http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/56/Ph_seal_antique.png


ANTIQUE

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

Antique passed through several historic periods namely: Pre-Spanish Period, Spanish Occupation, Philippine Revolutionay Government, American Occupation, Commonwealth (transition period), Japanese Occupation, and Philippine Independence.

History reveals that in the early time, ten datus from Borneo with their families, followers and slaves landed in Panay at a place called Sinogbuhan near the present site of the town of Miag-ao, Iloilo. The Borneans found the place inhabited by Negritos living under the rule of Marikudo from whom the Borneans under Datu Sumakwel purchased the island for one gold sadok and one gold necklace. The island was later divided into three "sakops" namely: Hamtik, Aklan and Irong-Irong. In later times, Hamtik became Antique, Aklan became Capiz and Irong-Irong became Iloilo. Hamtik was placed under the superior datu named Sumakwel, who found a place known as Malandog, the first Malay settlement in the Philippines.

The Pre-Spanish natives of Antique had tribal government ruled by chieftains. They traded with neighboring countries like China and Malaya. They had their civilization blended with Negrito, Indonesian and Malay cultures enriched by cultural influence from India, China and Japan.

It is believed that the Spaniards found their way to Antique immediately after they established themselves in Oton, Iloilo. The Antiquenos resisted the invasion but in the end accepted Spanish rule, Christianity, the Spanish Colonial System and at the same time absorbed the social, cultural and educational system of the Spaniards. Antique then was created into a politico-military province in 1780 with the town of Hamtik as its first capital. In 1796, Antique, then known as Provincia de Bugason was given an independent status as a province. Later, the provincial government was established in Bugasong but was transferred to San Jose de Buenavista where it has remained since then.

Later on, the Antiquenos became tired of Spanish rule. They joined other Filipinos in their determination to have national independence which was established in Malolos, Bulacan on January 23, 1899 when Spanish rule in the Philippines was overthrown by the Americans. But this revolutionary government ended on April 19, 1901, with the capture of Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo and his taking oath of allegiance to the United States of America.

The Antiquenos enjoyed the noble policy of American occupation because self-government was given to them. During this period of our history, our political leaders joined in the achievement of Philippine Independence as promised by the Jones Law. The Tydings-McDuffie Law was passed by the United States Congress which provided for a ten-year transition period under the Commonwealth of the Philippines. Hence, a constitutional convention was called to draft the constitution of the Philippines. Antiquenos elected the late Ramon Maza and the late Angel Salazar Sr. as their Con-con delegate in 1934. The Commonwealth lived until the Japanese Occupation.

Antique experienced many untold hardships during the Japanese Occupation. Many Antiqenos evacuated to the mountains and joined the guerilla movement. The Japanese stayed nearly four years.

Out of the ashes of the Pacific War emerged the Republic of the Philippines. Manuel Roxas was the last President of the Commonwealth and the first President of the Republic. Atty. Emigdio Nietes was Antique's first Congressman under the Republic. Antique was able to produce the most powerful congressman in the Philippines in the name of Tobias A. Fornier who held the position of the Chairman of House Committee on Appropriations.

From this time on, a lot of things occured and changed in the province.

PHYSICAL FEATURES

LOCATION and PHYSICAL SUBDIVISIONS

Antique is one of the provinces comprising the island of Panay in Western Visayas. It is an elongated stretch of land occupying the whole length of western side of the island. It is bounded by the mountains of Central Panay on the East and Cuyo East Pass, as part of China Sea, on the West.

The land area of the province totals to 252,200 hectares. This accounts for about 12.57 percent of the total land area of the Western Visayas Region.

CLIMATE

The climate of Antique is of the first type in which there are two pronounced seasons: dry from November to April and wet the rest of the year. Tha maximum rainfall are from June to September, while February to April are the driest months.

December to January are the cool months while the hot months are April and May. The mean temperature in Antique is 27 degrees centigrade. The relative humidity is high at all times. The north and northeast wind occur from November to May and the southeast wind from June to October. On the average, one tropical typhoon occur once a year in the Province of Antique.

TOPOGRAPHY

Antique has a mountainous terrain with 83 percent of its land classified as upland having slope of more than eight percent. The narrow coastal and the interior plains accounts for the remaining seventeen percent of the total land area.

The municipalities with large lowland areas which include Sibalom, San Jose de Buenavista, Hamtic, Culasi, Patnongon and Bugasong. Together with the municipalities of Barbaza and Tibiao account for most of the palay production of Antique.

The municipalities of Valderrama, Bugasong, Laua-an, Tibiao and Culasi account for about 24 percent of the very steep land of the province having slopes greater than 50 percent.

The mountain range stretching from Valderrama in the south to Culasi in the north has peak above 1,900 meters. Other mountain ranges have elevation from 500 to 1,300 meters.

The province is dissected by many river systems, the largest of which is the Sibalom which feeds the largest irrigation system in the province. There are seven major watersheds which are eroded in varying degrees of severity, including that of Sibalom.



SOIL TYPE

The soils of the province are classified under three general groups, namely:
- soils of the plains and valleys
- soils of the hills and mountains
- miscellaneous land types

There are seven soil types under the first group, one soil type and soil complex under the last group.


SOIL CAPABILITY

In general, the soils of the plains and the valleys fall under Class A and Class B land. Class A land is nearly level deep alluvial soils that are drained easily and can be cultivated safely by using ordinary good farming methods. In addition to good farming practices, drainage is necessary for Class B land. These two classes totals to 17.30 percent of the total land area of the province and is best suited for agricultural use.


LAND CLASSIFICATION

About 53 percent of the land area of Antique is classified as alienable and disposable. Although a significant part, 47 percent is still classified as forest land and 53 percent is classified as alienable & disposable.

LAND USE

As per survey conducted by Bureau of Soils and Water Management, agricultural land comprises 45,200 hectares or 17.90 percent of the total provincial land. The survey also indicates that the largest category accounting for some 121,400 hectares is not under cultivation and is covered by grasses, mainly cogon and shrubs. It is also reported in the survey that forest land accounts to 118,635 hectares.



FOREST COVER

The province has 23,896 hectares of primary and secondary forest, equivalent to 9.5 percent of the provincial area. This natural forest is distributed along the less accessible, mountainous interior of eastern Antique.


DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE

The population of Antique as per 2000 survey of National Statistics Office is placed at 472,822 of which 50.57 percent are males and 49.43 percent females. This showed an increase of 9.52 percent from 1995 census figure of 431,713.

The population density based on the 2000 population is 1.87 persons per hectare. San Jose is the most thickly populated with the density of 10.85 persons per hectare while Valderrama as the most sparsely populated with the density of 0.62 persons per hectare.

The population of the province is the aggregate of the population of 17 mainland municipalities and that of the island municipality of Caluya. The settlement pattern consist of an urban center in each municipality called the "poblacion" and an agricultural hinterland. Largest urban center is found in San Jose de Buenavista, the provincial capital. Urban dwellers are estimated to constitute a mere 28.85 of the provincial population, making Antique one of the most predominantly rural province in the country.

As of 2000, about 37.94 percent of the population of the province belong to the age group of 0-14; 56.08 percent are in the the productive age group (15-64) and only 5.97 percent are in older age group (65 years and over)

LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT

As of the last quarter of 2000, a total of 291,000 persons were reported to belong to age group of 15 years and over. Out of the total persons (15 years and over) reported 62.89 percent were in the labor force and the remaining 37.11 percent were not in the labor force. Of the persons in the labor force, 92.90 percent are employed either fully or partially while the remaining 7.10 percent are totally unemployed. Out of the total persons employed, 58.54 percent are engaged in agriculture and the remaining 41.46 percent were engaged in non-agricultural occupation.

INCOME AND EXPENDITURE

As per information from the National Statistics Office as of 1997, total income reported by 98,329 households in Antique amounted to 8,161,827,000 pesos or an average income of 83,005 pesos per household per year.

In the same year, total expenditure were reported at 6,956,785,000 pesos or an expenditure of 70,750 pesos per household per year.
Age-Sex Population of AntiqueFemaleMale



ECONOMIC PROFILE

AGRICULTURE

For the year 2000, total production of palay, the primary crop of the province reeached 181,205 metric tons (mt.) or 4,530,125 cavans harvested from 59,662 hectares with an average yield of 3.04 metric tons per hectare. There is a slight increase in production of 2.07% over 1998 yeild. Since their is no significant increase in area harvested.

As to farm type, the average yield per hectare for irrigated lands is 3.38 mt., 2.62 mt. for rainfed farms and 1.76 for upland areas.

As it has been for years, our province had enough stock of this commodity to feed its population. For year 2000, we have a surplus stock of 29,955 mt. or 748,879 cavans of palay.

Copra, also major agricultural product, registered a total production of 12477 mt. during the year posting a decerease of about 20% against 1998 outpuit. The main bulk of copra came from the municipality of Caluya where the area accounts for about 44 percent of the total copra produced in the province. The area planted with coconuts constitute about 34 percent of the total area of the province. Caluya, together with Pandan, account for more than half (51%) of the total provincial figure in terms of area planted, number of bearing trees, nuts production and copra yield.

FISHERY

By the end of the year, preliminary data for the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) reported tthe fishery and marine products totalling 35,706 metric tons. The aquaculture sector yield the highest production during the inclusion of seaweeds in this sector.

LIVESTOCK AND POULTRY

Livestock and poultry raising in the province is through backyard or commercial system of production. Data from Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) revealed that from 1,595,577 heads of livestock and poultry in 1998, the number drooped to 1,428,266 in 2000, a decrease of 20%.

FORESTRY

Forest products include bamboo, rattan, buri, bariw, nito, log, charcoal, abaca, herbal vines and plants, wild flowers and others. These forest resources are of undetermined quantity, and are used as raw materials in construction industry, furniture and handicraft, herbal medicine, ornaments and other accessories.


TRADE, COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY

Major products shipped out of the province are palay, rice, copra, muscovado sugar, legumes, fruits & vegetables, livestock, fish & fish preparations and seaweeds. Manufacture items like native gifts, toys and housewares found their way in major cities of the country and abroad. Principal mined products exported include coal, marble, silica, copper and gemstones.
Main goods entering the province are construction materials, dry gooods, groceries, canned and bottled products, fertilizers and others.

The capital town of San Jose de Buenavista is the center of business hub mushroomed in the area. Potential growth areas include the towns of Culasi, Pandan and Sibalom.

Investment opportunities with bright prospects in the province are the following:
> Muscovado sugar industry
> Seaweed processing
> Marble processing
> Gemstone and semi-precious stone processing
> Coco oil mill
> Livestock and poultry processing
> Food Processing
> Marine products processing
> Furniture, handicraft, metalcraft
> Fiber extraction/processing/weaving
> High value crop production
> Feed/Feed Milling

BANKS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

As of 2000, Antique has a total of 10 rural banks, five (5) private commercial banks and three (3) government banks; the Development Bank of the Philippines while Land Bank of the Philippines have branches at San Jose de Buenavista and Pandan, Antique.

There are also 101 multi-purpose cooperatives operating in the province of which 25 are strong and 96 are considered weak as assessed by the CDA Provincial Office.

ESTABLISHMENTS

An establishment is an economic unit which engages under a single ownership or control. Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) classifies establishments as manufacturing, trade and service.

For the year 1998, 14 manufacturing establishments were reported. Such manufacturing establishments are making hollowblocks, wood furnitures, steel/wood, packed foods, metal craft, thresher, soap and sidecar. Service establishments totalled to 117 and a total of 294 trade establishments.

MINERAL RESOURCES

The mineral resources, metallic and non-metallic that abound the province are coal, marble, copper, gold, limestone, silica gemstone and others. An indication of oil deposit was recently discovered at Maniguin Island in Culasi.

(data taken from: Official Website of the Province of Antique)

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/16/Ph_seal_aklan.png

AKLAN


Aklan is a province of the Philippines located in the Western Visayas region. Its capital is Kalibo and is located at the northwest portion of Panay island, bordering Antique to the west and Capiz to the southeast. Aklan faces Sibuyan Sea and the province of Romblon to the north.

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
Province of Aklan

Region: Western Visayas (Region VI)

Capital: Kalibo

Founded: —

Population:
2000 census—451,314 (24th smallest)
Density—248 per km² (29th highest)

Area: 1,817.9 km² (18th smallest)

Divisions:
Highly urbanized cities—0
Component cities—0
Municipalities—17
Barangays—327
Congressional districts—1

Languages: Aklanon, Ilonggo, Kinaray-a

Governor: Carlito S. Marquez (2004-2007)


Aklan is famous for two things: Boracay and the Ati-Atihan Festival. The island of Boracay, just one kilometer from northern tip of Panay has one of the best white sand beaches in the world, the most known of which is the White Beach stretching four kilometers along the western coast of the island. Tourists also flock to see the annual Ati-Atihan Festival in Kalibo held every January. The festival is a feast dedicated to Santo Niño or the Baby Jesus, and revelers paint their faces with black soot and wear bright-colored costumes.




People and culture
Aklanon refers to the people of Aklan province in the Philippines, their language and culture. According to folk belief, Aklan derived its name from a river called Akean.

Political
Aklan is subdivided into 17 municipalities.

Municipalities
Altavas
Balete
Banga
Batan
Buruanga
Ibajay
Kalibo
Lezo
Libacao
Madalag
Makato
Malay
Malinao
Nabas
New Washington
Numancia
Tangalan


History

Aklan, originally known as Minuro it Akean, is considered as the oldest province in the country and believed to have been established as early as 1213 by settlers from Borneo. Its first ruler was Datu Dinagandan. In 1399, Kalantiaw grabbed the throne. In 1433, Kalantiaw III formulated a set of laws that is known today as the Code of Kalantiaw.

The capital of Akean changed several times. Towards the end of the 14th century Datu Dinagandan moved the capital from the present Batan, which was captured in 1399 by Chinese adventurers under Kalantiaw, who forthwith ruled Aklan. In 1433, the son of Kalantiaw III laid down a written code of laws now known as the Code of Kalantiaw. The short-lived Kalantiaw dynasty ended when Kalantiaw III was slain in a duel with Datu Manduyog, legitimate successor to Datu Dinagandan. When Manduyog became the new ruler, he moved the capital to Bakan (ancient name of Banga) in 1437. Several datus succeeded Manduyog and when Miguel Lopez de Legaspi landed in Batan in 1565, Datu Kabanyag was ruling Aklan from what is now the town of Libacao.

Aklan finally became an independent province when President Magsaysay signed into law on April 25, 1956, Republic Act 1414 separating Aklan from Capiz. This law was authored by Cong. Godofredo P. Ramos. The province was inaugurated on November 8, 1956.


(from Wikipedia.Com)

Are there malls in these Panay provinces? (oh, what a question.) :D

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/4/4b/Ph_seal_capiz.png


CAPIZ

Capiz is on the northeastern part of Panay Island in Western Visayas. It is bounded by the Sibuyan Sean on the north, by Iloilo on the east and south, by Antique on the west, and by Aklan on the northwest.


Capital: Roxas City

Area: 2633 sq km

Population: 613 751

Cities: Roxas

Number of Towns: 16



The land: The western part is mountainous, with rolling hills descending gradually to the broad plains of the north.


Four major rivers: Mambusao, Panay, Badbaran and Maayon, interconnect with each other crating a large valley basin as they empty to the sea. Along the northern coast are extensive swamps and marshes.

Seasonal changes are not pronounced in Capiz.

The even distribution or rainfall throughout the year and infrequent occurrence of typhoons make the province suitable for agriculture and aqua culture.




A brief history

Capiz was a part of Aklan when this was organised as a sakop (political unit) of Panay by Bornean datus in 1213.

The name Capiz was believed to be derived from the Visayan word "kapid" and means "twins". When the Spaniards arrived in 1570 twin children were born to the ruler of Aklan, Datu Bankaya. Somehow, the natives inadvertently miscommucated this to the strangers as the name of the place, so the Spaniards adopted the name Capis for what was then Aklan.

When Capiz was made into a province on March 10, 1917, it included what is now Aklan. Due to the persistent demand of the Aklanons, Aklan was separated from Capiz in 1956.

Capiz is the birthplace of Manuel A. Roxas, the fifth president of the Republic of the Philippines, after whom the provincial capital was named.

Capiz town (now Roxas City) was not originally the capital. The Spaniards fist settled in the neighbouring town Panay. The capital was later transferred to its present site because of its proximity to the sea.




The people: "Capizeños" speak the Panay-Hiligaynon Language.

The Negritos who live in the mountains are popularly known as Atis here, while in other parts of Panay, they are called Itas or Agtas.

The Mundos, a minority tribe of Indonesian ancestry, live in the forested hills of Tapaz town in the south. They still reproduce ancient design on their ornately-carved sword handles and sheaths. They are also noted for the Sinulog, a traditional fertility dance, which has been adopted by festivals in Cebu and Negros


Commerce and industry: Agriculture is the main industry and major crops are rice, corn, coconut and sugar cane. The sugar centrals in Pilar in the east and Dumalag in the south.

The rich offshore fishing grounds are supplemented by many fishponds where bangus and prawns are raised. The six coastal munipalites supply different kinds of fish, crustaceans and shellfish to neighbouring provinces and Manila.

Cottage industries include weaving of piña and jusi cloth, abaca mats and slipper-making, and bamboo and shell-based handicrafts


(from Home Online website)


CAPIZ - "Seafood Capital of the Philippines"


FACTS & FIGURES

Land Area : 2,633.2 sq. km (2004)
No. City: 1 (As of September 2003)
No. of Barangays: 473 (As of September 2003)
No. of Municipalities: 16 (As of September 2003)
Total Population: 654,156 (As of May 1, 2000 census)
Population Growth Rate: 1.0% (1995-2000)
Income Class: Second
Consumer Price Index (2000=100): 121.9 (2004)
Inflation Rate: 3.2 (2004)
Average Family Income: 99,313 (2000)
Average Family Expenditure: 86,212 (2000)
No. of Elementary Schools:
Public: 452 (SY 2003-2004)
Private: 13 (SY 2003-2004)
No. of Secondary Schools:
Public : 50 (SY 2003-2004)
Private: 9 (SY 2003-2004)
No. of Higher Education Institutions: 14
(SY2003-2004)
No. of Licensed Hospitals: 7 (2003)
Telephone Loads: 6,709 (2003)
Telephone Density: 0.9 per 100 population (2003)
No. of AM Broadcast Stations: 4 (2003)
No. of FM Broadcast Stations: 7 (2003)
No. of Motor Vehicles Registered: 25,662 (2003)
No. of Registered Establishments: (3rd Qtr. 2004)
Business Name Registration: 221

The Province of Capiz is one of the six (6) provinces compressing Western Visayas. The province is situated in the central part of the Philippine archipelago.
Roxas City is the capital of the Province. It is almost 45 minutes away by plane from Metro Manila and is within the routes of major shipping lines.

Capiz is now considered as the "Seafood Capital of the Philippines" fishing grounds in the country. Blue marlin, tuna, milkfish (bangus), prawns and shrimps, seaweed, crabs, eel, shellfish such as oysters and angel wings "diwal", squid and other marine species are abundant in the province. Prawns and popular fish varieties are cultured in farms. In view of the very large supply of oysters in Capiz, it was chosen as the site of the biggest oyster processing plant in the Philippines to export canned smoked oysters. The culture of seaweeds along the province's coastal municipalities, for processing is also being developed into carrageenan for export.

Capiz is also known for its cutflower production and marketing. Orchids, heliconias, anthuriums, roses, and other ornamental plants are suitable for propagation in the province. Having a 400-hectare site ready for contract-growing arrangements, the cutflower industry is poised to become a major income-earner for the province


(from National Statistics website)

Are there malls in these Panay provinces? (oh, what a question.) :D


Sinjin, both Kalibo (Aklan) and Roxas City (Capiz) has a Gaisano City each. On how big these two Gaisanos are? I don't know yet. We'll wait for more info and pics coming from forumers of these three Panay provinces.

Sinjin, both Kalibo (Aklan) and Roxas City (Capiz) has a Gaisano City each. On how big these two Gaisanos are? I don't know yet. We'll wait for more info and pics coming from forumers of these three Panay provinces.

Okay, thanks for the information! :okay:

some pics I've taken while googling:

http://ww1.i8.com/images/roxas%20city%20bandstand%20800x600.JPEG

http://ww1.i8.com/images/panay%20river%20800x600.JPEG

http://k43.pbase.com/u14/uteh/upload/38626752.capiz022.jpg

http://k41.pbase.com/u14/uteh/upload/38561596.capiz016.jpg

Okay, thanks for the information! :okay:

you're welcome, indeed.

Kalibo, Aklan


http://www.tombombon.com/DSCN0097s.JPG

http://foo.ncc.gov.ph/ecommunity/kalibo-aklan/image/Tourism.jpg

http://elgu.ncc.gov.ph/ecommunity/kalibo-aklan/image/home.jpg

pictures are :redx:

Is Raymond Locsin still the Mayor of Capiz?

what's with the pics, Sinjin? Can you not view it in your PC? Oh my ... probably that's the problem when it's taken from google ... hehehe. Sorry, I don't have personal pics of each provinces. We'll wait na lang for more pics coming from any of these provinces residence.

Is Raymond Locsin still the Mayor of Capiz?


I think Antonio del Rosario is the present mayor of Roxas City, Sugarboy.

pics in post #9 are okay but the pics in post #7 aren't viewed (maybe just in my PC or I don't know)...

pics in post #9 are okay but the pics in post #7 aren't viewed (maybe just in my PC or I don't know)...

it said: Remote Linking Forbidden - Please upgrade Account. hehehe :)

Which province would Sicogon Island fall under?

Which province would Sicogon Island fall under?

Sugarboy, Sicogon Island is still part of Iloilo province. It's under the municipality of Concepcion, Iloilo.

Sinjin, both Kalibo (Aklan) and Roxas City (Capiz) has a Gaisano City each. On how big these two Gaisanos are? I don't know yet. We'll wait for more info and pics coming from forumers of these three Panay provinces.
yes .. I've been to Roxas' Gaisano City, it was mid-sized (Outside MM Standards), maybe about half of SM City ILOILO

ohh my friends and I are planning to have a road trip all over Panay ... We are still planning for the trip... Very exciting

Aklan - Of course there's Boracay, but there are a lot of unspoiled islands left there, who knows, it might be as beautiful as Boracay or even more! Ati-Atihan festival also sounds interesting, but haven't experienced it for myself ... My friend also told me about Sampaguita Gardens, which he says is really really beautiful. The guy who owns the place is also the maker of "Precious Moments Dolls" ... the big eyed creepy dolls.

Antique - Lots of nice islands and beaches. But its best allure would be its mountains, good for climbing or just trekking. Waterfalls and Springs are abundant, you can go white water rafting there. Gemstone Mining is a big industry in Antique, you can go to the river and search for one yourself, but it is banned right now. Its a shame that Antique a poor but it is very rich in natural resources.

Capiz - I saw its satellite pic in google earth... Its coast is full of fishponds or "punong", as they call it. Its capital is Roxas City, which was once connected to Iloilo City by rail! Aside for Roxas City, I haven't been to other places in Capiz

yes .. I've been to Roxas' Gaisano City, it was mid-sized (Outside MM Standards), maybe about half of SM City ILOILO

that's okay. I've seen Kalibo's Gaisano City as well .. probably same as Roxas City, too. It's really like a half of the building of SM City Iloilo. The last time I visited Roxas City was in 1999. We have few relatives living in Roxas so before I came here, I stayed in Roxas for two days.

for CAPIZ

#Aswang Festival successful, claims ‘vindicated’ organizer

BY FELIPE CELINO

ROXAS City – The Aswang Festival was successful despite the protests of the Catholic Church, religious groups and some local officials, claimed the Dugo Capiznon Inc. (DCI), the organizer.

DCI officials said they were vindicated.

The three-day festival wrapped up last Sunday.

A day before the festival opened, the DCI decided to use the original name of the festival instead the tamer “Lupad Capiznon Festival,” virtually ignoring the demand of Archbishop Onesimo Gordocillo that the word “aswang” be not used in the official name of the festivity.

According to DCI spokesperson Arnel Estiaga, there was no point in heeding the demand for even Catholic groups that held their pre-Halloween party ignored the archbishop. He said some participants in the party even donned “aswang” costumes.

Estiaga said they never expected that people, particularly in the evening of the second day, to come to the Roxas City public plaza to witness some of their major activities.

The street dancing, a post-competition merrymaking, drew hundreds of spectators. Other activities during the second evening of the festival were a food festival, Comparza tribal competition, “Balangaw sang Abilidad Capiznon” and Padya-DCI Awarding.

Estiaga also revealed that about 400 job seekers applied during their Lupad Capiznon Job and Opportunities Fair participated in by 22 overseas placement agencies and five local corporations.

DCI thanked the media, both local and national, for giving the controversial affair wide publicity.

Mass communications students from the University of Santo Tomas (UST) came over to study the Aswang Festival.

An official of the Capiz Hotels and Restaurants Association (CHRA) said many visitors checked in at the different hotels and cottages.

Although some of the visitors came here to watch the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) out-of-town game last Saturday, most of the hotels and lodging houses were fully booked by people who witnessed the festival, he added.




for AKLAN


Kalibo prepares for 2006 Ati-Atihan

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL
KALIBO, Aklan – The Kalibo Ati-Atihan Management Board (KAMB) and the local government of Kalibo have started preparations to ensure a peaceful and orderly Sto. Niño Ati-Atihan Festival January of the year.

“We have directed the KAMB to join hands and closely coordinate with the Kalibo Tourism Office for a more colorful festival,” Mayor Raymar Rebaldo said.

Ati-Atihan is considered the wildest among Philippine fiestas. Locals dressed in ati costumes and with blackened faces dance to the beat of drums in honor of the Sto. Niño or the Holy Infant Jesus.

Albert Menez, who heads the KAMB as executive director, is regularly conducting meetings with tribal and modern groups and the committees to discuss the preparations of the world-famous festival.

“KAMB would concentrate more on security and promotions to attract local and foreign tourists in our week-long traditional festival,” said Menez, a former Kalibo councilor.

A shooting carnage of a police officer last year resulted to the death of Chief Insp. Manuel Ilejay, Kalibo PNP chief; Supt. Odelardo Magayanes, acting Aklan police director, and six others.

“We will see to it that security for the festivities would be tight,” a KAMB official said.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ilo/2005/11/04/article_152186_11-04-2005.jpg

Jojo's Christmas Cottage is one of the awesome sights at the Sampaguita Gardens Resort, New Washington, Aklan. Built by Sam Butcher, the cottage contains dolls, Christmas trees and other memorabilia under the Precious Moments brand. (Sun.Star Iloilo)

grabe ang Aklan .. paspas ila promotion sang ila tourism man. Keep up the good work, Akeanons !

It's a good thing that Capiz, much maligned for its storied Aswangs and Manananggals, was able to vindicate itself and use this curiosity to its advantage as a festival theme and tourist attraction. That's a creative tourism package. Some people do have a curiosity or taste for the macabre and spine-chilling thrills.

I agree with you, Lili. Wish I was there to celebrate with them and wear an aswang or thrilling attire.It's just a party and I like it. It's really a crowd-drawer ... hehehe. I used to love Halloween dress party in the past or Masquerade ball set by my friends. Can't get rid of my absolutely stunning dracula custome ... harharhar!

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/16/Ph_seal_aklan.png

AKLAN


Aklan is a province of the Philippines located in the Western Visayas region. Its capital is Kalibo and is located at the northwest portion of Panay island, bordering Antique to the west and Capiz to the southeast. Aklan faces Sibuyan Sea and the province of Romblon to the north.

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
Province of Aklan

Region: Western Visayas (Region VI)

Capital: Kalibo

Founded: —

Population:
2000 census—451,314 (24th smallest)
Density—248 per km² (29th highest)

Area: 1,817.9 km² (18th smallest)

Divisions:
Highly urbanized cities—0
Component cities—0
Municipalities—17
Barangays—327
Congressional districts—1

Languages: Aklanon, Ilonggo, Kinaray-a

Governor: Carlito S. Marquez (2004-2007)


Aklan is famous for two things: Boracay and the Ati-Atihan Festival. The island of Boracay, just one kilometer from northern tip of Panay has one of the best white sand beaches in the world, the most known of which is the White Beach stretching four kilometers along the western coast of the island. Tourists also flock to see the annual Ati-Atihan Festival in Kalibo held every January. The festival is a feast dedicated to Santo Niño or the Baby Jesus, and revelers paint their faces with black soot and wear bright-colored costumes.




People and culture
Aklanon refers to the people of Aklan province in the Philippines, their language and culture. According to folk belief, Aklan derived its name from a river called Akean.

Political
Aklan is subdivided into 17 municipalities.

Municipalities
Altavas
Balete
Banga
Batan
Buruanga
Ibajay
Kalibo
Lezo
Libacao
Madalag
Makato
Malay
Malinao
Nabas
New Washington
Numancia
Tangalan


History

Aklan, originally known as Minuro it Akean, is considered as the oldest province in the country and believed to have been established as early as 1213 by settlers from Borneo. Its first ruler was Datu Dinagandan. In 1399, Kalantiaw grabbed the throne. In 1433, Kalantiaw III formulated a set of laws that is known today as the Code of Kalantiaw.
The capital of Akean changed several times. Towards the end of the 14th century Datu Dinagandan moved the capital from the present Batan, which was captured in 1399 by Chinese adventurers under Kalantiaw, who forthwith ruled Aklan. In 1433, the son of Kalantiaw III laid down a written code of laws now known as the Code of Kalantiaw. The short-lived Kalantiaw dynasty ended when Kalantiaw III was slain in a duel with Datu Manduyog, legitimate successor to Datu Dinagandan. When Manduyog became the new ruler, he moved the capital to Bakan (ancient name of Banga) in 1437. Several datus succeeded Manduyog and when Miguel Lopez de Legaspi landed in Batan in 1565, Datu Kabanyag was ruling Aklan from what is now the town of Libacao.

Aklan finally became an independent province when President Magsaysay signed into law on April 25, 1956, Republic Act 1414 separating Aklan from Capiz. This law was authored by Cong. Godofredo P. Ramos. The province was inaugurated on November 8, 1956.

(from Wikipedia.Com)

Oldest Province
Aklan, originally known as Minuro it Akean, is considered as the oldest province in the country and believed to have been established as early as 1213 by settlers from Borneo. Its first ruler was Datu Dinagandan. In 1399, Kalantiaw grabbed the throne. In 1433, Kalantiaw III formulated a set of laws that is known today as the Code of Kalantiaw.

Aklan older than Philippines :)

That's a creative tourism package. Some people do have a curiosity or taste for the macabre and spine-chilling thrills.
I guess you can include my dad among those people...but then again he's from Dueñas. :nuts:

I guess you can include my dad among those people...but then again he's from Dueñas. :nuts:


hehehe ... that's right Skyblade ... I know Capiz is famous for its Halaran Festival but not this one ... but Halaran did not make any waves at all like Binirayan of Antique. Probably that's why they resort to Aswang Festival ... hehehe .. curious though .. looks like a big Halloween Festival in the making.

Witchdoctors, folk healers and spiritual
healers of Capiz


THE Aswang Festival 2005 is over. But I believe it’s still okay to write about the witches of Capiz – the white witches.

