Laoag and Batac Cities, and Ilocos Norte Province [Archive] - Page 2

equinox

February 4th, 2009, 04:30 AM

ERC allows NorthWind to operate 5 more wind-power units in Ilocos
Economy
Written by Paul Anthony A. Isla / Reporter
Tuesday, 03 February 2009 22:16
From Businessmirror, 04 Feb 2009 (http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5558:erc-allows-northwind-to-operate-5-more-wind-power-units-in-ilocos&catid=33:economy&Itemid=60)

THE Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) said it has approved the issuance of a certificate of compliance (COC) to NorthWind Power Development Corp. (NPDC) for the second phase of its project.

The second phase of NorthWind’s project involves five wind-power generating sets in Bangui, Ilocos Norte, which would increase its installed generating capacity by 8.25 megawatts (MW).

NPDC is an independent power producer (IPP) that supplies part of the electricity requirement of Ilocos Norte through the distribution utility Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative Inc. (Inec).

NorthWind’s power plant is the first commercial capacity on-grid wind-turbine farm in the Philippines and Southeast Asia. It is also the first to be registered with the executive board of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change- Kyoto Protocol.

A COC is a document issued to a generation company (GenCo) or a self-generating facility (SGF) certifying compliance to the technical and financial standards contained in the ERC’s “Guidelines for the Issuance of Certificate of Compliance for Generation Companies/Facilities, as Amended.”

The ERC said a generating company must have a valid COC in order to sell electricity to a distribution utility (DU), supplier, end-user or the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM).

The ERC, on June 15, 2005, issued a COC for Phase I, which has a capacity of 24.75 MW.

With the forthcoming operation of Phase II, the wind farm project will now have an aggregate installed capacity of 33 MW.

The wind-farm project generated a savings of approximately $2.54 million for the consumers of the Inec in 2006 and 2007.

The savings happened since NPDC was embedded in the Inec grid and thus negated the power-delivery charges of the National Transmission Corp.

NPDC’s aggregate installed capacity of 33 MW is only 0.33 percent and 0.25 percent of the Luzon grid and the national grid, respectively, which is way below the current limits set by the ERC.

The ERC must ensure that a generating company does not exceed the market-share limitations in the grid set at 30 percent where it operates and in the national grid set at 25 percent.

The ERC determines the compliance of a generating company to the market-share limitations by determining the maximum load-carrying capability of the facility operated by the GenCo on a yearly basis.

“The ERC lauds NPDC for investing in eco-friendly renewable-energy projects for cheaper-electricity service and a clean and green environment,” Zenaida Ducut, ERC chairman, said.

She added that the electricity that NPDC generates displace greenhouse gas emissions, such as carbon dioxide, by approximately 65,000 tons per year.

“With its compliance to the technical, financial and environmental standards set by law, our Ilocano fellowmen can rest assured that the ERC has carefully reviewed the safety and reliability of the NPDC’s wind farm facilities,” Ducut said.

guitarose

February 4th, 2009, 03:16 PM

Hi guitarrose. Thanks for post. Do you have additional infos about Balai Condominiums? San ang marketing office and showroom nila?

Hello 2 BoNdurRant. Yes they have an office at the 365 Mall, ground floor back of Red Ribbon. Yesterday, i visited their office and they provided me some details regarding this project and here's what i've got . . .

http://i695.photobucket.com/albums/vv316/guitarose/LocationMap.jpg

http://i695.photobucket.com/albums/vv316/guitarose/SiteDevelopmentBalaiCondo1.jpg

This project composed of 3 towers, 8 storey high each. The construction will begin this year and by 2010 the units will be available. Per unit cost ranges from 2.6M to 5M pesos, a choice of 1 bedroom, 2 bedrooms and 3 bedrooms

Sana matuloy pa rin. MOA has been signed already with Bellagio Holdings (aka Puregold).

Sa tingin ko lang majority ng mga tao d2 sa laoag and even ilocos norte favor this project kaso nga lang dahil sa sobrang politics parang mahihirapan magmaterialize.

Governor Keon had his press briefing this morning and he said the Sanguniang Panlalawigan approved the resolution declaring LCES a provincial heritage property.The governor also show documents he got from the National Historical Institute that LCES indeed a gabaldon type school and needs to be preserved.

eee7

February 7th, 2009, 05:43 AM

Sa tingin ko lang majority ng mga tao d2 sa laoag and even ilocos norte favor this project kaso nga lang dahil sa sobrang politics parang mahihirapan magmaterialize.

Governor Keon had his press briefing this morning and he said the Sanguniang Panlalawigan approved the resolution declaring LCES a provincial heritage property.The governor also show documents he got from the National Historical Institute that LCES indeed a gabaldon type school and needs to be preserved.

I dont really understand politicians in Ilocos Norte. Lahat ng mga projects para sa ikakaunlad ng Laoag, lagi na lang may tumututol.

I've seen an episode of TV Patrol Ilocos, kung saan na-interview yung president ng Market Vendors sa Laoag. Natawa ako nung sabihin nya na kaya sila tumututol kasi malulugi sila, dahil mas pupuntahan ng tao ang puregold dahil mas mura magiging presyo sa puregold. Sobrang makasariling pag-iisip.

guitarose

February 9th, 2009, 11:25 AM

Lets just wait sa mga susunod na mangyayari.Anyway, i heard the press briefing of the mayor yesterday and he is determined to push through the project.To quote, he said,"Lets build a mall not a wall".

ILOCANOS watch out for SURVIVOR Philippines Season 2 and GMA 7 audition here in Laoag this coming March.Sa mga gustong maging castaway at may chance na maging sole survivor tara na at kitakits sa Northwestern University.Wait for updates.

freightrunner

February 9th, 2009, 01:58 PM

ILOCANOS watch out for SURVIVOR Philippines Season 2 and GMA 7 audition here in Laoag this coming March.Sa mga gustong maging castaway at may chance na maging sole survivor tara na at kitakits sa Northwestern University.Wait for updates.

Ay sayang nagadayonak meyt. Good luck langeyn.:)

attitude2win

February 11th, 2009, 01:30 AM

I really love to visit this place... can we enter here without fearing that someone will be shhoooing us away?

is fort ilocandia also open to the public where we can have sightseeing of the place and take some pics?

where is the best place to see the paoay lake?

