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Bicol Region or Bicolandia is one of the 16 regions of the Philippines occupying the Bicol Peninsula at the southeastern portion of Luzon island and some other islands.

It consists of six provinces, namely, Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Masbate, and Sorsogon. It has one independent chartered city, Naga City, and six component cities, Iriga City, Legazpi City, Ligao City, Masbate City, Sorsogon City, and Tabaco City.

The inhabitants speak the Bikol language, wherein the standard language is Bikol Coastal. The commercial/financial centers and transportation hubs are Legazpi City, the Regional Center and the Gateway City to Bicolandia, and Naga City, The Heart of Bicol and The Home of Our Lady of Peñafrancia.

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Albay is a province of the Philippines located in the Bicol Region in Luzon. Its capital is Legazpi City and the province borders the Camarines Sur to the north and Sorsogon to the south. Also to the northeast is Lagonoy Gulf leading to the Philippine Sea, and to the southwest is Burias Pass.

Mayon Volcano is the symbol most associated with the province. This nearly perfectly-shaped active volcano forms a scenic backdrop to the capital city of Legazpi 15 kilometers to the south.

People and culture

Population. Based on the May 2000 census, Albay has a total population of 1,090,907, which makes it the 22nd most populous province in the country. There are 208,640 households in the province with an average size of 5.22 persons, significantly higher than the national average of 4.99.

Languages. Bikol is the primary language spoken in Albay, being a part of the Bicol Region. There are other dialects spoken in the province, however, such as Daragueño, Legazpeño or Albayanon, Oasnon and others. The dialects spoken in the coastal areas of the province are similar to that spoken in Camarines Sur while those further inland are similar to each other but differs significantly from the coastal dialect. Majority of the inhabitants also understand Tagalog and English.

Economy

Traditional industries. Agriculture is the main industry in Albay, which produces such crops as coconut, rice, sugar, and abacá. Handicrafts is the major source of rural income. It continuous to provide fairly large share in the small-scale industries of the province. Forestry and papermaking are another source of livelihood. The manufacture of abacá products such as Manila hemp, hats, bags, mats, and slippers is one of the main sources of income in the rural areas. Fishing is also done along both shores of the province. Tourism, primarily because of Mayon Volcano, also draws income for Albay.

Heavy manufacturing industries. Of the total 6,369 manufacturing establishments of varied sizes in the Bicol Region, 48.6% are located in Albay. Bicol's largest industrial sites are in Albay: Tiwi and Manito boast geothermal energy plants, Camalig has the Goodfound Cement Factory, Daraga has its Isarog Pulp and Paper Company, Legazpi City has Bicol Hair, and Legaspi Oil Company and two other large coconut oil milling plants, making Albay top foreign currency earner this part of Luzon. [1]

Transportation. Albay is also the region's principal transshipment point with its ports: Tabaco International, Legazpi National, Pio Duran Provincial, and the Pantao Regional Port (under construction in 2003). Legazpi City also has its own domestic airport which hopes to serve international flights in the near future. Legazpi Airport serves as Bicol's gateway to Manila and the Visayas.

Geography

Political
Albay is subdivided into 15 municipalities and 3 cities. Three of them, Tiwi, Daraga, and Legazpi City are classified as 1st class cities/municipalities. Before being converted into a city in March 2001, Tabaco City used to be a first class municipality.

Cities
* Legazpi City
* Ligao City
* Tabaco City

Municipalities
* Bacacay
* Camalig
* Daraga
* Guinobatan
* Jovellar
* Libon
* Malilipot
* Malinao
* Manito
* Oas
* Pio Duran
* Polangui
* Rapu-Rapu
* Santo Domingo
* Tiwi

Physical
Albay has a total land area of 2,552.6 square kilometers, which makes it the 26th smallest province. Most of Albay is located on mainland Bicol Peninsula and it has four major islands to the east: Rapu-Rapu, Batan (part of Rapu-Rapu), Cagraray (part of Bacacay), and San Miguel (part of Tabaco City).

Lagonoy Gulf borders the province to the northeast, separating it from the province of Catanduanes. Burias Island in the province Masbate can be found to the southwest across Burias Pass.

The province is generally mountainous with scattered fertile plains and valleys. Mayon Volcano, standing at around 2460 meters, is the most famous landform in Albay, and in the whole of Bicol, in fact. This active volcano is nearly perfectly-shaped and is considered by many to be more beautiful than Mt. Fuji in Japan. Other mountains and volcanoes in the province are Catburawan, Masaraga, Malinao, and Pantao.

History

Albay and its surrounding areas were known as Ibalon when Juan de Salcedo and 120 soldiers explored it in 1573. Sawangan, a small settlement by a mangrove swamp, became a town called Albaybay (which means “by the bay”) in 1616. The town was first renamed Albay, then Legazpi, as Albay went on to refer to the province.

In 1846, the islands of Masbate, Ticao, and Burias were separated from Albay to form the comandancia of Masbate. Albay was then divided into four districts: Iraya, Cordillera or Tobaco, Sorsogon, and Catanduanes. In 1894, Sorsogon became a separate province and Catanduanes in 1945. The province of Albay itself was created on March 10, 1917.

In 1649, the natives rebelled against their recruitment to Cavite to build galleons. In 1814, Mayon Volcano erupted, killing 1,200 people and burying the town of Cagsawa. During the early 19th century, abacá hemp for shipping rope became a source of wealth.

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Camarines Norte is a province of the Philippines located in the Bicol Region in Luzon. Its capital is Daet and the province borders Quezon to the west and Camarines Sur to the south.

Demographics

Camarines Norte has a population of 458,840, making it the 37th most populated province in the country. Bikol is the major language spoken, together with Tagalog and English.

Economy

The four major manufacturing and processing industries in the province are jewelry craft, gifts/toys/housewares, pineapple and coconut industry.

Geography

Political
Camarines Norte is subdivided into 12 municipalities.

Municipalities
* Basud
* sir fuyonan
* Daet
* Jose Panganiban
* Labo
* Mercedes
* Paracale
* San Lorenzo Ruiz (Imelda)
* San Vicente
* Santa Elena
* Talisay
* Vinzons

Physical
The province is bounded on the north by Lamon Bay and the Pacific Ocean, on the east by San Miguel Bay, on the west by Lamon Bay, and on the south by Quezon province and the adjoining province of Camarines Sur. It has a total land area of 2,200 square kilometers, which is 12.4 % of the total Bicol area and 0.73% of the total Philippine area.

History

Bicol province was established in 1573. The province of Camarines was created from Bicol in 1636. That province was divided in 1829, creating Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur. They were briefly merged from 1854 to 1857 to make Ambos Camarines (ambos is Spanish for "both"). They were merged into Ambos Camarines once again in 1893. The province was divided into Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur once again in 1917.

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Camarines Sur is a province of the Philippines located in the Bicol Region in Luzon. Its capital is Pili and the province borders Camarines Norte and Quezon to the north, and Albay to the south. To the east lies the island province of Catanduanes across Maqueda Channel.

Camarines Sur is the largest among the six provinces in Bicol both in terms of population and land area. Naga City is the province's commercial and cultural center, boasting malls like the LCC Central Mall (a branch of Legazpi-based LCC Chain), Robertson's along Diversion Road, Nagaland E-Mall, small- to medium-sized shops, and educational institutions. Lake Buhi is where the smallest commercially-harvested fish can be found, the Sinarapan (Mistichthys luzonensis).

People and culture

Population. According to the May 2000 census, there are a total of 1,551,549 residents in Camarines Sur, making it the most populous in the region and the 15th most populous in the whole country. The same census also states that Camarines Sur has 288,172 households with an average household size of 5.37 persons, significantly higher than the national average of 4.99. The annual growth rate is 1.86%, much lower than the national growth rate of 2.36%. This rate of growth will double the population of Camarines Sur in 38 years.

Languages. Being in the Bicol Region, the main language spoken in Camarines Sur is Bikol. Filipino linguists consider the dialect of Bikol spoken around Naga City, Bicol Central (also known as Bikol Naga the purest dialect of Bikol according to Jesuit Anthropologist Frank Lynch, S.J.). Some of the other dialects spoken in the province are Buhi-non (a dialect of Bicol Albay), spoken in the southern part of the province around Lake Buhi, and Rinconada Bikol (also known as Bikol Iriga), which is used in the area around Iriga City. A dialect of Naga Bikol, called Partido is used in the eastern portion of the province around Lagonoy Gulf. Many inhabitants also understand Tagalog and English.

Economy

Agri-based, producing rice, corn, feedmeal, freshwater fish, livestock. Entrepreneurs engage in trading, often branching out towards neighboring provinces in the south as local demand might be limited, indicated by its mostly 3rd-5th income class municipalities.

Geography

Political
Camarines Sur is subdivided into 35 municipalities and 2 cities.

Cities
* Iriga City
* Naga City

Municipalities
* Baao
* Balatan
* Bato
* Bombon
* Buhi
* Bula
* Cabusao
* Calabanga
* Camaligan
* Canaman
* Caramoan
* Del Gallego
* Gainza
* Garchitorena
* Goa
* Lagonoy
* Libmanan
* Lupi
* Magarao
* Milaor
* Minalabac
* Nabua
* Ocampo
* Pamplona
* Pasacao
* Pili
* Presentacion (Parugcan)
* Ragay
* Sagñay
* San Fernando
* San Jose
* Sipocot
* Siruma
* Tigaon
* Tinambac


Physical

Terrain. Camarines Sur lies at the center of the Bicol Peninsula. The province is also the largest in the Bicol Region with a land area of 5,266.8 square kilometers. At the center of the province is Bicol Plain. Surrounding it are mountains, two of which are Mt. Isarog and Mt. Iriga. The eastern part of the province lies on the mountainous Caramoan Peninsula, which faces the island of Catanduanes to the east.

The Bicol River drains the central and southern parts of the province into San Miguel Bay. Mt. Iriga is surrounded by three lakes: Buhi, Bato, and Baao.

Climate. The climate in Camarines Sur, like most of the rest of the country, is very tropical. It is dry from March to May and wet the rest of the year. June to October marks the typhoon season. Annual average rainfall is 2,565 millimeters. Camarines Sur has an average temperature of 27.0 °C and a relative humidity of 25.8%.

History


Bicol province was established in 1573. The province of Camarines was created from Bicol in 1636. That province was divided in 1829, creating Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur. They were briefly merged from 1854 to 1857 to make Ambos Camarines (ambos is Spanish for "both"). They were merged into Ambos Camarines once again in 1893. The province was divided into Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur once again in 1917.

Congratulations, kevinb, for this new thread! You are really prolific, seems to me dai ka napapagal! :applause:

United Bicolandia is certainly a beautiful idea, thank you. Now if Bicolanos can only unite.

In politics, for example, we are so hard-up no Bicolano has risen higher than senator. Sayang nga si Roco of Naga City.

When Roco ran for President, he miserably failed because even in his home province the governor did not support him. Truly he was "the best president we never had!"

Our local politicians waste energy fighting each other. Take the GMA impeachment. On the administration side, we have Congressmen Villafuerte of Cam.Sur and Lagman of Albay leading the fray. On the opposition side, you have Congressmen Chiz Escudero of Sorsogon.

Can you imagine if these congressmen unite? Then perhaps Bicol won't be among RP's depressed regions. Especially since former Congressman Nonoy Andaya of Cam. Sur is now Budget Secretary & Congressman Joey Salceda of Albay is economic adviser of GMA.

Haaaayyyy, yan ang nakakapagal!!! :lurker:

kevinb, perhaps you also have descriptions of the other Bicol provinces such as Sorsogon, Catanduanes, & Masbate?

I agree with koltuvtbm. Sorsogon, for me, is the most beautiful Bicol province I've ever visited...

When I read about .... beautiful maidens,




Polangui came into my mind..... :D urban legend na lang siguro yan.

Polangui actually means "Pulang Angui." It is the name of the beautiful lady who always wore a red dress during the Spanish times... :)

kevinb, perhaps you also have descriptions of the other Bicol provinces such as Sorsogon, Catanduanes, & Masbate?

Thanks. :)
Of course I'll do that. ^^ Medyo hinugakan lang ako kasuugma kaya dai ko muna tinapos. :lol:

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People, Culture and Arts

The people of Catanduanes are Bicolanos whose dialect indicates a strong Visayan influence. The early Spanish chroniclers noted that that the people on Catanduanes, not unlike the Visayans, also adorned their bodies with tattoos. Oral traditions also reveal folk legends that trace the earliest Catanduanons to the same group of settlers who allegedly peopled the Visayas.

As a result of geographical seclusion and vulnerability to storms, the Catanduanons have remained isolated from the rest of the Bicol region and the Philippines. This isolation in part accounts for the strength of religious institutions in the island. Nearly all the people belong to the Roman Catholic Church and religious fervor remains high. However, despite their isolation, the people of Catanduanes are also noted for their genial mien and hospitality.

Among the most notable religious observances in Catanduanes is the Kagharong. This is a reenactment of the Saint Joseph's and Virgin Mary's search for a place to stay in Bethlehem held from 16th to the 25th of December. A troupe goes from house to house and sings before the door asking for shelter. When they are refused, they move to another house. The owner of the house then shakes the hands of the leader and hands over some donation in form of money.

Trade and Investments

Catanduanes' approach to development is focused on making full use of its natural resources. The rich waters of the Pacific Ocean surround the island province. Its fishing grounds teem with herring, tuna, blue marlin, grouper, squid, lobster and mackerel.

The province also provides large quantities of forest products, specifically tropical hardwoods like almon, apitong, narra, tanguile, and red and white lauan. Although the island is mostly forested, it also produces coconuts, abaca, palay and root crops, and livestock makes up a big portion of its exports to the mainland. Significant quantities of copper, gold, iron, manganese, clay, coal, guano, phosphate, limestone, magnetite, shale and marble can be found in the island.

The Province is accessible from the Luzon mainland by air and by land-sea combination. The Virac Airport serves as air link from Manila and Legaspi. While the ports of Virac and San Andres provide the sea link with Tabasco, Albany. A system of concrete, asphalt and gravel roads encircles the main island and connects all the municipalities. Postal service and telegraph stations are the main communications links with the rest of the Country. The Balongbong Mini-Hydroelectric plant and power largest in the town of Bato provide sufficient power to the province. Portable water is reading available from wells, public faucets and local water systems.

Resource based agro-industrial development is the focus of the province. The Catanduanes Provincial Industrial Center is currently being developed to attract investors interested in abaca production and processing, marble extraction and processing ceramics manufacture and fish and food processing. The Province also holds a great potential as a tourist destination. It is leading accessed in Manila and provides an unhurried and welcoming atmosphere. The Province is still thickly forested and the coast is lined with magnificent cliffs interspersed with pockets of white sand beaches. The eastern coast is a growing destination for surfers. There are cool springs and waterfalls even in the vicinity of major population areas. Tourism is still in its infancy and tourist based ventures are still rather few. This sector can absorb more investments in establishing accommodations, resorts, diving and other recreational facilities as well as restaurants and tourist souvenir shops.

Physical Profile

Geographical Location
Catanduanes is situated in the easternmost fringes of Luzon, 13.5 to 14.0 degrees latitudes and between 123.5 to 124.0 degrees longitudes. Several islands compose the province, but majority of these physically small to be of relative significance. Its aggregate land area totals approximately 1,511.5 sq km and the coastlines which stretch to almost kilometers, are mostly embayed and cliffed.

Topography
The topography is rugged and mountainous, becoming more pronounce towards the central portion on the island. Only about 10 percent of the land area have slope gradients under 8 percent, comprised mainly by fractured and narrow strips of plains generally found near the coastal areas.

History

History, as an active ingredient of our time, conveys the message of its importance in the life of man. When we use our residence certificate and other badges of information in transactions ranging from application for a marriage license, visa, job and sale of real estate property, we become part of a public record which, in effect, threatens our privacy as citizens. The process may not be acceptable to many, but it has to be adopted as essential to life in a modern society.

Events transpire while a narrative is written everyday. Business, education and agriculture, in their course of operation, take and evaluate data. Some incidents do not hold out and it becomes necessary for us to look back to the moment as the turning point of the growth of a society. Whatever the circumstances are, there is a need for a generation to profit from the experience of the past.

The initiative to write the History of Catanduanes was perhaps the first comprehensive attempt to illustrate the growth of the province through its system of government, its ideals and aspirations, and specifically, through its leaders.

The research work which the author had conducted since 1960 yielded a massive collection of stories about Catanduanes, some of which had been chosen carefully and used to develop the total picture of the province.

The 12th largest among the more than 7,000 islands of the Philippine Archipelago, Catanduanes sports a name that sounds queer to strangers. But to the Catandunganons, the name Catanduanes is a source of pride, a symbol of unity and togetherness. The mere mention of it evokes fond memories and touches the sentimental chords of their hearts. It is a unique name that to every native of the province wherever he may be, beckons him to return to this idyllic island of his origin.

Handed down from one generation to another, told and retold with no seeming end is the tale woven around how Catanduanes acquired its name. It is a story buried them in legend, yet appears too real that it becomes difficult to separate it from fiction.

The History of Catanduanes aspires to help every Catandunganon to become familiar with the background of the province and its people. It is primarily aimed to show how this island province got the way it is.

***

The "Land of the Howling Wind", Catanduanes is an island province thrust into the Pacific Ocean. It is separated from Luzon by Maqueda Channel, across which lies the Caramoan Peninsula of Camarines Sur. Catanduanes is chiefly mountainous with few coastal plains. There is rain throughout most of the year which fall heaviest from November to January. There are no pronounced seasons but it is regularly visited by typhoons during the months between June and October.

Juan de Salcedo visited Catanduanes in 1573 after exploring Camarines. He landed at a point near Virac and was welcomed by Datu Lumibao. It was believed that Lumibao was a descendant of one of the mythic ten datus from Borneo, and the people of the island related to the Visayans. Despite early efforts to Christianize the people ofCatanduanes, the island was known as a haunt of pirates.

In 1576, ten Augustinian Missionaries perished in the treacherous seas of the island after their ship was wrecked in the vicinity of Bato.

Catanduanes was known as an early center of Shipbuilding during the early Spanish period and it is believed that its name is derived from the Catandungan River, along whose banks tando trees used extensively for shipbuilding were found.

Being largely isolated from the rest of Bicol, Catanduanes was particularly vulnerable to Moro attacks. In 1755, Catanduanes was overran by the raiders who pillaged and burned the towns of Virac and Calolbon, Luyang Cave, in San Antonio, is the mass grave of islanders who were massacred in that raid. The island continued to be vulnerable to raiding until the mid-19th century.

Catanduanes was placed under the jurisdiction of Albay after Bicol was divided into two in the 17th century. It remained part of the province until 1945. On October 26 through Commonwealth Act No. 687, Catanduanes was separated from Albay and became an independent province.

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THE ISLAND PROVINCE OF MASBATE

The Province of Masbate lies at the center of the Philippine Archipelago between latitudes 11 degrees 43 minutes north and 21 degrees 36 minutes north, 123 degrees 9 minutes east and 124 degrees 15 minutes east. It is composed of a wedge-shaped mainland (Masbate), two major islands (Ticao and Burias) and 14 small islands. It is bounded on the north by the Bicol Mainland, on the south by the Visayan Sea, on the west by Sibuyan Sea and on the east by the Burias Pass, Ticao Pass and Samar Sea.

The province covers a total land area of 4,047.7 square kilometers. It is politically subdivided into three congressional districts, 20 municipalities, one city and 550 barangays. Masbate had a population of 707,668 as of the 2000 census, growing at an average rate of 1.71 percent from 1995 to 2000. The province had an average population density of 174.8 persons per square kilometer.

Masbate is the biggest cattle raising province in the region. Its main economic activity is agriculture with copra, rice, corn and tobacco as its main products. Fishing is also a major industry in the province. Until lately, the province is the site of the biggest gold mining operation in the region. Other minerals found in the island province are manganese and limestone.

Due to its geographic location, Masbate is a melting pot of dialects and cultures. Residents in the capital town of Masbate speak the native Masbateño with a mixture of the Bicol dialect; natives of Cataingan, Palanas, and Dimasalang along its east coast use Samar-Visayan; residents from Pio V. Corpus, Cataingan and Placer in the south speak Bohol and Cebu Visayan; along the western coast of Mandaon and Balud, people converse in Ilongo and Capiceño; natives of the Burias island talk in variants of the Bicol dialect and Visayan due mainly to the droves of migrants to the island during the sixties.

GENERAL INFORMATION

The islands of Masbate were formed out of volcanic rocks over one hundred million years ago.

Many millions of years later, humans made their appearance in the tropical regions of the earth. They lived on wild animals, plants, and fruits. They made tools of stone, bone, and wood. Some of these very early stone tools and bones have been found in Masbate.

Village settling grew from the development of farming; pottery flourished, stone tools were improved and the early Masbate farmers made axes of polished stones. Many stone axes of this kind have been found in Masbate. They are the remains of the first farmers who used the axes to cut down trees. The early farmers also made beautiful ornaments of shells. They buried their dead in burial caves and jars. Two large caves in Masbate, the Bat-ongan Cave in Mandaon and the Kalanay Cave in Aroroy are known worldwide as burial caves.

About four hundred years B.C., iron and glass as well as woven cloth appeared in Masbate. The stone tools gradually disappeared; agriculture improved. Beautiful decorated pottery were produced. Unearthed fragments of porcelain tell of the brisk trade that existed with China.

HISTORY

When Captain Luis Enriquez de Guzman anchored on the shores of Masbate in 1569, he found tiny settlements spread along the coasts engaged in flourishing trade with China. Chinese traders visited Masbate and founded small settlements during the Shri-Vijayan and Madjapahit periods. Ruins of cave-like dwellings resembling “kiva” (possibly built by Indians who accompanied the Chinese traders), were found along the coasts of Aroroy, Palanas, and Masbate. Porcelain jars dating back to the 10th century were excavated at Kalanay (Aroroy) in the 1930s.

Historical accounts show that the Christianization of the Bicol Region actually began in Masbate in 1569:
Father Alonso Jimenez was the first missionary to the islands of Masbate, Burias, Leyte, and Samar. Then he went to Ibalon (Bicol) in the provinces of Camarines, where he resided many years, and made many religious incursions into Albay and Sorsogon. Fray Jimenez is considered the apostle of the island of Masbate.

In December 1600, Dutch Commander Admiral Oliver van Noorth, sought refuge at San Jacinto Harbor after his fleet lost to the Spanish Armada in Manila. He was later engaged in a fierce clash with Limahong’s fleet at Canlibas-Matabao passage.

At the height of the Galleon Trade, Mobo contributed first class lumber for the construction of galleons, making it the center of trade in the province and was the capital of the province in the early part of the Spanish occupation.

In 1864, Masbate was declared a separate province from Albay. Guiom was made the capital while Ticao became a commandancia-politico-militar. Shortly before the declaration of Philippine independence by President Emilio Aguinaldo, the town of Masbate was established as the provincial capital.

The Americans came to Masbate in 1900 to extend their pacification campaign. In December 1908, Masbate was annexed to the province of Sorsogon. A bill declaring Masbate as independent province was approved on February 1, 1922.

As early as 1906, the Masbate representative made the proposal to the United States Congress to grant the Philippines her independence.

The first Japanese elements arrived in Masbate the dawn of January 7, 1942 from Legazpi. They landed in several places without facing opposition- the province was too stunned to mount any resistance.

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Sorsogon occupies the southernmost tip of the Bicol Region. The province is virtually enclosed by water except at the northern portion adjoining Albay. Sorsogon Bay nearly cuts the province in half, leaving a narrow offshoot of land where the municipality of Sorsogon, the capital of the province, is situated. San Bernardino Strait, which links the Pacific Ocean to Ticao and Burias pass, separates Sorsogon from the island of Samar.

People and culture

Festivals
Most of the inhabitants of the province belong to the ethnolinguistic Bicolano and Bisakol groups. Sorsogueños are very religious and funloving. Being mostly Roman Catholics, they are active in every festivity celebrated throughout the year. For instance, like any other Filipino ethnolinguistic groups, they celebrate the fiesta of the Patron Saints Peter and Paul in Sorsogon city every June. Also, by the last week of October, the Kasangayahan festival is celebrated in the whole province. At the midst of the latter festivity, myriads of botanical shows, and painting are conducted. Most of the people will hang out in carnivals and concerts. Another occasion is the Pili festival, which includes street dancing by locals donning Pili nut costumes, cooking competitions, fireworks displays, and even a nutcracking session along the road by the locals. Every barangay has its own fiesta and Patron saint which are highlighted by yearly buffet feast in every Sorsogueño home.

During the Holy Week season (celebrated as early as week of March or 1st week of April), people flock to the Saints Peter and Paul cathedral and start the procession with carts bearing statues of Jesus Christ on his way to crucifixion.

Minorities
Minorities in the province include Muslim immigrants from Mindanao, who engage in street vending and small shop businesses. Their mosque is situated inside Sitio Bolangan on the outskirts of the city. There is also a significant small Chinese population who are mostly owners of hardware stores and commodity shops (some of whom have intermarried with the natives) and dwell in the business center. Indian (called "Bumbay") communities are also present. They engage in money lending businesses--coloquially called "five-six".