As I wrote in my previous article, an aswang or witch is a wicca or a wise person in contact with supernatural forces of the universe.

White witches are people who use these supernormal powers for good, such as protecting or curing the harm caused by black forces or black witches.

In view of these centuries-old belief in witches, the Dugo Capiznon embarked on its second Aswang Festival recently amidst controversies and protests by some religious groups.

The festival is actually a search for the reality or unreality of witches, black or white, with the objective of erasing the reputation of Capiz as “aswang land.”

The pro-aswang Dugo Capiznon tackled the issue head-on by conducting the festival. They say it is a myth or a folklore that could be celebrated as part of our culture.

The anti- aswang groups chose to ignore the aswang issue. Sweep it under the rug so people will forget it. I ask, suppose the folk belief turns out to be true? What then? What do we do about it? Where there is smoke, sometimes there is fire? Do we ignore the fire of truth?

The drama of life is in the interplay of the positive and negative forces of the cosmos.

The Chinese Taosists call it the yin and yang, male and female, black and white, protagonist and antagonists.

Long ago, I started a research on the witch phenomena. I first researched the existence of the babaylan, the so-called witchdoctors of the ancient Philippines, and Capiz in particular. The babaylan are well-known firewalkers. That is in itself a tremendous feat. Their feet don’t get burned.

There are firewalkers, too, in different tribes and cults over the world. They are witches also. But our babaylan are still with us. Our firewalkers are native heroes. They fought against the repressive Spaniards who brought Catholicism to the Philippines, if Dr. Leothiny Clavel is to be believed.

Leo is a University of the Philippines professor. A Capiceño, he has written two volumes of book on the oral folk traditions of Capiz. He is an authority in our folk culture.

But the ancient babaylan and the present day babaylan are not just firewalkers. They are healers or witchdoctors as well. They are sought by people alleged to have been harmed by the engkanto (fairies), aswang or manogbarang and manoghiwit, among others.

In ancient times, they were consulted by tribal leaders because of their paranormal wisdo

(from Panay News online)

-----

curiousity ... curiousity .... hehehe ...

^ Very interesting article, Wecky. The Baybaylan is symbolic of equal footing between men and women in pre-colonial Philippines because they are esteemed healers or medicine people. As your article states, they are highlyr regarded by the tribe leaders and members who consult with them and resort to them for healing, forecasting and assistance. Babaylans may either be women or men who are endowed with gifts and ancient knowledge of healing using natural herbs and invocations.

Modern times are going back to these ancient, holistic and natural healing traditions.

Aswang Festival 2005
Text by Jinki Beldia

Photos by Rodolfo Arce Jr

http://www.thenewstoday.info/20051107/aswang1.jpg

http://www.thenewstoday.info/20051107/aswang2.jpg

The 2nd Aswang Festival of Capiz was a soaring success marked by a huge attendance of ebullient visitors who became part of amazing events like Manggad sg Capiz Trade Fair, Lupad Capiznon Job Fair, Pagtukib sa mga Sugilanon (a symposium featuring various folklore and myth of Capiz), Pasundayag Torch Parade, Balangaw sg Abilidad Capiznon (a showcase of Capiz's very own pop bands), Mga Sugilanon On-the-Spot Art Contest, Pagtukib sg Kamatuoran (a symposium on historical and archeological findings in Capiz), Matahum Capizena A Fashion Show and Comparza, among others. A grand opening fireworks display dubbed Palupok welcomed guests and participants of this year's Aswang Festival.

http://www.thenewstoday.info/20051107/aswang3.jpg

http://www.thenewstoday.info/20051107/aswang4.jpg

http://www.thenewstoday.info/20051107/aswang5.jpg

More than just a huge turnout on the attendance during the different events, restaurants like Buurp!, Groove City, Pangahaw, Pat-pat's and several others, reported experiencing unusually high number of customers in the whole duration of the festival. All trade fair participants disclosed gaining positive income, and there was also a remarkable number among applicants during the job fair.

John Alaban left a huge crowd awe-inspired by his artistry which gained him 1st places in both Alternative Art and On-the-Spot Mural Artwork Contests. Lloyd Develos was the featured artist for the body painting event. The three costume winners for the dinning seafoods fest also surprised the crowd and it was Marcel Millian who ran away with the 1st prize award and P2,000.

One of the biggest treats during the Aswang Festival was the Triple M Carnival at the Arnaldo Boulevard animating Capizenos and guests with ten exciting rides which included a horror train, octopus, mini roller coaster and a lot more. The seven different tribes made the festival very colorful. Tikbalang won 1st place (P20,000), Sigbin-2nd place (P15,000) and Kapre-3rd place (10,000). The other participating tribes were: Amamanhig, Shokoy, Bruha and Tik-tik.

(from Panay News online)

http://www.panaynews.com.ph/archives/1017/images/files%20pic.jpg

CAPIZ
A Seafood Capital bewitched no more
By John Paul Cadiz


Occupying a total land area of 2, 633.2 square kilometers, representing 21 percent of the total land area of Panay -- that is bewitching Capiz. What used to be mythically and negatively branded as the hometown of witches, Capiz is now the Seafood Capital of the Philippines.

Legend tells that Balingagan, Datu Bangkaya’s eldest son, named one of his two territories “Kapid” to honor his twin daughters. In the local tongue, “kapid” means twin. The Spaniards who occupied the area adapted the name “Capis”.

When the Spaniards settled in the area in 1569, along with them came major changes in the lives of the early Capizeños. One of which was in May 8, 1570 during the conquest of Martin de Goiti which created Capiz as a separate “encomienda”. Later in 1716, Capiz province was organized into a politico-military province. Under it were the neighboring islands of Romblon, Tablas, and Sibuyan. When the Americans took over, the Civil Government of Capiz was established on April 15, 1901.

Roxas City is the provincial capital. Miguel Lopez de Legaspi landed in this part of Panay Island when he arrived from Cebu. Capiz was made the center of the politico-military government although it still took its ecclesiastical orders from the Bishopric of Cebu. It was turned into an alcadia by virtue of Royal Decree on May 31, 1847. Once known as the Municipality of Capiz, it became a chartered city through Republic Act No. 603. Its first mayor was Hon. Lorenzo Arnaldo. From Capiz City, it was renamed after its eminent son, the notably outstanding First President of the Philippine Republic, Manuel Acuña Roxas from whom Roxas City got its name.

Characterized by rolling hills, mountain ranges and peaks, wide beaches and isolated coves, Capiz has a rich deposit of agricultural and aquatic produce. The province is abundant with palay, corn, coconut, and different vegetables; while its rich waters stream with blue marlin, tuna, milkfish, prawns, shrimps, crabs, seaweeds, angel wings, squid, oysters, and mussels. The province is also a leading producer of fish sauce or “patis”. Prawns, crabs, and milkfish have the biggest market in Manila and other parts of the country.

The dominantly Hiligaynon-speaking Capizeños boast of number of mystifying attractions.

The Sta. Monica Church in Pan-ay is an imposing structure about 76 meters long and 24 meters wide. It has thick coral walls, a marble floor, and a five-storey belfry where the largest bell in Southeast Asia is enthroned. The said antique bell that is two meters wide, seven feet in diameter, and weighs 10.4 tons was cast from 76 sacks of coins. One of the bells was unsuccessfully stolen by marauding moors. When they got to the sea, a storm wrecked them so they decided to throw the bell into the sea never to be retrieved by the townsfolk. Today, a myth goes that the bell is protected by supernatural elements.

Another stately religious edifice is the San Martin de Tores Church in Dumalag. One of the oldest in the province, it was built by the Augustinians in 1872. It has yellow sandstone walls and its interior is shaped like a cross. Its five-storey belfry houses five bells of different sizes. At the topmost is a carillon that peals a melodic tune.

Capiz is also home to some of the most hypnotically beautiful natural attractions in the region. There is famous Pilar Caves, one and a half kilometers long with six connecting entrances. The Napti Island in Pan-ay, is a virgin island that is rocky on one side and sandy on the other. Buntod Beach in Pan-ay, one of the cleanest beaches in the province, is bounded by Napti Island on one side and by the mountains of Pilar on the other.

Olutayan Island in Roxas City, with its pristine waters and multi-colored fishes, make it a haven for snorkeling aficionados. The Suhot Cave in Dumalag, its entrance a swimming hole of ice-cold water coming from an underground stream, is packed during summertime.

The province is also making a name in Southern Philippines as a leading supplier of orchids, ornamental plants, and various heliconia. The long coastal areas are abundant with “kapis” shells used to manufacture exportable wares. There are also the industries like poultry, livestock-raising, handicraft, shell-craft, ceramics, lime processing, garments, farm-tool fabrication, furniture and boat making.

To fully enjoy the beauty and mysteries of Bewitching Capiz, the Capizeños annually celebrate the Sinadya sa Halaran, a fusion of two festivals that used to be celebrated separately. Sinadya honors the Nuestra Señora de la Immaculada Concepcion, patroness of the province. Halaran shows the beauty of the province through sharing and thanksgiving. The joint festival is celebrated every December 8th.



AKLAN
Attractions beyond Ati-atihan
By John Paul Cadiz

What makes Aklan one of the most beautiful provinces in the country? Majority of the Filipino people want to visit the province, the nest of some of the most attractive places and events in the country. This province, which is situated in the northwestern point of Panay Island, is a major tourist-drawer.

The province was organized in 1213 as the Minuro it Akean. It may add to your Philippine trivia to know that Aklan is the oldest province in the Philippines. From Minuro it Akean, it became a full-fledged province when President Magsaysay on April 25, 1956, decreed through Republic Act 1414 separating Aklan and Capiz. Finally, on November 8, 1956, as authored by Cong. Godofredo P. Ramos, Aklan was inaugurated as an independent province.

Kalibo is the provincial capital. But before it became the center of the province’s political, economic, cultural, and social life, the provincial capital was changed from one to the other for several times. Datu Dinagandan moved the capital from the present Batan. In 1399, Chinese adventurers led by Kalantiaw ruled Aklan. He was to be the first of the short-lived Kalantiaw dynasty. In 1433, Kalantiaw III’s son implemented the Code of Kalantiaw. The dynasty ended when Kalantiaw III was slain in a duel with Datu Dinagandan’s legitimate successor, Datu Manduyag. When he succeeded the throne, he moved the capital to Bakan (now Banga). When Miguel Lopez de Legaspi arrived in the province, the ruler Datu Kabanyag was ruling from the town of Libacao.

At present, the province has 17 municipalities, Libacao being the largest in terms of land area and Lezo is the smallest. There are 327 barangays. As of 2000, there are 451, 314 Akeanons. The local dialect is Akeanon but the Aklanons also speak good English, Tagalog, Hiligaynon, and Cebuano.

Like mostly typical provinces in the country, the Akeanons depend on rice, corn, coconut, and they have a rich supply of abaca, and many of the folks are into pottery making. Many Akeanons are also into fishponds and offshore fishing. Small-scale industries like piña cloth weaving, abaca, and bamboo handicraft are some of the thriving businesses in the province. Meanwhile, pottery making and ampaw (rice pop) making have helped boost the province’s economy. The ampaw, made from cooked rice, dried, deep-fried with oil and sugar, molded into the same sizes, and dried slowly is a delectable treat, a must-try for everybody.

As the country’s oldest province, Aklan does not want to be left out by its neighbors. History-wise, Aklan is a treasury of rich history and culture. The Museo it Akean houses antiques and artifacts dug from the province. The Freedom Shrine pays tribute to the 19 martyrs who led the revolt against Spain in Aklan and the Kalantiaw Shrine which was once the seat of Rajah Bendahara Kalantiaw III, third chief of Panay.

One of the province’s remarkable trades is pottery making. This is a fusion of culture and trade. Folks living along the banks of the Aklan River near Lezo make pots and jars using the customary and traditional ways of old. Aklan is also known for its piña industry that has international fashion designers using the fragile cloth made of woven pineapple leaves.

Lastly, Aklan is known worldwide because of its two most outstanding features: the Kalibo Ati-Atihan in honor of the Sr. Sto. Niño. Held every third week of January, this is a spectacular event. The At-Atihan is a religious celebration characterized by the “sadsad” along the streets of the capital. And who has not heard of a paradise island in the province – Boracay? Loved by foreign tourists and locals, the island is known for its pine and palm-fringed beach, perfectly azure waters, coral reefs, rare shells, and powder-fine white sand. The island features a whole lot more that can only be experienced and enjoyed by those who have experienced it. Aklan Province is a treat to the senses.



ANTIQUE
Binirayan country beckons
By John Paul Cadiz

Sprawled like a giant seahorse on the northwestern border of Panay Island, Antique is called the Marble Central of Panay. It occupies approximately 2, 522 square kilometers of Panay’s land area. It has 18 municipalities, three of which are inland, 14 are coastal, and one is an island municipality. San Jose is the provincial capital. As of 2002, the province was classified as second class. According to the 2000 NCSO Survey, there are 472, 822 Antiqueños of which 50.57 percent are males and 49.43 percent are females. The local dialect is Hiniray-a with Indo-Malayan origin.

According to historians, 10 Bornean datus with their followers led by Datu Puti escaped from the persecution of the Rajah of the House of Sri-Vijaya. They landed in Panay Island then ruled by the Ati king Marikudo. The 10 datus and Marikudo performed the annually commemorated Barter of Panay. It is said that he sold the Panay Island for a gold sadok and a gold necklace for his wife Maniwantiwan.

Consequently, the Bornean settlers established themselves in the coastal parts while the native aetas took to the highlands. The datus divided the island into political units or what they termed “sakop”. They were Hamtic (Antique), Aklan, and Irong-Irong (Iloilo). Datus Puti, Bangkaya, and Paiburong ruled these “sakops” but the chief Datu Sumakwel was still the supreme head.

After the barter, Datu Sumakwel established his settlement in what is now Malandog in the Municipality of Hamtic. The origin of the name was derived from a species of large ants called hanti-hantic. Later, Antique was recognized as an independent politico-military province with San Jose as the capital. When the Americans established their authority over the island, this brought about the restoration of peace and order in Panay and the formation of a civil government on April 13, 1901.

The province’s highest peak, Mt. Baloy (elevation of 2, 080 meters), played a major part during the Japanese occupation. This was where the 6th Military District under Col. Macario Peralta kept his headquarters. Panay’s two other peaks are also found in Antique. They are Mt. Madia-as with an elevation of 1,117 meters, and Mt. Nangtud with an elevation of 1, 900 meters.

Antique is abundant with agricultural produce like palay, rice, copra, muscovado sugar, legumes, fruits and vegetables. The province is also rich in livestock, fish and fish preparations, and seaweeds. The province is rich in natural reserves in the form of coal, marble, silica, copper, and gemstone. Their native gifts, toys, and house wares are exported to major cities in the country and abroad.

Among others, one of the province’s oldest landmarks is the church in Anini-y. The Augustinian Friars constructed this during the late 19th century. The province is known for producing the “patadyong”, a colorful native fabric which is peculiar to the Visayas.

When it comes to natural attractions, Antique has some of the most beautiful in the country. For nature lovers, Mt. Madia-as in Culasi, Antique is a haven for an eco-tourism adventure. They can marvel at the different species of flora and fauna, rare orchids, wild deer, a lagoon and lush forests. In Pandan, anyone can enjoy at Malumpati Cold Spring which is believed to have medicinal properties, a smaller version of India’s Ganges River. If Pandan has a cold spring, Anini-y has the Sira-an Hot Spring. It features a hot sulphur spring on top of a solid rock with warm water flowing from the crevices and collecting into tiled basins of a junior-size swimming pool.

The natural attraction that has brought national fame to the province is the Bugang River in Pandan. It was awarded the Cleanest Inland Body of Water by the Gawad Pangulo sa Kapaligiran.

And it seem we can’t get enough of the province. The world’s largest flower, the rafflesia, was discovered in the mountains of Sibalom and San Remegio. Antique is truly world class in its attractions.

For those who want to taste Antique, try the Tatus, a coconut crab delicacy found in the municipality of the Caluya group of islands that celebrates the Tatusan Festival. And every April, the Antiqueños commemorate the arrival of the 10 Bornean Datus by celebrating the Binirayan Festival in San Jose. This festivity is a treat for history cum culture cum arts enthusiasts.

(from The Files Magazine - Panay News online)

Javier said concreting of San Jose-Patnongon road to start soon

SAN JOSE, Antique - Antique Congressman Exequiel Javier assured the drivers and the commuting public that the long awaited concreting and asphalt overlay project of the San Jose-Patnongon road would be started soon.

Javier said that by granting the project to the new contractor, E.C. De Luna Construction took over the work left undone by two contractors - O.R. Sarmiento Construction, and Aboitiz.

Javier added that the concreting and asphalt overlay of the 25 kilometer national highway will preferably start in the next few weeks.

“The contractor (E.C. De Luna) is only waiting for the approval of the Notice of Award by the Secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH),” Javier disclosed.

Javier said that a team from the construction firm has already conducted preliminary survey of the project and would start working in a month time.


Earlier, the previous contractor O.R. Sarmiento Construction should have finished the project last October 2004 but it was found out that it only finished 30% of the project. Then after founding out of the big slippage DPWH have cancelled the contract.

The project was again bid and was awarded to Aboitiz Construction but the firm construction refused because of the unpaid obligations by the national government to the said firm in the concreting of the Valderrama road.

The San Jose - Patnongon road is part of the P1.2 billion Road Improvement Project in the province that was divided into four sections. Others went to Patnongon to the Antique-Aklan boundary.


(from Panay News online)

Mushroom production to augment farmer's income in Antique
By Cleto H. Cordero


PANDAN, Antique - In this time of crisis, mushroom production is considered as one alternative technology that could help enhance the income of farmers.

During the training on mushroom production conducted in the municipality of Pandan in Antique on November 3, 2005, about 40 farmers and local officials were eager to learn the technology in producing mushroom because they saw its potential in helping raise their income.

'Producing mushroom could be the source of living for the people of Pandan. It could be the answer to the meager income in rice farming,' said Pandan vice mayor Antero Rectra.

Rectra said that it is very timely that mushroom training was conducted in Pandan, since people are looking for other sources that could help in their financial burdens.


He thanked the sponsor, Jonathan Tan, for initiating such activity which benefited the farmers in the municipality. Tan is a businessman and philanthropist based in Metro Manila who constantly goes back to Pandan to bring livelihood opportunities for the people.

Tan said that he was supportive of mushroom training because it is a feasible technology.

'When I knew of the plan to conduct mushroom training, I supported it immediately because I knew there is money in mushroom. We only need small capital and can gain big profit,' said Tan.

Tan also assured the farmers that he will be taking charge of marketing their mushroom products.

Dr. Crisanto Lopez, Jr., research director of West Visayas State University (WVSU) and representative to Wesvarrdec (Western Visayas Agriculture and Resources Research and Development Consortium) served as resource person of the training.

In his lecture, Dr. Lopez stressed the good reasons in engaging with mushroom production.

'Why mushroom? Aside from getting additional income, mushroom has high nutritional value. It is a good source of carbohydrates, vitamin B complex and folic acid. It has less fat and cholesterol, hence good for the heart,' said Lopez.

He added that, mushroom production is a very simple technology and not labor intensive. It is even recommended for women because it could be grown in the yard.

Right after the lecture, a hands-on activity was conducted for the farmers to apply what they learned from the lecture. They were grouped into six and planted the spawn into the prepared substrates from soaked dried banana leaves.

'The actual demonstration of the technology is very helpful for us farmers because it made the mushroom production easier. I become more interested in the technology,' said Sanguniang Bayan member Wilton Venus.

Michael Condez, barangay captain of Baybay, Pandan and facilitator of the training, lauded the support of all farmers, local officials, Pandan cooperative and Wesvarrdec for the success of the training. He said mushroom training would be the first of the series of livelihood trainings in Pandan which he will be facilitating.

'All technologies which could help the people of Pandan will be brought to them. With our partnership with Wesvarrdec, we could realize our goal to help farmers alleviate their conditions,' said Condez.


(from The News Today online)

Firm offers cable TV connection via power lines
By Joel E. Capundan
ROXAS CITY -- For the first time in the country and probably in Asia, the Capiz Electric Company (Capelco) would provide cable TV, telephone, and Internet connection through its power lines to far-flung barangays in Capiz.

This was bared by Retired General Pedro G. Dumol, chairman of Nextream Broadband Philippines Inc., and a native of Pontevedra, Capiz.

The new communication and information technology would soon be available after Capelco inks its joint venture with Nextream, a foreign firm that provides new technology called Broadband Power Lines or PBL.

The launching of this product was held on November 7 at the La Hacienda Hotel here.

Dumol said that two officials of Nextream are from Capiz and Iloilo. They are Ty Javillana, Chief Executive Officer, a native of Iloilo and Ronald Fesallon, chief technical officer from Romblon whose wife is from Cogon, Panay.

Provision

According to Fesallon the venture would provide broadband Internet, voice, and video services via power lines where radio energy passes through power lines.

These would be distributed into homes through a devise in the plugs a normal wall outlet and typically provides an Ethernet connection to a computer or home network.

Mixed Feelings

Governor Vicente Bermejo said that he has mixed feelings about this opportunity for the Province of Capiz.

"We have to exercise diligence in managing this venture with foresight and without losing our sight from our real mandate. Senator Mar Roxas pointed this out and I wish to reiterate this concern once again", said Bermejo.

Primary Function

Earlier, Roxas was worried that because the technology proposed would use the same facilities used by Capelco in delivering electricity, all their officials must exercise greater diligence in evaluating the said business opportunity and always weigh benefits relative to the stability of its primary function, which is to provide electricity at affordable prices to all Capicenos.

"There is a need to slowly evaluate this contract because any
mistake will ultimately be shouldered by the consumers of Capelco," Roxas said.

Background Check

Capelco for instance, must seriously look into the background,
experience and capability of the Florida-USA based Nextream to deliver the said service.

Assuming Capelco that his office would always be ready to assist in this engagement, Roxas also urged the electric cooperative to "negotiate hard for a good deal and not just grant long-term exclusive rights to the foreign proponent in exchange for an unspecified investment promise."

Also, if possible, the Senator said, public consultation with cooperative consumers should be held to increase broader awareness and gain public support.

Guests

During the launching, 10 units of computer, video equipment, language lab, chemistry software, and Lego building kits and software for their science lab were turned over to the Capiz National High School and received by its principal Narcisa Artates.

The launching was attended by City Councilor Pepe Del Rosario, representing Mayor Antonio Del Rosario, Engineer Edgar Diaz, lawyer Lolita Quisumbing, vice president of Capelco, Jelly Farrinas, President of Capelco Board of Directors; some local officials and several others.


(from Sunstar Iloilo News online)

Firm offers cable TV connection via power lines
By Joel E. Capundan
ROXAS CITY -- For the first time in the country and probably in Asia, the Capiz Electric Company (Capelco) would provide cable TV, telephone, and Internet connection through its power lines to far-flung barangays in Capiz.

This was bared by Retired General Pedro G. Dumol, chairman of Nextream Broadband Philippines Inc., and a native of Pontevedra, Capiz.

The new communication and information technology would soon be available after Capelco inks its joint venture with Nextream, a foreign firm that provides new technology called Broadband Power Lines or PBL.

The launching of this product was held on November 7 at the La Hacienda Hotel here.

Dumol said that two officials of Nextream are from Capiz and Iloilo. They are Ty Javillana, Chief Executive Officer, a native of Iloilo and Ronald Fesallon, chief technical officer from Romblon whose wife is from Cogon, Panay.

Provision

According to Fesallon the venture would provide broadband Internet, voice, and video services via power lines where radio energy passes through power lines.

These would be distributed into homes through a devise in the plugs a normal wall outlet and typically provides an Ethernet connection to a computer or home network.

Mixed Feelings

Governor Vicente Bermejo said that he has mixed feelings about this opportunity for the Province of Capiz.

"We have to exercise diligence in managing this venture with foresight and without losing our sight from our real mandate. Senator Mar Roxas pointed this out and I wish to reiterate this concern once again", said Bermejo.

Primary Function

Earlier, Roxas was worried that because the technology proposed would use the same facilities used by Capelco in delivering electricity, all their officials must exercise greater diligence in evaluating the said business opportunity and always weigh benefits relative to the stability of its primary function, which is to provide electricity at affordable prices to all Capicenos.

"There is a need to slowly evaluate this contract because any
mistake will ultimately be shouldered by the consumers of Capelco," Roxas said.

Background Check

Capelco for instance, must seriously look into the background,
experience and capability of the Florida-USA based Nextream to deliver the said service.

Assuming Capelco that his office would always be ready to assist in this engagement, Roxas also urged the electric cooperative to "negotiate hard for a good deal and not just grant long-term exclusive rights to the foreign proponent in exchange for an unspecified investment promise."

Also, if possible, the Senator said, public consultation with cooperative consumers should be held to increase broader awareness and gain public support.

Guests

During the launching, 10 units of computer, video equipment, language lab, chemistry software, and Lego building kits and software for their science lab were turned over to the Capiz National High School and received by its principal Narcisa Artates.

The launching was attended by City Councilor Pepe Del Rosario, representing Mayor Antonio Del Rosario, Engineer Edgar Diaz, lawyer Lolita Quisumbing, vice president of Capelco, Jelly Farrinas, President of Capelco Board of Directors; some local officials and several others.


(from Sunstar Iloilo News online)
wow! .. impressive

wow! .. impressive

I hope more and more improvements and developments will be found in these three provinces of Panay Island soon.

Aklan College (now Aklan Catholic College) will celebrate its 60th Founding Anniversary

AKLAN - The Aklan College (now Aklan Catholic College) will celebrate its 60th Founding Anniversary on February 11, 2006.

The College aims to make this celebration not just grand but also a product of united effort of the Administration, Management, Alumni, Faculty, and Staff.

It is high time for ACC to wave its banner high to the community that its prestige radiates not only from the involvement of its in-house resources but also from the participation of the alumni from all over the world.

The Committee on 60th Foundation Day, spearheaded by Rev. Fr. Arnaldo U. Crisostomo, called upon a consultative meeting with alumni last September 17, 2005 to involve them in the preparation of the celebration.

Among those who attended were Dr. Christie Laurente, Edwin Autencio, Josette Mabasa, Rhea Ismael, Chrislyn Tang, Rocky Abello, and Peter Rian Casidsid.

The program started with a viewing of a video clip, aptly entitled, “Revisiting the Past.” The alumni shared the impact of the video, claiming that it created a mixed feeling of nostalgia and happiness of seeing the good old days. Indeed, it is true that “…of the memories, the most painful to remember are the happy ones.”

There was a realization then that these moments in time spent with Aklan College (now Aklan Catholic College) must perpetually continue, no matter how many years have passed. Consequently, an inspiration to do more for the Alma Mater did transpire to every alumnus/alumna who attended. They participated in the brainstorming on activities that could be taken to make the event successful and more meaningful not only for the alumni but also for the whole community of the College.

Thus, the theme of the celebration, “Six decades and still counting…a dream, a life… a legacy” and its corresponding logo were determined through the concerted effort of the alumni and the members of the Committee. Indeed, there is excitement to build a dream for the aspirations of the College, the desire to bring life and move to action the fulfillment of the dream, and the pleasure to hand down the gift of youthfulness and love for education to the next generation.

A Grand Alumni Homecoming then will be celebrated on the Feast Day of Our Lady of Lourdes, the College Patroness. As of press time, the Committee, together with the alumni, is making plans and strategies in order to disseminate the information and to call on all alumni of Aklan College for a big and joyous celebration like the homecoming.

----

1ST Nutrition Congress to solve malnutrition in Antique

San Jose, Antique –Nutrition Congress proposes alternative approaches to address malnutrition problems in Antique.

Local Chief Executives, Health and Nutrition Officers in Region VI, Helen Keller International, Unicef, Save the Children and all partner agencies converged for a one-day Health and Nutrition Congress to demonstrate their solidarity to eradicate the menace of malnutrition in Antique.

The event was the first of its kind in the history of Provincial Nutrition Committee (PNC) in a bid to find alternative approaches to address Maternal and Child Health (MCH) and malnutrition problems.

It can be recalled that in the 2004 survey of the Food and Nutrition Research Institute, Antique ranked No. 1 in malnutrition in Region VI and No.2 in the whole country.

Gov. Sally Z. Perez had committed to address the problem with the support of funding institutions like Unicef whose concern is for the children to be born healthy, live long and live well in a happy and child friendly society as stipulated in the Philippine Plan of Action for Children or CHILD 21.
Dr. Nelly H. Abiera, Provincial Health Officer cited interventions to curb incidence of malnutrition, morbidity and mortality among infants and mothers.

In fact, infant mortality from one-year old and below had decreased.

The town of San Remigio stood out to be negative of infant deaths.

Various interventions include among others the ongoing programs and campaigns on breastfeeding, immunization, salt iodization, education/literacy through the Pabasa Program Environmental sanitation, provision of access to safe drinking water and use of sanitary toilets are also included in the campaign to fight malnutrition.

Abiera pointed out that iodizing machines were provided by the Provincial Government.

For the year 2005, salt iodization coverage is nearing completion.


----

British ambassador in Capiz for President’s bridge blessing
By FELIPE CELINO


ROXAS CITY- British Ambassador Peter Beckingham and three other Filipino department secretaries will be in the province tomorrow, November 18, for the blessing and inauguration of the newly constructed President’s Bridge project in Brgy. Ilawod Dao, Capiz.

Engr. Juby Blancaver-Cordon, of the 1st engineering district said, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita will represent President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo who is tentatively scheduled to grace the occasion.

Cordon said other guests expected to grace the occasion are DPWH Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. and DA Secretary Nasser Pangandaman.

The Ilawod Bridge linking the Poblacion to Brgy. Duyoc, is the latest steel bridge under the President’s Bridge Program (Tulay ng Pangulo sa Barangay).

Capiz is the recipient of eleven bridges from the program, the most among Western Visayas.

Blancaver said the bridge will definitely answer the residents’ problem in transporting their goods going to the Poblacion. The project was once hampered due to the planned rehabilitation of the Philippine Railway.

Subsequently, the bridge will also serve as an access going to the municipality of Panitan and Roxas City, she stressed.

Dao Mayor Ernesto Escutin said the project will totally benefit a total population of 5,000 from two barangays—Duyoc and Lacaron, both in Dao town.

The steel bridge project costing P29,332,495.65 was started in Augusat 16, 2004 and was completed on June 20,2005.

The two-lane, three-span compact steel bridge was supplied by the Mabey and Johnson Limited of United Kingdom.

It has 65.7172 lineal meters in length and 7.35 lineal meters(double lane) wide.

Last August, Capiz Gov. Vicente Bermejo defended Arroyo’s President’s Bridge program in reaction to Sen. Panfilo Lacson’s claim of anomalies in the program.

The program has already constructed bridges in many part of the country worth P8.3 billion.

Bermejo said Lacson’s “unfounded” allegation might discourage foreign funding agencies from donor countries supplying and or constructing bridges. He said the province has a counterpart fund of P35.6 million for the construction of bridges and rehabilitation of others.

The Governor has thanked the governments of UK and Austria for their help. These two countries, he stressed, were the donors and suppliers of pre-fabricated modular steel bridge materials.

Provincial Board Member Enrique Martin, Chair of the Committee on Transportation and Communication, said the President’s Bridge program is a continuing program of the government spanning the Ramos and Estrada administrations.