Paoay Lake from Fort Ilocandia Golf Club
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2410/1743146330_4de951bfd4_o.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2368/1742277903_321ca23e76_o.jpg
by Julian & Susan (http://www.flickr.com/photos/juliansussan/)

eee7

February 11th, 2009, 09:28 AM

I really love to visit this place... can we enter here without fearing that someone will be shhoooing us away?

is fort ilocandia also open to the public where we can have sightseeing of the place and take some pics?

where is the best place to see the paoay lake?

I always visit Fort Ilocandia, everytime I go home to Ilocos, and I think its free to do sightseeing there.

for me, the best place to see Paoay Lake is from Malacanang of the North.

guitarose

February 11th, 2009, 03:41 PM

http://i18.tinypic.com/8721ago.jpg

originally posted by idonthaveaname

eto yung sinasabi ni Deus Ex na high tech. To quote part of what he said, "-Electronic Greeting look v.good, and hi-tech".

May bago ngayun sa Laoag and i believe this is more high tech.

http://i695.photobucket.com/albums/vv316/guitarose/LEDSreen10.jpg

http://i695.photobucket.com/albums/vv316/guitarose/th_LEDScreen12.jpg

http://i695.photobucket.com/albums/vv316/guitarose/LEDSreen2.jpg

A giant LED screen welcomes u as u approach the city proper. I think this is dsame with the one located at EDSA near SM Megamall.

guitarose

February 11th, 2009, 03:53 PM

http://i695.photobucket.com/albums/vv316/guitarose/Hollywoodlikelandmark.jpg

http://i695.photobucket.com/albums/vv316/guitarose/Hollywoodlikelandmark2.jpg

http://i695.photobucket.com/albums/vv316/guitarose/Hollywoodlikelandmark3.jpg

gr8-one

February 12th, 2009, 12:28 AM

Nagmayaten!
Makapa-iliw sika! :)

eee7

February 12th, 2009, 06:30 AM

WOW! Kailangan umuwi ako ng Laoag sa sabado.

guitarose

February 13th, 2009, 10:02 AM

Laoag's version of Manila Baywalk

http://www.friendster.com/image-server.php/61/60/96780616/private_1_956dfef3eda6dd06d44cd94963231862ac30b4cd222b9432cc5ae399ff3b67e3m.jpg

http://www.friendster.com/image-server.php/61/60/96780616/private_1_069acccf0edcb66936dd400d73e46582b2ed1289f39f9b89d89a2efac6fbe675m.jpg

http://www.friendster.com/image-server.php/61/60/96780616/private_1_01410575eae58a8909bc711c05b6d39c0ffa2ea2d01deb2a0f768a4fd7edde3am.jpg

guitarose

February 14th, 2009, 10:53 AM

WOW! Kailangan umuwi ako ng Laoag sa sabado.

eee7 nakauwi k b d2 sa laoag?

guitarose

February 14th, 2009, 10:57 AM

Anyone who can help me why the last pix that i posted seems locked, cannot be viewed.thanx.

eee7

February 15th, 2009, 12:55 PM

eee7 nakauwi k b d2 sa laoag?

Hindi natuloy. Sa katapusan na siguro.

By the way, I watched the on-line version of TV Patrol Ilocos and Puregold Mall is really facing too many challenge to start.

guitarose

February 16th, 2009, 02:01 AM

^^guitarose, go to tinypic.com and upload your photos there! hope this help!:)

copy/paste them here when you're done ok! wanna see your cool pix!

808 state, thanx.

guitarose

February 16th, 2009, 02:29 AM

Hindi natuloy. Sa katapusan na siguro.

By the way, I watched the on-line version of TV Patrol Ilocos and Puregold Mall is really facing too many challenge to start.

Well, ang la8est update na alam ko tungkol d2 ay na-aproved na ung resolution ng Sanguniang Panlalawigan regarding the moratorium na d pwedeng idemolish ang mga declared provincial cultural heritage property and one of them is the LCES.

So, what will the city government and bellagio holdings(puregold) next move?Will they file a case against the provincial government and let the court decide(jst like the case of the upgrading of the Laoag hospital)?Baka mainip na ang investor at maginvest na lang sa ibang lugar pag hintayin nila ang courts decision.Or will they continue to demolish the LCES and put up the mall but face the consequence that the provincial government will file a case against them?
Abangan ang mga susunod na kabanata, cgurado nga nabara.

guitarose

February 17th, 2009, 02:23 AM

Laoag City

http://i41.tinypic.com/23rjmkj.jpg

http://i42.tinypic.com/2cmp0yw.jpg

http://i40.tinypic.com/335b3ow.jpg

from flickr by lamug josephandie

I think this photo was taken during the Rag rag-o festival of the provincial government this Feb. 2009.Nagkaroon pa nga ng issue regarding this kasi nasabay din sa opening ng Pamulinawen festival ng Laoag.Anyway, ang ganda nung fireworks i enjoyed watching it ,maybe it lasted for approximately 30 mins.

freightrunner

February 17th, 2009, 04:58 AM

Well if it's a consolation, who needs malls anyway? What our cities need really are heavy industries that could pump up the economy. Malls could only employ non-skilled workers whereas industrials could employ both highly-trained trained professionals as well as blue-collar workers. Notice that most cities outside of Metro Manila are mere trading centers of the province they are located in. There are no industrial bases like most cities abroad to make them self-reliant and self-supporting communities. Having a mall in your hometown might kick it up a notch above the others but it's not really the answer to the problems on umeployment and bad economy. We need to attract heavy investments instead.:)

Colonel Burger

February 17th, 2009, 09:07 AM

Colonel Burger

February 17th, 2009, 09:08 AM

And from the looks of it, Robinson's will just be a walking distance away from our Laoag City house. hehe. 10-15 minute walk i guess...

eee7

February 17th, 2009, 01:52 PM

Holy Kamoteng Kahoy! Laoag's Skyline will soon be changing! Hotel La Elliana will no longer be the City's tallest....

Anyway, aside from Robinson's.... I thought there is also a Plan for an SM in laoag?

Anong building ang magiging mas malaki pa sa La Elliana?

I've read the article about the concern of Market vendors in Laoag. Yung concern nila sobrang makasarili. Malulugi daw sila dahil mas magiging mura ang paninda sa itatayong mall. Kung ayaw nilang malugi, dapat sumabay sila. Masyadong ng namomonopolyo ng mga market vendor ang presyo ng bilihin sa Laoag. Kaya dapat magkaroon naman na sila ng katapat.

guitarose

February 17th, 2009, 02:09 PM

Holy Kamoteng Kahoy! Laoag's Skyline will soon be changing! Hotel La Elliana will no longer be the City's tallest....