Education and language
Education is highly valued as an investment for the future, attested by state and private schools and colleges which dot the province. Almost all people understand Tagalog and Bicolano. The local language spoken by Sorsogueños varies from district to municipalities. To illusrate, the form of Bisakol (called Waray Sorsogon) spoken in Barcelona, Gubat, Irosin, Sta. Magdalena, Matnog and Bulusan slightly differs from the form (called Masbate Sorsogon) spoken in the city of Sorsogon and the municipalities of Magallanes, Juban and Casiguran. North of Sorsogon City, in Castilla, Pilar, Donsol, and Bacon (merged with Sorsogon city; see History), a form of Bikol is spoken. The former municipalities mentioned use words and intonations from Visayan languages such as Waray-Waray, Cebuano and Ilonggo, and Bisakol is considered a Warayan language like Waray-Waray of Samar and Leyte. The latter is similar to the Bikol spoken by Darageños and Legaspiños in Albay province. English is also understood by everyone, with the exception of illiterates. It is used in all government documents, schools, and businesses. This language has also become increasingly important as businesses such as call centers, and medical transcription demands prospective applicants knowledgeable in this language.

History

When the Spanish conquistador, Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, who was then based in Panay Island in the Visayas, dispatched, sometime between 1565 to 1570, to this part of the islands an expeditionary force headed by Capitan Luis Enriquez de Guzman, together with their chaplain, the Augustinian friar, Fray Alonso Jimenez, primarily to gather provisions for the starving Spanish force in Panay, and at the same time, evangelize whatever native villages they might come upon in the course of their foray, the group stumbled upon a small fishing village at the mouth of the Ginangra River, in what is now the Municipality of Magallanes.

This was the village of Gibalong, the very first Christian settlement in the island of Luzon. It was here where the first mass in Luzon was celebrated by the Augustinian friar, Fray Alonso Jimenez.

Thus, the name Ibalong, to refer to the whole of Bikol Region, really came from this small fishing village, Gibalong, which is now a mere sitio of Barangay Siuton, in Magallanes town, where the local parish constructed sometime in the 1970s a small wooden chapel and a concrete historical marker on the site. In some old Spanish maps, the Spanish cartographers even retained the original spelling by identifying, either the whole Bikol Region or parts of it – Tierra de Gibalong. In his book, From Ibalon to Sorsogon: A Historical Survey of Sorsogon Province to 1905 (New Day Pub. QC, Philippines, 1991), Dr. Luis C. Dery writes, “Historical records showed that the Spaniards started using the name Ibalon as early as 1567 to refer variously to a pre-Spanish native settlement in Sorsogon Gulf, to the entire Bicol Region, and sometimes to the entire island of Luzon. The Spaniards’ indiscriminate use of this name was due to their inadequate knowledge of Bicol geography at the outset of their exploration and conquest of the region. Gradually, they were able to delimit Ibalon and the rest of Kabikolan’s territory.”

Sorsogon became a province, separate from the Province of Albay to which it was formerly attached, in 1894. This is the reason why, in 1994 the centennial foundation anniversary of the Province started to be commemorated and celebrated with a festival – the Kasanggayahan Festival – every October of each year.

How Sorsogon got to be Sorsogon?
The name Sorsogon was originally spelled “solsogon” in most old Spanish maps. Solsogon is an old Bikol word, meaning, “to trace a river going upstream”. The rootword “solsog” is Bikol for “going against the current”. It is also variously pronounced and spelled as “sogsogon” or “sosogon”, which all really mean the same thing – “to trace a river, a trail, or a pathway”.

As the old folks story goes, after establishing a settlement in Gibalong, in what is now the town of Magallanes, the Spaniards fanned out to explore the area and one group soon came upon a small river emptying itself into what is now Sorsogon Bay. Tired and lost and not knowing where they were, the Spaniards asked a native about the name of the place. Ignorant of the Iberian tongue, and fearful of the white men with the funny hats and bushy countenances, the native, thinking that the strangers were asking for directions, simply pointed at the river and said, “Solsogon”, meaning, trace the river upstream to a native village beyond. And the name stuck.

From Solsogon to Sorsogon. The people of Sorsogon invites everyone, from whichever corner of the world they are, to trace the path towards the beautiful and most hospitable Province of Sorsogon.

Geography

Sorsogon, at the southeastern part of the Bicol Peninsula, is bounded on the north by the province of Albay, on the east by the Pacific Ocean, on the south by the San Bernardino Strait, and on the west and northwest by the Ticao and Burias Passes. It has a total land area of 2,141.4 sq. kms.

It is characterized by an irregularly topography, except for landlocked Irosin, all the towns lie along the coast. They are all connected by concrete and asphalt roads. Mountains sprawl over the northeast, southeast and west portions. Mt. Bulusan, the tallest peak rises 1,560 meters above sea level.

Except for its overland link with the province of Albay to the north, it is completely surrounded by water. Sorsogon is the gateway of Luzon to the Visayas and Mindanao through its roll-on, roll-off ferry terminal facilities located in the municipalities of Matnog and Bulan.

It has a total of 15 municipalities which are politically subdivided into 2 districts, namely: first district - Sorsogon, Pilar, Donsol, Castilla, Bacon, Casiguran and Magallanes; second district - Barcelona, Prieto Diaz, Juban, Gubat, Bulusan, Irosin, Sta. Magdalena and Bulan.

Sorsogon City was created (infusing municipalities of Sorsogon and Bacon) respectively.

Major Industries

The major crops are abaca and coconut. The province boasts of producing the best hemp in the Bicol Region.;

Fishing industry ranks next. Freshwater and offshore fishing resources are not yet fully developed.

They are plenty of raw materials for cottage industries. It has untouched deposits of sulfur, kaolin, limestone and coal.

cities will follow soon. :)

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Sorsogon occupies the southernmost tip of the Bicol Region. The province is virtually enclosed by water except at the northern portion adjoining Albay. Sorsogon Bay nearly cuts the province in half, leaving a narrow offshoot of land where the municipality of Sorsogon, the capital of the province, is situated. San Bernardino Strait, which links the Pacific Ocean to Ticao and Burias pass, separates Sorsogon from the island of Samar.


Education and language
Education is highly valued as an investment for the future, attested by state and private schools and colleges which dot the province. Almost all people understand Tagalog and Bicolano. The local language spoken by Sorsogueños varies from district to municipalities. To illusrate, the form of Bisakol (called Waray Sorsogon) spoken in Barcelona, Gubat, Irosin, Sta. Magdalena, Matnog and Bulusan slightly differs from the form (called Masbate Sorsogon) spoken in the city of Sorsogon and the municipalities of Magallanes, Juban and Casiguran. North of Sorsogon City, in Castilla, Pilar, Donsol, and Bacon (merged with Sorsogon city; see History), a form of Bikol is spoken. The former municipalities mentioned use words and intonations from Visayan languages such as Waray-Waray, Cebuano and Ilonggo, and Bisakol is considered a Warayan language like Waray-Waray of Samar and Leyte. The latter is similar to the Bikol spoken by Darageños and Legaspiños in Albay province. English is also understood by everyone, with the exception of illiterates. It is used in all government documents, schools, and businesses. This language has also become increasingly important as businesses such as call centers, and medical transcription demands prospective applicants knowledgeable in this language.



Bicol is undeniably the most diverse language in the Philippines...

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The inhabitants speak the Bikol language, wherein the standard language is Bikol Coastal. The commercial/financial centers and transportation hubs are Legazpi City, the Regional Center and the Gateway City to Bicolandia, and Naga City, The Heart of Bicol and The Home of Our Lady of Peñafrancia.

In Camarines Norte, 60% of the people speak Tagalog.

^^ oo nga. dun galing tatay ko e sa talisay malapit sa daet. halos tagalog yung salita dun pero marami rin ang marunong mag-bikolano

Asan na yung mga cities? heheh... :)

^^ Oops. Sorry people. :D I totally forgot. I'll do that this afternoon after all my out-of-household chores. :D :D :D

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Iriga City is a 3rd class city in the province of Camarines Sur, Philippines. It is located about 400 kilometers south of Manila, 37 kilometers south of Naga, and about 61 kilometers north of Legazpi City. It is bounded by the town of Buhi in the east, by the municipalities of Baao, Nabua and Bato in the west, by the province of Albay in the south, and by the municipalities of Ocampo and Sangay in the north.

According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 88,893 people in 17,061 households.

History

EARLY HISTORY OF CAMARINES SUR
Camarines Sur came out of an original geographic community which covers the present provinces of Albay, Sorsogon, Catanduanes, Masbate, Camarines Sur and Camarines Norte. According to the research conducted by historian Dr. Danilo Gerona, the word Camarines first came into print when Miguel Lopez de Lagaspi’s grandson Captain Juan de Salcedo, with 120 men, launched several expeditions to find and conquer the fabled mining village of Paracale and Mambulao in 1573. The Spaniards identified the area as Camarines referring to the entire stretch of the Bikol River.

After the conquest, on June 4, 1579, Governor-General Francisco de Sande ordered Captain Juan de Guzman to “take the two discalced fathers of the Franciscan Order and bring them to the Bikol River and to any place of that province they wish to go…churches must be built whenever the Fathers indicate, you must inform the Spaniards settled there the presence of the Fathers in the area…”

Further, the Governor-General decreed that the commander of the Spanish conquistadores encamped in the river area should “discuss with the religious present in the place to settle in that province of Bikol and Camarines and in such a site a villa should be raised and gives the name which you may deem appropriate and you should command all the encomenderos of the province to live an build their houses there and not elsewhere…” In response to this decree Villa de Caceres (Naga) was established, which was eventually was elevated into an Ayuntamiento or city.

Nueva Caceres served as the civil and ecclesiastical center as other encomiendas were established within the river basin. Among those first established were Milanit (Milaor), Guas (Goa), Magarao, Minalva (Minalabac), Carvanga (Calabanga), Aliman (Libmanan), Lagonoy, Nabua, Bula, and Buy (Buhi)

EARLY SETTLEMENT IN IRIGA

Iriga, from a phrase in the language “I raga” which means there is land, grew from the settlement by the bank of the Bikol River called Bua (Nabua), who were looking for higher grounds due to the perennial and disastrous flooding of the town during the rainy season.

Bua was a low marshy terrain easily flooded during the rainy season. Because of this some people, upon the advice Father Felix de Huertas, then parish priest of Nubua, the farmers to move to I-raga where they can plant their crops without fears of being flooded.

Taking the advice of the priest, people left Bua and settled to a higher land located at the foot of Sumagang , a mountain east of Bua. The foot of the mountain had large tracts of land available for cultivation suitable for settlement and unlike Bua; it does not suffer from severe flooding during the torrential rainy season. The settlement was then called Iraga, which “there is land” in the local language.

PACIFICATION AND CONVERSION

The Franciscan friars, who set foot in the Bikol peninsula, saw in the new land a good ground for evangelization. As evangelization by the Franciscan friars progressed, Iraga developed in size and wealth. Soon therefore, foundation work had been laid down by proclaiming it a visita of Nabua. More and more people from Nabua came to Iraga to settle.

As population spread out and evangelization progressed, the settlement at the foot of Sumagang Mountain developed in size and wealth, slowly pushing the Agtas up to the thickness of the forests. And in 1578 the I-raga settlement was established as “visita” of Nabua and a church made of wood was constructed. Saint Anthony of Padua was the patron saint of the parish with Father Pedro de Jesus and Father Bartolome Ruiz serving as its religious heads. In 1583, five years after church was constructed, Agta warriors razed the church to the ground. A second one was constructed but it too was destroyed by a typhoon and razed to ashes again by fire.

January 4, 1641, Sumagang erupted, forming gully on Buhi side of the mountain leading to a steep ravine which is the crater of the volcano. According to stories, the Nuestra Senora de Angustia appeared at Inorogan and thru miracle saved the Irigeños from the terrible eruption.

In 1682, with a population of 8,909, I-raga was converted into Pueblo de la Provincia de Ambos Camarines. Later on, the Spanish authorities changed the name from I-raga to Iriga and In 1710 Don Bonifacio de los Angeles organized the first four barrios of Iriga - San Agustin, San Isidro, San Nicolas and San Antonio Abad.

In 1727 after the second churched was destroyed, a new church was built, unfortunately it too was destroyed in a fire in 1841. Finally, shortly after the last church was destroyed, Fray Tomas de Alfafara finally led the construction of a new parish church, together with its two belfries made of bricks and stones. It was the later on repaired in 1866, and in 1892 the tower was rebuilt with wood and iron.

In 1823, in the Memorias de la Provincia de Ambos Camarines shows that the number of Barangay in “pueblo de Iriga” was composed of San Roque, San Francisco de Asis, San Juan Bautista, Sto. Domingo de Guzman, San Miguel Arcangel, San Nicolas de Tolentino, San Agustin, San Antonio Abad, Sto. Nino and Santiago de Galicia with a population of 13,813. There were only four roads mentioned and they were coming from Nabua going to Bato, to Buhi and to Polangui, Albay and there was only one way going to Nueva Caceres (Naga) via Bicol River by boat.

TROUBLED TIMES

In 1846, during the term of Don Juan Lomaad, a great famine swept the Bikol area. Prices of rice soared up, the Spanish government ordered people to plant more staple food but it did not do much good as starvation ensued which took many lives.

More than a decade later, in 1857, a cholera epidemic broke out causing the death of thousands of inhabitants. As if that was not enough, an earthquake struck Iriga damaging the town church and several other buildings. In 1871, during the term of Don Lucas Caayao, a new epidemic, this time smallpox, took many lives. Aside from this, in the same year, a swarm of locust destroyed the crops in Iriga causing starvation among its inhabitants.

THE EMERGING MUNICIPALITY

In 1901, as part of American colonialist strategy to pacify and attract the Filipinos, the first public school in Iriga, Iriga Central School, was established . In 1913 the Manila Railroad Company Station and the public market was established at its present site . With the establishment of the train station and the public market, Iriga rapidly grew and became the center of trade and commerce in the Rinconada area.

HOME TO THE FIRST BUS COMPANY IN THE PHILIPPINES

The development of the municipality got another stimulus when in July 1914 when Albert L. Ammen, a former American serviceman established the A.L. Ammen Transport Co., Inc (ALATCO). ALATCO with an initial fleet of one converted two-cylinder Grawbosky truck was the first bus company in the Philippines.

Its first route was Iriga-Naga; however, as the venture became more successful, the company expanded its fleet to service the other towns of Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Albay and Sorsogon, hence opening remote villages of Bikol, to the mainstream of economic and social development.

Later on, in 1918 Max L. Blouse, one of ALATCO’s drivers would also start his own transportation company, the Batangas, Laguna, Tayabas Bus Company (BLTB).

THE World WAR II YEARS

The American colonial period temporarily ended in 1942 when World War II broke out. The Japanese Imperial Army established a garrisoned at Kalbaryo hill overlooking the city proper. Iriga Central School became a concentration camp; those who could not be accommodated were brought to the Ateneo de Naga.

Like in many other places, Bicolano guerilla units spring up in Iriga after the formal American colonialist resistance has ended. Mt. Iriga became the base of the resistance attracting recruits not only from Iriga but even as far as Albay. With the help of the Agtas who were very familiar with the terrain, the Japanese army could penetrate the interiors of the mountain.

AS A CITY

With the end of the Japanese occupation in May 15, 1945, the Iriga Central was reopened and rehabilitation began. In 1948, the first college in Iriga City, the Mabini Memorial College was established by Atty. Felix O. Alfelor. A year later, Atty. Ortega would also establish the Saint Anthony College.

The establishment of these centers for higher learning, including the La Consolacion Academy further spurned the growth and development of the municipality as it attracts students from all over the region.

In 1960s, Iriga saw tremendous economic and social progress. On July 8, 1968, the city was converted into a city through Republic act 5261. However, it was only on September 3 of the same year that the City was formally organized and inaugurated as the third city of the Bikol Region by then President Ferdinand Marcos.


Barangays
Iriga City is politically subdivided into 36 barangays.

Antipolo
Cristo Rey
Del Rosario (Banao)
Francia
La Anunciacion
La Medalla
La Purisima
La Trinidad
Niño Jesus
Perpetual Help
Sagrada
Salvacion
San Agustin
San Andres
San Antonio
San Francisco (Pob.)
San Isidro
San Jose
San Juan
San Miguel
San Nicolas
San Pedro
San Rafael
San Ramon
San Roque (Pob.)
San Vicente Norte
San Vicente Sur
Santa Cruz Norte
Santa Cruz Sur
Santa Elena
Santa Isabel
Santa Maria
Santa Teresita
Santiago
Santo Domingo
Santo Niño

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Legazpi City is a first class city in the province of Albay, Philippines. It is the capital city of Albay, and the political center of Bicol Region.

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

According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 157,010 people in 30,612 households. The city is the ecclesiatical seat of the Diocese of Legazpi, and almost all practice the Roman Catholic religion.

History
Legazpi was named after Miguel López de Legazpi, the Spanish conquistador who conquered the Philippine islands in 1565, and whose family name came from Legazpi, a town in Guipuzcoa, Spain.

Legazpi was founded by the ancient settlers of the old barangay of Sawangan in the domain of Gat Ibal, a chief who ruled Albay. Spread in small groups of huts made of nipa and rattan, the small settlement occupied a conscription of low and swampy land known as Banuang-gurang or Binanuahan, which means old town or place in which a town was built. The indigenous name Sawangan was a corruption of Sabang, signifying natural wharf formed by the waters of the sea.

Culture
The Ibalong Festival is the grandmother of all non-religious festivals in Bicol. It was begun in the early 1990s and is held every October to coincide with Legazpi Port District fiesta. Legazpi is also home to the annual Magayon Festival of Albay which is held throughout the month of May.

Tourism
Up until 2006, Legazpi City continued to be the top tourist destination in Bicol as it lies just 15 kilometers southeast of Mayon Volcano, one of the Philippines' famous volcanoes. It is also the convenient jump-off point to other tourist destinations in the region because it has the only trunkline airport in Bicol - Legazpi Airport, accommodating Airbus A320, Boeing 737-400, and Boeing 727.

Other places to go to and sights to visit include:

The Albay Park and Wildlife - This is a picnic grove and a park combined. It also serves as the home to 347 animals of 75 species.
Liberty Bell - Installed in 1945 by the American liberation forces. It is made from bronze.
Japanese Tunnel - Used as an arsenal during the second World War, it measures 40 meters long and around 7 feet deep.
Magayon Art Gallery - Found at the lobby of the Albay Provincial Capitol and serves as the avenue for artists to show off their visual creations.
Legazpi City Museum - Showcases the heritage and culture of the city.
Bicol Heritage Park - Located inside the Camp General Simeon Ola Headquarters. This is where you can find the statue of General Simeon A. Ola.
Lignon Hill (also spelled as Liñon Hill) - Located behind Albay Park and Wildlife. PHIVOLCS is situated into this hill.
Kapuntukan Hill (also known as the Sleeping Lion Hill) – This is the place to visit if you wish to have a view of the Legazpi Port District .
regional government offices in Rawis - DepEd (Depatment of Education), DOT (Department of Tourism), RTC (Regional Trial Court), DAR (Department of Agrarian and Reform), DOST (Department of Science and Technology), and LTO (Land Transportation Office).

Transportation
Legazpi Airport, with a runway of 2,280 meters, is the region's gateway and trunk line airport. Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific Airlines (CEB) flies daily to and from Manila. CEB utilizes its brand new Airbus 319, while PAL uses its Boeing 737. Air Philippines has three-flights in a week (Tue, Thu, and Sat), and soon will have daily flights from Manila to Legazpi and vice versa, starting on October 16, 2006.

Commerce
Presently the largest mall in Bicol, Pacific Mall also serves as centerpiece of Landco Business Park Legazpi. Headquartered in nearby Tabaco City, and with its LCC Central Mall in Naga City, Liberty Commercial Center (LCC) Legazpi remains to be the original mall in Legaspi . Modernistic Bichara Silverscreen and Entertainment Center is a multi-story haven of shops, bistros, and cinemas.

The city hall and several provincial offices are located in what promises to be another progressive new downtown area known as Albay District (also Old Albay or simply Albay as this place was originally the capital town of Albay Province before its merger with Legazpi) which has bistros that remain open till late at night although 24/7 shops are still scarce in the city. Legaspi has its share of popular fastfood restaurants such as three Jollibee stores: two in Port District (LCC Metro and Pacific Mall), and one drive-thru in Albay District; a McDonald's store, two Chowking restaurants, and a Greenwich outlet.

Legazpi City is connected nationwide and the rest of the world through up-to-date communication facilities. It has two cable TV operators, DCTV (Digital Cable Television) and ESTV, and cellular and landline phone operators, Digitel/Sun Cellular, Globe Telecom, Smart/PLDT (Philippine Long Distance Telecommunication); and local MATELCO (Mayon Telephone Company), offering mobilephone, fax, data, and DSL Internet services.

A number of AM, FM, and TV stations including Manila Broadcasting Company's 99.5 LOVE RADIO, GMA (TV 12 and Campus Radio), ABC through its affiliate station TV 6 (ABC/PBN), and ABS-CBN TV 4 and M.O.R. FM broadcast local, national, and international news and shows. GMA TV 12 (10 kW), ABS-CBN TV 4 (10 kW), and MOR FM (5 kW) set up their transmission towers on top of Mt. Bariw, virtually expanding their broadcast reach not only provincewide, but into Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Sorsogon, Masbate, and as far as Northern Samar.

Legazpi City has two air-conditioned arenas: The Albay Astrodome (although it isn't exactly "domed" like Astrodome in Texas, USA). These arenas served as venues of PBA games in the past.

A magnet of students, the city hosts two universities: Catholic Aquinas University of Legazpi (AUL) --- sister school of University of Santo Tomas in Manila --- and state-run Bicol University (BU) {http://www.bicol-u.edu.ph}. Manila-based educational/training centers have also established branches: AMA Computer University is currently constructing its building along busy Rizal Street, while STI College is just a stone's throw away. The first school of medicine in Bicolandia is AMEC-BCCM in Albay District. Singapore-based Informatics is located at the second floor of GTS Building, Rizal Street.

US-based MBS Tek has also put up an extension office in Legaspi providing call center services, a boon to the city's computer programmers, researchers, and writers. New York-based Innodata tapped the city's young population and put up a data conversion center that operates three shifts.

The city also boasts a modern eye center, Legaspi Eye Center (LEC) which serves as regional referral center for ophthalmologic care in the Bicol region. The center has board certified ophthalmologists with subspecialty training in retina/vitreous surgery, glaucoma, ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery, pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus, ocular immunology, low vision rehabilitation, ocular oncology and refractive surgery. LEC is reportedly comparable to major eye centers in Metro Manila in terms of services, expertise, and equipment.

As a financial center, Legazpi City has more or less 40 bank branches that offer traditional bank products and services such as deposits, loans, and automated tellering machines (ATM).

Legaspi has hosted important events in the past such as Miss Asia-Pacific pageant in 2001. In 2002, it hosted an international convention of the Free Masons. In 2003, about 4,000 members of the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA) conducted their 57th annual national convention in the city.

Barangays
Legazpi City is politically subdivided into 70 barangays.

Arimbay
Bagacay
Bagong Abre
Banquerohan
EM's Barrio
Maoyod Pob.
Tula-tula
Ilawod West
Ilawod
Ilawod East
Kawit-East Washington Drive
Rizal Sreet., Ilawod
Cabagñan
EM's Barrio South
Cabagñan West
Binanuahan West
Binanuahan East
Imperial Court Subd
Cabagñan East
Lapu-lapu
Dinagaan
Victory Village South
Victory Village North
Sabang
EM's Barrio East
Kapantawan
Pigcale
Centro-Baybay
PNR-Peñaranda St.-Iraya
Oro Site-Magallanes St.
Tinago
Bitano
Bonot
Sagpon Pob.
Sagmin Pob.
Bañadero Pob.
Baño
Bagumbayan
Pinaric
Bariis
Bigaa
Bogtong
Bogña
Buenavista
Buyuan
Cagbacong
Cruzada
Dap-dap
Dita
Estanza
Gogon
Homapon
Imalnod
Mabinit
Mariawa
Maslog
Padang
Pawa
Puro
Rawis
San Francisco
San Joaquin
San Roque
Tamaoyan
Taysan
Matanag
Cabugao
Rizal Street
Buragwis
Lamba

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Ligao City is a 5th class city in the province of Albay, Philippines. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 90,603 people in 17,031 households.

History
The name Ligao came is derived from the local word "ticau", once an abundant tree whose poisonous leaves were used to catch fish in rivers or creeks. Most Ligaoeños, however, believe that the name Ligao was originally "licau" which means to take the long way around or to turn away from the ordinary or usual route.

Ligao started as a small settlement known as Cavasi in the 16th century. It grew in population as it attracted natives from nearby settlements. Eventually, power struggles among ambitious and aggressive leaders caused trouble as they created divisions among the settlement. There arose five divisions led by maginoos (chieftains): Pagkilatan, Maaban, Sampoñgan, Makabongay and Hokoman. Peace was only restored when Chieftain Pagkilatan was appointed supreme leader over the entire settlement with the approval of the other chieftains.

The town was founded as a barrio of Polangui in 1606, being ceded to Oas in 1665, and finally becoming an independent municipality in 1666.

Barangays
Ligao City is politically subdivided into 55 barangays.

