San Fernando City and La Union Province [Archive] - Page 3

ergit222

February 17th, 2009, 07:06 PM

02/17/2009 | 02:15 AM

MANILA, Philippines - State-run Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) should be held liable for its failure to follow a deal with private developer Poro Point Industrial Corp. on the operation of the free port in La Union, the Court of Appeals said.

In a 16-page decision penned by Associate Justice Noel G. Tijam, the appellate court denied the government agency’s attempt to have the case before the San Fernando, La Union Regional Trial Court in 2006 dismissed.

BCDA officials could not be reached for comment.

The BCDA and unit John Hay Poro Point Development Corp. entered into a memorandum of understanding with Bulk Handlers, Inc. in 1999 with the intention of drafting a mutually beneficial agreement for the development of the Poro Point Special Economic and Freeport Zone.

After a series of negotiations, the parties finally executed a pre-incorporation agreement that provided for the formation of Poro Point Industrial. The agreement was supposedly prepared by government legal experts, including the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel.

The agreement states that Poro Point Industrial would guarantee the government a yearly P50 million in revenues. For its part, the government agreed to a 25-year lease, renewable for another 25 years, of a 30-hectare of port area and a 50-hectare industrial area.

Meanwhile, John Hay Poro Point Development Corp. was split into two corporations — Camp John Hay Development Corp. and the Poro Point Management Corp. — as BCDA’s implementing arms. Poro Point Management was specifically tasked to oversee the free port in La Union.

In January 2006 however, Poro Point Management issued a report saying that the supposed agreement with Poro Point Industrial was "null and void ab initio" for violating selection procedures. However, the BCDA did not adopt the decision of its own implementing arm.

Still, Poro Point Management unilaterally decided not to renew the annual registration application of Poro Point Industrial for 2006, prompting the latter to go to court.

In its complaint, Poro Point Industrial said Poro Point Management’s resolution would adversely affect the entire operation of the free port. It also asked the BCDA to turn over the lease areas stipulated under the agreement, having received only 18 hectares of the port so far.

The BCDA however moved to dismiss the suit, pointing out that it has adopted a policy contradicting its implementing arm, Poro Point Management.

In short, the BCDA said it did not support the nullification of the agreement, it said.

The trial court however stressed that "the principal issue involved necessitates the inclusion of defendant BCDA as a party defendant because the issue raised ... is tied up with the performance of the prestations of the contract from where the controversy arose."

For its part however, the appellate court moved to uphold the trial court’s decision. "By virtue of its mandate, BCDA exercises oversight functions over the [Poro Point Management]. Not to be overlooked also is the fact that the BCDA ... [is] among the principal parties to the agreement," it said.

The appellate court also stressed that while it did not "create any cloud or doubt as to the validity of the agreement, it has not, however, shown any clear manifestation that it took any step to reconcile its conflicting position with [Poro Point Management]." — I.P. Pedrasa, BusinessWorld
http://www.gmanews.tv/story/149079/Court-BCDA-liable-over-Poro-Point-mess

Lindenfeld

February 18th, 2009, 06:04 AM

venntro

March 4th, 2009, 02:02 AM

San Miguel to enter toll business (http://http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2009/march/04/yehey/business/20090304bus2.html)

By Darwin G. Amojelar, Reporter

SAN Miguel Corp. (SMC) plans to venture into tollway business by acquiring the interest of Lopez group’s share in the Tarlac-La Union Toll Expressway (TLUTEx) project, which Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) is also eyeing, a government source said.

The source said the SMC has expressed interest to take over MPIC’s role in infusing capital into the consortium to raise P12 billion for the construction the 88-kilometer highway project that would link Metro Manila to northern parts of Luzon.

The same source said that the consortium is still waiting if the local unit of Hong Kong-listed First Pacific Co. Ltd. is still interested in joining the group after they conducted an equity call.

He added that all the members of the consortium have already injected capital into the project except for MPIC.

Last year, the government awarded the contract to construct the highway to a group of contractors called Private Infra Dev. Corp. This is composed of Lopez-led First Balfour, D.M. Consunji Inc. (DMCI), EEI Corp., C.M. Pancho Construction, R.D. Policarpio

& Co. Inc., D.M. Wenceslao & Associates, J.V. Angeles Construction, J.E. Manalo & Co. Inc., New Kanlaon Construction Inc. and Rockford Development.

Late last year, the Lopez group allowed MPIC to step in the project by contributing funds to the consortium. DMCI and First Balfour each has a 34-percent interest in the consortium while the rest hold 2-percent to 6-percent stakes in the group.

The TLUTEx is estimated to cost P15 billion, including the government’s share of up to P3.7 billion to acquire land and right of way (ROW).

The DMCI’s Jorge Consunji and his team went to the National Economic and Development Authority on Monday to ask the government to advance the counterpart funds to pay for the ROW acquisition.

The company also asked National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) how to tap the P50-billion infrastructure fund created by the government to pump prime the economy.

The highway will be built over a five-year period and will be connected to the National Capital Region through the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), which MPIC operates through the Manila North Tollways Corp (MNTC). The company bought MNTC’s parent from two Lopez holding firms, Benpres Holdings Corp. and First Philippine Holdings Corp. last year.

The first leg of the project, which is expected to open to motorists by 2010, will cover 48.7 kilometers and start from Tarlac and end in Carmen, Pangasinan. This will be followed by the 9.5-kilometer Carmen to Urdaneta road in 2011, and the 30.4-kilometer

Urdaneta, Pangasinan to Rosario, La Union road by 2013.

ergit222

March 13th, 2009, 06:07 PM

By Jennilyne C. Role

San Fernando City, La Union (13 March) -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is set to inaugurate the upgraded San Fernando Airport (Phase I) at Barangay Canaoay, this city on March 16, 2009.

The President is expected to arrive at the San Fernando Airport at around 2:00 in the afternoon to officially inaugurate the Php 478 million-worth upgraded airport funded by the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA).

The upgrading of the aerodrome at the airport aims to support the development plan of the Poro Point Freeport Zone, consisting of the Wallace Air Station, San Fernando Seaport and Airport and other contiguous areas, as an international gateway to the north Luzon.

Also, it aims to help boost commerce and tourism in the province and other nearby provinces in Northern Luzon, particularly, Pangasinan, Ilocos Sur and Cordillera Administrative Region, the mere fact that northern Luzon is known to be rich in agri-tourism products and activities.

The upgrading also aims to accommodate international flights from the Asia-Pacific region namely China, Taiwan, Japan, Hongkong, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam and Korea to cater to larger aircrafts such as Boeing 747 and Airbus 320.

Among the major project components that were contracted with SATRAP Construction Company, Inc. include the removal of hill obstruction; strengthening, extending and widening of the runway from 1320 meters by 36 meters to 2100 meters by 45 meters; strengthening of existing apron and construction of taxiway; construction of drainage lines and control tower; the rehabilitation of the Fire Station building; construction of water receiving station; construction of Power House building; completion of perimeter fence; provision of utilities such as power supply, water supply system and fire water supply system; and provision of Air Navigation and Support Facilities such as Aeronautical Ground Lighting System, Automated Weather Observation System, Air Traffic Control Equipment.

All of the attendant facilities developed as designed by Scheme Konsult, Inc. (http://www.schemakonsult.com/) were completed on February 1, 2009, or a total of 615 calendar days.

The facility requirements were based on and in compliance with relevant standards and recommended practices of the International Civil Aviation Organization, the International Air Transport Association and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration

The airport occupies portions of barangays Canaoay and San Francisco, of San Fernando City with an approximate land area of forty (40) hectares. (PIA I) source (http://www.pia.gov.ph/default.asp?m=12&fi=p090313.htm&no=65&r=&y=&mo=)

ergit222

March 16th, 2009, 05:40 PM

PORO POINT FREE PORT-President Arroyo leads today’s inauguration of the newly upgraded San Fernando Airport in La Union that is seen to boost tourism and investment opportunities in the North.

The President is expected to plane in here this afternoon, accompanied by Cabinet members for the opening rites.

On hand to welcome the Chief Executive are Bases Conversion and Development Authority president and CEO Narciso Abaya, La Union Gov. Manuel Ortega, Rep. Victor Ortega, San Fernando Mayor Pablo Ortega, and the BCDA and Poro Point Management Corp. board of directors.
http://img243.imageshack.us/img243/6657/nation.jpg
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/49/SanFernando_Airport.JPEG/200px-SanFernando_Airport.JPEG
The San Fernando Airport is part of the Poro Point Special Freeport Zone being managed by the PPMC, a subsidiary of the BCDA, which bankrolled the P565-million airport upgrade project.

Abaya said the resumption of operations of the San Fernando Airport will further strengthen Poro Point in attracting more investments and tourists, thereby generating more job opportunities for the people of La Union. “Increased investments and tourist spending augur well for the economy of La Union,” Abaya said.

PPMC president Felix Racadio said the Phase I airport upgrade project included removal and leveling of a hill, runway widening, overlay of taxiway, fencing, construction of a new control tower, renovation of fire station, provision of aeronautical ground lighting system, installation of an automated weather observation system, and air traffic control console equipment.

“The upgrade meets the International Civil Aviation Organization [ICAO] standards and enables the airport to accommodate larger planes such as Boeing 737 and Airbus 320,” Racadio said.

PPMC executive vice president and chief operating officer Anthony Manguiat said the resumption of airport operations was expected to further increase passenger and cargo traffic which, in turn, would boost the economy of La Union and neighboring provinces.

“The San Fernando Airport will complement the already existing international seaport, thus making Poro Point an ideal site for commerce and tourism,” Manguiat said.

PPMC vice president for airport operations Catherine Bada said that at present, all flights to San Fernando are chartered planes. She revealed that negotiations are going on with commercial airlines for regular domestic flights between Manila and San Fernando. A Manila-San Fernando flight averages about 50 minutes.

She added that 15 flying schools are currently using the airport for cross-country training flights.

Thunderbird Resorts director for marketing Cheryl Arnold said the airport upgrading augurs well for the growth of the tourism industry in the North, notably Baguio City and the provinces of Pangasinan and Ilocos.

source (http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=politics6_mar16_2009)

ergit222

March 16th, 2009, 06:10 PM

PGMA inaugurates newly–completed San Fernando Airport
By Miriam P. Aquino

San Fernando City, La Union (16 March) -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today led the unveiling of the project marker and ribbon cutting ceremony at the newly-completed San Fernando Airport Phase I Project.

Arriving at exactly 3:05 pm, the President was assisted by Department of Transportation and Communication Secretary Leandro Mendoza, Bases Conversion Development Authority Chairman Narciso Abaya, La Union Governor Manuel Ortega, Department of Health Secretary Francisco Duque, Poro Point Management Corporation Chairman Felix Racadio, Congressmen Victor F. Ortega & Thomas “Butch” Dumpit, Jr.,Former Ilocos Sur Governor Chavit R. Singson, San Fernando City Mayor Pablo Ortega and Commander of Northern Luzon Command Isagani Cachuela.

http://www.news.ops.gov.ph/photos-mar2009/ph8-031609.jpg

After the cutting of the ribbon, a tour and inspection of the airport facilities and briefing by Poro Point Management Corporation Board of Director Mary Jane Ortega followed.

The now completed SFC Airport can now cater domestic and international flights to and from countries in the Asia-Pacific region, namely – China, Taiwan, Japan, Hongkong, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam and Korea, with huge aircrafts like Boeing 737 and Airbus 320 expected to fly in and out of the airport’s runway carrying tourists and businessmen.

La Union Provincial Governor Manoling Ortega said in an interview during the inauguration that “this completion of the SFCA is a milestone for the province”. It is a dream come true as this project was mentioned by the President during her SONA, he added.

After the briefing the President had a meeting with the foreign investors Korean Consortium and Sitel Corporation, together with the dignitaries present during the ceremony.

The project was completed with a total cost of P477,934,752.35 on February 1,2009. Its first chartered flight will be on the 27th of April 2009 with Korean Airlines flying direct from Cheung ju to San Fernando City airport, Board Member Ortega said.

After the event the President departed from the SFCA at exactly 3:55 pm. (PIA La Union)

ergit222

March 19th, 2009, 11:04 PM

KRPaFvG-gnM&feature=channel_page

808 state

March 27th, 2009, 02:26 PM

http://www.news.ops.gov.ph/photos-mar2009/ph8-031609.jpg

ganda ng airport! Go San Fernando! :banana:

hello nga pala sa Doctor ko nung bata ako na si Mardave Martinez:)

808 state

March 28th, 2009, 06:25 AM

THE PHILIPPINES' #1 MOST COMPETITIVE COMPONENT CITY

http://i40.tinypic.com/qqbgc8.jpg
from flickr by patcanlas

http://i44.tinypic.com/1z34hfc.jpg
from flickr by aragon alvin

http://i39.tinypic.com/20kvt46.jpg

http://i40.tinypic.com/20gofep.jpg
from flickr by vinz greenlover9

http://i41.tinypic.com/2a78wee.jpg
from flickr by dodongflores

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO - ILOCANDIA'S CAPITAL CITY :banana:

808 state

March 30th, 2009, 01:08 PM

dFKnu0_sh6A

808 state

March 30th, 2009, 01:15 PM

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h319/ergit222/thunderbird/DSC03932.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h319/ergit222/thunderbird/DSC03917.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h319/ergit222/thunderbird/DSC03941.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h319/ergit222/thunderbird/DSC03938.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h319/ergit222/thunderbird/DSC03940.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h319/ergit222/thunderbird/DSC03949.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h319/ergit222/thunderbird/DSC03951.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h319/ergit222/thunderbird/DSC03927.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h319/ergit222/thunderbird/DSC03930.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h319/ergit222/thunderbird/DSC03919.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h319/ergit222/thunderbird/DSC03920.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h319/ergit222/thunderbird/DSC03923.jpg

I am surely going to visit this place whoooaaa!:banana:

bledzoe

March 31st, 2009, 08:11 AM

Wow! La Union looks very exciting!

:eek2: :eek2:

808 state

April 1st, 2009, 08:54 AM

^^ indeed! and a very attractive urbanized city:cheers:

808 state

April 4th, 2009, 06:36 AM

San Fernando Airport opening makes Region 1 RP's development hub (http://positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Cities_And_Towns_23/San_Fernando_Airport_opening_makes_Region_1_RP_s_development_hub.shtml)
By Leonardo V. Micua

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, March 24 (PNA) — An official tasked to monitor the development in Northern Luzon hailed the opening last week of the upgraded San Fernando Airport in La Union which, he said, will transform Region 1 as hub of development in the entire country.

Dr. Enrie Mendoza, Presidential Assistant for Northern Luzon under the Office of the President, said the newly opened San Fernando International Airport complements the existing Laoag International Airport which is now accommodating direct flight from the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport in Clark.

He said this initiative was further supported by the newly opened twice a week flight from the Manila Domestic Airport to the Vigan Domestic Airport and vice versa, which further ensured increased tourist traffic towards the Ilocos Region.

"The opening of the San Fernando Airport undoubtedly put Region 1 in the development hub of Northern Philippines because the same is in support of the Laoag International Airport and the International Airport at Clark,” Mendoza explained.

“If you notice, these airports, which are all international entries for domestic and foreign tourists, are parallel with each other and complementing each other,” he said.

With these airports, travel time from Manila to any point in Ilocos Region and vice versa was cut from six to seven hours to just one hour, said Mendoza.

He pointed out that this is a big boon to tourists and investors who would like to see the beauty and potentials of the region, particularly the heritage site in Vigan, the beaches of La Union, and the centuries old churches of Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte.

Mendoza confirmed that another airport project is about to be implemented in Pangasinan within the term of President Arroyo, to make the Hundred Islands in Alaminos City, the Manaoag Church and the Lingayen Beach more accessible to tourists coming from Manila.

This is the proposed Pangasinan Airport, whose feasibility study, budgeted at a cost of P150 million from the 2009 National Appropriations Act, is now ongoing.

“Region 1 is the most peaceful so far in the entire North Luzon Agri-business Quadrangle (super region) and in fact in this part of the Philippines”, said Mendoza in a talk to mediamen while he was in Lingayen.

He said based on different data of incoming visitors, Region 1 is undoubtedly “the one requested most by tourists today.”

Mendoza said transformation of Region 1 as the development hub in Northern Philippines is a vision of President Arroyo who ordered all government agencies to put this vision into reality.

President Arroyo opened the San Fernando International Airport last week right after addressing the graduation exercises in the Philippine Military Academy at Fort Del Pilar in Baguio City.

Mendoza said other upcoming mega projects for Region 1 are a seaport in Sual, Pangasinan and the Salomague Seaport, a proposed container port in Ilocos Sur.

garzland

April 5th, 2009, 12:28 AM

La Union eyed to be RP's goat capital (http://positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Cities_And_Towns_23/La_Union_eyed_to_be_RP_s_goat_capital.shtml)

SAN FERNANDO City, La Union, April 5 (PNA) -- La Union is expected to be the goat capital of the country with the recent organization of the La Union Goat Farmers Association.

President of the association is Rizalina Sabalburo of Bacnotan town with Eleno Natura of Balaoan as vice president; Roger Higoy, also of Balaoan as secretary and Winnie Minda Suniega of Bauang as treasurer.

The association has 16 initial members.

The association has lined up several activities which will enable its members to be more productive goat farmers.

Members of the group attended a demonstration on Organic Fertilizer Production from goat manure and other manures at the Pig Research and Extension (DPER) of the Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University at Barangay, Baroro, Bacnotan, La Union.

They also made a study tour to commercial goat farms in San Jacinto and Balungao, Pangasinan where they learned the best practices from the more successful farmers in the area.

The group also intends to buy upgraded bucks to improve the breed of goats in La Union.

The 16 members of the association are current beneficiaries of the program called the Consultancy for Agricultural Productivity Enhancement of the Department of Science and Technology.
Dr. Patricia Barcelo of Bauang, La Union, who serves as the Consultant, teaches the farmers with appropriate technologies on upgrading of goat breeds, housing, nutrition and feeding, and control of parasites. (PNA)

allan_dude

April 5th, 2009, 07:08 AM

.

“Region 1 is the most peaceful so far in the entire North Luzon Agri-business Quadrangle (super region) and in fact in this part of the Philippines”, said Mendoza in a talk to mediamen while he was in Lingayen.

The gov't should reward peace loving areas like Region-I with more infrastructure investments to further boost tourism and trade.

808 state

April 5th, 2009, 09:01 AM

The gov't should reward peace loving areas like Region-I with more infrastructure investments to further boost tourism and trade.

PIA Press Release
2009/03/24

Commentary: PGMA, sincere in SONA commitments for NLAQ (http://www.pia.gov.ph/default.asp?m=12&r=&y=&mo=&fi=p090324.htm&no=56)
By Jennilyne C. Role

San Fernando City, La Union (24 March) -- True to her statement in her 2006 State of the Nation Address (SONA), President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo inaugurated recently the Upgraded San Fernando Airport, one of the nine (9) identified priority projects of the North Luzon Agribusiness Quadrangle.

The President visited the city to formally open said airport to domestic and international flights to boost eco-tourism activities in the area.

The airport which is located at Barangay Canaoay, this city, was completed on February 1, 2009 with an approximate land area of forty (40) hectares and a total project cost of P477,934,752.35 funded by the Bases Conversion Development Authority.

La Union Governor Manuel C. Ortega said, "During the 2006 SONA, while the President was delivering her statement identifying the super regions, I was the only one in the House of Representatives that stood up and clapped, happy to note that San Fernando airport was identified."

"I’m pretty sure this will be realized…and this is it…..a dream come true," Ortega further stressed.

In Pangasinan, three projects were identified under the NLAQ that include the Agno River Integrated Irrigation Project (ARIIP), the Agno Flood Control Project and the Alaminos Airport Development Project.

ARIIP has an approved P11,247.642 million project cost and is 13.66% complete as of January 31, this year. The approved project cost was sourced out from a loan under the China Eximbank totaling to P4,549.710 million to finance works associated with the re-regulating pond and the remaining P6,697.932 million will be sourced from local funds.

The Agno Flood Control Project has a total project cost of P5.911 billion deviating from the original ICC approved cost of P4.763 billion, causing an increase cost of P1.148 billion while the Alaminos Airport Development Project’ Feasibility Study is still with the Bids and Awards Committee of the DOTC main office. It was recommended that the completion of the feasibility study be fast tracked.

For Ilocos Norte, power and energy project were mentioned, specifically identifying the 86 MW Burgos Wind Power Project (BWPP) and the Bangui Bay Wind Farm Project (BBWFP).

As of September 4, 2008, the BWPP has revised implementation strategy since the company was 100% privatized in November 2007 and a plan to pilot project a 6MW is being considered to be implemented this year, whereas the BBWFP has 15 units of wind turbine generators with a combined capacity of 25MW that were pre-tested.

The Laoag River Basin Flood Control and Sabo Project is another one. The National Economic and Development Authority, the Department of Public Works and Highways, the Department of Budget and Management, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and LGUs concerned are working closely for the full implementation of the project as designed.

In Ilocos Sur, the Salomague Seaport is in progress. Recently, survey team from the Philippine Ports Authority head office conducted detailed hydro-topo surveys in the area that will serve as basis in the preparation of detailed engineering and design.

The Banaoang Pump Irrigation Project, on the other hand is 75.61% complete as of November 30,2008.

These identified projects under the NLAQ aimed at harnessing knowledge, technology and natural competitive advantage/s of the area.

Through the Super Regions, development is being brought back to the people at a faster rate in terms of physical infrastructure, development of human capital and peaceful communities.

Other major economic regions mentioned by the President in her 2006 SONA were the Luzon Urban Beltway, Central Philippines Super Region, Mindanao Super Region, and the Cyber Corridor to be completed before her term ends. (PIA I)

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

wonderful projects for Ilocoslovakia! :cheers:

808 state

April 5th, 2009, 09:13 AM

ILOCOS REGION NOW HAS 2 INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS...

and I think Vigan airport is targeted to accommodate international flights...:banana::banana::banana::cheers::cheers::cheers:

and Pangasinan has the most airports in the region :lol:...