Martin stressed that these bridges have made transport of products easier and cheaper.

Panay Mayor Felipe Barredo said his town has availed of six out of 11 bailey bridges from the program. This is because Panay has the most numbers of rivers in Capiz.

Barredo added that production of fisheries and agricultural crops in outlying barangays have considerably in creased after the construction of bridges.



(from Panay News online)

Gov: Aklan is investor-friendly

BY RECTO I. VIDAL


KALIBO, Aklan- As a successful investor himself, Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez, declared that he welcomes investors to Aklan with open arms and has, in fact actively campaigned for and encouraged investors to put up businesses in the province.

A case in point are the multi-million resorts sprouting in Boracay Island and the Magsaysay Maritime Corporation whose proposals he and Aklan Rep. Florencio Miraflores fully supported, the governor said.

"I'm not putting any roadblocks that totally close highways for investor traffic but rather checkpoints to ensure the safe flow of said traffic. There are environmental and other checkpoints-laws-that should be observed and complied with to ensure the preservation of our ecology and the safety of our constituency," he clarified.

The governor made this clarification in reaction to an editorial made by a regional paper tagging Aklan as "Off limits to investors."

In turn, Erico Bucoy, Executive Officer of the Akelco, disowned the statements attributed to him by the editorial writer. He said he has not been interviewed by, he has not talked with, that paper.

Marquez made it clear that the ECC issued to the Mirant plant at New Washington requires the establishment of a Multipartite Monitoring Team and an Environmental Guarantee Fund (EGF). The fund as proposed was only P200,000.

The Farmer's Cooperative Hybrid Rice Commercial Farms for which farmers and the province have invested millions are located in the immediate vicinity of the plan.

Also, considering the imminent environmental threat posed by a power generator of such magnitude,P200,000 is too small. Until now, this has not been resolved, he revealed.

"This should not be no cause for a delay in the Mirant plant operation. This definitely is not a needle's eye," Marquez averred.

As to the land conversion problem of the New Washington plan, Marquez said he has actively interceded with the New Washington MARO, under whose jurisdiction fell the proper conversion of the plant site, to resolve the issue at the earliest time possible.

It was not resolved, however, until the Department of Land Reform created a taskforce whose findings resulted to the filing of a case against Mirant.

"I fully recognize and appreciate the need for power suppliers like Mirant but we have laws and regulations enacted to safeguard our people and our environment. It is unfortunate hat my concern has been interpreted," the governor lamented.

(from Panay News)

BIR - Roxas rakes in P250M in 10 months


ROXAS City – The revenue collection of Capiz reached to more than P250 million as of October this year.

According to Eralen De Aro, Revenue District Officer of Revenue District Office (RDO) 72 of Roxas City, they were able to collect some P250,524,787.03 from January to October this year.

Compared to October last year’s revenue collection of P248,215,322.64, this year’s collection has a surplus of more than P2.3 million.

However, De Aro said that as against their annual goal this year of P317.55 million, they still have a P9-million collection shortfall up to year-end.

With the Bureau of Internal Revenue’s (BIR) enhanced voluntary assessment program, she is confident that they would be able to generate the remaining revenue target by the end of December.

Last year, RDO 72 exceeded its collection by P1 million as against its goal collection of P246 million, De Aro said, pointing out that they were able to collect some P247 million.

Recently, BIR Acting Regional Director Rodeta Galanto disclosed that out of more than 243,000 head of the families in Capiz, only about 20,000 of them are filing their taxes. She explained that most of these taxpayers here are salaried employees.

Galanto stressed that in the Philippines taxation system, 80 percent of taxes are collected by the BIR, while the remaining 20 percent is collected by other agencies like the Land Transportation Office, Bureau of Customs and similar revenue collection offices.

She said that with the implementation of the Expanded Value Added Tax (EVAT), the country is assured of higher revenues that would redound to increased social services like health and education.


----


Media Cultural Congress set

BY ULYSSES ESPARTERO



KALIBO, Aklan – The Aklan Press Club (APC) will be sending delegates to the First National Countryside Media Cultural Congress on December 9-10, 2005 at the Manila Hotel and M/S Philippines, a luxury liner.

The delegation shall be headed by APC Acting President and Panay News Branch Manager Edwin Pelayo.

The two-day event is organized by the Publishers Association of the Philippines, Incorporated (PAPI) headed by Juan “Johny” Dayang in cooperation with the National Commission on Culture and Arts (NCCA) headed by Cecile Guidote Alvares.

“This is an opportunity for us to interact with the media men and other communicators from all over the country including the publishers, editors, writers, columnists, reporter, photojournalists and broadcaster,” said Pelayo.

The event will also be attended by public relations officers and public affairs directors, journalism professors, college editors, local government information officers, Filipino media men practicing abroad and communicators representing institutions promoting press freedom.

Invited guests and speakers are GMA 7 Kapuso Project Coordinator Rod Cornejo, NCCA Commissioner Alfredo Gabot, Miss International 2005 Precious Lara Quigaman, Tourism Secretary Ace Durano, Manila City Mayor Lito Atienza, NCCA Chairman Ambeth R. Ocampo, Ambassador Preciosa Soliven and DeLa Salle President Emeritus Andrew Gonzales.




(from Panay News online)

ADB-JBIC assisted project in Antique nears completion


Aiming to promote economic growth especially in rural areas, the Department of Public Works and Highways Asian Development Bank (ADB) Project Management Office announced the near completion of two vital road networks in the Province of Antique.

In his report to Secretary Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr. ADB Project Director Subair Diron said that the Iloilo - Asluman Road and Patnongon - Nabas Road in Antique would be completed by the end of February 2006.

With Secretary Ebdane's instruction to fast track the implementation of the project, we are strictly monitoring the scheduled construction works on the site to assure the quality of work and that the project will be completed on time' Diron said.

Funded by the Asian Development Bank, Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) and Government of the Philippines, the total cost of Iloilo - Asmulan Road Project is P728 million, while the Patnongon - Nabas Road in P166 million.

Both projects involve the asphalt concrete overlay on existing roads, shoulder and drainage improvement, and installation of road safety device and markings.

Upon its completion, the project will serve as alternate route from Iloilo City going to Aklan. It will also spur economic growth as it links barangay roads leading to various tourists' spots in Panay Island.


(from The News Today Info online)

Sinadya sa Halaran 2005


Capiceños, guests and tourists look forward with much excitement to this year's Sinadya sa Halaran Festival that unfolds the attractions and heritage of the Province of Capiz and City of Roxas on December 7-11, 2005 in Roxas City, Capiz. The theme for this year's celebration Pag-uswag Maagom Kon May Paghiliusa ans Banwa speaks of how the Capiz community values unity as its foundation for proress. The schedule of activities shared with this writer by Bo Bediones, the indefatigable Provincial Tourism Officer of Capiz is loaded with showcases of community unity as the locals worship, play and relive their glorious past together.


December 7, opening day, is devoted to the Capizeño faith. There is going to be a thanksgiving mass, raising of flags of the City of Roxas, Capiz Province and the different municipalities of the province and an opening and blessing each of the Tourist Information Center at the Roxas City Plaza, Capiz Trade Fair 2005 beside the Provincial Capitol and the Tourist Information Center at the Roxas City airport.In the afternoon there's theProsesyon sang mga Patron sa Barangay (Procession of Patron Saints of the Villages), switch-on of Culasi-Baybay-Dumulog streetlights and simultaneous switch-on of lights at the public plaza, Roxas City Hall and Capiz Provincial Capitol. It is also the opening of the Seafood Festival and the Talent Night for the Mutya sang Sinadya sa Halaran.

The main highlight of the festival is the Tribal Competition on December 10 at 1:30-6:00 pm at the Roxas City Plaza followed by the Coronasyon sang Reyna. The grand Festival Parade is on December 11 in the streets of Roxas City.

Sinadya sa Halaran is merrymaking in thanksgiving for a bountiful year, for the many blessings we received despite the hard times, for life itself. Join the faith. Relish the fun and the seafood. Go to Capiz for the festival and see for yourself why Capiz claims to be the Seafood Capital of the Philippines.

Sinadya sa Halaran draws attention to the other tourist attractions of Capiz It is after all blessed be both natural, cultural and historical gems. The two-storey hardwood and stone house where the First President of the Philippine Republic was born is located in Roxas City Proper is now a historical shrine. The Moro towers in Sitio Nipa, Barangay Culasi, Roxas City buit in 1814 in order to repel invading Moros and Portuguese colonizers. Though half-torn, this stone structure is a reminder of the bravery of the Capizeño and his love for freedom.

The old imposing Roxas City Bridge (formerly Capiz Bridge),built in 1910, remains firm and strong overlooking the Panay River. The bridge is a silent witness of the various changes that ushered in progress and development in Roxas City. Equally alluring is the huge stretch of Panay River that traverses the very heart of the city, thus. earning for itself the sobriquet, 'Venice of the Visayas'. Capiz National High School, formerly known as Capiz High School was established and completely organized in 1914. One of the pioneering educational institutions in the province of Capiz, it has an imposing structure and top-of-a hill location.

Ang Panubli-on, the Roxas City Museum was built in 1910 as a water tank. It now houses the memorabilia of illustrious sons and daughters of Roxas City, collections of religious icons, artifacts and artworks.

The natural attractions of Capiz include beaches, caves, coral reef islets. The province also has religious, manmade, special interest attractions and emerging festivals, among others.


(from The News today Info online)

What to see and enjoy in Sinadya sa Halaran '05


ROXAS CITY -- The organizing committee of Sinadya sa monsignor, Capiz's premiere festival that fuses the Sinadya of this city and Monsignor of Capiz province, now has the complete schedule of activities of the forthcoming celebration from December 7 to 11, 2005.

Although the festival will officially open on December 7, it will have an early start as the traditional Novena Masses will commence on November 29. The religious services will usher in the Roxas City fiesta or Sinadya festival that will culminate on December 8 with the feast day of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, the Patroness of the Capiceños.

On December 2-4, the Capiz Gun Club Corp. headed by Vilmo Fernandez will stage their Western Visayas Level I Regional Practical Shooting Competition at Barangay Dinginan, the first time that the shootfest will become part of the festival.

The Capiz Arts Council will also introduce new activities this year in the form of art competitions for young people dubbed Banderitas de Sinadya sa Halaran on December 3 at the city plaza Riverside Walk and Duagan ang Kalsada sa Sinadya sa Halaran on December 4 along the road fronting Capiz National High School.

The opening day activities on December 7 will be heralded by a Diana at 4:00 A.M. The day's highlights will include Gawad Kalinga Halad sa Probinsya, thanksgiving mass, opening of Sinadya sa Halaran 2005, raising of flags, blessing of Tourist Information Center at the Plaza, opening of Capiz Trade Fair, blessing of Tourist Information Center at the Airport, Prosesyon sang mga Patron sa Barangay, Vespers Mass at the Plaza, switch-on of Culasi-Baybay-Dumulog streetlights, simultaneous lighting of city plaza,City Hall and Provincial Capitol, opening of seafood festival, Panglakaton sa Palanublion cultural show, Halad sang Probinsya, and Mutya sang Sinadya sa Halaran talent nght.

The seafood festival will last until December 11. Likewise, the Diana will usher in each day's activities.

The second day, December 8 is the Sinadya fiesta day of Roxas City. The day's activities will include fiesta masses to be highlighted by a concelebrated mass, Kiwanis Pahampang sa Plaza, baptism, fireworks, and Artista sa Plaza.

On December 9, there will be a marathon, cycling race, Gawad Kalinga breakfast forum and turnover of GK houses to beneficiaries, table tennis and badminton competitions, free medical services, RMN-DYVR Pasundayag, Sinadya Rakrakan sa Halaran featuring Bamboo Band, and Mutya sang Sinadya sa Halaran pageant night.

The fourth day, December 10 will be highlighted by the Gov. Vic Bermejo & SK Inter-LGU 9-Ball Billiard Tournament, Congressman Roging Dadivas Chess Tournament, free medical services, Tribal Competition, Sigabong sa Sinadya sa Halaran, and Coronasyon sang Reyna.

Finally on December 11, Capiceños and visitors will be treated to a day full of culminating activities including the colorful Grand Parade, competitions in arnis, swimming, boxing and taekwondo, finals of the billiard and chess tournaments, Sinadya sa Halaran competitive gas-powered remote control racing, Misa sa Plaza, Prosesyon sa Suba, fireworks, and LGU Night.


(from Sunstar Iloilo News online)

I did a Panay tour last year , in Capiz province i did visit a place somewhere in the mountains. My father-in-law grew up there so he showed me the place. It wasn't even possible to go there with our van so we had to ride on the back of motorcycles for almost 1 hour. Then , to reach more remote areas, you could only walk!
It was a great experiance and adventure to visit there, the peopel were very very nice and most of the kids never even saw a foreigner before!
Here's some pics:

http://img454.imageshack.us/img454/5416/phils1541kv.jpg

http://img454.imageshack.us/img454/3710/phils1611ro.jpg

http://img454.imageshack.us/img454/434/phils1719vn.jpg

http://img454.imageshack.us/img454/4485/phils1735ck.jpg

^^ Must be some adventure and eye-opener for you Champs! It's good that you were able to visit these remote places. It will draw you closer to the heart of the Filipinos. Such purity and happiness notwithstanding the simplicity and harshness of their daily living, especially the little children. I see they don't even have footwear.

Any pictures with your wife?

^^
Any pictures with your wife?

Asawa ko sa Rotterdam
http://img356.imageshack.us/img356/5368/10241xs.jpg

^ Nice! She's pretty au naturelle. :)

WOW!
Thnx for sharing the pics and your experience .

thanks for the pics, Champagnesupernova. Hopefully, you did enjoy your vacation in Capiz.

GMA releases P20M to upgrade Central Panay Highway
12/08 11:30:55 AM

ROXAS CITY – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo released Wednesday P20 million for the upgrading of the Central Panay Highway in Capiz as part of the government’s tourist promotion program and improve the transport network in the entire Panay Island.

The President handed the P20 million check to Sen. Mar Roxas after she formally opened Capiz province’s 2005 Sinadya sa Halaran Festival in honor of the 150th jubilee of the Immaculate Conception, the patroness of the province.

In her message delivered in Ilonggo, the President said the improvement of the Central Panay Highway is crucial to the development of the tourist spots in Panay Island as a component of the roll-on roll-off (RO-RO) Strong Republic Nautical Highway.

The President said 2nd district representative Fredenil Castro had requested for P180 million to upgrade the highways in Capiz to improve the overall road network in the province and ensure the convenient movement of goods and services.

She said that with the P20 million allocation, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) can now start immediately the road upgrading project.

The additional amount needed for the Central Panay Highway project will be included in the 2006 national budget.

"We are determined to institute reforms in order to accomplish vital infrastructure projects," she said in Ilonggo.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/ilo/2005/12/09/article_156217_12-09-2005.jpg
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo cuts the ceremonial ribbon during the inauguration of the Roxas City Tourism Information Center Wednesday in Roxas City, Capiz. Also in photo are Roxas City Mayor Antonio del Rosario (3rd from left) and Senator Manuel Roxas II. Earlier, the President opened the 2005 Sinadya sa Halaran Festival at the Roxas City Plaza.

Roxas tourist info center vital for tourism industry
By Maricar M. Calubiran

Department of Tourism Regional Director Edwin Trompeta lauded the tourist information center in Roxas City for its vital role in the tourism industry of Roxas and the entire province of Capiz.


Trompeta said the presence of tourist information center in one area is vital because foreigners could gain access not only on destinations but only on products and fare rates. He said with the center tourists could not be easily deceived by opportunistic locals. The center will also make tourists feel secure.

The tourism information center in Roxas was constructed with the help the different associations of Capizeños in America. The association contributed US$8,000 while the local government had a share of P250,000 to complete the tourist info center. The center was recently inaugurated by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

The tourist information center will operate on a 24-hour basis. It will be manned by efficient tourism personnel while the police will take care of the security. The center is located near the plaza and could be easily located by those who want to seek information about Roxas City and province of Capiz.

Trompeta added that other municipalities or provinces could also emulate such project.

It is a big help to the local government unit. Different associations could infuse funds and construct information centers such as in Roxas City, he said.


(photos from Sunstar Iloilo and artcile from The News Today Info online)

DTI-Antique touts province’s ‘conducive’ business climate


SAN JOSE, Antique - Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Provincial Director Engr. Wilhelm Malones insists that Antique has a conducive business climate, proof of which is the increase in investment and business registrations of small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

Factors contributing to the conducive business climate, said Malones, are the strong support of the Provincial Government to the business sector, the micro-credit financing scheme offered by banks and cooperatives to SMEs, a functional airport with regular flights to Manila, functional sea ports in the municipalities of Culasi and San Jose, good infrastructure such as good roads and bridges, and regular roll on, roll off (roro) trips from Antique to other parts of the country.

Malones said the current peace and order situation also contribute to the good business climate.

DTI data showed that in 2004, 617 new business establishments were registered while 654 new business registrations were approved as of November 2005.

In terms of investment generation for business establishments DTI has recorded a total of P169 million generating employment for 1,531 individuals as of November
2005 as against to P218 million investments in 2004 with employment generated for 1,363 individuals.

Investments per sector is also favorable with muscuvado sugar taking the lead with P4.91 million, seaweeds with P2 million and gifts and housewares P2.58 million as of October 2005.

Gifts and housewares, and muscovado sugar are among the export products of the province. The Antique Development Foundation, a non-government organization, is taking the lead in exporting gift items and housewares with people’s organization as producers.

The Antique Muscovado Producers Association and El Maestro, privately-owned muscovado sugar packaging firms, are on top in exporting muscovado sugar.

Other businesses on the rise in the province are resorts and pension houses, handicrafts, muscovado native delicacies, gemstones and agriculture and fishery-based products.

(from Panay News online)

Antiqueño, among the world's executive leaders



In what can be described by far as among the most imminent and renowned achievements ever attained by an Antiqueño, Imelda Salazar Suit, daughter of Antique's Provincial Administrator Engr. Manuel J. Salazar, was awarded an honor by being inducted into the Academy of Women Leaders by the YWCA (Young Women's Christian Association) of New York City.

Suit is the Director of Financial Planning and Reporting at Otis Elevator Company, the world's largest manufacturer and maintainer of people-moving products such as elevators, escalators and moving walkways.

Suit's induction places her among the nearly 3, 000 women identified by the YWCA worldwide since 1974 for their outstanding professional achievement, civic commitment and demonstrative leadership.

Otis President Ari Bousbil declared that the induction is a tribute to the Antiqueña for her outstanding professional achievement, contribution and hard work in helping Otis become a corporate forerunner in the people-moving products industry.


News of her induction into the Academy has reached the province of Antique when it was posted at the Yahoo website and was released to the press in the United States east coast. She was honored at the YWCA's Salute to Women Leaders Lunch at the New York Marriot Marquis Hotel, New York City, last November 16, 2005.

Imelda Suit is the fourth child in a brood of seven by the low key Engr. Manuel Salazar, himself presently Antique's Provincial Administrator and a retired Regional Director of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) for Region VI.

Asked by the local media for comment or reactions, Engr. Salazar said he is elated by his daughter's success.


(from The News Today Info online)

Spring water development projects
eyed in Nabas

BY ULYSSES ESPARTERO



KALIBO, Aklan – The construction of Spring Water Development Projects in two different locations are being eyed here.

Mayor Romeo Dalisay, who is serving his first term, said that cold spring sources abound in the municipality specifically the Hurom-Hurom and Basang Springs in Barangay Laserna and Sumagawsaw Spring in Barangay Unidos.

This can be tapped for the construction of potable water supply systems that could help supply many barangays in the town.

Direct beneficiaries of the Hurom-Hurom or Basang spring development project are the people of barangays Gibon, Laserna, Toledo, Nagustan, Buenasuerte, Poblacion, Buenavista and Alimbo Baybay while Sumagawsaw Spring can serve barangays Union, Unidos, Rizal and Tagororoc.

These spring development projects which were once proposed for construction under the Barangay Water Program of the provincial government of Aklan and the Department of Interior and Local Government and were in fact, already funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) but was stalled by the People Power Revolution in 1986.

It was learned that many barangays including Poblacion have no existing piped waters systems that would ensure clean and potable water supply for drinking and domestic use.

Households in many areas are dependent on ground shallow deep wells for their potable water.


(from Panay News online)

Antiqueño appointed as judge in California

http://www.thenewstoday.info/20051216/californiajudge.jpg

San Jose, Antique -- A native of Barangay San Pedro, San Jose, Antique has again brought pride and honor to the entire province and the Antiqueños.

Eugene Libo-on Balonon was appointed as judge of the Sacramento Superior Court by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, filling the seat vacated by retiring Judge Jeffrey L. Gunther.

Balonon's father was the late Remegio Moscoso Balonon who hailed from San Pedro, Antique's biggest barangay and his mother Pacita Libo-on is from Miagao, Iloilo.

The job pays an annual salary of $149,160.

Balonon who now resides in Wilton, has served as executive director of the state Gambling Control Commission since last year.

Reached at his commission office, Balonon said, 'I am grateful for this opportunity and for the governor's confidence in me'.

He did three separate stints as a deputy district attorney in Sacramento County - from 1999 to 2004, from 1995 to 1996, and from 1985 to 1989. He prosecuted some high-profile cases during his time in the District Attorney's Office, the last one being the Stockton Boulevard series of rapes.


He served as chief deputy and director of the California State Lottery from 1996 to 199. His experience also includes six years as counsel and later deputy director of the governor's Office of Criminal Justice Planning, and three years as a legal writing professor at Lincoln Law School.

Balonon earned his law degree from Lincoln and a bachelor of arts degree from California State University, Sacramento. He has been a member of the Asian Bar Association, the National Trial Lawyers Association and the Sacramento County Attorneys Association.

The appointment comes on the heels of another Antiqueño achievement attained by Imelda Salazar Suit, daughter of Antique's Provincial Administrator Engr. Manuel Salazar, who was awarded as among the world's executive leaders by the Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA) in the United States.

In an official statement, Antique Governor Salvacion Zaldivar Perez was profoundly elated by the two Antiqueños' successes and extends her warmest congratulations and commendations to them and their families.

'Eugene and Imelda's achievements are a triumph of the Antiqueño spirit, of hardwork and of resilience in the face of challenges. It is no mean feat to excel in a foreign land, especially in a western country like the United States. Indeed, their success surely inspires us all', the statement concluded.


(from The News Today Info online)

Ati-Atihan Festival to showcase piña fiber

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL



KALIBO, Aklan – The famous piña fabric will take center stage in next month’s Ati-Atihan Festival, a top official of the Kalibo Ati-Atihan Management Board (KAMB) said.

The festival will be used as platform to market Aklan’s weaving industry and the exquisite piña fiber, said Albert Menez.

“The ‘mother of all festivals’ would also showcase the finest piña and abaca cloth accessories to our balikbayans and foreign tourists, apart from the traditional street dancing and revelry to honor Sto. Niño,” he pointed out.

A fashion show during the Balikbayan Night at the Magsaysay Park would be a fitting tribute to Aklan’s tourism potential – the abaca and piña clothm Menez said.

The show would feature the designs of top artists donning piña-based accessories such as day and evening wear, bags and bandanas.

“This is our way of promoting and preserving the piña and abaca cloth industry, and establish Aklan, particulary Kalibo, as the prime destination for tourists ,” added Menez.

Kalibo Ati-Atihan Festival will be celebrated from January 9 to 15, 2006.


(from Panay News online)

Antiqueño, among the world's executive leaders



In what can be described by far as among the most imminent and renowned achievements ever attained by an Antiqueño, Imelda Salazar Suit, daughter of Antique's Provincial Administrator Engr. Manuel J. Salazar, was awarded an honor by being inducted into the Academy of Women Leaders by the YWCA (Young Women's Christian Association) of New York City.

Suit is the Director of Financial Planning and Reporting at Otis Elevator Company, the world's largest manufacturer and maintainer of people-moving products such as elevators, escalators and moving walkways.

Suit's induction places her among the nearly 3, 000 women identified by the YWCA worldwide since 1974 for their outstanding professional achievement, civic commitment and demonstrative leadership.

Otis President Ari Bousbil declared that the induction is a tribute to the Antiqueña for her outstanding professional achievement, contribution and hard work in helping Otis become a corporate forerunner in the people-moving products industry.


News of her induction into the Academy has reached the province of Antique when it was posted at the Yahoo website and was released to the press in the United States east coast. She was honored at the YWCA's Salute to Women Leaders Lunch at the New York Marriot Marquis Hotel, New York City, last November 16, 2005.

Imelda Suit is the fourth child in a brood of seven by the low key Engr. Manuel Salazar, himself presently Antique's Provincial Administrator and a retired Regional Director of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) for Region VI.

Asked by the local media for comment or reactions, Engr. Salazar said he is elated by his daughter's success.


(from The News Today Info online)

go go antique ay nahidlaw na ako

Aklanons abroad gear up for Ati-Atihan fest

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL



KALIBO, Aklan – It’s all systems go for the 15th Annual Ati-Atihan Fiesta and Dance of the Filipino American community abroad as they celebrate the festival deeply rooted on religious significance on January next year.

The Aklan Association of Sacramento and Vicinity brings together the sons and daughters of Aklan from Sacramento and Vicinity to celebrate a common history and affirm their identity as a people.

Ati-Atihan is one of the few rich traditional events shared and enjoyed by all generations. The “Ati-Atihan” festival, the biggest, most colorful and internationally known Mardi gras in the country, is held to honor the Sto. Niño on the third week of January.

The association was lauded for its active involvement in building a bridge of understanding and in strengthening the linkages among the Filipino American community in Sacramento.

Among the highlights of the event include a holy mass, blessing of the Sto.Niño images and statues, traditional “Paeapak” of the Holy Child to devotees and guests, procession of the Sto. Niño statues and Ati-Atihan parade.

Through this event, the legacy of leadership can be transferred from the first generation immigrants to a community of second and third generations of Filipino Americans.

The festival is an occasion to share this heritage with the younger generation and therefore help promote Philippine culture in California. It is also a tribute to all the officers and members of the Aklan Association of Sacramento and Vicinity to bring this celebration together again.

The funds raised by the Aklan Association events are donated to the Missionaries of Charity in New Washington, Aklan to support the children and sick adults that needed medical attention, foods and clothes.


(from Panay News online)

paspas Akeanon ! The drum is beating hard for Ati-atihan festival in January !

go go antique ay nahidlaw na ako


cheer for Antique, Sky. Antique's economy is moving well now .. time for Antique to shine !

cheers to antique my place of birth

cheers to antique my place of birth


I'm glad Antique is waking up as well economically. Hopefully, it's progress will continue to bloom.

Sky, is Antique Airport operational now? Any news about Antique's progress and development?

Dumarao, Roxas City named Western Visayas champs in Pagdayaw 2005


Roxas City -- For the first time, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Regional Office in Western Visayas honors the best local government units.

Dubbed as Pagdayaw 2005: Local Governance at its best, DILG Regional Director Evelyn Trompeta awards the local chief executives of the respective towns, city or province the trophy to the LGU awardees.

The LGU awards cover the top performing LGUs and individuals who have won in the recent search.

Included in the Pagdayaw is the presentation of awards to winners of the Gawad Pangulo sa Kapaligiran, Search for Most Outstanding Barangay Tanod and Search for Outstanding Gabay sa Mamamayan Action Center. The said search is spearheaded by the DILG.

In the recently concluded Regional Gawad Pangulo sa Kapaligiran, the Regional Search Committee declared Roxas City and Dumarao town in Capiz as 2005 regional champion in the GPK Component City and 1st to 3rd class municipality category, respectively. Roxas City was also declared champion in the cleanest public market restroom category

The municipality of Dao was declared 1st runner up in the 4th- 6th class municipality category, while Barangay Tanod Mario Ombid of Balaring, Ivisan, Capiz also received a heroism award in this year’s search for most outstanding Tanod.

For the province’s category, Capiz was declared 1st runner up in the 2005 Regional GPK search.

For Roxas City, it is her fourth time to win the regional GPK championship and the 3rd for winning the cleanest public market restroom in Western Visayas.

Provincial Director Jenny Destua of the Department of the Interior and Local Government here disclosed that the province’s entry to this year’s Clean and Green regional competition made a good fight.

He added despite the suspension of the national GPK search, Region VI was able to continue the said activity in order to sustain the national program that focuses more on food sufficiency and productivity, health and sanitation, and environmental protection.

Destua explained that unlike other provinces, Capiz has already institutionalized the conduct of the provincial GPK because it has already incorporated in its annual budget an appropriation for said activity.

Destua further said that this is also the first time that their regional office will award the winners to outstanding LGUs and individuals.

Destua stressed that Governor Vicente Bermejo province of Capiz, together with mayors Antonio Del Rosario of Roxas City, Heracleo Benjamin of Dumarao, Ernesto Escutin of Dao, and Noel Yap of Ivisan together with Ombid personally received the awards.


(from Panay News online)

Dumarao, Roxas City named Western Visayas champs in Pagdayaw 2005


Roxas City -- For the first time, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Regional Office in Western Visayas honors the best local government units.

Dubbed as Pagdayaw 2005: Local Governance at its best, DILG Regional Director Evelyn Trompeta awards the local chief executives of the respective towns, city or province the trophy to the LGU awardees.

The LGU awards cover the top performing LGUs and individuals who have won in the recent search.

Included in the Pagdayaw is the presentation of awards to winners of the Gawad Pangulo sa Kapaligiran, Search for Most Outstanding Barangay Tanod and Search for Outstanding Gabay sa Mamamayan Action Center. The said search is spearheaded by the DILG.

In the recently concluded Regional Gawad Pangulo sa Kapaligiran, the Regional Search Committee declared Roxas City and Dumarao town in Capiz as 2005 regional champion in the GPK Component City and 1st to 3rd class municipality category, respectively. Roxas City was also declared champion in the cleanest public market restroom category

The municipality of Dao was declared 1st runner up in the 4th- 6th class municipality category, while Barangay Tanod Mario Ombid of Balaring, Ivisan, Capiz also received a heroism award in this year’s search for most outstanding Tanod.

For the province’s category, Capiz was declared 1st runner up in the 2005 Regional GPK search.

For Roxas City, it is her fourth time to win the regional GPK championship and the 3rd for winning the cleanest public market restroom in Western Visayas.

Provincial Director Jenny Destua of the Department of the Interior and Local Government here disclosed that the province’s entry to this year’s Clean and Green regional competition made a good fight.

He added despite the suspension of the national GPK search, Region VI was able to continue the said activity in order to sustain the national program that focuses more on food sufficiency and productivity, health and sanitation, and environmental protection.

Destua explained that unlike other provinces, Capiz has already institutionalized the conduct of the provincial GPK because it has already incorporated in its annual budget an appropriation for said activity.

Destua further said that this is also the first time that their regional office will award the winners to outstanding LGUs and individuals.

Destua stressed that Governor Vicente Bermejo province of Capiz, together with mayors Antonio Del Rosario of Roxas City, Heracleo Benjamin of Dumarao, Ernesto Escutin of Dao, and Noel Yap of Ivisan together with Ombid personally received the awards.


(from Panay News online)
Capiz is really taking this Pagdayaw contest seriously ...

I'm glad Antique is waking up as well economically. Hopefully, it's progress will continue to bloom.