Abella
Allang
Amtic
Bacong
Bagumbayan
Balanac
Baligang
Barayong
Basag
Batang
Bay
Binanowan
Binatagan (Pob.)
Bobonsuran
Bonga
Busac
Busay
Cabarian
Calzada (Pob.)
Catburawan
Cavasi
Culliat
Dunao
Francia
Guilid
Herrera
Layon
Macalidong
Mahaba
Malama
Maonon
Nasisi
Nabonton
Oma-oma
Palapas
Pandan
Paulba
Paulog
Pinamaniquian
Pinit
Ranao-ranao
San Vicente
Santa Cruz (Pob.)
Tagpo
Tambo
Tandarora
Tastas
Tinago
Tinampo
Tiongson
Tomolin
Tuburan
Tula-tula Grande
Tula-tula Pequeño
Tupas

Two-third of Iriga's barangays starts with "San" :)

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Masbate City is a 5th class city in the province of Masbate, Philippines. It is the capital city of Masbate province. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 71,441 people in 13,400 households.

The City of Masbate lies on the shores of the province at 12.2 degrees north latitude and 123.3 degrees east longitude On the Northeast, it is bounded by Masbate Pass, the Municipality of Mobo and Tugbo River on the Southeast, Municipality of Milagros on the Southwest and the Municipality of Baleno and portion of Milagros town on the Northwest. The City of Masbate is well protected by Ticao Island against the hazard of typhoons from the northeast. It is 212.5 aerial miles or 362 nautical miles from Manila. The city is composed of 30 barangays.

The City of Masbate and the province as a whole has long white beaches, crystal clear water and deep seas suitable for scuba diving. There are many beach resorts in the capital town, which are accessible to good road network, and facilities, which can be developed to provide fun and entertainment to both local and foreign tourists especially during festivals and celebrations.

General Information
Masbate City is a blessed land, with its innumerable bounty and few blights. It is situated strategically in the center of the Philippine archipelago between latitudes 12º 14’ north 12º 29’ north and between 123º 30’ east and 123º 39’ east, on the northern side of the island of Masbate facing northeast towards Ticao Island.

The city domain is bounded on the northeast by Masbate Pass; on the southwest by the municipality of Milagros and on the northwest by a portion of Asid River and the municipalities of Milagros and Baleno.

From Manila, the city is barely 212.5 aerial miles or 362 nautical miles. By plane, it takes more or less one hour to negotiate; by boat, 16 to 18 hours to ply.

The city is more or less situated at the center of Masbate province, too, taking the tip of Burias Island as its northern most part and the tip of Esperanza municipality as the southern most part.

The city serves as the dividing line between Luzon and the rest of the islands in the country.

To the neighboring islands, Masbate City is three hours away by boat from the nearest point in Bicol mainland; three hours away from the nearest point in Burias; three hours away from the nearest municipality in Ticao Island; five hours from the nearest point in the island of Cebu and five hours from the nearest point in Panay island.

Historical Background
The account that “Masbate” was coined after the words “masa” and “bate” remains anecdotal, rich with a mixture of facts and folklore.

Historical account is replete with tales on the condition of the islands of Masbate during the Spanish occupation. The islands of Masbate, Ticao, and Burias were explored by Captain Luis Enriquez de Guzman in 1569. This exploration work was continued by Captain Andres de Ibarra. Fray Alfonso Jimenez introduced evangelical law to Masbateños. In 1700, Ibalon (Albay) Province assumed jurisdiction over Masbate Islands, and Masbate was named the town’s capital village. For security reasons, the seat of gvernment had to be moved time and time again. It was first moved to Mobo and then again, to Guiom. It was later transferred to Palanog near the mouth of Lumbang River to make it more accessible to Bicol Mainland and to the islands of Burias and Ticao. However, government records were kept inland in Cagay.

In 1846, the islands of Masbate and Ticao were separated from Albay province and made as a single politico-military commandancia or district. Guiom was made the capital, while Ticao became a commandancia-politico-militar.

The political history of the town dates back to the 1850s when the Spaniards established their government under a Spanish Gobernadorcillo. The Masbateños’ vassalage to Spain ended sometime in the early part of 1898 as an offshoot of the libertarian campaign waged by General Emilio Aguinaldo.

Sometime after General Aguinaldo inaugurated the Philippine Independence at Kawit, Cavite, he issued a military order to overthrow the Spanish Government in the Visayas and Masbate. General Justo Lucban and General Diego de Dios acted on this order with the help of Masbateño rebels under the legendary Pedro Kipte. The defeat of the Spanish Crown in Masbate could be largely credited to Pedro Kipte. Immediately thereafter, the military government under the Republic of the Philippines was established. But when the American forces reached the Municipality of Masbate in November 1900, it took over the government of Masbate without any resistance from the Masbateños.

After a devastating typhoon in 1908, an Executive Order was passed annexing the Province of Masbate to the Province of Sorsogon. Masbate, by force of circumstance, became a sub-province of Sorsogon until 1922 when its provincial status was restored. Shortly before the restoration of Philippine Independence in 1946, the town of Masbate was established as the provincial capital.

Masbate forms part of the second congressional district. In the mid-90s, the idea of converting the municipality into a city was pushed by 2nd District House Representative Luz Cleta Reyes Bakunawa. Her successor, Congressman Emilio Espinosa, Jr., together with the Municipal Mayor Juan P. Sanchez, Sr. and some local officials and employees took over where she left off. On August 16, 2000, President Joseph E. Estrada signed RA 8807 converting the Municipality of Masbate into a component city. In a plebiscite held later that year, Masbateños voted 7,800-3,200 in favor of cityhood, and on September 30, 2000, the Commission on Elections Regional Office in Region 5 officially proclaimed Masbate as a component city.

Barangays
Masbate City is politically subdivided into 30 barangays.

Anas
Asid
B. Titong
Bagumbayan
Bantigue
Bapor (Pob.)
Batuhan
Bayombon
Biyong
Bolo
Cagay
Cawayan Exterior
Cawayan Interior
Centro (Pob.)
Espinosa
F. Magallanes
Ibingay
Igang
Kalipay (Pob.)
Kinamaligan
Malinta
Mapiña
Mayngaran
Nursery
Pating (Pob.)
Pawa
Sinalongan
Tugbo
Ubongan Dacu
Usab

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Naga City is a first class city in the province of Camarines Sur, Philippines. Located in the Bicol Region, a peninsula on the southeastern tip of the island of Luzon, it is 377 kilometers southeast of Manila, the nation's capital, and about 380 kilometers north of Cebu City. Although relatively small in area and population with its population of 137,810 people in 26,317 households according to the 2000 census, Naga City is the region's most progressive city. It is the only chartered city and the commercial, educational, religious, and cultural center of the Bicol region. Residents of Naga City are called Nagueños.

The city is at the core of Metro Naga, a fast-growing area composed of 14 municipalities and Naga City belonging to the Metro Naga Development Council. The MNDC covers the entire 2nd district of the province of Camarines Sur, excluding Canaman, and parts of the 1st, 3rd and 4th districts.

Education
Naga City is the center of education in Bicol due to the presence of numerous higher institutions of learning, including three universities: Jesuit-run Ateneo de Naga University; non-sectarian University of Nueva Caceres, the biggest university in Bicol region in terms of enrollment; and Universidad de Santa Isabel operated by the religious order of Daughters of Charity sisters and which is also the oldest normal school for girls in the Far East.

A probable fourth university in the city is Naga College Foundation, one of the region's leading schools in Criminology. The Philippine Women's University has established its Career Development and Continuing Education Center in the city, while the University of the Philippines Open University in Naga caters to distance education students.

The biggest secondary school in the region is also located in the city, the government-run Camarines Sur National High School. Registered number of high school students has always topped the 10,000 mark every school year.

One of the best maritime schools in the country, Mariners Polytechnic Colleges Foundation, has 2 campuses in Metro Naga, one along Panganiban Drive and another in Canaman, a suburban town.

All existing schools in the city, including those already named above, offer computer courses. However, specialized computer schools have been mushrooming due to popularity of computer courses, both degree and short-term. AMA Computer Learning Center and STI College are among the more competitive and well-known computer school chains in the country that have established campuses in the city. AMA Computer Learning College has two campuses which are located along Barlin St. and Magsaysay Avenue. Other specialized computer schools include WRI and CCDI.

Transportation and Communication
Naga City is easily accessible using air and land transport. A 45- to 60-minute trip through the Naga Domestic Airport to and from the international airports of Manila and Cebu is available. Philippine Airlines fly directly from NAIA and Mactan Airport. By land, the city is a 7 to 8-hour ride from Manila; and approximately 22 hours from Cebu with ferry transfers in Sorsogon, the southernmost province of Bicol. Daily rail services to and from Manila are provided by the Philippine National Railways.

Communicating with Nagueños is a breeze because of several telephone and mobile phone companies present in the city. BayanTel and Digitel are the main telephone operators in the city. Other companies which continue to compete keenly for the city's telecommunications market have put up calling stations scattered all over the city. These are PLDT, PT&T, among others. Major mobile phone operators Globe, Smart, and Sun Cellular enjoy wide patronage.

ABS-CBN Broadcasting Network had expanded its regional network in Bicol by putting up ABS-CBN Naga. Local shows such as TV Patrol Bicol and Bicol Espesyal are aired in the whole region via ABS-CBN Naga. ABC5 also airs shows in the city thru its affiliate station People's Broadcasting Network (PBN TV 5 Naga). Global Media Arts Broadcasting Network (GMA Broadcasting Network) has also shown interest in putting up an originating station in the city for its nationwide expansion.

Naga City has the most number of radio stations of any locality in the region, some of which operate 24 hours daily. These include RMN DWNX-FM, acknowledged as the most popular local radio in the FM band heard regionwide and even abroad through its interactive website. Other leading stations include ABS-CBN's My Only Radio 93.5 Naga and GMA's Campus Radio 101.5 Naga. Both stations have 10-kilowatt transmitters capable of regionwide broadcast.

The city is host to two local cable TV companies. These are Naga Cable TV and Caceres Cable TV serving almost the whole of the region. SkyCable is also available.

Television Networks
Bicol Broadcasting System: Channel 2
PBN Bicol: Channel 5
GMA Network: Channel 7
National Broadcasting Network: Channel 8
ABS-CBN: Channel 11
Studio 23: Channel 24
ACQ-Kingdom Broadcasting Network: Channel 26
Quality TeleVision: Channel 28
Radio Mindanao Network:Channel 32

Radio Stations

AM Stations

DWRB 567 (Radyo ng Bayan):Philippine Broadcasting Service
DZLL 603: Bicol Broadcasting Service
DWRN 657 (Radyo Pilipino: Radyo Pilipino Corporation
DZLW 711: Peñafrancia Broadcasting Corporation
DWNW 765: Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation
DZGE 855: Filipinas Broadcasting Network
DWAR 891 {Radyo Oragon): Caceres Broadcasting Corporation
DZRH 981 Naga: MBC Naga
DZNG 1044 (Bombo Radyo): Bombo Radyo Philippines

FM Stations

The Beat 89.5: MBC Naga / Ateneo de Naga
90.3 Star FM: Bombo Radyo Philippines
DWNX RMN 91.1 Naga: Radio Mindanao Network
91.9 Mixx FM: Bicol Broadcasting Service
93.5 MOR For Life!: ABS-CBN
Home Radio 95.1: Aliw Broadcasting Corporation
Mom's Radio 95.9: Southern Broadcasting Network
97.5 OK: PBN Broadcasting Network
The Mother's Touch 98.3: Radio Caritas Mariae
99.1 Love Radio: MBC Naga
99.9 WEB: Filipinas Broadcasting Network
101.5 Campus Radio FM: GMA Network
Power 104 (104.7): Caceres Broadcasting Corporation
106.3 Energy FM: Ultrasonic Broadcasting System

Banking and Finance
Naga City's banking and finance sector is the most established in Bicol. With more than 50 banks locating their branches in the city and still counting, it is considered as the financial center of the region. The city hosts the regional business centers of Philippine National Bank (PNB), Metropolitan Bank and Trust Company (MetroBank), and Rizal Commercial Banking Corporation (RCBC). A number of banks have several branches in the city, like MetroBank, RCBC, Equitable PCI Bank, Bank of the Philippine Islands, and Banco de Oro Universal Bank (BDO UniBank). A leading thrift bank, RCBC Savings Bank, enjoys wide patronage of both Filipino and Chinese businessmen. Robinsons Bank of the Gokongwei group has also set up its branch in the city. Two of the biggest rural banks in the country, Bank of Makati and the Golden 7 Bank (G7Bank), a consistent Most Outstanding Rural Bank awardee, are also found in the city.

Commerce
With its burgeoning local economy that has outpaced other local economies in Bicol, Naga City is undeniably the center of business and industry in the entire region. It has several commercial business districts (CBDs). It now has a lifestyle center, three shopping malls plus a number of strip malls scattered at the heart of the CBD-I, popularly known as Centro.

Spankingly new Avenue Square along Magsaysay Avenue is Bicol's premiere lifestyle center. It has an ultramodern convention center (Avenue Convention Plaza), a bar (Lolo's Music Bar), restaurants (Max's Restaurant, Naga Oriental Wok), a specialty coffee shop (The Coffee Beanery), a salon (David's Salon), a signature flip-flops shop (Havaianas) and a nationwide franchising drugstore (Mercury Drug) among other important stores. LCC Central Mall Naga, Robertson Mall and Nagaland eMall housing Robinson's Supermarket are the city's other major shopping malls. Bichara Theater Mall, Emily Arcade and Paseo de Caceres (which has a Chinese-themed Roman Catholic chapel- the Navidad de Naga Chapel- with a Zen meditation garden at its roofdeck) are just some of the city's strip malls.

The SM Prime Holdings and Landco Pacific Corp. have both expressed interest in the city's capability of hosting bigger shopping complexes. Manila-based Shoemart has started to lease its first mall site in Bicol located at Naga's CBD-II while preparing construction plans, while Landco is expected to start construction of its Pacific Mall Naga this early 2007.

A number of restobars and bistros are found along Magsaysay Avenue, making it Naga City's "Malate District". Chili Peppers, Bob Marlin, Grilling Point, Molino Grill, Juno's, ClubM8, and CocoLeaf are just some of the few found along busy Magsaysay. Aside from these restobars that seem to sprout all over, Naga has numerous popular fastfood chain outlets like Jollibee, McDonald's, Chowking, Pizza Hut, Max's Restaurant, Greenwich, KFC, Shakey's, among other popular fastfood outlets. It is also the first city in the Bicol region to host specialty food restaurants like Naga Oriental Wok (fine dining Chinese), Hokkien (casual Chinese), Bombay Blues (Indian), Makiyaki (Japanese), and Green Earth Cafe (health food). For coffee enthusiasts, specialty coffee shops have also sprung up in strategic places around the city like Mudbugs, Starmark, Bean Bag Coffee, and Coffee Beanery.

Quite interestingly, Naga's investor-friendly economy has encouraged growth and development of homegrown business chains like New South Star Drugstore, Graceland Foods Industries (Graceland/ Geewan/ Baker's Plaza) and Bigg's who are competing nationwide with market leaders Mercury Drug, Goldilock's and Jollibee/McDonald's.

Culture
The city celebrates the Feast of Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia Our Lady of Peñafrancia, acknowledged as Patroness of the Bicol Region, every second Friday of September each year. The start of the feast, which is the largest Marian devotion in the country, is signalled by a procession (called Traslacion) which transfers the centuries-old image of the Blessed Virgin Mary from its shrine at the Peñafrancia Basilica Minore to the 400-year old Naga Metropolitan Cathedral. Coinciding with nine days of novena prayer at the cathedral, the city celebrates with parades, pageants, street parties, singing contests, exhibits, concerts, and other activities. Finally, on the third Saturday of September, the image is returned shoulder-borne by so-called voyadores to the Basilica Minore via a fluvial procession on the Naga River.

Religion
The city is the center of Roman Catholicism in the region because it is the ecclesiastical seat of the Archdiocese of Caceres whose jurisdiction covers five suffragan dioceses of Legaspi, Daet, Masbate, Sorsogon and Virac, and the Prelature of Libmanan . This dominant faith is supported by presence of several old and influential Catholic institutions, from universities to churches, notably the Ateneo de Naga University, Universidad de Sta. Isabel, Metropolitan Naga Cathedral; the Basilica Minore de Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia, home to Our Lady of Peñafrancia, Patroness of Bicolandia; and the original Peñafrancia Shrine.

History
For hundreds of years, Naga City has been a center of trade, education and culture, and the seat of governmental and ecclesiastical jurisdiction. Before the coming of the Spanish colonial government, Naga was already flourishing village off the riverbanks of the Naga River. It was a premier village with a comparatively sophisticated weaponry and surprisingly advanced technology.

In 1573, on his second expedition to this region, the conquistador Juan de Salcedo landed in a village and named "Naga" because of an abundance of Narra trees ("Naga" in Bikol) about the place. In 1575, Captain Pedro de Chavez, the commander of the garrison left behind by Salcedo, founded on the site of the present business center (across the river from the original Naga) a Spanish city which he named Ciudad de Caceres, in honor of Francisco de Sande, the governor general and a native of the city of Caceres in Spain. It was still by this name that it was identified in the papal bull of August 14, 1595 that erected the See of Caceres (together with those of Cebu and Nueva Segovia) and made it the seat of the new bishopric.

In time, Spanish city and native village merged into one community and became popularly known as Nueva Caceres, to distinguish it from its namesake in Spain. It had a city government as prescribed by Spanish law, with an ayuntamiento and cabildo of its own. At the beginning of the 17th century, there were only five other ciudades in the Philippines. Nueva Caceres remained the capital of Ambos Camarines provinces and later of the Camarines Sur province until the formal creation of the independent chartered city of Naga under the Philippine Republic.

The bishops of Caceres occupied a unique place in the Philippine Catholic hierarchy during most of the Spanish regime. By virtue of the papal bull of Gregory XIII, ecclesiastical cases originating in the Spanish Indies, which ordinarily were appealable to the Pope, were ordered to be terminated there and no longer elevated to Rome. Decisions of bishops were made appealable to the archbishop and those of the latter to the bishop of the nearest see. Thus, in the Philippines, the decisions of the archbishop of Manila were subject to review by the bishop of Caceres whose jurisdiction then extended to the province of Tayabas (present-day Quezon). In this sense, bishops of Bikol were delegates of the Pope and could be considered primates of the Church of the Philippines.

This was the reason why bishops of Caceres and archbishop of Manila were sometimes engaged in interesting controversies in the sensational Naga case and in such issues as canonical visitation and the secularization of the parishes. As papal delegate, Bishop Francisco Gainza, then concurrently bishop of Caceres, sat in the special ecclesiastical tribunal which passed upon the civil authorities' petition to divert Fathers Burgos, Gomez, and Zamora of their priestly dignity. Gainza did not only refuse the petition but also urged their pardon.

With the advent of the American rule, it was reduced to a municipality. In 1919, it lost its Spanish name and became officially known as Naga. It acquired its present city charter in 1948, and its city government was inaugurated on December 15 of the same year by virtue of Republic Act No. 305. Rep. Juan Q. Miranda sponsored this legislative act which put flesh into the city's bid to become among the only few independent component cities in the country.

Situated at the center of the Bikol peninsula and surrounded on all sides by rich agricultural, forest and fishing areas, Naga is also at the confluence of the Naga and Bikol Rivers. Thus, it has always been an ideal place for trade, and as center for schools and church and government offices.

Barangays
Naga is politically subdivided into 27 barangays.

Abella (CBD I)
Bagumbayan Norte
Bagumbayan Sur
Balatas (CBD III)
Calauag
Cararayan
Carolina
Concepcion Grande (CBD III)
Concepcion Pequeña (CBD III)
Dayangdang
Del Rosario
Dinaga (CBD I)
Igualdad Interior (CBD I)
Lerma (CBD II)
Liboton
Mabolo
Pacol
Panicuason
Peñafrancia
Sabang (CBD I)
San Felipe
San Francisco (CBD I)
San Isidro
Santa Cruz (CBD I)
Tabuco (CBD I)
Tinago
Triangulo (CBD II)

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Sorsogon City is a 5th class city in the province of Sorsogon, Philippines. It is the capital city of Sorsogon. It was formed by merging the former towns of Bacon and Sorsogon in 2000.

According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 134,678 people in 26,047 households.

Brief History
Sorsogon City was created by virtue of Republic Act 8806, which was signed into law on August 16, 2000 and ratified during a plebiscite on December 16, 2000. RA 8806, also known as the Cityhood Law, called for the merger of the municipalities of Sorsogon and Bacon into a component city of the province of Sorsogon.

The merged municipalities of Bacon and Sorsogon more or less shared the same establishment pattern with Bacon leading the way. The present-day settlements grew out of the Spanish missionary efforts in the 1600s. They both started as missions that were later made into parishes and eventually declared as civilian political units. Both places were already settled when the Spanish missionaries came in the 1600s. Pre-historic artifacts found pointing to human habitation ranged from the 3,000-year old remains in a cave in Bacon and ancient burial sites dug upstream of rivers in Sorsogon.

Bacon was established as a mission in 1609 with Casiguran, the oldest town in Sorsogon Province and one of the oldest in Luzon, as the parochial center. It became a parish in 1617. Sorsogon in turn was a mission of the parish of Bacon. Sorsogon became an independent parish in 1628.

Bacon was established as a civilian political unit (pueblo civil) in 1754. Sorsogon, on the other hand, became a pueblo civil in 1864. Being under the province of Albay (then composed of what are now the provinces of Albay, Sorsogon and Masbate) trade and travel was by water transport through the Albay Gulf. Road building between the two towns was done in the 1840s when the original bridges along the road connecting them were constructed.

At this time both towns had also enjoyed the prosperity brought by the abaca trade when world supply was dominated by the Philippines. In the 1850s Albay was the richest province in the country. On October 17, 1894, the Spanish authorities organized Sorsogon province as an administrative unit independent from Albay, with the town of Sorsogon as its seat of government. The new province adopted the name of the town and has since been known as the Province of Sorsogon. With the secession, Bacon lost Rapu-rapu which became a town of Albay. By the turn of the century Bacon further lost some of its area when Prieto Diaz was created as a town from the areas of Bacon and the town of Gubat.

At present, Sorsogon City is faced with the challenge of harmonizing the complexities of the merger. Efforts will go largely in the complementation of resources as it seeks to pursue the combined functional roles of the two municipalities.

Tourism
The late 1990s saw the booming of tourism in Sorsogon due largely to the presence of whale sharks in the town of Donsol. Because of the City’s role as administrative and commercial hub, foreign and domestic tourists invariably included the City in their itinerary.

Sorsogon also serves as the jump-off point to the tourist spots in the province, including Rizal Beach in Gubat, Bulusan Lake and Volcano in Bulusan, St. Joseph’s Church in Barcelona and an assortment of hot, cold and mineral springs in the towns of Irosin and Bulusan.

It is for its many natural attractions, though, that Sorsogon is known. Bacon District, a mere 20-minute drive from the City proper, holds promise as an eco-tourism destination. Central to its vast tourism potential is Bacon Beach, with its long stretch of black sand and clear blue waters. The District likewise boasts limestone caves, lakes and a marine sanctuary. Most notable of these are Tolonggapo in Caricaran and the Bato Limestone Caves in which were found prehistoric artifacts.

Farther offshore, dive sites teeming with coral reefs and tropical fishes make for a colorful underwater experience.

Short boat rides away are enchanting, often unexplored islands, each with their own surprises. On Paguriran Island, which is surrounded by dark granite, a huge outcrop offers a view of the swirling currents below and the stolid mountains beyond.

Rain-fed pools, springs, waterfalls and secret coves all contribute to Sorsogon City’s natural attractions.

Bucalbucalan and Palhi Springs in the City’s West District boast springs ideal for cooling down, especially in the hot summer months. Busay Twin Falls in the PNOC Reservation high up in the mountains also holds promise as an ecotourism haunt.

Neither does the tourist need to go far to appreciate Sorsogon’s natural attractions. Rompeolas, with its walkway that serves as promenade, offers spectacular views of the Bulusan Volcano, as does Paroja Hill and Grotto, which overlooks Sorsogon Bay.

A promenade for Sorsoganons, Rompeolas and the adjacent Pinaculan Island are being primed for tourism development, with sunset cruises and ecotourism as their primary selling points.

To attract more visitors and to highlight the City’s tourism potentials, two festivals are held annually: the Pili Festival on June 28 and the

Kasanggayahan Festival in October, which celebrates the Province of Sorsogon’s foundation.

Although just over a year old, Sorsogon City’s colorful history goes back to the pre-Hispanic times, when Moro pirates frequently trespassed its territorial waters. Cityhood, however, has not altered Sorsogon’s local color. On Holy Week, the City’s main streets are transformed into a sea of bodies as barefoot devotees join the Good Friday procession that wends through the city streets. Fiestas and fluvial processions held in commemoration of patron saints are likewise major activities, particularly in the barrios.

Sorsogon City is politically subdivided into 64 barangays.

36 barangays were in the former municipality of Sorsogon:

Abuyog
Almendras-Cogon (Pob.)
Balogo
Barayong
Basud
Bibincahan
Bitan-o/Dalipay (Pob.)
Bucalbucalan
Buenavista
Buhatan
Bulabog
Burabod (Pob.)
Cabid-An
Cambulaga
Capuy
Gimaloto
Guinlajon
Macabog
Marinas
Pamurayan
Pangpang
Panlayaan
Peñafrancia
Piot (Pob.)
Polvorista (Pob.)
Rizal
Salog (Pob.)
Salvacion
Sampaloc (Pob.)
San Isidro
San Juan (Roro)
Sirangan (Pob.)
Sulucan (Pob.)
Talisay (Pob.)
Ticol
Tugos

28 barangays were in the former municipality of Bacon:

Balete
Balogo
Bato
Bon-Ot
Bogña
Buenavista
Cabarbuhan
Caricaran
Del Rosario
Gatbo
Jamislagan
Maricrum
Osiao
Poblacion
Rawis
Salvacion
San Isidro
San Juan
San Pascual
San Ramon
San Roque
San Vicente
Santa Cruz
Santa Lucia
Santo Domingo
Santo Niño
Sawanga
Sugod

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Tabaco City is a 5th class city in the province of Albay, Philippines. Mainland Tabaco City borders Malinao to the north, Polangui and Oas to the west, Ligao City to the southwest, Mayon Volcano to the south, Malilipot to the southeast, and Lagonoy Gulf to the east. The island of San Miguel, part of the city's territory, is the northwesternmost of Albay's four main islands in the Lagonoy Gulf. Mayon Volcano overlooks the city to the north. The island of San Miguel to the east is under the city's jurisdiction.