Anyway, aside from Robinson's.... I thought there is also a Plan for an SM in laoag?

As of now ang alam ko said hotel is no longer the tallest building. Since 2003, the 9 storey Laoag Control Tower Building is the tallest in Laoag and Ilocos Norte.

The Laoag Control Tower Facility(Laoag International Airport)

http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/871/tower1mm0.jpg

http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/6756/tower2xb0.jpg

Could u give us a hint would it be taller than the control tower^^

gr8-one

February 18th, 2009, 01:40 AM

I think it would be better to locate a mall outside of the city proper. As it stands right now, traffic is horrendous in that (LCES) area, how much more if a mall is erected? A good area for the mall would be along the road going to the airport or even Bacarra Rd. perhaps.

In the famous words of the voice whisper heard by Ray Kinsella (Kevin Costner) in the movie Field of Dreams - If you build it, they will come - be it along Bacarra Rd., or Airport Ave.

gr8-one

February 18th, 2009, 04:20 AM

The propose area is just a bad location no matter where you look at it. Right across the street on Boni is the St. William's Cathedral and sitting right next to the would-be mall is the sinking bell tower. Or are they going to relocate that as well? How in the world are they going to do that?

Where are those urban planners? Where are the Hofilenas, the Palafoxes of Ilocos Norte?

I am all for the construction of a mall (who doesn't?) but it shouldn't be just for the sake of having one. The city government's may have good intentions but this doesn't look like it's a well-thought out proposition. It certainly looks like the church/city government are out just to make money.

That's just my personal opinion and am not trying to start an argument here.

By the way, heard through the grapevine that SM didn't bother submitting a bid because the area is too small. If somebody can confirm this fine, otherwise no big deal :)

Colonel Burger

February 18th, 2009, 05:23 AM

Anong building ang magiging mas malaki pa sa La Elliana?

I've read the article about the concern of Market vendors in Laoag. Yung concern nila sobrang makasarili. Malulugi daw sila dahil mas magiging mura ang paninda sa itatayong mall. Kung ayaw nilang malugi, dapat sumabay sila. Masyadong ng namomonopolyo ng mga market vendor ang presyo ng bilihin sa Laoag. Kaya dapat magkaroon naman na sila ng katapat.

It would be the BALAI Condominiums at 365 Center. 3 towers at 8 stories each.

Colonel Burger

February 18th, 2009, 05:31 AM

Whoops.... my Bad. Robinsons and the BALAI Condominiums is located within the jurisdiction of San Nicolas.

but anyways, to the non-residents its still Laoag. Just as Makati is still Manila to foreigners.

venntro

February 18th, 2009, 06:44 AM

gr8-one

February 18th, 2009, 11:04 AM

kung maitatayo man ang puregold mall sa lot ng LCES, sana katulad nito ang Pearlridge mall na may monorail system! may downtown at may uptown lol! at sana ang uptown ay katabi ng robinsons para may competisyon!
Hahahaha, kung ang mga maliliit na vendors nagre-reklamo sa mall, sigurado magwe-welga ang mga kalesa at tricycle drivers kapag monorail naman ang i-propose :) I am willing to bet my life on this one :lol:

Hey, good to see somebody from area code 808...

guitarose

February 18th, 2009, 02:41 PM

In his press conference today,the mayor said that they may no longer demolish the Laoag Central Elementary School (LCES) but definitely they will continue to put up the mall project on the compound of LCES. The old school building being questioned will be preserved but all other buildings within the compound will be demolished and from there the architects and engineers can play how will the design of the proposed mall will be. The mayor hinted, the theme of the design will emanate from the Laoag Sinking Bell tower (native look). Next week, the mayor will present the proposal to bellagio holdings to discuss the matter. He added, if bellagio holdings agree, they can reveal to the public the proposed design plan of the said mall (Puregold) in 2-3 weeks.

guitarose

February 18th, 2009, 03:30 PM

http://i695.photobucket.com/albums/vv316/guitarose/02ContourMap2.jpg

http://i695.photobucket.com/albums/vv316/guitarose/03SiteDevPlan.jpg

http://i695.photobucket.com/albums/vv316/guitarose/04Phase1a.jpg

http://i695.photobucket.com/albums/vv316/guitarose/07HighwayMarker.jpg

http://i695.photobucket.com/albums/vv316/guitarose/09SubdivisionGateOpt1.jpg

http://i695.photobucket.com/albums/vv316/guitarose/12ClubhouseandPlaza.jpg

http://i695.photobucket.com/albums/vv316/guitarose/13SportsFieldandWaterTank.jpg

http://i695.photobucket.com/albums/vv316/guitarose/14Playground.jpg

http://i695.photobucket.com/albums/vv316/guitarose/15NatureParkBridge.jpg

http://i695.photobucket.com/albums/vv316/guitarose/16Gazebo.jpg

guitarose

February 18th, 2009, 03:43 PM

Besides dis two subdivision projects(Brighton Parkplace and Hanalei heights) in Laoag city, i learn that Robinsons Land will also develop a beach front, luxury type (condotel) property in Blue Lagoon (Maira-ira), Pagudpud.

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c3/abercromb24/001915565.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c3/abercromb24/001915566.jpg

originally posted by BoNuRanT

BoNduRanT

February 18th, 2009, 04:57 PM

:ohno: nangulelat na tuloy ang Laoag! take a look at Urdaneta City today, it's now the richest city in Ilocandia! San Fernando, La Union is catching up really fast! Mababaliw yata ako kapag mas maunlad na ang Batac at saka San Nicolas hahaha!:nuts:

Like never :lol:

Laoag is not doing bad. Slow pero we're getting there. Lets hope that in a few years, maging Highly Urbanized City na.