Sky, is Antique Airport operational now? Any news about Antique's progress and development?

the last time i visited antique was in 1991. i was born in the capital of san jose de buenavista , my mothers hometown, i believe that asia spirit is operating flights to san jose three times a week, i hope to visit my birthplace next year when i come home for vacation. u can check the province website regarding antique's progress and development, but of course after so many years of not seeing the province im sure that it has change a lot since the last time i went there

the last time i visited antique was in 1991. i was born in the capital of san jose de buenavista , my mothers hometown, i believe that asia spirit is operating flights to san jose three times a week, i hope to visit my birthplace next year when i come home for vacation. u can check the province website regarding antique's progress and development, but of course after so many years of not seeing the province im sure that it has change a lot since the last time i went there


Good thing for Antique and Goodluck in your next visit to the Philippines. It's more than a decade ago na. Of course, so many changes are put in place already.

___________________
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/chymera00/iloilocitypics/feeltheheat.jpg

Capiz is really taking this Pagdayaw contest seriously ...


hopefully, they will ... it's a good source for their tourism as well, Chy.

_________________
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/chymera00/iloilocitypics/feeltheheat.jpg

Kalibo officially launches 2006 Ati-Atihan fest

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL


KALIBO, Aklan – Mayor Raymar Rebaldo led the grand launching of the 794th Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati-Atihan Festival as a showcase of the priceless jewel of Philippine culture and tourism here.

“The festive spirit is revving up to full intensity as the very much-awaited Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati-Atihan Festival 2006 is coming around the corner. The momentous fiesta of all fiestas is expected to draw local and foreign tourists who want to experience the rhythmic and colorful revelries and unique events around the streets of Kalibo,” he said.

Rebaldo, the honorary chairman of the Kalibo Ati-Atihan Management Board (KAMB), added the slogan “Rejuvenate, Innovate. Keep the Faith” that is timely for the festival to display to kababayans and the rest of the world the unique celebration in honor of Senor Sto. Niño.

Aklan Cong. Florencio Miraflores, for his part, urged the organizers of next year’s festival to be more creative and build an atmosphere of religiosity to promote the annual festival.

“We have so many competitors and the devotees have a feeling that the Kalibo Ati-Atihan is left behind by other festivals like Sinulog of Cebu and Dinagyang of Iloilo. The challenge is up for Kalibo festival organizers to be more creative,” he said.

Rebaldo said KAMB had inked a deal with major sponsors like San Miguel Corporation (SMC) and Smart Communications to provide incentives to participating tribes.

As this developed, Chief Insp. Arnold Ardiente told reporters the readiness of PNP by providing more security forces and deployed volunteers to secure the week-long festival.

After the launching at Capt. Gil Mijares Building the other day, Aklan governor Carlito Marquez and Kalibo local officials staged the inaugural “sad-sad” with modern and tribal groups around Kalibo Pastrana Park to mark the formal opening of 2006 Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati-Atihan Festival, which is slated from January 9 to 15, 2006.




(from Panay News online)


__________________
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/chymera00/iloilocitypics/feeltheheat.jpg

Western Visayas places 2nd in rice production


Western Visayas has gone down to the number two spot when it comes to rice production. Larry Nacionales, regional technical director of the Department of Agriculture (DA), said Region 6 places second to Region 2 although this year's yield is higher compared to last year's.

Nacionales said the region supplies 13-15 percent of the rice needs of Filipinos all over the country. Western Visayas is also on the priority list of the department when it comes to programs relative to rice production. Recently, the department received P1 million for its rice production program. The ranking of the rice producing regions was made in the recent conference in Metro Manila.

On the rice production capacity of the region, Nacionales said this year's rice production reached to 1.8 million metric tons. The figure only covers January 2005 to November 2005. He said the production this year is much higher compared with last year because the statistics only covers the 11-month period.

Nacionales attributed the increase in rice production in the use of hybrid rice seeds and certified seeds. They have planted hybrid rice in 4,400 hectares of rice land during the wet season. It is much bigger compared to their projected hectarage which is only 4,200 hectares. The wet season starts from May until September.

He added that they have aimed of planting hybrid rice in 6,570 hectares of rice land during the dry season. However, they were only able to plant hybrid rice in 1,500 hectares rice land. The dry season starts from October until April.

While, DA Regional Director Jindra Demetrio said the rice production is determined by its average yield. The main obstacle to higher rice harvest is the lack of irrigation system in the region. She said about 90,000 hectares of farmland in the region are still dependent on rainfall.

Demetrio added that the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) has only serviced some 49,000 hectares of land. She said there are still a number of farmers who rely on the rainfall. Studies show that it takes more than 2,000 liters of water to produce a kilo of rice.

The regional director also said the department is turning to innovative ways of farming to increase yield despite irrigation constraints.

More E-VAT benefits expected on its final implementation


Despite fears raised that the implementation of the twelve percent (12%) EVAT will dampen production and sales, the government is intent on its implementation in February.

The Expanded Value Added Tax provided under Republic Act 9337, was implemented last November 1 when the Supreme Court lifted the TRO filed against it, paving the way for its full implementation.The implementation of the EVAT is part of the fiscal reform program that intends to generate additional revenue equivalent to 2.5% of the projected gross domestic product (GDP) for 2005, with the end in view of accelerating the balancing of the National Government budget possibly by 2008.

It will be recalled that the President has been given the standby authority by Congress to increase the EVAT to twelve percent if a) VAT collection-to-GDP ratio for 2005 exceeds 2.8% or b) the National Government deficit-to-GDP ratio for 2005 exceeds 1.5%. For 2004, VAT-to-GDP ratio was 2.9%.On the other hand, the National Government deficit-to-GDP ratio was 3.9%.

Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye said the two percent increase on the EVAT collection will bring us closer to economic takeoff and there is no turning back from it.

Bunye said the first round of the EVAT is already a proven harbinger of fiscal stability, confidence, investments and jobs.He cited that "the success of the first round of EVAt implementation is enough reason to expect that we will reap more on the second and final round of its implementation.The Philippines is looking at the Philippines to prove that we are a strong player in an interdependent regional and global economy."

For his part, Finance Secretary Margarito Teves cited the two percent EVAT increase since many goods and services will serve as a tool that will bring the nation sustained and faster economic growth.Teves said the nation should look at the bright side of the tax measure in terms of long-term gains instead of short-term pains.As a result of the first round of the implementation of EVAT, the government also approved the wage increase for government workers and gave increased tax exemptions to minimum wage earners. (PIA 6)

Western Visayas places 2nd in rice production


Western Visayas has gone down to the number two spot when it comes to rice production. Larry Nacionales, regional technical director of the Department of Agriculture (DA), said Region 6 places second to Region 2 although this year's yield is higher compared to last year's.

Nacionales said the region supplies 13-15 percent of the rice needs of Filipinos all over the country. Western Visayas is also on the priority list of the department when it comes to programs relative to rice production. Recently, the department received P1 million for its rice production program. The ranking of the rice producing regions was made in the recent conference in Metro Manila.

On the rice production capacity of the region, Nacionales said this year's rice production reached to 1.8 million metric tons. The figure only covers January 2005 to November 2005. He said the production this year is much higher compared with last year because the statistics only covers the 11-month period.

Nacionales attributed the increase in rice production in the use of hybrid rice seeds and certified seeds. They have planted hybrid rice in 4,400 hectares of rice land during the wet season. It is much bigger compared to their projected hectarage which is only 4,200 hectares. The wet season starts from May until September.

He added that they have aimed of planting hybrid rice in 6,570 hectares of rice land during the dry season. However, they were only able to plant hybrid rice in 1,500 hectares rice land. The dry season starts from October until April.

While, DA Regional Director Jindra Demetrio said the rice production is determined by its average yield. The main obstacle to higher rice harvest is the lack of irrigation system in the region. She said about 90,000 hectares of farmland in the region are still dependent on rainfall.

Demetrio added that the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) has only serviced some 49,000 hectares of land. She said there are still a number of farmers who rely on the rainfall. Studies show that it takes more than 2,000 liters of water to produce a kilo of rice.

The regional director also said the department is turning to innovative ways of farming to increase yield despite irrigation constraints.
nice ... i always thought Region III are bigger rice producers nga RVI

any schedule of activities for Kalibo's ATI-ATIHAN FESTIVAL ?

____________
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y54/chymera00/iloilocitypics/feeltheheat.jpg

PROSPERO ANO NUEVO

2006

TO ALL






:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:




HALA BIRA ! HALA BIRA ! HALA BIRA ! HALA BIRA !


:pepper: :pepper: :pepper: :pepper: :pepper: :pepper: :pepper: :pepper: :pepper: :pepper: :pepper: :pepper: :pepper: :pepper:

Ati-Atihan Festival
January 2006

The Ati-Atihan is a confusing blend of the sacred and the profane, a festival held to honour Jesus Christ on one of the world's most beautiful "paradise" islands. Each January the inhabitants of Panay Island, Filipinos, others from around the 7107 islands as well as tourists from all over the world flock to Kalibo, the capital of Panay Island for this amazing spectacle.

Although ostensibly this is a Christian festival, its roots go back to the 13th century when ten Datu refugees fleeing Borneo found refuge in Panay Island. They purchased a plot of land for a gold hat and a basin from the tribal inhabitants of Panay Island, who were known as the Atis. Ati-Atihan actually means "apeing the atis" and it is for this reason the celebrants blacken their faces and dance with an abandon which can only be labelled extreme.

The links between the refugees and the Atis were strengthened over the centuries as Atis would come down the lowlands of Panay Island when meagre harvests left them short of food. In gratitude for the Datu's assistance, the Atis said thank you in the best way they knew - by singing and dancing. The tradition then fused with the Catholic faith after the success of proselytising Spanish friars and the processions became associated with honouring the Santo Nino.

It is now a phenomenal party/ religious experience with salsa, merengue and costumes creating a Mardi-Gras atmosphere in which supplicants are praying one minute and swigging arak (rice wine) the next.

Early in the morning of the festival, groups of people begin streaming into Kalibo, pulsating to the rhythms of the drums carried by celebrants from all over. It is a festival in which people come to show their gratitude for a good harvest, an uncomplicated birth, or a good year of business. The beat goes on and frenzy builds up in the noonday heat as the sweat and the alcohol muddy the senses. A frenzied dancing procession of costumed figures from history, pop music and politics mingle with African warriors in mock battle with cowboys and the cries of "Hala Bira, Puera Pasma!" ("Keep on going, keep on!") are lost and resurface between bouts of drumming and blasting music.

On the afternoon of the third day of processions and partying, revelling and prayer, celebrants file into the cathedral and kneel at the altar to be massaged by the priests. By this time, they are in such a state of high excitement, anguish, exhaustion and emotional frenzy that the mass said above their heads must be almost intelligible. It doesn't really matter - the soul has been purified - all that remains is to participate in the finale, in which the assembled thousands join together in singing religious hymns. This is a festival everyone should see.

Kalibo’s Ati-Atihan 2006 launched

Kalibo,Aklan- The festive spirit in the Municipality of Kalibo is reviving up to full intensity as the very much-awaited Kalibo Ati-Atihan Festival 2006 is coming around the corner.

In the spirit of Ati-Atihan and in our effort to showcase a priceless jewel of Philippine culture and tourism and share it not only with our Kababayans but also with the rest of the world, the Kalibo Ati-Atihan Management Board had conducted a grandiose launching ceremony /press conference of the 794th Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati-Atihan 2006 last December 28, 2005 at 3:00 PM at the 2nd floor of the Capt. Gil Mijares Building and will be followed by the inaugural “SadSad” (street dancing) around Pastrana Park to mark the formal opening of the 2006 Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati-Atihan Festival.

This momentous Festival is expected to draw foreign and local tourists who wanted to experience the rhythmic and colorful revelries and unique events around the streets of Kalibo that is reputed to rival the Mardi Grass of New Orleans.

The municipality of Kalibo under the leadership of Mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo, exhorts the people of Kalibo to join and support the 2006 Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati-Atihan Festival and invite your friends and relatives from other towns, cities and abroad to witness the newly rejuvenated events, innovated costumes and rhythmic beats and tunes, and an incomparable religious feast that showcases the faith of Kalibonhons.

The Municipal Government of Kalibo, with deepest respect and gratitude, would like to thank their voice and ally in the House of Representatives, Cong. Florencio T. Miraflores, and the Provincial Government under the able and hardworking Governor Carlito S. Marquez, and all those who have supported the mother of all Philippine Festivals, the 794th Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati-Atihan Festival.

Once again the streets and major thoroughfares of Kalibo will shout out with one voice, “Viva kay Señor Sto Niño” and “ Hala Bira!”

(from Panay News online)

GMA invited to grace Ati-Atihan fest
BY ULYSSES ESPARTERO

KALIBO, Aklan – Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is invited by the united leadership of Cong. Florencio Miraflores, Gov. Carlito S. Marquez and Vice Gov. Ronquillo C. Tolentino to join in the celebration of the Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati-Atihan Festival on January 14-15, 2006, which is the culminating days of the weeklong festivities.

Marquez said Aklanons will be greatly honored by the president’s presence during what devotees perceive as the important part of the festival – the concelebrated field mass dubbed as “Pasaeamat” which starts at 7:00 AM on the third Sunday of January.

According to SB Member Lilian S. Quimpo-Tirol, during this time, the miraculous image of the Holy Child is taken out of St. John the Baptist Cathedral and a mass is concelebrated in His Honor at the Pastrana Park, with the participation of all the Ati-Atihan tribes, tourists and the people of Kalibo.

Tradition had it that right after the mass, the main celebrant hands out to the municipal mayor the image of the Holy Child and holding forth the image, he shouts three times: “Viva kay Señor Sto. Niño!”

“We would be honored if Pres. Arroyo will be the one to receive the image herself and shout “Viva kay Señor Sto. Niño!” This is a truly endearing spectacle of the President being one with Kalibonhons and Aklanons, signaling the start of the culminating day’s street dancing,” Marquez added.

P/Supt. William S. Macavinta said the Aklan Provincial Police Office and the Kalibo Police Station under P/Major Arnold Ardiente will be responsible in securing the dignitaries and guests witnessing the festival in all places of engagement.

(from Panay News online)

PGMA’s bridges increase economic activities in Capiz

Roxas City – At least eleven steel bridges were established in Capiz to connect farm to market roads in the province to provide access to farmers and town residents in transporting their harvest to market.

The project dubbed “Tulay ng Pangulo sa Barangay” is in partnership with the governments of United Kingdom and Australia as well as the administration of President Gloria Arroyo.

The President’s Bridge Program in the province has been established in some barangays of Roxas City and the municipalities of Pan-ay, Dumarao, Pilar, Jamindan and Dao.

Pan-ay town Mayor Felipe Barredo, said that his town is a recipient of six of the eleven bailey bridges in barangays Bonga – Pawa, Pob. Ilaya – Tanza Sur, Tanza Norte – Agojo, Libon – Binantuan, Candual – Pangpang, Bolo (Roxas City), and Bago Grande – Loctugan, Roxas City because it has the most number of rivers in the province. He added that agricultural and fishery production have noticeably increased due to the construction of the bridges.

In November last year, British Ambassador to the Philippines Peter Beckingham graced the inauguration of the P29.33 million newly constructed steel bridge in Dao town.

Capiz Gov. Vicente Bermejo has included in the infrastructure developments the construction and repair of bridges with the provincial investment and counterpart amounting to P35.6 million during his State of the Province Address last August 2005.

Other significant infrastructure achievements consist of improvement of hospitals and other major health facilities as well as public buildings; rehabilitation, maintenance and construction of various roads; construction and repair of school buildings; completion of the Capiz Gymnasium and Provincial Capitol Annex Building; and purchase and rehabilitation of heavy equipments among others.

Pres. Arroyo gave P20 million to start the rehabilitation of national roads at the province’s second congressional district, which had been utilized as route areas of the national government’s Strong Republic Nautical Highway during the opening of Sinadya sa Halaran festival last Dec. 7.

The initial amount is part of the P180 million pledge of Pres. Arroyo sourced from the savings of the national government generated through sound fiscal policy implementation.


(from Panay News online)

^^ oh wow, Im happy to see my Dad's relatives' hometown teeming with infrastructure projects like this! They really needed them if Western Visayas (including Palawan) has to prosper.

Askal, where's your dad from? Capiz?

Wecky, pwede pa include na rin yung Palawan dito sa thread. Palawan became part of Western Visayas already. Hindi na sya Luzon.

Askal, where's your dad from? Capiz?

My grandparents originally, but now they live and settle in Iloilo. My dad was born in Iloilo but strong ties remain in Capiz. I still have relatives over there and one of my dad's bro (uncle) is now living in Roxas city.

Wecky, pwede pa include na rin yung Palawan dito sa thread. Palawan became part of Western Visayas already. Hindi na sya Luzon.

I thought Palawan remains in Southern Tagalog region, IV-B. Hindi pa officially belong ang Plawan sa Region VI .. they're still debating for that .. but really, it's a very good welcome move gid for Palawan to be part of Western Visayas.

Its official na Wecky: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palawan

Palawan was originally part of the Southern Tagalog Region (Region IV).

Palawan on 2001 rejected by virtue of a referendum to be a part of Autonomus Region of Muslim Mindanao.

President Gloria Arroyo included Palawan by virtue of Executive Order No. 103, dated May 17, 2002, as part of MIMAROPA (Region IV-B).

Palawan, formerly part of Region IV-B (MIMAROPA) of the Luzon Group, was moved to Region VI (Western Visayas) on May 23, 2005 by virtue of Executive Order 429. However, Palaweños have criticized the move, especially due to a lack of consultation, with most residents in every municipality except one and Puerto Princesa City preferring to stay with Region IV-B than transfer to Region VI.

Administrative Order No. 129 was issued on August 19, 2005, to "resolve" the negative backlash and as part of the supervison of the transfer process of Palawan from MIMAROPA to Western Visayas.

My grandparents originally, but now they live and settle in Iloilo. My dad was born in Iloilo but strong ties remain in Capiz. I still have relatives over there and one of my dad's bro (uncle) is now living in Roxas city.


we're a bit opposite here ... hahaha ... my grandparents in my father's side is originally from Iloilo but moved to Capiz for no reason at all (well, maybe I don't know pa) ... hehehe .. and right now, they are asking my father to move to Capiz as well .. so maybe in the near future, our family will be moving to Capiz, too ... I think we'll just make Iloilo as our business site na lang and settle to a more suburbs Capiz for rural living ... I guess, Mambusao to be exact.

Its official na Wecky: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palawan

Palawan was originally part of the Southern Tagalog Region (Region IV).

Palawan on 2001 rejected by virtue of a referendum to be a part of Autonomus Region of Muslim Mindanao.

President Gloria Arroyo included Palawan by virtue of Executive Order No. 103, dated May 17, 2002, as part of MIMAROPA (Region IV-B).

Palawan, formerly part of Region IV-B (MIMAROPA) of the Luzon Group, was moved to Region VI (Western Visayas) on May 23, 2005 by virtue of Executive Order 429. However, Palaweños have criticized the move, especially due to a lack of consultation, with most residents in every municipality except one and Puerto Princesa City preferring to stay with Region IV-B than transfer to Region VI.

Administrative Order No. 129 was issued on August 19, 2005, to "resolve" the negative backlash and as part of the supervison of the transfer process of Palawan from MIMAROPA to Western Visayas.


wow ... a more recent update talaga ... thank you so much.

Diba, geographically and demographically. The language of Palawan is hiligaynon - language of Western Visayas.

Western Visayas
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Western Visayas, one of the regions of the Philippines, is designated as Region VI. It consists of seven provinces, namely, Aklan, Antique, Negros Occidental, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo and Palawan and 17 cities making it the region with the most number of cities. Hiligaynon, the main language, is spoken in Negros Occidental, Guimaras, Capiz and some parts of Iloilo. Kinaray-a is spoken in Antique and some parts of Iloilo. Aklanon is spoken in Aklan. Iloilo City is the regional center of the region.

Palawan, formerly part of Region IV-B, was moved to this region on May 23, 2005 by virtue of Executive Order 429.

Administrative Order No. 129 was issued on August 19, 2005, to "resolve" the negative backlash and as part of the supervison of the transfer process of Palawan from MIMAROPA to Western Visayas.

Diba, geographically and demographically. The language of Palawan is hiligaynon - language of Western Visayas.

some of then speaks Hiligaynon (ilonggo) fluently coz I have few classmates that came from Palawan as well. Thanks for keeping us all these updates. Cheers !

:cheers1: :cheers1:

bilib talaga ako sa databank mo, Askal. Cheers, man !

Ati-Atihan fest abroad showcases Aklanon’s culture

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL


KALIBO, Aklan -The preparations for the 15th Annual Ati-Atihan Fiesta and Dance of the Filipino American community abroad slated on January 14, 2006 is in full swing.

The festival to be held at the Jose Rizal Community Center, 7230 Florin Mall Drive in Sacramento, California organized by the Aklan Association of Sacramento and Vicinity brings together the sons and daughters of Aklan to celebrate a common history and affirm their identity as a people.

Ati-Atihan is one of the few rich traditional events shared and enjoyed by all generations.

The “Ati-Atihan” festival, the biggest, most colorful and internationally known Mardi gras in the country, is held to honor the Sto. Niño on the third week of January.

Among the highlights of the event include a holy mass, blessing of the Sto.Niño images and statues, traditional “Paeapak” of the Holy Child to devotees and guests, procession of the Sto. Niño statues and Ati-Atihan parade.

In Kalibo, the non-stop street dancing will culminate on January 15, 2006, the feast day of Sto Niño. The yearly event will get extensive coverage from Philippine and international TV networks, local and international newspapers.

Through this event, the legacy of leadership can be transferred from the first generation immigrants to a community of second and third generations of Filipino Americans.

The festival is an occasion to share this heritage with the younger generation and therefore help promote Philippine culture in California.

It is also a tribute to all the officers and members of the Aklan Association of Sacramento and Vicinity to bring this celebration together again.

The funds raised by the Aklan Association events are donated to the Missionaries of Charity in New Washington, Aklan to support the children and sick adults that needed medical attention, foods and clothes.

The association was lauded for its active involvement in building a bridge of understanding and in strengthening the linkages among the Filipino American community in Sacramento.


(from Panay News online)

Gov’t approves SET UP in Capiz

Roxas City - The Department of Science and Technology is set to release funds for the Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SET UP) in Capiz.

Gerbe Dellava, Science Research Specialist II of Capiz DOST, disclosed that their office has approved the P229,000 loan of the Sigmahanon Development Foundation, Incorporated in Sigma, Capiz.

The amount will be used for mushroom spawn production in barangay Bangon-bangon, Sigma town.

SET UP has been one of the programs of DOST that grants loan on technology-based projects. The amount granted to qualified applicants depends on the needs of the proponent with a P1 million maximum loan after approval of the project proposal.

It is a no-interest loan, payable within 3 years, Dellava explained.

Two other applications under the said program are on the process of evaluation by the DOST.

On the other hand, at least three small and medium enterprises in the province have availed of equipments for technology-based processing operations.

Dellava said that through their Grant-In-Aid (GIA) program, JC King Boneless Bangus Processing Plant has availed of P185,000 vacuum packaging machine equipment grant, while the Yamang Dagat Bottling of Tilapia and Bangus has also received assorted equipments like retort and fish dryer in the amount of more than P196,000.

The Golden Ladies Organization of Sapian, Incorporated also availed of the P270,000 equipment aid for the extraction of essential oil from Ilang-Ilang plant.

Coupled in these government’s financial aid and equipment grants is the technical assistance for the technology transfer for process operation from the science and technology department.

Dellava, however, lamented that one of the major problems of owners of the small and medium enterprises here is the lack of working capital to sustain the bulk of products in major market outlets in the country.

Should this problem be addressed, these SMEs would eventually create more jobs and livelihood opportunities for Capiceños.


(from Panay News online)

is it true that Gaisano is planning its second mall in Roxas City? I just heard it spreading around ...

Not only planning..they are building it! :) I think construction has started already.

is it true that Gaisano is planning its second mall in Roxas City? I just heard it spreading around ...

is it true that Gaisano is planning its second mall in Roxas City? I just heard it spreading around ...

wow impressive ... Roxas City is doing well ... hopefully it will come true ! Good business prospects for Roxas City gid !

Not only planning..they are building it! :) I think construction has started already.

gosh .. if this in indeed true, Daks, I will be very happy for Roxas City and Capiz Province ... their economy picks up lately and more projects is ongoing in the province nowadays. Go Roxas ! Go Capiz !

Actually this is feasible kay since nag open ang gaisano city roxas, they captured a market not only exclusive to the province of capiz but also a portion of the province of iloilo...mga taga balasan and estancia dira naman naga shopping sa roxas city...unlike sang una nga mapa iloilo city gid sila...gaisano city kalibo naman ya, capture ya man portion sang antique...gaisano is doing well in roxas city...ang 2nd mall nila is much smaller sa first one...daw mini mall ini with much emphasis sa dept store or supermarket...may leasable spaces for selected tenants :)


gosh .. if this in indeed true, Daks, I will be very happy for Roxas City and Capiz Province ... their economy picks up lately and more projects is ongoing in the province nowadays. Go Roxas ! Go Capiz !

Kalibo Ati-atihan trade show to feature OTOP


KALIBO, Aklan -- When the Kalibo Ati-atihan Product Showcase officially opens January 9 at the Kalibo Town Plaza here, one of its main features will be the One Town, One Product (OTOP) project, a priority program of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

OTOP is a government program that seeks to promote entrepreneurship and create jobs through identification by local chief executives of specific products and services that have competitive advantage.

The product showcase is one of the main attractions of the Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati-atihan Festival, dubbed the "Mother of All Philippine Festivals" , known the world over for its rhythmic street dancing to the beat of the drums and other instruments throughout its weeklong celebration which culminates every third Sunday of January.

The exquisite and unique piña cloth, the queen of Philippine Fabrics is the OTOP product identified by Kalibo Mayor Raymar Rebaldo and will take center stage at the product showcase.

Also to be displayed for sale would be newly-developed abaca/piña/raffia fabrics, fashion accessories, housewares, handmade paper products, furniture and furnishings and best tasting processed foods.

Despite the economic crunch felt by almost everyone, Zaldy Rapiz of Kauswagan Development Cooperative (KADECO), one of the exhibitors who experienced in the last quarter of 2005 a slow down of orders, revealed that he and his co-exhibitors have a bright outlook for the 2006 Kalibo Ati-Atihan Product Showcase.

The trade show, which will run from January 9-16, is spearheaded by the Department of Trade and Industry-Aklan, in coordination with the Municipal Government of Kalibo through the Kalibo Ati-atihan Management Board (KAMB), Provincial Government of Aklan and Hugod Aklanon Producers Association.

Expected to join the trade show are some 40 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), according to DTI-Aklan Provincial Director Ermelinda P. Pollentes.

(from Panay News online)

KAMB expects 'grandest' Ati-Atihan fest

By BOY RYAN B. ZABAL


KALIBO, Aklan – Events director Albert Meñez said preparations for the much-awaited week long Kalibo Ati-Atihan festival are underway which promises to be the grandest celebration in honor of Señor Sto. Nino here.

With less than a week before the January 15, 2006, the Kalibo Ati-Atihan Management Board (KAMB) has started to release the subsidies of participating modern and tribal groups yesterday despite budgetary constraints in the holding of festival.

“We are in the thick of preparations with the support of Kalibonhons to warmly welcome balikbayans and devotees of Señor Sto. Niño,” Menez said.

He added that the Sugarfree and Orange and Lemons group would invade the town next week to take part in the grandest Ati-Atihan Festival.

KAMB also designated a nightly flea market at Veterans Avenue and organized a seven nights festivities starting on January 9 inside the Magsaysay Park to ensure the success of the yearly festival.

“The festival has gained a worldwide acceptance as the mother of all festivals. It is quite more interesting that we draw the participation of the community to showcase the best and grandest Ati-Atihan celebration ever,” Menez said.

KAMB said they are expecting more than a 100 balikbayans to grace the Balikbayan Night and fashion show of the famous piña cloth and accessories next week.

Aside from the nightly activities at Kalibo Pastrana Park, Menez disclosed crowd-drawing bands at the Kalibo Airport as part of the feverish preparations of KAMB.

“We came out with innovative concepts to enhance the promotion of the festival and to attract more visitors for the Ati-Atihan,” Menez claimed, adding, the reenactment of the Barter of Panay, fireworks display and Higante Parade are being staged to add color to the annual festival.

(from Panay News online)

Actually this is feasible kay since nag open ang gaisano city roxas, they captured a market not only exclusive to the province of capiz but also a portion of the province of iloilo...mga taga balasan and estancia dira naman naga shopping sa roxas city...unlike sang una nga mapa iloilo city gid sila...gaisano city kalibo naman ya, capture ya man portion sang antique...gaisano is doing well in roxas city...ang 2nd mall nila is much smaller sa first one...daw mini mall ini with much emphasis sa dept store or supermarket...may leasable spaces for selected tenants :)

that's good ... daks, your last statement is very enticing , indeed ... see what can my father do about it coz right now, he is in Mambusao, Capiz .. barely an hour away from Roxas City. :)

Is Ati-atihan held at the same date as Sinulog?

If you dont mind me asking wecks, is your family into food,service,or retail business?

that's good ... daks, your last statement is very enticing , indeed ... see what can my father do about it coz right now, he is in Mambusao, Capiz .. barely an hour away from Roxas City. :)

If you dont mind me asking wecks, is your family into food,service,or retail business?

food and retail business, Daks ... hehehe ... not as popular yet but we're starting to solidfy our foundation na .. well, starting, ika nga ... hahaha. The family is not into speciality or anything like that at present ... we're still hanging in the air though ... like a little bit of this and that. Actually, it's our youngest sis decision to go back into business as my father lost all his (as so the rest) interest in this field already. We're just kind of enjoying it at present ... no pressures attached ... we each spared a little bit of cash and see how it goes. :)

Thats good wecks...every big business in this planet started from "a lil bit of this and that" hehehe henry sy and lucio tan started from a lil bit of this and that :) pero our economy really need more entrepreneurs...mayo kun naga negosyo ka kay aside nga maka gain ikaw more income, ur also creating jobs thru sa mga gina employ mo nga mga tawo...maski isa o duwa lang ina ka tawo gin hire mo..at least ur making a difference sa economic climate sang locale mo :) puli na lang ko gani kag mag negosyo ah! hehehehe

food and retail business, Daks ... hehehe ... not as popular yet but we're starting to solidfy our foundation na .. well, starting, ika nga ... hahaha. The family is not into speciality or anything like that at present ... we're still hanging in the air though ... like a little bit of this and that. Actually, it's our youngest sis decision to go back into business as my father lost all his (as so the rest) interest in this field already. We're just kind of enjoying it at present ... no pressures attached ... we each spared a little bit of cash and see how it goes. :)

Thats good wecks...every big business in this planet started from "a lil bit of this and that" hehehe henry sy and lucio tan started from a lil bit of this and that :) pero our economy really need more entrepreneurs...mayo kun naga negosyo ka kay aside nga maka gain ikaw more income, ur also creating jobs thru sa mga gina employ mo nga mga tawo...maski isa o duwa lang ina ka tawo gin hire mo..at least ur making a difference sa economic climate sang locale mo :) puli na lang ko gani kag mag negosyo ah! hehehehe

that's right, Daks. Right now, we have 8 people working with us ... 9 to include my sis .. and hopefully, by end of this year, we can employ 2 or 3 more people depending sa consumer market or sa expansion. I'm looking into it as well kay at least ang sulod sang kuwarta indi lang diri from abroad but also sa Iloilo man. I'm a lil bit keen to develop a bit more or expanding the business. We infuse almost 3M this year to come up with few more plans. Strategically and economically, Iloilo's climate is one of the most favourable markets in the Philippines right now and we're making our way back to business by banking into Iloilo's robust economy.