According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 107,166 people in 19,599 households.

Brief History

There are several stories how the name “Tabaco” came about, but the most popular one handed down through generations is that legend drawn from the story of an overprotective father securing his beautiful daughter from marauding strangers. “Tabaco” got its root not from the tobacco plant but from the bolo (“tabak” in Bicol). One might wonder why “Tabaco” is spelled as such. We must take into account that “Espanol”, the Spanish language, has no letter “k” in its alphabet, thence the orthography.

About the middle part of the 16th century, a foreign vessel was seen by a fisherman heading for shore. (The fisherman had a lovely daughter whom he and his wife adored so much that on several occasions they protected her when similar vessels docked in the place to pick up young boys and girls who were later sold as slaves in foreign countries). “SLAVE TRADERS AGAIN”, he thought angrily and turned at once his sibid-sibid (banca) shore ward. No sooner had he reached the shore than a group of men from the vessel also took to shore. Even as he raced towards his hut, he shouted at the top of his voice for his wife to give him his bolo to fight the intruders, “TABAK KO! TABAK KO!” (MY BOLO! MY BOLO!) he shouted furiously. The strangers who turned out to be Spanish friars and soldiers who were going to explore and evangelize the place thought that the fisherman was greeting and welcoming them to his land “TABACO”. Forthwith, they entered the word TABACO in their catalogue as the name of the place.

As recorded in the Estado Geografica Estadistico Historico written in 1805 by Father de Huerta, O.F.M., the recorded history of the city begun in 1587 with the missionary works of the Franciscan friars. In 1616, Rev. Father Pedro Alcaraso became the first permanent minister and built a church which was dedicated to the glorious Precursor of our Savior, St. John the Baptist. Up to the present, St. John has remained its patron saint but is now being administered by secular priests.

The early inhabitants settled along the seashore and engaged in fishing and crude forming. Due to the continous attacks of Moro raiders, the natives migrated to San Vicente and San Carlos and started the foundation of the poblacion in 1703, while the fisherman transferred to the shores of the bay in what is now known as Cormidal. Under the administration of the first City Executive Captain Martin Aguirre, a church was built in Cormidal in 1731 ( the ruins of this church can still be seen). Like the rest of the settlements in the country of this time especially those along the seashore, Tabaco experienced a succession of city executives whose main problem was the Moro raiding parties.

From 1780 to 1810 were thirty years of peace but which was a prelude to troubled times. In 1811, a terrible typhoon called Bagyong Ogis or White Typhoon brought havoc to the place. This was followed in 1814 by a major eruption of Mayon Volcano which showered the area with ashes and stones, and completely

ANOTHER VERSION

Tabak Ko ! Tabak Ko!

Legend tells that first Spaniards upon reaching the village and seeing a native approached him to ask the name of the place. The man they asked did not understand the Spanish language and being a jealous father, he thought they were looking for his daughter. With this in mind, the man shouted on top of his voice, TABAK KO! TABAK KO!. His daughter came running with the bolo. The Spaniards thinking that they had been answered christened the place “TABACO” a name that was passed on through generations and used until now.

Barangays
Tabaco City is politically subdivided into 47 barangays.

Agnas (San Miguel Island)
Bacolod
Bangkilingan
Bantayan
Baranghawon
Basagan
Basud (Pob.)
Bogñabong
Bombon (Pob.)
Bonot
San Isidro (Boring)
Buang
Buhian
Cabagñan
Cobo
Comon
Cormidal
Divino Rostro (Pob.)
Fatima
Guinobat
Hacienda (San Miguel Island)
Magapo
Mariroc
Matagbac
Oras
Oson
Panal
Pawa
Pinagbobong
Quinale Cabasan (Pob.)
Quinastillojan
Rawis (San Miguel Island)
Sagurong (San Miguel Island)
Salvacion
San Antonio
San Carlos
San Juan (Pob.)
San Lorenzo
San Ramon
San Roque
San Vicente
Santo Cristo (Pob.)
Sua-Igot
Tabiguian
Tagas
Tayhi (Pob.)
Visita (San Miguel Island)

Two-third of Iriga's barangays starts with "San" :)

Honga. Feeling ko masyadong maka-Diyos ang mga Irigueño. :D

BTW, all of these data were taken from the following:

1. http://www.en.wikipedia.org

2. The Official Website of Tabaco City (http://202.90.158.52/tabacocity/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=12&Itemid=15)

3. The Official Website of Masbate City (http://www.masbatecity.gov.ph)

4. The Official Website of Sorsogon City (http://www.sorsogoncity.gov.ph)

5. The Official Website of Ligao City (http://www.elgu2.ncc.gov.ph/ligaocity)

Bicol is getting more and more number of cities....Already 7.... Next in line would be Daraga... Even Libmanan, Calabanga, and Goa in Camarines Sur are eyeing for cityhood...

^^ I think Sagnay could also be a candidate. Maganda infrastructure dun kahit nasa lower income class pa sila. Pero kung may susunod na city sa Bicol, that will surely be Daraga. ;)

^^ Yeah, Sangay has good infrastructure but not a good candidate for cityhood... It does not have a vibrant commercial district... Daraga will surely be the next city in Bicol which will be the 4th city in Albay...

^^ Yeah. Maybe Pili will be next after Daraga becomes a city. It's about time CamSur's capital will be again a city, and besides Pili is already a 2nd class town. ;)

You mean Pili was once a city?

^^ No, not Pili. I'm referring to Naga. Di ba Naga was the capital of CamSur before? Then naging chartered city tapos nilipat ang capital sa Pili. Remember? :D

Question: Are the city classes above based on income??? All cities other than Naga and Legazpi are 4th-class cities if income is to be based.

First-class towns that can be cities later on: Milaor, Daet, Pili, Daraga, Polangui, Guinobatan, Bulan, and Virac

^^ Yes, income-based. And all other cities are fifth class, except Naga and Legazpi which are first class and Iriga which is 3rd class. ;)

^^ No, not Pili. I'm referring to Naga. Di ba Naga was the capital of CamSur before? Then naging chartered city tapos nilipat ang capital sa Pili. Remember? :D

yeah, i remember... I thought you're referrign to Pili.:lol: I guess it's time that Camarines Sur's capital will once again be a city... It just needs to create a new CBD...

^^ Yes, income-based. And all other cities are fifth class, except Naga and Legazpi which are first class and Iriga which is 3rd class. ;)

So, that means you have to change your details above. My basis is the latest...

Question: Are the city classes above based on income??? All cities other than Naga and Legazpi are 4th-class cities if income is to be based.

First-class towns that can be cities later on: Milaor, Daet, Pili, Daraga, Polangui, Guinobatan, Bulan, and Virac
I think YES... It's based on the income of the city or towns to be classified as first, second, etc.... class... May income bracket ang bawat class....

I forgot to add: Labo!

yeah, i remember... I thought you're referrign to Pili.:lol: I guess it's time that Camarines Sur's capital will once again be a city... It just needs to create a new CBD...

Medyo okay naman ang CBD ng Pili. But if Pili becomes a city, it's not anymore conducive kasi pang-town ung style ng CBD nila ngayon eh. I think kailangan nila ng new CBD if Pili becomes a city.

So, that means you have to change your details above. My basis is the latest...

Can I see your basis?

Medyo okay naman ang CBD ng Pili. But if Pili becomes a city, it's not anymore conducive kasi pang-town ung style ng CBD nila ngayon eh. I think kailangan nila ng new CBD if Pili becomes a city.



Can I see your basis?

I don't think I still have it. I got it from the newspaper, dated August 2006. Bsta Commission on Audit. However, the info is not yet available in the internet...

I forgot to add: Labo!

Add to that is Daet...

Libmanan pa pala...

I don't think I still have it. I got it from the newspaper, dated August 2006. Bsta Commission on Audit. However, the info is not yet available in the internet...

May ibang news din akong narinig about the new "classification". All cities in the region fell one income class, meaning Naga and Legazpi are 2nd class, Iriga is 4th class and all remaining cities are again 1st class towns. I just dunno kung totoo kasi I just slightly heard it on the radio. No details were reiterated. Basta un lang narinig ko.

May ibang news din akong narinig about the new "classification". All cities in the region fell one income class, meaning Naga and Legazpi are 2nd class, Iriga is 4th class and all remaining cities are again 1st class towns. I just dunno kung totoo kasi I just slightly heard it on the radio. No details were reiterated. Basta un lang narinig ko.

Actually, Iriga is the city with the lowest total income in Bicol so I don't believe that all the other cities are just 1st class towns. Regarding your other info, they are actually true! Both Naga and Legazpi are only 2nd-class cities. I believe there has been some kind of reclassification.

^^ Yes it's true... wala nang first class city sa Bicol...
Income class (by province):
Albay- 1st class
Cam. Norte-2nd class
Cam. Sur-1st class
Catanduanes-3rd class
Masbate-1st class
Sorsogon-2nd class
source:http://www.nscb.gov.ph/activestats/psgc/regview.asp?region=05

Income class (by city):
Iriga-4th class
Legazpi-2nd class
Ligao-4th class
Masbate-4th class
Naga-2nd class
Sorsogon-4th class
Tabaco-4th class

1st class municipalities in Bicol:
Albay-Daraga, Guinobatan, Polangui
Cam Norte-Daet, Labo
Cam Sur-Libmanan, Pili
Catanduanes-Virac
Masbate-Aroroy
Sorsogon-Bulan

2nd Class Municipalities:
Albay-Bacacay, Camalig, Libon, Oas, Tiwi
Cam. Norte-Jose Panganiban
Cam Sur-Buhi, Calabanga, Goa, Nabua, Ragay, Sipocot, Tinambac
Catanduanes(none)
Masbate-Milagros
Sorsogon-Pilar, Gubat

For further information you can search for the stats of your city/municipality/province at this link:
http://www.nscb.gov.ph/activestats/psgc/searchsub.asp

^^Nice research, Sind24!!! Mali pala ako dun sa Milaor... Heheh... kaya pala nagduda ako kahapon... :D!

^^ Naga and Legazpi are now 2nd class? Meaning they've been reclassified to 2nd from being 1st class cities?

yes, i've also heard it from tv patrol bicol. The mayors of irga, legazpi and naga did not expected the results. The three big cities are the only ones that have been lowered in the income class here in bicol.

^^ by the way, the stats that i got from the internet are as of september 2006

So what are the effects of being reclassified from 1st to 2nd class city? Are there any? For instance in budget allocation, etc?

^^ I don't know at all. It's very disappointing on legazpi and naga's part to have their income class lowered. I've seen a lot of changes in the two cities. I would say that the two cities are getting better than before.

So what are the effects of being reclassified from 1st to 2nd class city? Are there any? For instance in budget allocation, etc?

Budget allocation is based on the land area of the respective city, kaya laging mas malaki ang appropriation sa Legazpi kesa sa Naga. Actually, there is no effect when a city is downgraded, it is actually a result of the lowered income of a city or upgraded basis of the NCSB, as Sind has researched. :)

NIA gets huge loan; P52M for Bicol farms
By Juan Escandor Jr.

NAGA CITY—The National Development Company (NDC), a financing arm of the Department of Trade and Industry, released to the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) a package of loan worth P1 billion which is intended to rehabilitate irrigation facilities in the 15 regions in the country.

Alexander Reuyan, NIA Bicol regional director, revealed that the loan was released in two tranches of P500 million in each release.

Reuyan said that the allotment of P52 million for Bicol in the first tranche was already released to them which will cover rehabilitation work in the two Camarines provinces and the provinces of Albay, Catanduanes and Masbate. Sorsogon, he said, was the only province not allotted in the first tranche.

But the loan came with a heavy responsibility, according to an executive at the NIA national office.

Lawyer Juan Agapito Tria, assistant administrator for administrative service, said that the NIA’s P1-B loan was approved on May 11, this year after the whole facility of the NIA central office in Quezon City was made loan collateral.

Tria said that it’s the first time the irrigation administration has offered the national office of the NIA as loan collateral which he said was inked when Panganiban was still the agriculture secretary.

Ed Yu, spokesperson of the Bicol regional office of the NIA, revealed that the P1-B loan is payable with interest of 10 percent per annum plus 12 percent value-added tax.

Yu said the collateral of the loan covered TCT No. 260182 with an area of two hectares where the lot and buildings of the NIA in Quezon City were built.

Reuyan said that the first release to the Bicol would cover rehabilitation work of irrigation facilities in 2,400 hectares of rice land in the five provinces.

But a leader of a national irrigators association has scored the Bicol regional director for not allowing the farmer-beneficiaries to participate in the implementation of the project.

Sivestre Bonto, national president and spokesperson of the nationwide organization National Confederation of Irrigators Association of the Philippines (NCIP), said that the local chapters of the irrigators associations in the project areas have the right to involved themselves in the project implementation because he said the amortization of the P1-B loan will be paid by the farmers through the irrigation fees that they would be paying.

Bonto said that the participation of the irrigators associations could be done through “by administration work” wherein the farmers put up their equity on the project through agreed deduction from the wages they would receive by working in the project.

He said the government could save as much as 30 percent of the total project costs because most of the resource requirements of the project could be provided by the NIA regional office like the use of its equipment.

Reuyan said that the “by administration work” is also an option in the implementation of the P1-B NIA project all over the country.

But he said that they opted to implement the project through the private contractors because he said they have the capacity to advance work even as the fund for the project has yet to be released.

Reuyan said that in national government procedures even as they were already given the sub-allotment advice or authority to spend for the implementation of the project, the actual cash always comes in late.

He said this is the reason why they opted for “by contract” rather than “by administration” in implementing the projects because the former option could slow down project implementation.

Reuyan added that “by administration” the NIA is always put into a precarious situation because of fund delay which he said makes the farmers resent for payment delay.

Source (http://www.bicolmail.com)

Sorsogon tops nutrition survey; CamSur poorest

LEGAZPI CITY — Sorsogon was adjudged as the province with the highest evaluation results of its nutrition implementation program among children regionwide while Camarines Sur was rated having the poorest performance, further confirming the latter’s dubious record of having the lowest per capita income vis-à-vis its high poverty incidence compared to the other provinces and cities in Bicol.

Among the cities, on the other hand, Iriga topped the regional nutrition evaluation results, with Naga City excluded from the ranking as it has been elevated to the Hall of Fame for having successfully sustained the nutrition Green Banner award year after year in the implementation of the country’s nutrition program. This year, Naga’s nutrition performance efforts have been rated at 90.5% which is extraordinarily highest in Bicol and throughout the country.

The Bicol regional nutrition evaluation team chaired by Dr. Melba T. Vera Cruz ranked Sorsogon with 83.0% in nutrition implementation performance. It is however 7% short of being qualified into the Green Banner mark that so far only Naga City has attained and maintained during the past years.

Camarines Norte was ranked second with 80.7%; followed by Masbate (79.3%), Albay (75.3%), and Camarines Sur (74.5%). Catanduanes was evaluated for monitoring only for its first year CROWN maintenance.

Among the cities, Iriga was rated with 85.2%, followed by Sorsogon City (81.8%); Legazpi City (81.2%); Ligao City (71.5%); Tabaco City (71.1%). Masbate City was evaluated for monitoring only, according to the evaluation team.

Hall of Famer and consistent Nutrition Honor Awardee Naga City maintained and sustained its rating of 90% and above for the past five years now.

The regional nutrition evaluation team is composed of representatives from DOH, DA, DSWD, PopCom, DepEd, DILG, NNC, and PIA. They conduct evaluation of the LGUs’ implementation of the national nutrition program yearly to see to it that efforts are being made by concerned agencies and chief executives to improve the nutritional development of their children. Apparently, many of the Bicol provinces and cities miserably failed which in no small measure contributed to Bicol’s unflattering status as the third poorest region in the country.

Source (http://www.bicolmail.com)

Thanks Kevin for creating a pan-Bicol thread! I've been wanting to start one but you beat me to it hehe. :cheers:

^^ :lol: You're welcome, Doc. :D

Farmers urged to adopt organic farming system

The Camarines Sur State Agricultural College (CSSAC) here is encouraging farmers in the Bicol region to adopt the System of Rice Intensification (SRI), an organic farming system, instead of the conventional farming method, which is highly dependent on chemical fertilizers, pesticides and irrigation.

The SRI, also known as the Madagascar farming system, enables rice farmers to increase their harvests even without applying inorganic fertilizer, thus earning more income.

Dr. Carmelita Cervantes, a CSSAC professor and an expert on sustainable agriculture and organic farming said, "the SRI aside from being environment-friendly, is the means to emancipate Filipino farmers from abject poverty."

Cervantes owns and tills a 2.2-hectare of organic rice farm in Barangay Binanuaanan Sur here.

She said she earns an average net income of P26,000.00 per hectare each harvest season by using SRI, compared to P15,000.00 to P 18,000.00 on the part of farmers using the conventional method.

"I earn more because I don't use chemical fertilizer and pesticides. Besides, my organic rice commands a higher price in the market than those produced using inorganic inputs," Cervantes said.

Under SRI, palay seedlings age 8 to 12 days old are transplanted at the rate of only one seedling per hill, in comparison to 15 to 30-day-old seedlings and three to four seedlings per hill in the usual way of rice farming.

The CSSAC professor said seedlings transplanted early have 80 percent potential to produce more productive tillers than those planted late.

Moreover, a farmer only needs six to eight kilos of seeds under SRI, while the conventional way requires 50 to 100 kilos of seeds.

Further, SRI-planted palay needs intermittent irrigation to keep the soil saturated during the vegetative growth period.

Shallow flooding one to three centimeters depth is, however, required during the reproductive stage.

Weeds control is done through rotary weeding and spot hand weeding. Each weeding adds 20 to 40 cavans in potential harvest.

Organic fertilizer is applied three to four weeks before transplanting at the rates of three tons and five tons per hectare during dry and wet season, respectively.

The SRI farming technology originated in Madagascar and was introduced in the country in 1999. Maximum harvest using this technique is 12 tons or 240 cavans per hectare cropping.

In a related development, Cervantes disclosed that CSSAC is trying its best to reach out to more Bicolano farmers to convince them to use SRI.

"It is the school and my personal mission to teach farmers about the wonders of SRI," she added.

The provincial government of Sorsogon, Social Action Center of the Archdiocese of Camarines Norte and the National Irrigation Administration have invited Cervantes to conduct farmers' seminars on SRI in Sorsogon City (Nov.22), Daet, Camarines Norte (November 24) and Naga City (November 29) respectively. (PNA)

Source (http://www.bayanihan.org/html/article.php/20061113170755219)

'Bantay Tambutso sa Eskwela' launched in Bicol

Environmental

The Environmental Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (EMB-DENR) launched the "Bantay Tambutso sa Eskwela" under the "Linis Hangin" program in the cities of Legazpi and Naga on November 14-16 as part of cleaner air advocacy, spearheaded by the DENR for the observance of Clean Air Month in November.

EMB Bicol regional director Gilbert Gonzales said the Bicol University (BU) and Aquinas University in Legazpi City (AUL) and the Camarines Sur State Agricultural College (CSSAC), University of Nueva Caceres (UNC), and the Ateneo de Naga University in Naga City will join the nationwide campaign in banning entry of smoke-belching vehicles within their campus premises.

The Anti-Smoke Belching Unit (ASBU) of EMB will conduct emission testing of vehicles within campus premises to check if their emission is within the prescribed standards of the Philippine Clean Air Act to safeguard public health, Gonzales said.

The academic community in the Bicol region vowed to sustain the cleaner air initiatives espoused by DENR-EMB as epitomized by the "Bantay Tambutso sa Eskwela" program.

Gonzales said the show of support arise as the EMB encourages institutions of higher education to assume the role as focal venues to emulate and provide strategic complementary actions to pursue the overall objectives of the National Clean Air Program in line with the observance of November as Clean Air Month.

The program was launched in November of 2005 spearheaded by the EMB with the assistance of the Philippines Association of Tertiary Level Educational Institutions in Environmental Protection and Management (PATLEPAM), Metro Manila Air Quality Improvement Sector Development Program, and the USAID-assisted Energy and Clean Air project. (PNA)

Source (http://www.bayanihan.org/html/article.php/20061115112811608)

Disclaimer: The Camarines Sur State Agricultural College is located in Camarines Sur's capital town, Pili, and not in Naga City.

Hi there!
Lots of inormation!...

^^ Yeah. Hehe. Hey, you're from Bicol, too, right? :D

LEGAZPI CITY -- Foreign tourist arrivals in the Bicol region rose by 67 percent from January to September this year, compared with the same period in 2005, due to the eruption of Mayon Volcano, whale shark watching and a newly-opened cable ski system in Camarines Sur.

Maria Ong-Ravanilla, regional director of the tourism department, said 38,565 foreigners visited Bicol from January to September this year. This number already surpassed the 29,959 who visited the region in the whole of 2005. Americans, South Koreans and the Japanese topped the list of visitors to the region composed of Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, Catanduanes, Sorsogon and Masbate.

Ravanilla credited the dramatic up-tick of foreign tourists to the continuing popularity of watching whale sharks, locally known as butandings, which are mostly found in Donsol town in Sorsogon, and the Mayon Volcano in Albay, which had its most recent eruption last June to August. Tour packages brought visitors to a good vantage point from which to view the eruption of the volcano famous for its near-perfect conical shape.

Ravanilla also noted the “remarkable” impact of the cable skis in Pili, Camarines Sur on the arrivals of foreign tourists.

In the third quarter (from July to September), tourists and devotees flocked to the Peñafrancia Festival, which went hand-in-hand with the Kagayonan Festival during the third week of September, she said. Naga City also hosted the Palarong Pambansa (National Games) this year, which added significantly to tourist arrivals.

Ravanilla said the counting of tourist arrivals is based on hotel bookings and occupancy. “There may be underreported tourist arrivals, especially among locals and balikbayans who opt to stay with friends and relatives, so the figures could even be higher than officially reported,” Ravanilla continued. In addition, she said, a lot of lodging houses that are not accredited do not report their bookings.

Total tourist arrivals, including domestic tourists, grew 12 percent to 457,461 for the first nine months of 2006. The last quarter of the year, she said, will see another surge of tourist arrivals when overseas Filipino workers come home for the Christmas and New Year holidays.

For 2006, Ravanilla said the opening of the Camarines Sur Water Sports Complex in Pili town next to Naga City, in April 2006, attracted a surge of foreign visitors and sports enthusiasts. “It offers the best cable ski in Asia,” Ravanilla said. The sports complex offers water activities such as knee boarding, cable-skiing, water skiing and wake-boarding. The complex covers six hectares with a man-made lake measuring 4.5 hectares.

“It is propped up by a six-point cable ski system from Germany,” according to Marife Maralit, supervising operations officer of the Camarines Sur Tourism Office. “It is the first in the Philippines and the biggest in Asia,” Maralit added. The cable ski system is available the whole year round to visitors "unlike ocean or river-located water sports which have to contend with weather disturbances and currents,” Maralit explained.

Ravanilla said “the project is a joint effort of Mayor Jesse Robredo of Naga City and Camarines Sur Governor Luis Raymond Villafuerte.” The Camarines Sur provincial government, according to Ravanilla, won the bidding, in Vienna, Austria, for rights to host the 2008 International Wake Boarding Competition.

From Inq7 (http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/news/view_article.php?article_id=33025)

I think people who say the Int'l airport will be a white elephant have no faith in their own region's attractions and capability to draw tourists in. Bicol has a lot to offer to foreign tourists.

16 Bicol students vie for 1st Youth Ambassador 2006 title

Legazpi City (17 November) -- After almost four months of tedious workshops and personality development activities, 16 students from the different colleges in the Bicol region will finally compete for the First Youth Ambassador 2006.

Organized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organizations - International Theater Institute (UNESCO-ITI), and the Bicol Economic and Cultural Office (BECO), this multi-packed leadership search was in collaboration with the Legazpi City local government, Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Department of Tourism (DOT), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), and the Pacific Mall Legazpi.

UNESCO-ITI and BECO chief Nong C. Rangasa said this program is deemed to uphold the youth's role in the promotion of leadership, cultural, environmental and social concern of the region.

"This search will also ensure the people that the youth are still proficient of being entrusted with the leadership of the community by boosting their potentials and identifying their role in the society," explained Rangasa.

The top 5 finalists ranked accordingly include: Rochelle Ontengco and Marc Angelo Barba of the Universidad de Sta. Isabel (USI); Bernardo Altavano, Jr. of Bicol University (BU); Franco Allan Jimena from Divine Word College of Legazpi (DWCL); and Raphael Emerson Belmonte of Aquinas University of Legazpi (AUL).