BoNduRanT

February 18th, 2009, 05:03 PM

I cant make out the location of this project. Would this be on the left side of the Mangato area if your going towards Fort Ilocandia? Near the church and the convent?

http://i695.photobucket.com/albums/vv316/guitarose/02ContourMap2.jpg

http://i695.photobucket.com/albums/vv316/guitarose/03SiteDevPlan.jpg

http://i695.photobucket.com/albums/vv316/guitarose/04Phase1a.jpg

http://i695.photobucket.com/albums/vv316/guitarose/07HighwayMarker.jpg

http://i695.photobucket.com/albums/vv316/guitarose/09SubdivisionGateOpt1.jpg

http://i695.photobucket.com/albums/vv316/guitarose/12ClubhouseandPlaza.jpg

http://i695.photobucket.com/albums/vv316/guitarose/13SportsFieldandWaterTank.jpg

http://i695.photobucket.com/albums/vv316/guitarose/14Playground.jpg

http://i695.photobucket.com/albums/vv316/guitarose/15NatureParkBridge.jpg

http://i695.photobucket.com/albums/vv316/guitarose/16Gazebo.jpg

BoNduRanT

February 18th, 2009, 05:16 PM

It would be the BALAI Condominiums at 365 Center. 3 towers at 8 stories each.

But 8 stories din naman ang La Elliana ah.

that's the best idea actually! :) those areas you mentioned are the perfect places! yes, why don't these involved people create a new CBD for Laoag? this would be a great solution to end the congestion of the city proper! :cheers: is LCES too small for a mall or just about right? I think the area is a lot bigger than the Laoag Commercial Complex! anyway, if they only want to put that mall on the said area, I'd support it definitely! :banana:

Thats what I would like to happen too. Perhaps they could pull their resources together to put up a CBD for Laoag. The farmlands beside "B-1"(:lol:) is a good place. Yung farmlands papuntang La Paz. Its more accessible from the city center.

The propose area is just a bad location no matter where you look at it. Right across the street on Boni is the St. William's Cathedral and sitting right next to the would-be mall is the sinking bell tower. Or are they going to relocate that as well? How in the world are they going to do that?

Where are those urban planners? Where are the Hofilenas, the Palafoxes of Ilocos Norte?

I am all for the construction of a mall (who doesn't?) but it shouldn't be just for the sake of having one. The city government's may have good intentions but this doesn't look like it's a well-thought out proposition. It certainly looks like the church/city government are out just to make money.

That's just my personal opinion and am not trying to start an argument here.

By the way, heard through the grapevine that SM didn't bother submitting a bid because the area is too small. If somebody can confirm this fine, otherwise no big deal :)

You cannot relocate the belltower. Patayan to pag ginawa yan :lol:

I dont think SM intended to bid. Walang accurate na balita na ganun. Puro rumors lang, typical rumor sa isang lugar na kapag napabalitang magkakaroon ng mall, SM na agad ang pumapasok sa isip. According to MVF, years ago, Robinsons was supposed to put up that mall in Laoag, they already surveyed the area near Barit and even the LCES location. Nakausap pa mismo yung head ng Robinsons Malls and told the city government to submit their proposal para makita nila. But due to some circumstances, nawala na lang yata.

Can someone tell the mayor na kung puede magpagawa sila ng Urban Planning for Laoag? I think its about time na magkaroon na.

What saddens me the most- based dun sa explanation ni MVF about the hospital was the LOST opportunity of a great amount of funding for a good hospital that slipped away. If my memory serves me right, yung pera na inaalok is around 500-700 million, tama ba ko guitarrose?

BoNduRanT

February 18th, 2009, 05:19 PM

freightrunner

February 18th, 2009, 06:05 PM

come on now, let's be real! every key city should have at least one all-under-one-roof shopping center! I do "need" malls actually! and I would love to see a mall in the city of Laoag! indeed, we need every economic activity for the betterment and progress of our city! nonetheless, I am not in favor of that "HEAVY INDUSTRY" for it might ruin our city! sorry, but not every city needs that! yes, a mall isn't the only answer for a new era of prosperity in a certain place, yet it can do plenty of things such as creating jobs, enticing investors showing interest in doing business, as well as augmenting the city's income! in short, a catalyst for development!

I would like to address my points about the proposed conversion of the school to a mall

don't we like our children to have a brand new school away from an unsafe location?

don't we like to have a new edifice for our local government offices

it only employs non-skilled workers? well, better than no jobs offered at all, right?

why don't we see the B or BRIGHTER side and not just the A side?

ang problema kasi sa mga ilokano, takot sa developments! pessimistic! egotistical! kesyo raw malulugi! that's why Laoag's now lagging behind! poor laoag!

Yeah. I respect your opinion. Please respect mine too and avoid being belligerent. And the people who are trying to block this proposition? They mean well and are only trying to put things into proper perspective. History preservation over a mall? History wins. Smooth traffic along downtown area over a mall? Smooth traffic wins. Again if its for your consolation Olongapo which is more progressive than Laoag has no big malls within and around the entire SBMA area. The closest one is San Fernando, Pampanga which is about 40-45 kms south. Laoag is not really lagging begind. It's just that other cities up north like San Fernando, LU and Tuguegarao are regional capitals and Santiago City being the identified industrial center of the valley. Urdaneta for it's location alone makes it more accessible to business while Baguio speaks for itself. Of the six cities though Laoag is the cleanest and most traffic friendly. Again don't take this as a negative response, as this forum is a free and friendly exchange of opinions.:cheers:

Here's where you can check Phil cities income classes:

http://www.nscb.gov.ph/activestats/psgc/listcity.asp

gr8-one

February 18th, 2009, 08:57 PM

Can someone tell the mayor na kung puede magpagawa sila ng Urban Planning for Laoag? I think its about time na magkaroon na.
Maybe we should sign an online petition to compel MVF to organize an Urban Planning team for Laoag - good candidates would be Rex Hofilena and Felino Palafox Jr. of Palafox and Assoc. - one of the premiere architectural/urban planning firm in the country - and his roots are from Bacarra :)

zoroethgenre_003

February 19th, 2009, 05:16 PM

Cape Bojeador

http://k43.pbase.com/g6/90/28190/2/74083795.4V26TxIc.jpg

zoroethgenre_003

February 19th, 2009, 05:17 PM

Patapat Viaduct

http://i.pbase.com/g6/90/28190/2/74083801.qRHXfIm5.jpg

zoroethgenre_003

February 19th, 2009, 05:17 PM

Bangui Wind Farm

http://i.pbase.com/g6/90/28190/2/74402087.BmEm2wSS.jpg

venntro

February 20th, 2009, 03:02 AM

^^ Nice pics.

chris_nigel

February 20th, 2009, 03:40 AM

nice pics for ilocos i cant believe how beautiful sights there especially fort ilocandia

venntro

February 20th, 2009, 06:44 AM

Investments in renewable energy projects seen to reach $200 million (http://http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=441773&publicationSubCategoryId=66)
By Donnabelle L. Gatdula Updated February 20, 2009 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Over $200 million worth of investments for renewable energy development in the country are expected to come in this year, House committee on energy chairman Rep. Miguel Arroyo said.