Daks, I think it's high time for you to go back home sa naton ... not permanently for the meantime ... hahaha ... just to have a good look for better business opportunities sa Iloilo.

Actually im really aching to go back home na gid hehehe matapos ko lang ang kinahanglan ko nga obrahon diri...mapauli na gid ako ya hehehe actually my family is in the food business too :)



that's right, Daks. Right now, we have 8 people working with us ... 9 to include my sis .. and hopefully, by end of this year, we can employ 2 or 3 more people depending sa consumer market or sa expansion. I'm looking into it as well kay at least ang sulod sang kuwarta indi lang diri from abroad but also sa Iloilo man. I'm a lil bit keen to develop a bit more or expanding the business. We infuse almost 3M this year to come up with few more plans. Strategically and economically, Iloilo's climate is one of the most favourable markets in the Philippines right now and we're making our way back to business by banking into Iloilo's robust economy.

Daks, I think it's high time for you to go back home sa naton ... not permanently for the meantime ... hahaha ... just to have a good look for better business opportunities sa Iloilo.

Actually im really aching to go back home na gid hehehe matapos ko lang ang kinahanglan ko nga obrahon diri...mapauli na gid ako ya hehehe actually my family is in the food business too :)


how long you've been there, Daks? Me, plan to stay in Iloilo for good probably in the next 25-30 years pa. :) I think I can still run a business there even without my physical presence.

Daks, so ara man gali kamo sa food business ... well, the market is so huge ... damo pa spaces for all of us and other players. Who knows one day tupaday lang ta negosyo ... hehehe.

Libacao town to prioritize tourism sans DOT's help

by BOY RYAN B. ZABAL


LIBACAO, Aklan - Mayor Charito Navarosa will start developing the tourist spots in his town with or without the support of the Department of Tourism (DOT).

The town, 29 kilometers southwest of the capital town of Kalibo, boasts of Manimpa Falls in Brgy. Can-awan, Oyang and Sinandigan Falls in Brgy. Oyang and Mayubay Falls in Brgy. Guadalupe.

Frustrated by the government's continued 'rejection' of his efforts to harness the tourism industry, Navarosa has become determined, declaring that his administration will now prioritize tourism development at all cost.

"We have big chances to secure government support if the tourism department recognizes the town as a priority funding for tourism development and a booming tourism area.

But, if they refused, as they did so several times in the past, we will have no choice but to promote domestic tourism in our own," Navarosa said, noting that DOT Regional Director Edwin Trompeta had begged off twice to visit his town.

Libacao have plenty to offer in terms of tourism opportunities to tourists and investors like the famous Baesa crafting and breathtaking waterfalls that are excellent for hikers, the mayor said.

Navarosa stressed the harnessing of tourism sites in his town would further spur the locality's economy, despite the lack of infrastructures, since more tourists would be coming to see the natural spots.

"We are determined to accommodate German tourists this January for the Baesa crafting and mountain trekking. Libacao is an ideal tourist destination with breathtaking waterfalls and challenging rivers for tourists," he said.

Popular ABS-CBN Magandang Gabi Bayan program twice aired last year how native skilled bamboo craftsmen shoots the rapids down the river of Dalagsaan and the annual fiesta Baesa parade every November 25, Navarosa added.

Tourism is relatively new to Libacaonons, but with the support of his town mates and the provincial government of Aklan, Navarosa said he is taking the best moves to promote the 'natural wonders' of the town's tourism spots.


(from Panay News online)

_______________

go Libacaonons ! Kudos to the town mayor !

:banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

Its official na Wecky: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palawan

Palawan was originally part of the Southern Tagalog Region (Region IV).

Palawan on 2001 rejected by virtue of a referendum to be a part of Autonomus Region of Muslim Mindanao.

President Gloria Arroyo included Palawan by virtue of Executive Order No. 103, dated May 17, 2002, as part of MIMAROPA (Region IV-B).

Palawan, formerly part of Region IV-B (MIMAROPA) of the Luzon Group, was moved to Region VI (Western Visayas) on May 23, 2005 by virtue of Executive Order 429. However, Palaweños have criticized the move, especially due to a lack of consultation, with most residents in every municipality except one and Puerto Princesa City preferring to stay with Region IV-B than transfer to Region VI.

Administrative Order No. 129 was issued on August 19, 2005, to "resolve" the negative backlash and as part of the supervison of the transfer process of Palawan from MIMAROPA to Western Visayas.

It's not surprising that Palawan refused to join the Austonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao since residents are mostly Tagalog speakers who are Christian. I also think that this would have killed off Palawan's tourism industry since visitors often associate Mindanao with the Abu Sayaaf and violence (whether imagined, or real). :)

Indi pa man gid dugay ah hehehe Maybe in the next 3-5 years mas ma permanente na gid ako sa Iloilo :) Nabudlayan ako magbulig manehar sa negosyo kun ari ako diri hehehe

Dako gid chance nga magtupaday kita wecks hehehe the possibilities are endless hehehe btw, diin ang mga stores/outlets nyo? medyo damo man ta amigo kag amiga ti maka rekomendar man kita ah hehehe :)

how long you've been there, Daks? Me, plan to stay in Iloilo for good probably in the next 25-30 years pa. :) I think I can still run a business there even without my physical presence.

Daks, so ara man gali kamo sa food business ... well, the market is so huge ... damo pa spaces for all of us and other players. Who knows one day tupaday lang ta negosyo ... hehehe.

Indi pa man gid dugay ah hehehe Maybe in the next 3-5 years mas ma permanente na gid ako sa Iloilo :) Nabudlayan ako magbulig manehar sa negosyo kun ari ako diri hehehe

Dako gid chance nga magtupaday kita wecks hehehe the possibilities are endless hehehe btw, diin ang mga stores/outlets nyo? medyo damo man ta amigo kag amiga ti maka rekomendar man kita ah hehehe :)

sabagay tama ka gid da ... it's different when you're there kay hands-on ka ... actually, I'm thinking nga mas madasig pa gid tani ang negosyo kung ara ko to .. pero there you go ... we have to be realistic .... considering sa amount nga gina-earn ta di sa sagwa plus the benefits and opportunities these countries are offering ... hehehe.

Daks, two of our stores are located in Jaro district .. mabudlay na magsulod sa city with a very high rental pay ... kay ti wala na to lupa nga balaklok. Even the Diversion Road land is very expensive ... the least you can get is 25,000/sq meter kung may kakilala ka .. kung wala, it can even go as high as 40-45,000/sq meter ... ti, dira pa lang ya, medyo mabudlay na ... :)

Yups, sakto ka gid sina da...grabe na gid kamahal mga renta subong...especially na gid if ur leasing a space sa mga malls..more than half of ur income makadto gid sa mall hehehe mayo lang kun sa mga gaisano ka kay wala sila gakuha percentage sa gross sales mo...if ur leasing at SM or Robinsons, aside sa space rent mo, may percentage pa sila sa gross sales mo kun FOOD imo baligya hehehe

sabagay tama ka gid da ... it's different when you're there kay hands-on ka ... actually, I'm thinking nga mas madasig pa gid tani ang negosyo kung ara ko to .. pero there you go ... we have to be realistic .... considering sa amount nga gina-earn ta di sa sagwa plus the benefits and opportunities these countries are offering ... hehehe.

Daks, two of our stores are located in Jaro district .. mabudlay na magsulod sa city with a very high rental pay ... kay ti wala na to lupa nga balaklok. Even the Diversion Road land is very expensive ... the least you can get is 25,000/sq meter kung may kakilala ka .. kung wala, it can even go as high as 40-45,000/sq meter ... ti, dira pa lang ya, medyo mabudlay na ... :)

mahal na gid man katama subong Daks ... SM and Robinsons are both good places for lease. I don't know with Gaisano kay daw wala man ina ginakadtuan sang mga taga-Iloilo ... hehehe ... actually, I haven't been there at all since the opening of SM City ... my sis told me nga almost all the hig-end shops are closed na daw ... with only few nga nabilin didto like Jollibee, etc ... of course, their grocery dept is still very competitive man gihapon .. pero aside sina, ilonggo shoppers wala man nagatinir sa Gaisano ... medyo barato tuod siya pero imo customers ilisipon man lang kumpara sa SM and Robinsons.

Daks, are you planning to lease sa mga malls haw? Sa amon siguro ... maybe "daw" in the future ... hehehe ... Ang Savannah (Crown Asia) where we live now is proposing to build its own mall man sa may entrance ... daw amo na ang ginahulat sang akon utod ... unless magpatindog dayon ang SM sang isa pa gid nila nga mall, ti pwede gid eh .. hehehe.

Anyway, we'll keep monitoring sang economic status sang Iloilo and its neighbouring provinces sa Panay kay basi pa lang maka-expand ta. Actually, Daks gusto ko man sa negosyo kay wala ka boss ah ... imo gid iya ... you have your own time in the world ... hehehe.

Basi one day, makakit-anay gid ta sa Iloilo ah ... both busy sa aton negosyo ...

Gaisano City Iloilo was doing good before SM City Iloilo came into the picture. Dugangan pa gid nga nagbukas ang Robinsons, ti nawigit na gid eh hehehe Well, in small cities like roxas and towns like kalibo, Gaisano is doing very good gid. Leasing a space at Gaisano is not really that bad...kinahanglan pili ka lang sang Gaisano nga wala ka kumpetensya nga SM or Robinsons. Btw, the new Gaisano Mall in bacolod is doing well man kuno.

Big advantage kun makasulod ikaw sa mall is the market nga dala sini. Tanan nga gasulod sa mall potential customer mo na dayon, may advantage ka na panghakot o mang enganyo tawo kay ang mall mismo ang hatak mo. Unless ang produkto mo hungdon gid ya sang tawo o one of a kind, the most logical move mo is to set up shop in a mall and tap its big market. Ang budlay lang sa mga malls like SM and Robinsons, kun wala ka pa ngalan, most likely mabudlayan ka gid makasulod. Pero ti kun may pangilala ka, bal-an mo naman sa aton ah hehehe if you know somebody from the inside, for sure entertenahon gid ikaw nila dayon hehehe


mahal na gid man katama subong Daks ... SM and Robinsons are both good places for lease. I don't know with Gaisano kay daw wala man ina ginakadtuan sang mga taga-Iloilo ... hehehe ... actually, I haven't been there at all since the opening of SM City ... my sis told me nga almost all the hig-end shops are closed na daw ... with only few nga nabilin didto like Jollibee, etc ... of course, their grocery dept is still very competitive man gihapon .. pero aside sina, ilonggo shoppers wala man nagatinir sa Gaisano ... medyo barato tuod siya pero imo customers ilisipon man lang kumpara sa SM and Robinsons.

Daks, are you planning to lease sa mga malls haw? Sa amon siguro ... maybe "daw" in the future ... hehehe ... Ang Savannah (Crown Asia) where we live now is proposing to build its own mall man sa may entrance ... daw amo na ang ginahulat sang akon utod ... unless magpatindog dayon ang SM sang isa pa gid nila nga mall, ti pwede gid eh .. hehehe.

Anyway, we'll keep monitoring sang economic status sang Iloilo and its neighbouring provinces sa Panay kay basi pa lang maka-expand ta. Actually, Daks gusto ko man sa negosyo kay wala ka boss ah ... imo gid iya ... you have your own time in the world ... hehehe.

Basi one day, makakit-anay gid ta sa Iloilo ah ... both busy sa aton negosyo ...

ah yes ... sang wala pa ang SM City sa Mandurriao, Gaisano City Iloilo is doing well .. pero after nag-open na ang SM, nadulaan na sila customers ... still thriving though pero layo na gid sang first few years nga opening nila. But if the lease is really cheap plus wala na damo kuskos balungos, well it's a good catch indeed.

Plans of branching in malls is indeed a welcome move ... ina lang, you have a good feasibility study sa mall nga sudlan mo .. right now, SM City is raking a lot from Ilonggo consumers ... a good place nga patindugan mo business tuod. But i don't know yet Daks ... we'll see in the next few months or years ... basi pa lang .. and tama ka da. Kinahanglan may pangilala ka sa sulod kay kung wala, mabudlayan ka gid nga tuod ... hehehe.

Gaisano City Roxas and Gaisano City Kalibo business-wise daw, okay man gid sila ... we just passed along in both areas sang naglibot kami last 2004 but wala pa gid kasulod to see the proper place ... actually subong lang gid ako nag-curious with the discussions of malls like in Capiz and Aklan ... hehehe. I have my own world when it comes to shopping abi ano pa I'm not really that keen to get into these places for a visit ... next time .. ari iya for business purposes na gid. :)

Ati-Atihan Festival kicks off today

BY ULYSSES ESPARTERO


KALIBO, Aklan - The world-famous Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati-Atihan Festival officials opens today.

Aklan Gov. Carlito S. Marquez expects this year’s festival to be grand and colorful.

Hundreds of thousands of devotees of the Sto. Niño and foreign tourists join the festival every year, he observed.

Considered as the wildest among Philippines fiestas, Ati-Atihan celebrants paint their faces with black soot and wear bright, outlandish costumes as they dance in revelry.

According to Retired Police Major Paquito Saratiosa, because Ati-Atihan is also a feast in honor of the Sto. Niño, Catholics observe this special event with processions, parades, dancing and merrymaking.

The Santo Niño has long been the favorite of Filipinos and devotion to it has been intense ever since an image was first presented to Juana, Queen of Cebu in 1521.

“Its contribution to the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) program of attracting visitors here and abroad and the promotional and marketing mileage it generates for Philippine tourism is highly considered,” said DOT Regional Director Edwin Trompeta.

“There is no question that Kalibo’s Ati-Atihan deserves to highlight the best of the Philippines. It is also the showcase of the country’s cultural heritage and the mother of festivals,” Trompeta added.

The Kalibo Ati-Atihan Management Board (KAMB) headed by Mayor Raymar Rebaldo and Vice Mayor Nilda Buyoc-Tambong, has for this year prepared programs and activities that would allow maximum participation from the various sectors.

Senior Sangguniang Bayan (SB) member Mark Vega Quimpo told Panay News that prominent personalities have been invited to grace this year’s festival, including President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

Cong. Florencio Miraflores, Marquez and Vice Gov. Ronquillo Tolentino will lead provincial officials in welcoming the guests.


(from Panay News online)

^^ wow your officials are world class huh.. j/k :D

Congrats to ati-atihan. May the Santo Nino bless us all for a prosperous 2006.

DAR mulls agri-dev't zone in northern Antique
By Maricar M. Calubiran

Iloilo -- The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) eyes six towns in the northern part of the province of Antique to become Agrarian Reform Zones.

DAR assistant regional director for operation Manuel Libo-on said the blue print for the Agrarian Reform Zone is already in the national office. The Agrarian Reform Zone includes the towns of Barbaza, Tibiao, Culasi, Sebaste, Pandan and Libertad.

He said in the proposed project, the agricultural produce of the six towns will be transported into different areas in the country through the roll-on and roll-off ports. At present, the Lipata port in Culasi and San Jose port are being used as transhipment point in the province. The Lipata port is the gateway from Mindoro, Romblon and Manila while San Jose port is the docking area of sea vessels from Palawan and Manila.

The six towns produce rice, corn and aquamarine products. They want the town of Culasi to become the center of industrialization in the northern part of Antique. The development in the towns of Pandan and Tibiao could spill all over Western Visayas, said Libo-on.

In the same plan, telephone and other means of communications should be mobilized in order to fastrack the business climate in the six towns. All barangays will also be energized.

However, the future of the northern towns of Antique lies with its leaders namely, Gov. Sally Perez, Cong. Exequiel Javier and their fellow supporters, observed Libo-on.

Libo-on said too much politics could affect the development of the province.


(from Panay News online)

@Daks ... nakasulod ka na sa Dinagyang.Com? Sureball makadlaw ka gid ... read "Iloilo History 102" under "Banwa Ko" ... may gin-post to si lewdsaint ... ambut kung diin niya ginkuha ang article nga ato ah (entitled "da Vinci Code") ... hahaha ... very classic, indeed ... hahaha.

That's what Gaisano is offering, ang wala na damo kuskos balungos hehehe sa SM and Robinsons naman ya, you have to shell out more money gid...of course they can do that to you kay ti bal-an nila nga dako ang market nga dala sang mall nila...if ur leasing a space at SM or Robinsons and
food imo baligya, sometimes mas dako pa ang ila makuha sa percentage sa gross sales mo kesa sa space rent mo hehehe sa tanan nga mga malls, mayo mag plastar sang tenants ang SM.


ah yes ... sang wala pa ang SM City sa Mandurriao, Gaisano City Iloilo is doing well .. pero after nag-open na ang SM, nadulaan na sila customers ... still thriving though pero layo na gid sang first few years nga opening nila. But if the lease is really cheap plus wala na damo kuskos balungos, well it's a good catch indeed.

Plans of branching in malls is indeed a welcome move ... ina lang, you have a good feasibility study sa mall nga sudlan mo .. right now, SM City is raking a lot from Ilonggo consumers ... a good place nga patindugan mo business tuod. But i don't know yet Daks ... we'll see in the next few months or years ... basi pa lang .. and tama ka da. Kinahanglan may pangilala ka sa sulod kay kung wala, mabudlayan ka gid nga tuod ... hehehe.

Gaisano City Roxas and Gaisano City Kalibo business-wise daw, okay man gid sila ... we just passed along in both areas sang naglibot kami last 2004 but wala pa gid kasulod to see the proper place ... actually subong lang gid ako nag-curious with the discussions of malls like in Capiz and Aklan ... hehehe. I have my own world when it comes to shopping abi ano pa I'm not really that keen to get into these places for a visit ... next time .. ari iya for business purposes na gid. :)

good idea Daks ... we'll see na lang ... i'm not into long planning kung ako lang ... gusto ko bal-an, kung magplano, gatupa dayon .. wala na damo pa nga rekubitos. Tani, mangin maayo pa gid ang negosyo sa Iloilo eh. Ang market very promising with the likes of Ilonggo foods branching na sa iban nga cities ... TEDS for one ... pero iya naman sang TEDS iya, may specialities sila.

Daks, diin mo plan magpatindog negosyo haw? Kung pasugtan ta lang tani, ti sige-sige lang ang open ta eh .. pero we have to caution man from time to time. Ang ekonomiya sa Pinas is very volatile ... indi pa estable, so anything goes na lang anay.

Gahulat-ulat man ang family namon sa pag-open sang airport kay nakabakal man kami lupa didto .. mtga two years ago lang ... kabalo na ko gani kung ano amon tupad nga mga baligyaan didto ... hehehe .. kind of surveying na.

PGMA to grace Kalibo Ati Ati fest

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL


KALIBO, Aklan – President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is definitely flying in to attend the 794th Kalibo Señor Sto. Niño Ati-Atihan Festival on January 14, Saturday, here.

Events director Albert Meñez said Kalibo mayor Raymar Rebaldo confirmed reports that Arroyo is interested in attending the festival that lures thousands of foreign and local visitors yearly.

“We anticipate a well attended festival this Saturday with the coming of President Arroyo. Her visit would add more prominence to the town’s tourist promotion of the grandest festival,” said Meñez of the Kalibo Ati-Atihan Management Board (KAMB).

The Ati-Atihan festival, held every third week of January, is among the colorful native festivals in the country in honor of Señor Sto. Niño. The annual festival is slated on January 9 to15, 2006.

The President is expected to arrive at Kalibo domestic airport at 10 AM and will go straight to St. John the Baptist Cathedral for the traditional Paeapak or Pahilot.

Meñez added that the President will also distribute land titles processed by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to recipients at Capt. Gil Mijares Building in front of Kalibo Pastrana Park in line with the Handog Titulo Alay ni PGMA program.

Tourism secretary Joseph “Ace” Durano, Aklan Governor Carlito Marquez and Cong. Florencio Miraflores will join her in watching the famous street dancing of the participating tribes after the awarding of land titles.

The expected visit of Arroyo is her first attendance to the Ati Atihan Festival now as the President will add more color to the festival, which is considered to be the “Mother of all Philippine Festivals”, Meñez claimed.

(from Panay News online)

^^ Oh wow, Ati atihan, the original mardi gras of the Philippines traced its festival 794 years ago? It sounds like they had this before the Spaniards came

ATI-ATIHAN ... the MOTHER OF ALL FESTIVALS

:banana2: :banana2: :banana2: :banana2: :banana2: :banana2: :banana2: :banana2: :banana2: :banana2: :banana2: :banana2: :banana2: :banana2: :banana2: :banana2: :banana2: :banana2: :banana2: :banana2: :banana2: :banana2: :banana2: :banana2: :banana2: :banana2: :banana2: :banana2:

YUPs, they had this even before the Sto Niño set foot in the Philippines. This was a pagan festival before the Sr. Sto Niño was integrated into it. Remember the 10 bornean datus who bartered with the Ati(aeta) King of Panay?? Dont be fooled by History made by westerners that the our country was a savage land before they colonized it.

^^ Oh wow, Ati atihan, the original mardi gras of the Philippines traced its festival 794 years ago? It sounds like they had this before the Spaniards came

Security tight for GMA’s arrival

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

Kalibo, Aklan – No less than PNP chief Director General Arturo Lomibao is making the security preparations for the arrival of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in the culmination of the week-long Kalibo Ati-Atihan festival.

Lomibao was here on the eve of President’s arrival to check on and assess the preparations being done.

Police would employ maximum security, particularly around the vicinity of St. John the Baptist Cathedral and Capt. Gil Mijares Building where the President and his entourage will converge.

Aklan police director Supt. William Macavinta said some 500 security volunteers also underwent a three-day security awareness seminar to augment the police from the Regional Mobile Group (RMG) and the 47th IB Philippine Army.

According to Kalibo Ati-Atihan Management Board (KAMB) events director Albert Meñez, Arroyo’s arrival, her first time as President, will add more color to the celebration of the annual Kalibo festival, which he considered the “mother of Philippine festivals.”

“This is a chance for Kalibonhons to showcase and promote the grandest festival ever. Her visit is a testament to her support to our festivities,” he added.

It should be recalled that Lomibao led the PNP Task Force Kalibo to investigate the January 16 shooting carnage last year during the height of the 793rd Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati-Atihan festival.

Along Rizal Street in front of Kalibo Police station, the assailant PO1 Jonathan Moreño suddenly fired without any provocation at Aklan acting police director Supt. Odelardo Magayanes and security escorts, PO2 Ricky Urquiola, SPO1 Juan Gorion and PO3 Erwin Perez, while they were walking towards their vehicle after coming from the Kalibo police station.

Upon hearing gunshots, Chief Insp. Manuel Ilejay Jr., Kalibo police chief, who was inside the police station, immediately rushed outside the station but was met by a volley of gunfire from Moreño’s M-16 rifle. He died on the spot while two media men were wounded.

A running gun battle ensued between the fleeing suspect and the responding policemen until five members of the 6th Regional Mobile Group cornered and engaged Moreño in a gun battle along F. Quimpo Street that resulted to the assailant’s death.

The shooting incident resulted in the killing of six PNP officers, a 10-year girl Judelyn Cuales and Dr. Dem Tirol, including Magayanes and Ilejay.


------

GMA in Aklan today

BY ULYSSES ESPARTERO


KALIBO, Aklan - Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will be in Aklan today for a two-hour presidential visit.

Arroyo was invited by Mayor Raymar Rebaldo and the united leadership of Cong. Florencio T. MIraflores, Gov. Carlito S. Marquez and Vice Gov. Ronquillo C. Tolentino to join Aklanons and guests in the celebration of the world-renowned Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati-Atihan Festival.

This traditional week-long festival is dedicated to the celebration of the feast of the Sto. Niño or the Holy Infant Jesus.

The Ati-Atihan Festival held every third Sunday of January, is considered the wildest among Philippine fiestas.

Arroyo is scheduled to arrive at 10:00 AM. The president will pay a courtesy call to Kalibo Bishop Romeo Lazo and will then0 inaugurate the five classrooms of the Aklan National High School for Arts and Trades (ANHSAT) in Barangay Andagao here and will also distribute textbooks to students of the said school.

ANHSAT Principal Richard Flores said the construction lasted for the period July –October 2005 with the budget amounting to P1.697 million, which was taken from the 2002 and 2003 regular school building program.

OIC of PhilHealth Aklan Service Center J’Roel del Rosario confirmed that Arroyo will lead in the distribution of 4,000 PhilHealth ID Cards for Aklan’s indigent families from all municipalities except Tangalan and New Washington as cards for these towns were already distributed.

The president, who will be assisted by DENR Regional Director Julian Amador, will also distribute 132 land titles to 91 beneficiaries covering a total land area of 29.9483 hectares located in ten Aklan towns. These towns were identified as Nabas, Numancia, Altavas, Lezo, Balete, Ibajay, Makato, Banga, Malay and Malinao.

The land title will be received from the president by Quirico Caynap, one of the patentees from Dongon East in the town of Numancia in behalf of his co-patentees.

The land titles were processed by DENR Aklan under the leadership of PENRO Baltazar Gerardo by virtue of RA 9176 otherwise known as Extension and Free Patents over Agricultural areas.

The luncheon tendered by the Municipality of Kalibo will be held at 11:00 AM at the newly-refurbished, historic Captain Gil Mijares Building at 19 Martyrs Street here.

Considering that this is a rare opportunity to lunch with the president, Miraflores and Marquez has called on the municipal mayors to give the event their priority.


(from Panay News online)

BYW, when will be the Atiatihan, the undesputed mother of all festivals in the Philippines... will it be at the 4th sunday or last sunday of January? :?

Ati-atihan is always celebrated every third week of January ... 4th week of January is Iloilo-Dinagyang.

Kahina sulod sang mga balita diri about developments sang Capiz, Aklan and Antique ... gapangita pa ako ila online news pero daw wala gid ... tani may taga-Capiz, Aklan or Antique diri nga maka-shed sang situwasyon sa ila .. mas maayo pa gid tani ang bayluhanay sang ideas diri. :)

@Daks, musta na da? Sako gid?

HALA BIRA!

GMA prays for Cha-cha success

BY RECTO I. VIDAL


KALIBO, Aklan – A devotee of the Sto. Niño, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo sought the Child Jesus’ help for the success of Charter Change when she visited this Ati-atihan town yesterday.

Clad in a blue Ati-atihan shirt draped with a piña shawl given to her by local officials, the President also bared two more wishes during an informal interaction with the media here – the success of the government's campaign against terrorism and destabilization, and for the peso’s growing strength to be felt by every Filipinos.

The President made these wishes when she visited the Kalibo Cathedral for the traditional "paeapak." She later met with Aklan Bishop Romeo Lazo and other clergy.

"Paeapak" is the traditional healing of illnesses wherein the image of the Holy Child is being presented to the faithful, and believers in turn ask for blessings and success in whatever endeavor they are in.

Among others, the Constitutional Commission that Arroyo created recommended a shift from the presidential to a parliamentary form of government, and for the scrapping of the 2007 elections.

The shift to parliamentary form of government is gaining support but the proposal to scrap the 2007 elections is being met with stiff opposition, especially by former President Fidel Ramos, one of Arroyo’s staunchest allies.

Ramos warned Arroyo that his support to her is waning and called the no-election proposal a “monumental blunder.”

The Constitutional Commission proposed that Arroyo continue to serve her term up to 2010 but Ramos insists that she should cut it short and step down next year.

Ramos is being credited to have saved the Arroyo presidency from collapsing at the height of the political crisis in July last year.

His proposal to shift to a parliamentary form of government, Ramos said, is meant to give Arroyo a graceful exit.

‘BIGGER AND BETTER’

In her brief message to revelers and tourists delivered at the veranda of the Capt. Gil Mijares Building before noontime, the President expressed elation over what she acknowledged as the "mother of all festivals."

"I'd like to thank you all for making this festival bigger and bigger each year, thus earning its distinction as the mother of all festivals in the country," she said.

Aklan Gov. Carlito Marquez said Arroyo made history as the first President to grace the 798th Ati-Atihan Festival -- the country's premier religious and cultural festival that attracts thousands of devotees and tourists every third weekend of the year.

Arroyo dismissed notions that Ati-atihan has been left behind by other festivals. “We don’t lack tourists here," she enthused.

The President also disclosed that she ordered the Department of Tourism to release P55 million for the instrument landing system at the Kalibo Airport.

"Considering that tourism is in full bloom here, it is important for us to provide facilities needed for the access, safety and convenience of tourists,” she explained.


(from Panay News online)

2 tourist infocenters established in Capiz

ROXAS City – Two tourist information centers were established here recently to provide local and foreign tourists as well as residents various information for learning and assistance purposes.

The centers were put up at the Roxas City plaza and airport, which are among the areas frequented by people here.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo led the cutting of ribbon during the opening and blessing of the project at the plaza immediately after her message to open the Sinadya sa Halaran Festival last December 7.

Meanwhile, Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA) Assistant General Manager Jose Dion Diaz, Department of Tourism (DOT) Regional Director Edwin Trompeta and Capiz First District Cong. Rodriguez Dadivas led the opening and blessing of the tourist information center at the airport.

The Arroyo administration has included tourism promotion among its priority agenda that will redound on job generation, a stronger economy, and other components of her 10-Point Agenda.

Provincial Tourism Officer Alfonso Bediones led the local tourism initiatives to further promote Capiz as the Seafood Capital of the Philippines and its other tourism potentials. The initiatives implemented through the Provincial Tourism Office included the distribution of promotional materials, organization of the Capiz Hotel, Resorts and Restaurants Association (CAHRRA), and formulation of tour packages for tourists, among others.

Gov. Vicente Bermejo said investment for tourism-related activities amounted to P5.3 million sourced out from local funds during his State of the Province Address last year.

The hosting of two Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) games at the Capiz Gymnasium here aired over national television also brought Capiz to the national prominence.

Capiz is also a home to Sinadya sa Halaran, Diwal and other local festivals which have boosted the tourism industry here.


(from Panay News online)

Hi wecky is Aklan safe for purchasing retirement property ? Are there no NPA;s there and how about crime are the local people nice? thanks

Aklan is relatively a safe place from my experience .... NPAs? It's all over the country :) ... it's not much of a concern anymore unless you wanted to buy a property in the hinterlands of Aklan.

I have no direct statistics with Aklan's crime rate but I believe it is much lower than any other provinces in our country. Mind you, the properties are a little bit cheap as well.

What type of property are you planning to buy anyway?

http://www.panaynews.com.ph/images/headline%20pic%20link.jpg

VIVA, SEÑOR STO. NIÑO! President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo raises the image of the Santo Niño during the traditional "paeapak" or placing of the Santo Niño on the head and shoulders of devotees at the St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Kalibo, Aklan yesterday. The President is flanked by Cong. Florencio Miraflores (left, and Msgr. Jose Dollete of the Diocese of Kalibo.

how's the Ati-Atihan 2006? Sadya siguro magsadsad didto no? Been mssing it for a while.

