the property so a negotiated sale is also an option right now," he said. "We have asked the participants to give us until after the elections to sort this out."

Sevilla said that whether the property was going to be rebid or subjected to a negotiated sale, the interested parties would have to start over from a clean slate.

Sevilla said the government was not likely to immediately consider adjusting its floor price. He said there were other options for enhancing the attractiveness of the area.

"We put this property on the block on an as-is, where-is basis," he said. "But there are informal settlers there and a couple of untitled portions that bisect the property. It is possible for us to clean this up ourselves before offering this again."

The government had already earmarked part of the sale proceeds for partial payment of a P6.2 billion loan from Japan Bank for International Cooperation, which bankrolled the construction of the new Iloilo International Airport in the Sta. Barbara – Cabanatuan area.

source: Panay news (http://www.panaynews.com.ph/main%20news.htm)

^^ ^^ Where's Ayala? It has been predicted earlier then that by not attending the pre-bid they already showed a very low enthusiasm in acquiring the property. Ayala needs bigger space if they want to develop a CBD. And the old Mandurriao airport is too small for Ayala's capacity.

City gov’t transfers to mall next month
By DAVID ISRAEL SINAY

ILOILO City – Soon, residents doing business with the city government will no longer get bored.

Come the first week of June, residents who transact business with the city government will be accommodated at a mall here where several city hall departments will temporarily relocate.

After doing business with the city government, go malling.

Employees at the existing city hall in Plaza Libertad will temporarily hold office at Robinson’s Place on corner Ledesma-Mabini Streets in downtown Iloilo. This includes the offices of the City Mayor, Permits and Licensing, Treasurer’s, Accounting, Health, Legal, Civil Registrar, and Budget.

The transfer will commence “before the end of May … on a staggered basis among the departments” before the start of the demolition of the existing dilapidated city hall, according to City Legal Officer Atty. Edgardo Gil.

Gil said Robinson’s Place won the bidding last December 2006 and had the contract signed last month.

The Iloilo City government will be operating at the mall’s vacant area for about 18 to 24 months.

The lease agreement will be on a tax credit scheme. The city government’s use of the mall will be credited to the real property tax dues of the shopping center.

The city government will not be spending a centavo for temporarily basing at the mall, stressed Gil.

The mall has a monthly amortization of about P400,000 for its real property tax.

“Everything will be covered by the tax credit lease agreement. It will include the use of electricity (particularly air0conditioning units) and they will supply water to the different offices,” Gil added.

At present, the city government pays some P7 million for the city government’s overall electricity consumption. (But only a fraction of these overall consumption can be attributed to the existing two-storey city hall building which houses the offices of the City Mayor, Treasurer, Health, Permits and Licensing, Legal, and the Civil Registrar.)

The bulk of the city government’s electric consumption is from the street lights and city government offices scattered around the city such as the City Engineer’s Office on Gen. Hughes Street and the City Council is which located at the second floor of the Iloilo Terminal Market.

The city government is erecting an eight-storey, P350-million new city hall building at its present location.

The William Coscolluela and Associates has been tasked to prepare the architectural plans and engineering specifications for the new city hall. This is the same architectural firm that designed the Iloilo Provincial Capitol.

Gil said the city government will conduct a separate bidding to determine the contractor that will construct the new city hall building after the architectural firm is done with its design.

The new city hall will have a floor area of not less than 2,000 square feet per storey. The building’s third floor area will be utilized as parking space while its eighth floor will have the function rooms.

Reelectionist Mayor Jerry Treñas said “everything will be shouldered by the mall” during the stay of several departments of the city government at Robinson’s Place. Treñas was referring to the electric and water bill that shall be used by the city government’s different offices.

Treñas is confident to win his bid for third term as this city’s Mayor.

source: Panay News (http://www.panaynews.com.ph/news2.htm)

^^ may I ask, what renewable energy will Engr Lim is planning to put up in Iloilo? This is the first time I've heard a very negativistic point of view of a former CPU-VP? Mind you, this is a very hopeful intuition of an environmental advocate. I've heard so mcuh about coal plants here but none of it suggests that coal-emission plants caused global warming. Amidst all these, I support RISE for pushing the developments of other sources of energy, too. I hope they'll lobby renewable energy to a certain extent but be opened with other energy source options such as coal, diesel, etc. the question on whether we bow down to a corporate greed is very irrelevant for a multisectoral discussion IMO.

RISE is open to all options for energy generation that it is why it supports the multi-stakeholders power development planning process, but it is conscious that there are appropriate power plants for particular types of demand or load, hope this graph can illustrate:
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o271/totopurz/renewable%20energy/levelizedbusbar.jpg


Share per sector to global warming / greenhouse gas emissions:

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o271/totopurz/renewable%20energy/GHGemissionsbysource.jpg


On coal, the European Commission (EC) says this:

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o271/totopurz/renewable%20energy/lifecycleemissions.jpg

There are several coal types: anthracite, lignite, bituminous, sub-bituminous and peat. The EC figure above consider anthracite as coal. The Semirara coal is sub-bituminous. Methane is produced by coal mainly during mining operations, while the other greenhouse gasses during burning to generate power.


What Europe has been doing, 1990 to 2000:

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o271/totopurz/renewable%20energy/europecoal.jpg

In the 90s, Europe reduced its coal productions by almost 40%! China relatively maintained its production, but its very huge. US has the biggest share in 2001.


Methinks Engr. Lim is frustrated by Peco's gross defiance to the ERC December 2005 order to reconnect with the Visayas grid where 82-84% of the generation mix is renewable and cheaper geothermal energy. The main stumbling block here is the Peco-PPC Contract (Power Purchase Agreement) that stipulates guaranteed minimum electricity quantity.

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o271/totopurz/renewable%20energy/mgeqvsactualdemand.jpg

:wave:

re: AIRPORT OPENING

June na naman? daw ako naman mainit ang ulo kay sa June ako mapauli kag basi sa old airport man ko gyapon mahugpa :D

re: FAILED BIDDING

This complemented the delayed opening of the airport :lol: personally, Id rather have the first bidding failed than "selling" this prematurely and to the bidders whom I am not favorable with :lol: so selfish of me :lol:

this is a very significant graph, please let me elaborate:

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o271/totopurz/renewable%20energy/mgeqvsactualdemand.jpg[/QUOTE]


to put it another way:

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o271/totopurz/renewable%20energy/pecomgeq.jpg


the Peco-PPC Contract provides for MGEQ (minimum guaranteed electricity quantity) that was much higher than actual demand. Un-utilized MGEQ in 2004 was already more than half of what consumers actually used. If this is not highway robbery, what is?

The ERC ordered a reduction of the MGEQ as incorporated in the Peco-PPC Oct. 4, 2005 Amended Contract.

On the ERC order for Peco to reconnect with the Visayas Grid, Peco entered into a 'non-firm' contract with NPC. This is grand pakunswelo for compliance kuno abi, but what the city needs is a 'firm' contract of at least 30MW of baseload demand equivalent to 262,800,000 kwh or cutting the MGEQ further by two-thirds. This is what Peco-PPC is avoiding at our expense.

Where shall we get the 30MW baseload? There is a 100MW capacity submarine cable supplying geothermal electricity from Negros to Panay. The baseload demand of Panay Island minus Iloilo City is less than 50MW, the 120MW peak demand is only from 6pm to 10pm everyday. Another 100MW submarine cable was supposed to be added in 2005 but then DoE Sec. Vince Perez postponed the installation in 2003 because of Kepco's coal application.

Btw, Engr. Lim is a national awardee of the Philippine Institute of Chemical Engineers (PICHE) and PRC.

RISE is open to all options for energy generation that it is why it supports the multi-stakeholders power development planning process, but it is conscious that there are appropriate power plants for particular types of demand or load, hope this graph can illustrate:
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o271/totopurz/renewable%20energy/levelizedbusbar.jpg


Share per sector to global warming / greenhouse gas emissions:

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o271/totopurz/renewable%20energy/GHGemissionsbysource.jpg


On coal, the European Commission (EC) says this:

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o271/totopurz/renewable%20energy/lifecycleemissions.jpg

There are several coal types: anthracite, lignite, bituminous, sub-bituminous and peat. The EC figure above consider anthracite as coal. The Semirara coal is sub-bituminous. Methane is produced by coal mainly during mining operations, while the other greenhouse gasses during burning to generate power.


What Europe has been doing, 1990 to 2000:

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o271/totopurz/renewable%20energy/europecoal.jpg

In the 90s, Europe reduced its coal productions by almost 40%! China relatively maintained its production, but its very huge. US has the biggest share in 2001.


Methinks Engr. Lim is frustrated by Peco's gross defiance to the ERC December 2005 order to reconnect with the Visayas grid where 82-84% of the generation mix is renewable and cheaper geothermal energy. The main stumbling block here is the Peco-PPC Contract (Power Purchase Agreement) that stipulates guaranteed minimum electricity quantity.

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o271/totopurz/renewable%20energy/mgeqvsactualdemand.jpg

I think your group and others that are working for this renewable energy should exert more effort in education and information drive to the public. If others are exiting or reducing coal,this kind of energy source why we have to start at all. It's just plain stupid. China right now is trying to reduce their coal production because they also envision a green china in the future. But it's just not so easy and fast. But as long as there's a political will to do it nothing is impossible. I really wish your group would expand and find more supporters so that Iloilo or panay island at least will have a clean environment.

Infras accelerate Region 6’s
economic growth – DPWH

ILOILO City - The Infante flyover and other high impact projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH-6) are always complementary to the growth and development of the country’s agriculture, industry, trade, commerce and tourism, said Regional Director Rolando Asis.

Asis said in Iloilo City right now, the P400-million Infante Flyover is being constructed at the intersection of Infante and Gen. Luna Streets. This project has a total length of 305.80 lineal meters.

The construction works started in April 2007 where the bored piles for the three piers and one abutment were already drilled, and two piers were already poured with concrete up to ground level, while concrete pouring for one pier and abutment were stopped due to rectification of design.

Asis said 30 sets of steel cages were already fabricated. With four months duration, he said, the flyover is expected to be completed by the end of July 2007. The implementation of this Rapidly Erected Permanent Urban Flyover is under the “Tulay ng Pangulo sa Kaunlaran” Project.

“The government believes that economic growth can be accelerated by providing the country with a strong infrastructure base,” Asis said. He enumerated the four SONA projects:

* Metro Iloilo Radial Road which involves the on-going construction of 2.28 km-road with a cost of P34,038,888.88
* Iloilo-Sta.Barbara Road (Pavia-Sta.Barbara Section)-P40,687,956.41;
* Pandan-Libertad, Antique-Aklan Boundary road, funded under the RRNDP-III, with an estimated cost ofP312.572 million involving the concreting of 27.42 kms. Road; and
* Concrete Paving of Iloilo City-Caticlan Highway (Iloilo-Ivisan) –P60.0 million, divided into five sections with a total length of 1.44 kms., and an overall accomplishment of 16.71 percent.

Other RRNDP –III Projects include: Boundary Antique/Iloilo-Anini-y-Villavert-Jimenez Road-P383.40 million for concreting of 29.95 kms. Stretch of road; Maayon-Cuarter-Jct.Iloilo/Capiz Road, P27.888 million for concreting of 41.64 kms. Road; NRIMP 1 projects: Rehabilitation of San Enrique-Villahermoso Road(La Castellana-Kanlaon Section)- P108,684,440.53, rehabilitation of5.40 kms. Road; Rehabilitation of Kabankalan-Basay Road (Hinoba-an section)-P117,674,404.51, rehabilitation of 6.65 kms road; Other signific ant Road Proejcts: Repair/Rehabilitation of Pototan-Passi Road-P52,591,796.53; Conc.Paving of Iloilo-Capiz East Coast Road(Pres.Roxas/Pilar sections)-P20.0 million, concreting of 2.0 kms.road; Conc.Paving of Dumarao-San Rafael road-P20.0 M, concreting of 1.44 kms.road; Con.Paving of Iloilo-Capiz Road, New Route-P20.0 concreting of 1.44kms.road.

For Bridges, the DPWH pointed to Valderrama Bridge (Antique) and approaches,P98,588,048.37-DPWH Bridge Replacement Program-UK-assisted; Banica Bridge and Approaches(Capiz), P18,463,880.72-DPWH-Austria; and Kalibo Bridge (Aklan)-P35,890,888.46.

source: Panay News (http://www.panaynews.com.ph/news4.htm)

same NEWS from The Guardian ILOILO:

Iloilo City flyover tops WV ‘impact’ projects

source: The Guardian ILOILO (http://www.theguardianiloilo.ph/localnews0.php?id=2704)

Old Iloilo airport bidding fails
Charo Logarta
2007-05-10

THE government auction of the 54-hectare Iloilo airport failed on Wednesday after bidders did not meet the minimum bid price set by the privatization committee.

Out of the five groups which were pre-qualified to bid, only three showed up at the auction, namely, Robinsons Land Corp., Empire East Land, and SM Prime Holdings.

Other property companies that had been pre-qualified were Ayala Land Inc. and Rockwell Land Corp.

The Department of Finance said no group met the minimum bid price of P1.2 billion. Real estate broker CB Richard Ellis had earlier placed the property’s value between P500 million and P2 billion.

The auction results indicated that Robinsons Land made the highest bid of P1.089 billion for the property but this was still about 10 percent short of the floor price.