GO GO GO ILOCOSLOVAKIA!

ergit222

April 16th, 2009, 10:59 PM

By Yolanda Sotelo
Inquirer Northern Luzon (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/regions/view/20090408-198444/The-watchtowers-of-La-Unions-past)
First Posted 00:27:00 04/08/2009

SAN FERNANDO CITY – Picture a scenario one late afternoon in La Union in the 1600s: A sentry manning a baluarte (watchtower) along the province’s coast surveys the sea before him, catching sight of a suspicious-looking sea vessel moving toward shore. Anxiously, the sentry raises alarm. Church bells toll to signal the arrival of pirates engaged in slave trading. Residents frantically seek shelter behind the thick walls and closed doors of the town church.

http://www.sanfernandocity.gov.ph/img/tourist/Moro.jpg

Fast-forward to 2009.

This baluarte in San Fernando City, a small town known as Pindangan during the Spanish regime, is now a ghost of its grandeur. The stairs and landing inside the watchtower are gone and trees have grown around it, threatening to crack its thick walls.

But the structure persists to survive time and the elements, standing proud despite modernization all around.

Former San Fernando City Mayor Mary Jane Ortega says the watchtowers in the different towns of La Union were built by the Spaniards about 400 years ago. The structures were made of adobe and coral blocks held together by lime and egg whites.

It was in 1572 when the Spaniards started the colonization of the Ilocos and the coming years saw the construction of massive churches in the towns in the northern part of the country.

“But every summer, pirates would come to get young girls and women, so the Spaniards put up the watchtowers to serve as lookouts against the marauding sea pirates,” Ortega says.

Some historical accounts, however, also mentioned Chinese pirates raiding the costal towns of the Ilocos.

“This used to be about two meters higher,” Ortega says of the watchtower in the village of Carlatan, citing research on the original designs.

Through the years, the sea swelled and waterline reached the tower’s base, prompting the landowner, Esperanza Rillera, 83, to build a sea wall and to cover the area with two-meter high concrete.

‘Just a jungle’

Rillera and her late husband acquired the land in 1964. She describes the area then as a “jungle” and the watchtower as “just a hollow structure with no stairs.”

“We just left it as it was, we did not touch it for many years. Even if we wanted to, it would have been difficult to [demolish it],” she says.

Rillera says the area witnessed the fighting between American and Japanese soldiers during World War II. The watchtower survived the bombs, she says.

In the 1970s, Rillera and her husband put up the Car-Rille, a venue for wedding and other parties. Finally, the couple found use for the baluarte and built a “honeymoon suite” inside it for newly wed couples.

“Some couples were hesitant to go to hotels after their wedding thinking that peeping Toms could be around, so we thought of putting a room inside the structure,” she says.

The Rilleras built a concrete stairway outside the tower and a bedroom with bathroom in the middle of the structure. The tower’s top was also poured with concrete, giving patrons a comfortable spot to view the sea.

Gone

But the honeymoon suite is now gone after termites destroyed its beams.

Rillera has since donated the watchtower to the city government and is also set to donate the two-meter area surrounding the structure.

Ortega says a cultural group in La Union, which she heads, is working for the restoration of the watchtowers in Carlatan and in Luna town.

“We asked for funds from the development fund of [La Union Rep. Victor] Ortega (her husband), and P500,000 has been allotted for the restoration of the Car-Rille watchtower,” she says.

Ortega has engaged the services of Metro Manila-based architects with expertise in archeological and anthropological structures to restore the watchtower to its original design.

For instance, the stairs inside the watchtower has landings with windows from which the sentries stare out into the sea.

“We will have the stairs reconstructed, and we will remove the stairs outside,” Ortega says.

She says the watchtower in the town of Luna, formerly called Namacpacan, has a sadder story.

Seawater has reached its foundation and it is now cracked. Ortega says she received suggestions to dismantle the watchtower and relocate it before a strong typhoon knocks it down.

“But it will lose its historical significance,” she says. “The other solution is to construct a sturdy and high seawall to protect it, but that would be very expensive.”

Ortega says watchtowers are still standing in the towns of Balaoan, Bacnotan and San Juan, but these are now on private lots.

Spanish-era watchtowers can also be found in the beaches of Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur, making them mute witnesses to the natives’ resolve to defend themselves and their towns from pirates.

ergit222

April 20th, 2009, 01:12 AM

source (http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=politics5_april18_2009)

Barely two months after resuming commercial operations, the expanded San Fernando Airport in Poro Point, La Union, marks its first milestone by opening air link with the Cheongju International Airport in South Korea.

Direct flights between the two airports will begin on May 8, with an initial passenger traffic volume of some 20,000 Korean tourists, mostly students, their parents and other family members wanting to explore La Union, Baguio City and Benguet province.

Officials of Poro Point Management Corp., a subsidiary of the state-run Bases Conversion and Development Authority, made this announcement upon arrival from their recent visit to Chungcheongbuk-do province in South Korea.

The delegation, headed by PPMC executive vice president and chief operating officer Anthony Manguiat, returned last April 2 from a “highly fruitful” visit to South Korea.

The BCDA, which spearheaded the expansion and upgrading of the San Fernando Airport facilities, expected substantial increases in tourist arrivals and investments in Northern Philippines.

The direct flights between the two airports are also expected to increase the stream of tourists to La Union and other northern provinces.

The group met with their Korean counterparts headed by Jang Soon Ja, director of the Korean Airports Corp., as well as with tourism and aviation officials of Chungcheongbuk-do.

Poro Point’s development alongside San Fernando Airport’s expansion are part of BCDA’s sustained conversion program where former US bases are transformed into centers of socio-economic development.

Chungcheongbuk-do (North Chungcheong) is a province in the center of South Korea, and was formed in 1896 from the northeastern half of the former Chungcheong province. Its capital is Cheongju.

garzland

April 23rd, 2009, 12:27 AM

Environment forum held in Region 1 (http://positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Cities_And_Towns_23/Environment_forum_held_in_Region_1.shtml)

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, April 23 (PNA) — A conference to address key issues on the environment in Ilocos region was held here recently through the joint efforts of the Regional Development Council (RDC) and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI).

This developed even as heads of the different local government units (LGUs), academes, national government line agencies and non–government organizations (NGOs) pledged their all–out support and commitment to support the action plans and programs set by the RDC to protect the environment.

RDC Vice Chairman Leonardo N. Quitos Jr. said the regional forum on environmental issues and concerns was spearheaded by RDC Chairman Ilocos Sur Governor Deogracias Victor “DV” B. Savellano.

This was in response to the call of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo for the continuing war against garbage and global warming by involving every Filipinos in protecting the country’s environment.

Quitos said the environmental issues discussed during the conference include climate change, solid waste and renewable energy, water resources and watersheds, coastal resource management and environmental management mechanisms.

Specific environmental problems that were cited during the forum were resource degradation; habitat destruction deforestation; resource depletion; over use of inorganic inputs; water shortage even made worse by salt intrusion; loss of biodiversity; concentration and improper garbage disposal; air pollution from increase in number of vehicles and factories; and man-caused waste both from domestic and from industrial.

To resolve these environmental problems, the RDC in coordination with Regional Council on Sustainable Development chaired by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Region 1 presented its Regional Action Agenda on Climate (RAACC) covering a period from 2008 to 2010.

The RAACC embodies do-able programs, projects and activities along planning, support services, monitoring and evaluation, capability building and advocacy. It has two major approaches-–mitigation of the impact of climate change, and adaptation to its adverse effects.

Among the RDC initiatives on climate change are the following: the water resource program in Region 1 to include the water management program and the water harvesting program; the solid waste management of Region 1 by creating the Task Force on Solid Waste Management; the coastal resource management program for the Ilocos coast; the Disaster Risk Management (DRM) –enhanced regional physical framework plan; and the clean and green program of Region 1.

“A strong Ilocos region has to take a tough stand in upholding the integrity of our environment and natural resources and must work together to send the right messages to the younger generation,” Quitos said.
Earlier, President Arroyo urged all national government agencies, local officials and residents to back efforts to mitigate adverse effects of climate change through maximum compliance with Republic Act 9003, otherwise known as the Ecological Solid Waste Management of 2000. (PNA)

ergit222

May 3rd, 2009, 06:35 PM

MULTIPLE CHOICE (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=463526&publicationSubCategoryId=89) By Luis Espiritu, Jr. Updated May 03, 2009 12:00 AM

http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/2930/allure4.jpg
Thunderbird is the ultimate luxurious getaway in the North.

The Philippines is definitely home to world-class vacation destinations in the Southeast Asian region. In the past decade, there has been a visible rise in developing luxury resorts and hotels all over the country. Renowned resort chains, chic boutique hotels and spas are growing in numbers in both the city and the countryside — a testament of a flourishing industry that undoubtedly showcases a promising potential for greatness. Known for our pristine beaches and breathtaking sunsets, this nation of more than 7,000 islands is an untapped treasure trove of would-be luxe sanctuaries. Rising from the waves and natural wonders of La Union is the next premiere address of the North — Thunderbird resort.

http://www.thunderbirdresorts.com/ThunderbirdSiteAssets/philippines/images/main-en/facade.jpg
Nestled on a peninsula in over sixty-five hectares of prime property, Thunderbird Resorts – Poro Point is a Mediterranean-inspired hotel that offers the exciting atmosphere of an international casino, a challenging round of golf and the serenity of a beautiful seaside landscape.

The ultimate luxurious getaway of international standards is a hotel-gaming-golf club that’s part of a famous resort brand with destination spots in Central and South America (Panama, Costa Rica, Peru, Nicaragua and Guatemala), Southeast Asia (La Union and Rizal in the Philippines) and recently, it opened in India and Poland. Designed by Angel Suerio of Impact Asia, the distinctly Mediterranean-inspired five-star luxury resort is nestled on a breathtaking 65-hectare peninsula overlooking the South China Sea. The resort boasts a total of 36 well-designed rooms and suites with ocean view accommodations. Primed with LCD TV with home theater surround system, iPod with docking station and speakers, free WiFi access, high thread count beddings and contemporary furnishings, the resort define a privileged level of luxury. Experience the perfect escape to an exclusive atmosphere that is authentic and personalized complete with 24-hour shuttle service, concierge and bell services, valet parking, room and laundry services. This sun worshipper’s haven has the Cliffs Golf and Beach Club that showcase a nine-hole golf course and shop, swimming pool with poolside mini bar, amphitheater, boardwalk, half court basketball area and beach club providing the ultimate indulgence in water sports and spa activities. One of the major attractions aside from the golf course is the Casino-gaming, a Thunderbird trademark in all its resorts here and abroad. Visit the resort’s Fiesta Casino with latest slots and table games open for 24 hours. The first of its kind locally, it is the new alternative in resort type destinations that caters to a variety of indoor and outdoor entertainment possibilities.

Food is always a pleasure and the chic resort presents a gastronomical feast. Olives restaurant captures the authentic cuisine of the Mediterranean islands with mouthwatering seafood specialties which are truly to die for. One should not miss out on the highly recommended bestsellers such as spicy lamb shank “Moroccan style,” stone-oven roasted sea bass, four-cheese pizza, fried squid with papaya and the famous tiramisu torte. Beside the casino is Vegas Café that has a wide selection of both local and international dishes to suit any craving. The perfect place to unwind after long hours under the sun is at Patio Santorini or Cabana bar, which both serve the best cocktails and beverages while having a spectacular view of the beautiful sunset.

http://img395.imageshack.us/img395/8238/allure4b.jpg

Thunderbird resort is the perfect backdrop for those rare and important occasions — even for fashion shoots. I recently did a pictorial at the resort for DKNY’s 20th anniversary. Inspired by the Big Apple’s landscape of colorful personalities, DKNY continues to move to the future as it aesthetically reflects fashion individuality. A fusion of trendy, iconic and classic, the brand, through the years, has established a reputation of timeless creations of unparalleled trends making it one of the most sought-after in the past two decades. The latest collection is a statement of neon and electric brights in color block or prints in classic silhouettes. Marked by fashion in its chronicled history, DKNY has reached a level of timelessness that’s fashion-forward and noteworthy of any style celebration.

Anyway, going back to Thunderbird, there really is a new boom in the resort industry that’s moving up north of the Philippines. Aside from the allure of the summer capital and historically captivating charm of the Ilocos region, Thunderbird Poro Point is an addition to the countless wonderful vacation attractions in the country. A storm of excitement is forming in this oceanfront splendor that’s perfect for every dream holiday. This ultra exclusive eat-drink-and-play paradise is for the luxe adventurer who seeks privacy. With a setting that reminds you of Santorini in Greece, this extraordinary resort is definitely awaiting its glorious days of thunder.

For more info, please call Thunderbird Resorts at +(6372) 888-7777, (+632) 886-5555 or visit www.thunderbirdresorts.com/philippines

808 state

May 7th, 2009, 11:10 AM

let's start with...

THE PHILIPPINES' #1 MOST COMPETITIVE COMPONENT CITY
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO - ILOCANDIA'S REGIONAL CENTER :banana:

http://i40.tinypic.com/qqbgc8.jpg
from flickr by patcanlas

http://i44.tinypic.com/1z34hfc.jpg
from flickr by aragon alvin

http://i39.tinypic.com/20kvt46.jpg

http://i40.tinypic.com/20gofep.jpg
from flickr by vinz greenlover9

http://i41.tinypic.com/2a78wee.jpg
from flickr by dodongflores

garzland

May 7th, 2009, 11:12 AM

^^Beautiful! Is that in La Union?

808 state

May 7th, 2009, 07:20 PM

yes garzland... Indeed beautiful!

ergit222

May 9th, 2009, 12:25 AM

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3653/3426103679_16e2bc2fbc.jpg
Thunderbird Resort by Night

http://swisspinoy.com/Philippines/_w/Ma%20Cho%20Temple,%20San%20Fernando%20City,%20La%20Union_JPG.jpg
Macho Temple

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa199/reisa1967/phil2008%20prt2/IMG_0584.jpg
San Fernando Bay Sunset

http://iliadodc.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/20061208_142741_dsc00317_k610i_vigantomanila.jpg
Saint William the Hermit Cathedral

808 state

May 11th, 2009, 12:36 PM

http://i42.tinypic.com/1etezc.jpg
by Freecloud1971 (http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.panoramio.com/photos/original/16850459.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.panoramio.com/photo/16850459&usg=__LBOcmmnJwtDVN-fMZzRfP210MrE=&h=1944&w=2592&sz=2067&hl=en&start=20&tbnid=WWoC4VXzMDc_TM:&tbnh=113&tbnw=150&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dsan%2Bfernando%2Bla%2Bunion%2Binternational%2Bairport%26ndsp%3D18%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26start%3D18)

ergit222

May 11th, 2009, 07:32 PM

Posted by Dave Ryan A. Buaron on May 10th, 2009
Filed Under: Featured, La Union (http://tourism-philippines.com/la-union/)

Dubbed as the Garden Coast because of its botanical gardens, the regional center of Ilocos region, La Union also boasts of excellent world-class surf breaks and thus, appropriately nicknamed the Surfing Capital of Northern Philippines.

La Union, with its fine coastline that faces the South China Sea and its beautiful gardens, fell way behind in tourism after more popular tourist destinations like the Hundred Islands in Pangasinan, Palawan, Batangas, and Boracay gained more prominence in the past 10 years. Long before that, local tourists and American military servicemen from the nearby Wallace Air Station (which has now been converted into a business and industrial area to facilitate the economic activity in the region – with service, manufacturing, shipping, and agricultural areas spread all over La Union) trooped to the seedy beaches of Bauang for some good old rest and recreation (which is of course a euphemism for the prostitution boom) until 1991. And like the surrounding areas of the former US military bases in the Philippines like Subic and Clark – an unmistakable awkward vibe is felt in the air when discussions turn to anything that remotely mention the former American military presence in the area.

La Union, which is 6 hours north of Manila, was created by a Royal Decree issued by the Spanish Queen, Isabella, on 18 April 1854. The province was created from 9 towns of Pangasinan, 3 towns of Ilocos Sur and the villages of Eastern Pais del Igorotes that straddles the western foothills of the Cordilleras. The name of the province was, thus, derived from the union of these towns from the different provinces. Before the Spaniards came in 1572, La Union was already a bustling and important trading port, especially for gold, with Chinese and Japanese merchants present in the area.

http://tourism-philippines.com/images/launion1.jpg

The province made a big comeback though and literally made a big splash in the local and international surfing community as it is now one of the favored surfing sites in the Philippines after Siargao in Mindanao. The friendly swells of San Juan and Urbiztondo towns, with its equally amiable and well-established surfing community (surfing started in the ‘80s when foreigners started settling in these towns) is both best for the beginners with its beach breaks (San Juan Beach Break; Bacnotan with a right-hander) and reef breaks (a right-hander in Monaliza Point- popular among the locals, who can also be a bit territorial; Carille – features waves that can be up to 300 meters long and 15 foot high in best conditions) for the more advanced surfers and one of the most accessible surf spots if you are coming from Manila. There are two major surfing competitions – the Rimat Ti Amianan (Treasure of the North) in December, which is one of the important legs of the Philippine Surfing Federation Surf Circuit and draws top Filipino surfing talents, and the Mabuhay Longboarding Cup, an international surf event which is incidentally the longest running longboard competition in the Philippines.

http://tourism-philippines.com/images/launion2.jpg

The Billabong Cup also has an annual surf competition here – where Luke Landrigan, the most famous amongst the bunch rules the roost and one is of the co-founders of the United Pinoy Surfers. His Dad, Brian Landrigan, actually was among those credited of piquing the interests of the locals when he was amongst the first people to start catching the waves in this area in the early ‘80s. Luke eventually settled in the area and established the San Juan Surf Resort.

If you are a beginner surfer or simply want to learn the ropes of this fast-rising sport in the Philippine sporting scene – contact either Pj Valenciano (+63.9217.8607193), Yna Lozada (+63.917.8827583), Donna Valenciano (+63.917.8059011) or Gerard de Sagun (+63.927.7905149) of He’e Nalu Surfing Pinas. They organize surf camps to San Juan as well as in many other surf destinations in the Philippines like Baler in Aurora Province (Pacific Coast) and you can get taught to catch that wave by topnotch Philippine surfers themselves. Top surfers Daisy Valdes and Jefferson de la Torre had a lot of patience teaching us the basics of surfing and helping us to paddle out into the seas. Usually, you should be able to stand on the board and catch the wave in about 15 minutes (well, I guess I am a relatively fast learner – heh!). He’e Nalu Surfing Pinas is also the only surf group actively involved with the beach clean up.

If you plan to head out, please check with the group or with the Philippine Surfing Federation regarding the weather, and wave conditions. In some cases, the swells are not very reliable. San Juan Surf resort has a live cam feed, although it seems that it is not as updated as one would want and Global Surfari has a surf forecast resort (although this cannot be independently verified).

With the rise of La Union as an important surfing destination, comes the problem of waste. Good thing that Green Zinc Clean Shores spearheaded by Chris Sullivan, a non-profit organization aimed at protecting Philippine beaches, has started raising awareness not only amongst locals but with visiting surfers as well. In San Juan, a typical surf camp usually starts with a talk from one of the founders – Uffe Konig. Green Zinc also organize volunteers in beach cleanups – if you go to one of the surf camps – a beach cleanup is usually included in the itinerary – a sort of giving back to the community for every stoke that one experiences in its rolling surfs.

Aside from surfing, La Union is also known for its Botanical Gardens in San Fernando City which showcases different pavilions in its sprawling ten-hectare facility -a Fernery, Palmery, Fragrance Garden, Sunken Garden, Evergreen Garden, Arid Paradise, and a Shade Garden – with flora and fauna that are indigenous only to the Philippines. This offers a welcome respite from the humid and sometimes searing hot weather of the province.

http://tourism-philippines.com/images/launion3.jpg

A beautiful Taoist Temple is another important tourist attraction in the province. Ma-Cho Temple, is located on a hill 70 feet above the sea level and offers commanding views of the bay. Coming from Manila, it is situated on your right, after you basically leave the San Fernando city centre on your way to San Juan. It was constructed on 11 September 1975 through the joint efforts of the local Chinese community. Ma-Cho, a revered Chinese deity was said to be born in 960 AD during the Sung Dynasty and according to a legend, she actively participated in the rescue operations of distressed fishermen, thus earning herself the titles, “Goddess of the Sea” and “Queen of Heaven” amongst others. The eight inch wooden statue has a striking similarity meanwhile to the “Virgin of Caysasay” who is enshrined at the Basilica of San Martin in Taal, Batangas and devotees believe that the two are one and the same. From 20th to 26th of September of each year, devotees and pilgrims gather for the annual celebration of enshrinement for a pilgrimage to the Basilica of Saint Martin in Taal, Batangas and from there, the devotees together with the image of Ma-Cho will travel back to San Fernando City and then a procession follows around the city centre. Similat temples can also be found in Malaysia, Taiwan, Singapore and many other countries with a sizable Chinese community (which basically goes without saying that they are everywhere).

For Catholics, La Union offers aged churches namely- Basilica of Our Lady of Charity (1578), Our Lady of Namacpacan (1600s-1800s), St. William Cathedral (1764), Sts. Peter and Paul Parish (1587), St. Michael the Archangel (1817) and St. John the Baptist (1707) and St. Christopher Parish (1696) – the only church in the Philippines with three belfries. Other attractions include the Balay Anito Falls which means House of Spirits, 4-5 kilometers from the main town of Santol. Apparently in early times, locals saw a ball of fire on this waterfall and thought these were spirits or “anitos” and “balay” means house, thus, the name. Lon-oy Springs in San Gabriel, La Union which consists of numerous natural springs, deep waterfalls and clear waters – Bakes Swimming Pool gets its water supply from these springs. Can’t make it to the rice terraces of Banawe or Sagada? The rice fields of Bolikewkew, Delles and Burgos provide a sneak peek of the big ones and serves as a hiking and trekking alternative. The Arosip Ecotrail reveals several waterfalls such as the Zim-zum-ug Twin Falls (one of the falls dried out as waters was redirected to the rice fields), Tekdag-aso Falls, and Padtok Falls.