Ati-atihan 2006 peaceful

BY MONTESA GRIÑO

KALIBO, Aklan – Unlike last year, the 2006 Ati-atihan Festival is peaceful, declared the Aklan Police Provincial Office (APPO). Last year’s festivity was marred by a shooting rampage.

A policemen indiscriminately fired his gun, killing several police officers and civilians.

Kalibo Mayor Raymar Rebaldo said everything was in proper order.

According to Supt. William Macavinta, director of the APPO, there were no major incidents except for petty street crimes like bag slashing, cellular phone snatching and pickpocketing.

Last year, the amok started shooting outside the cathedral as thousands of people prepare to begin celebrating the feast of the Sto. Niño.

The cop was PO1 Jonathan Moreno. He was eventually killed by responding police officers.

Then Aklan police director Senior Supt. Odelardo Magayanes was just leaving the church after a Mass around 8:45 a.m. when Moreno — one of his own bodyguards — suddenly gunned him down with an M-16 rifle.

Moreno also shot and killed two other of Magayanes’ bodyguards -- PO2 Ricky Urquiola and SPO1 Juan Gorion.

Kalibo police chief Chief Insp. Manuel Ilejay Jr., who was at the nearby police station, heard the gunfire and rushed to the cathedral with another policeman.

Rebaldo said Ilejay was apparently unaware that Moreno was the gunman, and was shot in the chest thrice. His policeman-companion was also killed.

Moreno fled after shooting Ilejay and ran into a group of officers from the 6th Regional Mobile Group, who rushed to the scene and were also shot at.

Moreno was killed in a 15-minute gun-battle, in which five other police officers were wounded.

Thirty-three people were wounded in the crossfire.

Moreno was a primary witness against a drug lord and was apparently disturbed due to pressure and threats against his family.

Aklan is relatively a safe place from my experience .... NPAs? It's all over the country :) ... it's not much of a concern anymore unless you wanted to buy a property in the hinterlands of Aklan.

I have no direct statistics with Aklan's crime rate but I believe it is much lower than any other provinces in our country. Mind you, the properties are a little bit cheap as well.

What type of property are you planning to buy anyway?
thanks for the info.
We're planning on buying a small farm where you can also build a house. A retirement house in the countryside where it's more peaceful and quieter.
But we are from luzon and don't really know anybody in the Visayas so don't know much about places in the visayas as far as safety and such. But i've passed by aklan en route Boracay and it looked really beautiful.

thanks for the info.
We're planning on buying a small farm where you can also build a house. A retirement house in the countryside where it's more peaceful and quieter.
But we are from luzon and don't really know anybody in the Visayas so don't know much about places in the visayas as far as safety and such. But i've passed by aklan en route Boracay and it looked really beautiful.

that's a good plan, Marites. I like to have that kind of haven as well when I grow old .. too much of citylife, etc. Countryside is always relaxing and serene.

Well, to tell you frankly, I don't know much about Aklan as well. I'll Try to email my friend in the US about the place coz he's from Aklan himself. Besides, I haven't had any corrupted news about the province's security aspect so hopefully, crime rate is not really that high. :)

Capiz gets ready to host 2006 WVRAA meet


Roxas City -- Gov. Vicente Bermejo said Capiz will put in place the necessary preparations to ensure the success of its hosting of the 2006 Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association (WVRAA) Meet on March 12-18.


Bermejo made this clear after officials of the Department of Education (DepEd) regional office and regional sports council informed him of the new schedule of the competition which was originally set for April of this year.

The governor immediately instructed Provincial Administrator Dante Bermejo to see to it that the Villareal Stadium and its sports facilities including the gymnasium, swimming pool and oval tracks would be ready by then.

The Capiz Gymnasium is one of a few sports centers in the country that boast of state-of-the-art basketball facilities. The province has already hosted two out-of-town Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) games at the gym last April and October 2005.

The governor has introduced several improvements worth several millions of pesos at the stadium to make it at par with other premier sports facilities in the country in line with the sports development program component of his Ten-Point Agenda.

Villareal Stadium is so far the biggest sports center of its kind in Western Visayas and is among the top five throughout the country.

Vice Gov. Tanco, together with representatives of the provincial school board and sports council, met with regional DepEd and sports council officials last Jan. 10 Divisio of Capiz here to discuss the preparations for the regional athletic competition, which was last hosted by Capiz in 1998.

With Tanco, who has been designated by Gov. Bermejo as provincial sports czar, at the said meeting were the Provincial Administrator, Provincial Tourism Officer Alfonso Bediones, Jr., Engr. Ernesto Agulto and officials of DepEd Division of Capiz represented by Schools Division Superintendent Lagrimas Ubal and PEHM Supervisor Annette C. Alagban, who is the overall division coordinator for the event.

Alagban said representatives from the province and DepEd regional office and sports council are scheduled to have a series of coordination meetings here to see to it that everything would be ready for the regional event that would take place before the end of the current school year.

The province would be ready by then, stressed the governor. (PIA-JSC)

(from The News Today Info online)

PGMA graces Kalibo Ati-atihan fest,
gets warm Aklanon welcome


Kalibo, Aklan -"Viva Kay Señor Sto. Niño! Viva!", President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo chanted before the throngs of parishioners, visitors and tourists who welcomed and shook

hands with her, as she held aloft the statue of the Child Jesus after experiencing the traditional "Paeapak" at the Kalibo Cathedral here on her first visit this year to Aklan which coincided with the celebration of the Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati-atihan Festival.

PGMA's "Paeapak", officiated by Diocese of Kalibo Bishop Jose Romeo Lazo and assisted by Kalibo Parish Priest Msgr. Jose Dollete, was one of her activities during her visit to Aklan.

She then proceeded to the Capt. Gil Mijares Building that houses the Kalibo PNP Station just across the Kalibo Cathedral to meet with Aklan provincial and municipal officials, the media and the throngs of people, Ati-atihan groups and revelers who have gathered in front of the building to witness her visit.

"Thank you for making Aklan the center of Philippine tourism bringing progress to the province of Aklan, Ati-atihan and Boracay. We would want to ask the tourists to come back again. I have instructed the release of P55 million for the instrument landing system so that other countries can come to the province of Aklan", was her short address to Aklanons and hundreds of tourists in the Philippines and all over the world when she stood at the balcony of the building to wave to the crowd.

During her visit, PGMA also inaugurated the five classrooms of the Aklan National High School for Arts and Trades (ANHSAT) at Barangay Andagao, Kalibo, distributed DepEd textbooks, DENR land titles and Philhealth cards.

The inauguration and distribution were held at ANHSAT grounds upon her arrival from the airport.

The ANHSAT classrooms were constructed from January 2005 to October 2005 with a total budget cost of P1,697,000, sourced from the 2002 and 2003 Regular School Building Fund, while the land titles numbering 132 were for 91 beneficiaries covering almost 30 hectares situated in ten Aklan towns.

Education is the theme of PGMA's presidential visits to various areas of the country for the period.

All throughout her activities conducted during the visit, Aklan's provincial and municipal officials, led by Congressman Florencio T. Miraflores, Governor Carlito S. Marquez, Kalibo Mayor Raymar Rebaldo and all other mayors of Aklan towns were with PGMA.

She was especially invited by the above-mentioned provincial officials to visit the province in time for the Kalibo Ati-atihan celebration to make this year's celebration more memorable and significant not only to Aklanons but to visitors and tourists as well.

(from Panay News online)

BAYLUHAY: San Joaquin's Cultural Treasures
By Bombette G. Marin

THE history of San Joaquin revolves around the mixing of numerous cultural, ethnic, and political influences.

These include contributions from several major indigenous civilizations, Aeta influences, and significantly of Malay and Spanish heritage. Although researchers do not know exactly when Datu Puti and his men (facing the prospect of prolonged and intense conflict with the oppressive ruler of Borneo) fled and landed in the shores of Siwaragan, a negotiation known as the Barter of Panay between Makatunaw (one of the 10 Datus) and Marikudo (ruler of the Negritos) took place at Imbidayan, along the beach of barrio Sinogbuhan. From Suiga to Suaga, Suagan to Suarangan, the municipality finally adopted the name San Joaquin in 1801, renaming it in honor of their patron.

A third class municipality, the town was developed as a separate town in December 10, 1910. Its 23,135 hectare land area, overshadowed by a chain of mountain ranges, stretches along the southern portion of the province. Its borders are defined by the Municipality of Sibalom, Province of Antique on the north, Panay Gulf on the south, the Municipality of Miag-ao, Province of Iloilo on the east and the Municipalities of Tobias Fornier, Hamtic and Anini-y, Province of Antique on the west.

One of the oldest towns in the province, located southeast and 53 kilometers away from Iloilo City, San Joaquin is divided into 85 barangays populated by 47,826 (2000 Census on Population) residents.

Tourism has become one of the major income earners and employers of local workers in the municipality. San Joaquin attracts tourists, mostly locals from the city and nearby provinces. It has a leading industry of the town, with an attractive and varied landscape, a rich set of cultural resources, the municipality's attractions are many, from its colorful neighborhoods, famous cuisines to its prestigious cultural activity.

The most popular and the most visited tourist destination in San Joaquin is its renowned San Joaquin Church. Numerous churches around Iloilo constructed during the colonial era reflect the blending of Spanish architectural designs. The church is the only one in the Philippines sporting a bass relief depicting the historic battle between the Christians of Spain and the Moors of Morocco in Tetuan in 1859.

The San Joaquin Catholic Cemetery built from coral rocks in 1892, with a 20-step staircase flanked by stone balustrades with crowning glory, the hexagonal chapel known as "Camposanto", is another must-see attraction.
In Panay, a variety of factors are used to identify an individual as indigenous in Iloilo, including customs, language, dress and even food. San Joaquin culture is a fascinating blend of Aeta traditions and Malay and Spanish colonial influences. Long before the Spaniards arrived in the 16th century, the indigenous people of the town had developed arts such as music and dances.

Seen through the lens of time, the Aeta inheritance has the more cultural glow, and the Malay retain a sentimental attachment to it. The Barter of Panay became the point of origin of San Joaquin's history and its first common culture and laid down the first lasting foundations of any significance. Without its past, Ilonggos and San Joaquin's culture would almost certainly have developed differently. Though San Joaquin has enjoyed a clear sense of its own identity in the modern period, these influences were given a tremendous boost through a cultural presentation that truly reflects the community's celebration of life's bountiful blessings. A festivity showing how grateful and proud the people of San Joaquin are with their history.

The Bayluhay Festival celebrated every third week of January, reflects the town's unique mixture of races and cultures. Historical and religious themes, mostly anchored from the Barter of Panay, such as efforts with the preservation of rituals are reflected mostly through their dances. Since that time, the Malays and Aetas have assimilated most important cultural trends as seen through the different rituals that are still being observed in some of the town's barangays. These rituals are authenticated by the maarams or "medicine men or healers" in the area. Common is the rites of passage that evolved from the war dance or dinapay was performed during the Malay-Aeta exchange, to ward off evil and protect them from harm.

In celebration of its 96th Municipal Fiesta with the theme "Cultural Revival for National Identity and Global Competitiveness," the Municipality of San Joaquin headed by their very supportive and dynamic Municipal Mayor, Hon. NINFA S. GARIN in cooperation with its Municipal Tourism Office headed by Mrs. Erlyn Alunan, is inviting everyone to witness their weeklong celebration of BAYLUHAY Festival on January 16-21, 2005. The gem of the festivity is the cultural presentation of the reenactment of the greatest real estate deal in history, the Barter of Panay on January 20, 2006, 10:30 a.m. at the San Joaquin Sports Stadium. Other events include the Dayang Kang Bayluhay at 1:30 p.m. and the world renowned, Pasungay at 9 a.m., both scheduled on January 21, 2005.

For many tourists to this quiet town, the obligatory souvenir is the experience one can get---rich in history, resplendent with natural wonders, the uniqueness of their culture and the wonder that is San Joaquin./

Source: Sunstar Iloilo 2.18

Tourist arrivals increase


ROXAS City – The Roxas City Promotion and Development Office reported an increase in the arrival of tourists last year.

In a consolidated report released recently, the office revealed that a growth rate of 28 percent was attained in 2005 with an estimated 32,042 tourist arrivals, higher than the 22,917 recorded in 2004.

Tourists who visited the province’s Roxas City capital were classified into foreign, domestic travelers, overseas Filipinos, and other of unspecified origins.

Last year, two tourist information centers at the Roxas City plaza and airport were opened with the aim to further promote the local tourism industry.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo led the cutting of ribbon during the opening and blessing of the project at the plaza here after she graced the opening ceremonies of the Sinadya sa Halaran last December 7.

The province boasts of its seven-kilometer stretch of shoreline along coastal barangays here, as well as caves, religious and historical sites, and festivals which are potential tourist come-ons.

Famous for its delicious seafood, the city has a wide variety of marine and fishpond harvests making it the Seafood Capital of the country.

Provincial Tourism Officer Alfonso Bediones Jr. led the provincial tourism initiatives which included the distribution of promotional materials, organization of the Capiz Hotels, Resorts and Restaurants Association (CAHRRA), and formulation of tour packages for tourists, among others.

(from Panay News online)

Hi everyone! Could you guys post pictures of Gaisano Malls at Kalibo and Roxas City? Would sure appreciate that.

DAR Aklan gets P22 M infra projects for implementation


KALIBO, Aklan – Two Agrarian Reform Communities (ARDs) of Aklan are recipient of the recently approved rural infrastructure from DAR-ADB- ARCP (Department of Agrarian Reform- Asian Development Bank- Agrarian reform Communities Project) amounting to P 21,842,510.30.

These two major infrastructure projects mark the continued commitment of the Department of Agrarian Reform in Aklan to provide support services to the farmer beneficiaries of the province.

A 44.88 Km. farm to market road rehabilitation from Libang to Bagong Barrio of the Agbalogo expansion ARC of Makato. Aklan will get P 13, 806,216.75 of the package while the San Jose- Monlaque FMR rehabilitation with the length of 4.00 Kilometers of Ibajay, Aklan acquires P 8,036,193.55.

These recent project are most welcome developments as the Provincial Agrarian Reform Office seeks to sustain the gains of CARP in Aklan .Atty. Daniel Y. Martelino further reiterated that on the onset of 2006 , DAR- AKLAN will be more aggressive in pursuing fairer and more meaningful projects to uplift the live of Aklanon farmers.

(from Panay News online)

Capiz cutflower industry – a dollar-earner

ROXAS City - The cutflower industry in Capiz province has become one of the major suppliers of cutfoliage abroad.

Provincial Director Rebecca Rascon of the Department of Trade and Industry in the province said that the cutflower industry here, through the Capiz Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Incorporated (CMPCI) was able to sign a contract with the Classic Japan Limited, for the regular supply of cutfoliage to Japan.

The said firm is the leading and biggest importing firm of cutfoliage and cutflower in Japan, Rascon said, adding that it demands even the shipment of cutfoliage on a weekly basis, however, the cutflower industry here cannot at this time supply all the needed orders.

Just this month, Capiz was able to supply 2.9 tons of cutfoliage amounting to $6,000, Rascon said, adding that in October last year, the industry here was able to ship out some 1.5 tons of cutfoliage amounting to 3,800 dollars. This consists of four assorted cutfoliage, namely, Dracaena sanderiana, Godseffiana, Florida beauty and Polycias.

Among the major suppliers of said foliage to Japan from the CMPCI are the Kauswagan Development Corporation, Talon Integrated Farm, Lawaan Garden & Supply, Sunshine Farm, H&L Farm, Our Father Farm, Shawn Garden and the growers under the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist.

This dollar return to Capiz is already the result of the One Town One Product (OTOP) Project of the government in the province under the Small and Medium Enterprise of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Aside from the dollar gains, the continuing cutfoliage exportation to Japan has also provided livelihood opportunities to Capiceños.

For the latest shipment alone, some 127 workers were employed for four days for the processing and packaging of the shipment, Rascon said.

She added that the cutflower industry here was one of the 140 SMEs identified by OTOP to be assisted.

Among these assistance include the refrigerated van worth P700,000 granted by the Department of Agriculture in Region 6.

In addition, Governor Vicente Bermejo was able to extend a P 1 million soft loan to CMPCI aside from the production loan extended by the Quedan Corporation.

The DTI here, on the other hand, was able to assist the said cooperative in the conduct of a one-week market sensing and intelligence in Japan.

Earlier, top officials of the Classis Japan Limited was able to visit the cutflower farms in Capiz and found out the Capiz industry's products as excellent, she said.

OTOP-Philippines has become one of the priority programs of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to promote entrepreneurship, create jobs as well as encourage the country's micro, small and medium enterprises to produce and market distinct products or services using local raw materials and manpower.

Patterned after Japan's One Village One Product, this program is also established in the country as an effective tool of poverty alleviation, particularly in the rural areas.

(from Panay News online)

Where are the people from these provinces? I know Wecky and Chymera are from Iloilo.

SP Aklan bares accomplishments

By BOY RYAN B. ZABAL


KALIBO, Aklan – Vice governor Ronquillo Tolentino said the accomplishments of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) last year is a vital legislative infrastructure for effective provincial governance of Aklan Governor Carlito Marquez.

In his narrative report, Tolentino declared 2005 as a busy year for the Aklan SP, saying, the legislative council conducted 44 regular sessions and four special sessions and passed 484 resolutions, 55 provincial ordinances and five appropriation ordinances.

“Those resolutions approved by the provincial legislative body were in pursuance of the august body’s legislative priority to be able to smoothly plan and implement programs and projects for the greater benefit of the people of Aklan,” Tolentino stressed in his report to Marquez.

The significant resolutions gave Marquez the authority to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the local government of Malay for a joint undertaking to solve the garbage crisis in Boracay Island for P1-million financial assistance.

Marquez was also given authority to negotiate and transact with the Philippine National Bank for a P39-million loan to finance the design, development and implementation of a computerized real property tax assessments and collection of the province and with the Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Field Unit and a Foundation to implement the P10-million farm inputs/farm implements program.

The governor also entered a MOA with the Land Bank of the Philippines for P3-million loan package to finance the farmers on hybrid seed and commercial production and with Aklan Rep. Florencio Miraflores and the DA for the P5-million agricultural development.

NOTEWORTHY ORDINANCES

The legislative council was also credited for the enactments of Provincial Ordinance No. 05-016 creating the Economic Enterprise Development Department (EEDD) and the Provincial Ordinance No. 05-026 establishing the Aklan Rivers Development Council.
The council also approved and enacted the P367.688-million annual budget for 2006 under Appropriation Ordinance No. 05-004 and the P199.557-million 2006 budget of EEDD of the provincial government under Appropriation Ordinance No. 05-005.

The SP also approved and enacted supplemental budgets of P107.367-million of the provincial government and approved P68-million budget for projects to be funded under the 20 percent IRA development funds this year.

The legislative body also enacted provincial ordinances on the collection of fees and charges for selected vehicles using the Caticlan Jetty Port as the point of egress and ingress; increasing the tax levies collected from per cubic meter of stones, sand, gravel, earth and other quarry resources; creating the Aklan Provincial Population and Gender Office and fixing the rates for the sale of bidding documents of the provincial government of Aklan.

(from Panay News online)

Where are the people from these provinces? I know Wecky and Chymera are from Iloilo.

I have some relatives from Roxas city. :)

Im not sure if there are available pix of these 2 malls in the net. There used to be a website for gaisano city roxas when it first opened a few years ago. Ill give you an idea on the size of these 2 malls coz i was able to visit these 2.

Gaisano Roxas is a 3 level mall, the mall area is more or less twice the size of the new sm delgado or mga 75% sang size sang gaisano city iloilo ah(minus the 4th level). I maybe wrong about the size. It has 3 or 4 cinemas, the grocery dept(the biggest in capiz i think), gaisano department store, Handyman DIY store, Bench, Penshoppe,Jollibee,Teds Lapaz Batchoy,Chowking,Greenwich,Red Ribbon Bakeshop. I think gaisano is doing quite well in Roxas coz they are opening another mall in a few weeks. The location of the new gaisano mall is also within the city and not far from the first mall. The new mall will be anchored by their department store,grocery, jollibee,teds, and a few more selected tenants.

Gaisano Kalibo on the other hand is a 2 level mall(minus the basement with the grocery dept), about the size of the new marymart mall(excluding the old wing). Anchored man gihapon sang gaisano dept store,grocery,jollibee,greenwich,teds batchoy, and a few more boutiques(i forgot the names)...it has 2 cinemas to offer.

These 2 malls are strategically positioned in these two provinces. Gaisano Roxas is also catering a portion of Iloilo Province(towns of Estancia,Balasan,etc) and Gaisano Kalibo is catering a portion of Antique province(towns of libertad,pandan,sebaste,culasi,etc).


Hi everyone! Could you guys post pictures of Gaisano Malls at Kalibo and Roxas City? Would sure appreciate that.

Country’s young legislators to meet in Capiz for confab

ROXAS City – More than 150 members of the National Movement of Young Legislators (NMYL) are expected to visit Capiz and Aklan for a national council meeting and planning activities on January 27-29.

Sangguniang Panlalawigan member and NMYL National Vice President Esteban Evan Contreras II disclosed that Capiz will host the movement’s first quarter national council meeting while the two-day planning workshop will be held in Boracay.

The gathering of young policy makers nationwide aims to facilitate interaction among young legislators from different provinces as well as promote mutual understanding, cooperation and camaraderie among NMYL members, Contreras said.

Contreras said the gathering is also an opportune time to allow young leaders to gain insights into the socio-economic environment in the province of Capiz, the Seafood Capital of the Philippines.

This gathering would likely affirm the province’s bid as a considerable tourist destination.

Capiz is noted for its impressive natural and man-made wonders including caves, wide beaches, ancient churches, historical sites and cultural events.

Among the province’s attractions are the Santa Monica Church in Panay town that houses the biggest bell in Southeast Asia made of 76 sacks of coins; the Tucad Reef and palm-fringed sand beaches of Casanayan, Pilar, Buntod beach, Napti Island and the coves of Ivisan.

(from Panay News online)

I have some relatives from Roxas city. :)

same here, Askal. Some of my relatives are livin' in Capiz, too. Have you visited Capiz lately? There's good improvement ongoing with the province lately.

Im not sure if there are available pix of these 2 malls in the net. There used to be a website for gaisano city roxas when it first opened a few years ago. Ill give you an idea on the size of these 2 malls coz i was able to visit these 2.

Gaisano Roxas is a 3 level mall, the mall area is more or less twice the size of the new sm delgado or mga 75% sang size sang gaisano city iloilo ah(minus the 4th level). I maybe wrong about the size. It has 3 or 4 cinemas, the grocery dept(the biggest in capiz i think), gaisano department store, Handyman DIY store, Bench, Penshoppe,Jollibee,Teds Lapaz Batchoy,Chowking,Greenwich,Red Ribbon Bakeshop. I think gaisano is doing quite well in Roxas coz they are opening another mall in a few weeks. The location of the new gaisano mall is also within the city and not far from the first mall. The new mall will be anchored by their department store,grocery, jollibee,teds, and a few more selected tenants.

Gaisano Kalibo on the other hand is a 2 level mall(minus the basement with the grocery dept), about the size of the new marymart mall(excluding the old wing). Anchored man gihapon sang gaisano dept store,grocery,jollibee,greenwich,teds batchoy, and a few more boutiques(i forgot the names)...it has 2 cinemas to offer.

These 2 malls are strategically positioned in these two provinces. Gaisano Roxas is also catering a portion of Iloilo Province(towns of Estancia,Balasan,etc) and Gaisano Kalibo is catering a portion of Antique province(towns of libertad,pandan,sebaste,culasi,etc).

Unfortunately, I haven't been to Gaisano City-Roxas. Nakasulod lang ako sa Gaisano City-Kalibo on our way to Boracay. Gamay lang siya pero okay gid. Hopefully, I can visit Gaisano City in Roxas when I goes home next time around. Oh btw, is there another Gaisano Mall upcoming in Roxas? That's really good. Go Roxas!

Yups! and they will be opening it in a few weeks. Gaisano is doing very well in these parts of Panay.

Unfortunately, I haven't been to Gaisano City-Roxas. Nakasulod lang ako sa Gaisano City-Kalibo on our way to Boracay. Gamay lang siya pero okay gid. Hopefully, I can visit Gaisano City in Roxas when I goes home next time around. Oh btw, is there another Gaisano Mall upcoming in Roxas? That's really good. Go Roxas!

At least Gaisano is expanding in Roxas City. That only means one thing, Roxas consumer market is getting bigger, too. It's a good news for Capizenos, for sure. I'm sure Gaisano will not put up a second mall in Roxas if Gaisano thinks the retail industry of the place is not doing well. Hoping there will be more investors to come and build business in Roxas City. In the same way, I would like to see a progressive Kalibo and San Jose markets, too.

NFA Capiz bags another national award


ROXAS CITY - For consistently complying with the fundamental standards for quality maintenance and good warehouse keeping, the grains warehouse of the National Food Authority here once again bagged another national award.

This is the third time that the said grains warehouse in Bolo, Roxas City has excelled in the national Gawad Warehouse Keeping Program of food agency.

The NFA Bolo warehouse that includes Warehouse A, B and C garnered the said national award because of the strict implementation and observance of warehouse hygiene and sanitation, stock quality maintenance and preservation and infestation control.

It also religiously complied with the needed standards such as the observance of proper filing, proper maintenance, and the introduction or adoption of innovative mechanisms, Information Officer Edna Artates disclosed.

Artates said that the warehouse here, headed by Senior Grains Operation Officer Elizabeth Eribal, has exhibited exemplary performance in complying the ten fundamental warehouse keeping program set by agency.

The search, that involves all the NFA's warehouses nationwide, is led by the Technical Research and Development Directorate Central Office, she said.


(from Panay News online)

Roxas City
"Seafood Capital of the Philippines"

http://corporate.mozcom.com/dot/capiz11.gif

The City, classified as a Second Class Component City, belongs to the first political district of the Province of Capiz along with the municipalities of Maayon, Panaym Panitan, Pilar, Pontevedra, and Pres. Roxas. It has forty-seven (47) barangays of which eighteen (18) are urban and twenty-nine (29) are rural.

POPULATION AS OF 2000:128,892
NO. OF HOUSEHOLDS: 25,126
GROSS DENSITY:1,239 persons per square kilometer
LAND AREA - 101.96 sqaure kilometers

Brief History

Roxas City was once known as the "Municipality of Capiz" and it became a city on May 12, 1951 with the issuance of the city charter, Republic Act No. 603. Lorenzo Arnaldo was its first mayor. This city was named Roxas City in honor of President Manuel Acuña Roxas. According to a 1990 Census, there were 103,171 inhabitants.

Roxas City is the site of Miguel Lopez de Legaspi's settlement when he arrived from Cebu. The settlement was accepted as a "visita" of the town of Panay. The settlement was originally named "El Puerto de Capiz". According to a 1732 Census, there were 327 inhabitants. In 1746, Capiz was made the seat of the military government, although it was still theocratically controlled by the Bishopric of Cebu. According to a 1760 Census, there were 17,683 inhabitants. On May 31, 1847, a Royal Decree turned the province into an alcadia.

Villa Borda Swimming Pool
http://corporate.mozcom.com/dot/capiz11.gif

Pan-ay Old Church
http://corporate.mozcom.com/dot/capiz22.gif

Abundant Seafood Harvest
http://corporate.mozcom.com/dot/capiz33.gif

Huge Bell of Panay
http://corporate.mozcom.com/dot/capiz44.gif

When it comes to seafoods, Roxas (Capiz) is the best! And it's cheaper pa. My father used to buy "lucon" sa Capiz due to its freshness and affordable prices. And yes, greenshells and talaba is a big addition, too. :)

here's another milestone for Panay Island provinces. Let's cheer for Kalibo, Aklan ! :applause: :applause: :applause:

Kalibo airport eyed to
accommodate int’l flights

By BOY RYAN B. ZABAL


KALIBO, Aklan - President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo wants the Kalibo domestic airport to accommodate international flights direct from Asian countries, particularly Korea and Japan, to cater to foreign tourists.

Korea is the top tourism market of Boracay Island followed by United States, data from the Department of Tourism (DOT) showed.

When she visited this town during the Kalibo Ati-atihan Festival, Arroyo promised to fasttrack the release of P55 million for the Instrument Landing System (ILS) of the Kalibo airport.

The ILS is part of the P500-million airport development project of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC).

“Boracay Island contributed about 20% of 2.5 million tourists or 500,000 tourists last year and we have to ensure that infrastructures are in place in Aklan to enhance the capability of Kalibo airport for tourists,” she told reporters.

She also reminded local officials to carry on the tourism development of Boracay Island, the country’s top tourist destination, with the aid of Eminent Persons Group (EPG).

“The Caticlan jetty port will remain as Roll-on Roll-off port for local travelers. We also have also the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA) to oversee the storm-drainage projects in the island to solve the flooding in central Boracay this year,” the President said.

She also announced the entry of Korean investors in power generation using indigenous materials, the first in Panay Island, as part of her administration’s five-point power agenda.

(from Panay News online)

^^ this is good news for Kalibo, Boracay and the rest of Aklan. I hope the project will be realised na ... go Aklan !

^^ If they will promote Boracay as a premiere tourist destination, they better deal with the environmental problems of the island at the same time. Boracay needs a major overhaul.

@wecky, do you have any CPU friends from Barbasa, Antique?

^^ this is good news for Kalibo, Boracay and the rest of Aklan. I hope the project will be realised na ... go Aklan !

ako man, I gladly support Aklan's infrastructures! Go Aklan! Go Akeanon!

^^ If they will promote Boracay as a premiere tourist destination, they better deal with the environmental problems of the island at the same time. Boracay needs a major overhaul.

I agree Askal. Hopefully, better waste management will be implemented in Boracay. It's nice to swim in a pristine, clear and clean water for sure. :)

@wecky, do you have any CPU friends from Barbasa, Antique?

we have so many batchmates from Antique. I don't if they are from Barbasa or not. Please PM me his/her name. Baka classmate or batchmate ko nga.

^^ that's right. Unfortunately, we haven't had a copy of our Centralite here in UK. Tani ma-check ta kung sin-o ang mga taga-Antique no? I remember few of them but I'm not sure whether they are from Barbasa Town or not.

Roxas City

Villa Borda Swimming Poo
http://corporate.mozcom.com/dot/capiz11.gif

SWIMMING WHAT!?!?! :hilarious :lol: :lol:

lol. wrong spelling, wrong ba dito? Si Chymera mahilig sa Poo. Sa Dinagyang mero rin siyang Mr. Poo Poo. lol.

Actually, I haven't seen much of Capiz countryside. On our way to Roxas ages ago, only towns of Sigma caught my attention more. It's more like of Roxas city's extension pa.


Well, Roxas City is leading the pack of Northern Panay town/municipalities and city. Go Roxas!