Empire East bid P701 million while SM Prime bid P435.791 billion.

Sevilla said the privatization group of the DOF would have to make a decision on whether the property would be re-bid or subject to a negotiated sale.

“Legally, there is now law that requires us to rebid the property so a negotiated sale is also an option right now,” he said. “We have asked the participants to give us until after the elections to sort this out.”

Sevilla said that whether the property was going to be rebid or subjected to a negotiated sale, the interested parties would have to start over from a clean slate.

Sevilla said the government was not likely to immediately consider adjusting its floor price. He said there were other options for enhancing the attractiveness of the area.

“We put this property on the block on an as-is, where-is basis,” he said. “But there are informal settlers there and a couple of untitled portions that bisect the property. It is possible for us to clean this up ourselves before offering this again.”

The government had already earmarked part of the sale proceeds for partial payment of a P6.2 billion loan from Japan Bank for International Cooperation, which bankrolled the construction of the new Iloilo International Airport in the Sta. Barbara – Cabatuan area. (source: abs-cbnnews)

^^ ^^ IT'S ALL OVER NATIONAL AND LOCAL DAILIES ! :bash:
Oh Bless !

remember this post by wecky? Ginpangita ko gid siya sa Archives:


Whoah!
@kirby21: you made me sound like a villain or a devil's in a deep blue sea with regards to Ayala Land Inc. Man, I have nothing against Ayala. Actually, I do like Ayala to some extent. I used to shop in Glorietta when I was living in Manila before coming here in UK but I have some reasons why i believed Ayala Land will not go for this property in Mandurriao. Anyhow, since you brought it up, i think i need to clear my side.

Ayala Land is the biggest land developer in the country today. For them to look at this 54-hectare piece of land is nothing. Ayala will not consider whether the land is prime or not, or whether its within the city boundaries or not. They can build their own mega-city, for all we know. Just look at Makati's Ayala Center, it's a testament of their empirical development. For them, they can locate wherever they want and start building their projects.

In my opinion, the reason why Ayala's not too keen with the old airport site is due to its size or land area. Before Ayala will plan bigger project in Iloilo, Ayala knows their competitors in the market already. When it comes to mall, Iloilo eats and shops at SM. SM City Iloilo, being the biggest mall in Western Visayas is already a big competition for Ayala. Remember, SM has 3 other stores in the city apart from the SM City in Diversion Area and with the ongoing expansion of its mini-mall in SM Delgado. If Ayala wants to create a mall, it should somewhat be a double-sized SM City Iloilo. That if they want to eat a large number of Ilonggo shopper's market away from SM.

Another thing, I'm looking at present is Ayala's plan of residential project in Iloilo. To note Iloilo's present situation, Crown Asia has the biggest market in terms of middle-class and high-end subdivision. In terms of land area Crown Asia (Savannah) has 300 hectares of land intended for residential homes development in Oton area. This already posed a greater competition for any bigger developer in the country to enter Iloilo market. To top it all, there are already a good number of major residential developers in the province today.

In as much as Ayala want to build projects in Iloilo, they are looking at a "much bigger" piece of land where they can develop a mix-use development, CBDs surrounded by subdivisions or housing projects. They already know that even without their presence, Ayala has already a waiting market in the city and province. That's why they're on a very verge of acquiring a bigger property in the province today. On whether it is true about their residential project in Iloilo (as per their presscon), the location is still vehemently unknown. As what I've heard, there's still ongoing process of negotiations happening between Ayala and the landowners including municipal officials. Ayala Land is not only planning a residential development in the province. They are opting to develop more with CBD as their highest selling point in the end.

I'm very sure that there will be an Ayala development in our province but I'm 70% sure it will not be in Iloilo City. It's somewhere outside the city but not far from the bustling metropolis. And I'm also pretty sure that the property they are looking at present is not less than 100-hectare piece of land. :)

FYI, posting here pictures from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Geohazard Assessment of the Leon - Alimodian area. With global warming expect heavier rains next month, if you have relatives and friends in these towns please ask them to make the necessary contingencies.

observed soil movement in Brgy. Umingan, Alimodian since June 2005 (this area still part of the Maasin Watershed|)
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o271/totopurz/geohazards/uminganlandslide.jpg

displacements in the school grounds of Brgy. Sibukao
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o271/totopurz/geohazards/schooldisplacement.jpg

cracks in Brgy. Bucari
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o271/totopurz/geohazards/bucaricrack.jpg

Brgy. Cabakanan - flashflood basin
http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o271/totopurz/geohazards/cabakananflashflood.jpg

Report:
Report: Arroyo to miss TU's Iloilo rally too
05/10/2007

Email this | Email the Editor | Print | Digg this | Add to del.icio.us
After missing the administration Team Unity's "miting de avance" in Cebu the night before, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will not attend her senatorial lineup's campaign event in Iloilo Thursday night.

Iglesia ni Cristo-run dzEC radio reported Thursday that Arroyo was not scheduled to fly to Iloilo in time for Team Unity's "miting de avance" slated for the night.

Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez was to host Thursday night's event. Gonzalez had drawn flak for offering a P10,000 reward to village officials who can produce a 12-0 vote for Team Unity.

Mrs Arroyo was in Malacañang Palace in Manila Thursday morning to meet with Sarah Dematera, the overseas Filipino worker who arrived in the Philippines last Wednesday after being spared the death penalty in Saudi Arabia.

The dzEC report said that during the meeting, President Arroyo's right hand was "attached" to a bottle of dextrose.

On Wednesday night, the President was in Cebu City for Team Unity's "miting de avance" but did not attend it as she was not feeling well.

She watched the rally from the "Malacañang in Cebu" instead. - GMANews.TV

http://www.gmanews.tv (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/41734/Report-Arroyo-to-miss-TUs-Iloilo-rally-too)

^^:lol: it might be for the best, basi ma boooo lang sya to kay kapila na ma cancel iya nga pag kadto sa iloilo! kada gani lain matyag nya naga isol ang opening, inauguaration or whatever sang nga proyekto/programs sa pilipinas. hay nevermind! que sera sera! :)

well the benefit of coal is energy yes? the backdrop? wow, acid rain, skin irritations, mercury poisoning, etc. I am a greenpeace and WWF member, and to tell everybody frankly, COAL IS NOT THE SOLUTION, it may be cheaper, however health hazards are so expensive, remember, sa kinki pa lang gani gabiro na ano pa ayhan ang coal plant. I am not a dumb2x when it comes to this one, because in the first place, europe is changing to renewable to minimize the usage of coal. misleading? anti coal? coal is a natural resource yes, however tapping it has its devastating effects. mercury is one, philippines is an archepelagic country, and coal contaminations/ mercury, could easily penetrate our seas? which is well, the driver now of our agricultural output for GNP, inshort one of our main livelihood, for most filipinos, for people who have seen the awes and ahhs of other countries? well remember guys, they get rich because of exploiting third world countries like us, and put shits of brain of so called have it all, i have been elsewhere, and i have seen that all there is wants of the flesh but no, my needs is important and to protect my lot and preserving my heritage is more important than comparing my lot to others, we should live on our resources guys, we have geothermal, wind energy to tap, imagine the possibilities, we have alternartives, they have none. thats why COAL? other options please. this is not the dark ages.

Our local dailies, the newer ones... I doubt their credibility and impartiality.:ohno:

1st Iloilo flyover finished by July 2007 – DPWH

ILOILO City – With four months duration, Iloilo City’s first flyover is expected to be completed by the end of July 2007, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said.

The implementation of this Rapidly Erected Permanent Urban Flyover is under the “Tulay ng Pangulo sa Kaunlaran” Project, revealed Regional Director Rolando Asis.

“The government believes that economic growth can be accelerated by providing the country with a strong infrastructure base,” Asis said. He enumerated other infrastructure projects in Iloilo as:

* Metro Iloilo Radial Road which involves the on-going construction of 2.28 km-road with a cost of P34,038,888.88
* Iloilo-Sta.Barbara Road (Pavia-Sta.Barbara Section)-P40,687,956.41;
* Pandan-Libertad, Antique-Aklan Boundary road, funded under the RRNDP-III, with an estimated cost ofP312.572 million involving the concreting of 27.42 kms. Road; and
* Concrete Paving of Iloilo City-Caticlan Highway (Iloilo-Ivisan) –P60.0 million, divided into five sections with a total length of 1.44 kms., and an overall accomplishment of 16.71 percent.

Other projects include: Boundary Antique/Iloilo-Anini-y-Villavert-Jimenez Road-P383.40 million for concreting of 29.95 kms. Stretch of road; Maayon-Cuarter-Jct.Iloilo/Capiz Road, P27.888 million for concreting of 41.64 kms. Road; NRIMP 1 projects: Rehabilitation of San Enrique-Villahermoso Road(La Castellana-Kanlaon Section)- P108,684,440.53, rehabilitation of5.40 kms. Road; Rehabilitation of Kabankalan-Basay Road (Hinoba-an section)-P117,674,404.51, rehabilitation of 6.65 kms road; Other signific ant Road Proejcts: Repair/Rehabilitation of Pototan-Passi Road-P52,591,796.53; Conc.Paving of Iloilo-Capiz East Coast Road(Pres.Roxas/Pilar sections)-P20.0 million, concreting of 2.0 kms.road; Conc.Paving of Dumarao-San Rafael road-P20.0 M, concreting of 1.44 kms.road; Con.Paving of Iloilo-Capiz Road, New Route-P20.0 concreting of 1.44kms.road.

For bridges, the DPWH pointed to Valderrama Bridge (Antique) and approaches,P98,588,048.37-DPWH Bridge Replacement Program-UK-assisted; Banica Bridge and Approaches(Capiz), P18,463,880.72-DPWH-Austria; and Kalibo Bridge (Aklan)-P35,890,888.46.

from: Panay News
link: http://www.panaynews.com.ph/news5.htm

8-year old Ilongga wins nat'l drawing contest
By Erly C. Garcia

An eight-year old girl from Iloilo is among the winners in the drawing contest for schools organized by the Delegation of the European Commission to the Philippines.

Eouia Aum Dueñas from SPED-Integrated School for Exceptional Children in Iloilo City is one of the two winners from the Visayas.

Eouia Aum is the daughter of couple Guijo and Jhyming Dueñas, also noted artists in Iloilo.

The other winner from the Visayas is Katherine E. Co from Shiloh Christian School in Bacolod City.

The drawing contest was on the subject of Gender Equality.

Ambassador Alistair MacDonald, head of Delegation of the European Commission to the Philippines, together with other partners associated with the contest presented medals, plaques and tokens to the winners last Tuesday at the Podium in Metro Manila.

MacDonald congratulated all the winners, and thanked all those who had taken part in the contest.

“The striking drawings submitted by all the contestants show that the youth of the Philippines are very much aware of the importance of gender equality, and of the contribution that both men and women can make to the development of the Philippines—the future is in good hands,” said MacDonald.

The other winners are, from Luzon: Veronica Gayle Tiu Tangcueco (St. Jude Catholic School, Manila), Jearsey Lorraine M. Chua (Philippine Tiong Se Academy, Manila), Tala Celina Ujano Batangan, (Miriam College – Grade School, Quezon City), Maria Margarita Morales (Miriam College – Grade School, Quezon City), and Brandon Willis Sing (Chiang Kai Shek College, Manila).

The winners from Mindanao are: Aimee Nazareno (Ateneo de Davao University – Grade School, Davao City), Dave Laurence Juntilla (Ateneo de Davao University – Grade School, Davao City), and Ingrid Brandares (Ateneo de Davao University – Grade School, Davao City).

The winning entries will be transmitted to the European Commission in Brussels to join a global competition with entries of children from other countries around the world.

Eouia Aum started holding the paintbrush at one year old. At the age of five, she held a one-child show of 25 acrylic-on-paper-board paintings measuring two by three feet each. The exhibit, titled "My World," ran on March 22-28, 2004r at SM City Iloilo.

On Nov. 12-14, 2004, Eouia Aum was the youngest of 20 artists holding a group exhibit for the Sunrise Festival at the CAP Building in Cebu City.

from: The News Today
link: http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/05/10/8.year.old.ilongga.wins.national.drawing.contest.html

^^ Rex, where are the pix?

^^:lol: it might be for the best, basi ma boooo lang sya to kay kapila na ma cancel iya nga pag kadto sa iloilo! kada gani lain matyag nya naga isol ang opening, inauguaration or whatever sang nga proyekto/programs sa pilipinas. hay nevermind! que sera sera! :)

:lol: :lol:

kung natabo ina basi maghuramentado naman si sec gonzales
pero daku ang possibility nga matabo gid ina.
im sure even administration politicians are dismayed with the postponement of the opening of the new airport.

almost 1 month delayed na :bash:

^^ ^^ Indeed a very nice info and details from RISE. But will this info answers the city's blackout every now and then? the effect it'll cause to the business and businessmen? The stats are great but we want goods to be delivered. Right now, everything seems too controversial. We need the outcome. At the end of the day, the end (result) will justify the means.

well the benefit of coal is energy yes? the backdrop? wow, acid rain, skin irritations, mercury poisoning, etc. I am a greenpeace and WWF member, and to tell everybody frankly, COAL IS NOT THE SOLUTION, it may be cheaper, however health hazards are so expensive, remember, sa kinki pa lang gani gabiro na ano pa ayhan ang coal plant. I am not a dumb2x when it comes to this one, because in the first place, europe is changing to renewable to minimize the usage of coal. misleading? anti coal? coal is a natural resource yes, however tapping it has its devastating effects. mercury is one, philippines is an archepelagic country, and coal contaminations/ mercury, could easily penetrate our seas? which is well, the driver now of our agricultural output for GNP, inshort one of our main livelihood, for most filipinos, for people who have seen the awes and ahhs of other countries? well remember guys, they get rich because of exploiting third world countries like us, and put shits of brain of so called have it all, i have been elsewhere, and i have seen that all there is wants of the flesh but no, my needs is important and to protect my lot and preserving my heritage is more important than comparing my lot to others, we should live on our resources guys, we have geothermal, wind energy to tap, imagine the possibilities, we have alternartives, they have none. thats why COAL? other options please. this is not the dark ages.
Let's be fair enough though. Not in all cases the first world countries are exploiting the third world ones. Remember that a good number of aids given to the Philippines came from the so called first world countries, too. Do you think the mentality and attitude of the third world people are also the reason why they are not improving?