Why Not Go

If you are looking for picture-perfect white sand beaches like Boracay (although there is a decent beach in San Juan and at Poro Point) or the rugged, misty mountain town of Sagada, then better pack your bags to those destinations – La Union does not have that.

Why Go

http://tourism-philippines.com/images/launion4.jpg

Need a surfing fix close to Manila? La Union is one of the best choices for you. The laidback and friendly surfing communities in these parts are some of the most chilled and relaxed weekend sports getaways in this part of Luzon Island.

Best Time to Visit

If you plan to go to surf – the North Swell usually starts around October until March (although beware as well, because this time is also notorious as being the jellyfish season and a lot of surfers get stung); while the South Swell arrives around late May to June until August. To catch better waves, check out the Philippine weather forecast by Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical & Astronomical Services Administration – and for seasoned surfers, best time to ride the waves is when there are typhoons around the area. For other sites in La Union, it is best enjoyed during the dry season.

Where to Stay

San Juan Surf Resort is definitely one of the more established resorts in San Juan. During weekends, however, the resort can be booked to the rafters. Check-in times are very strict. We booked a night at this resort in February, and when we got to La Union, my friend suddenly fell ill. Since we arrived early in the morning and check-in time was at 12 noon, we begged to be checked in early so we could rest. Unfortunately, the resort was booked so our request was declined. The lady at the check-in counter (or was it the bar?) was a tad unhelpful and we felt she was totally uncaring even though my friend was ashen-white and was close to fainting. So we instead asked some of our friends at Surfer’s Inn, an apartment type inn nearby, to let us use a room to rest and recuperate and we were gladly accepted.

Surfer’s Inn has a more bohemian appeal and a tad cheaper. Ask the guys at He’e Nalu Surfing Pinas for more information on getting a room there. A personal favorite, Lola Nanny’s (+63.920.409.1030), meanwhile, is another good place to stay – which has a middle of the road appeal compared to San Juan Surf Resort and Surfer’s Inn. Like Surfer’s Inn, the accommodation is basic, but the owner Lola Nanny’s has a treasure trove of colorful stories about her days in Australia and the local surf community of San Juan.
There are surfboards that are up for rental in most resorts but prices vary.

There are more resorts situated in San Fernando, but it is an annoying commute from San Fernando to San Juan, and lugging around a longboard might be too troublesome. Lists of accommodations are available at the La Union Province Official Website.

For those who prefer to splurge, Panamanian-owned Thunderbird Resort in Poro Point has a casino, a nine-hole golf course and Mediterranean-inspired villas overlooking the South China Sea.

Where & What to Eat

San Juan in La Union might be one of the curious places to get your authentic Australian meat pies. Owner Lola Nanny Landrigan (Brian Landrigan’s ex-wife) of Lola Nanny’s, a Filipino-Australian, makes these pies herself – although you have to call in advance as these pies sell out really fast.

Fresh seafood and traditional Ilocos dishes are also notable in La Union. There are heaps of restaurants in San Juan, Bauang and San Fernando but nothing stands out.

Nightlife

Nightlife in La Union is characterized by the squalid remnants of American military presence in Bauang or having a quiet bonfire or relaxed drinking at the surf resorts of San Juan..

My to do List

1. Surf the breaks of San Juan, Carille, and Bacnotan.**
2. Check out the Ma-Cho Temple.*
3. Stroll the Botanical Gardens of San Fernando.*
4. Chill and get into conversations over dinner with Lola Nanny Landrigan of Lola Nanny’s.*
5. Strum a few tunes around a bonfire.
6. Help Green Zinc in the beach cleanup!*
7. Dive at Fagg Reef.
*- Highly Recommended
**- Recommended by Locals

Stay Away From

1. Mosquitoes! – just bring bug repellent to be sure
2. Dust Mites. – bring Lysol with you, if you think the hotel room is oldish and not cleaned properly.
3. UV rays – Apply ample sun protection and sunglasses if one heads out to surf.
4. Bring a rash guard especially for girls, if not available, wear a shirt when surfing

Getting There

If you are not coming with a tour group, Partas buses are the most reliable forms of transport to La Union (and it passes through San Juan) from Manila. Other buses that operate in the area from Manila are Dominion Bus Lines, Fariñas, Maria de Leon, Philippine Rabbit and Viron, which leaves Manila terminals every hour. Pick the buses that go to either Narvacan, Laoag, Abra, or La Union. It will take about 5-6 hours travel from Manila (San Fernando is 273 kilometers north) but will only take an hour if you are coming from Baguio City.

Jeepneys, tricycles, mini-buses, and rent-a-vans are the mode of transport within the province. If you are taking your own car and you are coming from Manila, take the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and then connect through the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), exit at Hacienda Luisita in Tarlac and follow the National Highway through Pangasinan and then La Union. You can get a more detailed map of Northern Luzon (La Union included) at one of the bookstores.

808 state

May 13th, 2009, 11:28 AM

http://i43.tinypic.com/35l5379.jpg
from pbase by konifacio quilloy casuga

808 state

May 15th, 2009, 11:52 AM

SAN FERNANDO CITY
http://www.ilocano.org/gallery/data/507/Ilocano-La-Union-Philippines-Photos-April2007-part5_48_.JPG

http://www.ilocano.org/gallery/data/507/Ilocano-La-Union-Philippines-Photos-April2007-part5_37_.JPG

http://www.ilocano.org/gallery/data/507/Ilocano-La-Union-Philippines-Photos-April2007-part5_14_.JPG

http://www.ilocano.org/gallery/data/507/Ilocano-La-Union-Philippines-Photos-April2007-part5_34_.JPG

http://www.ilocano.org/gallery/data/507/Ilocano-La-Union-Philippines-Photos-April2007-part5_38_.JPG

http://www.ilocano.org/gallery/data/507/Ilocano-La-Union-Philippines-Photos-April2007-part5_35_.JPG

http://www.ilocano.org/gallery/data/507/Ilocano-La-Union-Philippines-Photos-April2007-part5_35_.JPG
from Ilocano.org by 443(mr. Administrator) (http://www.ilocano.org/)

hugodiekonig

May 19th, 2009, 02:05 PM

Hello! I'm Hugodiekonig from La Union!:banana:

hugodiekonig

May 19th, 2009, 02:14 PM

hugodiekonig

May 19th, 2009, 02:25 PM

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_191646499l.jpg
Sts. Peter and Paul Parish, Bauang, La Union

hugodiekonig

May 19th, 2009, 02:41 PM

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_930269964l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_930262333l.jpg

hugodiekonig

May 19th, 2009, 02:42 PM

View from the La Union Provincial Capitol Terrace
http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_154083280l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_521478962l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_717018989l.jpg

View from MartOne
http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_994004834l.jpg

Canaoay Beach
http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_224713162l.jpg

City Plaza in February
http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_112363933l.jpg

hugodiekonig

May 19th, 2009, 02:47 PM

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_346321022l.jpg

hugodiekonig

May 19th, 2009, 02:49 PM

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_645771417l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_261209557l.jpg

hugodiekonig

May 20th, 2009, 10:19 AM

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_107779210l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_261739325l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_753393870l.jpg

808 state

May 20th, 2009, 10:33 AM

nice photos you got there:cheers: SFC truly is the most competitve component city in the country today.

hugodiekonig

May 20th, 2009, 10:42 AM

hugodiekonig

May 20th, 2009, 10:47 AM

I love San Fernando City!

808 state

May 20th, 2009, 10:55 AM

Thanks! But our city is becoming congested as you can see from the photos. There is a build-up of heavy traffic, so 4 traffic lights have been installed to address to this.
Come and visit our city someday!

it's obvious:lol: I like SFC's traffic lights... way better than Laoag's:lol:

I've been to your city! it's very urbanized and beautiful! I used to eat there at Jollibee during my elemantary school days:lol:... and I met one nice person there in Lingsat! Also, my doctor before was Dr. Martinez... he owns a lying in hospital I think... btw, where do the navalta clan live?

808 state

May 20th, 2009, 10:57 AM

I love San Fernando City!

I also love it! :cheers:

regards to all the people of San Fernando!

808 state

May 20th, 2009, 11:19 AM

umm if you don't mind hugodiekonig... could you please take some pictures of Oasis Country Resort... I love that place...it serves as a stopover for travelers. I feel a wave of nostalgia when i think about our Manila trips... oasis is a place to recall good memories. Anticipating your immediate action:):cheers::banana:

hugodiekonig

May 20th, 2009, 11:21 AM

I'm sorry, but i don't know where the Navaltas live. Maybe here in San Fernando. Well, you may always come to our city hehehe

hugodiekonig

May 20th, 2009, 11:22 AM

Oh yes, sure!

808 state

May 20th, 2009, 11:29 AM

Oh yes, sure!

oh how nice! :) can't thank you enough! of course, pwede bang di ka dumaan sa SFC pag pumunta ka ng Baguio and Manila:) I wanna see CSI mall. I'll visit your wonderful place perhaps next year...if God permits:)

once again, thank you! Dios ti Agngina:)

hugodiekonig

May 20th, 2009, 11:42 AM

CSI mall is as big as SM Baguio, but only with two floors. Anyway, if you are from north of San Fernando, dadaan ka talaga sa San Fernando pag papunta ka ng Baguio or Manila. Anyway, to avoid the traffic jam of the downtown, you may take the Alternative Route to manila at the Pagdaraoan Junction.

Wen, Dios ti Agngina!

ergit222

May 21st, 2009, 12:59 AM

Hello! I'm Hugodiekonig from La Union!:banana:
welcome kabsat to ssc! thanks for your nice posts. :cheers:

hugodiekonig

May 21st, 2009, 07:11 AM

thanks! hehehe

hugodiekonig

May 23rd, 2009, 09:10 AM

Hello San Fernando Stadt! Dieser ist Hugodiekonig von La Union!

hugodiekonig

May 23rd, 2009, 05:28 PM

Hello La Union! Hugodiekonig here. Someday i'll post some of the newest photos of my dear province of La Union, so better watch out! hehehe. I left my USB connector in Manila and I cannot borrow another one from my younger sister. she went on a vacation at Ilocos Norte, so i can't upload these photos in my cp on my friendster.

Anyway, talking about this thread, what i can say is that this really deserves 60,000+ views, and nearly 600 posts. This is now the time that San Fernando and the whole province of La Union to be more popular, if not as popular as Vigan, Pangasinan and Ilocos Norte, hehehe

God Bless La Union and to all of us!

hugodiekonig

May 25th, 2009, 02:34 PM

hello ssc, Any latest news from La Union?

ergit222

May 25th, 2009, 03:04 PM

SITEL Philippines is hiring 1,000 more employees this year to boost its call-center operations in Baguio City and San Fernando City in La Union, an official said yesterday.

The Philippines is said to have generated 10 percent, or $180 million, of the $1.8-billion revenue generated by the Nashville-based American multinational firm last year.

“We are eyeing 30-percent growth this year,” Steve Barker, Sitel’s chief operating officer for the Asia-Pacific region, told reporters.

“Growth will come organically as well as from new clients. Growth will come from everywhere.

“Increased investor confidence in the Philippines is also supporting our bullish growth prospects,” Barker said.

Sitel yesterday inaugurated its newest call center in Ortigas, Pasig City. The facility has 2,000 seats and is expected to generate $60 million to $75 million in revenue each year.

Barker said the company was using roughly 96 percent of its global capacity—including the Philippine operations—because of an expected growth in demand.

Sitel’s call center in Baguio is its third and the one in San Fernando is its newest.

The Baguio facility, opening in July or August, will have 500 workstations and 700 workers initially. The San Fernando site will open before the year ends and will have 300 workers.

“We are looking for the right opportunity that makes business sense,” Barker said.

“We have put in significant investment in our Philippine operations, and we are very confident of the long-term sustainability of the business as well as that of the talent pool.”

Sitel already has 8,600 employees in Manila and 2,600 employees in its two sites in Baguio City.

It has two facilities in Pasig, two in Baguio City, and one each in Mandaluyong and Quezon City. It operates nearly 7,600 seats in total.

The company now employs more than 11,000 people in six sites in Metro Manila and Northern Luzon. Its facilities are within economic zones except the one in One Julia Vargas in Pasig City.

Barker said the Filipinos’ literacy and English skills were excellent selling points for moving contact center operations here.

Sitel has offices in North America, Hawaii, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. Elaine Ramos Alanguilan
http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=news6_may21_2009

ergit222

May 25th, 2009, 03:09 PM

hugodiekonig

May 25th, 2009, 05:15 PM

ergit222

May 25th, 2009, 09:39 PM

http://www.liveinthephilippines.com/content/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/photo0230.jpg

hugodiekonig

May 26th, 2009, 09:37 AM

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_566998938l.jpg
The sea was very calm! The photo was taken at Brgy. Taberna, Bauang, La Union. At the far side is the Poro Point in San Fernando City.

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_880602754l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_554956678l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_174652283l.jpg
I wanna swim! Yaaahhh!

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_340065410l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_374201158l.jpg
whew, beautiful sunset!

Come and visit Bauang Beach!

hugodiekonig

May 26th, 2009, 04:48 PM

i am definitely sure that the photo was taken last January hehehe. There was a proposal in 2007 to renovate the city auditorium into a two-story one at with roof na kaso sa floor nalang ng plaza yung rinenovate ginawang bricks nalang ang flooring para mabawasan ang mga nag-sskateboard twing gabi (hahaha) and for added beauty narin.

oanari

May 29th, 2009, 12:33 PM

although I am originally from Luna, but I'd call San Fernando as my second home everytime I go to the Philippines. Carlatan to be exact, next to Camp Diego Silang.

after 20 years na wala sa Pinas, lalong gumanda ang San Fernando, pero kaso daming puting tricycles. hehe.

hugodiekonig

May 29th, 2009, 07:34 PM

Goodnight La Union! Tomorrow, I gonna see you being developed hehehe

hugodiekonig

May 30th, 2009, 03:06 PM

hello ssc, good evening, any latest news about la union?

hugodiekonig

May 30th, 2009, 03:11 PM

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_420529426l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_367683103l.jpg

ergit222

May 31st, 2009, 12:02 AM

By Conrado R. Banal III
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 21:41:00 05/29/2009

OF all the golf courses in this country, Sta. Elena Golf Club has earned the most number of awards.

Thus, it was only expected that Sta. Elena, again, should get in the Golf Digest’s Top 100 Courses outside the United States this year.

The last time Sta. Elena made it to the prestigious list was four years ago.

And the feat was also not that surprising to Rico Tantoco (remember the Rustan’s group?), who is president of Sta. Elena Properties, developer of the golf course.

Tantoco told us that Sta. Elena has been developing other golf courses in the country, such as the upscale The Country Club.

Other golf clubs, such as the Wack Wack golf course in Mandaluyong and the Orchard in Cavite, also hired Sta. Elena to maintain the fairways.

The latest project of Sta. Elena Properties is the Thunderbird Golf Club at Poro Point in La Union.

Sta. Elena is mighty proud of that particular project, Tantoco said.

Presumably, the company’s good reputation in golf course development and management will help enhance its real estate project.

Sta. Elena Properties still has more than 100 hectares of raw land near its award-winning golf course.

http://business.inquirer.net/money/columns/view/20090529-207869/Now-its-GSIS-vs-IBM

hugodiekonig

May 31st, 2009, 03:40 PM

808 state

June 3rd, 2009, 02:04 PM

http://i42.tinypic.com/2vbr6e9.jpg
Photo credit: nikkacorsino (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29984254@N06/)

http://i39.tinypic.com/5miout.jpg

http://i39.tinypic.com/309h5r8.jpg

http://i40.tinypic.com/33m6bl3.jpg
Photo credit: genecarl (http://www.flickr.com/photos/genecarl/sets/72157619073553138/)

hugodiekonig

June 4th, 2009, 01:35 PM

Goku_25

June 5th, 2009, 12:51 AM

^^ haaaaa... essence of Greece ay andyan na pala sa San Fernando hehehe

ergit222

June 5th, 2009, 07:23 AM

:applause: ^^ beautiful photos...I am sure the 1st photo was taken at the Miramonte beach resort, near Philippine Navy yard, Poro point.

hugodiekonig

June 9th, 2009, 05:30 AM

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=30141315&l=38c809746b&id=1612790914

808 state

June 9th, 2009, 03:38 PM

808 state

June 9th, 2009, 03:56 PM

THUNDERBIRD
http://i41.tinypic.com/30w8axf.jpg

http://i40.tinypic.com/9jf9d2.jpg

http://i39.tinypic.com/jhvq0m.jpg
Photo credit: sonnydevilla (http://www.flickr.com/photos/sonnydevilla/)

ergit222

June 9th, 2009, 04:10 PM

^^ thanks 808state for these spectacular photos.

808 state

June 9th, 2009, 04:15 PM

^^ thanks 808state for these spectacular photos.

you're welcome!:cheers: SFC truly is a wonderful city! can't wait to visit this place again:)

lochinvar

June 9th, 2009, 04:54 PM

The roof of the Chinese house needs to be repainted to make it more appealing like the immaculate Thunderbird.

hugodiekonig

June 9th, 2009, 08:25 PM

hugodiekonig

June 9th, 2009, 08:29 PM

hugodiekonig

June 9th, 2009, 08:31 PM

THUNDERBIRD
http://i41.tinypic.com/30w8axf.jpg

http://i40.tinypic.com/9jf9d2.jpg

http://i39.tinypic.com/jhvq0m.jpg
Photo credit: sonnydevilla (http://www.flickr.com/photos/sonnydevilla/)

Am I in the wrong thread? Is this in Greece? hehehe just joking. Thunderbird resort is such a beautiful tourist destination of the north! Wheew!

ergit222

June 10th, 2009, 03:48 PM

indeed, inspired by santorini architecture in greece.
http://www.santonet.gr/santorini/santorini1.jpg

ergit222

June 10th, 2009, 03:52 PM

The roof of the Chinese house needs to be repainted to make it more appealing like the immaculate Thunderbird.
lochinvar, you're right.

hugodiekonig

June 10th, 2009, 07:28 PM

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_343360398l.jpg
Manila North Road Corner De Guzman Avenue

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_448383991l.jpg
On the way to the plaza! Naguilian Road and Manila North Road adjacent to the Monument

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_565106164l.jpg
Bauang Town Hall

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_707056066l.jpg
Bauang Legislative Building (Northwing under construction) Frankly, dapat pagandahin na ang town hall kasi mas maganda ang Legislative building hehehe

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_815659589l.jpg
In front of Bauang Plaza (oops, somewhat the photo is distorted)

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_689204746l.jpg
Bauang Town Plaza - "Simplicity is Beauty"

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_342391027l.jpg
Sts. Peter and Paula Parish Church

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_758746474l.jpg
Church seen from Naguilian Road

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_495188596l.jpg
Naguilian Road

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_266559325l.jpg
Where shall I go next??? To Laoag - 229 kms; To Manila - 259 kms.

bledzoe

June 11th, 2009, 04:55 PM

http://anton.blogs.com/flag/large.jpg

HAPPY 111th INDEPENDENCE DAY!

credit to Mr. Anton Diaz for the photo.

oanari

June 11th, 2009, 08:36 PM

MACHO TEMPLE - SAN FERNANDO CITY
http://i44.tinypic.com/2lo0hi1.jpg
Photo credit: Siomuzz (http://www.flickr.com/photos/siomuzzz/)

http://i42.tinypic.com/2pq45e1.jpg
Photo credit: Carambs! (http://www.flickr.com/photos/carambs/)

In the late 80, pag naglalakad kami, Macho Temple was very much visible down the highway. I mean you could see the whole building, (pati yung pintuan ng gate). Pero ngayon hindi na dahil sa mga building na pinatayo sa harapan. Yung tuktok na lang temple ang makikita mo pag nakasakay ka ng tricycle.

SUV111

June 12th, 2009, 12:38 AM

Happy 111th Independence Day

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3361/3617299663_afa6a80872_o.jpg

hugodiekonig

June 12th, 2009, 10:24 AM

MABUHAY ANG PILIPINAS! HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY! HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY DIN SA RUSSIA HEHEHE

hugodiekonig

June 18th, 2009, 03:54 PM

ergit222

June 22nd, 2009, 07:36 AM

I think the No.1 problem for us residents of San Fernando City is flood control. When rain pours as if it pours dogs and cats, most streets are soaked in flood. I hope the city government and the dpwh would act upon to this problem. Knock knock knock... who's there?

The storm drainage system of the city, I believe, was constructed during the 60's during the term of the late Mayor Dacanay and recently some major works along P. Burgos St. and Don Flores St were done to solve the perennial flood problem in those areas. At least for now flood water recedes almost immediately after a heavy downpour. Let's hope the city/dpwh will improve the system sooner.

hugodiekonig

June 25th, 2009, 01:52 PM

Baguio City’s landfill project in La Union gets DENR nod
By WILLIAM JUN GARCIA
June 25, 2009, 4:18pm

ARINGAY, La Union – A proposed sanitary landfill where garbage in Baguio City would be dumped gets the go signal of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), it was reported.

Joel Salvador, regional director of the DENR’s Environmental Management Bureau, said in a phone interview that the town’s existing landfill in Barangay Poblacion here has an environmental compliance certificate (ECC), but it should be amended to allow the development of additional area intended for the dumping of the Baguio garbage.

“This is a good project of the local government units (LGUs) of Baguio and Aringay because it is in compliance with Republic Act No. 9003 which mandates all LGUs to set up engineered landfill facilities,” Salvador said.

Decie Garcia, Aringay’s planning and environment officer, said the residents near the landfill site have approved the project, and the barangay officials have passed a resolution unanimously endorsing it because it is an income-generating project.

“The government of Baguio will fund the project with at least P50 million, an amount which Aringay cannot afford. We want to avail ourselves of the opportunity because it’s not only income-generating but it will also create jobs and protect the environment,” Garcia said.

Garcia said Aringay would get yearly revenue of some P35 million once the project becomes operational because Baguio will pay for the disposal of its garbage.