I know thats why I love highlighting it coz its funny. :lol: Been to Roxas city a lot. Usually, I visit this place in addition to Iloilo kasi marami akong mga kamag-anak din doon. Roxas city is getting prettier. Its like a subdivision - you can just ride the tricycle and they can take you anywhere around the city. No wonder walang taxis doon. :lol:

RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS IN CAPIZ (http://www.mycapiz.com/)

SWIMMING WHAT!?!?! :hilarious :lol: :lol:
ay sori ... i-edit ko lng, :lol:

RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS IN CAPIZ (http://www.mycapiz.com/)


thanks for sharing Daks. There's few more subdivisons around Roxas City galing kay wala kita direct posters from that place. Tani maka-share man sila di pics sa aton sa forum. thanks.

Gov’t sets more fund
to support farmers



ROXAS City – To address farmers’ needs during harvest season, the government has set sufficient procurement fund for their farm produce.

Palay deliveries will be accommodated by the warehouses of the National Food Authority (NFA) situated in the first and second districts of Capiz.

Information Officer Edna Artates disclosed that the harvests in the second cropping this January to March can be accommodated by their warehouses in Sta. Cruz, Dumalag town, in Mangoso, Sigma and in Bolo, Roxas City.

For January alone, a total of P3 millions have been allotted by the NFA provincial office as procurement fund for palay deliveries including additional incentives to individual farmers and farmer’s cooperatives, Artates said, adding that more procurement funds are expected for the months of February and March.

For convenience in their palay deliveries to the agency and availment of the government’s support price, Provincial Manager Sergio Balofiños has urged farmers to renew or revalidate their farmer’s passbook by complying all the requirements and avoiding manipulation of unscrupulous rice traders.

Artates said that the food agency sets a P10.00 per kilogram price for clean and dry palay, adding a drying fee of P0.15, P0.10 delivery fee, and P0.25 cooperative fee as incentives per kilogram of palay sold.

She added that while they continue to buy farmer’s palay harvests, they also maintain the Bigasan ng Bayan in various public markets throughout the province. This is to ensure that Capiceños have access to quality and affordable rice, Artates said.

She stressed that their regular milled rice remains at P16.00 per kilogram while the well-milled rice is sold at P18.00 per kilogram.


(from Panay News online)

P66-M ILS installation at
Kalibo airport to start soon



KALIBO, Aklan – The installation of the Instrument Landing System (ILS) at Kalibo Airport will start soon.

Gov. Carlito S. Marquez said the installation would allow the conversion of Kalibo Airport into a regional airport for direct flights of ASEAN tourists.

It can be recalled that Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo ordered the release of P66 million for Kalibo Airport ILS in her two-hour presidential visit in Kalibo last January 14, 2006.

Arroyo was invited by Mayor Raymar A. Rebaldo and the united leadership of Cong. Florencio T. Miraflores, Gov. Marquez and Vice Gov. Ronquillo C. Tolnetino to join Aklanons and guests in the celebration of the world-renowned Kalibo Sto. Niño Ati-Atihan Festival.

The need for an increased flight frequency was earlier voiced by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan noting that the influx of tourists both foreign and local has dramatically increased as per Department of Tourism (DOT) record.

Kalibo Senior SB Member Mark Vega Quimpo said that accessibility is a major and critical factor in the enhancement and promotion of tourism.

“One of the tenets of the tourism industry to be fully developed, highly successful and institutional is the assurance to foreign and local tour operators of a sufficient air capacity and environment flight schedule,” he further said.

At present, various airline companies –Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and Asian Spirit maintain flights daily to Kalibo.

But these flights could not cope with the volume of traffic for regular commuters and tourists.


(from Panay News online)

Aklan tourism is now a P4-billion industry

Kalibo, Aklan -- Tourism, said Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez in his recently-delivered "State of the Province Address (SOPA), "continuous to be an anchor industry of our province. By the end of last year, we nearly hit the half-a-million mark in terms of number of domestic and foreign visitors."

Marquez said Boracay's tourist arrivals for 2005 were 499,452. Of this number, 155,739 were foreign visitors while the remaining 343,713 were local tourists. The arrivals of these tourists in the world famous paradise island of Boracay generated an estimated P3.8 billion in tourism receipts, money which circulated into Aklan's mainstream economy.


Marquez said that in preparing the province, particularly the resort island of Boracay for the projection of one million tourist by 2010, the province has committed P1 million for the purchase of land ferry service (multicabs) which maybe leased out to a transport cooperative in Malay to cater to the needs for transportation facilities of Boracay residents and workers at comparatively lower fare rate. He also said the province appropriated P1 million to promote and market alternative tourist destinations of the province like the Manggad it Kalibo in the Mangrove Eco Park, the Bugna It Tangalan Jawili Falls and the Hurom-Hurom Cold Springs of the town of Nabas.

The tourism industry in Boracay is also a big in factor in generating jobs in the province. Boracay's existence is instrumental in the direct employment of more than 5,000 skilled and unskilled workers, 56 percent of which are Aklanons, engaged in various services in the island and employed by tourism-related businesses in the prime tourist destination of the country - a ready answer to President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo's call for job generation and livelihood opportunities.

Governor Marquez delivered his State of the Province Address at the Aklan SP Session Hall before Sangguniang Panlalawigan Members, heads and representatives of national and provincial government offices, mayors, non-government organizations, people's organizations and the local media.

(VG Villanueva/PIA)
The News Today Iloilo

Capiz searches for a hymn

Roxas City -- The Province of Capiz, the place that gave birth to Manuel Acuna Roxas, the first President of the Philippine Republic, is looking for a hymn that will aptly convey its greatness and the way of life of Capiceños.


The province occupies a prominent niche in the annals of the country's history for having been chosen by the Spaniards as their second settlement in the Philippines after Cebu back in the 16th century.

Capiz is a surplus food producer and is reputed as the seafood capital of the Philippines. Its major tourist attractions include the Sta. Monica Parish Church in Panay town which has one of the world's biggest bells, Suhot Cave in Dumalag, and Baybay Beach in Roxas City. Its major festival is Sinadya sa Halaran held every December.

Annette C. Alagban, Supervisor for Physical Education, Health and Music (PEHM) of the Division of Capiz (Department of Education), said the Provincial Government is sponsoring a competition that will select the song that will become the official hymn of the province that will be sung during programs and other occasions here.

Alagban said Gov. Vicente Bermejo is fully supportive of the endeavor.

The contest is open to all amateur and professional songwriters in the province. The composer of the winning entry will receive a plaque and cash prize of P20, 000.00. Two other finalists will receive a plaque and consolation prizes while all participants will be given Certificates of Participation.

The song shall have at least 24 measures or bars and in 2/4 or 4/4 time signature.

Entries must be taped and submitted together with the printed lyrics, which must be in Hiligaynon, to Mrs. Alagban on or before March 20, 2006. Registration forms are available at the DepEd Division of Capiz and Office of Provincial Tourism Officer Alfonso Bediones, Jr.

(PIA-JSC)
The News Today Iloilo

Capiz LGU, DepEd officials
lead WVRAA 2006 hosting


ROXAS CITY – Gov. Vicente Bermejo and Roxas City Mayor Antonio Del Rosario are heading in an honorary capacity the Executive Committee that is working out everything for the hosting of the 2006 Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association (WVRAA) Meet on March 12-18 here.

The executive committee is chaired by Schools Division Superintendent Lagrimas Ubal of the Division of Capiz with Dr. Jesse Gomez, OIC-Schools Division Superintendent of the Division of Roxas City, as Co-Chairperson.

Gov. Bermejo has named Vice Gov. Victor Tanco, Sr., the province’s “sports czar,” as the lead person for the provincial government

The Department of Education, represented by the two schools divisions here, are closely coordinating with the provincial and city governments to ensure the success of the regional meet that will see the participation of Aklan, Antique, Guimaras, Iloilo, Negros Occidental and the host province.

The Secretariat is chaired by Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Gilbert Ardivilla with OIC-Asst Schools Division Supt. Dr, Eveleth Gamboa, OIC-ASDS Angelita Ragodo, and PEHM Supervisor Annette Alagban as Co-Chairpersons.

Two other important committees, namely Finance and Solicitation, are chaired by Provincial Administrator Dante Bermejo and Provincial Tourism Officer Alfonso Bediones, Jr., respectively.

The main venue of the sports competitions will be the Villareal Stadium which is presently undergoing a massive face-lifting from the provincial government. Covered by the renovation works are the oval tracks, swimming pool, grandstand and other facilities inside the 8-hectare stadium.

Several other places here have also been identified as alternate venues for some of the 17 events lined up for the week-long competitions.

(from Panay News online)

Hydro power project to solve
Aklan power crisis



KALIBO, Aklan – The provincial government here hopes that with the implementation of the long standing proposal of a hydropower plant at Timbaban in the town of Madalag the power crisis experienced by the province will soon be solved.

Gov. Carlito S. Marquez said that the 20-megawatts Timbaban Hydro-Electric Power Plant to be set up would supply low cost electricity as long as Aklan River continues to flow.

“A run-of-river type of power generation project, the Timbaban Hydropower Plant will have a maximum output of 29.1 MW, more power than Aklan and Boracay need, thus the possibility of the plant supplying the power requirements of neighboring provinces,” he further said.

Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) Chief Engr. Roger Esto confirmed the West Japan Engineering Consultants has already completed an updated feasibility study and the PNOC shall be filling an Environmental Compliance Certificate with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

The provincial leadership is confident of the enactment of a law, which will exempt the Timbaban area from the National Integrated Protected Areas System.


(from Panay News online)

all news .. wala tayong pics ... hehehe.

we can use our imagination, I guess. lol. :)

Hydropower plant seen to solve Aklan's power woes


Kalibo, Aklan -- The province of Aklan is eyeing a long-term solution to the province' power shortage through the operation of a hydropower plant at Timbaban in Madalag, Aklan.


West Japan Engineering Consultants, said Governor Carlito S. Marquez, has already completed an updated feasibility study and the Philippine National Oil Company (PNOC) shall soon be filing an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

If fully realized, the Timbaban Hydropower Plant, a run-of-river type of power generation project, will have a maximum output of 29.1 MW, more power than Aklan and Boracay need, so there is a possibility of the plant supplying the power requirements of neighboring provinces.

Currently, however, the province is waiting for the enactment of a law exempting the Timbaban Area from the National Integrated Protected Areas Syastem (NIPAS) which Congressman Florencio T. MIraflores is soon to file as a bill first.

The province' bid for a sufficient and steady source of electricity is aimed at successfully attaining its objectives for agriculture and tourism which would reduce poverty through employment generation. With cheaper and sustainable power, said Governor Marquez, agriculture will be industrialized and factories and food/agricultural processing plants would be put up.

Presently, Mirant, a power supplier, has put up two plants in the province - one each in New Washington and Nabas, but the capacity is not enough to answer the needs of the whole province. (VGVillanueva/PIA-Aklan)

Link:
http://www.thenewstoday.info/2006/02/08/hydropower.plant.seen.to.solve.aklans.power.woes.html

paspas, Aklan !

:cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers: :cheers:

Laua-an celebrates "Pahinis" Festival

SAN JOSE, Antique (PIA) - The municipality of Laua-an launched "Pahinis" Festival recently in commemoration of its 91st foundation anniversary.

Mayor Aser S. Baladjay said the grand historic affair unite Lauan-ons as one people, enriching their identity and remembering the historic deeds of those who worked and died for the freedom and independence of today's generation.

Laua-an became an independent municipality in January 1915 by virtue of Executive order No. 129 of then Gen. Francis Burton Harrison. It is the 12th municipality of the province during the Filipino-American regime.

Located 55 kilometers from the capital town of San Jose, Laua-an is the leading producer of muscovado sugar (brown sugar). Muscovado sugar is a major industry in the municipality with big sugar mills existed since the 19th century. Laua-an is also the home of sugar migrant workers in the sugar land of Negros Occidental and other parts of the country.

"Pahinis" Festival derived its significance from the Muscovado sugar as a promising industry in the town of Laua-an. "Pahinis" is a local term for cleaning and preparing equipment, tools, paraphernalia and materials before the production of brown sugar. It also stages a ritual or thanksgiving for a bountiful sugarcane harvest.

This year's theme is "Paghanduraw kang Nagriligad, Tulay sa Paghiriugyon sa Pag-ugwad (Reminiscing the past, a Bridge for Unity and Progress). The theme goes with the call of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo for Filipino people to unite and move forward as one nation.

Thousands of spectators witnessed the historic launching of "Pahinis" festival with Governor Salvacion Z. Perez as guest of honor. Various activities were conducted such as the unveiling of the municipal landmark, slideshow of the town's history and profile, launching of the municipal theme song, Ati-ati tribe competition and other cultural and sports activities.


Panay News Online

Ati-Atihan town is ready, nat’l press confab all set

By BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

KALIBO, Aklan – School paper student-writers and key education officials from 17 regions are set to attend the five-day schools press conference with the theme "Responsible and Quality Campus Journalism: Gearing Up to the Challenge of the Schools First Initiative" on February 20 to 24, 2006 here.

Hosted by the Dep Ed Aklan, almost 2,500 delegates from the country’s top school papers in public and private elementary and secondary schools will troop to Kalibo for the annual National Schools Press Conference.

The conference aims to serve as a forum for communicating through a variety of journalistic approaches the objectives of the Schools First Initiative; enhance journalism competencies through friendly individual and group competitions; demonstrate commitment to the challenges of SFI through responsible and quality campus journalism and to provide a fertile ground for the future career opportunities of students with journalistic potentials.

According to Dep Ed Aklan Officer-in-Charge Dr. Victorina Larosa, the venues of the competition are Augusto B. Legaspi Sports Complex, Aklan Catholic College, APSTA Center, Aklan State University-SIT Kalibo and Gov. Corazon L. Cabagnot Tourism and Training Center.

Delegates are expected to arrive on Sunday, February 19 through points of entry like Caticlan Airport, Kalibo Domestic Airport and Caticlan Jetty Port. On February 20, the five-day event will start with a street parade from Kalibo Pastrana Park to the ABL Sports Complex where a festive Ati-Atihan opening program follows.

Aklan Governor Carlito Marquez, Aklan Rep. Florencio Miraflores and Kalibo Mayor Raymar Rebaldo will grace the affair.

Rebaldo, said the event which was hosted by Surigao City in Caraga Region last year, has the all-out support and cooperation of government officials, principals, school division superintendents, principals and key education officials in Aklan.

"In fact, the local government of Kalibo is hosting an Ati-Atihan night to all the guests on February 21," Rebaldo told Panay News.

The competition is also an added opportunity for the town of Kalibo and the province of Aklan to showcase the eco-tourism potentials to visiting delegates like the Bakhawan Eco-Park, Bugna it Tangalan and the famed resort island of Boracay, Larosa said.

Various individual writing contests in editorial writing, news writing, photojournalism, sports writing, editorial cartooning, copyreading, feature writing and headline writing will highlight the weeklong conference.

Prominent media practitioners will also conduct professional lectures during the national writing competitions. Top 10 winners for each individual writing competition will be awarded certificates of recognition.


Panay News Online

Franchise seminar in Kalibo set

KALIBO, Aklan -- Successful enterprises here will have the opportunity to expand and grow via the franchising format as the Philippine Franchise Association (PFA) sets its sixth leg of regional franchise show dubbed as “Aklan Venture Facilitation and Linkaging Seminar.”

The seminar is on February 18 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Jojo’s Function Room, Aklan Sampaguita Gardens Resort and Spa, Inc, 506 Rizal St., New Washington, Aklan.

The whole day activity is a joint effort of PFA, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in coordination with the Aklan Ati-Atihan Chamber of Commerce and Industry. It is funded by CIDA Pearl 2.

Titled “How to Franchise Your Business,” the seminar will provide “franchise-able” businesses in Aklan and the neighboring provinces in Region VI with knowledge on franchise benefits and advantage, franchise development process and overview of the franchising industry.

It will also provide insights on the legal requirements of franchising, the importance of information, communication and technology solutions and the financial resource providers linkage.

The whole day activity will provide participants with the opportunity to meet people who can help them in expanding their businesses, how to utilize technology for optimal franchise operations, and to learn more about franchising the right way.

Interested parties may contact the PFA Secretariat at (02) 687-0365 to 67, fax: (02) 687-0635 or email: pfa@nwave.net, Aklan Chamber of Commerce and Industry at (036) 262-9614 or Department of Trade & Industry – Region 6 at (033) 335-0548 / 335-0222.

Special registration rates of P300 for the first 30 participants (First come, First serve basis

Panay News Online

more good news coming from every corners of Panay. Go Aklan !

DPWH constructs P66-million infra projects in 2005
By PS Mabaquiao

San Jose, Antique -- The Department of Public Works and Highways Antique Engineering District has constructed infrastructure projects in total amount of P66 million for calendar year 2005.


Engr. Thelma Escanillas of DPWH said that most of these projects are located in the countryside. These are requested by Barangay Officials to the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) of Congressman Exequiel B. Javier and other party list representatives.

Many of the projects are roads and bridges in the amount of P34.2 million that pave the way for upland dwellers to have easy access of their farm products to the market and bringing people in far flung barangays near the seat of local governance. Also included are hanging footbridges in Barangays Cuyapiao, Patnongon and San Agustin, Valderrama who are separated by floodwaters during rainy season.

In terms of disaster control and management, DPWH has constructed P6.3 million flood control projects and drainage system while P7.3 million were used to construct potable water supply projects such as Artesian wells, spring development projects, pumping stations and conduits. Water supply projects have help household in remote areas avail of safe drinking water.

DPWH has also constructed school buildings in line with education for all programs in the amount of P8.7 million particularly intended for construction of classrooms in various elementary and high schools in the province.

Other infrastructure projects funded under the congressional initiatives are market and slaughter houses in the towns of Tobias Fornier and Culasi and multi-purpose buildings in 7 other barangays.

For party list projects, DPWH constructed 3 multi-purpose building in a cumulative amount of P1.1 million in Barangay Abiera, Sebaste, Barangbang, San Remigio and San Jose.

The source also said that budget of these projects were approved in 2004 however, construction only started in 2005. Aside from these projects DPWH still conduct regular maintenance of national highways and bridges in the province.

These infrastructure projects are in support to the Ten Point Agenda of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo dubbed as BEAT THE ODDS. Construction of infrastructure projects provides employment and hastens economic activity particularly agricultural production. (PIA)


Panay News Online / The News Today Iloilo Online

DENR pushes for declaring two Antique towns as mining reserves

SAN JOSE, Antique – The Mines and Geosciences Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources pushes for the declaration of the towns of Sibalom and San Remigio as mining reserves for semi-precious stones for future exploration.

In a dialogue held last February 7, the MGB Regional Director met with 17 out of 24 barangay officials together with Mayor Elizabeth Coloso, SB Members Malvar Pahinaga, Joelben Baleña and Hester Mission of San Remigio at the EBJ UDP Training Center, Environment and Natural Resources Officer, Binirayan Hills, San Jose, Antique.

Among others who attended were Governor Sally Perez, Board Member Calixto Zaldivar III, representatives from Iglesia Filipina Independiente, Ecumenical Movement for Justice and Peace and Madiaas Ecological Movement (MEM).

In the one day confab, Regional Director Leo Van Juguan urged the officials of the said town to support the move of their agency for the declaration of the two towns as an area open for the mining of semi-precious stones.

In an exclusive interview with Panay News ‘mineral reserve’ Juguan revealed, is a place where the President of the Republic can state as a place reserved for the utilization or development since it has been found to have raw materials needed by strategic industries for the development of the economy.

Juguan bared that in the present thrust of the national government in mining thru RA 7942 or The Philippine Mining Act of 1995 as embodied in Executive Order No. 270-A as amended or National Policy Agenda on Revitalizing Mining in the Philippines focuses on the revitalization of the country's mineral industry including the 24 national priority projects of the government that are focused to streamline and to help the economic development of the country for the next 3 to 6 years.

Approved MPSA applications in the implementation of actual mining operations would last to 25 years renewable for like period. Meanwhile exploration period is up to two years extendable to 6 years for non metallic and 8 years for metallic mining.

Juguan said that in the whole Western Visayas, semi-precious stones can only be found in abundance in San Remigio, Sibalom and a portion of San Joaquin, Iloilo.

“The semi-precious stones found in the area were jasper, agate, chalcedony, quartz, crystals, adventurine, bloodstone, schist, and serpentine, among others. If these stones would be utilized these gemstones may be the source of income for the people in the said area,” Juguan said.

After the approval of the declaration, Juguan said that the area would be open for local or foreign mining companies for exploration and later on operation. In the case of applicants being given permit to mine semi-precious stones and have found out other precious minerals such as gold in the area, those mining companies will again apply for another mining permit to mine such.

Benefits

Juguan said that the benefits that could be acquired in the utilization of these natural resources will benefit the people through taxes and royalties paid by the mining companies.

“Among other benefits, people living near the mining areas will be given jobs, trainings, machineries and other livelihood projects as part of the operations. Gemstones to be excavated or taken from riverbeds would be used in making jewelry, decorations, simple laboratory instruments, and other utilities that have been found to be expensive in other countries in accordance with the research of MGB,” he said.

Areas Covered

The barangays to be declared as mining reserves were: Bongbongan, Sido, San Juan, Maasin, Villafort, Imparayan, Cabanbanan, Cabiadan in Sibalom; Cadolonan, Magsaysay, La Union, Tubudan, Nagbanggi, Osorio I, Carawisan I, Carawisan II, Barangbang, Poblacion, Nasuli, Iguirindon, Maragubdub, Vilvar, Baladhay, Magdalena, Cabiawan, Adricula, Bagumbayan, Cabungaan, Lumpatan, Bugo, Sinondolan, Trinidad, San Rafael, Sumaray and Rizal in San Remigio.
The total land area to be covered by mining exploration if approved would be 10,854 hectares; Sibalom - 7, 66.6940 hectares and San Remigio – 3,473.6320 hectares.

Lopsided Development?

In the open forum, some officials expressed their doubts on the final results in case the mining exploration pushes through. Juguan claimed that town officials from Sibalom had already given their nod on the proposal. One official, however, claimed that in usual mining operations, agricultural areas where people are getting their livelihood would be affected by the mining operations. Thus, as what Director Juguan claimed that mining is a temporary activity, the people in the area especially those who are based their livelihood on land tilling would be devastated.

Further, the environmentalist group Madiaas Ecological Movement expressed their own opposition on the move of the DENR saying that where mining as a whole does not portray a good image in the country especially in many incidents that had destroyed ecological balance and livelihood of the people. They also cited that in areas where mining operation existed regardless if it is small-scale or large-scale have never made the affected area progressive or develop, because mining companies particularly the foreign ones are allowed to be given tax holidays and later on bring profit to their country, leaving mining areas barren and livelihood destroyed.


Panay News Online

Roxas City's going Metro ... wow .. Go Roxas ! Go Capiz !

Cutflower growers to join
int’l horti expo, conference


ROXAS City - The province of Capiz will join the 12-day international horticultural exposition and conference in Intramuros, Manila.

Leading the group of cutflower growers of the province who will join said gathering are officers and members of the Capiz Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Incorporated (CMPCI) under the Provincial Small and Medium Enterprise Development Council (SMED-C).

Nenita Urquiola, CMPCI chairperson and owner of Rose Lawn Garden, together with Llora Reyes, Sarah Pequierda, Edna Viterbo of Talon Integrated Farm, Lily Ong of Sunshine Integrated Farm, and Ken Queenie Cuñada of DTI here will be among the delegates from the province.

The said international activity signals the launching of the FLORA FILIPINA EXPO led by two of the country’s biggest and oldest horticulture societies, namely the Philippine Orchid Society and the Philippine Horticultural Society that will mark its 60th and 30th anniversary, respectively.

Trade and Industry Provincial Director Rebecca Rascon stressed that the participation of the Capiz SMEs to the said exposition and conference is seen as a good avenue for the local industry to attain its marketing goals of building a strong domestic market-base and expanding its global market.

Rascon said that through this activity, set from February 23 to March 6 this year, the local group expects to generate market links in Hong Kong and Korea. It also hopes to establish at least three new networks or industry affiliation.

Similarly, they also look forward to having the knowledge and skills on ornamental plant propagation as well as in packaging both for domestic and international markets.

Rascon disclosed that during the expo and conference, there will be 120 trade booths, 40 landscaped exhibits, tour packages and exclusive plant auction.

She added that the activity aims to further foster the country’s performance in the international horticultural circuit, stimulate the development of the local industry and contribute to the enrichment of national economy.

Capiz through the CMPCI has become one of the major suppliers of cutfoliage in the leading and biggest importing firm of Japan that resulted not only in dollar gains but also provided livelihood opportunities to Capiceños, Rascon pointed out.


(from Panay News online)

EBJ statue's original splendor restored—Prov'l Historical Council

http://www.thenewstoday.info/2006/02/15/ebj.statue.jpg
Wreathlaying ceremony at Eveliio Javier monument
with Manila Mayor Lito Atienza, Gov. Sally Perez
and other provincial officials.


The Provincial Historical Council of Antique defended its move of restoring the statue of the late Governor Evelio B. Javier in time for the 20th commemoration of the Antiqueño martyr.

"Cong. Javier is right that anybody can't just do what he wants with the work of art just because he wants to impress the people that he cares. It will be vandalism indeed! But he was wrong because the vandalism referred to had actually restored the statue of his brother to its original self. Otherwise stated it was already vandalized. It took the province through the Provincial Historical Council to have it restored to its previous splendor," said SP Majority Floor Leader and Chairman of the Historical Council Dr. Zoilo Bernardo Tubianosa.


The council chaired by Tubianosa was tasked by Gov. Perez in the grand preparation for Evelio B. Javier's 20th martyrdom anniversary. Part of the preparation was the repair of the shrine and the restoration work on the hero's statue.

"That's the reason why we restored the former splendor of the monument tampered by Valspar varnish (or black paint) that hid the original brilliance of the bronze work. We haven't tampered with anything in the monument. Our boys knew what they were doing. The polishing work done in the bronze monument used only the kind of abrasive that removes the varnish coating but not hard enough to scratch the bronze work. We haven't seen any scratches seriously damaging the face of the statue as alleged and if ever there was so, the congressman would have had overly reacted or confronted us about it. The people can attest to the fact of whether or not there was damage. It's one generation now since Evelio's martyrdom, and it's them that we want to impress about Evelio, not any other politician. If we leave the statue as it is, what would others say? Take the case of that memorabilia center. See the ruckus it created when the work momentarily stopped? Now we are doing a great job for Evelio's tribute and yet this is what we got!" Dr. Tubianosa lamented.

During her radio program, Gov. Sally Z. Perez lambasted Cong. Javier on his overreaction and obsession on the provincial government's preparation. Javier said all cues must emanate from him and the Javier family regarding the preparation of the celebration.

"I am very proud of what I am doing. I know Evelio and I know that he approves. I can't understand this erratic behavior of our Congressman. Instead of being grateful, he still attacks us. I will fight for this. I don't even know if Evelio touched the life of his brother, but he definitely touched ours... Evelio does not belong to you. He belongs to all of us Antiqueños... All Antiqueños therefore have a right to celebrate or commemorate his death anniversary. Even the whole Panay declared February 11 as holiday. That's why I wrote to all the governors in Panay to remind all of them of the 20th death anniversary of our hero Evelio. All the governors responded to this... You are always good at attacking, when in fact, you don't even plan the activities for the said celebration. Well, this governor has planned a very good program for the whole month of February. All provincial activities will be in honor of Evelio... That's why instead of attacking us, the Javier family should in truth have to thank us. We do not deserve your attacks on us because we are doing what Evelio deserves. If you don't like what we do, then just let us be, instead of attacking us. We feel that this province must honor Evelio Javier," Perez said.

(from The News Today Info online)

good news for both Antique and Capiz ! :cheers:

:applause: :applause: :applause:

Go Aklan-Antique-Capiz !

any news for the planned International Airport in Caticlan?

any news for the planned International Airport in Caticlan?

If there should be direct international flights to Region 6, I think it would be more feasible to have them go direct to Caticlan due to the sheer volume of tourists going to Boracay. I think more people would be going to the Philippines this way because they could avoid having to the dirty and crime infested Metro Manila.

Luli graces ANS centennial celeb opening


Presidential daughter Luli Macapagal Arroyo recently graced the opening program of the centenary of Antique's premier high school, the Antique National School (ANS), formerly Antique High School (AHS) last February 8, 2006.


After Luli explained her reasons for coming to the said occasion, she finally rounded up to how her grandfather, former President Diosdado Macapagal has had close relationships with the Antiqueños and how she was invited by her "Tita Sally", referring to Gov. Sally Z. Perez, during one of their dinners together. "I also hope that among the students now, the future president would come from you", she also quipped, causing a stir in the studentry. She amused her audience as she also spoke in Visayan just as her mother Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

Luli, together with Gov. Salvacion Z. Perez, Department of Education Secretary Fe Hidalgo and Mayor Fernando Corvera also inaugurated the newly renovated Gabaldon building and the Information Technology Center (ITC). Both Luli and Sec. Hidalgo commended ANS for setting high education standards which allows its students to be competitive, having produced remarkable leaders not only in the province, but also in the Philippines and the whole world.

Likewise, Gov. Perez lauded ANS for its one hundred years of providing "solid foundation for all our young people, as they go out and go to higher schools of learning." Perez also declared that she, together with San Jose mayor Fernando Corvera and the ANS alumni, exerted all efforts to renovate the Gabaldon building, despite the limited resources.

The 18 classroom Gabaldon building was rehabilitated under the Secondary Education Development and Improvement Project (SEDIP), a program of the national government in partnership with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC). The total rehabilitation costs an estimated P12,190,014.28. The provincial government under the leadership of Gov. Salvacion Z. Perez provided P2 million while the municipal government shelled out P1.47 million as LGU equity. According to Mr. Rodolfo J. Caberoy, ANS OIC Principal, the building will not be used until next year as it will include all facilities necessary to make it a disabled-friendly building. All additional funds collected, including those collected by the ANS Alumni Association which amounted to approximately P700,000 will cover other expenses needed to finish the building.

The Information Technology Center was also established through the concerted efforts of the school's administration and stakeholders. The center will serve as a venue for developing students' knowledge and potentials in the field of multimedia.

The Antique National School is the oldest and the biggest secondary school in the province. Established in 1906, it was first named, Antique Provincial High School, then Antique High School in the year 1918-1919 and was later renamed to Antique National School through Republic Act 3657.

Over the years, the Antique National School has produced thousands of graduates, some of whom have already become leaders and officials of the province.

(from Panay News online)

any news for the planned International Airport in Caticlan?

I'm very happy with this news. Boracay (Aklan) deserves a direct international flight gid. :cheers:

Is it a proposal? Or the expansion is undergoing already to make Caticlan Airport as International Airport? Boracay deserves an international airport considering that it is the famous holiday place in the Philippines.

I'll try to locate the article, Jon. I hope it will be an approved proposal na. Basta sa mga Akeanon, ayos gid ! :cheers:

100,000 cash awaits Binirayan's best Malay-Ati tribe
For the first time in the history of the Binirayan festival, the winner in Malay-Ati competition takes home 100,000 cash.


The Binirayan Foundation, Inc., (BFI) official events organizer of Antique's annual Binirayan festival announces it has increased the prizes for the Malay-Ati competition. The first prize is 100,000 pesos, an increase of more than 60% over last year's prize money. The second and third prizes are P50,000 and P30,000 respectively, while non-winners get a consolation prize of P10,000. The contest will be held on April 29.