The remaining 11 finalists are: Phoebe Borlagdan (DWCL); Rona Diaz (BU); Florante de Padua (AUL); Madonna de Mesa (UNEP); Jaypee Lop (USI); Shiela Ramos (Mariners Polytechnic Colleges (MPFC, Naga City); Francis Richard Villar (UNEP); Ronald Cheng (USI); Jovit Licup (Computer Communication and Development Institute, Sorsogon City); German Fajardo (Ago Medical and Educational Center); and Mark Edward de Leon (MPCF, Baras).

Rangasa bared that another 3-day workshop will be held November 17-19 at the Pacific Mall Legazpi Convention Hall wherein full-packed activities are in line to test and enhance the finalists' oral and written skills aside from their interaction with the partner agency heads.

Finals Night is slated on December 15, 2006 at the New Theater, Pacific Mall Legazpi with Senate President Manuel Villar heading the guest list together with some other local personalities.

The 2006 Youth Ambassador Titlist shall be granted a one-day privilege of being the Little Mayor of Legazpi while the runners up shall also hold specific positions at the Sangguniang Panglungsod. They will be granted the chance to deal with the daily transactions in the City Hall aside from their involvement in the UNESCO-ITI/BECO programs and long-term advocacies (AB Calleja, PIA)


Source (http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&fi=p061117.htm&no=15&r=&y=&mo=)

Wake up Bicol thread. Any events or news so far?

The Camrines Sur Watersprots Complex (CWC) with the Provincial Capitol in the background

http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/9595/january24200743dj9.jpg

http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/4300/january24200744wa7.jpg

Foreigners enjoying the world class facility

http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/7858/january24200746hq1.jpg

http://img95.imageshack.us/img95/337/january24200732rc6.jpg

http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/6466/january24200723ke7.jpg

http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/1998/january24200737rz8.jpg

Question: Which is the correct spelling, Legaspi City or Legazpi City? :dunno:

^^ it's Legazpi :) but both versions are liberally used

^^ Thanks for the clarification Dex! :okay:

^^ i do spell it as Legaspi sometimes...

The Camrines Sur Watersprots Complex (CWC) with the Provincial Capitol in the background

http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/9595/january24200743dj9.jpg

http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/4300/january24200744wa7.jpg

Foreigners enjoying the world class facility

http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/7858/january24200746hq1.jpg

http://img95.imageshack.us/img95/337/january24200732rc6.jpg

http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/6466/january24200723ke7.jpg

http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/1998/january24200737rz8.jpg

Madami daw artistang pumunta dito recently. Para daw sa Nivea. Ano ba nangyari?

^^ Ano na pala ung nangyari sa tinatayong hotel-cottage sa may CWC? Tapos na ba?

^^ Marami nga.. Andun si Angel Locsin, Joey Marquez at marami pang iba.. Nung huli kung punta ginagawa pa lang last December pa yun ewan kolang kung tapos na ngayon.

^^ Cottages nga ba talaga un? Parang mini-Bonifacio High Street kasi ung itsura niya habang ginagawa eh.

i like that guy's tattoo

Masbate City
http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/8537/masbatecity1hm8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

^^Nice pic, Bonixx! I have posted new messages sa Legazpi thread, heheh... sana magreply ka...

Wow... I've never been to Masbate and from what I've seen sa taas, mukhang developed naman ah...

^^Nice pic, Bonixx! I have posted new messages sa Legazpi thread, heheh... sana magreply ka...

Wow... I've never been to Masbate and from what I've seen sa taas, mukhang developed naman ah...

Ako din na amazed how Masbate City Looks like kaya post ko yung Pic...Yes nagreply ako ahehehe Embarcaderom ba naman ang Topic...

first time ko makita ang Masbate City and it looks good from an aerial view...

Ako din na amazed how Masbate City Looks like kaya post ko yung Pic...Yes nagreply ako ahehehe Embarcaderom ba naman ang Topic...

I really never expected na ganun ang Masbate... heheh... looks like, napapalibutan talaga ng tubig...

About embarcadero, sana matuloy pero I'm doubtful kung tatagal pero parang pang-world class naman ang dating so baka...

here are some Pics of Masbate City
http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/7527/mas3ol0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/5629/maskb7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/2629/mas2ju3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/7792/mas5ll5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/2500/mas4gk9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

I really never expected na ganun ang Masbate... heheh... looks like, napapalibutan talaga ng tubig...

About embarcadero, sana matuloy pero I'm doubtful kung tatagal pero parang pang-world class naman ang dating so baka...

Pero ok lang basta atleast may Idea na tayo kung ano mangyayari sa Lugar in the near future...

-->first time ko makita ang Masbate City and it looks good from an aerial view...

@ Utol Garzland,Absolutely Amazing aheheh parang interesado rin akong marating ko ang masbate...

i hope in the near future we will have a president from bicol---para mapaunlad ang bicol and southern quezon :)

look at pangasinan and pampanga now...

^^ oo nga, a lot of Bicolanos are occupying important national positions such as Salceda and Villafuerte. Plus, a number of Bicolanos are gunning for a seat in the senate, known as the breeding ground of future presidents.

Pero IMO, we don't need to wait for someone from Bicol to ascend to the country's highest position para lang ma improve ang kalagayan ng Region V.

^^ that is how things work in our country... improvement of southern quezon & bicol will also benefit the visayas... and to some extent, mindanao... malaki ang scope in terms of population and economic impacts unlike the "other" gov't projects... pero ewan ko ba kung bakit hindi ma-prioritize ang area natin---so I guess last resort na talaga un presidency :lol: ...

Organizations & Institutions
The Bicol Relief Effort Fund

PAMANA requests the Filipino-American community's participation to help raise funds to support the victims of supertyphoon "Reming" in the Philippines.

PAMANA requests the Filipino-American community's participation to help raise funds to support the victims of supertyphoon "Reming" in the Philippines.

West Roxbury, MA: Members and families of PAMANA, the Philippine American Mainstream Advocacy for Nonpartisan Association, Inc. will be raising
funds through a dinner-dance, March 17, 2007, 6:00 PM at the Holy Name Church Social Hall (1689 Centre Street) in this city.

A $10 donation per person entitles attendees to dinner, dance, raffles and more. Proceeds of the event benefit families affected by supertyphoon "Reming" (International code name Durian) which ravaged the Bicol Region and Southern Tagalog in the Philippines November 2006. It has been said that there were more than 500 people confirmed dead (not including some 740 considered missing), and 1.5 million Filipinos affected (83,000 were forced to evacuate their homes and barrios due to mudslides from the slopes of the Mayon volcano), 250,000 houses and buildings have been damaged (including power facilities). All damages requiring at the most 6 months to restore, families are still in need of food, clothing, and medicines. Many have lost loved ones and more have lost everything they own.

PAMANA, evolved from the Filipino Community Centennial Committee of New England (in charge of the cultural festival at Boston City Hall Plaza in June 7, 1998), a symbol of transformation and change. PAMANA is convinced of the need for a conglomeration of Filipino-American organizations in the New England region and in instituting a united front in the spirit of cooperation and Filipino nationalistic fervor, a bright ideal which they aim to shine towards the Bicol Relief Effort Fund. The coalition of associations celebrates their 9th anniversary this year. PAMANA also aims to promote mutual understanding, humility and equality among the Filipino-American organizations in the New England area.

Isabelo Solar, Chairman of PAMANA strongly encourages all Filipino-Americans to participate. For tickets, to donate or for further information contact Solar 781-329-8214; Frank Celoza 617-755-3948 and/or Manny Paradela 617-331-3720.

2007-03-16 07:59:06 - West Roxbury, MA: Members and families of PAMANA, the Philippine American Mainstream Advocacy for Nonpartisan Association, Inc. will be raising funds through a dinner-dance, March 17, 2007, 6:00 PM at the Holy Name Church Social Hall (1689 Centre Street) in this city.

The Bicol Relief Effort Fund
For Immediate Release
Contact: Grethel Bolandrina
(508) 476-0009 Gretheline@aol.com

About the Bicol Region: Bicol Region or Bicolandia is one of the 16 regions of the Philippines occupying the Bicol Peninsula at the southeastern end of Luzon. Bicolandia consists of six provinces, Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Masbate, and Sorsogon. Naga City is the sole independent chartered city. There are six component cities, Iriga City, Legazpi City, Ligao City, Masbate City, Sorsogon City, and Tabaco City. The regional centers are Legazpi City (also the region's political Center), and Naga City, the region's most progressive city and it's commercial, educational, financial, religious, and cultural center.

'Bicolanos,- (inhabitants) speak any one of several dialects, including Bikol Rinconada (Iriga-Buhi area), Bikol Albay (Albay Province), Bikol Sorsogon (Sorsogon), Bikol Catanduanes and Bikol Partido (municipalities surrounding Lagonoy Gulf). Standard Bikol is Bikol Naga, and it is generally understood by other Bikol speakers.

Contact Information:
Bolandrina and Beyond

Contact Person:
Grethel Bolandrina

Phone: 508-476-0009
email: email

Web: http://www.planetphilippines.com

Source (http://www.pr-inside.com/pamana-requests-the-filipino-american-community-s-r67458.htm)

What's the poorest province in Bicol by the way?... I sit Masbate or Catanduanes?

Phase II of circum road now awaiting fund release (http://www.catanduanestribune.com/Mar-21-2007/TopStory/Detail.aspx?newsID=2474)
March 22, 2007

The second phase of the multi-billion peso Catanduanes Circumferential Road Improvement Project (CCRIP) has been included in the 28th Yen Loan Package of the Japanese government.

This was bared last week by Congressman Joseph Aldea Santiago, who said that the project, which will run from Viga to Codon, San Andres via Pandan, will cost a total of P2 billion, including the counterpart of the Philippine government.

He said he expects the Japanese government, through the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), to release the loan package before the current year is over.

The Catanduanes congressman revealed that he and Congressman Jose Sarte Salceda of Albay defended the inclusion of the CCRIP second phase before the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) after the latter initially refused to approve the Catanduanes project for lacking some documentary requirements.

Also last week, Governor Leandro B. Verceles, Jr. informed that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo herself has assured that the construction of the CCRIP second phase would be undertaken before her term of office ends in 2010.

The first phase of the road improvement, being undertaken by China Road & Bridge Corporation at a project cost of P957-million, is now nearing completion, with turnover rites expected this May 2007.

The completion of the entire project, which could take place in the next three years, would bring untold benefits to the province through better transportation infrastructure, faster pace of trade and commerce, and enhanced opportunities for eco-tourism on the island. The circumferential road improvement project was the vision of the late Ambassador and Governor Leandro I. Verceles, Jr.

here are some pics I took during my short visit to Masbate City

a view from Masbate airport

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Masbate Airport

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Ibanez Street, Masbate City

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Quezon Street, Masbate City

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still on Masbate City...

Tio Jose Restaurant at Ibanez Street

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view from GV Hotel

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view from MG Hotel at Danao Street

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http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/4058/10312006177nv9.jpg

self-made map of Masbate City

http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/4033/11012006178dy1.jpg

^ wow, thanks for the contribution @Sui_Generis. I like that Ibanez St. photo, If only it were bigger. Are you from Masbate or are you Masbate-based? If so, you can start a new thread on Masbate City and Province :D I have a handful of photos to share too.

^^ i have no digicam that's why i use my camera-phone most of the time.

the ibanez street pic was taken using an SE T610 while most of the pics, I used the Nokia N73ME.

I am not from Masbate nor am I Masbate-based. just a frequent backpack traveller who fell in love with the island province and someone who keeps on going back yearly -- a pilgrimage of sort.

sir please indulge yourself in creating a thread about Masbate and i'm sure to contribute there as much as I can.

it's not often that we hear news about Masbate.

:)

I love joyriding and witnessing the spectacular views I can see the surround highways and roads. With this, I have this desire to at least take note of those great road stretches I can clearly remember. However, I can only tell of those within the Southern Luzon vicinity. I have not yet been to Visayas and Mindanao and I have only gone once to Northern Luzon. To me, these are the most interesting road stretches I have been to in Southern Luzon (sorry, I can't provide some pictures!):

"Within Bicol National Park" Leg - This winding portion of the National Highway starts from Sipocot, Cam Sur to Basud, Cam Norte. This road is surrounded by steep mountains and peculiar trees. As far as I can remember, I have seen many deers roaming around the bushes of this park. The only time I have been here was in 1999. And all I can say is, "I don't even know if this is real!"

Rocky Andaya Highway - This highway undoubtedly needs repair but I really love the panoramic sights that are abundant in this area. Starting from Sta. Elena, Camarines Norte, this highway enters Quezon through Tagkawayan and then enters Camarines Sur in Del Gallego and then finally passing by Ragay, Lupi and Sipocot. In Tagkawayan, you can view dozens of round hills dotted by round bushes of ransas fruit. It was like in video game! By entering Del Gallego, rows of mahoganies welcome you to Cam Sur's northwestern arm. Cam Sur's towns will give you a feeling of going back in time. I feel very nostalgic while watching those children swimming in the shallow but wide rivers amidst the heat of the sun. Oh, the dugouts give me an idea that they have been crafted generations ago. But that was only an idea...

Seaside Road of Gumaca and Atimonan - Beautiful. What can I say? I can't even blink my eye! The panoramic Pacific Ocean is within view in these two towns of Quezon! And who could ever forget the statue of the little mermaid in Atimonan's shore?

EME, Pagbilao, Quezon - The sharp curves of National Highway forming the word "Eme" is spectacular! You can see some vehicles above or below your car... The ride itself was like a roller coaster to me. The curves make it seem like you're in a person's intestine and yet they call this a shortcut!

Southern Camarines Sur Stretch - I have been here several times but there's this one time, in February 2000, when the agricultural lands of the towns of Bato, Baao, Nabua, and Bula are filled with water forming marshes for migratory birds! The sight was breathtaking, you don't even want to turn your head! What is great about this experience was the fact that it never happened anymore. I guess, it was the perfect timing. You have to pass by these towns by around the period when I went there.

Hanging Road to Joroan - this road stretch is from Sagñay, Cam Sur to Tiwi, Albay. Truly breathtaking, you'll have the opportunity to glance at the sapphire waters of the Pacific Ocean while on top of mountains thousands of feet high. What's more is that there are coasts and cliffs that will behold your eyes.

Although these were not my destinations but these roads made my journeys worthwhile...

Hanging Road to Joroan - this road stretch is from Sagñay, Cam Sur to Tiwi, Albay. Truly breathtaking, you'll have the opportunity to glance at the sapphire waters of the Pacific Ocean while on top of mountains thousands of feet high. What's more is that there are coasts and cliffs that will behold your eyes.


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Views from the "Hanging" Road to Joroan

^^ It looks cool & refreshing!!! :)

Views from the "Hanging" Road to Joroan

Thanks Dex! The feeling is Nirvana-like when you're in there!

The Ragay Gulf lies within the marginally explored southeast Luzon sedimentary basin which has been ranked by the Philippine Department of Energy (DoE) as second to the producing northwest Palawan area in terms of hydrocarbon prospectivity.

http://www.pnoc-ec.com.ph/petroleum/ragay2.JPG
In January 2004, Service Contract 43 has been awarded to a consortium composed of Premier Oil, PEARL Oil and PNOC EC to conduct exploration in the Ragay Gulf area covering an area of 1.088 million hectares. To date, numerous offshore petroleum prospects involving pinnacle reefs, inversion structures, tilted fault blocks and carbonate buildups on basement highs, to name a few have been mapped in the region. These prospects are in ideal water depths of from 50 to 150 meters and generally lie just 20 kilometers from the mainland of Luzon, where the bulk of the Philippines’ energy demand is located.

^^ this could be Big! like Malampaya in Mindoro

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/32/49842384_c25569971f_o.jpg
Mt. Iriga

^^ Also known as Mt. Asog. :)

@Lucentino: Great find! I hope that'll be the 'big boom' for Bicolandia. :)

GMA Network embarks on P170M expansion program

AFTER consistently dominating the ratings game in Mega Manila and vastly improving its signal in major cities like Cebu, Davao, Iloilo and Baguio, Dagupan and Bacolod, GMA now focuses on its other regional expansion projects aimed at improving its signal and program distribution capabilities in other key areas.

GMA Network is spending P170 million for these projects, some of which have already been completed.

Pinoy Votes: Sun.Star Election 2007 Coverage

GMA's transmitter facilities in Mt. Sto. Tomas, Benguet, was completed last January. As a result of the very comprehensive upgrade on the transmitter site, more homes in La Union, Pangasinan, Benguet, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, and Pampanga now experience a far clearer GMA signal.

And just in time for the upcoming April 15 fight of Manny Pacquiao and Jorge Solis, GMA's transmitter tower in Cagayan de Oro has been fully erected with the antenna system now also in place.

GMA's relay station in General Santos City was commissioned last month. The GenSan station is now powered by a five-kilowatt full antenna system. In July, the transmitter will be upgraded to ten-kilowatts.

Batangas and neighboring provinces will also get a vastly improved GMA signal once the upgrading of the GMA relay site in Mt. Banoy is completed.

Two projects for the viewer rich Bicol region have already started.

Preparations for the construction of a new tower in Naga are underway. The new Naga signal upgrade and transmitter project is set to be completed in July with the commissioning of a new originating station in the city scheduled for within the year. The tower and antenna system in Legaspi City will also be upgraded.

GMA's Iloilo TV studio is now being constructed and is expected to be completed by June.

Construction of the Network's studio complex in Davao and Dagupan, on the other hand, will start this month and are expected to be finished by October.

Currently, GMA airs locally produced news and entertainment programs in Cebu, Iloilo, and Davao. More viewers trust GMA's regional primetime news programs in the said areas and the Network's regional entertainment shows are well followed as well.

GMA Network EVP and Chief Operating Officer Gilberto R. Duavit Jr. expects that the major improvements being done will vastly improve GMA's viewership in the regions.

"With these regional expansion projects already in progress, every household in the country, including those in remote areas can now look forward to a more enjoyable viewing experience of their favorite Kapuso programs. With our programs now more accessible, we expect the regional ratings to increase significantly," Duavit said.

GMA Network is also building two state-of-the-art studios within its compound in Quezon City. The new studio complex, which will house the most modern studio equipment and facilities, costs around P1 billion.

GMA Network remains to be the leading TV station in Mega Manila based on AGB Nielsen total day ratings data from March 4 to 17, 2007. For the said period, GMA Network posted an average total day rating of 17.3 percent against ABS-CBN's 14.7 percent.

Mega Manila, where GMA Network leads in TV ratings, comprises 51 percent of the total number of TV households in urban areas in the country, based on data from TNS. The whole of Luzon, including Mega Manila, comprises 74 percent. The remaining 26 percent is distributed to other urban areas in the Philippines.

Source (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/dav/2007/04/10/bus/gma.network.embarks.on.p170m.expansion.program.html)

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Capitol in Daet | Photo by Jovie Naval (http://www.flickr.com/photos/42387108@N00/)

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Capitol in Daet | Photo by Jovie Naval (http://www.flickr.com/photos/42387108@N00/)

^^ The Daet Capitol looks really good. I'll give part of, if not all, the credit to my cousin Mayor Elmer Panotes. Viva Bicol, especially Daet, Labo and Bagasbas where the majority of our relatives live. Regards!

^ yeah, it looks great. I love the oversized columns; it makes the building look solid and grand. Maybe you can start a Cam. Norte/Daet thread @ChicTown. :D

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Iriga City Hall all decked out for the Tinagba Festival | Photo by Jenn2k

^^ Daet Capitol looks cute. :D

The Ragay Gulf lies within the marginally explored southeast Luzon sedimentary basin which has been ranked by the Philippine Department of Energy (DoE) as second to the producing northwest Palawan area in terms of hydrocarbon prospectivity.

http://www.pnoc-ec.com.ph/petroleum/ragay2.JPG
In January 2004, Service Contract 43 has been awarded to a consortium composed of Premier Oil, PEARL Oil and PNOC EC to conduct exploration in the Ragay Gulf area covering an area of 1.088 million hectares. To date, numerous offshore petroleum prospects involving pinnacle reefs, inversion structures, tilted fault blocks and carbonate buildups on basement highs, to name a few have been mapped in the region. These prospects are in ideal water depths of from 50 to 150 meters and generally lie just 20 kilometers from the mainland of Luzon, where the bulk of the Philippines’ energy demand is located.

Great! I hope it would really benefit the whole Bicol region! I hope our country would not exploit it too much to the point that Bicol has been forgotten. That's what happened to Albay's geothermal plant.

Campbell thought all Filipinos are ‘nice’ -- friend
(http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/news/view_article.php?article_id=61700)
MANILA, Philippines -- Julia Campbell’s stint in the Bicol region led her to believe all Filipinos are nice, a grieving friend of the US Peace Corps volunteer said. "She thought Filipinos were nice. Akala niya mababait lahat kasi 'yun ang ipinakita ng lahat ng taga-Bicol [She thought everyone was nice because that was what everyone in Bicol showed her]," lamented Evelyn Cadag, 38, a member of Campbell's foster family in Donsol, Sorsogon province, where the American volunteer stayed for over a year.

"She's a wonderful person. She fell in love with the people of Donsol," said Cadag as she waited for police forensics experts to finish the autopsy on Campbell at the Loyola Memorial Chapels in Guadalupe, Makati City. Campbell went missing while hiking in Batad, Banaue on Easter Sunday, April 8. Her body was found buried in a shallow grave in the village 10 days later, an apparent homicide victim, according to authorities.

Police say they have identified the suspect and are seeking a warrant to arrest him. Cadag described Campbell, who was a journalist before volunteering with the Peace Corps, as street-smart, not scared to go places because she could speak Tagalog and even Bicolano. Cadag said she had been asked by Campbell to accompany her on trips to tourist spots, including the Banaue rice terraces, where her life would end. "She was really adventurous. She wanted to tour, she wanted to travel around the country," Cadag said.

This was also probably the reason why Campbell, 40, never married, she added. "Gusto niya kasi talaga mag-ikot [She really just wanted to travel]. She even wanted to go to Africa," said Cadag. Cadag, who was teary-eyed at one point during the interview with INQUIRER.net and the Philippine Daily Inquirer, said she was shocked to learn of Campbell's death.

"She's really a great person. Hindi ako makapaniwala [I cannot believe this]," said Cadag. "Ganun yata talaga…kapag mabait ka, maaga kang kinukuha [It must be that way…when you are good, you are taken from life early]," she said.

Extend SLEX to Bicol - Villar
(http://www.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2007/0417_villar1.asp)
Senate President Manny Villar urged concerned government departments and agencies to undertake a comprehensive study on the extension of the South Luzon Expressway (Slex) to the thickly populated Bicol region. Villar said, “This infrastructure development will benefit more than five million residents of the region including those in adjoining provinces who will be able to swiftly transport their goods and enjoy easier access to target routes, particularly Manila.”

The Bicol region consists of six provinces: Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Masbate and Sorsogon. It has one independent chartered city which is Naga, and six component cities: Iriga, Legazpi, Ligao, Masbate, Sorsogon and Tabaco. The Senate President said the extension of Slex to Bicol will eventually transform Southern Luzon into an urban beltway, and will propel economic growth in the region.

Currently, the rehabilitation and widening of Slex up to Calamba is being undertaken, to be followed by the Batangas route, based on the Medium Term Public Investment Program of the government. Villar said the project should complement the proposed extension of the Light Rail Transit towards the South, particularly to Lucena and Bicol.

The reelectionist senator, who visited Bicol and made the rounds of its public markets recently, was warmly received by the Bicolanos. Villar likewise visited the Gawad Kalinga housing project in Libmanan, Camarines Sur which received support from his office. The Senate President also attended the Youth for Christ anticipated mass at the Naga Sports Complex.

^^ I've been wishing that ever since I've started traveling back and forth from Naga to Laguna. Ang tagal ng biyahe tapos minsan traffic pa. :ohno:

Anyway, ngayon ko lang nalaman na CWC is now the second top tourist-destination in the country and the top in Bicol region, according to DoT. I saw it in L-Ray's political ad. I just don't know how credible it is, though. But I have nothing against it. Masaya nga eh. :colgate:

^^ Yap, I've seen that too... Di nga ako makapaniwala but it's true...

^^ pwede ,kasi its Different Concept ,wake boarding sounds new for our country...

Extend SLEX to Bicol - Villar
(http://www.senate.gov.ph/press_release/2007/0417_villar1.asp)
Senate President Manny Villar urged concerned government departments and agencies to undertake a comprehensive study on the extension of the South Luzon Expressway (Slex) to the thickly populated Bicol region. Villar said, “This infrastructure development will benefit more than five million residents of the region including those in adjoining provinces who will be able to swiftly transport their goods and enjoy easier access to target routes, particularly Manila.”

The Bicol region consists of six provinces: Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Masbate and Sorsogon. It has one independent chartered city which is Naga, and six component cities: Iriga, Legazpi, Ligao, Masbate, Sorsogon and Tabaco. The Senate President said the extension of Slex to Bicol will eventually transform Southern Luzon into an urban beltway, and will propel economic growth in the region.

Currently, the rehabilitation and widening of Slex up to Calamba is being undertaken, to be followed by the Batangas route, based on the Medium Term Public Investment Program of the government. Villar said the project should complement the proposed extension of the Light Rail Transit towards the South, particularly to Lucena and Bicol.

The reelectionist senator, who visited Bicol and made the rounds of its public markets recently, was warmly received by the Bicolanos. Villar likewise visited the Gawad Kalinga housing project in Libmanan, Camarines Sur which received support from his office. The Senate President also attended the Youth for Christ anticipated mass at the Naga Sports Complex.

nothing against politicos but this could just be a propaganda to earn your votes... if one does not have any vested interest in a certain area, why would one continue the project during his term? and some have even been sitting in office for years, but why disclose this idea only now, when one is visiting the place?... I thought this should have been part of Roco's platform and not Villar...
the SLEX to Pagbilao has been shelved for lack of funding and no investor is keen on spending a lot when the return of investment would take years --- gusto ng investors mabawi agad ang pera kaya ang mamahal ng binabayaran natin (sa kuryente, toll fee, etc.)