Salvador said it’s good for Aringay because it will have additional income but the town will have to comply first with the requirement to secure an ECC before the municipal officials negotiate with Baguio officials on the terms and conditions of the project.

Baguio City Mayor Reinaldo Bautista already wrote Mayor Teresita Ong about the project.

Ong said she had endorsed Bautista’s letter to the municipal council for it to pass a resolution authorizing her to negotiate with Baguio officials.

However, the council failed to pass a resolution allegedly due to politics.

Garcia said the Municipal Solid Waste Management Council has passed a resolution endorsing the project because it knows its importance and recognizes Ong’s effort to comply with RA 9003.

Garcia added that the project’s design and technology would be supplied by Metro Waste, a company which built the engineered sanitary landfill in Capas, Tarlac.

Contamination of water will be prevented because lay liner will be laid underground, and pipes would be installed to collect leachate (garbage juice) going to a pond where a treatment facility would be built.

Waste pickers would sort out the garbage of recyclable materials, and only residual wastes would be disposed in a hole which will be covered with soil to avoid the proliferation of insects and rodents.

hugodiekonig

July 1st, 2009, 01:55 PM

Poro Point Freeport and Special Economic Zone

Fast emerging as a prime location for investments and tourism is the Poro Point Freeport Zone (PPFZ). Nestled at the tip of San Fernando province, Poro Point is a peninsula completely surrounded by the South China Sea and dotted with strips of pristine white sand beaches ideal for tourism-related industries.

THE ZONE

The PPFZ is the former Wallace Air Station converted into productive economic use through the enactment of Republic Act 7227 (Bases Conversion and Development Act) on March 19, 1992 and Proclamation No. 216 on July 27, 1993 transferring the lands to the BCDA and declared the area as an Special Economic and Freeport Zone.

The Freeport Status was affirmed through the enactment of Republic Act 9400 on March 2007, thus the zone is now called the Poro Point Freeport Zone.

The PPFZ is master planned as an industrial estate with tourism facilities. The presence of an airport and a seaport makes it an ideal location for commerce, distribution center and export-oriented activities.

Getting There

Strategic in its location at the upper side of the Lingayen Gulf, Poro Point is along the Southeast Asian sea lane, less than an hour by plane from Taiwan, China and Hongkong, and within three hours from Singapore, Japan and South Korea.

Poro Point is located at the northwestern tip of North Luzon, west of the City of San Fernando in the province of La Union. It is accessible by land, sea and air, approximately travel time is about 5 hours away from Manila and more than an hour from Baguio City by car and about 50 minutes flight-time to and from Manila.

A Investor's Haven

Poro Point offers the perfect blend for business and leisure. The presence of modern and dependable infrastructure facilities coupled with an investment-friendly climate makes it an ideal haven for local and foreign investors. Its strategic location and close proximity to the thriving economies in Southeast Asia also makes the Freeport an ideal springboard for access to these markets.

PPFZ offers liberal tax laws and incentives such as:

Tax- and duty-free importation of machineries, raw materials, supplies, and all other articles including finished goods.
PPFZ shall be managed as a separate customs territory, ensuring free flow or articles within the Freeport zone.
Unlimited purchase and consumption of tax- and duty-free consumer goods within the ppsefz.
No local and national taxes. in lieu of taxes, ppsefz enterprise shall pay a fee of five percent (5%) of gross income earned.
The Zone is home to the San Fernando Airport, a secondary airport serving as an alternate to the Loakan Airport in Baguio City. The airport brings the people closer to the pristine beaches of La Union, the scenic beauty of Baguio City, the cultural heritage of Ilocos and other world-class tourist facilities in the North. It hosts thrice a week commercial flights from and to Manila via a local commercial airline, Asian Spirit, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

The San Fernando airport is being upgraded into a regional airport of international standard and quality that can accommodate larger aircrafts, such as Boeing 747 and Airbus 320, and to ensure the airport's operational safety.

Another possible area for investment is the 50-hectare agro-industrial park. The industrial estate is expected to enhance investment atmosphere conducive for agribusiness processing, export processing, light industries, standardized factories, warehousing/dry storage, cold storage, and information technology park.

Also, the San Fernando international seaport has a total land area of 30 hectares and with a possible reclamation of over 100 hectares. With its present capacity, the seaport can accommodate all types of vehicles such as: Cruise ships, roll-on roll-off vessels, motor tankers, barges, cargo vessels, motor tugboats, passenger vessels and fishing boats.

Tourism Opportunities

The 240-hectare former US airbase is also being groomed to become one of the best tourist destinations Northern Luzon.

Major tourism projects that will transform the PPFZ into the destination of choice for international and local tourists are already underway. These include the construction of the world-class nine-hole golf course, a luxury hotel and resort and casino. Another major attraction inside the Freeport is the tourism and recreational area which will feature the promenade, an area that will offer an idyllic and awe-inspiring view of the sunset; and the "Little Boracay", a short stretch of porous sand lying close to the promenade.

Likewise, PPMC also included in its development plan the promotion of the Poro Point Lighthouse as a tourist destination. The Lighthouse is situated on the southern tip of Punta de Poro, along the entrance to the Port of San Fernando. The lights of Poro Point serve as harbor guides to ships entering and leaving the Port of San Fernando ever since it was built by the Spanish authorities on 28 November 1885.

Estate Manager

On June 29, 1993, former President Fidel Ramos issued Executive Order No. 103 establishing John Hay Development Corporation as a subsidiary and implementing arm of the BCDA for Camp John Hay. This was subsequently amended to include the development of the Wallace Air Station, thereby renaming it to John Hay Poro Point Development Corporation (JPDC). It was under JPDC when the operation, management and development of the San Fernando seaport and airport were turned over to BCDA on February 1, 1997 and February 1, 1998, respectively.

Finally, on October 2002, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo issued Executive Order No. 132 renaming the John Hay Poro Point Development Corporation to John Hay Management Corporation for John Hay Special Economic Zone and, at the same time, created the Poro Point Management Corporation (PPMC) to manage the Poro Point Freeport Zone.

VISION

Our vision embodies what we want to achieve in the longer term.

"We want to be known as the most professional and reliable Freeport and Developer in the country by developing the Poro Point Freeport Zone (PPFZ) to become one of the best tourist, commercial, retirement and industrial destinations in Southeast Asia."

MISSION

To achieve our vision, we have articulated our mission as follows:

"To develop and manage the Poro Point Freeport Zone while ensuring the conservation and protection of our environment and natural resources;

To provide real value added and excellent customer service to our investment partners, port users and tourist visitors;

To link with other government organizations and private sector in performing our tasks competently;

To contribute to the development of Region I, mindful of our corporate social responsibility by providing the best convention facility, a unique leisure park, the best alternative retirement area and the best port/industrial hub."

hugodiekonig

July 2nd, 2009, 03:23 PM

Skeletal remains dug up in shabu laboratory in La Union
By MAR T. SUPNAD
July 2, 2009, 5:04pm

SKELETAL REMAINS. Members of Task Force Bimmotobot dug up the skeletal remains of a missing carpenter-electrician of a ‘shabu’ laboratory raided last year in Barangay Bimmotobot, Naguilian, La Union. (Erwin Beleo)CAMP OSCAR FLORENDO, La Union -- Chief Supt. Ramon V. Gatan, Police Region 1 director and head of Task Force Bimmotobot, led the other day a composite team in digging from a shallow grave the remains of a certain “Ronnie” in Barangay Bimmotobot, Naguilian, La Union, where a multi-billion-peso shabu laboratory was busted in 2008.

General Gatan said the grave digging was authorized by a search warrant issued by Executive Judge Ferdinand Fe of Regional Trial Court’s Branch 67 in Bauang, La Union based on a sworn affidavit by Dante Palaganas, suspected maintainer of the shabu laboratory.

Palaganas, who is at present detained in the La Union provincial jail, had confessed that he shot to death Ronnie in November 2007.

The affidavit indicated that Ronnie, who allegedly worked as carpenter-electrician in the shabu laboratory, was ordered killed by Joselito Artuz, tagged as the shabu lab financier, who is still at large, for “knowing too much and for being too noisy” about the operation.

Supt. Dionisio Borromeo, former Dagupan City chief of police, has been behind bars since he was implicated by Palaganas as the alleged protector of the shabu lab.

The accusation was denied by the police colonel.

The skeletal remains of Ronnie, whose full identity has yet to be established, were dug up at about 10:30 a.m. by elements of the La Union police, Regional Mobile Group 1, Philippine Drugs Enforcement Agency, Regional Crime Laboratory

Office 1, and other law-enforcement units.

Gatan said that the initial on-site examination by the medico-legal officer showed that the skull bore a bullet hole, indicating that the cause of death is “cranio-hemorrhagic shock secondary to a gunshot wound in the temporal region.”

Inventory conducted by the evidence custodian showed that the recovered evidence included one blue traveling bag containing assorted personal belongings, an electrician’s multi-tester kit, a pouch bag with hand tools, a pair of slippers, and a broken spade.

Attachment Size
SKELETAL REMAINS. Members of Task Force Bimmotobot dug up the skeletal remains of a missing carpenter-electrician of a ‘shabu’ laboratory raided last year in Barangay Bimmotobot, Naguilian, La Union.

hugodiekonig

July 2nd, 2009, 03:25 PM

Mocha Blends offers new franchise business
By ELISOR L. RECIDE
July 2, 2009, 5:30pm

Now with more than 30 stores nationwide, a homegrown specialty coffee shop is eyeing to open more stores in the Philippines and in overseas with its new franchise business called - the Mocha Blends Lounge.

In an interview, Mocha Blends Corp., Brand & Communication Manager, Ryle M. Nepomuceno, said: ” Mocha Blends Lounge is soon to invade the coffee business carrying the most loved Mocha Blends specialty coffee mixed with new coffee and fruit-based concoctions.

With a franchise package close to P500,000 only, as compared to existing franchise packages ranging from P2 million to P4 million. This is the Mocha Blends way of sharing their passion for coffee and helping those who would like to venture into the growing coffee business but do not know much about the technology that goes with it, Nepomuceno explained.

Similar to Mocha Blends existing stores, customer can expect the same level of service and gastronomic experience though it shall focus on Mocha Blends gourmet beverages, Nepomuceno said.

For prospective franchisees and entrepreneurs. Nepomuceno invites to visit their office at 195-A Tomas Morato Ave. Quezon City or email at info@mochablends.com.

Mocha Blends management is headed by its President, Florante Dela Cruz, and supported by other executives who have vast experiences in restaurant chain operations and other industry fields.

Mocha Blends is a café that offers a uniquely satisfying coffee experience made complete by its wide range of food choices, semi-fine dining service and warm ambience.

It opened its first shop in 2002 closely followed by numerous café’s including their Tomas Morato branch which also houses their headquarters.

Through the years, Mocha Blends has already been recognized by a number of prestigious award-giving bodies like Consumer Choice Awards for “Most Outstanding Coffee Shop” and “Most Outstanding Gourmet Coffee” and Superbrands last 2006.

Mocha Blends uses only the best Arabica varieties from other countries and also of our very own Arabica. Our partner/supplier, Mocha Coffee of Australia, who are master roasters and experts in their field, supplies Mocha Blends its imported roasted coffee beans.

As awareness grew, more investors came in and joined in its success. To date, there are now more than 30 Mocha Blends outlets located in Metro Manila including provincial outlets in Malolos Bulacan, Lucena, Baguio, Pampanga, Rizal, Dasmariñas, La Union, Naga and Cebu.

hugodiekonig

July 2nd, 2009, 04:05 PM

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_187787040l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_775296531l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_293936398l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_151289051l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_105277359l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_107779210l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_753393870l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_154083280l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_521478962l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_994004834l.jpg

hugodiekonig

July 2nd, 2009, 04:06 PM

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_422297485l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_610989484l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_475209501l.jpg

hugodiekonig

July 2nd, 2009, 04:40 PM

hello SSC! any update about the Tarlac- la union expressway? the san fernando city airport? Thanks a lot!

ergit222

July 2nd, 2009, 06:39 PM

hello SSC! any update about the Tarlac- la union expressway? the san fernando city airport? Thanks a lot!
PGMA's Super Regions infra projects, SONA commitment programs gain significant headway

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's flagship projects designed to "close the loop" between the Philippines' Super Regions are nearing completion, while her other State-of-the-Nation Address (SONA) commitment programs such as economic reforms and poverty alleviation are gaining significant headway.

To start off, the "closing the loop" program under President Arroyo's Super Regions strategy is more than 80 percent complete. These are the priority infrastructure projects in the North Luzon Agribusiness Quadrangle (NLAQ), Luzon Urban Beltway (LUB), Central Philippines, and Mindanao Super Regions.

One such priority project is located within the Luzon Urban Beltway, wherein the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) has been interconnected.

"President Arroyo ordered the front-loading of infrastructure development projects with a specific directive that all infrastructure programs must be bid out during the first semester of the current year," says Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Lorelei Fajardo and Presidential Assistant for Region 3, in an interview with the Philippines News Agency (PNA).

Fajardo said that once the interconnection of SCTEX, NLEX and South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) is realized, the travel time between Subic in Zambales and Metro Manila will only take one hour and a half. "It used to be three hours, but now, it's a shorter time," she added.

"Travel time between Clark in Angeles City, Pampanga and Subic Naval Base in Olongapo City, Zambales will take 30 minutes, thanks to the North Luzon Beltway Hub of the Philippines," Fajardo said.

"Central Luzon is situated in the heart of Asia and it has so much potential," she said, adding this is the reason President Arroyo is hastening the completion of infrastructure projects such as the road networks.

The Malacañang official also said that SCTEX would eventually connect La Union province from Poro Point in San Fernando City to Baguio City in Benguet province, and also Quezon and Batangas provinces in the Southern Tagalog region through the NLE-SLEX linkage.

'Closing the loop'

"It's what you call 'closing the loop'. It's also known as Luzon Urban Beltway (LUB)," Fajardo said.

The priority infrastructure projects which "close the loop" are classified under the North Luzon Agribusiness Agricultural Quadrangle (NLAQ), the LUB's Transport and Logistics Infrastructure, Central Philippines Super Region Enhanced Central Philippines' Competitive Advantage in Tourism, and Mindanao Super Region Enhanced Agribusiness Development in Mindanao.

The NLAQ, according to Fajardo, involves the Dingalan Port Project in Aurora province and the La Trinidad Fruit and Vegetable Minimal Processing Plant in Benguet.

The LUB Transport and Logistics Infrastructure consists of Subic Bay Port Development Project, Batangas Port Development Project, Lucena Port, and Cawit Port in Boac, Marinduque.

Found in the Central Philippines Super Region Enhanced Central Philippines' Competitive Advantage in Tourism are access roads to the Bacolod-Silay Airport and Bohol Circumferential Road; Pantao Port in Albay, Jagna Port in Jagna, Bohol; Ubay Port in Ubay, Bohol; Siquijor Port in Siquijor; Maasin Port in Southern Leyte; Limasawa Port in Southern Leyte; New Iloilo Airport in Iloilo, and New Bacolod-Silay Airport in Negros Occidental.

Mindanao Super Region Enhanced Agribusiness Development in Mindanao covers the Diosdado Macapagal Bridge in Butuan City, 210-megawatt Clean Coal-Fired Power Plant in Misamis Oriental and Solar Power Plant in Cagayan de Oro City.

SLEX-STAR linkages

At present, the SLEX project is 76.87 percent accomplished. The Alabang viaduct in Muntinlupa City was opened to the public late last year, while Toll Roads 2 and 3 are scheduled to be completed in June and December 2009, respectively.

The SLEX project, costing P8.5 billion, involves the rehabilitation and upgrading of the existing 28.54-kilometer length of the expressway starting from the Alabang viaduct up to Calamba City in Laguna, and an additional 7.6-kilometer highway to be constructed from Calamba to Sto. Tomas in Batangas that will connect to the Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR) 2.

Once completed, the SLEX-STAR linkage will provide access to the Port of Batangas and offer a seamless nautical and land highway that will save both time and transport cost for both passengers and freight.

It will relieve traffic on the old highway and significantly reduce travel from 46 minutes to 26 minutes when traveling from Sto. Tomas, Batangas to Alabang, according to a statement from the Presidential Management Staff (PMS).

"The extension of the SLEX is a major infrastructure project. It will not only ease and speed up travel to and from Batangas and Laguna but also connect the CALABARZON (Cavite-Laguna-Batangas-Rizal-Quezon) to the Luzon Urban Beltway and NLAQ through other priority infrastructure projects such as the C5-NLEX-SLEX Link, Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) project and Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX) project," the PMS reported.

"With this project, new centers of business and commerce in the South are expected to open, which would help decongest Metro Manila," PMS Secretary Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said in a report, adding "this would provide our exporters faster and safer access to the Free Port Zone in Subic and the airport in Clark and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA)."

To make sure that the project is completed on time, Esperon said "the Pro-Performance Team is pressing the adoption of a 24-hour work shift and constant monitoring of the rate of accomplishment of the remaining sections of SLEX."

C5-NLEX-SLEX interconnection

Fajardo said the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) recently kicked off the construction of the P520-million Tandang Sora-Luzon Avenue flyover crossing Commonwealth Avenue in Old Balara, Quezon City that will interconnect the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX).

The infrastructure is one of the vital links in the 41-kilometer NLEX-SLEX project of President Arroyo.

"DPWH has started the implementation of this project which is in line with the instructions of the President to interconnect the two expressways and eventually to the Manila-Cavite Coastal Road in Las Pinas City via C-5," Fajardo said.

On the other hand, DPWH Undersecretary Romeo Momo, in charge for Luzon operations, explained in a report that the construction involves the completion of a flyover that would directly connect Tandang Sora Avenue (Old Balara side) to Luzon Avenue in Quezon City. It measures more than 500 lineal meters, including approaches with four lanes at two lanes per direction.

He said the structure also has access or service roads on both sides for vehicles coming from and going to Commonwealth Avenue and C-5 and vice versa.

"Once the project is completed, it will be beneficial to all motorists and businessmen in the area," Momo said.

Motorists, especially those coming from Katipunan Avenue would no longer use U-turn slots in Commonwealth Avenue to go to Luzon Avenue as the project directly connects both ways.

The implementation of the project is in coordination with the Quezon City government and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

In August 2008, Public Works and Highways Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. signed an agreement with Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte, wherein the latter assumed the responsibility of securing road right-of-way and some civil works.

Meanwhile, two multi-billion-peso flood control projects –- the Agno River Flood Control Project Phase II and the CAMANAVA (Caloocan-Malabon-Navotas-Valenzuela) Flood Control Project -- are nearing completion with 90 percent accomplishment. The CAMANAVA project is expected to ease flood problems in Metro Manila

http://www.isria.com/pages/2_July_2009_55.htm

river_falcon

July 2nd, 2009, 09:21 PM

it's obvious:lol: I like SFC's traffic lights... way better than Laoag's:lol:

I've been to your city! it's very urbanized and beautiful! I used to eat there at Jollibee during my elemantary school days:lol:... and I met one nice person there in Lingsat! Also, my doctor before was Dr. Martinez... he owns a lying in hospital I think... btw, where do the navalta clan live?

The Navaltas are mostly from the towns of Balaoan and Luna... it feels good to see these developments in Sn fdo... haaay... i can still remember those days that i have to go to san fdo just to access internet!!! lol

kent23

July 6th, 2009, 07:41 PM

hello...i am currently doing a research study on La Union...more specifically San Fernando...do you know where can i get a Socio Economic Plan of the place...is it possible if you could post it here

ergit222

July 7th, 2009, 01:09 AM

hello...i am currently doing a research study on La Union...more specifically San Fernando...do you know where can i get a Socio Economic Plan of the place...is it possible if you could post it here

hi kent, try here http://www.neda1.net/ :cheers:

kent23

July 7th, 2009, 01:38 AM

hi kent, try here http://www.neda1.net/ :cheers:

Thank you so much...hhmm one more thing...do you know where can i get info like soil classification, climate etc. for San Fernando?

ergit222

July 7th, 2009, 06:12 AM

^^http://www.sanfernandocity.gov.ph/city/cityprofile.php

hugodiekonig

July 7th, 2009, 01:33 PM

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_999198356l.jpg
Zambrano Building

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_419436889l.jpg
San Fernando Central Busines District

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_665052242l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_957522645l.jpg
Juanita Tower

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_101324954l.jpg
Marcos Building

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_490389050l.jpg
St. William The Hermit Church

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_353567098l.jpg
Odeon

hugodiekonig

July 7th, 2009, 01:35 PM

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_851421801l.jpg

hugodiekonig

July 7th, 2009, 01:43 PM

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_532726970l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_257103990l.jpg

hugodiekonig

July 7th, 2009, 02:07 PM

Northern Luzon tourism still in good shape despite crisis
By DEXTER A. SEE
July 4, 2009, 4:34pm

BAGUIO CITY – The tourism industry in Northern Luzon is still in good shape despite the onslaught of the global financial crisis as domestic and foreign tourists continue to use the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) in Clark, Pampanga as jump-off point.

This was reported by Victor Jose Luciano, president and chief executive officer of the Clark International Airport Corp. (CIAC), during the eighth leg of a roadshow in the country which was held here to provide tourism stakeholders with an update on the developments in the tourism industry.

While airports around the world have recorded a 16 percent reduction in tourist arrivals in the first five months of this year, the CIAC executive said, DMIA registered a 27 percent increase in tourist arrivals during the same period this year.

From 7,000 tourist arrivals in 2003 when DMIA started operations, the airport is set to record its two million tourist arrivals in the coming days, he said.

This is an indication that more tourists are coming to the country even with the effects of the global financial crisis, Luciano said, adding that one reason is the better infrastructure and availability of budget flights.

The CIAC executive said that Northern Luzon is an important part of DMIA’s program to promote international and domestic flights at DMIA.

He said DMIA offers to passengers low-cost flights to and from areas in the Asia-Pacific, United States and Europe, and this is another reason for the continuous increase in tourist arrivals in the past few years.

President Arroyo has envisioned DMIA as a premier international gateway of the country because of its potentials for the expansion of its operations and improvement its facilities.