Anyhow, since we are talking about coal, let's focus on issues of coal for the meantime. it's actually the same question you are asking here basically. Let's put it this way: Why not Coal? We already have the resources (Semirara) at hand. All we need to do is develop them. How long are we going to lobby for alternative energy source and suffers brownout back home. People in western countries tried to lessen their coal usage due to the fact that they already had enough supply of energy, mainly due to nuclear. Do we have nuclear plants back home to support our industry of lower electricity rates?

I think the best thing an Ilonggo can do is to attend seminars or consultations that these two companies will be holding (if there'll be). At least, we'll have a good option and be empowered. There's no such thing as good decision when we only listened one-sidedly. Let's just be fair and let's give each one the benefits of doubt.

^^ I wonder what will happen to us within a few centuries.

Report:
Report: Arroyo to miss TU's Iloilo rally too
05/10/2007

^^:lol: it might be for the best, basi ma boooo lang sya to kay kapila na ma cancel iya nga pag kadto sa iloilo! kada gani lain matyag nya naga isol ang opening, inauguaration or whatever sang nga proyekto/programs sa pilipinas. hay nevermind! que sera sera! :)
most likely ma-booo gid man siya sa aton. Gosh, indi lang ko ka-intiende kung ngaa people back home will continuously supporting Gonzales. He's a big shame for all of us Ilonggos. Imagine-non mo ang iya ginapangwakal sa aton? The nerve the President still wants him to be acting secretary of justice. With him dira sa departamento nga ina, justice will not come to the Philippines. He's mad. He needs to be sorted. Bless all Ilonggos kung suportahan pa naton ang iya nga bata which for his term wala gid sang proyekto nga ginhimu-an sa iloilo. I hope biskan diri lang nga bagay tani, maka-bugtaw man kita.

i think i mentioned the location is in Aganan. Is this place near the center of Pavia? or ano ni sya farm area? ano buot mo silingon dasig mag padalagan, that means no road limit there? 100km/hr or pede man 150 to 200, he he.
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hey i mentioned about the website of the city government ang forum link nya ngaa wala sa inyo nag comment or ako lang di ya nakakita? daw kahuluya man nga website sang gobyerno may porno contents.

well... well...well...first its electricity problem now there's water, then what's next...the new airport will be put to rust, he he...if they already open the new airport money would start pouring out already. Their consideration of postponing it is just BS i think.
It's the first time I've heard sang development nga ina sa Aganan dampi ah. I hope it's true.

About sa city's official website, ahay, kaluoy man. I hope the webmaster will keep an eye sa ila forum kay kalaw-ay tan-awon.

^^ I wonder what will happen to us within a few centuries.
Bern, that remains to be seen. The world is evolving faster, faster than what we can think of. There are new discoveries everyday - that "perhaps" will make our lives a little bit better. :) hehe (kadalum gid abi sang pamangkot eh)

Let's be fair enough though. Not in all cases the first world countries are exploiting the third world ones. Remember that a good number of aids given to the Philippines came from the so called first world countries, too. Do you think the mentality and attitude of the third world people are also the reason why they are not improving?

Anyhow, since we are talking about coal, let's focus on issues of coal for the meantime. it's actually the same question you are asking here basically. Let's put it this way: Why not Coal? We already have the resources (Semirara) at hand. All we need to do is develop them. How long are we going to lobby for alternative energy source and suffers brownout back home. People in western countries tried to lessen their coal usage due to the fact that they already had enough supply of energy, mainly due to nuclear. Do we have nuclear plants back home to support our industry of lower electricity rates?

I think the best thing an Ilonggo can do is to attend seminars or consultations that these two companies will be holding (if there'll be). At least, we'll have a good option and be empowered. There's no such thing as good decision when we only listened one-sidedly. Let's just be fair and let's give each one the benefits of doubt.

The prevalent general idea is that renewable energy has yet to be developed and will be very costly.
This idea is very misleading and insidious that people do not recognize the FACT we have been using renewable energy and that electricity rates are cheaper in places where it is dominantly used.

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o271/totopurz/renewable%20energy/2003philenergymix.jpg


We are campaigning for the renewable energy bill to 'level the playing field' as indigenous and renewable energy sources are taxed more than imported and fossil fuels. BE FAIR! Why should geothermal steam be taxed more than imported coal?

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o271/totopurz/renewable%20energy/taxes.jpg


Last night we had a long brownout here in Iloilo City, siling Peco may engine trouble PPC - hambal PPC wala sila problema, it turned out that a kite tripped the distribution lines. It happened also the other week because kites are used by some electoral candidates.

Even if you have 200MW coal plant in Iloilo City for an 80MW demand, mabrownout man gihapon kay ang problema ang inefficient distribution lines sang Peco! Mabudlay gid ni intiendihon?!

Efficiency is the answer! Just visit the markets, you see hundreds of 100 watts incandescent bulbs @ 10 lumens / watt when one can use an equivalent 15 watt compact flourescent lamp (CFL) @ 60 lumens / watt producing practically the same light but saving 85 watts per bulb. So if we have 1,000 bulbs sa Super tani naka-save ta 85,000 watts per hour times 20 hours per day nga nagasiga suga sa Super that is 1,700,000 watts or 1,700 kilowatts per day. Super pa lang na. Multiply mo ni sa tanan nga mga talipapa, merkado, barangay halls, basketbolans (mercury pa usar sang iban da, kay nagatap man lang sa poste), etc., etc.

Singapore, California, New York and other major cities in the US and Europe reduced demand up to 30% by energy efficiency and demand-side management. Nahimo ni nila, we can do it also, nanu man ni man, kabudlay gid i-gets haw?

We are not denying coal, we just want to limit it to a reasonable level. Our campaign is to switch the targets of DoE set for 2012 from a coal share of 50% to 26% and increase indigenous and renewable sources.

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o271/totopurz/renewable%20energy/powerswitchscenario.jpg


and if we can successfully have this energy mix in the Visayas by 2030

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o271/totopurz/renewable%20energy/2030energypie.jpg


POWERSWITCH will result to the following advantages

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o271/totopurz/renewable%20energy/2030visayaspowerswich.jpg


and speaking of fairness, Lemuel Fernandez, publisher / editor-in-chief of The Guardian, is the principal public relations guy of these coal plants. Read the Guardians' slant and they never give RISE the chance to present its side. Mercenary . . . pure greed, in exchange of his children's future . . . pity him and his kind

It's the first time I've heard sang development nga ina sa Aganan dampi ah. I hope it's true.

About sa city's official website, ahay, kaluoy man. I hope the webmaster will keep an eye sa ila forum kay kalaw-ay tan-awon.

Space i'm not sure also of this development so i asked here people from pavia but unfortunately nobody is very much familiar also with the place. I just receive this list of for sale properties from a real estate agent. Yes the content of the forum is indeed ugly i think they're more interested of putting more picture of Trenas there (3 pictures) :nuts: than checking the forum contents.

^^ Rex, where are the pix?
I'm recovering them right now. I'm having a hard time because most programs I find in the net are only demo versions!

EDIT: Waaah! I can only view the thmbnails. I can't save them because I need to buy the software! :gaah:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/223/493612486_71e9a0622f.jpg
Anyway, I'd like to invite anyone interested to a 3-day national aquaculture conference on May 17-19, 2007 in the Iloilo Grand Hotel. The conference entitled FISHLINK 2007 highlights advanced technology for a more responsible aquaculture. It will cover major aquaculture commodities, fish health management, transferable technologies, aquaculture livelihoods and coastal resource management practices. Speakers include 22 of the best and top-caliber fisheries experts in the Philippines. Details in http://aquaphil.org.

You won't find this in the dailies, except in a single ad we placed in the Inquirer. I'm trying to insert in the program the promotional video created by Mayad Studios.:D Alvin, were you able to ask permission?

Whyte, I'm going to use your tourist-friendly street map to assist the guests. Hope you don't mind.:)
Bernie, I might also use your La Ruta Ilongga.:)
Chymera, we could sell the postcards there!:)

What would be the best tourist spot to recommend to the guests?

Bern, that remains to be seen. The world is evolving faster, faster than what we can think of. There are new discoveries everyday - that "perhaps" will make our lives a little bit better. :) hehe (kadalum gid abi sang pamangkot eh)

thats what most of poor europeans said before. and besides, yes we do have that resource, remember timber? we said that too before, we have the resource. when would people ever think of sustainable development. iloilo had alot of potential, people are just looking for other loop holes to scram for
?development? guys, always remember, the character and nature of our society is not based on the ideas and norms of the west, rather utilize the ideas that would work for our society not destroy. look cebu? no forest at all. water table is infiltrated, and local government is on denial. parts of iloilo water table too is infiltrated. here in negros, they sought to build a coal plant, but we contest it, why? its like an oils spill but bit by bit, and its more deadlier, i mean, slow poisoning, than one big blowup.

antique do have a dormant volcano, tap it, explore, negros is already sharing the goods, and for iloilo? try to use the wind generation like those in ilocos, the province have money, invest on those, each produce as much as 1.45 MW, its clean, easy to maintain, and most of all renewable.

Bern, that remains to be seen. The world is evolving faster, faster than what we can think of. There are new discoveries everyday - that "perhaps" will make our lives a little bit better. :) hehe (kadalum gid abi sang pamangkot eh)

In whatever light you gonna see it... coal is not environment friendly.... if the world is evolving faster then I think I prefer to use Nuclear and/or any renewable energy sources compared to coal (conventional and polluting - masyadong industrial revolution period).


Here you go........ it seems that we don't have much choice.


FirstGen to partner with DMCI
to build 100-megawatt power plant in Panay

By Paul Anthony Isla
Reporter

SCARCE generating capacity in the Panay region has prompted First Gen Corp. to look at building a 100-megawatt clean-coal power plant, Richard B. Tantoco, the company senior vice president, told reporters.

“At present, Panay during daytime uses power generated from diesel-fired power plants, and at nighttime it uses power from a geothermal power plant [in] Negros, particularly when the demand is low in the Visayas grid,” the FirstGen official said in an interview.

Tantoco said FirstGen believes there is room for a baseload power plant to come into the Panay grid. A baseload plant refers to a power plant that is planned to run continually except for maintenance and scheduled or unscheduled outages.

On a per equipment basis, Tantoco said FirstGen has yet to finalize all computations, particularly everything needed to be accounted for such as financing cost.

But on a pure equipment basis, Tantoco said the project could cost them about $1.2 million per megawatt or $120 million for the entire project.

Tantoco said FirstGen will be partnering with D.M. Consunji Inc., (DMCI) which will in turn possibly provide the coal from its Semirara coal mine. He added they have had discussions with DMCI since late last year.

“We will still negotiate with finality with respect to the project sharing. But our general approach is to take majority,” Tantoco said. He added that FirstGen is also targeting to sell the output to electric cooperatives or utilities in Antique, Iloilo City, as well as Capiz and Aklan.

In terms of emissions, Tantoco assured that the proposed power plant, which will be situated in Concepcion, Iloilo, will have cleaner emissions since it will use clean-coal technology such as circulating fluidized bed (CFB).

Tantoco admitted his company has yet to finalize when it targets to finish the construction phase, saying it is still in the process of acquiring an environmental compliance certificate (ECC) from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).


http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/0511&122007/economy03.html

Let's be fair enough though. Not in all cases the first world countries are exploiting the third world ones. Remember that a good number of aids given to the Philippines came from the so called first world countries, too. Do you think the mentality and attitude of the third world people are also the reason why they are not improving?

Anyhow, since we are talking about coal, let's focus on issues of coal for the meantime. it's actually the same question you are asking here basically. Let's put it this way: Why not Coal? We already have the resources (Semirara) at hand. All we need to do is develop them. How long are we going to lobby for alternative energy source and suffers brownout back home. People in western countries tried to lessen their coal usage due to the fact that they already had enough supply of energy, mainly due to nuclear. Do we have nuclear plants back home to support our industry of lower electricity rates?

I think the best thing an Ilonggo can do is to attend seminars or consultations that these two companies will be holding (if there'll be). At least, we'll have a good option and be empowered. There's no such thing as good decision when we only listened one-sidedly. Let's just be fair and let's give each one the benefits of doubt.


LESSON IS LEARNED!!! CHINA? why they cram to clean their air, have you been to beijing? soot is everywhere? and beijing metropolis is what? the size of guimaras? hello? wakeup? its not only beijing, most of china.

we have the kyoto protocol, global warming is kicking in. please guys, philippines would be like a pretty face, however greedy mites wants it freckled, most of these mite have done alot of damage, and do we have to prolong this? i dont think so.