^^ pwede ,kasi its Different Concept ,wake boarding sounds new for our country...

Acutally, there's an existing wakebarding facility in our country before CWC.. I gues it's somewhere in Batangas...

^^ I've been wishing that ever since I've started traveling back and forth from Naga to Laguna. Ang tagal ng biyahe tapos minsan traffic pa. :ohno:

Anyway, ngayon ko lang nalaman na CWC is now the second top tourist-destination in the country and the top in Bicol region, according to DoT. I saw it in L-Ray's political ad. I just don't know how credible it is, though. But I have nothing against it. Masaya nga eh. :colgate:

That is a very good reason why Bicol needs an international airport... Weheheheh... :)

nothing against politicos but this could just be a propaganda to earn your votes... if one does not have any vested interest in a certain area, why would one continue the project during his term? and some have even been sitting in office for years, but why disclose this idea only now, when one is visiting the place?... I thought this should have been part of Roco's platform and not Villar...
the SLEX to Pagbilao has been shelved for lack of funding and no investor is keen on spending a lot when the return of investment would take years --- gusto ng investors mabawi agad ang pera kaya ang mamahal ng binabayaran natin (sa kuryente, toll fee, etc.)

That's also quite a possibility... Pero I'm still hoping na matuloy. Plus, I'm quite intrigued by what our prof told us... magkaka-4-way-lane daw dito sa albay na magkokonek sa Manila... It's still a prospect pa nga lang... I think SLEX yung sinasabi niya...

Yes everyone will be hoping... pati nga ata taga Samar & Leyte anxious dito sa project na ito... mas marami kasing pakinabang sa SLEX going to Pagbilao and beyond, pero nauna gawin ang STAR tollway to Batangas kasi may investors dito at marami rin naman benefits... kung magkakaron ng interes ang investors na ituloy ang SLEX-Pagbilao/Bicol (through the help of the Senate) then all the better...

ang malinaw at malungkot na katotohanan nito e kelangan pa natin ng investors kasi di kayang pondohan mag-isa ng gobyerno ang mga projects...

kung sakaling pumasyal ulit dyan ang nangako after the elections, baka pwede nyo kumustahin ang proposal nyang ito hehehe:lol:

Yes everyone will be hoping... pati nga ata taga Samar & Leyte anxious dito sa project na ito... mas marami kasing pakinabang sa SLEX going to Pagbilao and beyond, pero nauna gawin ang STAR tollway to Batangas kasi may investors dito at marami rin naman benefits... kung magkakaron ng interes ang investors na ituloy ang SLEX-Pagbilao/Bicol (through the help of the Senate) then all the better...

ang malinaw at malungkot na katotohanan nito e kelangan pa natin ng investors kasi di kayang pondohan mag-isa ng gobyerno ang mga projects...

kung sakaling pumasyal ulit dyan ang nangako after the elections, baka pwede nyo kumustahin ang proposal nyang ito hehehe:lol:

Even Mindanaoans will be benefitted by this project... Heheh...

That is a very good reason why Bicol needs an international airport... Weheheheh... :)

And I guess the right place to put up the international airport is Daraga not here in Camarines Sur.. This is to spread development....But if it's going to be in Pili then that would be good since the Pili Airport really needs a huge facelift...

Even Mindanaoans will be benefitted by this project... Heheh...

Yap, we will all be benefited by this if that is pursued...I just hope so!

And I guess the right place to put up the international airport is Daraga not here in Camarines Sur.. This is to spread development....

My dad told me reasons why Daraga was chosen. I could not post it now... I'm in a hurry...

^^wish ko lang ang puro islang bansang Pilipinas ay maging buo sa pamamagitan ng pagkonekta ng mga daan at hindi lang basta daan atleast four lane for better mobility and accessibility...

By Juan Escandor Jr.
Southern Luzon Bureau
Last updated 07:06am (Mla time) 04/25/2007


PILI, CAMARINES Sur—The Spanish government has approved some P150 million worth of assistance to the Philippine government in its poverty alleviation program for Bicol and Caraga, according to the Department of Agriculture here.

Arsenio Fortin, acting regional director of the department in Bicol, said the Philippine government received the grant through the RP-Spain Joint Cooperative Project “Strengthening of the Agro-Industrial Sectors in Bicol and Caraga Regions.”

Agencia Española de Cooperacion International, the development arm for international cooperation of Spain, approved the development aid, added Fortin.


http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/regions/view_article.php?article_id=62343

Acutally, there's an existing wakebarding facility in our country before CWC.. I gues it's somewhere in Batangas...

Yeah it's in Batangas. It's called Lago de Oro. It was featured in Trip na Trip today. Okay naman siya. Matagal na siyang tapos. Un nga lang, parang hindi pabilog ung man-made lake. Hindi ko nga sigurado kung man-made un eh. Parang malawak na river ung itsura niya. Mas gusto ko pa rin ung CWC. Hehe

That is a very good reason why Bicol needs an international airport... Weheheheh... :)

Ngayon ko lang na-realize na kailangan talaga because of CWC, the butandings in Donsol, Mayon volcano, and the colorful festivals in the whole region.

And I guess the right place to put up the international airport is Daraga not here in Camarines Sur.. This is to spread development....But if it's going to be in Pili then that would be good since the Pili Airport really needs a huge facelift...

Hindi lang facelift, overhaul. :lol: Kailangan na ring i-extend ung runway para ma-accomodate ung Airbuses ng mga airline companies. 'Yan tuloy, napilitang umalis ang PAL. :ohno:

My dad told me reasons why Daraga was chosen. I could not post it now... I'm in a hurry...

Basta ipost mo ung reason. Hehe

Gov. Villafuerte, DBP chair plot ways to avert fiscal crisis
PIA Press Release
2004/09/17
by ST Nieves

Legazpi City (17 September) -- Camarines Sur Governor Luis Raymund F. Villafuerte, Jr. urged businessmen in the province to be partners in the development efforts even as he spelled out tourism, transport and technology as key areas that would be vigorously pursued under his administration.

He said his program dubbed as the Three Ts for P (Tourism, Transport and Technology for Profitability) would create more jobs and perk up economic activities in the province.

Governor Villafuerte along with DBP Chairman Vitaliano N. Nañagas II were the guests of honor during the business forum attended by about 100 top businessmen of Camarines Sur and Naga City last September 6 at the Ateneo de Naga University, a gathering jointly sponsored by the Camarines Sur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CSCCI), Ateneo de Naga University and the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP).

“Camarines Sur province is brimming with endless possibilities and potentials waiting to be tapped.” Governor Villafuerte, a multi-awarded businessman turned public servant pointed out.

He cited as an example the Caramoan Peninsula which has abundant world-class tourism potentials.

The Governor also saw the need to upgrade the Pili Airport and even build a new airport in the Pamplona area and establish the Pasacao-Cebu roll-on roll-off project which would contribute immensely in boosting tourism and in bringing in investors to the province.

“If Pasacao, Sagñay and Caramoan ports can be further improved and expanded, large carriers can dock to transport goods and tourists more efficiently,” he pointed out.

The Governor also disclosed that there are Japanese, Taiwanese and Korean businessmen who are engaged in the export of sushi or raw fish and are looking for possible suppliers to provide their requirements. But this would need the establishment of the proper storage facilities and efficient transport facilities, he explained.

On technology, the Governor proposed an Information Technology Park that would focus on the export of services such as medical transcription, medical billing and the lucrative call centers.

On the other hand, DBP Chairman Nañagas was unfazed by fears of the country being on the brink of a fiscal crisis. “The situation should not lead us into pushing the panic button,” he pointed out.

He said that with the cooperation and sacrifices from all sectors, “we would be able to find opportunities for development that would help pull ourselves from this crisis”.

“DBP is doing its share towards providing solutions to arrest a full-grown crisis by its vigorous move to effectively mobilize its long-term funds,” Nañagas said.

The DBP chairman said some of the high priority projects included in its lending programs are the acquisition of RORO vessels and port development, grains processing centers, grain terminals including ports and other post harvest facilities, ice plants and other cold storage facilities.

The lending rates of DBP range from 8.25 per cent to 13.25 per cent per annum. The term is up to 15 years, (MMEC)

source (http://www.pia.gov.ph/default.asp?m=12&sec=reader&rp=3&fi=p040917.htm&no=24&date=)

^^
This article seems to be outdated but I hope some of the statements will push through

^^

Sana talaga ma-upgrade na ang Naga/Pili airport or kahit matransfer or magbuild ng bagong airport sa Pamplona. Is it the topography of the area that delays the extension of the runway or purely politics?:lol: pati pangalan ng airport pinagaawayan eh, buti pang itransfer nalang sa Pamplona at gawing Camarines Sur Airport ang name:lol:

Basta ipost mo ung reason. Hehe

Basta ipost mo ung reason. Hehe[/QUOTE]

First of all, I want to discuss about the reliability of my source, who is my dad. He was a former official of Daraga and only Ericd001 knows what's his position. Heheh, I have to keep it a secret pa! So, I believe him because his not only my dad, he also discussed this with my mom, a legazpi city official, who insists that the location of the airport was politically-motivated. My dad insisted that it was not. That it was on a scientific basis. I think in this level of communication, w/c is between spouses, secrecy of matters are most-of-times spilled. So I think everything he said was true due to a further info that he was not anymore an official when he discussed this with my mom. Otherwise, if it was indeed politically-motivated, he could've spoiled that it was indeed since he was not anymore an official! What a logic!

So here it is, as early as the 90's, an international airport is already being planned to be set-up somewhere in Bicol. Locations are pre-selected as Legazpi, Daraga, Ligao, and somewhere in Camarines Sur. MY dad told us that a group of Japanese experts visited these locations and put up equipment measuring wind movement, I think it was barometer or something. After a period of months, they have observed their findings and discovered that the Daraga location had the most stable wind movement which is very critical for the selection of an airport.

So, this was the basis why Daraga has been chosen as the location of the international airport. Furthermore, Daraga is a very accessible town and that the reason why Legazpi's airport is the busiest in Bicol is the fact that it is the closest to most critical ports of Bicol such as Tabaco, Pilar, Sorsogon, Bulan, Matnog, and Legazpi.

Tourism is growing in Bicol region particularly in Donsol and CWC. So it is but very logical to put up an international airport in between these two tourist spots and also Mayon, the earliest tourist spot ever in Bicol. Daraga town is a very viable location. With the onset of the train station in Camalig, which will lessen travel time to Manila from 12 hours to 4 hours and which is a few kilometers from the airport, Daraga is a good choice...

^^
So, will the legazpi airport will be then privatized?

First of all, I want to discuss about the reliability of my source, who is my dad. He was a former official of Daraga and only Ericd001 knows what's his position. Heheh, I have to keep it a secret pa!

Hmm.. I get it...since your last name is.... hehe.
No need to keep it a secret Mond, now I know why you're a true Daragueño. hehe

^^
So, will the legazpi airport will be then privatized?

Probably. I heard that it will be sold to Mall-operating companies like SM. As far as I know, SM has tried penetrating here in Legazpi since 1991 but wasn't successful all along. Now, they've tried Naga as an alternative...

Hmm.. I get it...since your last name is.... hehe.
No need to keep it a secret Mond, now I know why you're a true Daragueño. hehe

'Rangkada, Daraga!

Probably. I heard that it will be sold to Mall-operating companies like SM. As far as I know, SM has tried penetrating here in Legazpi since 1991 but wasn't successful all along. Now, they've tried Naga as an alternative...

It's the same with PM... PM has tried to penetrate first in Naga but there was a problem so they chose Legazpi as an alternative....But the good news is PM is still planning to construct its branch here... Ang tanong nga lang eh kung kailan sisimulan ang construction...

Our very own Joyce Nocomura placed third in last night's Miss Philippines-Earth pageant at UP Theater. She was crowned Miss Philippines - Water. I heard that she's from Pamplona, Camarines Sur and is a BS Tourism student.

^^ She's from Camaligan. I know her. She's attending her Tourism school at Mariner's-Naga.

Congrats Joyce!

:cheers:

Originally posted by mond87
I want to discuss about the reliability of my source, who is my dad. . .

. . . So here it is, as early as the 90's, an international airport is already being planned to be set-up somewhere in Bicol. Locations are pre-selected as Legazpi, Daraga, Ligao, and somewhere in Camarines Sur. MY dad told us that a group of Japanese experts visited these locations and put up equipment measuring wind movement, I think it was barometer or something. After a period of months, they have observed their findings and discovered that the Daraga location had the most stable wind movement which is very critical for the selection of an airport.

So, this was the basis why Daraga has been chosen as the location of the international airport.

I think these views are highly opinionated.
As a balikbayan Bicolano, I visited our homeland early last month after an absence of 10 years or so, and what I saw in Albay/ Legaspi devastated me and broke my heart.
With due respect, sir, saying that you have a reliable source because he's your dad would now make you a biased witness since you're his son.
Knowing the Japanese (having married one), they are not so stupid to locate an airport, international at that, in Daraga just because of the wind. With the advent of strong and modern aircraft, the wind should be the least of their worries. I would believe more your mom that this project is politically motivated than anything else. What is important is the viability of the place which is now highly questionable considering the great devastation wrought by typhoon Xangsane/Reming in the area.
Looking back at what I saw, honestly, I think there are more basic living requirements that should be the attention of our politicians than an international airport. There are even places without electricity and roads and bridges that need to be repaired or built. Just go to Tabaco via Ligao and see for yourself. The beauty of Mayon and other tourist spots in albay can wait, and so too an expensive international airport. Hindi naman mawawala yan. But what about hungry mouths to feed, etc.. Lots of tent cities everywhere in Legaspi, etc., yet our politicians still present us with this outlandish project. I think albayanos should vote wisely in the coming elections.
On the other hand, I also had the chance to visit Naga upon invitation of well-known businessmen-friends there. The progress of Naga is pretty obvious; leadership of its politicians and people is something to emulate.

I think these views are highly opinionated.
As a balikbayan Bicolano, I visited our homeland early last month after an absence of 10 years or so, and what I saw in Albay/ Legaspi devastated me and broke my heart.
With due respect, sir, saying that you have a reliable source because he's your dad would now make you a biased witness since you're his son.
Knowing the Japanese (having married one), they are not so stupid to locate an airport, international at that, in Daraga just because of the wind. With the advent of strong and modern aircraft, the wind should be the least of their worries. I would believe more your mom that this project is politically motivated than anything else. What is important is the viability of the place which is now highly questionable considering the great devastation wrought by typhoon Xangsane/Reming in the area.
Looking back at what I saw, honestly, I think there are more basic living requirements that should be the attention of our politicians than an international airport. There are even places without electricity and roads and bridges that need to be repaired or built. Just go to Tabaco via Ligao and see for yourself. The beauty of Mayon and other tourist spots in albay can wait, and so too an expensive international airport. Hindi naman mawawala yan. But what about hungry mouths to feed, etc.. Lots of tent cities everywhere in Legaspi, etc., yet our politicians still present us with this outlandish project. I think albayanos should vote wisely in the coming elections.
On the other hand, I also had the chance to visit Naga upon invitation of well-known businessmen-friends there. The progress of Naga is pretty obvious; leadership of its politicians and people is something to emulate.

There is a huge timing difference b/w the judgment made by the Japanese and the onslaught of the supertyphoon. Well, I can say that I'm not a biased witness to what my father said. There and then, I have a question going into me on why Daraga had been chosen to be the location of the international airport. Well, it's more than just the wind. I have not enough opportunity to listen to the full length of the discussion b/w my mom and my dad. It just so happens that weighing in both the propositions and the rebuttal speeches b/w the two has given me the idea that my dad's reasons are simply more objective and more realistic than my mom's. Add to that, I AM A BIOLOGICAL SON OF BOTH MY PARENTS that will, for sure, eliminate any existing partiality in my vantage point. For sure, the officials back then have measured the viability of the area even before they let the investors tried investing in it.


That's not all. I cannot trust you with this one. You're not a Japanese and I have no idea whether you are an expert on aircrafts and airplanes. I rather have more evidence gathered than just believe in what you said. To what my father and you have said, you both gave me two sides of the story. I have given myself some time to think about it but hey, I believe my dad more than a stranger for the reason that I know that my dad has been there for the planning of the international airport and you, a stranger, are still a vague entity in my radar. ;)

^^ She's from Camaligan. I know her. She's attending her Tourism school at Mariner's-Naga.

Congrats Joyce!

:cheers:

I've just seen her in the motorcade in downtown Naga... :)

^ http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/joyce-nocomura.jpg

hmm

^ http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/joyce-nocomura.jpg

hmm

She also visitted Legazpi this day... :)

There's something in her:

Address: Camaligan, Camarines Sur
Grandparents' roots: Camalig, Albay

Woohoop!

This is the island off the coast of Northern Camarines. I have searched it on Manila Times' website. I also read that Philippine Daily Inquirer stated earlier that the beach here is much better than Boracay's... Read on...

Captivating Calaguas

Text and photos by Perry Gil S. Mallari


AS a writer accustomed to the squalor of urban waterfronts and city smog, I find the idea of doing a travel story about an island paradise in Bicol short of an invitation to Shangri-La.

For a couple of years now, bits and pieces of rumors have been circulating about this group of islands named Calaguas off the Pacific coast of Camarines Norte dubbed by adventurers as the “Boracay” of the Bicol region. Those tales proved to be true after all.

Getting there

The most practical way to get to Calaguas is to take an 8-hour bus trip from Manila to Vinzon, which is Daet’s main town. A word of warning—take time in choosing the most comfortable bus you can afford. There are a couple of bus lines plying this route and the rule of thumb is to choose a bus with ultra comfortable seats with plenty of legroom. It will definitely pay off because on a bad day, the usual 8-hour travel can stretch to a 10-hour trip. A faster option is to go by plane from Manila to Legazpi City. From Legazpi, it is roughly 3 to 4 hours drive to Vinzon, Daet.

I consider the boat ride from the fish port of Bagasbas to Calaguas Islands half the fun of the whole trip. Visitors are usually brought to the islands on big fishing boats. I am amazed by the strength of these vessels because, save for the motor engine attached to these, the design is exactly the same as those used by ancient seafaring Filipinos. I personally experienced the mettle of these boats when we were relentlessly buffeted by 12-foot swells for two hours on our way back to Daet. Despite the venerable skills of the fishermen maneuvering boat and the durability of these vessels, I still highly recommend that passengers strap a life vest for the duration of the boat ride.

Another important thing to consider before braving the 2-hour boat trip is to secure all your electronic gizmos like cameras, cell phones and MP3 players in a waterproof, tight pouch. It is advisable to strap them as high as you can on your body because you could be submerged in water waist-deep when transferring from boat to boat, not to mention the occasional splash of waves on your face every time your boat gets a big splash of waves.

Surreal beauty

Setting foot on Calaguas almost evokes an aura of sacredness; it’s like the beholding a virgin bride in her quiet splendor for the first time. Calaguas for now is untouched by commercialism. If your goal is pure, unadulterated communion with nature, Calaguas is the place to be. The place is almost virginal, with crystalline waters gently lapping white sand beaches. The islands are inhabited by a small group of fisher folks who welcomes visitors with open arms.

Exploring Pinagkastilyohan (roughly means where a castle was built), which was the navel of the Calaguas group of islands can be a truly surreal experience. Taking a stroll on the ankle-deep emerald green water, one can see different shells and other small marine life scattered beneath like jewels. I saw a cowry shell about the size of a fist. I was surprised because this shell is the one used in the local game of sungka and its usual size is only about a centimeter long.

Though breathtaking in its beauty, Calaguas in its present state is not for the traveler accustomed to five-star accommodation and pampering. There are no commercial establishments on the islands; no toilets; no running water. Visitors coming to the islands through organized tours usually pitch tents on the shore. As for the toilet, the only solution is to bring a portable one but it would not be hard to imagine how tricky it is to bring such a thing to and from the islands. Hydration and sun protection should also be important considerations if one is visiting the islands during the summer months because the heat can be a killer.

Opening its doors

I consider myself fortunate to see Calaguas in its present untainted form. Our guide compared it to being in Boracay 25 years ago. Now that I’ve been to both locations, I can honestly say that Calaguas can rival its Visayan counterpart in every way.

Calaguas will soon emerge with a new face. There are already concrete plans of turning these islands into a major tourist destination according to the local government of Daet. A quick surf on the Internet will reveal that some portions of Calaguas are indeed for sale. The development is no secret to the inhabitants of the islands and they look forward to it with hope in their hearts.

Mang Juan, a local fisherman I had a chat with, hopes that the coming commercialization will also bring them a better life. I tried to share Mang Juan’s hope but at the back of my mind, there is an apprehension that Calaguas will suffer the same fate as Boracay. It is now an open book that Boracay has two faces—the beautiful side is the one portraying crystal-clear water and powder-white sand beaches and the ugly side is that of a mammoth mountain of garbage cascading with empty water bottles and other refuse. Some local government officials of Daet say lessons were learned from Boracay and though there is no 100-percent guarantee that Calaguas will be totally spared from ecological woes once it is developed into a tourist destination, what they can promise is that they will enforce every law available to safeguard the welfare of the islands.

I uttered a silent prayer as I was leaving the place. First, I thanked God for creating such a wonderful place and second, that Calaguas will remain as beautiful as the day I laid eyes on its islands.

Source:

http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2007/may/04/yehey/life/20070504lif1.html

^^
Wow ang ganda nung pic na nakita ko sa website ng manila times. I've heard several news about this, only that they were portraying the boracay-like features to other places here in bicol like catanduanes, caramoan and albay. Yung feature news ng bicol mail last week about sa masbate maganda rin yung beaches. I guess Bicol will prosper if the local governments will coordinate with each other and concentrate in the tourism phase.

Since malapit sa bagasbas yang Calaguas, strong waves rin ba dun? (never been there. hehe)

^ http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/joyce-nocomura.jpg

hmm

Dad said she's his cousin. I forgot how. Basta Joyce's grandparent and Dad's grandparent are related.

The grand project that is SLEX extension to Bicol is not going to happen in the near future. What is more feasible is a 4 lane highway between Naga and Legaspi, if only the governors of Albay and Camarines Sur have the political will. Then when the national government sees that there is massive economic activity going on in the heart of Bicol will they finally construct the southern SLEX extension to connect to the Naga-Legaspi highway. That's how the STAR extension started.

^^Does the SLEX really have to be dependent on economic activity? I think it should be dependent on the number of of travellers passing by Bicol region. I think SLEX Bicol extension will not only benefit Bicol travellers but also travellers from Visayas and Mindanao. As of this moment, with the presence of airports in Bicol region and the Eastern Visayas and Mindanao regions, travellers in Bicol region has been greatly decreased.

But I agree with the 4-lane highway connecting Legazpi and Naga. Here in Daraga, traffic is so harsh, you'd arrive in school after 10 or 15 minutes considering the fact that the distance is only less than a kilometer... :(

Captivating Calaguas



http://farm1.static.flickr.com/193/483598499_c5797cb153_o.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/200/483598505_e13968ba38_o.jpg
Photos by Annalyn Jusay (http://www.flickr.com/people/annalyn/)

^ oh damn, that place is awesome.
you been there dex?

^ oh damn, that place is awesome.
you been there dex?
I've never been there. I'd love to go there someday.

Bicol traders sore over spotty power (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/41062/Bicol-traders-sore-over-spotty-power)
Source: GMANews.tv

Businessmen in at least four provinces in the Bicol region are getting sore over the continued intermittent power interruptions, which they said had disrupted their activity. Radio dzRH reported Saturday morning that the power interruptions, which started nine days ago and last up to six hours a day, have continued until Friday night.

It said traders particularly dealing in frozen foods, malls, restaurants, department stores and even radio stations have started complaining that the situation is “hindi na biro (no longer a joke)." Not even the use of power generators can compensate for the loss in business opportunities because of the power interruptions, they said.

The power interruptions, caused by the failure of a power line in Quezon province linking Bicol to the Luzon grid, started nine days ago. Rehabilitation work is ongoing on the downed line. Affected by the lack of electric power were the provinces of Albay, Sorsogon, Camarines Norte, and Camarines Sur.

Residents in Sorsogon have also complained that in many homes, power is not restored until 8:30 p.m. National Transmission Co. (Transco) officials have not given a timetable on when power will be fully restored. Energy officials have temporarily tapped power from the Tiwi geothermal plant in Albay.

:bash: :ohno: :rant: :rant:

^^Really hate this situation! We can't even finish our feasibility study because of these power interruptions! :(!!!

The grand project that is SLEX extension to Bicol is not going to happen in the near future. What is more feasible is a 4 lane highway between Naga and Legaspi, if only the governors of Albay and Camarines Sur have the political will. Then when the national government sees that there is massive economic activity going on in the heart of Bicol will they finally construct the southern SLEX extension to connect to the Naga-Legaspi highway. That's how the STAR extension started.

I agree with this. If you're not riding a filcab van going to either cities, aabutin ka ng siyam-siyam just as what happened to me when Tigs visited Legazpi. I left Naga at around 9AM or 10AM, I arrived early afternoon. 2PM ata. :ohno:

^^Does the SLEX really have to be dependent on economic activity? I think it should be dependent on the number of of travellers passing by Bicol region. I think SLEX Bicol extension will not only benefit Bicol travellers but also travellers from Visayas and Mindanao. As of this moment, with the presence of airports in Bicol region and the Eastern Visayas and Mindanao regions, travellers in Bicol region has been greatly decreased.