Despite the debilitating effects of the global financial crisis in other countries, Luciano said, DMIA is recording better performance and fast becoming the premier airport of the country.

CIAC, he said, also provides air linkages between DMIA and other airports in Northern and Central Luzon in order to increase the frequency of tourist travels.

Luciano said DMIA is approximately two to four hours drive from major cities in Northern and Central Luzon, and as such it is strategically located as the jumpoff point of foreign tourists who want to explore the tourism wealth of the northern part of the country.

He said that investors’ confidence in DMIA has sparked an economic upsurge in Pampanga and neighboring areas, and this could spread to other parts of Northern Luzon once the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) and the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) are linked by the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX) which is expected to be completed in 2011.

hugodiekonig

July 7th, 2009, 02:49 PM

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_289482455l.jpg
at 6 pm

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_881402628l.jpg
At 8 pm

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_753871934l.jpg

hugodiekonig

July 7th, 2009, 02:54 PM

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_729472454l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_815718642l.jpg

hugodiekonig

July 7th, 2009, 03:02 PM

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_629125636l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_534292259l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_844512349l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_981750202l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_649825180l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_931288608l.jpg

hugodiekonig

July 7th, 2009, 03:05 PM

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_843243658l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_272448101l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_336783331l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_769591575l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_216529911l.jpg

kent23

July 7th, 2009, 08:28 PM

^^http://www.sanfernandocity.gov.ph/city/cityprofile.php

hehe thanks i saw that info already...i was hoping for a more detailed information...well looks like i really have to visit the city hall to get my data huh =D

ergit222

July 8th, 2009, 10:53 PM

thanks hugodiekonig for the photos...i miss my hometown already.

modern city

July 9th, 2009, 10:58 AM

I'll post photos of La Union soon. Too bad, I left my cellphone USB adaptor in Manila. Well, Thunderbird Resort's "Santorini Dome"(I don't know how to call this hehehe) is now becoming a symbol of the city's modern architecture, in addition to the tall builings being constructed elsewhere. San fernando is now becoming equal to the neighbouring bigger cities such as Baguio and Dagupan in my opinion, thanks to its strategic location and its government's good governance.

I love the province of La Union. I believe the local government has stepped up to the plate in terms of making San Fernando City one of the most business friendly cities in the Philippines. The city now has a fair share of modern architecture - from schools to hospitals, from malls to resorts. And aside from all these developments, the farmlands give that needed contrast making the city modern yet has a small town feel which we love. (Many thanks for the updates and pictures.)

hugodiekonig

July 10th, 2009, 05:46 PM

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_376637333l.jpg

hugodiekonig

July 10th, 2009, 06:13 PM

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_510538672l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_868458996l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_331399127l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_177683706l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_970200599l.jpg

hugodiekonig

July 10th, 2009, 06:21 PM

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_692026312l.jpg
College Canteen

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_132501603l.jpg
Father Burgos Gym

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_176624450l.jpg
Main Building

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_187787040l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_775296531l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_178540412l.jpg
College Library

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_532726970l.jpg
San Luis Del Mar

hugodiekonig

July 10th, 2009, 06:24 PM

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_601554303l.jpg

hugodiekonig

July 10th, 2009, 06:26 PM

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_291703746l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_903929843l.jpg

hugodiekonig

July 10th, 2009, 06:37 PM

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_449238530l.jpg

hugodiekonig

July 10th, 2009, 06:38 PM

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_165232455l.jpg
IRH Hospital

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_859582962l.jpg
Virginia Building

hugodiekonig

July 10th, 2009, 06:40 PM

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_781042398l.jpg

hugodiekonig

July 10th, 2009, 06:45 PM

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_363200941l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_853452198l.jpg

hugodiekonig

July 10th, 2009, 06:47 PM

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_813301439l.jpg

hugodiekonig

July 10th, 2009, 06:48 PM

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_116852660l.jpg

hugodiekonig

July 10th, 2009, 06:49 PM

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_983322645l.jpg

hugodiekonig

July 11th, 2009, 01:53 PM

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_346321022l.jpg

ergit222

July 12th, 2009, 06:12 PM

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h319/ergit222/thunderbird/DSC03952.jpg
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h319/ergit222/thunderbird/DSC03953.jpg
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h319/ergit222/thunderbird/DSC03954.jpg
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h319/ergit222/thunderbird/DSC03955.jpg
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h319/ergit222/thunderbird/DSC03957.jpg
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h319/ergit222/thunderbird/DSC03960.jpg
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h319/ergit222/thunderbird/DSC03961.jpg
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h319/ergit222/thunderbird/DSC03962.jpg
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h319/ergit222/thunderbird/DSC03963.jpg
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h319/ergit222/thunderbird/DSC03964.jpg

hugodiekonig

July 12th, 2009, 10:45 PM

hugodiekonig

July 13th, 2009, 09:33 PM

hello ssc, good morning! ano kaya ang financial status ngayon ng San fernando and other La Union towns as well as of 2008? Puro kasi 2007 figures nandito sa net. Meron na kayang nai-release na 2008 figures? research ko kasi. thanks!

hugodiekonig

July 18th, 2009, 05:26 AM

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_148454258l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_688217393l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_688217393l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_196336222l.jpg

dave3

July 19th, 2009, 09:24 AM

Here's a video I took of San Fernando.

lrSf5y3MsG8

dave3

July 19th, 2009, 09:25 AM

And here's one of the CSI Mall.

4uDO7c0e1UQ

hugodiekonig

July 19th, 2009, 02:49 PM

ngee wala namang photo. yehey me kababayan narin ako hehehe

hugodiekonig

July 21st, 2009, 12:41 PM

La Union Avian Influenza Contingency Plan Up

Charlie O. Balanon

In observance of the national disaster consciousness month, the Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Office 1 and the Office of Civil Defense Region I jointly hosted the Avian Influenza Contingency Planning Formulation- Workshop for the provinces of La Union and Ilocos Sur at the Pangasinan Regency Hotel, Calasiao, Pangasinan on July 1-3, 2009.

The 3-day workshop is for the formulation of a Contingency Plan (CP) in the event of an Avian Influenza (AI) outbreak in order to prevent or better respond to the emergency especially when it reaches a critical situation. The CP is a mechanism to pull resources together through an inter-agency coordination at the advent of early warning signals of an impending emergency particularly AI.

In his welcome address, Eugene G. Cabrera, Director of the Office of Civil Defense-Region 1 cited “the need to increase the capacity of Local government units(LGUs) and to be provided with higher level of awareness in disaster management. This Workshop is in memory of those who died of previous disasters... Let us then make use of available resources to mitigate disaster and reduce casualties.” He enjoined LGUs to be prepared for something we are expecting.” As disaster preparedness is a process that includes readiness in identifying potential response structures, mechanisms and resources focused to specific emergency prior to its occurrence, Cabrera emphasized the vital role of LGUs.

Dr. Julia Raquel Rimando - Magalong of the Health Emergency Management Service, Department of Health-Center for Health Development in Region 1, discussed the “Human side” of Avian Influenza particularly in the disease identification and management while Dr. Ma. Gracia D. Flores, Animal Health Division of the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) under the Department of Agriculture (DA) discussed the “Animal Side" as well as Aviation Influenza Protection Program (AIPP) of the Philippines which aims to keep the country Avian Influenza free; the control and eradication of bird flu in domestic fowl, the control of transmission from fowl to human and the mitigation of public health and socio-economic impact of pandemic influenza.

Through threat assessment, Dr. Flores expalined that AI may reach the country through illegal trade of live poultry and exotic birds, migratory bird habitats, and human cases from other countries. She also reminded the participants that emerging global concerns such AI, terrorism, global warming and climate change cannot be avoided but we can mitigate their effects through timely, effective and timely planning thru team approach.

The La Union AI Technical Working Group (AITWG) is headed by Dr. Nida N. Gapuz, the Provincial Veterinarian. The formulated CP identified the risk areas of the province particularly on probable habitats of migratory birds. This will be the basis of specific actions of the provincial team to combat the disease.

The La Union delegation to the workshop are from the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian, Provincial Information and Tourism Office, Department of the Interior and Local Government-La Union, Local Government Unit of Naguilian, San Fernando City Veterinarian Office, La Union Provincial Police Office, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office and Department of Education.

hugodiekonig

July 21st, 2009, 01:00 PM

Duque, Esperon grace 111th Independence Day rite in Region I

http://www.sanfernandocity.gov.ph/news/photo/news125a.jpg

Comprehensive Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (CLEEP) Stewards Secretary Francisco T. Duque III of the Department of Health and Secretary Hermogenes C. Esperon, Jr. of the Presidential Management Staff spearheaded the celebration of the 111th Independence Day on June 12.

The two stewards were given full military honors by the Philippine National Police upon arrival at the celebration site infront of San Fernando City Hall.

They were welcomed by Presidential Assistant for Northern Luzon Dr. Enrie A. Mendoza, La Union Vice-Governor Eulogio Clarence Martin de Guzman III, San Fernando City Vice-Mayor Pancracio Nisce, and PNP Regional Director P/Supt Ramon V. Gatan.

http://www.sanfernandocity.gov.ph/news/photo/news125b.jpg

Simultaneous with the celebration in Cotabato City where President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo led the rite, Secretaries Duque and Esperon led the flag raising at the city plaza followed by the laying of the Presidential wreath at the monument of Dr. Jose P. Rizal.

Wreaths from the provincial government of La Union offered by Vice-Governor Eulogio Clarence Martin de Guzman III together with the members of the Provincial Board and that of the city government of San Fernando offered by Vice-Mayor Pancrasio Nisce with the city council followed.

The Union Masonic Lodge No. 70 and Siete Marteres No. 117 also offered wreaths in honor of the martyrdom of our heroes.

During the program proper, Duque emphasized the various health-related assistance programmed for Region I; the different employment opportunities awaiting our displaced workers, the youth and those who are in need of jobs locally and overseas, together with the different livelihood opportunities for our constituents, in his keynote address.

Duque and Esperon awarded around 7,377 employment contracts to pre-selected beneficiaries from 14 regional line agencies with jobs varies from bantay gubat, bantay dagat, and forest extension officers of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources; administrative aides of the Department of National Defense – Philippine Navy, Department of Health – Center for Health Development I (DOH-CHD I), DOLE - Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, DOLE – Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, DOLE – Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board, Department of Tourism, at Department of Social Welfare and Development; utility workers, Tulong Pangkabuhayan para sa Ating Disadvantaged Workers (TUPAD) workers at Nurses Assigned in the Rural Service (NARS) of the DOLE; SRA/watchman workers of the Department of Science and Technology; administrative projects/construction workers of the Department of Public Workers and Highways; price monitors of the Department of Trade and Industry; Civil Registration System/Information Technology Project workers of the National Statistics Office and utility workers of the National Telecommunications.

These employment contracts falls under the CLEEP project of the government as directed under Executive Order 782, mandating all government agencies to allocate 1.5% of their total MOOE budget.

For the livelihood assistance awarded by the CLEEP stewards to identified beneficiaries, a total of 1,546 checks totaling to P9,878,150.00 were given from seven agencies namely Department of Agrarian Reform, DA-BFAR, DOH-CHD, DOLE, DOLE-OWWA at DENR.

Around 2,355 Pangulong Gloria Scholarship Program from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and 556 Student Financial Assistance Program of the Commission on Higher Education that covers five components namely: 1) One Town One Scholar, 2) Full Merit Scholarship, 3) Half Merit Scholarship, 4) Tulong Dunong and 5) Study Now Pay Later.

All the recipient-beneficiaries were accompanied by the respective agency heads during the awarding.

Right after the program infront of the city hall, Duque and Esperon, together with the other guests, regional executives, government employees and private organizations proceeded to the CSI The City Mall where the Mega Jobs and Livelihood Fair is being held.

The CLEEP stewards led the ribbon cutting ceremonies at the entrance of the mall signaling the opening of the jobs and livelihood fair and at the entrance of the grocery store for the ‘Diskwento Plus’ program of DTI, giving away 10-50% discount on selected items from the grocery and non-grocery goods.

A 30-minutes press conference followed where Duque and Esperon clarified issues on the Influenza A(H1N1) virus and the jobs offering awaiting aspirants’ applicants.

Around 5,000 people flack to the mall during the opening of the mega jobs and livelihood fair. (PIA RO-I/La Union)
http://www.sanfernandocity.gov.ph/news/photo/news125d.jpg

By: : Jennilyne C. Role

hugodiekonig

July 22nd, 2009, 02:16 PM

hello la union pipz! Hugo Die König here! Me search nanaman ba uli ng AIm Most competitive small city in Rp ngayong year? Good luck san fernando city! hehehe

hugodiekonig

July 23rd, 2009, 02:22 PM

yeah makitakbo sana tayo sa august 2 kasabay ng tacloban para sa 33rd Milo marathon!

hugodiekonig

July 26th, 2009, 05:21 AM

La Union town withdraws plan to host Baguio landfill
By DEXTER A. SEE
July 25, 2009, 6:10pm

ARINGAY, La Union – Succumbing to a snowballing opposition, municipal officials in this fifth-class town were forced to withdraw their plan to host an engineered sanitary landfill of Baguio City.

This developed even as the Region 1 office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has given the “green light” for the construction of the dump facility here.

Mayor Teresita Ong told members of the municipal council that she is withdrawing her endorsement of the plan of the municipal government to serve as host of Baguio’s engineered sanitary landfill, noting the avalanche of criticisms the local government had been subjected to by various sectors.

The withdrawal of the endorsement of the sanitary landfill project was seen as a political move on the part of incumbent officials. They succumbed to the criticisms leveled against them as the critics cited the perceived negative effects of the landfill to the health of their constituents living in communities surrounding the facility.

Under the plan, Aringay is supposed to receive an annual payment of P34 million from Baguio City once the landfill project is pushed through. It will also be allowed free use of the facility as its dumpsite in compliance with Republic Act (RA) 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.

Representatives of certain sectors, who requested anonymity, said Aringay had lost a good opportunity to comply with the law requiring the establishment of its sanitary landfill without any cost to the municipal government, adding the P34-million annual payment by the Baguio City government would also improve the economic condition of the town.

hugodiekonig

July 26th, 2009, 11:29 AM

http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/9769/allure1.jpg

A model at Thunderbird Resort, Poro Point, La Union

hugodiekonig

July 26th, 2009, 11:37 AM

http://www.paraisophilippines.com/img/la%20union.jpg

www.paraisophilippines.com

hugodiekonig

July 26th, 2009, 12:15 PM

http://www.thepoint.com.ph/images/hires/main_imageexplore.jpg

Explore La Union
A
La Union is called the “surfing capital of the north” and is home to several beaches and other natural sites. It is also only an hour’s drive away from the country’s summer capital. It is a historic, cultural province that boasts several centuries-old churches and remnants of its long, rich history.

Surfing
The surf fronting Monaliza in Urbiztondo, San Juan is the best site for board surfing from November to February. Other recommended sites are in Carlatan and Wallace in San Fernando.

Scuba Diving - Fagg Reef
This is the most famous diving site in the area. The site may also be referred to as The Tanks as three WW2 M10 tanks were dropped off a barge at the end of the war and came to rest on a ledge part of the way down the drop-off at 39m. As a result, they have become home to a wide and diverse range of marine life.

Botanical Garden
The first of its kind in the Philippines, this is a 20-hectare scientific garden that’s the center of laboratory research in Northern Luzon. Showcases include the Sunken Garden, Medicinal Garden, Chinese Garden, Japanese Garden, and Fragrance Garden.

Kasay Marine Sanctuary
Thirty hectares of devoted area for the rehabilitation and replenishment of fishery and other coastal resources.

Museo de La Union
Located at the Provincial Capitol ground in San Fernando, the Museum showcases archaeological finds in La Union during the pre-Spanish period.

Shrine of Our Lady of Namacpacan
The century-old church of St. Catherine in Luna, formerly called Namacpacan, houses the miraculous image of Our Lady of Namacpacan, patroness of Ilocano travelers.

www.thepoint.com.ph

hugodiekonig

July 26th, 2009, 12:22 PM

World renowned Spanish Architect Angel Sueiro heads the design and construction team of the Point, La Union. Architect Sueiro independently designed numerous casino projects, including the Gran Casino PLC in Margarita Island, Venezuela, the Jump Up Casino in Saint Maarten and the Gran Casino Aranjuez in Madrid. With his vast experience, he has worked on casino design—as illumination specialist to designer and project manager—in various South American projects. A former partner and art director of Nova, a graphic design and corporate firm in the Dominican Republic, he received a degree of Tecnico Superior from Cofisad in La Corua, Spain in 1993.

Thunderbird Resorts has commissioned Mr Paulo Alcazaren of PGAA Creative Design as the Landscape Architect for the Point. Mr. Alcazaren, the principal of the firm has over 25 years of experience in design profession and was awarded by the Professional Regulation Commission as Professional of the Year in the field of Landscape Architecture in 2002.

He also set up his affiliate offices, PDAA Design Pte Ltd in Singapore, Malaysia and India.

With Mr. Angel Sueiro and Mr. Paulo Alcazaren, let their masterpiece unfold at the Point, La Union.

The Point Residences

Welcome to The Point Residences. It’s where you can live your dreams.

The Point Residences is a sprawling 65-hectare Mediterranean-inspired development at San Fernando, La Union, with a luxury hotel, a challenging golf course, a fancy beach club, and an exciting set of first-class entertainment venues for the entire family.

It’s where classic meets modern, where East meets West, where fantasy meets reality. At The Point Residences, your life is wrapped in modern comforts – at your own private villa. Grab your share of this property north of Manila today. Stop dreaming, own a piece of paradise and start living.

Latest Endeavor of Thunderbird Resorts

The Point Residences, is the latest addition to Thunderbird resorts latest endeavor. Together with internationally renowned designer Angel Sueiro and a leading international firm of architects and designers, has created several options for you. The Point Residences aims to allow you the ease of owning and designing your dream villa.

http://thepointresidences.wordpress.com/

hugodiekonig

July 26th, 2009, 12:29 PM

http://www.thepoint.com.ph/images/hires/main_imageclimate.jpg

www.thepoint.com.ph

hugodiekonig

July 26th, 2009, 12:33 PM

http://www.thepoint.com.ph/images/hires/main_imagephoto.jpg

http://www.thepoint.com.ph/images/photogall/photo01.jpg

hugodiekonig

July 26th, 2009, 12:40 PM

http://www.thepoint.com.ph/images/hires/main_imagelocate.jpg

The Point Residences is one of the flagship projects currently underway in San Fernando, La Union in the northern Philippine island of Luzon. It has been cited by the Philippine government as a catalyst for the development of the Poro Point Special Economic and Freeport Zone into a major tourism attraction that can compete with Phuket and Bali.

The Point’s close proximity to other Asian countries and territories makes it an ideal destination for commercial service to the Asian market.

Getting there

From Manila you can either take the plane or drive by land. Take the North Luzon Express way and pass by SCTEX and take Tarlac exit. Drive straight ahead Pangasinan until you reach Urdaneta and Pozzorubio. Take the bridge to La Union and drive pass towns of Aringay, Caba and Bauang. Take a left turn upon reaching Pennsylvania Road after passing Oasis Hotel. This road leads to The Point Residences.

www.thepoint.com.ph

hugodiekonig

July 27th, 2009, 03:34 PM

hello po! bale sa la union ang poro point, sa san fernando city especially.

ergit222

July 28th, 2009, 12:03 AM

@ergit222

nice hotel room! san banda yang poro na yan?

hello po! bale sa la union ang poro point, sa san fernando city especially.

Here's a google map of poro point (http://maps.google.ca/maps?hl=en&um=1&q=San%20Fernando%20Peninsula,%20San%20Fernando%20City,%20La%20Union,%20Philippines&ndsp=20&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wl)

hugodiekonig

July 28th, 2009, 06:36 AM

PGMA's SONA is factual, says mayor

By Jennilyne C. Role

San Fernando City, La Union (28 July) -- Yesterday's State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has drawn varied reactions from various stakeholders of the society.

"PGMA's SONA have touched various accomplishments which were actually felt by the people. Her SONA is indeed very good and enlightening. Our family (Ortega clan) has the same sentiments and reactions about the President's SONA," San Fernando City Mayor Pablo Ortega said.

Former San Fernando City Mayor Mary Jane C. Ortega commended the President for delivering a very good speech.

"It was a fighting speech where she presented every accomplishment in every services of the government. She even laid down her plans for the last months of her term," Ortega added.

As to the data of accomplishments cited, Ortega claimed that all are facts based on statistics given by the different government agencies.

For his part, La Union Vice-Governor Eulogio Clarence Martin de Guzman III said, "Basically, facts of achievements cited from infrastructure, economy, health and the like are true. Statistics-wise, it is based on actual reports submitted to her."

"We have to give credit to her administration. She really worked hard and it is really very hard to be a president, just like us, local officials. Let the people give the final rating," de Guzman added.

From the media sector, DZSO-Bombo La Union station manager John Sison stressed that the President just gave very factual statement of accomplishments over the years.

"The SONA, in general, is okay. Personally, I affirmed to her statement," Sison added.

Mario Casimiro of the Provincial Government of La Union said that the President have given the right message, well organized thoughts armed with continued passion for a stronger republic.

"PGMA deserves the salute of the Filipino people," Casimiro claimed.

On the other hand, Espher Tinaza, a national government employee stressed that the SONA is okay, it is armed with proof and it is really good.

"Amidst global economic crisis and moves of the leftist, the President remains steadfast in making the country progressice. Maganda ang SONA," Tinaza closes. (PIA-RO1/La Union)

hugodiekonig

July 28th, 2009, 06:44 AM

1,024 household-beneficiaries receive 4Ps "conditional cash grants"
By Jennilyne C. Role

San Fernando City, La Union (24 July) -- A total of 1,024 household-beneficiaries receive their respective "conditional cash grants" from the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in Bagulin, La Union during the launching at the municipal plaza yesterday.

A total of P1.495 million was released to the identified beneficiaries as cash subsidy for the months of May and June 2009, directly given to them through the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) – San Fernando Main Branch personnel who were invited to be on the site for the distribution of the recipient's subsidy.