ILOILO: The NeXt Big Sanctuary to Paradise T36
unquestionable!!!! for coal, really nice.

Sigh! Another coal plant going up...

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/carmelites.jpg
The Carmelite Monastery

Jutting above the convent walls of the cloistered sisters is their neo gothic chapel. I've been inside the chapel once. I was there for the concert of the UP Madrigal Singers together with the Kabayao family.


http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/sambagjunction.jpg
Dungon-Sambag Junction

Still a two-lane asphalt road.


http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/weighbridge02.jpg
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/weighbridge01.jpg
Weighbridge at Sambag

Construction of this weighbridge station was started years ago. I was shocked to see this project of the DPWH still unfinished. It's another wasteful example of government spending.


http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/centraline.jpg
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/centraline02.jpg
Central Line Terminal

This terminal is located in Sambag, Jaro, Iloilo City. One of those terminals put up around the the periphery of the city as mandated by the perimeter boundary ordinance of the city council. Looks like all terminal around are haphazardly done. Me thinks, what is that short strip of concrete pavement doing in front of the terminal and parallel to the highway?


http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/bandag.jpg
Bandag

I'm not sure if Bandag Retreaders, Inc. has shutdown or just relocated.


http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/paviaboundary.jpg
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/ungkaroad.jpg
Iloilo City-Pavia boundary

No matter how many times I keep blinking my eyes, I'm still seeing a two-lane road around the vicinity of the Iloilo City-Pavia boundary in Ungka.


http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/terminal2.jpg
Terminal in Ungka, Pavia, Iloilo

Don't know the name of this terminal but it still serves the central line. I'm just wondering why do we need to have two terminals catering to the same route/line? I prefer they develop this one since it has a much bigger space than the one in Sambag. Why can't they build it like the Grand Terminal of Lucena City, Quezon? It's a terminal integrated with a decent-sized mall or a community commercial complex. I think this one has the potential of being such also.


http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/lopezave.jpg
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/lopezave02.jpg
Vice President Fernando Lopez Avenue

Yes, it's four lanes but the two lanes at the Iloilo City-Pavia boundary doesn't make sense. Shouldn't it be that the closer you get to the city the wider the roads become? The widening of this road was done years ago. Pre-Estrada administration, I guess but I could be wrong.


http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/magnolia.jpg
Former Magnolia Plant

It's such a big loss that the Magnolia Plant in Pavia has to shutdown. I remember prior to the plant's eventual closure, Magnolia Ice Cream is sold buy 1 take 1. How happy I was then. I had gallons and gallons of ice cream. I was still young to realize the economic repercussion of their decision to dispose all of their products at such a steal. Oh well...

I have yet to see Pavia to be fully developed as an agro-industrial center.


http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/ctk-chapel.jpg
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/ctk-spire.jpg
Christ the King Memorial Park Chapel

The focal point of this cemetery. I just love its architecture.


http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/ctk-tirol.jpg
I like the looks of this mausoleum. Has an old Spanish mission flair to it.



http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/dungon.jpg
Highway at Dungon (Is it still part of Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr. Ave.?)

This is near the 7th gate of CPU. Looks like this can be expanded to a four-lane highway without much trouble.


http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/mandurriaojunction.jpg
Airport-Dungon Junction

Four lanes, eh? Yup for just a few meters on all directions. I don't know if I should laugh, cry or be indifferent to this so-called road widening. I really don't see the need for it if it's just gonna be as it is right now.

I have the same sentiment to another so-called road widening at the Jalandoni-Aquino Junction across SM City in Mandurriao. It's the same few meters of four lanes along Jalandoni St. I don't think it's even 50 meters long of road widening. Are they making us fools?

Also, I noticed that very few people are actually using the pedestrian overpass built by SM. Years ago, people are using it.


http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/barracks.jpg
Barracks

Seems it's already closed. Been here a few times. Not a beer drinker and a non-smoker but I used to run a bar. That was before the city implemented the no smoking ordinance in public places. By the time we close the bar, I smell smoke and second-hand smoke is dangerous. He!he!


http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/flyover01.jpg
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/flyover02.jpg
Flyover underconstruction at the Gen. Luna-Infante-Aquino Junction

With a budget disclosed at P400 million, I find it ridiculously overpriced. If Bacolod can have flyovers at P250 million each, why can't we? Perhaps 40%-50% of which will go to the deep pockets of the reigning "king" of Iloilo as election money. Calling all barangay captains, your P10,000 is waiting for you... please proceed to ## *u**e*fly St., Valle Verde VI, Pasig City.


http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/house.jpg
The sandstone blocks used here are from the ruined sacrity of Miagao Church. A part of me is attached to this house.

________________

This is it for now. To all SSC-Iloilo, I hope I can meet up with you the next time I'm there in Iloilo.

SM Group still keen on old Iloilo airport property
By Des Ferriols
The Philippine Star 05/12/2007

The SM Group said it is still interested in the old Iloilo airport property once the government decides what it would do after the failure of the public bidding earlier this week.

SM Investment Corp. vice chairman Tessie Sy Coson told reporters yesterday that although no decisions have been made by the group, it is still interested in participating in subsequent processes that would privatize the property.

According to Coson, the SM group had originally planned to develop the 56-hectare area into a residential area, taking full advantage of its strategic location relative to the SM Iloilo mall adjacent to the former site of the old Iloilo airport.

"We would be interested but I don’t know yet if we’re participating in case there is a negotiated sale," Coson said.

The government had the option of either scheduling another open bidding for the property or to enter into a negotiated sale at some point in the future.

Finance officials had declared the public bidding a failure after all three bidders offered to buy the property for amounts lower than the P1.2-billion floor price.

The public auction was held at the Department of Finance (DOF) on Wednesday but only three of the five pre-qualified bidders showed up and participated.

Finance Undersecretary John Philip Sevilla told reporters after opening the bid envelopes that the auction was declared a failure because all the bid prices were below the floor price.

Sevilla said that the committee on privatization has pre-qualified Ayala Land Inc., Empire East Land Holdings Inc., Robinsons Land Corp., Rockwell Land Corp., and SM Prime Holdings Inc.

But at the actual auction, only EELHI, Robinsons Land and SM Prime actually showed up. Sevilla said the other pre-qualified bidders informed the auction committee that they would not be participating.

The auction results indicated that Robinsons Land made the highest bid of P1.089 billion for the property but this was still about 10 percent short of the floor price.

EELHI bid P701 million while SM Prime bid P435.791 billion. SM Prime’s bid was even lower than the publicly-announced indicative range of P500 million to P2 billion.

Sevilla said the privatization group of the DOF would have to make a decision on whether the property would be re-bid or subject to a negotiated sale.

source; The Philippine Star (http://www.philstar.com/philstar/NEWS200705120709.htm)

Farmers’ field school on climate forecasting set

ILOILO City – The Iloilo Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO) is conducting a Farmers’ Field School on Climate Forecasting this May 21-25, in Dumangas, Iloilo.

PAO Officer-in-charge Dr. Ildefonso Toledo said the municipality of Dumangas was chosen to pilot the activity because it has the required equipment which can record weather elements, like rainfall, humidity, and others.

The participants will devote full five days in a chosen farm where they will be taught how to read climate forecast, side by side with their indigenous knowledge on climatic phenomenon, in relation to agriculture.

Dr. Toledo said the training on climate forecasting seeks to motivate the farmers to become “scientific” farmers and weathermen in their communities. So that on their own they do some record keeping of rainfall and other weather changes that can help them in their day-to-day farming activities.

Further, Toledo said, with the farmers’ knowledge on the climate changes, they can better plan their agricultural activities, especially on what crops to plant given a possible climate scenario and what mitigation measures they can undertake as a community should there be adverse effects.

On the other hand, the PAO’s office had facilitated a Climate Forum in which the PAGASA gave an analysis of previous climate situation and the projection for the coming wet season which starts this May until September.

The forum was attended by members of the Technical Working Group (TWG) on Climate Information, created by the Provincial Government.

source: Panay News (http://www.panaynews.com.ph/news4.htm)

nice photos and updates from oboi. Madamo gid nga salamat. :banana:

FirstGen to partner with DMCI
to build 100-megawatt power plant in Panay
By Paul Anthony Isla
Reporter

SCARCE generating capacity in the Panay region has prompted First Gen Corp. to look at building a 100-megawatt clean-coal power plant, Richard B. Tantoco, the company senior vice president, told reporters.

“At present, Panay during daytime uses power generated from diesel-fired power plants, and at nighttime it uses power from a geothermal power plant [in] Negros, particularly when the demand is low in the Visayas grid,” the FirstGen official said in an interview.

Tantoco said FirstGen believes there is room for a baseload power plant to come into the Panay grid. A baseload plant refers to a power plant that is planned to run continually except for maintenance and scheduled or unscheduled outages.

On a per equipment basis, Tantoco said FirstGen has yet to finalize all computations, particularly everything needed to be accounted for such as financing cost.

But on a pure equipment basis, Tantoco said the project could cost them about $1.2 million per megawatt or $120 million for the entire project.

Tantoco said FirstGen will be partnering with D.M. Consunji Inc., (DMCI) which will in turn possibly provide the coal from its Semirara coal mine. He added they have had discussions with DMCI since late last year.

“We will still negotiate with finality with respect to the project sharing. But our general approach is to take majority,” Tantoco said. He added that FirstGen is also targeting to sell the output to electric cooperatives or utilities in Antique, Iloilo City, as well as Capiz and Aklan.

In terms of emissions, Tantoco assured that the proposed power plant, which will be situated in Concepcion, Iloilo, will have cleaner emissions since it will use clean-coal technology such as circulating fluidized bed (CFB).

Tantoco admitted his company has yet to finalize when it targets to finish the construction phase, saying it is still in the process of acquiring an environmental compliance certificate (ECC) from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).


http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/0511&122007/economy03.html
A good start indeed. I hope ...... I hope. :)

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/house.jpg
The sandstone blocks used here are from the ruined sacrity of Miagao Church. A part of me is attached to this house.

This is in Bankers Village in Jaro right? I live around there and used to pass by this house everyday going to and from school. Never knew the sandstones were from Miagao Church. I used jump my bike over their driveway when I was little.

open man gyapon ang barracks?

how about bwana and salsa sudada? i remember my happy days.. halos gabi gabi sang una ara kmi sa salsa sudada pirmi.

This is in Bankers Village in Jaro right? I live around there and used to pass by this house everyday going to and from school. Never knew the sandstones were from Miagao Church. I used jump my bike over their driveway when I was little.

:D

I had more than a decade of attachment to this house... Well, oh well...

^^ shrADO na ang barracks...

SSC Iloilo goes San Joaquin!
As part of the SSC Iloilo Southern Iloilo escapades, me, Chymera, IAMME and PacificLeopard went on a heritage travel, farm travel and belfry hiking last Sunday.

It was a worthwile travel that we had. Hopefully, when I come back we would go Central Iloilo or Northern. :)

Now, for the first of the series.

San Joaquin, Iloilo. The first destination was the newly-renovated camposanto/capilla de cemeterio of San Joaquin

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Iloilo%20and%20Negros/Iloilosegundo00121.jpg

San Joaquin, Iloilo. We managed to go to the town center even if it was sweltering 35 degress Celsius and went to visit the Church of San Joaquin. Famous for its militaristic relif of the Battle of Tetuan.

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Iloilo%20and%20Negros/Iloilosegundo00122.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Iloilo%20and%20Negros/Iloilosegundo00123.jpg

Next stop....Miag-ao! :)

Remember this?

wjytYsq3g3s
That video that created sensation and a sense of Ilonggo pride all throughout SSC Iloilo and those who watched it?

Well, SSC Iloilo....

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Iloilo%20and%20Negros/Iloilosegundo00173.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Iloilo%20and%20Negros/Iloilosegundo00174.jpg

...met them at SM City Iloilo last Sunday, and we talked for hours (bisan gani maseradhan na kami sang SM, hehehehe!!!)

Introducing:
Alvin Paver, Raphael Jamil Pranga & Jose Alberto Esquera. Mayad Studios.
The Young Dyanamic People who created "Iloilo: The NeXt Big Thing"!

Hey, guys--thought you might appreciate this pic: Iloilo from the air, back in 1925:
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c211/hawayano/1925Iloilo.jpg

Hey, guys--thought you might appreciate this pic: Iloilo from the air, back in 1925:
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c211/hawayano/1925Iloilo.jpg

I saw this being auctioned at ebay.com and was really tempted to buy it. It's 9"x7.5" in size. I forgot the minimum bid price though.

@Hawayano - Thanks for posting it.

^^ ^^ @oboi_1: yeah, it went for $46! The bidding on old Philippine photos gets pretty hot in eBay.

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/announ...hp?f=877&a=352
Post Limit for threads
Originally, threads were cut at 500 since it was believed that having them longer would add strain to the server but now, the database is far more efficient and it doesn't matter if a thread has 10 posts or 10,000 posts, it doesn't change the database. So, for continuity and readability, the post limit for threads in some sections will be increased effective immediately.

Post Limits

Projects and Construction 2000 posts

Around the Philippines 1000 posts

Completed Projects 2000 posts

Samahan 500 posts

Cheers

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

^^fyi lang peeps,i just knew about this.