He said he had been informed that funding for several renewable energy (RE) projects are currently being worked out by a number of investor groups.

“I was told that there are some projects being conducted by the Aboitizes and Zamoras on renewable energy,” he said.

Arroyo noted that the Aboitiz group plans to invest about $70 million for RE development projects while the Zamora group may pour in $150 million worth of investments for various RE-related projects.

The Zamora group is close to finalizing a loan from the Development Bank of the Philippines to finance these projects.

The group is eyeing a biomass project in Luzon and a hydroelectric power project in Mindanao.

To further boost RE development, Arroyo said they are encouraging local and international roadshows.

“This way we can encourage more players to come in and invest on RE,” the Pampanga lawmaker said.

Aboitiz Power Corp. has lined up investments in generation facilities with a total generating capacity of 1,957 megawatts, more than 70 percent of which are powered by renewable sources of energy.

Meanwhile, Montalban Methane Power Corp. (MMPC) run by the Zamoras, confirmed that they have tapped DBP to finance the construction of another biomass project.

“We cannot disclose yet because we don’t want to pre-empt anything. Before the end of the month, we may have something,” MMPC executive vice president Danilo Cantiller said.

Cantiller said the group’s methane project in Montalban, Rizal is estimated to cost $33 million. The group is also looking at constructing methane-based power facilities in San Pedro, Laguna and Navotas with a total of 14 megawatts at an estimated cost of around $42 million.

MMPC is a unit of Tranzen Group Inc., the holding company of Salvador Zamora II, who has been into nickel mining and real estate businesses in Mindanao and Palawan . MMPC is a joint venture between UK-based firm Carbon Capital Markets (CCM).

Aside from these biomass projects, Cantiller said the Zamora group is eyeing to develop other renewable energy power sources such as wind and mini-hydro.

Cantiller said they are currently evaluating a wind power project in Ilocos Norte

guitarose

February 20th, 2009, 04:16 PM

But 8 stories din naman ang La Elliana ah.

Thats what I would like to happen too. Perhaps they could pull their resources together to put up a CBD for Laoag. The farmlands beside "B-1"(:lol:) is a good place. Yung farmlands papuntang La Paz. Its more accessible from the city center.

You cannot relocate the belltower. Patayan to pag ginawa yan :lol:

I dont think SM intended to bid. Walang accurate na balita na ganun. Puro rumors lang, typical rumor sa isang lugar na kapag napabalitang magkakaroon ng mall, SM na agad ang pumapasok sa isip. According to MVF, years ago, Robinsons was supposed to put up that mall in Laoag, they already surveyed the area near Barit and even the LCES location. Nakausap pa mismo yung head ng Robinsons Malls and told the city government to submit their proposal para makita nila. But due to some circumstances, nawala na lang yata.

Can someone tell the mayor na kung puede magpagawa sila ng Urban Planning for Laoag? I think its about time na magkaroon na.

What saddens me the most- based dun sa explanation ni MVF about the hospital was the LOST opportunity of a great amount of funding for a good hospital that slipped away. If my memory serves me right, yung pera na inaalok is around 500-700 million, tama ba ko guitarrose?

Ganito kc un.Laoag was granted by JICA a fund to build a modern state of the art hospital on the condition that the city will provide the lot.There was an available lot (location: Bgy Balacad near Ilocos Norte Convention Center and hotel) but some members of the sangunian opposed the project as how they did in the planned upgrading of the Laoag City General Hospital. Their reasons, such project will contradict to the Health Sector Development Program and constructing another tertiary hospital is not possible if it is too near to the existing tertiary hospitals(GRASMH and MMMH ).With this, Benguet Provincial Hospital became the recipient.

Laoag City officials (excluding those who opposed the project)visited the new Benguet Hospital and they were so delighted :banana:to see the complete medical facilities and amenities all from Japan."pero nanghinayang:ohno: cla na ang hospital na un ay para sana sa laoag.dahil lng sa pulitika(?):bash:, we LOST the opportunity. According to them,it's such a very big, modern and a very spacious building where all the materials that were used in the construction were from Japan except gravel and sand,cement and steel.Just imagine by the way they described it, said hospital may worth almost a billion pesos !^^

guitarose

February 20th, 2009, 04:19 PM

Interesting...........I wonder how will they come-out with the design. Post ka once the renderings are available.

Ok, il try to take some pix pag mag-unveil cla ng PERSPECTIVE design ^^

majaba

February 21st, 2009, 09:23 AM

jmok

February 21st, 2009, 12:07 PM

Sa Pilipinas pa ba ito?? joke...heheh ang ganda naman nito....nice....

jmok

February 21st, 2009, 12:11 PM

hell yeah hahaha! :lol: sana naman makita mo ang mga ito sometime soon! pls. visit ilocos!

I do hope soon.........:):)

CaBo'

February 21st, 2009, 01:36 PM

the pictures that shows the national highway by the ocean is very similar with Pacific Coast Hi-Way enroute to SFO...Ilocos is indeed beautiful...hoping to visit it soon...:)

guitarose

February 21st, 2009, 03:52 PM

I cant make out the location of this project. Would this be on the left side of the Mangato area if your going towards Fort Ilocandia? Near the church and the convent?

http://i43.tinypic.com/1p781y.jpg

Maybe you refer to this map location isu nga maulaw ka, this is for Brighton Parkplace. For Hanalei Heights you're right.

guitarose

February 21st, 2009, 04:08 PM

[QUOTE=guitarose;32423340]As of now ang alam ko said hotel is no longer the tallest building. Since 2003, the 9 storey Laoag Control Tower Building is the tallest in Laoag and Ilocos Norte.

The Laoag Control Tower Facility(Laoag International Airport)

http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/871/tower1mm0.jpg

does anyone in this forum know ?

are there new photos here somewhere of the shortly completed expansion of laoag international airport terminal !?