DSWD Director Leonardo Reynoso explained to the residents that each recipient family will receive monthly for a period of five (5) years a P500.00 cash for health purposes and additional P400.00 each studying child with a maximum of three (3) children per family for educational expenses.

"The money given is not a dole out from the government. Rather, it is a ‘conditional cash grants' where certain parameters should be met in order that recipients can continuously avail the monthly cash grants," Reynoso added.

Among the conditions cited include: 1) pregnant women must get pre- and post-natal care, and be attended during childbirth by a skilled/trained health professional; 2) parents or guardians must attend responsible parenthood sessions, mother's classes, and parent effectiveness seminars; 3) children 0-5 years old must receive regular preventive health check-ups and vaccines; 4) children aged 3-5 years old must attend day care or pre-school classes at least 85% of the time; and, 5) children 6-14 years old must enroll in elementary or high school and attend at least 85 percent of the time.

"Ang 4Ps ay alay ng ating Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo sa ating mga kababayang mahihirap, na sa panaginip ay hindi nila inaasahan," Reynoso claimed.

On the otherhand, Director Oscar Mabalot of the Commission on Population Region I stressed that the 4Ps is the best program ever given by the President for the poor where the money was given to the recipients directly, never will it pass to the hands of the agencies nor local government units.

Teresita Flores-Baladad, a recipient of the cash grants clamor that the program will be helping the poor people a lot.

"Idi damo, saan kami mamati, idi umayda agsurvey, ngem idi ibagadan nga makaawat kami iti tulong manipud iti gobierno, naragsakan kami. Kasla tagtagetnep ngem agpayso gayam (At first, when they conducted the survey, we really don't believe that there is such a thing, but when they informed us that we will now be receiving our cash grants from the government, indeed we are happy. As if it is just a dream, but its true)," Baladad said.

For Director Margarita V. Sampang, 4Ps Program Manager of the DSWD, expressed joy as she witnessed how grateful and happy are the recipients receiving their money.

"Sana makita natin and kahulugan ng programang ito tungo sa kaunlaran ng bawat pamilya at ng buong sambayanang Pilipino," Sampang said.

Two more recipient municipalities of the program which include Santol, La Union with 918 beneficiaries and Sugpon, Ilocos Sur with 292 beneficiaries are scheduled on July 27 and July 29, respectively. (PIA-RO1/La Union)

hugodiekonig

July 29th, 2009, 02:35 PM

Weekly simultaneous races in 26 cities to highlight
33rd National MILO® Marathon

Kaya Mo ‘Yan. These words of encouragement will surely inspire participants to this year’s National MILO® Marathon, as the country’s longest and most prestigious running event will hold weekly simultaneous races in 26 key cities nationwide, a first in marathon history.

This was revealed by MILO® officials when they launched the 33rd edition of the National MILO® Marathon at the Manila Bay Ballroom of the Bayview Park Hotel Manila. The highly-successful affair was graced by Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) commissioner Eric Loretizo and sports, games and recreation officer 2 Abby Rivera as well as Nestlé executives led by SVP and business executive manager for beverages Dennis Austriaco, AVP and MILO® sports events executive Pat Goc-ong, MILO® sports executive Andrew Neri and MILO® sampling champion Yvette Papasin.

*The 33rd National MILO® Marathon
National Finals will be held on October 11, 2009

Expressing their support for the event were National MILO® Marathon race organizer Rudy Biscocho, Cricelda Marte and Dafrosa Zagala of the Department of Education, Bayview Park Hotel Manila general manager Eugene Yap and sales and marketing supervisor Precy Mendoza, 2008 National MILO® Marathon queen Mercedita Manipol-Fetalvero and Publicis Manila business unit director Charmaine Campañer and activations director Cathy Arguelles.

Over the years, the National MILO® Marathon has produced scores of champions that have brought honor to the country, at the same time spreading awareness about living a healthy lifestyle. Discussing the weekly simultaneous races in 26 cities, Goc-ong says, “It’s another challenge that we’re definitely looking forward to and we know that this will further add excitement to the event, which gets bigger with each staging.”

The 33rd National MILO® Marathon begins on February 8 with races in Subic and Dipolog. Succeeding races will then be held on February 15 in Batangas and Iligan and on February 22 in General Santos and Palawan. After a 4-month break, marathon action will resume in Manila and Cebu on July 5, Davao and Tarlac on July 12, Butuan and Santiago on July 19, Cagayan de Oro and Laoag on July 26, Tacloban and San Fernando on August 2, Tagbilaran and Baguio on August 9, Roxas and Dagupan on August 16, Iloilo and Legazpi on August 23, Bacolod and Naga on August 30 and Dumaguete and San Pablo on September 6.

The National Finals will be in Manila on October 11, where the men’s and women’s division champs will take home P75,000 each as well as the honor of being crowned Marathon King and Queen. Runners-up in each division will get trophies and P50,000 each.

Cash prizes also await the top 10 finishers of the 21K, 10K, 5K and 3K categories as well as the Biggest School Delegation, Cheer Dance and Inter-school running competitions.

The 33rd National MILO® Marathon will showcase the following events: 3K kiddie run, 5K fun run, 10K run, 21K half marathon and 42.195K open Metro Manila elimination race and a 42.195K final race. Complementing these are the other fun events like the biggest school delegation contest, the inter-school running team competition and the cheer dance competition from grade school, high school and college participants.

Since it started in 1974, the National MILO® Marathon has grown both in the number of participants and prestige. The first MILO® Marathon was held on May 26, 1974 with some 767 runners taking part in the event. Through the years, it has enjoyed much success, consistently attracting scores of participants. Last year’s event featured more than 200,000 runners with a similar turnout expected this year.

As the National MILO® Marathon gears up for what looks to be yet another successful quest to touch lives and build champions; runners, families and the youth can certainly look forward to an eventful and rewarding experience that only the National MILO® Marathon can deliver.

The 33rd National MILO® Marathon is supported by Bayview Park Hotel Manila.

hugodiekonig

July 29th, 2009, 02:42 PM

http://thepoint.com.ph/images/hires/main_imagehome.jpg

Welcome to The Point Residences
by Thunderbird Resorts

The Point Residences by Thunderbird Resorts
A sprawling 65-hectare development north of Manila complete with a luxurious hotel, a challenging golf course, a fancy beach club, and exciting entertainment venues for the entire family. Where old meets new, East meets West, fantasy meets reality. And where your dream life of modern comforts wrapped in classic Mediterranean style can be fulfilled in your own private villa.

Stop dreaming. Grab a piece of this unique property in San Fernando, La Union. And start living. Now

www.thepoint.com.ph

hugodiekonig

July 29th, 2009, 03:38 PM

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_883852747l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_970756798l.jpg

hugodiekonig

July 29th, 2009, 03:42 PM

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_470300878l.jpg

4 HOURS AGO (MERON NA ULI ANG MGA TRAFFIC LIGHTS!!! AFTER MONTHS OF BEING UNOPERATIONAL)

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_109201418l.jpg

46 HOURS AGO - THE OLD, ABANDONED ODEON BUILDING

hugodiekonig

July 29th, 2009, 04:03 PM

hello po mga ssc pipz! how true po yung balak na gawing baywalk na parang sa manila yung ilocanos to carlatan area? naku sana mangyari iyan hehehe.

hugodiekonig

July 30th, 2009, 05:17 PM

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_106291917l.jpg

ergit222

July 31st, 2009, 10:37 PM

http://www.thepoint.com.ph/images/hires/main_imagedream.jpg

The Point Residences is a sprawling 65-hectare Mediterranean-inspired development at San Fernando, La Union, with a luxury hotel, a challenging golf course, a fancy beach club, and an exciting set of first-class entertainment venues for the entire family.

It’s where classic meets modern, where East meets West, where fantasy meets reality. At The Point Residences, your life is wrapped in modern comforts – at your own private villa. Grab your share of this property north of Manila today. Stop dreaming, own a piece of paradise and start living.

http://www.thepoint.com.ph/images/hires/main_imagelocate.jpg

The Point Residences, is the latest addition to Thunderbird resorts latest endeavor. Together with internationally renowned designer Angel Sueiro and a leading international firm of architects and designers, has created several options for you. The Point Residences aims to allow you the ease of owning and designing your dream villa.

http://www.thepoint.com.ph/images/hires/main_imagephoto.jpg

World renowned Spanish Architect Angel Sueiro heads the design and construction team of the Point, La Union. Architect Sueiro independently designed numerous casino projects, including the Gran Casino PLC in Margarita Island, Venezuela, the Jump Up Casino in Saint Maarten and the Gran Casino Aranjuez in Madrid. With his vast experience, he has worked on casino design—as illumination specialist to designer and project manager—in various South American projects. A former partner and art director of Nova, a graphic design and corporate firm in the Dominican Republic, he received a degree of Tecnico Superior from Cofisad in La Corua, Spain in 1993.

http://www.thepoint.com.ph/images/hires/main_imagehotel.jpg

Thunderbird Resorts has commissioned Mr Paulo Alcazaren of PGAA Creative Design as the Landscape Architect for the Point. Mr. Alcazaren, the principal of the firm has over 25 years of experience in design profession and was awarded by the Professional Regulation Commission as Professional of the Year in the field of Landscape Architecture in 2002.

http://www.thepoint.com.ph/images/hires/main_imageexplore.jpg

He also set up his affiliate offices, PDAA Design Pte Ltd in Singapore, Malaysia and India.
With Mr. Angel Sueiro and Mr. Paulo Alcazaren, let their masterpiece unfold at the Point, La Union.

hugodiekonig

August 2nd, 2009, 02:47 PM

hello ssc pipz, anyone online? hehehe. How is San Fernando performing now on AIM survey this year? Is san Fernando still ther most competitive small city this year? hehehe thanks!

hugodiekonig

August 3rd, 2009, 02:42 PM

Town wants to host Baguio landfill
La Union town officials bare offer

By DEXTER A. SEE

August 2, 2009, 6:54pm

Tubao, La Union — After its neighboring town of Aringay, this province withdrew its proposal to serve as site for a sanitary landfill for Baguio City, this fifth-class municipality has signified its intention to be the host of Baguio’s engineered landfill facility.

Municipal officials have informed the Baguio City government of their willingness to host the latter’s long-overdue sanitary landfill after they conducted consultations with some groups of residents.

The proposal states that Tubao would host Baguio’s sanitary landfill in order to increase its internally generated funds. It would also enable it to comply with the law on solid waste management as the municipality could also use the facility as its dumpsite.

However, the proposed offer would be pushed through only if the residents approve the plan to host the sanitary landfill. This would require the conduct of consultations in order to get the pulse of the people on the plan as this could adversely affect the health of the people and the state of the environment.

Upon learning of Tubao officials’ plan to host Baguio’s sanitary landfill, some concerned groups in Aringay town, which had earlier withdrew its proposal to host the facility, vowed to campaign for the outright rejection of the offer by the people because, they said, it could result in the pollution of the Aringay River.

Some sectors in this town said they will seriously study the proposal of the municipal officials for the town to serve as dumping site of over 280 tons of garbage collected daily in Baguio City

hugodiekonig

August 3rd, 2009, 03:25 PM

Thunderbird Resorts rainy day specials

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

THE day quickly changed from sunshine to rain, so decide now whether you choose to be in the East or in Greece.

It's a perfect time to bond with your family and loved ones.

For updates from around the country, follow Sun.Star on Twitter

Stay dry while having an ideal leisure and relaxation at Thunderbird Resorts that offers a perfect getaway to escape the blues this rainy season.

Mediterranean winds to Thunderbird Resorts-Rizal

Blow its wind to a 45-minute drive from the city to the mountain getaway experience that drizzles with leisure and satisfaction.

With the package rate that starts at P3,888 this will surely ease the cold weather to a warm experience. Package includes an overnight stay with breakfast for two, use of swimming pool, refreshing welcome drinks and butler service.

Raining in Santorini at Thunderbird Resorts - Poro Point

Spend your raining moments and feel the luxurious Grecian experience without travelling to the real Santorini in Greece and pay expensive fare.

Get that real treat for a package rate starts at P4,000 which includes an overnight stay for two with room over viewing South China Sea, breakfast for two at Olives Restaurant, use of swimming pool and refreshing welcome drinks.

Rainy Day Promo is valid until September 30, 2009. For Inquiries and reservations call our Makati Office at 886.5555 or log on to www.thunder birdresorts.com/philippines.

Thunderbird Resorts is located at Eastridge Ave, Binangonan in Rizal and at Poro Point Freeport Zone, San Fernando City in La Union.

-Published in the Sun.Star Baguio newspaper on July 30, 2009.

hugodiekonig

August 3rd, 2009, 03:36 PM

Tarcelo tops La Union race

By CLYDE MARIANO
August 2, 2009, 7:31pm

SAN FERNANDO, La Union — Marson Tarcelo led from the start to win the San Fernando leg of the 33rd National Milo Marathon elimination race Sunday that started and ended in front of the provincial capitol.

Tarcelo clocked 1:15.44 to pocket the top prize P10,000 and earn a trip ticket to the finals for the second time since 2006.

“Umpisa pa lang kumalas na ako. Hindi na ako lumingon at tuloy-tuloy yung takbo ko sa finish line,” said Tarcelo, who trained only for one month in his province in Benguet.

Tarcelo said he could have pushed himself to better his personal best 1:13 if the opposition was tough.

“Walang nag push sa akin. Maganda sana yung time dahil maganda yung panahon,” said Tarcelo, a father of three.

Joel Bengtay, who tried to chased Tarcelo at the halfway mark, finished three minutes behind in 1:18.1, missing the 1:15 qualifying standard. He consoled himself with P6,000 second prize.

Rommel Flora checked in third in 1:20.04 to bag P4,000.

Veteran Flor Carreon surpassed the qualifying 1:35 in winning the women’s race. She timed 1:34 and received P10,000.

Frejielyn Roncales, a UAAP standout from University of Santo Tomas, was a far second in 1:55.07.

Andy Mendoza won the 10k in 30.45 and Jessa Mangsat topped the distaff side in 41.40, beating runner up Mercy Lagitao in 50.46.

A total of 4,000 runners, 100 of them competed in the main race 21k supervised by race director Rudy Biscocho in coordination with the city government headed by Mayor Pablo Ortega.

hugodiekonig

August 5th, 2009, 03:17 PM

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_746945456l.jpg

hugodiekonig

August 5th, 2009, 03:18 PM

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/1_514838770l.jpg

hugodiekonig

August 5th, 2009, 03:28 PM

La Union grieves over Cory's death

By Jennilyne C. Role

San Fernando City, La Union (4 August) -- The province of La Union joins the world in grieving over the death of former President Corazon 'Cory' Aquino who battled from 18 months of colon cancer.

La Union Vice Governor Eulogio Martin Clarence de Guzman III said that the province also mourns the death of former President Aquino during an ambush interview by PIA staff at the Provincial Capitol, this city, yesterday.

"The death of a great person, who was armed with great zest and battled for true democracy for the country is indeed a great loss. We cannot do otherwise but to grieve," de Guzman said.

"The province is at half mass to show respect to the woman behind our freedom who once ruled the Philippines," de Guzman added.

Also, the city government of San Fernando headed by Mayor Pablo C. Ortega shows support and oneness to the country's grieving moment as the flag infront of the city hall is at half mass.

Joanne Mendoza, a graduating high school student of the La Union National High School School, this city, said, "Ang pagkamatay ni Presidente Cory ay isang kawalan ng isang mabuting tao na nagsilbing inspirasyon sa sambayanang Pilipino."

"Habang-buhay kong dadalhin and "laban" sign at ang kulay dilaw," Mendoza closes. (PIA RO1/La Union)

ergit222

August 7th, 2009, 05:31 AM

http://www.launion.gov.ph/e107_themes/fs_08/fbox/tmpl_images/pugo.jpg

hakz2007

August 7th, 2009, 05:36 AM

^^^ang Pugo, malapit na yan sa Benguet, di ba ergit?

hugodiekonig

August 7th, 2009, 07:22 AM

http://www.launion.gov.ph/e107_themes/fs_08/fbox/tmpl_images/pugo.jpg

Diba naawardan po yan last year as cleanest inland body of water in Region 1?hehehe

springcity

August 7th, 2009, 09:02 AM

Hello San Fernando and the rest of La Union province!

i just want to share the beauty of my province, SURIGAO.

please feel free to post/promote in our thread about your lovely place too.

Bucas Grande Island

http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj246/lagat_bucket/784286150_49993a6125_m.jpg

http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj246/lagat_bucket/2858012260_9f524582f3_m.jpg

http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj246/lagat_bucket/Sohotoninside-1.jpg

http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj246/lagat_bucket/07212007052-1.jpg

http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj246/lagat_bucket/07212007044-1.jpg

Guyam Island

http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj246/lagat_bucket/guyam-1.jpg

Daku Island

http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj246/lagat_bucket/2900791875_cf62950048_b-1.jpg

Naked Island

http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj246/lagat_bucket/3040267961_1df5b15243_o.jpg

http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj246/lagat_bucket/1505587545_5ea3f1fdd7_o.jpg

YOHOHO Island, Siargao

http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj246/lagat_bucket/yohoho_lagoon_new.jpg

http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj246/lagat_bucket/KAOBisland-1.jpg

Resorts in siargao

Pansukian Tropical Resort

http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj246/lagat_bucket/siargaopool3.jpg

http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj246/lagat_bucket/p7.jpg

http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj246/lagat_bucket/p8.jpg

http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj246/lagat_bucket/p10.jpg

http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj246/lagat_bucket/p12.jpg

http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj246/lagat_bucket/p2.jpg

Club Tara

http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj246/lagat_bucket/clubtara-1.jpg

http://i274.photobucket.com/albums/jj246/lagat_bucket/DSC03130-2.jpg

808 state

August 7th, 2009, 12:54 PM

^^WOW SURIGAO! thanks for sharing!:cheers:

hugodiekonig

August 7th, 2009, 05:21 PM

WOW Surigao!!! I think my province, La Union and Surigao has something in common, and that is both are famous as surfing spots in the country. Hope I can visit Surigao someday. Thanks for the photos of Surigao!

hugodiekonig

August 16th, 2009, 04:45 AM

Long time no visit SSC! hehehe havent heard any news about San Fernando and La Union

ergit222

August 17th, 2009, 09:06 PM

http://www.sanfernandocity.gov.ph/news/photo/news128a.jpg

The strict implementation and campaign against illegal fishing proved too be reaping the benefits when a group of local fishermen reported a whale shark (butanding) sighting off the sea coasts of Barangays Lingsat and Carlatan.

According to Dolores Gurtiza of the City Agriculture Office, said that the particular “butanding” was being sighted in the sea waters of Agoo and Aringay, La Union and at Barangay San Agustin, during the rainy months of June and was reported to have been returning to the San Fernando Bay from time to time but it was the first time that it lingered longer off the local sea waters. “Butanding,” with its scientific name, Rhincodon typus, is known to be migratory in nature and 40 of them is known to have a sanctuary in Donsol, Sorsogon Province.

Gurtiza added that it was again sighted by a Philippine National Police official based in Camp Diego Silang in Carlatan on June 6 and it was reported to her only on June 7. On June 15, it was found to be still swimming in the vicinity.

The fishermen who went with Gurtiza reportedly spent some of their fishing time that day, playing with the whale shark while riding in motorized boats. She averred that it was the same specie which visits the local coasts from time to time.

“It played with the fishermen, one of them tried to ride but it dived at the bottom of the sea,” Gurtiza added that the whale sharks are usually harmless to humans rather, they are playful.

Mayor Pablo C. Ortega, who immediately rushed to the site, attributed this to the abundance of planktons and rich marine vegetation in the area, including the intact coral reefs in the area in line with the local government’s drive for environmental concerns.

http://www.sanfernandocity.gov.ph/news/photo/news128b.jpg

The fish is said to be about 18 feet long, according to William Castañeda, a resident of Lingsat and the fisherman who first reported the sighting to Gurtiza.

“Butandings do not like dynamited waters, that’s why it is here,” Gurtiza said and expected that the said fish will return.

ergit222

August 17th, 2009, 09:21 PM

8MzvvcAkXZI

wise_zech

August 18th, 2009, 01:41 PM

wow ang laki nang butanding.....

ergit222

August 20th, 2009, 03:24 PM

By DANNY JUNCO
August 20, 2009, 2:11pm

The Philippine shipping industry is in grave peril because of a hidden danger that lurks in the guise of fair trade and enlightened consumerism.

Robert Lim Joseph, chairman emeritus of the National Association of Independent Travel Agencies (NAITAS), disclosed that foreign interests are asking for skipping cabotage, which is the transport of goods and people between two points within the Philippine territorial waters.

He said that foreign-owned vessels are not only asking the Philippine government to be able to operate in the country like domestic shipping companies but also to give them tax exemptions, something which are not enjoyed by local bottoms despite problems like high oil costs.

“This means the death of the local shipping industry,” warned Joseph, who described himself as “provocateur” of nation building for true and real fair trade. “By any definition, it means economic sabotage through cabotage.”

At present, he said, foreign ships can pick up cargoes from, say, Davao, , to Europe and other countries like Singapore . But foreign interests want to pick up goods and passengers from, again, say Davao, to Cebu, Manila and other points in the country.

The Philippine international ports are those in Manila, San Fernando (La Union), Batangas City, Legaspi City, Iloilo City, Cebu City, Tacloban City, Surigao City, Cagayan de Oro City, and Zamboanga City.

Joseph warned that the foreign vessels are promising lower fares and freights than Philippine ships, but this is because of tax exemptions they seek to be made available for their operation here.

“Even if they invoke fair trade, this is not a level playing field because they (the foreign interests) want tax exemptions which will not be given Philippine shipping companies,” he stressed. “This is unfair trade!”

Joseph said the basic position of NAITAS and many groups supporting nation building is for fair open seas where there are equal opportunities to all players under a reciprocal arrangement.