I think economic activity is a factor, though land travelers is the one biggest factor to be considered with the extension of SLEX to Bicol. I actually don't agree with the decreasing number of land travelers to Bicol. I've been going to Bicol and Manila a number of times, and i can say that the density of travelers are not decreasing. Lalo ngang nata-traffic sa highway, not only because of the renovation of the Andaya HW, but also because of the constancy of the increasing number of passengers plying the Bicol route.

^^Really hate this situation! We can't even finish our feasibility study because of these power interruptions! :(!!!

Ang init kaya!! Moreover, nakakasira ng appliances!! :bash:

The grand project that is SLEX extension to Bicol is not going to happen in the near future. What is more feasible is a 4 lane highway between Naga and Legaspi, if only the governors of Albay and Camarines Sur have the political will. Then when the national government sees that there is massive economic activity going on in the heart of Bicol will they finally construct the southern SLEX extension to connect to the Naga-Legaspi highway. That's how the STAR extension started.

Oh I hate it when our urban planners think that way. :bash: They wait for economic activity and horrendous traffic situation to pave the way for the establishment of new roads and highways. They should think the opposite way. The establishment of new roads are drivers for economic activity to grace those areas and for vehicular traffic to have an alternative route.

The province of Camarines Sur has been experiencing an unprecedented boom in tourist arrivals.

The provincial government makes sure that visitors are comfortable, with world-class accommodations - ranging from the top class classified Mansion Suite Hotel, a Balinese-inspired villas, a dollhouse-like cabanas, and the ingenious truck trailer homes.
Thumbnail: Trailer Hotel Room

"The idea is to really make both the foreign and local tourists stay at the Camarines Water Complex (CWC) longer so they would really go deep into the experience," says Bing Rivera, CWC manager.

Truck container vans are put to novel use at CWC as they have been transformed into innovative accommodations complete with modern amenities such as airconditioning, bed, sink, TV etc.

While on the outside, they may curiously look like parked trucks without wheel, the interior is an entirely different world, boasting of the comfort offered in studio-type condo units, with room rates ranging from R1,000 to R2,850.

At present, there are about 20 trailer homes and 50 more are expected to be competed. Tourists are drawn to these trailer thrillers for two reasons: One, because it is located in an area very near the CWC lake; and two, it being a novelty is such a hit that staying there may be well worth the experience!

"Most tourists would like to stay near the CWC waters so that explains it," affirms Rivera. "Besides, you can't find a place like that anywhere in the country so people become extra curious and would love to experience staying there themselves."

Other accommodations, all a stone's throw away from the cablepark, are equally attractive. The luxury villas - a gated compound in Oriental theme - are homey and tranquil. A unit even Whas a front porch to relax in, a bath tub and a spacious shower room.

"Oh I hate it when our urban planners think that way. They wait for economic activity and horrendous traffic situation to pave the way for the establishment of new roads and highways. They should think the opposite way. The establishment of new roads are drivers for economic activity to grace those areas and for vehicular traffic to have an alternative route."


It's a chicken and egg situation. Of course, I would want the 4-lane highway to be built first. Or they could go in tangent with each other. But the government has lots of projects and money is in short supply. I'm sure the planners are always taking into consideration the opportunity costs for every projects they get into. They want the most bang for the buck.

[QUOTE=kevinb;13054616]

I think economic activity is a factor, though land travelers is the one biggest factor to be considered with the extension of SLEX to Bicol. I actually don't agree with the decreasing number of land travelers to Bicol. I've been going to Bicol and Manila a number of times, and i can say that the density of travelers are not decreasing. Lalo ngang nata-traffic sa highway, not only because of the renovation of the Andaya HW, but also because of the constancy of the increasing number of passengers plying the Bicol route.
QUOTE]

Let me rephrase my earlier statement... What I was trying to convey is this: "With the presence of active airports and seaports in Bicol, Eastern Visayas and Eastern Mindanao regions, the number of travellers that could have used the national highway is relatively lower if these ports are nonexistent." The reason why SLEX was pursued in the Southern Tagalog region is the fact that there are many land travellers in that area and the existing airports there are very inactive. Heheh...

Anyways, the number of travellers would surely increase in Bicol because of population increase. When it comes to economic activity, Bicol region is growing as well though not as fast as the Calabarzon region.

I think the SLEX extension to Bicol is a must but like lochinvar, it is not viable yet. It is like a feasibility study with so much demand in its product that production must be increased. However, there are so many constraints as well. These constraints serve as barriers on why some of the those products with high demand were not created at all.

On the part of the SLEX Bicol extension proposal, maybe there will be more expenses to be incurred than revenues and this is really scaring away investors. And with the presence of airports and train stations, competition is also present. But the fact that one senator is pursuing this one, it is not bad to give it a chance. Woohoop!

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b332/MatteoMatt/Picture2.jpg

dex, theres LCC in ligao?

Hmm, I'm not sure. I thought Expressmart lang. Pero yung Jollibee-Ligao open na I think 2 weeks ago.

http://i2.tinypic.com/4tpuydk.jpg

^^ Wala ba niyan for other Bicol provinces?

Wala pa eh :)

^^ I see. Thanks anyway. :)

The province of Camarines Sur has been experiencing an unprecedented boom in tourist arrivals.

The provincial government makes sure that visitors are comfortable, with world-class accommodations - ranging from the top class classified Mansion Suite Hotel, a Balinese-inspired villas, a dollhouse-like cabanas, and the ingenious truck trailer homes.
Thumbnail: Trailer Hotel Room

"The idea is to really make both the foreign and local tourists stay at the Camarines Water Complex (CWC) longer so they would really go deep into the experience," says Bing Rivera, CWC manager.

Truck container vans are put to novel use at CWC as they have been transformed into innovative accommodations complete with modern amenities such as airconditioning, bed, sink, TV etc.

While on the outside, they may curiously look like parked trucks without wheel, the interior is an entirely different world, boasting of the comfort offered in studio-type condo units, with room rates ranging from R1,000 to R2,850.

At present, there are about 20 trailer homes and 50 more are expected to be competed. Tourists are drawn to these trailer thrillers for two reasons: One, because it is located in an area very near the CWC lake; and two, it being a novelty is such a hit that staying there may be well worth the experience!

"Most tourists would like to stay near the CWC waters so that explains it," affirms Rivera. "Besides, you can't find a place like that anywhere in the country so people become extra curious and would love to experience staying there themselves."

Other accommodations, all a stone's throw away from the cablepark, are equally attractive. The luxury villas - a gated compound in Oriental theme - are homey and tranquil. A unit even Whas a front porch to relax in, a bath tub and a spacious shower room.

Nag-stay kami dito at tsaka sa Cabanas. Nasa Naga thread yung pics. Gusto ko sana makita yung Villas kaya lang may gate eh. Hindi ata puwedeng pumasok yung hindi taga-doon. Ang mahal ng rate sa villas, Php5,000 daw.

would it be interesting to mark all of the identified construction in google earth...hehehe. This will aid other members in locating there prospective condos and give them an aerial view of the surroundings, thus helping them make decisions "to buy or not to buy" a unit.

Kung interested lang naman kayo sa Regional Breakdown ng Namfrel (http://www.namfrelphilippines.org/)
--------------
Namfrel quick count for Bicol Region
As of 3:57 PM May 17, 2007
Partial and unofficial

1 ESCUDERO96,629
2 LEGARDA84,639
3 ARROYO 83,173
4 VILLAR70,124
5 ROCO68,192
6 HONASAN66,078
7 LACSON64,705
8 AQUINO62,620
9 PANGILINAN62,512
10 TRILLANES60,364
11 ANGARA50,375
12 CAYETANO50,195
------------------------
13 RECTO41,529
14 ZUBIRI40,434
15 PIMENTEL38,744

^^grabe Talaga tong sina Honasan at Trillanes nakakapasok talaga sa top 12, im not surprise about Sonia Roco ofcourse Balwarte nya ang Bicolandia...

^^
Nope, hindi balwarte ni Roco ang buong Bicolandia. Medyo watak-watak ang politics sa bicol. If I am not mistaken, nanguna lang si Raul Roco sa camarines sur at albay nung presidential elections, the rest province ay kay FPJ na:nuts: Kaya ngayon, ineexpect kong sa albay and cam sur rin lang ang balwarte ni Sonia. Pero malamang makakuha rin siya ng votes sa ibang province lalo't na sa opposition siya ngayon.

Si Honasan naman at Trillanes parang may kapamilya ata yang dalawa dito sa bicol. Hindi lang ako sigurado. Basta si Trillanes sigurado ako dahil napanood ko sa TV yung interview sa pinsan niya ata or kapatid.

^^Si Honasan daw saka si Trillanes parehas taga-Sorsogon...

Btw, mga Bikolanong Senatoriable:

H-onasan
E-scudero
A-rroyo
R-oco
T-rillanes...

As of now, since si Roco wala sa Top 12, mukhang madugo ito:

H-onasan
E-scudero
A-rroyo
T-rillanes...

^^
Haha. nice one.

WOW, panahon na siguro para magkaroon ng Bicol Republic:lol: Cursed ba talaga ang mga bicolano? kahit sa philippine history, may mga nabasa akong mga bicolanong trinaydor ang mga kapwa pilipino.:lol: Ngayon naman si trillanes at honasan:lol:

wow Talaga? ang dami palang Bicolanong nagtatry maging Senador... binoto ko yang si Honasan kahit papano sincere naman sya at nasubukan na rin.

^^
Haha. nice one.

WOW, panahon na siguro para magkaroon ng Bicol Republic:lol: Cursed ba talaga ang mga bicolano? kahit sa philippine history, may mga nabasa akong mga bicolanong trinaydor ang mga kapwa pilipino.:lol: Ngayon naman si trillanes at honasan:lol:

Hanggang ngayon, wala pa rin akong nababasang traydor na Bicolano... heheh... sinu-sino nga ba?

^^
meron. May nakalagay sa book namin nung elementary na yung nagsumbong sa GOMBURZA ata or kina bonifacio ay bicolano. hindi ko na kasi maalala. Nung 1st year hs naman nakalagay isa daw ang bicol sa pinakatahimik nung early to mid spanish colonization. Sa totoo rin lang talaga, wala pa akong nabasang revolution sa bicol nung early-mid spanish colonization. Example nga pala ngayong modern times ay ang coup nina trillanes at honasan. hehe

^^
meron. May nakalagay sa book namin nung elementary na yung nagsumbong sa GOMBURZA ata or kina bonifacio ay bicolano. hindi ko na kasi maalala. Nung 1st year hs naman nakalagay isa daw ang bicol sa pinakatahimik nung early to mid spanish colonization. Sa totoo rin lang talaga, wala pa akong nabasang revolution sa bicol nung early-mid spanish colonization. Example nga pala ngayong modern times ay ang coup nina trillanes at honasan. hehe

Isang tao lang naman yun... eheh... never make hasty generalization, di naman tlga traydor ang mga Bicolano... Nagkataon lang. Don't you remember the 15 martires? They died for our country.

And then, nung early Spanish colonization, nakasulat dun sa libro ni Dante Gerona na ang mga Bikolano daw ang isa sa mga "fiercest" warriors sa Pinas na against sa mga Kastila. Nung Mid-Spanish colonization, I don't know kung bakit silent ang mga Bikolano nun. Most probably, wala namang na-offend nun ang mga Kastila against sa mga Bikolano. Ang common denominator kasi ng mga uprisings noon ay isa lang: may nagawa lang tlga ang mga Kastila na makaka-galit sa mga indigenous Pinoy.

Sina Honasan and Trillanes? oragon lang talaga sila. They might start up a new republic. Pero I have to be honest, di ko sila binoto, ayoko sa mga warfreak. :D

Hindi rin ako favor sa kanila. Pro-admin kasi ako pero hindi naman totally pro-admin:)

maiba naman tayo ng topic... punta tayo sa economic development:)
-----------------------
loilo airport opens in June

By Roderick T. dela Cruz

The P8.759-billion Iloilo Airport Development Project, the first and largest of the 16 airports that are under development in the Central Philippines tourism super region, will officially open next month.

Presidential Management Staff director general Cerge Remonde, who heads the government’s Infrastructure Monitoring Task Force, said the airport was completed in March, but its commercial operation was set in June, after the election period.

Central Philippines, the tourism super region, covers 27 provinces in Southern Tagalog (including Palawan), Bicol, Western Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Central Visayas, Western Mindanao, Northern Mindanao and Caraga.

Once operational, the airport is seen to be the second largest in the Visayas, after the Mactan International Airport in Cebu.

“With the completion of the new Iloilo airport, Panay Island now has an international airport that will boost economic activity and tourism in the island,” Remonde said.

The new Iloilo airport development project is located 19 km. northwest of Iloilo City on a 188-hectare site between the towns of Cabatuan and Santa Barbara. It will replace the old airport in Mandurriao, Iloilo City.

The project is financed under a ¥14.724-billion loan (P5.9 billion) from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation,

Built by the Japanese firm Taisei Shimizu joint venture, the new airport features a 2,500-meter-by-45-m. runway that can accommodate large aircraft such as the Boeing 747. It has a 12,000-sqm. passenger terminal that can accommodate 1.222 million passengers annually and a 1,281-sqm. terminal that can handle 11,500 metric tons of cargo.

Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano, who heads the Central Philippines super region, said the development of new airports in the region would boost the tourism industry.

The airport development projects expected to be completed this year include the New Bacolod Airport Development Project, costing P6.376 billion; and those in Bulan, Sorsogon (P15 million); Kalibo, Aklan (P105 million); and Siargao in Surigao del Norte (P58 million).

Durano said construction of the P3.44-billion Bicol International Airport in Daraga, Albay and the P2.87-billion Panglao Bohol International Airport in Panglao Island, Bohol would start late this year or early next year.

Other airport development projects include the Puerto Princesa Airport, costing P3.132 billion; Busuanga Airport, P1.224 billion; Balabac, P303 million; and San Vicente, P100 million which are all located in Palawan province.

Also under development are airports in Tacloban, costing P1.121 billion; San Jose, Romblon, P303 million; Kabankalan, Negros Occidental, P303 million; Dumaguete, P290 million; and Guiuan, Eastern Samar, P142 million.

source (http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=business4_may14_2007)

I'm surprised, Trillanes isn't from sorsogon
--------------------------
Chiz Escudero, the Bicol hope for 2010
By Stephen F. Sergio

I have seen the blossoming of Francis “Chiz” Escudero during the impeachment proceedings against President Arroyo, and I liked what I saw. As House minority floor leader, he carried the cudgels for the Opposition, and the brilliance of his methodical, logical mind was captured on TV.

Chiz Escudero’s spectacular showing in the May 14 senatorial elections immediately puts him on the spotlight. For the first time in 70 years, since Wenceslao “Bintao” Vinzons, and of late, Raul Roco, Bicolandia has a toehold on the presidency.

All now depends on how Chiz performs in the Senate in the next three years.

Is he equipped for it? Can he be the leader that Bicolanos can look up to? Is he the future of Bicol politics? That remains to be seen, but if it is any gauge, my first and only encounter with him has left me with a lasting impression.

Sometime in the late 90s, when I was with DOLE, Chiz Escudero came to visit a former classmate of his at U.P. in the Secretary’s staff, lawyer Angelo “Giggil” Jimenez (now OWWA deputy administrator). He dropped by my office and was introduced to me as “your fellow Bicolano” by Giggil”. Flashing a boyish smile, he immediately shook my hand. He engaged me in a small talk in Bicol, especially after I told him I am a friend of his father’s. He was then newly-arrived from the United States, where he earned a master’s degree in international law from the Ivy League, Georgetown University of Washington, D.C. He did not speak in English or Tagalog, and even asked the excuse of Giggil, who is a Visayan, for speaking in the regional tongue. I do not now recall what we talked about, but that minute or two gave me a glimpse of the depths of his Bicolano soul. Later when Giggil told me Chiz was running for his father’s seat in Congress, I told myself here is a young man to watch.

That opportunity came during the deliberations in the Lower House on the first and second impeachment charges against President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. As minority floor leader, Chiz took the cudgels from the Opposition, and it was a joy to watch him debate with the likes of Louie Villafuerte and Edcel Lagman, whom he never failed to call his “kababayan” or fellow Bicolano. Right then and there I saw his potential for national leadership, especially when he would huddle with intellectual giants like my former Boss in OP Ronaldo Zamora (A.B. summa cum laude, Ll.B magna cum laude U.P. and bar topnotcher) on floor strategy.

If the present trend continues, there will be four Bicolanos aside from Chiz in the next Senate: Joker Arroyo of Camarines Sur; Gregorio Honasan, also of Sorsogon, and Antonio Trillanes IV of Ligao, Albay. Joker is already 80 years old, and this could be his last hurrah. Honasan is 60, but his charisma and swashbuckling image shooed him in to a third term in the Senate. Trillanes, if he makes it, has yet to prove his mettle in the halls of the legislature.

On the shoulders of the Great Bicol Hope, Chiz Escudero, therefore, lies the burden of carrying the Bicolano dream of having one of his own occupy Malacanang. I hope he lives up to expectations. Let us all pray for and wish him well.

source (http://www.bicolmail.com/)

^^ I'm hopeful that Chiz Escudero will perform very well in the Senate. Sana wag sya matulad kay Mar Roxas na mukhang walang ginagawa sa Senado, sayang ang pagiging no.1 tapos nag aambisyon pa yata maging president. tsk tsk.

maiba naman tayo ng topic... punta tayo sa economic development:)
-----------------------
loilo airport opens in June

By Roderick T. dela Cruz

The P8.759-billion Iloilo Airport Development Project, the first and largest of the 16 airports that are under development in the Central Philippines tourism super region, will officially open next month.

Presidential Management Staff director general Cerge Remonde, who heads the government’s Infrastructure Monitoring Task Force, said the airport was completed in March, but its commercial operation was set in June, after the election period.

Central Philippines, the tourism super region, covers 27 provinces in Southern Tagalog (including Palawan), Bicol, Western Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Central Visayas, Western Mindanao, Northern Mindanao and Caraga.

Once operational, the airport is seen to be the second largest in the Visayas, after the Mactan International Airport in Cebu.

“With the completion of the new Iloilo airport, Panay Island now has an international airport that will boost economic activity and tourism in the island,” Remonde said.

The new Iloilo airport development project is located 19 km. northwest of Iloilo City on a 188-hectare site between the towns of Cabatuan and Santa Barbara. It will replace the old airport in Mandurriao, Iloilo City.

The project is financed under a ¥14.724-billion loan (P5.9 billion) from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation,

Built by the Japanese firm Taisei Shimizu joint venture, the new airport features a 2,500-meter-by-45-m. runway that can accommodate large aircraft such as the Boeing 747. It has a 12,000-sqm. passenger terminal that can accommodate 1.222 million passengers annually and a 1,281-sqm. terminal that can handle 11,500 metric tons of cargo.

Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano, who heads the Central Philippines super region, said the development of new airports in the region would boost the tourism industry.

The airport development projects expected to be completed this year include the New Bacolod Airport Development Project, costing P6.376 billion; and those in Bulan, Sorsogon (P15 million); Kalibo, Aklan (P105 million); and Siargao in Surigao del Norte (P58 million).

Durano said construction of the P3.44-billion Bicol International Airport in Daraga, Albay and the P2.87-billion Panglao Bohol International Airport in Panglao Island, Bohol would start late this year or early next year.

Other airport development projects include the Puerto Princesa Airport, costing P3.132 billion; Busuanga Airport, P1.224 billion; Balabac, P303 million; and San Vicente, P100 million which are all located in Palawan province.

Also under development are airports in Tacloban, costing P1.121 billion; San Jose, Romblon, P303 million; Kabankalan, Negros Occidental, P303 million; Dumaguete, P290 million; and Guiuan, Eastern Samar, P142 million.

source (http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=business4_may14_2007)

andaming airports... What was the common denominator among them... Ang alam ko lang ung airport sa Daraga tas sa Bulan, matagal na palang pinag-planuhan... yung friend ko kasi taga Bulan siya. Sabi niya sa akin na elementary pa raw niyang naririnig ung news about sa airport ng Bulan. Yung airport naman sa Daraga, alala ko nun, ang initial na plano ay ilalagay sa Ligao. Grade 6 pa ako nun... Grabe, andaming airports and parang sabay-sabay pa silang i-dedevelop...

Central Philippines, the tourism super region, covers 27 provinces in Southern Tagalog (including Palawan), Bicol, Western Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Central Visayas, Western Mindanao, Northern Mindanao and Caraga.
source (http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=business4_may14_2007)

hey, akala ko part ng Metro Luzon ang Southern Tagalog? O baka mali lang ang pagka-intindi ko... :)

^ Mali-mali po 'yang sinabi ng article na 'yan. Teka, let me look for the map of the super regions

I'm surprised, Trillanes isn't from sorsogon
--------------------------
Chiz Escudero, the Bicol hope for 2010
By Stephen F. Sergio

I have seen the blossoming of Francis “Chiz” Escudero during the impeachment proceedings against President Arroyo, and I liked what I saw. As House minority floor leader, he carried the cudgels for the Opposition, and the brilliance of his methodical, logical mind was captured on TV.

Chiz Escudero’s spectacular showing in the May 14 senatorial elections immediately puts him on the spotlight. For the first time in 70 years, since Wenceslao “Bintao” Vinzons, and of late, Raul Roco, Bicolandia has a toehold on the presidency.

All now depends on how Chiz performs in the Senate in the next three years.

Is he equipped for it? Can he be the leader that Bicolanos can look up to? Is he the future of Bicol politics? That remains to be seen, but if it is any gauge, my first and only encounter with him has left me with a lasting impression.

Sometime in the late 90s, when I was with DOLE, Chiz Escudero came to visit a former classmate of his at U.P. in the Secretary’s staff, lawyer Angelo “Giggil” Jimenez (now OWWA deputy administrator). He dropped by my office and was introduced to me as “your fellow Bicolano” by Giggil”. Flashing a boyish smile, he immediately shook my hand. He engaged me in a small talk in Bicol, especially after I told him I am a friend of his father’s. He was then newly-arrived from the United States, where he earned a master’s degree in international law from the Ivy League, Georgetown University of Washington, D.C. He did not speak in English or Tagalog, and even asked the excuse of Giggil, who is a Visayan, for speaking in the regional tongue. I do not now recall what we talked about, but that minute or two gave me a glimpse of the depths of his Bicolano soul. Later when Giggil told me Chiz was running for his father’s seat in Congress, I told myself here is a young man to watch.

That opportunity came during the deliberations in the Lower House on the first and second impeachment charges against President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. As minority floor leader, Chiz took the cudgels from the Opposition, and it was a joy to watch him debate with the likes of Louie Villafuerte and Edcel Lagman, whom he never failed to call his “kababayan” or fellow Bicolano. Right then and there I saw his potential for national leadership, especially when he would huddle with intellectual giants like my former Boss in OP Ronaldo Zamora (A.B. summa cum laude, Ll.B magna cum laude U.P. and bar topnotcher) on floor strategy.

If the present trend continues, there will be four Bicolanos aside from Chiz in the next Senate: Joker Arroyo of Camarines Sur; Gregorio Honasan, also of Sorsogon, and Antonio Trillanes IV of Ligao, Albay. Joker is already 80 years old, and this could be his last hurrah. Honasan is 60, but his charisma and swashbuckling image shooed him in to a third term in the Senate. Trillanes, if he makes it, has yet to prove his mettle in the halls of the legislature.

On the shoulders of the Great Bicol Hope, Chiz Escudero, therefore, lies the burden of carrying the Bicolano dream of having one of his own occupy Malacanang. I hope he lives up to expectations. Let us all pray for and wish him well.

source (http://www.bicolmail.com/)


Sabi kasi ng classmate ko, taga-Sorsogon daw si Trillanes... Heck, taga-Ligao pala siya...

^ Mali-mali po 'yang sinabi ng article na 'yan. Teka, let me look for the map of the super regions

Haay, andami-daming mali talaga ang mga mapa ng super-regions. Do you still remember nun nung napag-usapan natin to? heheh... nag-post ka pa nga nun and later na-realize natin na mali-mali pala... Harrrggg...

Yeah :lol: In this thread: http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=362618&page=7&highlight=super+regions

2007 population census starts August (http://www.pia.gov.ph/default.asp?m=12&fi=p070518.htm&no=76)
PIA Press Release
2007/05/18

LEGAZPI CITY (18 May) -- The National Statistics Office (NSO) will start the conduct of 2007 population census (POPCEN) in August this year.

NSO Bicol regional director Mariano Fontanilla enjoins all households to support the undertaking for the government to obtain the correct statistics that is very necessary in program/project planning.

Fontanilla said that for 2007 POPCEN acitivity the agency will needing additional personnel not only during the census taking but also for the preparatory and post census activities.

For the 2007 POPCEN the NSO offices are in need of personnel for the following positions - cartographer, enumerator, clerk (district offices), bookkeeper, asst. statistician, receipt and control clerk, and utility worker.

Fontanilla advises interested parties to visit and inquire at their respective NSO offices in the provinces.

Meantime, the NSO is currently conducting the 2006 Census of Philippine Business and Industry (2006 CBPI).