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c3/abercromb24/laoaginternationalairport.jpg

Originally posted by BoNduRant

This New Arrival Terminal Building is already operational. It was inaugurated last January 28, 2009.

guitarose

February 21st, 2009, 04:24 PM

kung ang home economics lang ang gigibain, eh di maliit na mall na siya! ano ba kasing meron sa LCES? ilipat na lang sana nila sa mas malawak na lugar! hay!:lol:

thanks guitarose for all the infos! matagal ng di ko nakikita ang laoag! at di ko alam kung kelan ko it makikita ulit! kaya wag kang magsasawang magpost ng pix ng laoag ha! :) sana nga may nagbago talaga diyan!

The old one (gabaldon type) will be preserved, all other buildings will be demoilshed like the City Fire department, City Division Office, Girl Scout of the Philippines buildng and all other new school buildings. We'll just wait how will they come up with the design. Baka mayron kasing nakabaon na golds dun sa compound he:lol: he:lol: he:lol: eto kc ang kumakalat na balita kung bakit interested cla sa LCES. I just dont know how reliable the news is:ohno:.

You're welcome 808 state.

majaba

February 21st, 2009, 06:02 PM

[QUOTE=majaba;32626756]

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c3/abercromb24/laoaginternationalairport.jpg

Originally posted by BoNduRant

This New Arrival Terminal Building is already operational. It was inaugurated last January 28, 2009.

thank you guitarose ! :banana:

looks nice ! :banana:

do you have shot that does not deform the building to get a reality impression how big it really is in comparison to the existing, older terminal ? looks huge on this shot. :nuts:

that would be very nice, thank you ! :banana:

eee7

February 22nd, 2009, 09:09 AM

All I can say is WOW! Laoag City and Ilocos Norte thread is very active. Sana magpost pa kayo ng marami.

Now I know, I am a Medical Rep. and I always visit Benguet Gen. Hospital. The hospital is really amazing, considering it's a public hospital. Sayang sa Laoag pala sana dapat ipatayo ang hospital na yun.

rhyzrockerz

February 22nd, 2009, 01:04 PM

http://i40.tinypic.com/n9wr8.jpg
by sinjin

thanks for visiting ilocandia!:cheers:

:) grabe, ang dami palang pumapasok ng norte!:cheers: kapag pupunta ka sa ilocos norte, talagang may sadya ka:)! that's my observation only!

syempre naman..
ganda kasi ng lugar nyo..ang sarap mag bakasyon jan..
ako nga gustong gusto makarating jan sa ilocos lalo jan
sa BANGUI WINDMILLS.. ang ganda astig talaga..
kaya lang ang layo..

venntro

February 23rd, 2009, 08:12 AM

^^ Nice looking aged bell tower.

rhyzrockerz

February 23rd, 2009, 01:25 PM

salamat! malapit lang siya kung sasakay ka ng airplane :) why don't you visit the place, especially bangui? you would surely love it hehehe... madami pang lugar ang di ko pa naipakita here kasi wala akong mahanap na pictures... welcome ka dito sa ilocandia rhyzrockerz:)

thank you po..

ganda talaga mga place jan sainyo...!!!
sarap puntahan....:banana::banana:

rhYZrockerZ

Sinjin P.

February 23rd, 2009, 01:27 PM

http://i40.tinypic.com/n9wr8.jpg
by sinjin

thanks for visiting ilocandia!:cheers:

:) grabe, ang dami palang pumapasok ng norte!:cheers: kapag pupunta ka sa ilocos norte, talagang may sadya ka:)! that's my observation only!

Wow, thanks for featuring my photo. Ang ganda talaga sa Ilocos Provinces. I'll repost all my photos 'pag may oras. :)

gr8-one

February 23rd, 2009, 10:56 PM

By Augusto Villalon
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 23:28:00 02/22/2009

Filed Under: Monuments & Heritage Sites, Regional authorities

THE threatened demolition of Laoag Central Elementary School and the façade of Dingras church in Ilocos Norte has resulted in a unified stand by community and government to protect the built heritage in the province, possibly the first time in the country that all sectors have united to officially protect heritage.

Rep. Bongbong Marcos of the 2nd District wrote me: “I would like to assure you that the historic Dingras church in Ilocos Norte will not be demolished as feared. Instead, a responsible restoration plan will be put in place not only to save the church but also other churches and historical sites in the province needing repair and rehabilitation.

“I have talked with Dingras municipal officials and asked them to advise the parish not to proceed with the demolition pending final discussions with the public and other stakeholders.

“There is a way to restore old structures and historical sites such as what the Indonesian government did with the Borobudur temples and the continuing restoration of the Angkor Wat complex by the Cambodian authorities.

“I have allocated a portion of my development fund to a perpetual restoration trust for all the designated historical sites in Ilocos Norte...

“Furthermore, I also plan to meet with government agencies such as the Department of Tourism and the National Historical Institute to find ways by which a similar restoration trust fund can be established to support current efforts to save our heritage sites.”

Next week: Ilocos Norte Governor Michael Keon takes action.

E-mail pride.place@gmail.com
_________________________________________________________________
Cross-posted from source: Inquirer.net (http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/lifestyle/lifestyle/view/20090222-190424/Ilocos-Norte-authorities-save-heritage)

carl_vilches21

February 24th, 2009, 12:48 PM

WOW BATAC is super clean!

http://i39.tinypic.com/14xdzrb.jpg

http://i41.tinypic.com/f3i74o.jpg
from flickr

...Is this the hometown of the late president Ferdinand E. Marcos?

rhyzrockerz

February 24th, 2009, 01:42 PM

atin po ang lugar na ito hindi lang ang mga ilokano hehehe! ang Ilocandia ay laging bukas para iyo... salamat po ng marami! you rock!

talaga wow..

thank you..

visit mo naman thread namin..

post ka rin don .. hihi

likEwiZE U RoCk....

rhYzRockErZ

rhyzrockerz

February 24th, 2009, 01:43 PM

kailan magbubukas o bukas na ba ang robinson jan sainyo?

eee7

February 24th, 2009, 01:45 PM

July 03, 2007
Another Duty Free outlet soon to open

ANOTHER Duty Free Philippines (DFP) retail outlet is set to open in Davao City by mid-August.

The influx of foreign tourists in the city is the primary reason why DFP general manager Michael Kho is aggressively taking on Davao.

"Davao City is one of the bigger markets in the country," Kho said.

He added an off-airport retail outlet would be able to offer more merchandise and more goods to travelers.

The off-airport retail store of Duty Free would occupy a space about 300 to 350 square meters big.

Kho is expecting the Davao retail outlet of Duty Free to be at par, if not outshine the sales of their two Cebu retail stores. Cebu is annually raking in more than $8 million in sales.