He noted that the airline industry of the Philippines, being a former Commonwealth country, had earlier asked the American government to be granted cabotage for them to pick up passengers and cargoes in Guam to Honolulu and to Los Angeles in California and from the West Coast to the East Coast, but this was rejected.

source (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/216797/foreign-shippers-seek-operate-local-routes)

hugodiekonig

September 14th, 2009, 10:58 AM

Ngee bakit wala nang nagpopost dito sa thread na ito?

ergit222

September 14th, 2009, 11:22 PM

http://ourparadisephilippines.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/Thunderbirds-Resort.jpg

hugodiekonig

September 17th, 2009, 12:28 PM

Yow men!!! I'm Back! Hugo Die König here!!! I miss posting photos here, but unfortunately something happened to my phone, that's why at this time i can't post some photos from my beloved province of La Union.

ergit222

September 29th, 2009, 08:22 PM

how's la union after ondoy?

hugodiekonig

September 30th, 2009, 01:08 PM

how's la union after ondoy?

Well La Union is very lucky that she was not devastated by the typhhon. Our province was not declared under the state of calamity. People of La Union must be thankful for that

ergit222

September 30th, 2009, 09:19 PM

Well La Union is very lucky that she was not devastated by the typhhon. Our province was not declared under the state of calamity. People of La Union must be thankful for that
I thank God for that news. La Union is still blessed. My thoughts go to all victims in these trying times. Bangon Pilipinas, kaya natin ito!

hugodiekonig

October 1st, 2009, 02:34 PM

4th La Union Surfing Break Urbiztondo Beach, San Juan, La Union, Philippines

October 30, 31 & November 1, 2009

About the Event

The La Union Surfing Break had a successful reprise last year after its launching in 2006. It is conceptualized to educate and expose surfing to the general public through proper teaching methods. Timed during semestral break, the target market of the event was students from Manila, Baguio and other Northern Luzon cities. Among the three other well-known surf sites in the Philippines --- Siargao in Surigao del Norte, Baler in Aurora and Daet in Camarines Sur --- La Union is the most accessible for those coming from Mega Manila. The event turned the beach cove of Urbiztondo, San Juan, La Union into the likes of one hot summer getaway in Boracay.

The staging of La Union Surfing Break in the past three years was a tremendous success if we are to gauge by the steady increase of the number of people that participated in the event, as well as the media coverage and exposure it generated. It has positioned La Union as the Surfing and Active Lifestyle Holiday Destination of the Philippines. It was also told that the activity has become a “buzz word” in the surfing community.

In the bigger picture, the La Union Surfing Break is a real nudge to La Union’s over-all tourism industry as well as other business ventures. With the expected influx of people coming over, the goal in the end is to ensure the event leaves a trail of small business start ups, idea transfers, and enough momentum to promote La Union as a sports and adventure destination as well as the premier surfing destination in North Luzon, prepared and ready to take on an influx of tourists.

Event Components

Surfing Clinics
The same surf clinic module implemented in the past 3 years will be used this year. Each registered participant will be entitled to an hour surf lesson. With 30 surfboards and 10 hours per day, we can accommodate 600 trail surfers for two days. Schedule of surf lessons shall be issued upon registration. While waiting for turns for the surf clinic, frisbee and beach volleyball games will be continuously running. Local Surfing Competition shall be held on Day 3 of the event.

Beach Olympics/Activities
The side events that took place in the past three years were huge success in keeping the surfer participants busy while waiting for their turn. So successful were they that idea to expand these concepts took place. This year, fun activities open to the public include Frisbee, Sand Castle Fun Building Contest, Bike Race Competition, Surf Board Design Competition, S.I.L.I.P Photography Contest, Fire Dance Clinics.

Beach Volleyball
This is the classic beach game which cannot go missed. Teams will travel to compete, or can be formed together by interactive game marshals monitoring interested individuals wanting to play. Interested teams will get competitive and compete for the LUSB Beach Volley Tournament.

La Union Amazing Race Challenge
It is a race against time with a competitive team element. The race consists of a series of clues to get from one checkpoint /pit stop to another. Route Markers which will either contain a Road Block or Detour shall be in place to each checkpoint where the team or one of their members must complete a given task before going on to the next pit stop/checkpoint. Route Markers mark the location of additional route information; Road Blocks on the other hand, shall outline a specific task to one member which one must complete to be able to proceed while detour gives a choice of two tasks the whole team must complete before moving on. The first team to reach the final pit stop/checkpoint shall be the winner of the race.

Sunset to Midnight Halloween Beach Party/Oktoberfest
News of the beach party which took place last year was spread like fire through campuses and schools when the students went back to school. This event definitely made its impact in the students’ social scene. This year aims to have more bands and a fashion search with more people attending the party concert.

ergit222

October 6th, 2009, 10:33 PM

^^4th year na pala yan. way to go LU...

ergit222

October 7th, 2009, 06:50 PM

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h319/ergit222/skyscraper/masterplan.jpg

ergit222

October 8th, 2009, 09:16 PM

Posted on September 28th, 2009
By Lynda B. Valencia

http://goodnewspilipinas.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/san_juan.jpg
San Juan Beach

La Union is the smallest province in Region 1 whose bustling industries mark the beginning of what used to be called “Marcos country.”
It is a lovely stretch of land, shaped like a left footprint, nestled between the calm waters of the China Sea in the west and the vast ranges of the Cordillera Mountains in the east.
The name La Union –- Spanish term for “the union” or “the unified” -– applies most appropriately to a province born out of the fusion of towns from the provinces of Ilocos Sur, Pangasinan and Benguet more than a century-and-a-half ago.
The province was created by virtue of a Superior Decreto (Executive Decree) issued on March 2, 1850 by then Governor-General Antonio Maria Blanco. The establishment of La Union as a province was formally approved by the Real Orden (Royal Decree) of Queen Isabella II of Spain on April 18, 1854.
As a province, La Union had withstood the rigors of wars — first against the Spaniards in order to gain independence from tyrannical rule, then against the Americans in order to defend the hard-fought independence from the Spaniards, and lastly against the Japanese in order to redeem and protect the independence promised by the Americans.
Tourism Secretary Joseph “Ace” Durano said La Union province has flourished since its creation in 1850 and it is now the seat of the regional government.
“Through the years, the province has contributed a significant share to the economic, social, cultural and political development, not only to the region, but of the nation as well,” Durano added.
La Union is composed of one city and 19 municipalities, namely, San Fernando City, Rosario, Sto. Tomas, Pugo, Agoo, Tubao, Aringay, Caba, Bauang, Naguilian, Burgos, Bagulin, San Juan, San Gabriel, Bacnotan, Santol, Balaoan, Luna, Bangar and Supiden.
San Fernando, the capital city, stretches along a portion of the shoreline of Lingayen Gulf and San Fernando Bay in the west.
The city of San Fernando is the culminating point of the Hong Kong-San Fernando regatta, which is held every year. Along the town’s eastern boundary lie the municipalities of Bagulin and Naguilian. Bauang is in the south and San Juan in the north.

From Agoo, stretching northward to San Juan, the coastline is dotted with numerous beach resorts, offering varied types of accommodations and facilities.
Bauang is known for its wide, open beaches and calm waters. Along the highways in Bauang and Caba are grape vineyards, which produce one of the sweetest grapes in the country, while San Juan is internationally famous for its year-round surfing waves.
On the other hand, Poro Point, San Fernando and the Bauang Reef are the best areas for scuba diving and snorkeling.
Bagulin, La Union’s highest point at 1,200 feet above sea level, is ideal for trekking and mountain-biking. Nature lovers will enjoy the 10-hectare Botanical and Zoological Garden in Cadaclan, seven kilometers from San Fernando City proper. The upland park features theme gardens, picnic areas, a natural museum and an aviary.
San Fernando has nine-hole golf courses at Poro Point and at Camp Oscar Florendo. Poro Point is being developed into a world-class golf course. Lawn bowling, duckpins, darts and indoor games can also be played at many of the beach resorts.

http://goodnewspilipinas.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/bauang_beach.jpg
Bauang Beach

For lovers of beach, one can go to San Nicolas Beach, a historical one because it served as an entry point of Japanese traders during the pre-Spanish period. Darigayos-Paraoir Beach was Camp Spencer, a USAFIP-NL headquarter during World War 2. Bauang Beach, a stretch of grayish sand beach in Barangays Baccuit and Paringao, has lots of resorts, while San Juan Beach is famous for its waves which is ideal for lovers.
The Ma-cho Temple is another important landmark frequently visited by Taiwanese, Americans and Manila tourists. On a hill north of San Fernando proper, this Taoist temple was built for worship and offerings. Ma-cho is the goddess of the sea and has a special affection for people residing by the sea. It enshrines the images of the Virgin of Caysasay.
Pindangan Ruins is all that remains of the first church of San Fernando, which was made of coral stones in 1674. This was the center of the settlement that was to become the former capital town of San Fernando.
Museo Iloko is located besides the Agoo municipal building. It houses religious artifacts, antique furniture, porcelain wares and miniature dolls depicting Filipino traditions.
Meanwhile, Museo de la Union is another museum that is located at the west-northwest of the provincial capitol. It showcases archaeological finds in La Union.
La Union is also noted for her Ilocano blanket (inabel) in Bangar, the pottery industry in San Juan, the exotic basi (Ilocano wine), and the woodcarvings in Naguilian, shell craft in Bauang, brooms in Burgos and Bagulin and bamboo craft in Caba.
Other attractions include the Christ on the Mount, which is likened to “Christ of the Andes” of Chile and Argentina. This magnificent landmark stands atop a hill overlooking the town of Tubao, 36 kilometers from San Fernando; Grotto of our Lady of Lourdes, a religious shrine carved out on the mountainside at the end of Dona Toribia Aspiras road; presidential rest house which is ideal for group outings, conferences and sports activities.
But no trip to La Union is complete without savoring the “jumping salad.” Hie off to Nuval’s Carinderia where a fresh catch of shrimps waits.

http://goodnewspilipinas.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/la_union_beach.jpg
La Union Beach

“Jumping salad” goes like this: Get a bowlful of live shrimps; clam a small plate on top to make sure no one escapes; lift the plate a teeny bit and quickly squeeze on a fistful of native lemon; shut the bowl while the shrimps writhe in agony; then grab a handful of rock salt and throw it in, with a plate of basi vinegar at hand; open the bowl. The shrimp will be dazed. Take one shrimp, pull off its head, soak the rest in the plate of vinegar and plop it into your mouth. That’s jumping salad.
San Fernando can be reached after an eight-hour trip from Manila via any of the Ilocos-bound buses. From Baguio City, San Fernando is an hour’s drive via Naguilian road. The Marcos Highway also meets La Union at the Tubao junction.
Air services (chartered) from San Fernando City airport are also available.
Within San Fernando, the most convenient public transport is the jeepney, although tricycles and a few taxicabs can be hired for short distances. In Bauang, boats can be hired to reach diving, snorkeling, swimming and fishing spots.
(Story courtesy of PNA Feature)

ergit222

October 8th, 2009, 09:18 PM

Posted on October 7th, 2009
http://goodnewspilipinas.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/agoo_arch.jpg
Agoo Arch, La Union
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) awarded to Agoo, La Union the prestigious Confucius Prize for Literacy in recognition of the municipal government’s effort to eradicate illiteracy in its areas of jurisdiction over the past several years.
Mayor Sandra Eriguel received from UNESCO representatives a $20,000 check and appropriate citations for their excellent literacy programs which had been implemented by the local government over the past years.
Earlier, the Department of Education (DepEd) elevated to the Hall of Fame the municipal government here in the Class A municipalities and the municipal government of Tubungan, Iloilo in the Class B category for their excellent performance in the implementation of innovations in their respective literacy programs to attain a 100 percent literacy rate in their places.
Eriguel cited the support of the private sector and stakeholders coupled with the political will of the local government as instrumental in their achieving a 99.3 literacy rate – one of the highest so far for a first-class municipality in the country.
Under her administration, Eriguel enhanced basic and functional education literacy program by tapping day-care teachers to be trained as mobile literacy teachers in the barangay under the Kaalaman Mo, Sagot Ko program whereby illiterates are the priority to be taught.
At the same time, the local government strengthened the special education program for persons with disabilities who are blind, deaf or behaviorally and mentally challenged.
The town also institutionalized the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Summer Day-Care and Pre-school program in the villages as well as the family basic literacy program and the Pagsasarili Mother Craft literacy course.

hugodiekonig

October 10th, 2009, 08:21 AM

waaa nabaha kami dito bauang.

ergit222

October 21st, 2009, 01:38 AM

http://www.sanfernandocity.gov.ph/news/photo/news153.jpg
http://www.sanfernandocity.gov.ph/news/photo/news151d.jpg
http://www.sanfernandocity.gov.ph/news/photo/news151b.jpg
http://www.sanfernandocity.gov.ph/news/photo/news134.jpg
http://www.sanfernandocity.gov.ph/news/photo/news135.jpg

dave3

October 22nd, 2009, 09:43 AM

We've been without city-supplied water for a few weeks in San Fernando now. Normally the water only comes certains days of the week, and often only in the middle of the night, but now there's nothing.

The MLUWD (Metro La Union Water District) says the main line in Naguilian is broken and it will take 2-3 more months to fix, and that 13 barangays are affected. Supposedly they have some backup water supply for 2 hours a day at low pressure, though it never reaches us because our house is on a hill.

We're ok because we have a well, also, but it's hard for a lot of people here.

hugodiekonig

October 22nd, 2009, 09:45 AM

the first photo is sa canaoay yung pader ng airport

ergit222

October 23rd, 2009, 06:38 PM

^^dave3, that's too bad. 2-3 months waiting for supply of drinkable water is quite an inconvenience for you. pangalalaan yo ngayen danum yo dita?

dave3

October 25th, 2009, 12:02 PM

Thanks, we're ok so far since we have our own well. We're lucky it's the rainy season and the well can keep up. Sometimes during the dry season we can't pump enough water.

We use the city water supply as a backup, and to help out during the dry season, but many depend on it as their only source of water. We filter it and use it for household use, but I wouldn't want to drink it.

ergit222

October 26th, 2009, 02:38 AM

808 state

October 26th, 2009, 03:26 PM

THUNDERBIRD - SAN FERNANDO CITY
http://i34.tinypic.com/2vlqmxe.jpg

http://i37.tinypic.com/2nkovx2.jpg

http://i36.tinypic.com/23mpol.jpg

http://i38.tinypic.com/2sb1iz5.jpg

http://i33.tinypic.com/2vnq6g5.jpg

http://i37.tinypic.com/1zqpvzc.jpg

http://i38.tinypic.com/rbxevs.jpg
Source (http://phototecture.blogspot.com/2009/09/rediscovering-la-union.html)

808 state

October 26th, 2009, 03:41 PM

SAN JUAN
http://i37.tinypic.com/21bnade.jpg

http://i35.tinypic.com/jpiowi.jpg

http://i33.tinypic.com/2lvfm9g.jpg

http://i34.tinypic.com/infolt.jpg
Photo credit: tuesday_osoyos (http://www.flickr.com/photos/tuesday_osoyos/)

808 state

October 26th, 2009, 03:42 PM

LORMA MEDICAL CENTER - SAN FERNANDO CITY
http://i38.tinypic.com/11trek1.jpg

http://i37.tinypic.com/2qkqhe9.jpg

http://i34.tinypic.com/2cleop.jpg

http://i36.tinypic.com/2dbmf09.jpg

http://i36.tinypic.com/2nq9wu0.png

http://i34.tinypic.com/2iq8g6.jpg

http://i36.tinypic.com/2mc7r40.jpg

http://i37.tinypic.com/25he4vp.jpg

http://i35.tinypic.com/n6yz2p.jpg

http://i36.tinypic.com/2zz0vt3.jpg

http://i37.tinypic.com/35hjy82.jpg

http://i37.tinypic.com/dbl47m.jpg
Photo credit: Lorma Medical Center (http://lmc.lorma.org/)

808 state

October 26th, 2009, 03:44 PM

SAN FERNANDO CITY
http://i34.tinypic.com/6nyplf.jpg

http://i35.tinypic.com/259gwee.jpg

http://i38.tinypic.com/11sk22q.jpg

http://i35.tinypic.com/2dak4g5.jpg

http://i37.tinypic.com/2ufrqfn.jpg
Source: TravelPod (http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-city/Philippines/san%20fernando%20(launion)/tpod.html)

ergit222

October 27th, 2009, 06:52 AM

thanks 808 state for sharing some great shots...

808 state

October 27th, 2009, 02:48 PM

^^ you're welcome!:cheers1: just keep an eye out for more:)

ergit222

October 30th, 2009, 06:22 AM

La Union gears up for surfing break
By EUGENE Y. SANTOS
October 24, 2009, 6:19pm

http://www.mb.com.ph/sites/default/files/Surf.jpg

Surfing is not only an art or a sport, but also a leisurely activity. Through the years, it has enamored different types of people all over the globe from mere spectators whose curiosities are sparked by surfers in action to daring water lovers looking for an adventure. In the Philippines, La Union is one of the places to go to when one is looking for a good surfing spot near Manila.

The Department of Tourism (DoT) Region I recently launched the 4th La Union Surfing Break from October 30 to November 1, 2009 in La Union’s Urbiztondo Beach in San Juan.

The La Union Surfing Break started in 2006 to give the general public proper education and exposure to surfing. Students from Metro Manila, Baguio, and other Northern Luzon cities are the target market so it is timed along with the semestral break of various universities.

“We were thinking of a concept similar to the U S during the spring break of college students,” said DoT Regional Director Martin Valera. “Initially, it was intended for students from Manila and nearby provinces to come over to La Union to learn how to surf,” he added.

Aside from surfing clinics, the event’s components include racing competitions, a photography contest, a surf board-designing competition, a sand castle-building contest, and sports games such as beach volleyball and Frisbee. A Halloween beach party in sync with Oktoberfest 2009 is also slated for party people as well as a Search for Surfing Bodies 2009 bikini challenge.

According to Valera, an estimated 3,000 visitors went to La Union for the Surfing Break last year. He added that an estimated 300 to 400 visitors come to La Union to surf every weekend.

Adamor Dagang, Provincial Tourism and Information Officer, said that hotels and tourism facilities in the area are now ready to receive guests and are prepared for any weather condition. Alternate vehicle routes in the Urdaneta area and nearby towns were also opened to the public to provide a good road network.

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/226255/ripping-waves

c6josh

October 31st, 2009, 02:32 AM

808 state

November 7th, 2009, 02:27 PM

Ufw2FkAUlQw&NR

Sky Harbor

November 7th, 2009, 03:00 PM

Good evening La Union! :D

I hope you don't mind if I do a little OT plug. If you're between 18 and 35 and you want to be a driver of change in Southeast Asia, then join SEAchange, Southeast Asia's largest youth movement for personal change! Also, you may win one of 500 trips to Kuala Lumpur to attend the 2009 Youth Engagement Summit (YES2009). Hurry, there are only 200 slots left!

Visit http://philippines.youthsays.com/seachange/go/Fcw to find out more and join. Membership is free! It's time we become true agents of change, in La Union, the Philippines and throughout Southeast Asia! Don't forget to spread the word! :D

(I hope I'm not being overly spammy here. I'm just bored. :tongue2:)

naughtycalboy

November 26th, 2009, 09:18 AM

lgseccionph

December 3rd, 2009, 05:48 AM

Our Lady of Namacpacan 50th year draws tourists, devotees (http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=6&sid=&nid=6&rid=244819)

MANILA, Dec. 2 (PNA) -- Crowds of devotees and tourists from all over the country and the globe participated in the historical 50th year of canonical celebration of Our Lady of Namacpacan in Luna, La Union.

The commemoration of the papal bull issued by Pope XXIII on the coronation of Our Lady of Namacpacan in 1959 is considered one of the nation’s cultural and religious highlights, drawing foreign and local tourists as well as Filipino balikbayans and members of the foreign and local media.

The event, which was preceded by a concelebrated mass of 100 priests and archbishops from Ilocos and Laoag, was led by Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, Archbishop Edward Joseph Adams.

It also marked the inauguration of Our Lady of Namacpacan Museum which preserves several solemn queenly attires of the Marian image, dating back from the 1800 to the present.

“Part of our country’s unique attraction to tourists is our culture of devotion to our Catholic faith, which is replete with cultural rituals, colorful feasts and warm celebrations that stand out from the rest of the world,” said Ace Durano, Secretary of Tourism.

Carved in Spanish soft wood, measuring 7-feet tall, the original image of Our Lady of Namacpacan stays at the 100-year old church of St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish, a significant pilgrimage site built in the 18th century by Augustinian Friars.

Recounting his personal miracle, Nestor Abuda Sr., Executive Secretary of the Parish Pastoral Council of St. Catherine of Alexandria Parish, said after a stroke left half his body paralyzed, he devoutly went to mass at the church everyday, never failing to kiss the feet of the image of Apo Baket, the Lady's other revered name.

After three years, the only hint left of his once paralyzed body is a slight limp as he walks around aided by a cane.

Abuda went on to mention that the townsfolk also hailed the miraculous hand of the venerated Lady for protecting them from the recent storms which have wrecked havoc to surrounding areas in the North.

In his homily, Archbishop Adams chose to venerate Our Lady of Namacpacan for guiding the people closer to God, which he deemed as the reason for the celebration.

The Catholic Church is known to be vigilant regarding miraculous claims made by people on their revered saints and images. These stories though have become part of passionate Marian devotions throughout the country.

With several tourists flocking to the celebration, the Department of Tourism (DOT) organized tours of Luna town, and surrounding areas of La Union, “Religious festivities in the country are always complemented with exploration of our heritage sites, beaches, coves and other interesting landmarks in the area,” shared Eduardo Jarque, Jr., Undersecretary for Planning and Promotions.

The town of Luna, a well-known stopover for those traveling in the North, used to be called Namacpacan, which means to offer food and shelter.

The town is famous for various sites such as the century-old Watch Tower, a pre-Spanish defense post situated right by the shores of Luna beach. Apart from the magnificent structure, the beachfront is known for pebble picking, with various shiny colored stones lining up the shores.