Hey, guys--thought you might appreciate this pic: Iloilo from the air, back in 1925:
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c211/hawayano/1925Iloilo.jpg


Look! Iloilo was very swampy!


Iloilo flood control project symbol of hope for progress
By ANGIE CHUI

ILOILO CITY — Undertaking an infrastructure project is not a simple matter of allotting a certain land area, digging up holes on the ground, setting up parameters, and pouring cement.


For residents in Iloilo, the Iloilo Flood Control Project (IFCP) of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is a symbol of hope for development and progress in the very near future. As early as 1995, local governments of Iloilo have been appealing to the national government to act on the issue of perennial flooding in the province. However, it was only in 2002 when the loan from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) was approved.

According to Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas, the project has a very huge economic impact for the people as commercial activities have always fallen victim to floods which affect almost 50 percent of the city.

....

PROJECT STATUS

The project is divided into two stages involving civil works and non-structural measures. The civil works for the first stage is divided into four components namely: Package 1, Construction of Jaro Floodway, improvement of Tigum River, and the improvement of Aganan Rive while Package 2 involves the improvement of Jaro River Mouth, the Upper-Tagum Ingore creek and Iloilo River. Package 3, which was accomplished in April 2004 involves of the development of So-oc relocation site, Mandurriao, Iloilo City and upgrading of access road to Kasadyahan relocation site in Balabag, Pavia, Iloilo. Package 4, on the other hand, involves the relocation of 101 more families which will be affected by the second stage of the project, which involves the Jaro River Improvement, Construction of La Paz Floodway, Lower Ingore Crerek Improvement, Rizal Creek Improvement, Bo.Obrero Creek Improevment, and Dungon Creek Improvement worth P4.26 billion.

"As of now, we are in the initial stages of the construction on all civil works accomplishing 17.83 percent, 1.10 percent ahead of the scheduled completion. The construction of Package 1 started last April 4, 2006, its expected completion is on March 18, 2009 while the civil works of Package 2 commenced on April 4, 2006, the target completion is on February 12, 2010. The project is funded by the Japan Bank International Cooperation (JBIC) 25th Yen Loan Package and the Government of the Philippines (GOP)," Regional Director Rolando Asis said. He also assured the project completion before the JBIC loan expires on September, 2010. (Angie Chui)


To read complete article check this: http://www.mb.com.ph/PROV2007051393839.html

Old Iloilo airport open for negotiated sale — DoF

By DANNY FAJARDO

ILOILO CITY — The Department of Finance (DoF) is resorting to negotiated sale of the 54-hectare airport property in Mandurriao district as bidders, including the country’s three top developers, failed to meet the minimum bid price of R1.2 billion.

Finance Undersecretary John Sevilla said the bidding for the privatization of the airport facility failed as none of the three bidders — Robinson’s Land Corp., Empire East Holding’s Inc., and SM Prime Holdings Inc., bid above the minimum price.

Robinson’s Land Corp.’s bid was R1,089,478,000; Empire East Holdings Inc., R701,000,000; and SM Prime Holdings Inc., R435,791,200.

Sevilla said Robinson’s Land made the highest bid but this was still about 10 percent short of the floor price.

Earlier, real estate broker CB Richard Ellis placed the property’s value between R500 million and R2 billion.

Two other property developers interested in the property were Rockwell Land and Filinvest Land Inc. but failed to attend the auction.

After the failure of bidding, Sevilla said they will consult with the members of the inter-agency group tasked to dispose airport property. The group is composed of the Department of Transportation and Communication (DoTC), DoTC-Air Transportation Office, Department of Justice, and Department of Budget and Management.

The DoF chairs the inter-agency group tasked to dispose the airport property.

Sevilla added they might rebid the property or may opt to negotiated sale. He said the government will not consider adjusting its floor price. He added that they will clean the area from informal settlers there and straighten out untitled portions that divide property before offering the facility again.

The government is pushing for the sale of the property. Airport operations will be transferred to a new site — a 188-hectare lot straddling the municipalities of Sta. Barbara, Cabatuan, and San Miguel.

The government had already earmarked part of the sale proceeds for partial payment of a R6.2-billion loan from Japan Bank for International Cooperation, which financed the construction of the new Iloilo International Airport in the Sta. Barbara-Cabatuan area.

http://www.mb.com.ph/PROV2007051393838.html

http://images.habagatcentral.multiply.com/image/7/photos/47/500x500/1/P1130185.JPG?et=hmh4ZNxWBtalh3qWpBJ9Jg
Jeepney pa-San Joaquin

SSC Iloilo goes Miag-ao!
After having a time out in San Joaquin, the southernmost town in Iloilo, we went to the home of the World Heritage Site of Santo Tomas de Villanueva Chruch, or better known as Miag-ao Fortress Church. After buying some things, we went to Talabahan Central or Barangay Kirayan Norte's restaurants where affordable meals and the sumptuous talaba (oyster) is being served. We spent an hour and a half here, relaxing and chatting along with the waves and the sea breeze.

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Iloilo%20and%20Negros/Miagao00001.jpg

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Santo Tomas de Villanueva Church

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Iloilo%20and%20Negros/Miagao00003.jpg

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Mansions (owned by overseas Miag-aoanons)

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Iloilo%20and%20Negros/Miagao00006.jpg
Taytay Tumagboc

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Iloilo%20and%20Negros/Miagao00008.jpg
Taytay Boni

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Iloilo%20and%20Negros/Miagao00011.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Iloilo%20and%20Negros/Miagao00010.jpg
Kirayan Sur

**Pictures from Talabahan were taken by Chymera and IAMME. :)

SSC Iloilo goes to Guimbal!
After having our heavy lunch in Miag-ao, we decided (and not in our itinerary) to go to Garin Farm, one of the former congressman's tourist spots (although created as an exhibition of agricultural technology).

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Iloilo%20and%20Negros/Guimbal00011.jpg

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From Garin Farm

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Ayam or Ido?

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Iloilo%20and%20Negros/Guimbal00004.jpg
Birch Tree :D

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Iloilo%20and%20Negros/Guimbal00006.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Iloilo%20and%20Negros/Guimbal00005.jpg
Caruaje Trip (for 10 Pesos only!)

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Iloilo%20and%20Negros/Guimbal00007.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Iloilo%20and%20Negros/Guimbal00008.jpg
Brokeback, hehehehehe!!! :lol:

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Iloilo%20and%20Negros/Guimbal00009.jpg
Iloilo-Antique Cordilleras

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Iloilo%20and%20Negros/Guimbal00010.jpg
Mount Napulak, the "Nipple Mountain"

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Iloilo%20and%20Negros/Guimbal00014.jpg
San Nicolas de Tolentino Church, Guimbal

SSC Iloilo goes Campanario Molo!
After spending our time with the animals at Garin Farm, we decided to go straight to the city, at the Pari-an of Iloilo: Molo.

Setting our eyes to the Museo Molo (which is closed by that time) which was said to have been opened a few days ago, we went to Saint Anne's Church, Iloilo City's most famous landmark.

And after seeking permission from the parish priest (who is having a mass by that time), we went to one of Iloilo City's tallest structures and making its skylin unique.

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Iloilo%20and%20Negros/MoloX00001.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Iloilo%20and%20Negros/Molo00010.jpg

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Molo Church (Santa Ana Church)

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Iloilo%20and%20Negros/Molo00009.jpg

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Women's Row

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Iloilo%20and%20Negros/Molo00004.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Iloilo%20and%20Negros/Molo00005.jpg
Campanario Molo

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Iloilo%20and%20Negros/Molo00006.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Iloilo%20and%20Negros/Molo00007.jpg
Molo Dome

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Iloilo%20and%20Negros/Molo00008.jpg
Lupad!!!

^^ ^^ hey, berniemack: nice pics from the Molo campanario! I've always looked for the Molo dome whenever landing or taking off from the old Mandurriao Airport...it makes me feel like "welcome home". Anyway, did you get any pics of the interior of the tower? Was it difficult to get permission to go up there?

pag pumunta ako ng iloilo sana may meet din kayo :) i love old churches and houses eh. i have an old soul siguro :cheers:

^^ ^^ hey, berniemack: nice pics from the Molo campanario! I've always looked for the Molo dome whenever landing or taking off from the old Mandurriao Airport...it makes me feel like "welcome home". Anyway, did you get any pics of the interior of the tower? Was it difficult to get permission to go up there?

It was a bit difficult because the parish priest was going to the mass, he was busy and knowing that the belfry has a place of suicide attempts. But we were successful becase we told him that this is for a student project.

Anyway, I do have high resolution copies of the vista from the belfry of Molo. Just click here (http://habagatcentral.multiply.com/photos/album/43). :)

pag pumunta ako ng iloilo sana may meet din kayo i love old churches and houses eh. i have an old soul siguro

Sure, your welcome. You can contact me anytime kay naa man ko Cebu karon. Morag mag-uli man pud ko to next month. Mag-meet lang kami nga wa plan, which i believe, the best trips are unplanned trips. Bisan asa mi moadto ug we welcome visitors. :)

Aerial of Iloilo City (April 08, 2007 - approx 9:15AM)

Waterfront District (Fort San Pedro Area), Lapuz and portion of Jaro District
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/209/497768774_a7703737a2_b.jpg

Downtown Iloilo City and La Paz District
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/225/497768768_6e9c83ad6a_b.jpg

Mandurriao District, The Old Airport, Diversion Road and the proposed New CBD
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/195/497768764_ba677e14a1_b.jpg

Molo District
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/207/497768756_217e87414b_b.jpg

Isla Katagman (Iloilo City Proper, Molo and Villa Arevalo) and Mainland Panay (Jaro, Mandurriao and La Paz) Geographically/topographically an island since Iloilo and Batiano Rivers are one as according to DENR.
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/189/497768758_2cdf22f779_b.jpg

beasutiful photos!

can we also go up tot he bell tower mag kadto ko da? basi madugayan pa ko maka balik da. may mga naka lline up ako subong.

tacloban pa ko sa june29

whoa beautiful beautiful aerials ... thanks thanks thanks gd bernie

Here it is ... Concepcion again ...

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/200/497811257_1cea44b263.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/226/497788774_16a3ca90e4.jpg

This is Agho Island. When I last went here (last month), the sand was very yellowish and there were a lot of big "tayong" or sea urchins surrounding the shore but when I went there last week the sand was surprisingly white. It was the first time that my feet actually touched the shore... It was very fine, comparable or even finer than station 1 in Boracay, just not as white though.

We arrived during high tide (around lunch time), so there weren't any sea urchins around. The place was soooo nice, and we has the whole island to ourselves (and ofcourse the caretakers).

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/231/497811189_034449acf1.jpg

The sand gets white when dry and yellowish when wet.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/205/497811121_f0a411873a.jpg

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This is the other side of the island. No white sand back here, only rock formations/cliffs and a pebble/coral shore. This side isn't suitable for swimming because of the strong current.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/197/497781610_3f0cdc4a06.jpg

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After setting up camp we set out to visit the island next to Agho called Malangabang. It has the largest human settlement in any island in Concepcion. There is electricity powered by ILECO, some houses even have solar panels.

We went there during late afternoon to have a snack and buy some gas for our boat trip the next day to Bulubadiangan Is., where the Sandbar Island beach resort is.

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One of the reasons why I wanted to stay at Agho is to see the sunrise and sut set. Unfortunately, both were too cloudy and I wasn't able to take pics of the sun setting and rising from the horizon. Too bad ...

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The next day I woke up at around 6ish to take shots of the sunrise. I though the sun was going to rise from the mountains of Negros, indi gali ... from Agho Is., it actually rises towards the islands of Estancia.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/231/497809587_33b6b77e6d.jpg

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and rode off to Bulubadiangan Island to visit the Sandbar Island Beach Resort

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/213/497789232_bb7a06ef1b.jpg

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off the coast of Bulubadiangan was a wide coral garden ... how I wish I could just dive in but we didn't bring any goggles. Too bad .... maybe next time.

along the way you could see many island like the community island of Danao-Danao

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/200/497780272_c0b549c6e2.jpg

and this parcel of land, which is owned by Edu Manzano. He has plans to develop this stech of white sand into a beach resort, as I was told.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/214/497789070_11d4d71b8f.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/193/497818333_f18edf7558.jpg

When we arrived at Agho we explored the Coral Garden in the area.... I didn't expect to see something like it there, as in the corals were HUGE and was quite expansive ... there were a lot of aquarium fishes. The only drawback is that there were also a lot of huge sea urchins protecting the reefs (as in they were huge and were situated in groups). How i wish I had an underwater case for my camera so I could show you guys.

this is a pic of me while snorkeling.

http://static.zooomr.com/images/1103099_59f87c3baf.jpg

after snorkeling we returned to the mainland to have lunch at Jett Salcedo's house near Iyang Beach Resort. He served us squid, which was delicious. You should totally try squid when in Concepcion.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/201/497811585_41b00c93fd.jpg

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Iyang Beach Resort

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/226/497784126_cdffe423da.jpg

After that we finally went to Sara District Hospital because we still had duty in the Afternoon :(

Not much to see it Sara Poblacion. They are having their church renovated and they still have this Valentine's Day "thing" in the plaza.

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SSC Iloilo goes to Guimbal!

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Iloilo%20and%20Negros/Guimbal00006.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Iloilo%20and%20Negros/Guimbal00005.jpg
Caruaje Trip (for 10 Pesos only!)