The Malay-Ati contest is Antique's version of the street-dancing similar to other festivals in the Visayas. The concept is based on Binirayan’s motif of the convergence of Malay and Ati cultures. Since 2001, the organizers of the Binirayan has seen the event as not only about the establishment of the first Malayan settlement in Malandog with the coming of the Bornean datu, but also about the generosity of the Ati who were the original settlers in Antique. The Malay-Ati dramatizes the integration of both cultures.

The Malay-Ati competition is open to all organizations and institutions, including schools and local government units. Each tribe must consist of at least 50 performers, excluding the drummers and instrumentalists. The music must be live, using the tonggatong or bamboo percussions as the base instrument. Each tribe shall perform for eight to 10 minutes at the EBJ Freedom Park, and participate in the street dancing.

Last year's trophy was won by Tribu Kumpletos Rekados (San Jose), followed by Tribu Pandanon (Pandan), and Tribu Hamtikanon (Hamtic). This year's competition will be stiffer with the participation of schools. As of press time, three national high schools and two colleges have already signified their participation.

Roxas City ranks among Asia’s fine adventure destinations
by A. Lumaque

Roxas City (22 February) -- A 15-minute documentary about Roxas City is regularly shown over Living Asia Channel in its travel guide segments as among Asia’s fine adventure destinations.

The documentary named “Of Sand Dunes and Curious Wonder: Exploring Roxas City” depicts the city as a Seafood Capital of the country and attracts travelers with its folkloric charm as well as natural and man-made wonders. It features the abundant seafoods, cultural and religious landmarks including shell craft and horticulture industries.

A harvest of angel wings locally known ‘diwal’ was presented in the story as among the abundant seafood popular for its exotic taste.

The bivalve is popularly claimed to have aphrodisiac substances beneficial to diwal aficionados.

Roxas City Mayor Antonio del Rosario declared the first ‘Diwal Festival’ in time with the harvest season of diwal last July 2005 to celebrate the return of the bivalve in considerable volume in local municipal and city coastal waters.

The feature produced by CCI Asia New Media Productions, Inc. displayed establishing shots of the city and popular infrastructures like the ‘Ang Panubli-on’ city museum, city hall, Roxas City cathedral, and Roxas Bridge among others worthy of a visit for personal experience and appreciation.

The Roxas City Promotion and Development Office reported an estimated 28 percent increase in the arrival of tourists here last year with an estimated 32,042 tourist arrivals, higher than the 22,917 recorded in 2004.

Roxas City can be reached thru sea transport and or a 45-minute plane ride by tourists coming from Metro Manila. (PIA) [top]

Antique's Binirayan 2006 vies for longest festival


Antique province's annual Binirayan festival might turn out to be the longest festival in the country. Binirayan Foundation, Inc. (BFI), official events manager of the 32-year old cultural festival announced that Binirayan 2006 will start from April 1 and end with a three-day highlight on April 27 to 29.


The Binirayan festival committees has planned out a program of events starting with a formal launch on April 1 at the EBJ Freedom Park and week-end special events that include the Komedya festival, the Semana Santa, music and food festivals, and trade fairs.

The komedya festival is the newest addition to the events of the Binirayan. Antique is the last bastion of the komedya, a traditional theater form, which some scholars consider as the national theater of the Philippines. It is a play in verse that employs extravagant costumes, swordfights, magical elements and spectacle on stage. While the komedya has become extinct in other provinces, komedya troupes in Antique, such as in San Antonio, Barbaza, continue to produce it every year during the fiesta. Reviving the komedya during the Binirayan is one last ditch effort for the province to save it, consistent with Governor Salvacion Z. Perez's program for cultural nurturing. Four komedya troupes from Barbaza, Lauaan, Bugasong, and San Jose are presenting komedyas of different themes.

The Semana Santa, which falls on April 9 to 16 also becomes part of the festivities. Holy week activities such as the via crucis and visita iglesia are practiced widely throughout the province. On Holy Thursday and Good Friday, elaborately decorated santos dramatizing the characters in the Pasyon are taken around town in an afternoon procession. The best processions could be seen in San Jose and Hamtic as these feature life-sized and antique santos. In San Jose, kapiya or chapels depicting each of the stations of the cross are being built beside the streets. But the best attractions may be witnessed in San Pedro, a barangay of San Jose. On Good Friday is the Pagtaltal, a street theater about the crucifixion of Christ, and on Black Saturday the Hudas-Hudas, where effigies of Judas are being burned for public censure at the plaza.

Other activities include the nightly band concerts at the food festival, talents competition, and the presentation of the candidates for Lin-ay kang Antique. On the final dates, visitors may join the Biray kang Barangay from the San Jose Port to Malandog Beach. The biray dramatizes the coming the Bornean Datu to Antique, the historical and cultural basis of the Binirayan Festival.

The Binirayan Festival was first organized by Governor Evelio B. Javier in January 1974 as a celebration of Antique's rich cultural heritage.


Panay News

Roxas City ranks among Asia’s fine adventure destinations
by A. Lumaque

Roxas City (22 February) -- A 15-minute documentary about Roxas City is regularly shown over Living Asia Channel in its travel guide segments as among Asia’s fine adventure destinations.

The documentary named “Of Sand Dunes and Curious Wonder: Exploring Roxas City” depicts the city as a Seafood Capital of the country and attracts travelers with its folkloric charm as well as natural and man-made wonders. It features the abundant seafoods, cultural and religious landmarks including shell craft and horticulture industries.

A harvest of angel wings locally known ‘diwal’ was presented in the story as among the abundant seafood popular for its exotic taste.



congratulations Capizenos ... all well for people and province of Capiz !

Guys, could you please post pictures of the Gaisano malls in Roxas City and Kalibo! Is Kalibo a city yet?

Guys, could you please post pictures of the Gaisano malls in Roxas City and Kalibo! Is Kalibo a city yet?
Kalibo isn't a city yet ... I don't think it is gearing for cityhood anytime soon, except maybe if they expand the 45sq.km. land area of Kalibo.

Kalibo isn't a city yet ... I don't think it is gearing for cityhood anytime soon, except maybe if they expand the 45sq.km. land area of Kalibo.

i DON'T THINK THEY NEED TO ACTUALLY INCREASE THE LAND AREA FOR IT TO BECOME A CITY. MANILA ITSLEF IS ONLY ABOUT 20++ SQ.KM. IF I'M NOT MISTAKEN.

Kalibo isn't a city yet ... I don't think it is gearing for cityhood anytime soon, except maybe if they expand the 45sq.km. land area of Kalibo.

Kalibo is way too far for cithood, NOT BECAUSE OF HIS INCOME but because Kalibo people doesn't want Kalibo to be a city .... their mayor and other officials are not too keen to apply for cityhood for some economic reasons. Kalibo's annual budget can surpass other cities per se but the cityhood is very unlikely until the residents decided to make it as one.

Manila is 38.55 sq. km. That is not assumption, that is the fact.

i DON'T THINK THEY NEED TO ACTUALLY INCREASE THE LAND AREA FOR IT TO BECOME A CITY. MANILA ITSLEF IS ONLY ABOUT 20++ SQ.KM. IF I'M NOT MISTAKEN.

and Metro Manila is around 600 square km.

Roxas City ranks among Asia's fine adventure destinations (http://www.thenewstoday.info/2006/02/27/roxas.city.ranks.among.asias.fine.adventure.destinations.html)


Roxas City -- A 15-minute documentary about Roxas City is regularly shown over Living Asia Channel in its travel guide segments as among Asia's fine adventure destinations.


The documentary named "Of Sand Dunes and Curious Wonder: Exploring Roxas City" depicts the city as a Seafood Capital of the country and attracts travelers with its folkloric charm as well as natural and man-made wonders. It features the abundant seafoods, cultural and religious landmarks including shell craft and horticulture industries.

Manila is 38.55 sq. km. That is not assumption, that is the fact.

but at least i was right about Manila being smaller in land area than Kalibo. I was just asking about it because I didn't know anything about Kalibo. Do you have any pictures of Kalibo and Roxas City?

Roxas City ranks among Asia's fine adventure destinations (http://www.thenewstoday.info/2006/02/27/roxas.city.ranks.among.asias.fine.adventure.destinations.html)


Roxas City -- A 15-minute documentary about Roxas City is regularly shown over Living Asia Channel in its travel guide segments as among Asia's fine adventure destinations.


The documentary named "Of Sand Dunes and Curious Wonder: Exploring Roxas City" depicts the city as a Seafood Capital of the country and attracts travelers with its folkloric charm as well as natural and man-made wonders. It features the abundant seafoods, cultural and religious landmarks including shell craft and horticulture industries.

This is one of the best news for Roxas City. Keep it up guys !
Cheers everyone !

I have not seen this yet. I'm going to watch it.
Go Roxas City!!!

This is one of the best news for Roxas City. Keep it up guys !
Cheers everyone !

Hope there will be a tourism boost to promote Roxas City and Capiz province. Aklan is leading the way right now with Boracay and Kalibo as their selling points. I don't know how serious Antique is when it comes to tourism industry. Let's just wish all the best for these three provinces of Panay Island.

Yups. When other municipalities are gearing for CITYHOOD, Kalibo on the other hand is going on the opposite direction. Also may pagka protectionist sila sa kalibo. I remembered when Gaisano was still proposing or under way pa sa construction sang ila Mall, damo gid nag attempt to have the project derailed. Its understandable man siguro kay ti ang entry sang gaisano would most likely kill the small enterprises. Also, when establishments were coming in na, medyo ginapabudlayan pa nila mga negosyante kay ti dapat makipagkita ka gid anay sa mayor, pero it could also be good intention man on the part of the mayor siguro para makilala ya gid personal ang mga new investors nya sa iya lugar.

I think partly the reason why Kalibo isnt keen on the cityhood thing, is the tax woes. People will be paying more taxes in a city compared to a municipality.

Kalibo is way too far for cithood, NOT BECAUSE OF HIS INCOME but because Kalibo people doesn't want Kalibo to be a city .... their mayor and other officials are not too keen to apply for cityhood for some economic reasons. Kalibo's annual budget can surpass other cities per se but the cityhood is very unlikely until the residents decided to make it as one.

Hi daks! Diri na lang ta ya. Gin-close ni GreyX ang Iloilo thread.

Question: Are you familiar with Barbasa, Antique?

Daw di gid ako familiar sa Barbasa, Antique ah. I have friends in San Jose,Hamtik,Culasi, and Pandan. I think medyo sa tunga sang antique province ang barbasa, im not sure though kun its much nearer the aklan and antique border coz some antiqueños find it easier to do their shopping in kalibo with a gaisano mall than proceeding to Iloilo City or going to Roxas City.

Hi daks! Diri na lang ta ya. Gin-close ni GreyX ang Iloilo thread.

Question: Are you familiar with Barbasa, Antique?

check this out...a big mansion atop a hill in roxas city, capiz

http://www.pbase.com/explorer/image/39608660

http://www.pbase.com/explorer/image/39608658

http://www.pbase.com/explorer/image/39608659

kay sin-o na balay daks? the ex-mayor of roxas was my classmate in grade school. ambot kun iya ni?

Iya ini bala kuno ni Engr. Go, I dunno kun ano ni iya business but siling sang mga tawo daw active ini sya kuno sa divine mercy religious movement kay may ginpatindog man sya nga daw simbahan sa babaw man sang isa ka hill...bale duwa or tatlo ka hill lang ang pagitan halin sa balay nga ina hehehe kita ko lang ni ang balay everytime we visit roxas city

kay sin-o na balay daks? the ex-mayor of roxas was my classmate in grade school. ambot kun iya ni?

daks, ang mansion nga gin post mo, indi na iya sang isa kaforeigner nga nakapangasawa sang taga-roxas city? daw amo na nga balay ang gin-feature sa programa ni Korina Sanchez. Ukon lain 'na sya?

Iya ini bala kuno ni Engr. Go, I dunno kun ano ni iya business but siling sang mga tawo daw active ini sya kuno sa divine mercy religious movement kay may ginpatindog man sya nga daw simbahan sa babaw man sang isa ka hill...bale duwa or tatlo ka hill lang ang pagitan halin sa balay nga ina hehehe kita ko lang ni ang balay everytime we visit roxas city

Iya ini bala kuno ni Engr. Go, I dunno kun ano ni iya business but siling sang mga tawo daw active ini sya kuno sa divine mercy religious movement kay may ginpatindog man sya nga daw simbahan sa babaw man sang isa ka hill...bale duwa or tatlo ka hill lang ang pagitan halin sa balay nga ina hehehe kita ko lang ni ang balay everytime we visit roxas city

The house looks so cute. I wonder how much the F.A. is? Do you know?

Some pics I snapped recently using a review unit of the new Kodak dual-lens camera during a trip to Kalibo and Boracay

Kalibo from the air

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid201/p36016fdd5895197f9607e0ddaeff970d/f004ebfb.jpg


Kalibo airport

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid201/peb5b65c9b654ffd2f9e9f2a2008cf67d/f004ebf6.jpg


Bridge into Kalibo

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid201/p9cc5734ac91e082f201be6c1f116e30b/f004eb08.jpg


Roxas Avenue

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid201/p7f047dc0bfdca860071f81c6b817a9ba/f004eafb.jpg


Kalibo church

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid201/p6b664db087110477222cf07150084c59/f004eaf6.jpg


Museo it Aklan

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid201/pd76f7fda65d33f169ca4199b726b718b/f004eaf0.jpg


Gaisano Kalibo

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid201/pdfdb59230568d1cc9e4033ef4ecdf7f4/f004eae9.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid201/p8c42c7ae61f999c44a4046048192f1bd/f004eae0.jpg


Municipal Library and Ati-atihan Museum

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid201/pee31770961040367bafb6ca913d31ec0/f004ead5.jpg


Pastrana Park

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid201/pb1c9c469a474e8795ce5febb5220cab1/f004eace.jpg

im not sure kun amo ina, pero from what I've heard, its owned by one engr go...damo lang abi speculations kun sin-o ang tag-iya sina o ano ang background sang nagpatindog hehehehe basta kun ara ka sa roxas...just ask kun diin dampi ang capiz gun club kay u'll pass by that house going to the shooting range...different route ini nga dalan ya ang agyan mo going thru ivisan...ang bus routes ya nagalabay sa loctogan area which is tama gid kalubak

also kun maka swing ka sa kalibo...you could visit the sampaguita gardens...iya ni sam boucher nga founder sang precious moments...i think na post na ina diri one time ang pix sang sampaguita gardens...if you could remember, there was once a famous doll house in arevalo, that's sam boucher's house too...also there is this other house in kalibo which is owned by a NASA Engr, a big house with an elevator, para sa mga parents ya pero the olds doesnt like living in a big house kay mga simple lang nga tawo ya, patindogan na lang sila ya liwat gamay nga balay sa kilid o sa likod sang dako nga balay eh hehehehe

daks, ang mansion nga gin post mo, indi na iya sang isa kaforeigner nga nakapangasawa sang taga-roxas city? daw amo na nga balay ang gin-feature sa programa ni Korina Sanchez. Ukon lain 'na sya?

FINALLY!!!! Thanks JudeD!!! People have been clamoring for this pictures for quite some time na hehehehe


Some pics I snapped recently using a review unit of the new Kodak dual-lens camera during a trip to Kalibo and Boracay

Kalibo from the air

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid201/p36016fdd5895197f9607e0ddaeff970d/f004ebfb.jpg


Kalibo airport

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid201/peb5b65c9b654ffd2f9e9f2a2008cf67d/f004ebf6.jpg


Bridge into Kalibo

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid201/p9cc5734ac91e082f201be6c1f116e30b/f004eb08.jpg


Roxas Avenue

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid201/p7f047dc0bfdca860071f81c6b817a9ba/f004eafb.jpg


Kalibo church

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid201/p6b664db087110477222cf07150084c59/f004eaf6.jpg


Museo it Aklan

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid201/pd76f7fda65d33f169ca4199b726b718b/f004eaf0.jpg


Gaisano Kalibo

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid201/pdfdb59230568d1cc9e4033ef4ecdf7f4/f004eae9.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid201/p8c42c7ae61f999c44a4046048192f1bd/f004eae0.jpg


Municipal Library and Ati-atihan Museum

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid201/pee31770961040367bafb6ca913d31ec0/f004ead5.jpg


Pastrana Park

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid201/pb1c9c469a474e8795ce5febb5220cab1/f004eace.jpg

Hey JudeD, thank you very much. It's really great to see Kalibo and Aklan's pics here. Keep on posting.


Some pics I snapped recently using a review unit of the new Kodak dual-lens camera during a trip to Kalibo and Boracay

Impressive pictures of Kalibo, Aklan !

Go Aklan !

thank you JudeD. :cheers:

Thanks for sharing your Aklan's pics, Jude. Kanami ah. Paspas na gid man ang Aklan !

im not sure kun amo ina, pero from what I've heard, its owned by one engr go...damo lang abi speculations kun sin-o ang tag-iya sina o ano ang background sang nagpatindog hehehehe basta kun ara ka sa roxas...just ask kun diin dampi ang capiz gun club kay u'll pass by that house going to the shooting range...different route ini nga dalan ya ang agyan mo going thru ivisan...ang bus routes ya nagalabay sa loctogan area which is tama gid kalubak

also kun maka swing ka sa kalibo...you could visit the sampaguita gardens...iya ni sam boucher nga founder sang precious moments...i think na post na ina diri one time ang pix sang sampaguita gardens...if you could remember, there was once a famous doll house in arevalo, that's sam boucher's house too...also there is this other house in kalibo which is owned by a NASA Engr, a big house with an elevator, para sa mga parents ya pero the olds doesnt like living in a big house kay mga simple lang nga tawo ya, patindogan na lang sila ya liwat gamay nga balay sa kilid o sa likod sang dako nga balay eh hehehehe

Sampaguita Gardens is one of the best spots in Kalibo at present. Hope to visit the place someday. yehoo ! :)

Where to relax in Antique:

Make it KAMMEA!

SAN JOSE, Antique – In the province where the mountains meet the sea tourists are awed by nature’s splendor stretched before them.

Antique is one province where you get the thrill of an adventure and the excitement of the beach.

And just when your body grows tired of all the excitement, there is just one beach resort that visitors will surely fall in love at first sight.


http://www.panaynews.com.ph/archives/2006/0308/images/people%20pic.jpg
KAMMEA is located along Dalipe Coastal Road, which is 3 kilometers from the heart of the Antique capital town, San Jose de Buenavista.


Probably, Antique’s best as it defies the traditional just-nipa-cottages-and-nothing-more concept of a resort.

KAMMEA Beach Resort is a recluse especially for individuals and families who are in constant search of that relaxing atmosphere and experience what a real vacation is; all for a reasonable cost.

Kammea is located along Dalipe Coastal Road, which is 3 kilometers from the heart of the Antique capital town, San Jose de Buenavista.

It offers one of the comforts of beach features designed with indigenous artistry and stylized comfort.

Although operating for less than a year now, the owners, Dr. Melvin and Mrs. Fe Dela Serna offer vacationers the delight of the sea, sun and sand.

The resort features a swimming pool, a lounge, gazebos, a family rest house and several cogon shades.

Local clients unconsciously do the grapevine advertising and international tourists always makes it a point to assure the resort staff that they will surely be back.

See it for yourself. Experience the ambience! Make it KAMMEA!


(article taken from: Panay News)

First Komedya festival slated in Binirayan 2006


San Jose, Antique -- It's a festival within a festival. The four-day komedya festival in San Jose, Antique on April 20 to 23 is the first to be organized in West Visayas. This is one of the activities included in the month-long Binirayan celebration in the province of Antique.


The komedya is a folk theater form originating in the nineteenth century and became popular until the early 1900s. It is characterized by fantastic storylines, swordfights on stage, and resplendent costumes, traditionally dramatizing the conflict between the Christians and Moslems, and centering on a romantic theme. The first documented komedya in Western Visayas was in San Jose, Antique, as recorded by the newspaper El Eco de Panay.

Four komedyas are scheduled to be shown. These are "Gugma kag Corona ni Gracia" of Guinbangaan, Lauaan (April 20), "Leonaria" of Madrangca, San Jose (April 21), "Ludovico" (April 22), and "Ang mga peste sa parayan" (April 23) of San Antonio, Barbaza. The first three are traditional komedya, while the last is contemporary in that it uses as subject the integrated pest management (IPM) and is used to educate farmers about the benefits of organic farming. A demonstration of the swordfight routine will also be featured on the last day of the festival. All shows shall start at 6:00 p.m. in front of the San Jose Municipal Hall, the original venue of the komedya in the 60s and 70s.

The komedya festival is an effort by the Binirayan Foundation, Inc. (BFI), events organizer of the Binirayan festival, to revive local traditions and culture. The Antique province, under Governor Salvacion Z. Perez, leads in a cultural awareness program and is active in the Kalahi Cultural Services program of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.


Link : http://www.thenewstoday.info/2006/03/10/first.komedya.festival.slated.in.binirayan.2006.html

http://us.geocities.com/capiznon_ph/gaisano.jpg
In the field of commerce, Roxas City has become the center of retail trading in northern Panay. The establishment of the 30000 sq. meter Gaisano Mall, with its department store, first-class shopping amenities and popular food outlets, all fully air-conditioned, has made the city a gathering place not only Capiz but also the neighbor provinces of the northern Iloilo and Aklan even as far away as Masbate and Romblon. The location of MR Electronics in the city which is involved the processing of electronics microchips has also made Roxas City a potential electronic and It product export hub.

http://us.geocities.com/capiznon_ph/roxas.html

Program to lure more tourists underway


ROXAS CITY -- The provincial government of Capiz will formulate a program to entice foreign and domestic tourists to take a closer look at the province and its tourism attractions.


Gov. Vicente Bermejo led a group of tourism officers and representatives from the private sector and other government agencies in a roundtable discussion held last March 7 at the Gerry Roxas Foundation to map out strategies to strengthen the local tourism promotion and development program.

The group used as inputs for the discussion the results of the regional tourism summit held last month in Iloilo City that was initiated by the Department of Tourism (DOT).

link: http://www.thenewstoday.info/2006/03/13/program.to.lure.more.tourists.underway.html

(from The News Today)



_____________

Glad to note that Capiz is moving well, too ... definitely Panay provinces are on its way to progress when in comes to tourism and infrastructures. Go Capiz ! :cheers:

paspas na ang Capiz kag Aklan, ang Antique daw naulhi haw? Abi mga Antiqueno, paspasan ta gid ... hope San Jose will prosper soon and be hailed as a city, too. Go, go, go Aklan-Capiz-Antique !

tanx for the PIX of Gaisano Roxas...at least people will have an idea kun ano tsura sang mall sa capiz....a 30K sq/m mall in a city like roxas is surprising but what's more suprising is, gaisano is constructing another mall(mini mall) not too far away from the gaisano city site...nice development for capiz! :)



http://us.geocities.com/capiznon_ph/gaisano.jpg
In the field of commerce, Roxas City has become the center of retail trading in northern Panay. The establishment of the 30000 sq. meter Gaisano Mall, with its department store, first-class shopping amenities and popular food outlets, all fully air-conditioned, has made the city a gathering place not only Capiz but also the neighbor provinces of the northern Iloilo and Aklan even as far away as Masbate and Romblon. The location of MR Electronics in the city which is involved the processing of electronics microchips has also made Roxas City a potential electronic and It product export hub.

http://us.geocities.com/capiznon_ph/roxas.html

MR ELECTRONICS - MR (Manuel Roxas)??

This is more suprising, I have no idea that Roxas City is involved in electronics and microchips business. Hipos hipos lang ang roxas pero gabanat man gle no hehehe

Always admire the serenity of these three provinces of Panay ... hopefully, they'll see more investments in the future. Roxas City at present is developing well and so with Kalibo in Aklan. And wow ... impressed gid ko Daks sa statement mo. It's a good move.

Gaisano City Roxas looks impressive. I hope ang mini-mall nila will be at least a three-quarter as big as this man. Cheers to Capizenos !

This is the banner story of the Daily Informer right now ..

ILOILO to host reg'l WOW Philippines

Governors in Western Visayas unanimously approved a resolution recently to hold the WOW Philippines regional exhibit in Iloilo City on October 2006 instead of the yearly activity at Intramuros, Manila.

It's all in line to promote WV as the tourism center of the Philippines. If you notice lately WV provinces are aggressively developing their tourism sector to reach this goal: Capiz, Aklan, Guimaras, Iloilo, Negross Occidental ( Antique has potential, but I haven't heard much from them)

also, while I like the idea of another attraction for Iloilo and the whole of WV, it seems kind of traitorous of WV to pull out from the nation-wide WOW Philippines in Intramuros (or is it just me). I just hope WV doesn't fall flat on the face on this one, hehe.

-deleted- double posting

Roxas City is improving. That's all that matters. I hope SM will put up a branch in Roxas City, too. More competition, the better for the economy of the city.

Chymera, does that mean Iloilo (and whole of Western Visayas) will not join the national WOW Philippines? I'm just hoping we can compete with Metro Manila, just in case. It's a bit though BUT really a challenge for all of us Ilonggos.

I think WV is doing the right thing. You gonna end up short changed if you will just rely on the programs provided by the national goverment. Remember the controversy on the WOW Philippines(regineV) commercial?

Also it would be more practical to showcase our own destinations in our own backyard. Instead nga kita ang magasto, ma imbitar na lang kita sang makadto kay para sila na lang ang magasto hehehe aside sina, dehado kita sa mga more established tourism destinations(with the exception of boracay for reg6) in terms sa presentation and booth display. Di gid kita matatapan mayo didto.

Other, regions or cities like cebu and davao are also promoting their respective tourism destinations independent from the national goverment agency.

:)


This is the banner story of the Daily Informer right now ..



It's all in line to promote WV as the tourism center of the Philippines. If you notice lately WV provinces are aggressively developing their tourism sector to reach this goal: Capiz, Aklan, Guimaras, Iloilo, Negross Occidental ( Antique has potential, but I haven't heard much from them)

also, while I like the idea of another attraction for Iloilo and the whole of WV, it seems kind of traitorous of WV to pull out from the nation-wide WOW Philippines in Intramuros (or is it just me). I just hope WV doesn't fall flat on the face on this one, hehe.

I agree Daks. It's high time for Iloilo and the rest of Western Visayas to start promoting the region's tourism industry themselves. It's competitive and tough but I guess it's worth the sweat.

MR ELECTRONICS - MR (Manuel Roxas)??

This is more suprising, I have no idea that Roxas City is involved in electronics and microchips business. Hipos hipos lang ang roxas pero gabanat man gle no hehehe

Wow! I'm glad to hear about this matter. Let's all pave the way for Roxas City's electronics and microchips business industry. Go! Go! Go! Roxas City and Capiz province!

Yups. When other municipalities are gearing for CITYHOOD, Kalibo on the other hand is going on the opposite direction. Also may pagka protectionist sila sa kalibo. I remembered when Gaisano was still proposing or under way pa sa construction sang ila Mall, damo gid nag attempt to have the project derailed. Its understandable man siguro kay ti ang entry sang gaisano would most likely kill the small enterprises. Also, when establishments were coming in na, medyo ginapabudlayan pa nila mga negosyante kay ti dapat makipagkita ka gid anay sa mayor, pero it could also be good intention man on the part of the mayor siguro para makilala ya gid personal ang mga new investors nya sa iya lugar.

I think partly the reason why Kalibo isnt keen on the cityhood thing, is the tax woes. People will be paying more taxes in a city compared to a municipality.

I've heard about it, too, Daks. I wish Kalibonhons will see the move of becoming a "city" more of an advantage rather than a mere addition to their taxes, etc. The moment Kalibo becomes a city, more investments will pour into place.

^^ Hoping to see Kalibo City someday. :)

Capiz and Aklan is moving too well ... how about Antique? Paging Gov Zaldivar! Keep on moving !

Binirayan gears up for biggest tribe competition


San Jose, Antique -- With the major cash prize of P100,000 up for grabs, this year's Binirayan festival may well be the grandest tribe competition in the festival's 32-year history. As of press time, eight tribes have confirmed their participation in the Malay-Ati competition.


The Malay-Ati is Antique's version of the mardi gras and street-dancing like Kalibo's Ati-atihan and Iloilo's Dinagyang. It is unique in that it is based not on religious devotion but on cultural celebration of the province's history. The Antiqueños trace their roots to the original Ati settlers of Panay and the Malay immigrants who arrived around 12th century A.D. The Malay-Ati dramatizes this and is envisioned to showcase the integration of Ati and Malay cultures in present-day Antique life. Other innovation in this tribe competition are the compulsory use of bamboo-made "tonggatong" and "tultogan", which form the basic musical instruments, and the use of the Binirayan beat, which was first introduced in the Ati-atihan tribes competition in the early eighties.

The contesting tribes in this year's Malay-Ati competition are Tribu Buroyloganay of Sibalom, Tribu Urukay of Anini-y, Tribu Tugbong of Pandan, Tribu Pahinis de Bukidnon of Guisijan, Laua-an, Tribu Kamunuan of Hamtic, Tribu Pahinis of Laua-an, St. Anthony' College, and Tribu Hantikan. The performances will be judged at the EBJ Freedom Park at 2:00 PM on April 29.

The winner gets P100,000 cash and trophy, while the second and third placers get P50,000 and P30,000, respectively. Last year's champion Tribu Kumpletos Rekados, which is composed of the local gays association, is not joining. The runner up, Pandan's Tribu Tugbong represented the province at the Wow! Philippines! in Intramuros in June 2005.


Link : http://thenewstoday.info/2006/03/22/binirayan.gears.up.for.biggest.tribe.competition.html

awaiting to see Antique's awakening .. actually, I'll cheer more sa Antique ah. It's a natural beauty gid. Paspas Antique! :cheers:

let's cheers for Antique as they celebrate their Binirayan Festival !

tanx for the PIX of Gaisano Roxas...at least people will have an idea kun ano tsura sang mall sa capiz....a 30K sq/m mall in a city like roxas is surprising but what's more suprising is, gaisano is constructing another mall(mini mall) not too far away from the gaisano city site...nice development for capiz! :)

That's right. I wonder why Gaisano has built malls in Roxas and San Carlos and skipped Dumaguete, which I think is bigger and far more important than both cities in so many ways...

i used to live in roxas because of work, i like the place, di nga lang siya kasing progressive ng yloilo pero may dating. ciguro i just like the scenery. too many buildings and less parks or greenery is nothing.

the only thing i hate sa roxas ang tricycles. kahaladlokan magtabok, kadasig abi magpadalagan. but the heck, im always afraid to cross the road (chicken) even with jeepneys.

I like the beach, very relaxing as watching the waves where the sun is setting while drinking beer and eating native foods. Haaayyy, i miss roxas. Well i guess, i like the simple life of the people in roxas.

Ara pa na da ang floating restaurant sa river sa roxas? naga enjoy ko nga daan sa foods dira.

May ara floating resto sa Roxas? Wow!I've been there once and "seafoods" is absolutely great! Barato pa. Wish to visit Roxas pagbalik ko naman sa Iloilo.

I think Gaisano have done their homeworks about Roxas and San Carlos. Maybe they found out that a mall in Roxas or San Carlos will be bringing them more profit than putting up a mall in other cities.


That's right. I wonder why Gaisano has built malls in Roxas and San Carlos and skipped Dumaguete, which I think is bigger and far more important than both cities in so many ways...