“For the younger generation who come with their parents to join the religious rites, we provide other exciting activities, foremost of which is surfing,” said DOT Region 1 Director Martin Valera. (PNA)
LOR/PR/utb

808 state

December 7th, 2009, 10:53 AM

"Rimat ti Amianan" opens 8th annual exhibit (http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&r=&y=&mo=&fi=p091207.htm&no=34)

San Fernando City, La Union (7 December) -- The "Rimat ti Amianan", an annual activity / exhibit showcasing the various products and designs of different exhibitors coming from the provinces of La Union, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and Pangasinan as well as in the Cordilleras, opens recently at the City Plaza grounds.

Now on its eight year, the activity caters at least 159 exhibitors, with various products like the bagnet, empanada, kalamay, chichacorn, and bibingka, from Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur; basi, wooden furnitures, pure honey, daing, Natomo super kalan, and inabel from La Union; puto–kutsinta, bagoong, native sweets from Pangasinan; woven sweaters, blouse and jackets from the Cordilleras; flowering and ornamental plants, toys, leather goods and a lot more are sold at affordable prices.

Highlights during the activity which starts from Dec 4-20 are Inter-School Dancesports Competition, Inter-school Sportsfest 2009, Search for Mr. and Ms. SBO Sportsfest, Search for Mr. and Ms. Rimat Ti Amianan, Inter-School Cheerdance Competition, Search for Mutya ng Kabataan 2009, Food Festival, Folkloriko, Ginoong Filipinas La Union Pageant and a lot more surprises.

Technology Demonstrations like Massage & Reflexology, Manicure & Pedicure, Empanada Making, Seawood Processing, Integrated Goat Management, Mango Processing, Abalone Culture and Fish Tapa, and Plasti awaits interested would be entrepreneurs.

Congressman Victor F. Ortega together with the City's first lady Madam Mariquita P. Ortega cut the ceremonial ribbon and led the tour of exhibits during the opening ceremony.

According to Congressman Ortega, the Rimat ti Amianan is a very nice project which needs to be fully sustained as it helps a lot of micro, small and medium enterprises market their products.

City Mayor Pablo C. Ortega defines this annual trade fair as a potential event and a very effective promotional medium where one can market and buy high quality products being locally produced in the region.

Board Member and Trade & Industry Committee Chairman Henry Balbin said that the Provincial Government can ensure its full support to this annual activity, and for the benefit of the SME's – being the "backbone of our economy", the Provincial Government has revisited the La Union Investment Incentive Code to enhance a more effectively way of doing business here in the province.

Rimat Ti Amianan is a joint project of the Department of Trade and Industry, Provincial Government of La Union and the City Government of San Fernando, in cooperation with the Philippine Chamber Commerce and Industry – La Union Chapter, La Union Hotel and Restaurant Association, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Department of Agrarian Reform, Department of Agriculture, Department of Science and Technology, Department of Tourism, Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University and Technical Education Skills Development Authority.

:cheers::cheers::cheers:

hugodiekonig

December 21st, 2009, 05:19 PM

naku namamatay na ang thread na ito magpost naman tayo. anyway, what's new pala dito sa san fernandoi at la union. any news / current events / developments? thanks!!! i'll post some photos later on.

garzland

December 29th, 2009, 11:41 AM

Ganda ng La Union! :okay:

ergit222

January 1st, 2010, 03:55 AM

http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs211.snc3/21871_1304328296433_1477267040_1455632_2254971_n.jpg
http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs031.snc3/11868_1298053739573_1477267040_1440842_301854_n.jpg
http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs011.snc3/11868_1298058379689_1477267040_1440851_7766104_n.jpg
http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs231.snc3/21871_1304328456437_1477267040_1455636_968330_n.jpg
http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs211.snc3/21871_1304328336434_1477267040_1455633_4573079_n.jpg

ergit222

January 1st, 2010, 04:01 AM

By MYRNA M. VELASCO
December 28, 2009, 5:29pm

Fast-growing independent player Flying V is joining the oil industry’s expansion bandwagon with it allotting P500 million in capital outlay next year to shore up its retail portfolio.

In a statement to the media, the oil firm noted that its forecast investment level will be sourced from array of internally-generated funds, fresh capital infusion as well as “profits and depreciation.” Cast in the company’s investment blueprint are retail networks in 80 more sites – anchored on Flying V’s philosophy at penetrating remote areas “to bring petroleum products nearer to the customer.”

The oil firm lays claims to being the country’s leading oil player among entrants post-deregulation era.

At year’s end, it lists around 203 retail stations, with latest addition of 37 new sites for the year 2009 alone.

The company, over the years, also pumped in investments for five storage facilities strategically established in Poro Point in La Union province, Sta. Ana and Mandaluyong in Metro Manila; Cebu and Davao.

source (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/236040/flying-v-sets-p500m-expansion-budget)

808 state

January 4th, 2010, 10:45 AM

http://i50.tinypic.com/20j3f9e.jpg
net find

PGMA inaugurates Amburayan Bridge in La Union (http://www.pia.gov.ph/default.asp?m=12&r=&y=&mo=&fi=p100104.htm&no=02)
By Miriam P. Aquino

San Fernando City, La Union (4 January) -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo inaugurated recently the Amburayan Bridge in Sudipen, La Union, the longest bridge in the North which serves as the boundary that connects the provinces of La Union and Ilocos Sur.
With the President during the inauguration activities were Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Victor A. Domingo, Japan Ambassador Makoto Katsura, Mr. Yu Sino, in-charge of Economic Section, Japan Embassy, Undersecretary Romeo S. Momo, and La Union Governor Manuel C. Ortega, La Union 1st District Congressman Victor F. Ortega. Also present were Presidential Assistant for Northern Luzon Enrie A. Mendoza, Former Ilocos Sur Governor Luis A. Singson, Department of Agrarian Reform Undersecretary Rosalina Bistoyong, Ilocos Sur Governor Deogracias Victor Savellano, Ilocos Sur 1st District Congressman Eric Singson, Former Mayor of San Fernando City Mary Jane Ortega, Sudipen Mayor Alexander Boquing and Tagudin Mayor Roque Versoza.
Amburayan Bridge is a major thoroughfare for travellers coming to and from the South bound for Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte, Abra, and even the nearby provinces of Cagayan, Isabela and the like or vice versa.
This bridge is a 535 meter, 10 span continuous 24 girder with composite deck slab, RC wall type pier and reversed T type abutments supported by steel pipe pile foundation. Its approach roads A and B measures 325 m. and 210 m.long, respectively.
DPWH officials said that this is a part of the President's Bridge Program being implemented by their agency, with Katahira and Engineers International as their consultant and Toyo-Nippon Steel Miyaji Joint Venture as the contractor.
The bridge project is a 28-months contract which was started on August 23, 2007 and completed on December 09, 2009, with a contract cost of Php 2,388,439,547.55.
Said bridge completion will benefit all residents as well as travelers and uplift the living conditions of people here in this area. Rogelio Dato, a resident of La Union and a former Overseas Filipino Worker, also one of the construction workers who worked for this project, thanked the President for her projects and testified that being a part of this President's Bridge program as a worker, he was able to support his eldest daughter who graduated with a degree of Bachelor of Science in Nursing thru the help of the salaries he received out of this project.
Another beneficiary is Myra Macabitas, a fourth year student in Saint Augustine's School in Tagudin, Ilocos Sur said that with this newly-constructed bridge, "hindi na ko male-late palagi dahil maluwag na ang kalsada at hindi na magkakabuhol-buhol ang trapik lalo na pag may mga malalaking truck na nakakasabay sa pagdaan sa kalsadang ito dahil mas malaki at maluwang na ang daanan at hindi na rin kami mahihirapang pumasok lalo na pag may mga bagyo at baha."
This newly-constructed bridge replaces the old and narrow steel truss bridge which, according to residents and DPWH officials, has been flooded several times in previous floodings.
Distribution of gifts (grocery items) to beneficiaries by the President also took place after the inauguration.
President Arroyo also inaugurated the Quirino Bridge in Bantay, Ilocos Sur earlier this same day before proceeding to the Amburayan Bridge Project inauguration and then departed for Pampanga.

:cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers:

808 state

January 4th, 2010, 10:45 AM

ergit222

January 5th, 2010, 04:12 AM

By Angelo S. Samonte, The Manila Times, Philippines

Jan. 2--Major infrastructure that the Arroyo administration built in its eight years in office sustained the country's economic growth, Malacanang said on Friday. Under the 2006-2010 Medium-Term Public Development Program (MTPDP), the administration spent P94.19 billion for the construction or rehabilitation and improvement of major road arteries, including the P32-billion Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx) and the newly completed Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR) Tollway on the main island Luzon.

The government is constructing the Halsema Highway and Bontok-Tabuk-Tuguegarao Road that when completed would make up the North Luzon Agricultural Quadrangle.

In the Visayas, it is working on the P2.2-billion Bohol Circumferential Road.

Under various stages of rehabilitation and improvement are the Nido-Bataraza-Rio Tuba Road, Panay Island Road Package, Maharlika Highway, Dinagat Island Road Network, Surigao-Davao-Coastal Road, Zamboanga Coastal Road andAwang-Upi-Lebak Maguindanao Road.

Also on the list of completed projects are 22 roll-on, roll-off facilities and seaports as well as airports. These projects, with an aggregate worth of P5.61 billion, are designed to facilitate the movement of people and goods from Luzon to Mindanao, and vice versa.

The government has refurbished the Subic Bay Port at a cost of P8.04 billion. Also improved were Batangas Port, P6 billion; Jagna Port, Ubay Port and Tubigon Port, all in Bohol, P128.08 million; and Lucena Port in Quezon, P32.86 million.

Construction of new airports and improvement of old ones have been undertaken at a cost of P40 billion.

The government has completed the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport in Pampanga and is working on the Poro Point International Airport in La Union.

It allocated P171 billion for the construction of various agricultural facilities nationwide, completing about 17,289 kilometers of farm-to-market roads at a cost of P32.08 billion.

Also, 138,763 hectares of farmland have been brought under irrigation. The productivity of 1,463,461 hectares of farmland has been restored with the repair and rehabilitation of irrigation facilities that serve them.

For social and environment projects, the government spent P91.80 billion for power and energy facilities, P6.46 billion for hospital upgrading, P23.40 billion for relocation and housing and P1.24 billion for sewerage treatment and sanitary landfill.

Altogether, P860.78 billion has been earmarked for the implementation of 149 priority projects.

A total of P242.53 billion has been utilized so far, the government said. The remaining P618.25 billion has been programmed for 71 projects now being implemented and 39 projects still in the pre-construction stage.

source (http://www.elp.com/index/from-the-wires/news-display/139518103.html)

hugodiekonig

January 5th, 2010, 10:52 AM

wow great! Sulong La Union!

ergit222

January 7th, 2010, 03:32 AM

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dGAbPTqNvDk/S0RitIEkfII/AAAAAAAAADs/PCDDK9vxJqw/s1600/8x12-2.jpg

808 state

January 10th, 2010, 12:45 PM

:shocked:^^I'm speechless!

808 state

January 12th, 2010, 11:59 AM

http://i48.tinypic.com/afkinc.jpg

http://i50.tinypic.com/123msmv.jpg

http://i50.tinypic.com/xfswmw.jpg

http://i47.tinypic.com/24l24id.jpg

http://i47.tinypic.com/2qktagz.jpg

http://i49.tinypic.com/4r6cm1.jpg

http://i45.tinypic.com/2rghogi.jpg

http://i50.tinypic.com/zn7epy.jpg

http://i48.tinypic.com/2cf47ya.jpg

http://i50.tinypic.com/2drfldu.jpg

http://i45.tinypic.com/27zgarl.jpg

http://i48.tinypic.com/25at0k6.jpg

http://i47.tinypic.com/2m5fog0.jpg
Photo credit: cierlo (http://picasaweb.google.com/ciela.zafra)

ergit222

January 17th, 2010, 03:50 PM

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs231.snc3/21871_1325337701655_1477267040_1511334_705272_n.jpg
http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs231.snc3/21871_1325337741656_1477267040_1511335_1962049_n.jpg

ergit222

January 17th, 2010, 03:51 PM

http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs211.snc3/21871_1325337821658_1477267040_1511337_6711658_n.jpg
http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs291.ash1/21871_1325337781657_1477267040_1511336_5909517_n.jpg

ergit222

January 17th, 2010, 03:55 PM

http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs291.ash1/21871_1325337901660_1477267040_1511339_118278_n.jpg
http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs211.snc3/21871_1325338021663_1477267040_1511342_1428206_n.jpg

ergit222

January 18th, 2010, 02:05 AM

Fri Jan 15, 12:39 PM

By The Canadian Press

VANCOUVER, B.C. - Shares in Crazy Horse Resources Inc. (TSXV:CZH) jumped more than a third Friday after the company announced it had entered into a letter of intent to acquire two mining exploration permit applications in the Philippines.

Crazy Horse shares were up 13.5 cents or 36 per cent at 51 cents in early trading on the TSX Venture Exchange that quickly saw more than one million shares change hands.

Under the deal, Crazy would purchase Asian Arc Minerals Corp.'s 100 per cent interest in two mining exploration permit applications in return for six million Crazy Horse shares and assumption of all Asian Arc's obligations relating to the underlying property acquisition.

The permits cover the Kayapa Copper-Gold Porphyry Project in north-central Luzon some 15 kilometres northeast of the commercial centre of Bambang and 145 kilometres from a deep water port at Poro Point.

The project is comprised of two mining exploration permit applications over two contiguous claim blocks covering a combined total area of 8,545.5 hectares hosting a large and only partly explored copper-gold porphyry deposit similar to other copper-gold porphyry deposits previously mined in the Philippines.

In conjunction with the proposed acquisition, Crazy Horse said it intended to complete a non-brokered private placement of one million common shares at 50 cents a share for gross proceeds of up to $500,000.

Proceeds are to be used to provide working capital to complete due diligence and any transaction costs associated with completion of the acquisition.

"The proceeds will not be sufficient to undertake drilling on the project and, as such, the company expects to raise additional financing in conjunction with closing the acquisition," Crazy Horse said in a news release.

Read MORE... (http://www.pr-inside.com/crazy-horse-to-acquire-philippine-copper-r1670396.htm)

death327

January 18th, 2010, 10:20 AM

Last weekend, we, my friends and I, visited San Juan, La Union. We stayed in Surfer's Inn.

I so like the beach, the place.

I think the government should really promote this place as a prime Surfing Destination of the country, if not internationally.

So many people are surfing the waves of San Juan, La Union. Wonderful place!

Here are some photos:

http://images.death327.multiply.com/image/1/photos/131/500x500/24/2010launion-468.JPG?et=f8koA0LDS6vG7KhZUlEB5Q&nmid=311222724

http://images.death327.multiply.com/image/1/photos/131/500x500/10/2010launion-454.JPG?et=z0pxm6xekERfaqs%2Cyt2C1w&nmid=311222724

http://images.death327.multiply.com/image/1/photos/132/500x500/32/2010launion-176.JPG?et=7qerFqhhRBkpvBkM6cpcfA&nmid=311224476

http://images.death327.multiply.com/image/1/photos/132/500x500/34/2010launion-178.JPG?et=6NefpQQ2OMXoZTQRBNgKuQ&nmid=311224476

http://images.death327.multiply.com/image/1/photos/132/500x500/35/2010launion-179.JPG?et=qHz7zrecLWsHm%2BcQA4Q50A&nmid=311224476

http://images.death327.multiply.com/image/1/photos/132/500x500/49/2010launion-217.JPG?et=Jl6vW7Tpw7tWz3RfllED8g&nmid=311224476

http://images.death327.multiply.com/image/1/photos/132/500x500/52/2010launion-220.JPG?et=72PPOA78gyjr8msM0aaFTg&nmid=311224476

http://images.death327.multiply.com/image/1/photos/132/500x500/56/2010launion-377.JPG?et=3tciFI4UV%2BAchDvithJUsw&nmid=311224476

http://images.death327.multiply.com/image/1/photos/132/500x500/58/2010launion-379.JPG?et=nCw2jHzRBzFsdCxFG56MHw&nmid=311224476

http://images.death327.multiply.com/image/1/photos/132/500x500/60/2010launion-404.JPG?et=NwP1fXr5nlgHNj4IVER6VQ&nmid=311224476

http://images.death327.multiply.com/image/1/photos/132/500x500/62/2010launion-430.JPG?et=JeH56%2B%2BIEDXuDycel%2CkKTQ&nmid=311224476

http://images.death327.multiply.com/image/1/photos/132/500x500/65/2010launion-446.JPG?et=Nc1zRbRlkRN93r6Dd64aUw&nmid=311224476

hugodiekonig

January 25th, 2010, 02:08 PM

hugodiekonig

January 25th, 2010, 02:42 PM

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/2_324552614l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/2_437449856l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/2_543531352l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/2_646653271l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/2_844100244l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/2_968158607l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/2_929175209l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/2_420440466l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/2_573090644l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/2_256819224l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/2_706974055l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/2_702583507l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/2_473588258l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/2_928331927l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/2_420446773l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/2_109162335l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/2_271899044l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/2_390749778l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/2_302084675l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/2_105525377l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/2_372623002l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/2_493876443l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/2_890429490l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/2_315210993l.jpg

hugodiekonig

January 25th, 2010, 02:48 PM

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/2_576527566l.jpg

hugodiekonig

January 25th, 2010, 02:51 PM

hugodiekonig

January 25th, 2010, 03:04 PM

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/2_471845003l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/2_286955758l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/2_775321950l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/2_938608298l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/2_932886047l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/2_908952044l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/2_914541321l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/2_916050654l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/2_954376428l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/2_939531830l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/2_586066129l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/2_562356860l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/2_316646058l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/2_286101477l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/2_975555083l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/2_613881916l.jpg

hugodiekonig

January 28th, 2010, 11:55 AM

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/2_265074679l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/2_394708599l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/2_890156900l.jpg

2 hours ago:
http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/2_936084148l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/2_950466320l.jpg

http://www.friendster.com/photos/56194641/2/737816018

hugodiekonig

January 28th, 2010, 11:56 AM

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/2_110654202l.jpg

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/2_576065834l.jpg

hugodiekonig

January 28th, 2010, 11:59 AM

Ayan, wala kc ako mahanap sa net na activities ng San Fernando City Fiesta, kaya eto na lang

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/14/64/56194641/2_227883839l.jpg

kita ba? hehehehe

hugodiekonig

January 28th, 2010, 12:04 PM

PGMA leads TPLEX groundbreaking

By Jennilyne C. Role

San Fernando City, La Union (27 January) -- Her Excellency President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will spearhead the groundbreaking ceremony of the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX) Project at Barangay Subusub, Rosario, La Union which will signal the boosting of economic growth and countryside development in the northern corridor.

According to Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Romeo S. Momo, the TPLEX is an 88.58 km. 4-lane high speed toll expressway which is a four (4) year in the making project.

It is divided into two (2) phases, to wit: Phase 1 is the construction of 2-lanes and Phase 2 is expansion into 4-lanes when capacity reaches 25,000 vehicles per day.

"The TPLEX project for its initial 2-lanes has an Php 11.594 billion total base cost (2007 prices) composed of Civil Works (Php 9.601 million), Engineering (Php 0.768 million), Project Management (Php 0.192 million, Contingencies (Php 0.240 million) and Right of Way (ROW) acquisition (Php 0.793 million)," Momo added.

The DPWH will provide support in the form of actual acquisition and funding of ROW in the amount of Php 793 million and cash subsidy of Php 2.907 billion starting 2011 and as of January 4, this year, a total amount of Php 438 million for the ROW acquisition was already released.

ROW acquisition from Tarlac City to Rosales, Pangasinan (Segment 1, -48.70 km) is on-going.

"The project route alignment starts at the terminus of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway Project in La Paz, Tarlac and traverses through the municipalities of Tarlac, Gerona, Paniqui and Moncada, all in the province of Tarlac and the municipalities of Carmern, Urdaneta, Villasis and Sison in Pangasinan province which will end up at the intersection of Rosario-Pugo road in Rosario, La Union," Momo added.

Project components of the 2-lane includes eight (8) interchanges located at Victoria, Gerona, Paniqui, Moncada, Carmer, Urdaneta, Pozzorubio and Rosario with nine (9) toll plazas and two (2) operation center buildings situated at the Carmen Interchange and other Sub-Centers at selected interchange sites.

TPLEX will have 11 waterway bridges, two (2) viaducts, 66 underpasses/1 overpass and tollway facilities to include toll equipments, rest areas, administrative buildings and maintenance depot.

Through public bidding, the government represented by the DPWH has awarded the contract which is inclusive of design, construction, financing operation and maintenance of the concession to Private Infrastructure Development Corporation (PIDC) on a Build-Transfer-Operate (BTO) scheme.

PIDC is a consortium of 10 Filipino private contractors namely D.M. Consunji, Inc.; First Balfour, Inc.; D.M. Wenceslao & Associates, Inc.; C.M. Pancho Construction, Inc.; RD. Policarpio & Co., Inc.; J.V. Angeles Construction Corporation; J.E. Manalo & Co., Inc. New Kanlaon Construction, Inc.; EEI Corporation; and Rockford Development Corporation and San Miguel Corporation/Rapid Thoroughfares, Inc.

The design consultant is Filipinas Dravo Corporation (FDC), a leading design and engineering consulting firm based in the Philippines while the supervision consultancy will be provided by a top Filipino consultancy firm, the DCCD Engineering Corporation.

The designated tollway operator/advisor is Tollways Management Corporation (TMC).

DCCD Associate and Deputy Project Manager of the TPLEX Melchor P. Sirilan said that the project will reduce travel time from Manila to Baguio from 6 to 3 hours with a safe speed of 80 kph, enhance super regions competitive advantage, stimulate economic growth and development and provide faster and effective access for agricultural products from the north to the major population centers in Luzon.

"The TPLEX will commence before the end of this year and the start of the partial operations will be on March 2012 for the Tarlac-Carmen section, April 2012 for the Carmern-Urdaneta section, and October 2014 for the Urdaneta-Rosario section," Sirilan concluded.

After the groundbreaking, the President will award the Project ICC to Samson C. Lazo, President of the PIDC. (PIA-R1/La Union)