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Iloilo%20and%20Negros/Guimbal00007.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Iloilo%20and%20Negros/Guimbal00008.jpg
Brokeback, hehehehehe!!! :lol:


may horseback ridding wd Kalesa???
sooo wana go back 2 ilo2x...:|
and oh,what happen sa mga Ostrich who used to be on that area?

duty was quite fun, damo score to :)

After the last day of duty, we thought to go to Estancia for lunch ... so we did

Going to Estancia, Balasan really surprised my the most. It was clean and there were a lot of commercial establishments around, medyo may progressive town feel siya. When stopping over at this town, don't forget to buy some Balasan Bibikna

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/226/497812711_119c460965.jpg

We ate at this place called "Punot", busog gdko ya and the price is worth it. Mga P60-P100 lang man per dish

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Seafood soup

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Squid rings

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Squidrings, Fish Fillet, and Shrimp Tempura with rich and French fries

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No wonder they call Estancia the "Alaska of the Philippines"

touring around town...

Feeder Port

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NAPOCOR Barge

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Passenger Terminal

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Albasan Beach in Mainland Concepcion. We actually thought of going to a nearby island for a short picnic, but I was told that it would not be a wise choice because it is election time and it gets pretty intense there in the islands.

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SSC ILOILO - Southern Iloilo Meet

San Joaquin

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Miagao

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Guimbal (Garin Farm)

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Molo

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The next day me and Bernie went over to the Capitol to take nights shots ... Luckily during lunch, we were invited to go up the rooftop of The Atrium to take the night shots that we wanted. It was soooo cool

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HELP! I'm drowning in a flood beautiful photos! Sooo many and sooo nice!:applause:

@bernie & @chymera:

Impressive pics you both got there! Thanks for sharing it to the SSC community. :okay:

I am bedazzled by the beauty of Iloilo.

________________

Sigh... I wish I had more time exploring Iloilo the last time I was there.

Can any SSC-Iloilo member provide us an update of the current standing of the congressional race in all 5 districts of Iloilo (but most especially 4th) and the lone district of Iloilo City?

Thanks! :)

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^^ew, ugly color schemes!, IMO :bash:
i personally would have preferred them keeping the DOT buldg. white and the river promenade concrete railings clay colored like it was before.

Great Pics though Chy and Bern!
I would like to go to the Northern Parts of Iloilo too and eat those delish seafoods! yumyum! :banana:

As of 10:42 AM (RP Time)

ILOILO CITY

http://www.gmanews.tv/webpics/elections2007/ama/small_mayor.gif



TREÑAS, JERRY PEREZ

19906



ALIM, JOSHUA CARGASON

3407



GAJE, JUANITO LOCSIN

355

http://www.gmanews.tv/webpics/elections2007/ama/small_vmayor.gif



MABILOG, JED PATRICK ESCALANTE

21162



PORRAS, WINSTONE TENDRAS

1263


Source: GMANews.TV

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^^ew, ugly color schemes!, IMO :bash:
i personally would have preferred them keeping the DOT buldg. white and the river promenade concrete railings clay colored like it was before.

Great Pics though Chy and Bern!
I would like to go to the Northern Parts of Iloilo too and eat those delish seafoods! yumyum! :banana:

GOLDILOCKS ata ang hinire nila for the painting job ofhe DOT building

Here it is ... Concepcion again ...

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This is Agho Island. When I last went here (last month), the sand was very yellowish and there were a lot of big "tayong" or sea urchins surrounding the shore but when I went there last week the sand was surprisingly white. It was the first time that my feet actually touched the shore... It was very fine, comparable or even finer than station 1 in Boracay, just not as white though.

We arrived during high tide (around lunch time), so there weren't any sea urchins around. The place was soooo nice, and we has the whole island to ourselves (and ofcourse the caretakers).

Seems you enjoyed yourself there in Concepcion. It's been a while since I last set foot in Agho Island. Were you able to get to the top of the hill where an old structure used to stand? It has a nice panoramic view of the whole island. Perhaps the trail is now covered by overgrowth.

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ILOILO CITY

MAYOR

TREÑAS, JERRY PEREZ
20929
ALIM, JOSHUA CARGASON
3527
GAJE, JUANITO LOCSIN
356

VICE MAYOR

MABILOG, JED PATRICK ESCALANTE
22184
PORRAS, WINSTONE TENDRAS
1329

CONGRESSMAN

GONZALEZ, RAUL JR. TRINIDAD
14170
GENGOS, VICENTE JR. LACSON
5700
MALABOR, MANSUETO ASUNCION
4848


http://www.gmanews.tv/eleksyon2007/amaquickcount

Iloilo airport opens in June

The P8.759-billion Iloilo Airport Development Project, the first and largest of the 16 airports that are under development in the Central Philippines tourism super region, will officially open next month.

Presidential Management Staff director general Cerge Remonde, who heads the government’s Infrastructure Monitoring Task Force, said the airport was completed in March, but its commercial operation was set in June, after the election period.

Central Philippines, the tourism super region, covers 27 provinces in Southern Tagalog (including Palawan), Bicol, Western Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Central Visayas, Western Mindanao, Northern Mindanao and Caraga.

Once operational, the airport is seen to be the second largest in the Visayas, after the Mactan International Airport in Cebu.

“With the completion of the new Iloilo airport, Panay Island now has an international airport that will boost economic activity and tourism in the island,” Remonde said.

The new Iloilo airport development project is located 19 km. northwest of Iloilo City on a 188-hectare site between the towns of Cabatuan and Santa Barbara. It will replace the old airport in Mandurriao, Iloilo City.

The project is financed under a ¥14.724-billion loan (P5.9 billion) from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation,

Built by the Japanese firm Taisei Shimizu joint venture, the new airport features a 2,500-meter-by-45-m. runway that can accommodate large aircraft such as the Boeing 747. It has a 12,000-sqm. passenger terminal that can accommodate 1.222 million passengers annually and a 1,281-sqm. terminal that can handle 11,500 metric tons of cargo.

Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano, who heads the Central Philippines super region, said the development of new airports in the region would boost the tourism industry.

The airport development projects expected to be completed this year include the New Bacolod Airport Development Project, costing P6.376 billion; and those in Bulan, Sorsogon (P15 million); Kalibo, Aklan (P105 million); and Siargao in Surigao del Norte (P58 million).

Durano said construction of the P3.44-billion Bicol International Airport in Daraga, Albay and the P2.87-billion Panglao Bohol International Airport in Panglao Island, Bohol would start late this year or early next year.

Other airport development projects include the Puerto Princesa Airport, costing P3.132 billion; Busuanga Airport, P1.224 billion; Balabac, P303 million; and San Vicente, P100 million which are all located in Palawan province.

Also under development are airports in Tacloban, costing P1.121 billion; San Jose, Romblon, P303 million; Kabankalan, Negros Occidental, P303 million; Dumaguete, P290 million; and Guiuan, Eastern Samar, P142 million.
__________________

The Historic Calle Real de Iloilo
The old downtown of Iloilo City

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Javellana Building marker

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Villanueva Building (Aldeguer-JM Basa) in the Afternoon

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Ruins of Botica Lacson

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Calle Ledesma

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Villanueva Bldg (Calle Ledesma)

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Celso Ledesma (Calle Iznart)

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S.Villanueva Bldg (Art Deco) in Calle J.De Leon

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Iloilo City Public Market (Calle Rizal canto Calle Iznart)

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Calle Iznart y Estatua de Maria Clara

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Plaza Libertad Lamp Posts

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Buenos Diaz Calle Real!

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Javellana Bldg & the first branch of Sarabia Optical

The Historic Calle Real de Iloilo
The old downtown of Iloilo City

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Javellana in detail

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Ventana de Iloilo Trading Bldg

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The Three Golden Oldies (Cine Palace/Regent, Iloilo Trading Bldg & Javellana Bldg)

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Plaza Libertad - The plaza that witnessed the sunset of the Spanish Empire in Asia. It was here in X'mas day 1898 when Gov-Gen Del Primo surrendered to the Ilonggo revolucionarios.

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Masonic Lodge (1928)

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Hotel Iloilo

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Iglesia de San Jose de Placer & Lacson Ancestral House

more of Iloilo next time... :)

New airport ready to serve anytime

ILOILO City – Air Transportation Office (ATO) Area Manager Alan Java said the new Iloilo airport is ready to serve the public anytime it is declared open by the government.

Java said his office has already prepared facilities, equipment and personnel for the new airport to render efficient public service and maximum security for its users.

Most of the records have been transferred, personnel trained both here and abroad to upgrade their skills and know-how in the operation of the airport of international standards.

Java also said that the ATO and the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), together with their partner agencies like the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB), have formulated a transport system by giving accreditations to franchise holders that are authorized to ply the route and designated transport points in the surrounding towns and in Iloilo City.
There are metered taxis duly accredited with passes, drivers appropriately oriented, as well as jeepneys distinctly designed, painted for tourism and security purposes.

Java said that they have opened jeepney routes to local investors and entrepreneurs for them to operate in certain routes covering the Sta. Barbara and Cabatuan areas.

As a priority development project of the Arroyo Administration, Java said the airport would greatly benefit the public in general as this will cater to the increasing number of passenger and cargo traffic which the present old airport could hardly accommodate.

The new airport is a modern, state-of-the art 188-hectare complex, located in the municipalities of Cabatuan and Sta. Barbara, about 20 kilometers away from the old airport. It can handle about 1.2 million passengers and 11,500 tons of cargo per year. It can accommodate aircraft as big as Airbus 330 with a seating capacity of 276.

As the Ilonggos await the opening of the new airport, Mr. Java said that the people themselves should be generally cooperative and supportive, and learn to accept the changes that this development project brings.

source: Panay News (http://www.panaynews.com.ph/news4.htm)

The pictures are GREAT ! :banana: :banana: :banana:

3 foreign poll observers here in Iloilo
By Maricar M. Calubiran

Three of the 219 international observers from 12 countries and seven foreign groups who were accredited by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to observe on the country's electoral process are here in the city. They will make an observation report on the conduct of the election.

Records from the poll body showed that US Vice Consul Rebecca S. Phelps, Deng Abarientos of the U.S. Embassy and Theressa De Haan, second secretary of the Canadian Embassy are currently in Iloilo to make observations on the conduct of national and local elections in the country.

These three foreign nationals will observe the canvassing of returns at the Iloilo Social Hall beside the Department of Education (DepEd) City Division Office in Mabini Street, City Proper. These foreign observers were not seen yesterday in polling precincts because they were prohibited from entering polling precincts. They were only allowed to observe at a certain distance.

The international observers will make a report on the outcome of the elections. The report would determine the strength of democracy in the country.

In 2004 elections, two American observers from the Consortium for Elections and Political Processes Strengthening (CEPPS) were sent in Iloilo to observe the conduct of the elections.

Out of the 219 foreign observers, 86 observers were sent by the U.S. Embassy in the Philippines. There were 10 from the Canadian Embassy, 11 from the British Embassy, 26 from the Japanese Embassy and one from New Zealand Embassy. The Comelec has also accredited the observers from the embassies of Australia, Finland, France, Germany, Singapore, Spain and Sweden.

The international organizations accredited by the Comelec were The Asia Foundation, ACF Compact, the European Commission, Friedrich Naumann, USAID Philippines, National Democratic Institute (NDI) and the International Foundation for Election Systems.

The NDI is identified with the U.S. Democratic Party. It is one of the four organizations affiliated with the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), an organization funded by the US government ostensibly to carry out democracy initiatives internationally.

Other organizations affiliated with the NED are the IRI, representing the U.S. Republican Party, the Center for Private International Enterprise (CPIE, US Chamber of Commerce) and the Free Trade Union Institute (FTUI, American Federation of Labor-Congress of International Organizations). Earlier, the US government expressed interest on the outcome of the 2007 midterm Philippine elections.

source: Panay News (http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/05/15/3.foreign.poll.observers.here.in.iloilo.html)

New airport ready to serve anytime


Java also said that the ATO and the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), together with their partner agencies like the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB), have formulated a transport system by giving accreditations to franchise holders that are authorized to ply the route and designated transport points in the surrounding towns and in Iloilo City.
There are metered taxis duly accredited with passes, drivers appropriately oriented, as well as jeepneys distinctly designed, painted for tourism and security purposes.

Java said that they have opened jeepney routes to local investors and entrepreneurs for them to operate in certain routes covering the Sta. Barbara and Cabatuan areas.


Finally, they will open a new jeepney route!!! Thank goodness!!! Barato na lang guid plete ko papuli Pavia!! :banana: Yahoo!!! :D


FYI:
As of this moment, according to my source, Jerry Treñas still lead the city polls while Tupas still on the go for the provincial polls. On the other hand, for the vice-gov, its still playing within Suplico and Oso.

^^Wow, hopefully my first time I visit Iloilo City, I will land on the New Iloilo Airport.

Iloilo project
– 20-ha. high-end residential subdivision
– Phase 1 (179 lots) launch in 3Q07

Ayala Land Inc.

^^do you know where this is going to be located sinj?