The 2006 CPBI formerly the Census of Establishments (CE) is a nationwide undertaking which aims to provide data on the structure and level of economic activity in the country, that serve as reliable bases upon which the government and private sectors can formulate policies and evolve economic development. (NSO)
----------------------------

^^
after 7 millon years... hehe. sa wakas magkakaroon na ng bagong census. Masyadong out-dated na yung 2000 census. haaaay:nuts:

^^ Buti naman matutuloy na very late na ang update about population...dapat nung nakaraang taon pa yan...

2007 population census starts August (http://www.pia.gov.ph/default.asp?m=12&fi=p070518.htm&no=76)
PIA Press Release
2007/05/18

LEGAZPI CITY (18 May) -- The National Statistics Office (NSO) will start the conduct of 2007 population census (POPCEN) in August this year.

NSO Bicol regional director Mariano Fontanilla enjoins all households to support the undertaking for the government to obtain the correct statistics that is very necessary in program/project planning.

Fontanilla said that for 2007 POPCEN acitivity the agency will needing additional personnel not only during the census taking but also for the preparatory and post census activities.

For the 2007 POPCEN the NSO offices are in need of personnel for the following positions - cartographer, enumerator, clerk (district offices), bookkeeper, asst. statistician, receipt and control clerk, and utility worker.

Fontanilla advises interested parties to visit and inquire at their respective NSO offices in the provinces.

Meantime, the NSO is currently conducting the 2006 Census of Philippine Business and Industry (2006 CBPI).

The 2006 CPBI formerly the Census of Establishments (CE) is a nationwide undertaking which aims to provide data on the structure and level of economic activity in the country, that serve as reliable bases upon which the government and private sectors can formulate policies and evolve economic development. (NSO)
----------------------------

^^
after 7 millon years... hehe. sa wakas magkakaroon na ng bagong census. Masyadong out-dated na yung 2000 census. haaaay:nuts:

Eh paano ako? Wala na ako sa Naga by August. Alangan naman na sa Laguna ako isali eh hindi naman ako talaga taga-dun. :(

^ Kung ganun ay kabilang ka sa margin of error :lol:

^^ So ganon na lang ako sa mata ng gobyerno? Grrrrrr! Gotta hate 'em. Hehe

http://www.gmanews.tv/webpics/research/20070507_newterritories1.jpg
^^
:cheers: malapit ng maging city ang daet at labo at magkakaroon na rin ang Cam norte ng second district. Bakit pala di kasama ang daraga? Di ba qualified naman ang Daraga sa income (109 million) at sa area?
:eek: maco-convert na rin pala ang naga,cebu into city. Sana ibalik na lang ang pangalan ng naga city sa Nueva Caceres... mas cute at unique kasi:colgate:

from the New legislative districts, provinces, cities, municipalities and barangays thread (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=472585)

IMO Naga City's name is more bullish than Nueva Caceres...

http://www.gmanews.tv/webpics/research/20070507_newterritories1.jpg
^^
:cheers: malapit ng maging city ang daet at labo at magkakaroon na rin ang Cam norte ng second district. Bakit pala di kasama ang daraga? Di ba qualified naman ang Daraga sa income (109 million) at sa area?
:eek: maco-convert na rin pala ang naga,cebu into city. Sana ibalik na lang ang pangalan ng naga city sa Nueva Caceres... mas cute at unique kasi:colgate:

from the New legislative districts, provinces, cities, municipalities and barangays thread (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=472585)

As far as I know, both Date and Labo have income of less than 100 million in 2005... source: Commision on Audit

Siguro, palakasan na lang talaga. Pero, kung ako tatanungin niyo, ayoko pang maging city ang Daraga... Siguro, 2 or 3 more years pa. Sa lagay ng Daraga ngayon, mas mabuti kung maging progresibo pa muna ng konti... Just my opinion... :)

^ Dapat siguro, start from scratch lahat. Burahin lahat ng mga title, whether city or municipality, gumawa ng standard of income, tapos iaudit, tapos dun na malalaman kung qualified ba maging city :D

^^
Gumawa na lang sana ang congress ng batas na nagde-demote ng isang city into municipality kapag di umabot sa requirements.

As far as I know, both Daet and Labo have income of less than 100 million in 2005... source: Commision on Audit

Siguro, palakasan na lang talaga. Pero, kung ako tatanungin niyo, ayoko pang maging city ang Daraga... Siguro, 2 or 3 more years pa. Sa lagay ng Daraga ngayon, mas mabuti kung maging progresibo pa muna ng konti... Just my opinion... :)

Siguro yung daet, deserving naman siguro kahit below 100M yung income. Sa pagkakaalam ko, kasabay ng daet yung mga new cities ng bicol sa pag-apply ng cityhood. Di ko alam kung bakit di nag push through. Ayaw siguro ng mga tao.

Yung mga new cities ba ng bicol, below 100M rin yung income hanggang ngayon?, nakita ko kasi dun sa article yung isang table ng mga newly created cities pero below 100M yung income. Kasama dun lahat ng new cities sa bicol. Nalito nga ako dahil pinost mo dun sa sorsogon thread na 200M+ yung current income ng sorsogon city. alin ba ang mas recent?

IMO Naga City's name is more bullish than Nueva Caceres...

I agree. Plus Nueva Caceres is not Naga alone. Kasama dun ang buong Bicol plus parts of Northern Samar and the former Tayabas (present-day Aurora and Quezon provinces).

Siguro yung daet, deserving naman siguro kahit below 100M yung income. Sa pagkakaalam ko, kasabay ng daet yung mga new cities ng bicol sa pag-apply ng cityhood. Di ko alam kung bakit di nag push through. Ayaw siguro ng mga tao.

Kasi hindi pa naman talaga qualified and Daet before. AFAIK, ngayon lang siya umabot sa requirements.

I agree. Plus Nueva Caceres is not Naga alone. Kasama dun ang buong Bicol plus parts of Northern Samar and the former Tayabas (present-day Aurora and Quezon provinces).



Kasi hindi pa naman talaga qualified and Daet before. AFAIK, ngayon lang siya umabot sa requirements.

^^ Wow tol Kevin Nice to know that na sobrang lawak ng sakop ng Nueva Caceres noon... :cheers:

I agree. Plus Nueva Caceres is not Naga alone. Kasama dun ang buong Bicol plus parts of Northern Samar and the former Tayabas (present-day Aurora and Quezon provinces).

I think you are referring to the archdiocese of caceres. According to Danilo Gerona's "Naga: the Birth and Rebirth of a City", Nueva Caceres was a spanish city built at the side of a river while the Naga village was on the opposite side. It is said in his book that the Naga village only covers the present day barangay Lerma and other barangays which I already forgot:) and the modern day Nueva Caceres covers the barangay San Francisco and other barangays in CBD 1 which I also forgot. So none of the two refers to the whole of the present day Naga City.

BTW, no one really knows the real name of the naga village unlike legazpi which is known to be the barangay of sawangan. There are several theories regarding the roots of the name of the naga village. It was first named naga because of the presence of narra trees and was later changed to nueva caceres from the city of caceres in spain.

^^
Gumawa na lang sana ang congress ng batas na nagde-demote ng isang city into municipality kapag di umabot sa requirements.



Siguro yung daet, deserving naman siguro kahit below 100M yung income. Sa pagkakaalam ko, kasabay ng daet yung mga new cities ng bicol sa pag-apply ng cityhood. Di ko alam kung bakit di nag push through. Ayaw siguro ng mga tao.

Yung mga new cities ba ng bicol, below 100M rin yung income hanggang ngayon?, nakita ko kasi dun sa article yung isang table ng mga newly created cities pero below 100M yung income. Kasama dun lahat ng new cities sa bicol. Nalito nga ako dahil pinost mo dun sa sorsogon thread na 200M+ yung current income ng sorsogon city. alin ba ang mas recent?

I don't know. Basta, yung mga income na yun was in the year 2005 pa pero COA released those figures in July 2006. So, I think the 2006 figures will be released in July or August as well assuming na mangyari ulit yung nangyari last year.

Yung income talaga ng Sorsogon ay lumagpas sa 267 Million pesos. Tabaco, Ligao and Masbate each have an income of more than 200 million. Iriga lang talaga ang lower than 200 million (about 196 million). Quite surprising? Hmmm... You need to look for the Philippine Daily Inquirer Archives dated either July or August 2006 to verify if these figures are right. Dito ko lang talaga kasi nakuha ang mga yun. On the other hand, you can visit Commission on Audit as well.

How about this tol?whats thisfigure stands for?

http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/7310/20070507newterritories8hi3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=472585

How about this tol?whats thisfigure stands for?

http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/7310/20070507newterritories8hi3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=472585

So, there is a huge disparity b/w DOF and COA??? I don't know which one to believe but for now I am leaning towards COA because by the name itself, it is Commission on Audit meaning to say, they have already audited the financial values of such. Pero, it can also mean that what the DOF has presented are the income values in terms of 1991 prices and not in terms of current prices. Dun kasi sa COA, in terms of current prices yun. And besides, it is very questionable that Daraga's income is much higher than those of Sorsogon and Tabaco when both these cities have much bigger central business districts than the former. Hmmm... We still need more evidence other than those presented by DOF.

How about this tol?whats thisfigure stands for?

http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/7310/20070507newterritories8hi3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=472585

I can totally say that these figures don't match those of COA's. Hmmm... something's fishy. Definitely very fishy. If I can find those financial statements of LGUs released by COA, which were published not earlier than July 1, 2006 and not later than August 31, 2006 in Philippine Daily Inquirer Business Section, I can guarantee you that those income figures I have earlier said are true.

In fact, I can still remember that Vigan's total income is near the 300 million mark.

But we can also say that COA's figures are bloated. But to say that these figures are bloated would also mean that the income classes of the cities such as Lucena, Naga and Legazpi are also higher than it should have been. In the COA's financial statements, these cities are all classified as 2nd class cities. If COA's figures are bloated, they should have been 4th or 5th class cities. Or, if not, should be considered as towns... :/

Hey tol Bonixx, I'm actually right! Ligao's total income for 2005 is 220 Million plus. You can check this out at: http://www.coa.gov.ph/Audit/AAR.htm! That one presented by DOF must have been the income based on 19forgotten prices! Seriously!

Hey tol Bonixx, I'm actually right! Ligao's total income for 2005 is 220 Million plus. You can check this out at: http://www.coa.gov.ph/Audit/AAR.htm! That one presented by DOF must have been the income based on 19forgotten prices! Seriously!

yes, isa lang masasabi ko masyadong complicated yang usapin ng income,madaming naglalabas ng figures and minsan di mo na alam kung sino ang paniniwalaan,well ang COA na lang ating paniwalaan dahil yan naman talaga trabaho nila...malaking halaga ang 220 million sana lang magastos ito sa tamang paraan at wag na lang mawala na parang bula...

Sa case ng Lucena kung bakit di pa tumataas ang income is because SM & PMall has been exempted on real property Tax since 2003 to 2008 pa...malaki ang nawawalang pera sa Lucena hanggang ngayon so Parang walang mall pa rin dito kung income pagbabasehan...

^^Based on COA's reports, the following info are extracted:

Ligao city

INCOME = 220.6 MILLION
EXPENSES = 106.2 MILLION

NET INCOME = 114.4 MILLION

Accordingly (this may be very surprising), Ligao city is the city in Bicol w/ the highest net income. I know this because I have already compared it w/ other cities in Bicol. Tabaco city is actually 2nd, with net income of about 86 million pesos. Source: COA reports. The very reason why? These cities have comparably lower expenses than the others. Legazpi city, on the other hand, had the highest expense amount for the year 2005 among the cities in Bicol.

Sa case ng Lucena kung bakit di pa tumataas ang income is because SM & PMall has been exempted on real property Tax since 2003 to 2008 pa...malaki ang nawawalang pera sa Lucena hanggang ngayon so Parang walang mall pa rin dito kung income pagbabasehan...

Di bale Kuya Bonixx, mataas pa rin ang total income ng Lucena. Kung hindi ako nagkakamali, ito'y umabot ng 414 million pesos noong 2005. Alam na alam ko to kasi interesado talaga akong malaman kung ano ang total income ng bawat ciudad sa pinas. :D

Tol Bonixx, ang gwapo ng nasa avatar mo! :lol:

Di bale Kuya Bonixx, mataas pa rin ang total income ng Lucena. Kung hindi ako nagkakamali, ito'y umabot ng 414 million pesos noong 2005. Alam na alam ko to kasi interesado talaga akong malaman kung ano ang total income ng bawat ciudad sa pinas. :D

Parehas tayo... Nakita ko na rin yung website nung COA kaya lang main cities lang yung andun...? oo ba? ang nakalagay lang kasi sa bicol ay ang sa legazpi ligao at naga lang.... Sa mga newly created na cities ba (include na natin ang iriga) Ligao may pinakamataas na income? based from COA

In terms of total income (in millions):

Naga = 378
Legazpi = 356
Sorsogon = 267
Ligao = 220
Masbate = 200+ (i forgot the exact)
Tabaco = 200+ (near Masbate's)
Iriga = 200 pala kasi 196 yung expenses. my wrong!

Net Income:

Ligao = 114
Tabaco = 86
Naga = 81
Legazpi = 35 -> city w/ most expenses (probably bcoz of the lampposts)
Iriga = 4
Others = I forgot

^^
Wow, ang dami mong alam... hehe... sana nga lang huwag ng maulit yung mga natural calamities para tuloy-tuloy na ang improvement ng bicol. haaaay. BTW, In fairness maganda yung lampposts:)

Parehas tayo... Nakita ko na rin yung website nung COA kaya lang main cities lang yung andun...? oo ba?

not really main cities. Siguro yung nagbigay lang ng copy sa website. Nagtataka ako kasi Sorsogon had a bigger total income than Ligao pero Ligao pa yung nai-present sa site.

^^
Wow, ang dami mong alam... hehe... sana nga lang huwag ng maulit yung mga natural calamities para tuloy-tuloy na ang improvement ng bicol. haaaay. BTW, In fairness maganda yung lampposts:)

Interests lang po... Kung saan ka interesado, dun ka may maraming alam... I'm not good in other things sa totoo lang!

Di bale Kuya Bonixx, mataas pa rin ang total income ng Lucena. Kung hindi ako nagkakamali, ito'y umabot ng 414 million pesos noong 2005. Alam na alam ko to kasi interesado talaga akong malaman kung ano ang total income ng bawat ciudad sa pinas. :D

Ganun ba,sa totoo lang hanga na ako sayo ako tinry kong tingnan yung Ligao City sa COA Website eh nahilo na ko paghahanap kung nasan dun yung income:lol: i will leave it to you utol...


Tol Bonixx, ang gwapo ng nasa avatar mo! :lol:

:lol: oo naman si Wang hei yan lols...(oT)

Ganun ba,sa totoo lang hanga na ako sayo ako tinry kong tingnan yung Ligao City sa COA Website eh nahilo na ko paghahanap kung nasan dun yung income:lol: i will leave it to you utol...




:lol: oo naman si Wang hei yan lols...(oT)

On Ligao city's income: check it out at page 5!

On your avatar: Sa totoo lang, pag di kita kilala, mapapagkamalan kong ikaw yan! Heheheheh... What makes it look funny is its VERY SERIOUS FACE. Sobra... natatawa ako... Seryosong seryoso parang gusto mong batuhin ng itlog... lolz :lol:

Anyways, sino si Wang Hei? Intsik ba siya? Ba't mukha siyang pinoy??? Tol, natatawa tlga ako sa avatar mo... :lol:

^^ahehehe actualy nasa huling page yan ng mga available na avatars dito sa SSC...pwede mo rin i grab yan utol...kaya ko ginawang avatar yan kasi wala pa kong nakikitang gumamit nyan naaawa lang ako kay Wang Hei...lols:lol:

http://img403.imageshack.us/img403/5582/1822801md7.jpg
Jollibee in Iriga | Photo by Joanna Saavedra

^ Ang dami na ng naabot ni Jollibee ah! :cool:

^^ahehehe actualy nasa huling page yan ng mga available na avatars dito sa SSC...pwede mo rin i grab yan utol...kaya ko ginawang avatar yan kasi wala pa kong nakikitang gumamit nyan naaawa lang ako kay Wang Hei...lols:lol:

LolZ... Tol, this is one of the coolest decision factors sa pagpili ng avatar... heheh... Nakakatuwa naman... Bagay syo, tol... Super...Heheh... Anyways, di na ata ako muna magpapalit ng avatar ko. Baka next time na lang. Basta andun ung mukha ko (kelangan kong ipakita kagwapuhan ko)... Joke lang po! Lolzky... :lol:

^ Ang dami na ng naabot ni Jollibee ah! :cool:

Magkakaroon na rin ata ng Jollibee dito sa bayan ng Daraga, Albay. Yung building kasi ng BU Arcade, ipapa-bid na raw sa dalawang resto, either Jollibee or Chowking. Ewan ko na lang kung sino mananalo... :)

^^ Okay lang kahit sino manalo. Sister companies naman sila eh. :lol:

^oo nga. nagbid pa.

That's what I heard. May be two different franchisors. That can also be possible. :)

LolZ... Tol, this is one of the coolest decision factors sa pagpili ng avatar... heheh... Nakakatuwa naman... Bagay syo, tol... Super...Heheh... Anyways, di na ata ako muna magpapalit ng avatar ko. Baka next time na lang. Basta andun ung mukha ko (kelangan kong ipakita kagwapuhan ko)... Joke lang po! Lolzky... :lol:


Hirap talagang maging Pogi mahirap talagang maging cutipie ahahaaaaaaaaaah...:rofl:

^^:rofl:

Tol Bonixx, anu ba yan? Ba't baboy? Di ka naman mataba ah... Chubby chubby lang ng konti... :) Anyways, I'll give you 9 out of 10 sa pagpili ng avatar... baboy? di ko pa rin maintindihan...

^^:rofl:

Tol Bonixx, anu ba yan? Ba't baboy? Di ka naman mataba ah... Chubby chubby lang ng konti... :) Anyways, I'll give you 9 out of 10 sa pagpili ng avatar... baboy? di ko pa rin maintindihan...


Alaga ko yan:lol: ,namumuhan ako ng konti para sa magandang kinabukasan:lol:

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/195/504077194_60a110878e_o.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/223/504077192_017d7e7765_o.jpg
The Gache Plaza, Daet | Photo by techpen (http://www.flickr.com/people/78105597@N00/)

I wonder what this colorful building is. I'm curious about Daet, I've never been there.

Alaga ko yan:lol: ,namumuhan ako ng konti para sa magandang kinabukasan:lol:

Heheh, dadami din yan, kuya... heheh... meron kami dito sa Daraga, I think 4000+ namin pinapabili. Heheh... I'll ask my dad muna. :)

@dex, Daet town is a very beautiful town. I've been there last 1999 and I was impressed by the infrastructures. Ang ganda ng capitol, it is the best here in Bicol. Marami ding mga really old houses. Sana andun pa sila ngaun. May mga kalesa pang natitira and ang layo ng naaabot ng mga tricy for such low fees.

^oo nga. nagbid pa.

My prof told me na pwd magbid ang sister companies. They are two separate entities anyway. ;)

Hey guys, parang napapansin ko na tau na ata ang pinaka-active na regional thread dito sa Luzon. I don't know. Pero I'll see later...

Tsismoso lang siguro tau. wheheh...

http://img513.imageshack.us/img513/9267/323492id4.jpg
View of Lake Buhi and Mount Malinao from Mount Iriga (Asog), Mayon also visible (partially covered with clouds)
Photo by fritz-fredd

hi peeps! mga kapwa ko albayano. I have been hanging around this forum for some time now. It just happened that the activation of my membership took a bit more time than i've expected. I was very glad upon seeing photos of bicol before and after the typhoon. I lived in Legazpi but im in Melbourne now. I think guruGerry is my batchmate/classmate in college. My mom is from Daraga also (Geri's barangay). Nice to keep in touch with u guys through this forum. I really miss home. Its not the 1st time u'l be hearing from me now. Hope im welcome here.

^ Welcome to SkyscraperCity! :hi: We hope you enjoy your stay. :)

hi peeps! mga kapwa ko albayano. I have been hanging around this forum for some time now. It just happened that the activation of my membership took a bit more time than i've expected. I was very glad upon seeing photos of bicol before and after the typhoon. I lived in Legazpi but im in Melbourne now. I think guruGerry is my batchmate/classmate in college. My mom is from Daraga also (Geri's barangay). Nice to keep in touch with u guys through this forum. I really miss home. Its not the 1st time u'l be hearing from me now. Hope im welcome here.

Dagos po sa satuyang maogmang forum! Nice to meet another Bicolano here. :D
Do check out our other Bicol-related threads.

BTW, I'm Dex. :)

hi peeps! mga kapwa ko albayano. I have been hanging around this forum for some time now. It just happened that the activation of my membership took a bit more time than i've expected. I was very glad upon seeing photos of bicol before and after the typhoon. I lived in Legazpi but im in Melbourne now. I think guruGerry is my batchmate/classmate in college. My mom is from Daraga also (Geri's barangay). Nice to keep in touch with u guys through this forum. I really miss home. Its not the 1st time u'l be hearing from me now. Hope im welcome here.

Hi Jady! :hi: Opkors, you're welcome here! Feel free to browse every thread in SSC. :)

Feeling ko advertiser ako. :lol:

Camarines Norte Provincial Capitol

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/239/521938249_5f7690f437_b.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/195/521938343_b2bfbb6e42_b.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/254/521938355_51b1cc630c_b.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/217/521973339_8bfa307a2b_b.jpg

Camarines Norte Provincial Library

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/246/521938299_687f514824_b.jpg

Camarines Norte Sports Center

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/193/521973377_829345b4ef_b.jpg

Wenceslao Q. Vinzons

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/231/521938229_4d3aec6cfc_b.jpg

All Photos by Dhon Jason de Belen (http://www.flickr.com/people/islandboyinthecity3/)

The Camarines Norte Provincial Capitol looks relatively new. Is it newly built or just newly repainted?

I think guruGerry is my batchmate/classmate in college. My mom is from Daraga also (Geri's barangay).

Hello, so were we really batchmates? I can't remember who your mom is. Please send me a private message. Thanks!

I love the capitol. I haven't been to Daet. I can't imagine how it looks.

salamat saindo gabos. Geri, I sent u a PM na.

ang ganda ng capitol ng camarines norte... last time na may nagpost ng pics niya eh hindi ko gusto yung pintura kasi parang fiesta.

Very nice provincial capitol! :)

Has any of you gone to Albay or Camarines Sur via the Sagnay - Tiwi road? I have. The views were really breath-taking. I took these pics during the rather less exciting bus ride--the driver drove faster than expected despite the dangerous curves. I did a lot of shots but most of them weren't very clear.

Observation: The stretch of the road from Sangay to the boundary was really nice--a project of the Fuentebellas. Besides the "Thank You, Come Again" landmark, another indication that you've reached Albay is the not-so-good road.

But forget about that. Just enjoy seeing these pics!

Note: I almost posted these at the Legazpi thread. I thought of posting the pics at the Naga thread, but for obvious reasons, I decided to post these here.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b214/freaky_jerry/Tournamin006.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b214/freaky_jerry/Tournamin009.jpg

Mount Isarog as viewed from the highlands of Sagnay.
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b214/freaky_jerry/Tournamin012.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b214/freaky_jerry/Tournamin016.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b214/freaky_jerry/Tournamin021.jpg

This, I think, is the best shot.
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b214/freaky_jerry/Tournamin025.jpg

This, I think, is the best shot.
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b214/freaky_jerry/Tournamin025.jpg

It definitely is your best shot! :yes: The Lagonoy Gulf looks so placid.
Thanks!

Beautiful photos, Sir Jerry! :applause:

This, I think, is the best shot.
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b214/freaky_jerry/Tournamin025.jpg

What's the name of this island? Hmmm...

That's what people here in Goa call the Atulayan Island. The different campus directors of the PSHS System will be coming this month, and part of their itinerary is a visit to this island. I hope our director asks me to join the group. I want to go there aswell.

Beautiful photos, Sir Jerry! :applause:

Thanks, Kevin!

Wow! Di pa ako nakadaan jan... ngayon ko lang nakiata ang sceneries na yan... Thanks a lot sir gerry

Proposed South Luzon International Airport (Source:neda.gov.ph)

http://img467.imageshack.us/img467/535/zzzbicolxd1.jpg

^ Part ba 'yan ng Medium Term Development Plan ni PGMA? If so, malaki ang chances that it'll get built before PGMA's term ends on 2010. :yes:

kaya marami ang airports (new/renovation) ay dahil lumalakas na ang tourism industry kaya dapat ma-accomodate ang kanilang traveling needs. Also Hotel industry din ang mag-be-benifit dito.

Some glimpses of Philippine Science High School here in Goa, Camarines Sur

The "pentagon" building is our e-learning center. It is where our students do electronic research. At the background is our humble students' pavilion, where we hold programs.
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b214/freaky_jerry/Picture012-3.jpg

This is the view one sees while going out of the school.
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b214/freaky_jerry/Picture013-2.jpg

Our campus is home to big and tall trees. A clear proof of that.
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b214/freaky_jerry/Picture014-2.jpg

Right now, we have two academic buildings--the second and third floors of one of them (back) are being used as dormitories for girls. The other houses our chemistry, physics, research, and computer laboratories. The small structure is where our students eat--not really our canteen.
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b214/freaky_jerry/Picture011-2.jpg

^^ I could've studied my high school there... However, way back in 2000, the facilities in this school was still very inferior But I think it is improving really fast over the past few years... heheh... :)