The return of Duty Free in Davao City has always been the dream of Kho.

He said it took them quite a while to return to the city as they wanted to get good airport space for them. "With the stores here in Davao, we hope to reach the $160 million mark," Kho added.

Kho said chocolates and liquor still top the list of most sought after products in their retail outlet.

"Chocolates and liquor comprise about 35 to 40 percent of our annual sales," Kho said.

After opening the retail stores in Davao, Kho said they are also eyeing Laoag as the next target. The presence of an international airport in the area and the influx of Chinese nationals in the area are taken into consideration by Kho. (CPM)

:banana::cheers: I HOPE SO!

I miss Duty Free in Laoag, ang tagal na rin na nawala.

attitude2win

February 25th, 2009, 01:18 AM

When was the survey conducted? wow... I can't wait to go to Pagudpud this March to personally see SAUD beach:banana:

Asia's best beaches
By John Borthwick

1. SAUD BEACH, PHILIPPINES :banana:
truly the philippines' pride!

2. KO ADANG, THAILAND
3. BENTOTA, SRI LANKA
4. YALONG BAY, CHINA
5. CHINA BEACH, VIETNAM
6. CALANGUTE, INDIA
7. DUNGUN, MALAYSIA
8. OCCHEUTEAL, CAMBODIA
9. MAE NAM, THAILAND
10. KENTING, TAIWAN

- Sunday Herald Sun

gr8-one

February 25th, 2009, 02:19 AM

^^ Here's (http://www.news.com.au/travel/story/0,23483,22157694-27983,00.html) the article from news.com.au back in 7/2007
The original poster probably forgot to append the source (don't we all love google?). It's about a couple year old article. I'll take it anyway :)

rhyzrockerz

February 25th, 2009, 01:01 PM

MARCOS MAUSOLEUM - Batac
where the strongmans' body lies

http://i41.tinypic.com/11udcn7.jpg
by aji.rokhadi

http://i40.tinypic.com/2qi8etf.jpg
by goms

http://i44.tinypic.com/24279yp.jpg
by big daddy toj

http://i39.tinypic.com/2q0mvcx.gif
from yahoo

http://i39.tinypic.com/2em1v9u.jpg
from yahoo

http://i40.tinypic.com/fmpgk1.jpg
from Google

MARCOS' ANCESTRAL HOME - Batac

http://i41.tinypic.com/3028f39.jpg
by KoolBeep

http://i40.tinypic.com/14n32u.jpg
by KoolBeep

graBi..

hanggang ba sa ngayon jan parin naka libing si Marcos?
grabi siguro ang taas ng bayarin nyan sa kuryente..
napaka yaman talaga ng mga marcos...

eee7

February 25th, 2009, 01:06 PM

ako din! oo nga pala, ba't pala nawala ang Duty Free sa laoag?:ohno:

Ang pagkakaalala ko, pinasarahan karamihan ng Duty Free nung panahon ni Erap.

BoNduRanT

February 25th, 2009, 01:54 PM

yes, batac is his hometown. a booming city:)

Batac is not a city. The supreme court reverted it back to town status along with 16 others. Di mo ba nabalitaan yun?

carl_vilches21

February 25th, 2009, 02:51 PM

MARCOS MAUSOLEUM - Batac
where the strongman's body lies

http://i41.tinypic.com/11udcn7.jpg
by aji.rokhadi

http://i40.tinypic.com/2qi8etf.jpg
by goms

http://i44.tinypic.com/24279yp.jpg
by big daddy toj

http://i39.tinypic.com/2q0mvcx.gif
from yahoo

http://i39.tinypic.com/2em1v9u.jpg
from yahoo

http://i40.tinypic.com/fmpgk1.jpg
from Google

MARCOS' ANCESTRAL HOME - Batac

http://i41.tinypic.com/3028f39.jpg
by KoolBeep

http://i40.tinypic.com/14n32u.jpg
by KoolBeep

...Naka preserve pa pala labi ni Marcos diyan...

...Katakot naman...

panganuron23

February 25th, 2009, 06:31 PM

ROBINSONS PLACE ILOCOS NORTE

http://i40.tinypic.com/oseg4o.jpg

http://i39.tinypic.com/2dtc8ih.jpg
Got these from Mr. Ablan's Blog!

can u please give me the exact url of the blog? please

panganuron23

February 26th, 2009, 01:09 AM

salamat na dakulon....hehehehe
maraming salamat pala,

venntro

February 26th, 2009, 08:42 AM

http://i44.tinypic.com/10wuulj.jpg
from flickr

The Philippines' Saud Beach is Among the Top Beaches in Asia
- Department of Tourism

The little–known northwest Philippine beach Saud Beach at Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte was recently named as one of the ten best beaches in Asia by Australia’s Melbourne Sunday Herald Sun newspaper. Through its veteran travel writer and photographer John Borthwick, the widely circulated publication listed the top beach destinations in Asia. Saud Beach was chosen on the basis of its pristine condition, rustic appeal, relative isolation from the usual tourist crowd, its “untouched by commercialism” quality, and the variety of water sports activities it offers.

Aside from Saud Beach, the other beaches that made the list are Ko Adang and Mae Nam of Thailand, Bentota of Sri Lanka, Yalong Bay of China, China Beach of Vietnam, Calangute of India, Dungun of Malaysia, Occheutel of Cambodia, and Kenting of Taiwan.

Located at the northwest coast of Luzon, Saud Beach is a 2-kilometer arc of pure sand bordered by the blue of the South China Sea. It is an uncluttered beach devoid of all commercialism and crowds that usually spoil the appeal of a quiet beach destination. It is a haven for swimmers, snorkelling enthusiasts and wind surfers, and it is fast becoming another surfers’ paradise in the Philippines. Roughly an hour away by land travel from Laoag International Airport, this picturesque beach is renowned for its crystal clear waters, fine white-cream sand and underwater sceneries of multi-colored corals and iridescent fish. Saud Beach is definitely one of Philippine tourism’s best-kept secrets. :banana:

^^ Indeed. For us Ilocanos, Pagudpud is really a treasure. :banana:

guitarose

February 27th, 2009, 02:30 AM

guitarose

February 27th, 2009, 02:44 AM

http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/9860/southernapproachgilbert.jpg

Five (5) Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras of this kind were installed in all entry/exit points of Laoag City proper.