One more thing...remember during Erap's time?? DMCI is the same company nga gahara-hara gid nga batunon ang basura sang metro manila kag ihaboy sa semirara island...DMCI doesn't give a damn about our environment...they just want to cash in and dispose their useless coal! ...hay...just because most of the western world and china use coal,kinahanglan nga sundon ta man sila...kun sunogon na nila ila baga...ti sunogon ta man aton?? hehehe


In whatever light you gonna see it... coal is not environment friendly.... if the world is evolving faster then I think I prefer to use Nuclear and/or any renewable energy sources compared to coal (conventional and polluting - masyadong industrial revolution period).


Here you go........ it seems that we don't have much choice.


FirstGen to partner with DMCI
to build 100-megawatt power plant in Panay

By Paul Anthony Isla
Reporter

SCARCE generating capacity in the Panay region has prompted First Gen Corp. to look at building a 100-megawatt clean-coal power plant, Richard B. Tantoco, the company senior vice president, told reporters.

“At present, Panay during daytime uses power generated from diesel-fired power plants, and at nighttime it uses power from a geothermal power plant [in] Negros, particularly when the demand is low in the Visayas grid,” the FirstGen official said in an interview.

Tantoco said FirstGen believes there is room for a baseload power plant to come into the Panay grid. A baseload plant refers to a power plant that is planned to run continually except for maintenance and scheduled or unscheduled outages.

On a per equipment basis, Tantoco said FirstGen has yet to finalize all computations, particularly everything needed to be accounted for such as financing cost.

But on a pure equipment basis, Tantoco said the project could cost them about $1.2 million per megawatt or $120 million for the entire project.

Tantoco said FirstGen will be partnering with D.M. Consunji Inc., (DMCI) which will in turn possibly provide the coal from its Semirara coal mine. He added they have had discussions with DMCI since late last year.

“We will still negotiate with finality with respect to the project sharing. But our general approach is to take majority,” Tantoco said. He added that FirstGen is also targeting to sell the output to electric cooperatives or utilities in Antique, Iloilo City, as well as Capiz and Aklan.

In terms of emissions, Tantoco assured that the proposed power plant, which will be situated in Concepcion, Iloilo, will have cleaner emissions since it will use clean-coal technology such as circulating fluidized bed (CFB).

Tantoco admitted his company has yet to finalize when it targets to finish the construction phase, saying it is still in the process of acquiring an environmental compliance certificate (ECC) from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).


http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/0511&122007/economy03.html

Bombo Radyo Philippines
Partial, unofficial results as of 5:00 p.m. May 15, 2007

ILOILO PROVINCE

Governor Total Votes
Tupas, Niel Sr. 90,002
Armada, Roberto 37,501
Camposano, Serapio 2,425

Congressman, 1st District
Garin, Jeanette 13,641
Flores, Gerardo 8,277

Congressman, 2nd District
Syjuco, Judy 21,603
Capadosa, Cecilia 17,445
Gonzales, Diopito 358

Congressman, 3rd District
Defensor, Arthur Sr. 10,198
Lauron, Zafiro 3,661

Congressman, 4th District
Biron, Ferjenel 24,338
Distura, Rolando 11,211

Congressman, 5th District
Tupas, Niel Jr. 9,050
Suplico, Enrique Jr. 8,726

Board Member, 2nd District
Mondejar, June 24,541
Cabado, Rodolfo 24,095
Jaen, Adolfo II 8,600
Gumban, Nelson 7,103
Alcubilla, Reggy 770

Board Member, 3rd District
Defensor, Arthur Jr. 17,545
Malones, Mariano 6,853
Lutero, Joseph 6,825
Gallar, Manny 5,864
Peñaflorida, Pepe 1,290

Board Member, 4th District
Demaisip, George 9,793
Panes, Nicetas 9,256
Hidalgo, Shalene 8,721
Palabrica, Zafiro 4,802

Board Member, 5th District
Arban, Lowel 22,327
Salcedo, Jesus 21,912
Rojas, Jett 17,225
Briones, Angel 11,482

ILOILO CITY Congressman Total Votes
Gonzales, Raul Jr. 27,125
Gengos, Benjie 11,139
Malabor, Mansueto 10,896

Mayor
Treñas, Jerry 36,744
Alim, Joshua 6,946

Vice Mayor
Mabilog, Patrick 36,470
Porras, Winstone 3,672

Councilors
1. Plagata, Erwin 26,825
2. Baronda, Julienne 25,592
3. Ganzon, Jeffrey 24,963
4. Peñaredondo, Eduardo 22,450
5. Parcon, Armand 21,841
6. Espinosa, Jose III 21,284
7. Tupas, Nielex 20,333
8. Estante, Ely Jr. 20,302
9. Zulueta, Perla 20,287
10. Pesina, Antonio 17,174
11. Antiquiera, Eldrid 13,840
12. Yee, Edaward 13,132
13. Dabao, Rolando 12,884
14. Acap, Lyndon 12,112
15. Divinagracia, Roberto 9,586


* Results for the positions of Vice Governor and First District Board Member not available as of time indicated.

But news shows that Oso and Suplico are having a neck to neck battle.

^^do you know where this is going to be located sinj?

I think it is located somewhere in San Miguel. I've read that from Colliers Market report last year.

One more thing...remember during Erap's time?? DMCI is the same company nga gahara-hara gid nga batunon ang basura sang metro manila kag ihaboy sa semirara island...DMCI doesn't give a damn about our environment...they just want to cash in and dispose their useless coal! ...hay...just because most of the western world and china use coal,kinahanglan nga sundon ta man sila...kun sunogon na nila ila baga...ti sunogon ta man aton?? hehehe

I don't think so that western world and china are endorsing coal. In fact, they are slowly shifting into different energy sources like Nuclear and Renewable Energy Source (wind power for example). France 70% electricity comes from Nuclear. Coal is very industrial... it means very antique and no longer the best option... backward thinkers!



Business
DMCI ties up with Singapore firm for power ventures - By Donnabelle L. Gatdula


Thursday, May 17, 2007
Page: 1
To support its power-related ventures, DMCI Power Corp. has tied up with Singapore-based Asia Energy Development Co. Pte. Ltd. (AED).

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, DMCI Holdings Corp., the parent firm of DMCI Power, said the joint venture agreement between DMCI Power and AED was signed last Tuesday.

....

The group has also expanded its business portfolio to engage in the mining and exploration business through its subsidiary, Semirara Mining Corp.

The Consunji-led firm also recenty won the bidding for an off-grid small power utilities group (SPUG) in Masbate.

DMCI is reportedly being tapped by the Lopez-owned First Gen Corp. for a possible partnership in putting up a 100-MW clean coal power facility in Panay Island.

http://www.philstar.com/



Is this for real?

I think it is located somewhere in San Miguel. I've read that from Colliers Market report last year.



^^Cge , i'm interested on these news, kahit sa San Miguel pa ina, i think its gonna be a great place to live in, it has alot of potential. :banana:

One more thing...remember during Erap's time?? DMCI is the same company nga gahara-hara gid nga batunon ang basura sang metro manila kag ihaboy sa semirara island...DMCI doesn't give a damn about our environment...they just want to cash in and dispose their useless coal! ...hay...just because most of the western world and china use coal,kinahanglan nga sundon ta man sila...kun sunogon na nila ila baga...ti sunogon ta man aton?? hehehe

Hope Iloilo can join this initiative. We need local ESCOs (energy service companies) to advice on retrofits and other energy efficiency options - this way we save money and reduce our greenhouse gasses emissions. NO TO COAL!
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x

16 cities to go green under Clinton plan
By SARA KUGLER, Associated Press Writer

NEW YORK - Sixteen cities around the world will get financing to "go green" by renovating buildings they own with technology designed to cut carbon emissions, former President Clinton announced Wednesday.

Clinton's foundation has created an arrangement among four energy service companies and five global banking institutions that will result in major environmental upgrades in the cities, which include New York, Chicago, Houston, Toronto, Mexico City, London, Berlin, Tokyo and Rome.

"If all buildings were as efficient as they could be, we'd be saving an enormous amount of energy and significantly reducing carbon emissions. Also, we'd be saving a ton of money," Clinton said.

The planned projects include replacing heating, cooling and lighting systems with energy-efficient networks; making roofs white or reflective to deflect more of the sun's heat; sealing windows and installing new models that let more light in and keep the elements out; and setting up sensors to control more efficient use of lights and air conditioning.

The former president said Citi, Deutsche Bank, JP Morgan Chase, UBS and ABN Amro have each committed $1 billion to finance the upgrades.

Clinton announced the partnership Wednesday, joined by mayors of several of the cities, as part of an international climate summit he is hosting this week in New York City with Mayor Michael Bloomberg. It is the second meeting of the C40 Large Cities Climate Summit, which was created so mayors and local governments could share strategies for reversing the trends of climate change.

"It really is groundbreaking; it really is going to make a difference," Bloomberg said.

Retrofitted buildings could see a 20 to 50 percent reduction in energy use, Clinton said.

Buildings are among a city's worst contributors to emissions totals, accounting for 50 percent of energy use in newer cities and more than 70 percent in older urban areas. In New York, for example, electricity, natural gas, fuel oil and steam consumed by buildings make up 79 percent of the city's total count of heat-trapping gases, a recent study found.

Many cities have already taken steps to "green" their municipal buildings, but the foundation said less than 1 percent of the potential market is being tapped in the U.S., and the efforts are less common elsewhere.

One city doing such work is Chicago. Retrofitting the lighting systems in city buildings there over the past six years has resulted in about $4 million in annual savings, said Sadhu Johnston, commissioner of the Chicago Department of the Environment.

The exact nature of the financing will be determined in coming months, the foundation said, and some details will likely differ from city to city. With the money from the banks, cities will get the green technology at no cost. The program assumes that cities already have money set aside for building operations and will pay back the bank loans, plus interest, through the energy savings that the projects achieve over several years.

To ensure those savings, Honeywell, Johnson Controls Inc., Siemens and Trane will conduct energy audits of the buildings, complete the makeovers and guarantee the energy savings. If the expected savings are not realized, those companies will pay the difference or make the changes in the buildings, the foundation said.

Warren Karlenzig, author of "How Green Is Your City?", applauded the plan and said many of these retrofits have been "crying out to happen."

"The technology is there; it's just that the financing has been missing," Karlenzig said.

The other cities taking part in the building plan are Mumbai, India; Karachi, Pakistan; Seoul,South Korea; Bangkok, Thailand; Melbourne, Australia; Sao Paulo, Brazil; and Johannesburg, South Africa. The foundation expects the partnership to expand to more cities and companies after the first round.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070516/ap_on_re_us/climate_summit

30 private colleges in WV to hike tuition
By Maricar M. Calubiran

Parents and students will carry another heavy burden on their pocket as 30 colleges and universities in Western Visayas have applied for a tuition fee increase in this coming school year. Five of the applicant schools come from Iloilo City.

Records from the Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) identified the five schools from Iloilo City as Central Philippine University, Iloilo Doctors College, Saint Paul Iloilo University, John B. Lacson Maritime University and Western Institute of Technology.

However, the entries made in the log-book does not contain the percentage of increase that will be imposed from the current tuition fees. It was learned that private schools can impose as high as 50 percent increase provided it is approved by the student organizations and alumni associations.

Prior to their request for tuition fee increase, these universities are mandated to have a consultation with all the stakeholders especially the student organizations of each university and alumni association. The consultation is a basic requirement for each colleges and universities before their requests are forwarded to the CHEd national office.

The colleges and universities can go on with their tuition fee increase after the CHEd memorandum circular 14 which deals on the guidelines and procedures to be observed by the Higher Education Institutions (HEI) intending to increase tuition, other school fees and introduce new fees.

CHEd regional office or the national office do not have control over the rate of increase proposed by each school administration but the applicants should base their increase on the "allowable increase in the tuition and other fees in all levels should not be more than the prevailing national inflation rate contained in CHEd memorandum circular."

source: The News Today (http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/05/17/30.private.colleges.in.wv.to.hike.tuition.html)

Top performing schools in board examination honored
By Maricar M. Calubiran

The Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) have recognized the top performing schools in the board examination in Western Visayas. The giving out of recognition is part of the 13th CHEd anniversary celebration.

CHEd Regional Officer Dr. Isabela Mahler said the colleges and universities have high records of board passers in the licensure examinations for accountancy, medical technology, elementary and secondary education, midwifery, electronics and communications engineering, architectural engineering and chemical engineering.

In the accountancy licensure examinations, Mahler said the Garcia College of Technology in Aklan, University of the Philippines in Visayas, Central Philippine University and University of St. La Salle in Bacolod City made it on the top list. They performed with excellence on the course for Bachelor of Science in Accountancy.

The number 7 board passers for the accountancy licensure examination is from the Garcia College of Technology Inc. The University of the Philippines in the Visayas was ranked number 1 in terms of number of board passers. While, Central Philippine University ranked second and University of St. La Salle ranked third.

The Collegio de San Agustin in Bacolod City, University of Negros Occidental Recoletos (UNO-R) and University of San Agustin also made good in the medical technology. In the over-all regional ranking, Collegio de San Agustin ranked first, UNO-R fourth and University of San Agustin on the 5th and 9th place.

In the licensure examination for the elementary level, the West Visayas State University ranked first while Carlos Hilado Memorial State College, Talisay in Negros Occidental ranked second. The West Visayas State University also ranked second in the licensure examination for the secondary level.

The New Lucena Polytechnic College in New Lucena ranked first and 8th in the midwifery licensure examinations. The Iloilo Doctors College ranked third. The Iloilo Doctors College also ranked first in the schools with 100 o more examinees. The La Carlota City College ranked third.

In the electronics and communication engineering, the Central Philippine University ranked number 1 in the list of schools with 50 to 99 examinees. The University of St. La Salle in Bacolod City ranked third. In the architectural engineering, the La Consolacion College in Bacolod City also made a good standing in the list of schools with 20 or more examinees. The Northern Iloilo Polytechnic State College in Estancia ranked 7th in the schools with 10 highest place.

source: The News Today (http://www.thenewstoday.info/2007/05/17/top.performing.schools.in.board.examination.honored.html)

any news on the latest election results? particularly the senatorial race in iloilo?

That's what I meant soul...pero a big part of the US still uses coal and its something I don't want to happen in Panay Island





I don't think so that western world and china are endorsing coal. In fact, they are slowly shifting into different energy sources like Nuclear and Renewable Energy Source (wind power for example). France 70% electricity comes from Nuclear. Coal is very industrial... it means very antique and no longer the best option... backward thinkers!




Is this for real?

cant be sure if this was posted


BRIDGING THE GAP
By Henry F. Funtecha

General Luna Street in Iloilo City

General Luna Street in Iloilo City is a four-lane highway that stretches from the point where the provincial Capitol is located up to the vicinity of Hotel del Rio. It is connected with Iznart Street in the east, which said street is in turn linked to J.M. Basa Street. J.M. Basa Street or Calle Real was the nerve center of Iloilo City in the past when she was known as the commercial capital of Western Visayas.


General Luna Street is named after the famous General Antonio Luna, the brilliant military strategist of the Filipino Revolutionary Army that fought against the Spaniards and, later, the Americans. Prior to its being called General Luna Street, it was supposedly already existing as early as the 18th century of Spanish rule. It connected the town of Iloilo in the east with the town of Molo in the west. It was used mostly to accommodate calesas and caretelas and, occasionally, caruajes, during that period. In 1921, however, under the American regime, to accommodate motorized vehicles, major street projects and improvements were implemented, including General Luna Street, which were also installed with street lights.

General Luna Street is one of the widest and busiest streets in the City of Iloilo nowadays. This is because on both sides of the street are major infrastructures and businesses that operate briskly in the area. The street is also main artery of commuters from the central towns and southern towns of Iloilo. The major institutions found along its length are the Provincial Capitol and the Arroyo Fountain, Panay Electric Co., Atrium, St. Paul's Hospital, Philippine National Bank, University of San Agustin, U.P. in the Visayas, John B. Lacson Maritime University, and Hotel del Rio. There are many offices, a police headquarter, and other business and commercial establishments situated in the area.

The original Iloilo Provincial Capitol or Casa Real was built in 1840. The present old Provincial Capitol is no longer the original one but has underwent renovations through time. The Arroyo Fountain, in front of the old Provincial Capitol, was constructed in 1927. The structure was in memory of Senator Jose Ma. Arroyo who authored Republic Act 3222 in the Philippine Legislature establishing the Iloilo Metropolitan Waterworks in 1925.

The Panay Electric Co. started operating in 1921, although electricity was already available in Iloilo City as early as 1902 with the Iloilo Light Co. Atrium, on the other hand, is a recent addition to the physical landmark of the city. It is quite an imposing and beautiful building not far from the Provincial Capitol. It houses Days Hotel, a grocery store, eateries and shops of various kinds, and products and services. Run by the Sisters of St. Paul de Sartres, St. Paul's Hospital was opened in 1911 and, nowadays, is considered one of the most modern hospitals in Western Visayas. The Philippine National Bank along General Luna Street is a recent addition to Iloilo's fast-changing skyline. The Universidad de San Agustin, the earliest university in Iloilo, started serving the region in 1904 and since then has made a name for itself as a bulwark of good education. UP in the Visayas was established in 1947 as a branch of the UP system at Diliman. John B. Lacson Maritime University, on the other hand, is a two-campus University, specializing in Nautical and Marine Engineering. And, finally, there is Hotel del Rio, a respected Hotel in western stretch of General Luna Street.

As can be gleaned from the description, General Luna Street is a rich artery of Iloilo City. One can find a lot of commercial offices and private houses in it. The street is also a show-window of what a good public work project is all about. Despite its long years of existence, it has not been affected yet by the law of wear and tear. All these, make General Luna Street a major player in Iloilo's march to development.

Wonderful pics @Berniemack! If only there were less signages and spaghetti wires, Iloilo would look more like a western city.

any news on the latest election results? particularly the senatorial race in iloilo?

As of 6:45PM last night, the official Comelec tally for Iloilo City:
1. Pangilinan (Ind) 41,239
2. Escudero (GO) 39,660
3. Villar (GO) 39,535
4. Legarda (GO) 37,153
5. Defensor (TU) 35,793
6. Aquino (GO) 35,303
7. Angara (TU) 33,607
8. Arroyo (TU) 33,568
9. Zubiri (TU) 32,238
10. Recto (TU) 30,363
11. Lacson (GO) 27,925
12. Cayetano (GO) 24,756

Partylist
1. Banat
2. Bayan Muna
3. Buhay
4. Gabriela
5. Anakpawis
6. A Teacher
7. Ang Kasangga
8. Partido Manggagawa
9. Akbayan
10. Cibac

^^ok na sana pero bat naman nakapasok pa si Cayetano!?! yuck! i can't stand him!

As of 6:45PM last night, the official Comelec tally for Iloilo City:
1. Pangilinan (Ind) 41,239
2. Escudero (GO) 39,660
3. Villar (GO) 39,535
4. Legarda (GO) 37,153
5. Defensor (TU) 35,793
6. Aquino (GO) 35,303
7. Angara (TU) 33,607
8. Arroyo (TU) 33,568
9. Zubiri (TU) 32,238
10. Recto (TU) 30,363
11. Lacson (GO) 27,925
12. Cayetano (GO) 24,756

Partylist
1. Banat
2. Bayan Muna
3. Buhay
4. Gabriela
5. Anakpawis
6. A Teacher
7. Ang Kasangga
8. Partido Manggagawa
9. Akbayan
10. Cibac

I'm surprised. Pangilinan leads in Cebu and Iloilo cities :)
http://sunstar.com.ph/specials/election/

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h291/berniemacksouthcentral/Iloilo%20and%20Negros/Iloilosegundo00162.jpg
Downtown Iloilo City skyline as seen from Molo Church belfry

Iloilo City Heritage Sites (as of May 2006)
u6CHw7n03wA

Acknowledgements to: Iloilo City Cultural Heritage Conservation Council, City Gov't of Iloilo, Mr. Roni Peñalosa, Ms. Ruth Prado & Mr. Ben Jimena, Mr. Bombette Marin and the Provincial Tourism Office of Iloilo

Produced by ICCHCC, LGU of Iloilo City, Canurb, ABSCBN and the private and educational sectors

I'm surprised. Pangilinan leads in Cebu and Iloilo cities :)
http://sunstar.com.ph/specials/election/

damo fans siguro si MEGA :D

Here it is ... Concepcion again ...

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/200/497811257_1cea44b263.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/226/497788774_16a3ca90e4.jpg

This is Agho Island. When I last went here (last month), the sand was very yellowish and there were a lot of big "tayong" or sea urchins surrounding the shore but when I went there last week the sand was surprisingly white. It was the first time that my feet actually touched the shore... It was very fine, comparable or even finer than station 1 in Boracay, just not as white though.

We arrived during high tide (around lunch time), so there weren't any sea urchins around. The place was soooo nice, and we has the whole island to ourselves (and ofcourse the caretakers).

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/231/497811189_034449acf1.jpg

The sand gets white when dry and yellowish when wet.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/205/497811121_f0a411873a.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/216/497811017_596db84a6f.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/228/497781812_59a5f04956.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/198/497810833_3c6540b72f.jpg

This is the other side of the island. No white sand back here, only rock formations/cliffs and a pebble/coral shore. This side isn't suitable for swimming because of the strong current.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/197/497781610_3f0cdc4a06.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/196/497781552_c6b17fee8d.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/214/497781434_8c7b5f3568.jpg

After setting up camp we set out to visit the island next to Agho called Malangabang. It has the largest human settlement in any island in Concepcion. There is electricity powered by ILECO, some houses even have solar panels.

We went there during late afternoon to have a snack and buy some gas for our boat trip the next day to Bulubadiangan Is., where the Sandbar Island beach resort is.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/231/497781354_9172f2974e.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/205/497781174_9a998860af.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/191/497810331_67462d99d1.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/211/497810165_f83a4d0644.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/195/497810099_f61f532ae7.jpg



Enjoy Concepcion while you may, DMCI's Environmental Impact Statement shows the primary impact of the water and air pollution (I use the cross-bone figure for emphasis):

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o271/totopurz/renewable%20energy/apitongflyer.jpg


although i believe the impact if we allow the coal plant will be much wider:

http://i122.photobucket.com/albums/o271/totopurz/renewable%20energy/secondimpactconcpcn.jpg

^^it will be...paradise lost for us. :(

cant be sure if this was posted


BRIDGING THE GAP
By Henry F. Funtecha

General Luna Street in Iloilo City

General Luna Street in Iloilo City is a four-lane highway that stretches from the point where the provincial Capitol is located up to the vicinity of Hotel del Rio. It is connected with Iznart Street in the east, which said street is in turn linked to J.M. Basa Street. J.M. Basa Street or Calle Real was the nerve center of Iloilo City in the past when she was known as the commercial capital of Western Visayas.


General Luna Street is named after the famous General Antonio Luna, the brilliant military strategist of the Filipino Revolutionary Army that fought against the Spaniards and, later, the Americans. Prior to its being called General Luna Street, it was supposedly already existing as early as the 18th century of Spanish rule. It connected the town of Iloilo in the east with the town of Molo in the west. It was used mostly to accommodate calesas and caretelas and, occasionally, caruajes, during that period. In 1921, however, under the American regime, to accommodate motorized vehicles, major street projects and improvements were implemented, including General Luna Street, which were also installed with street lights.

General Luna Street is one of the widest and busiest streets in the City of Iloilo nowadays. This is because on both sides of the street are major infrastructures and businesses that operate briskly in the area. The street is also main artery of commuters from the central towns and southern towns of Iloilo. The major institutions found along its length are the Provincial Capitol and the Arroyo Fountain, Panay Electric Co., Atrium, St. Paul's Hospital, Philippine National Bank, University of San Agustin, U.P. in the Visayas, John B. Lacson Maritime University, and Hotel del Rio. There are many offices, a police headquarter, and other business and commercial establishments situated in the area.

The original Iloilo Provincial Capitol or Casa Real was built in 1840. The present old Provincial Capitol is no longer the original one but has underwent renovations through time. The Arroyo Fountain, in front of the old Provincial Capitol, was constructed in 1927. The structure was in memory of Senator Jose Ma. Arroyo who authored Republic Act 3222 in the Philippine Legislature establishing the Iloilo Metropolitan Waterworks in 1925.

The Panay Electric Co. started operating in 1921, although electricity was already available in Iloilo City as early as 1902 with the Iloilo Light Co. Atrium, on the other hand, is a recent addition to the physical landmark of the city. It is quite an imposing and beautiful building not far from the Provincial Capitol. It houses Days Hotel, a grocery store, eateries and shops of various kinds, and products and services. Run by the Sisters of St. Paul de Sartres, St. Paul's Hospital was opened in 1911 and, nowadays, is considered one of the most modern hospitals in Western Visayas. The Philippine National Bank along General Luna Street is a recent addition to Iloilo's fast-changing skyline. The Universidad de San Agustin, the earliest university in Iloilo, started serving the region in 1904 and since then has made a name for itself as a bulwark of good education. UP in the Visayas was established in 1947 as a branch of the UP system at Diliman. John B. Lacson Maritime University, on the other hand, is a two-campus University, specializing in Nautical and Marine Engineering. And, finally, there is Hotel del Rio, a respected Hotel in western stretch of General Luna Street.

As can be gleaned from the description, General Luna Street is a rich artery of Iloilo City. One can find a lot of commercial offices and private houses in it. The street is also a show-window of what a good public work project is all about. Despite its long years of existence, it has not been affected yet by the law of wear and tear. All these, make General Luna Street a major player in Iloilo's march to development.

^^ Nice article by Prof. Funtecha... though it mistakenly extended Gen Luna Street on both ends.

That stretch of road from the Capitol to Molo Plaza is almost always construed to be one, when in fact, it is three different streets – Bonifacio Drive, Gen. Luna and M.H del Pilar.

Bonifacio Drive stretches from Forbes Bridge to Iznart, therefore Arroyo Fountain and the Capitol are not located on Gen. Luna but on Bonifacio Drive.

Gen. Luna stretches from Bonifacio Drive to Infante Ave. only, therefore John B. Lacson University and Hotel del Rio are not located along it, but on M.H. del Pilar, which is the street from Infante Ave. to Molo Plaza. :)

http://images.habagatcentral.multiply.com/image/6/photos/43/500x500/86/P1130009.JPG?
Sa diin ni? :D

Ambot, ah. Sa Pavia guro. Ay, indi gali; sa Cavite :lol: :lol: :lol:

^^ LOLZ!!! :lol:

Wa nadisplay ang link, anyway. Marymart Mall na tani. :D

Anyway, grabe guid kamingaw sang SSC subong. Tungod ayhan ni sa eleksyon, natak-an na ang mga tawo or busy lang guid?