1. Bacarra Rd Police Stn (Near Java Hotel)
2. Rizal St Police Stn. corner Bacarra Rd (Infront of LCES)
3. La Paz Rd infront of Laoag Main Police Stn.
4. Rizal St.(going to Sarrat) corner Vintar Rd.
5. Southern Approach Gilbert Bridge Police Stn. corner Airport Avenue.

guitarose

February 27th, 2009, 02:50 AM

http://img22.imageshack.us/img22/6306/procconsularofficebw7.jpg

So, if you want to visit China, the consular office here can process your VISA to Mainland China without going to their Embassy in Manila anymore and take the flight of China Southern Airlines via Laoag International Airport bound to Beijing and Shanghai.:)Hassle free di ba?:)Sad to say:ohno:, due to unknown reasons,China Southern Airlines flight to China (Beijing and Shanghai) already stopped late last year. But i heard that there are plans to revive these flights especially Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel who chartered this airline company.^^

guitarose

February 27th, 2009, 11:33 AM

http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/2922/belfry1pt1.jpg

http://img22.imageshack.us/img22/1752/churchandbelfryuw0.jpg

http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/9526/facadevf5.jpg

http://img22.imageshack.us/img22/1893/altarya2.jpg

guitarose

February 27th, 2009, 11:37 AM

:omg::shocked::eek2::bow: A Chinese consulate office in Ilocos Norte? since when? great!:banana: this could totally boost tourism not only in the province but in the country as well, especially ilocoslovakia!:cheers:

Last last year (2007) yata kung di ako nagkamali^^

guitarose

February 27th, 2009, 11:47 AM

iba na pala ang laoag ngayon, ang daming nagbago, kakagulat! hay nakakamiss...

good for laoag!:) matanong lang, bakit laging nakasabit ang traffic lights sa laoag at batac? di kaya delikado? nakakatakot pag may bagyo o kaya malakas ang hangin! parang babagsak :lol:

Magbakasyon ka kasi d2 sa ilocos 808 state:lol:he:lol:he:lol:.D nman cguro.Look at the traffic light sa rizal st.marami ng pinagdaanang bagyo pero okey parin:banana:Kung ano ang reason di ko rin alam eh.:ohno:

guitarose

February 27th, 2009, 12:01 PM

http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/9719/incchib5.jpg

View of INCCH from the National Highway

http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/1848/viewfromfircountryclubyw1.jpg

View of INCCH from Fort Ilocandia Golf and Country Club

http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/1115/welcomearkla1.jpg

The Welcome Arc

http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/788/welcomearkwdthechapelhs7.jpg

The Welcome Arc in background is the Chapel

http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/7331/thechapellt7.jpg

The Chapel (Landscaping still in progress)

http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/6896/theconventioncentermm3.jpg

The Convention Center

http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/1742/thehotel1tk5.jpg

http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/4236/thehotel2jw0.jpg

http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/386/thehotel3nj6.jpg

The Hotel

The P475 Million Ilocos Norte Convention Center and Hotel should have been 100% completed last December 2008.But due to some delays, it was re-scheduled until March 31, 2009 (bareng saan nga ma-delay manen ah).Landscaping is in progress, airconditioning systems, amenities(beds, utensils, etc.) and other equipment that are needed in a hotel bussiness has already arrived and ready to be installed.

Previously, Gov. MMK admitted that the Provincial Government do not have the capability to manage such kind of business.But now, he (Gov. MMK) informed that they (Provincial Government) are currently negotiating with a private company/firm (Manila based yata?!) who has the expertise to manage and run the Ilocos Norte Convention Center and Hotel.

hadjirieta

February 27th, 2009, 12:02 PM

Summer is once again coming! Got plans to spend it? what about these...

The Heritage Paoay Church

http://images.maiess.multiply.com/image/9/photos/20/500x500/54/SL372204.JPG?et=l%2BP6uhLw2%2CUc1Y5j5lIsLA&nmid=118320901

Free white beach! at the Municipal beach of Pagudpud

http://images.maiess.multiply.com/image/5/photos/20/500x500/150/SL372297.JPG?et=2wD573e7eTKd3kvB0JH5Hg&nmid=118320901

The Light house in Burgos

http://images.maiess.multiply.com/image/1/photos/20/500x500/223/SL372412.JPG?et=KtF1AUg%2BNVsUKfXh0eBJHw&nmid=118320901

The Windmill of Bangui

http://images.maiess.multiply.com/image/4/photos/20/500x500/166/SL372338.JPG?et=GEMz92V6s2DEDXt%2CvFk3Iw&nmid=118320901

or just a relax in Currimao beach

http://images.maiess.multiply.com/image/13/photos/20/500x500/18/SL372143.JPG?et=mo%2B5K7vHvKa81KxGgZVN9w&nmid=118320901

Photos by Princess Villalobos

gr8-one

February 27th, 2009, 08:54 PM

Wow! So Ilocos should be able to host ASEAN soon then? Or is that just wishful thinking? :lol:

carl_vilches21

February 28th, 2009, 12:12 PM

I've been there numerous times. matter of fact, kahit mag-isa ka sa loob parang wala lang... nakakakilabot lang yung music hehehe!

...Is Imelda visiting their everyday?
...How much is the entrance fee?
...Aircon din ba?hehe

BoNduRanT

March 1st, 2009, 04:57 AM

She's not. I think a couple of times lang in a year. During Marcos' birthday, death anniversary and some political events that require her attendance.

No entrance fee

Its airconditioned, oo naman, maaagnas si apo pag hindi :lol:

I just wish they could spruce up his presidential museum. Too plain.

BoNduRanT

March 1st, 2009, 05:10 AM

MVF: LCES might not be demolished

BY DOMINIC B. DELA CRUZ
STAFF REPORTER-Ilocostimes.com

IN A SURPRISING MOVE, Laoag Mayor Michael V. Fariñas stated that the Laoag Central Elementary School (LCES) might not be demolished anymore. “Not because we are admitting that it is a Gabaldon type elementary
school. We are still maintaining our stand that it is not a Gabaldon elementary
school as per documents presented to us by the DepEd,” Fariñas said.
He explained that there is a law called the “best evidence rule,” which means documents have the strongest weigh as evidence in court and that a testimonial evidence cannot outweigh a documentary evidence. Testimonial evidence can only be resorted to when there is no documentary evidence and Fariñas stressed that the city government has these documentary
evidences. “Isu ngarud nga anyaman nalalaing nga arkitekto nga aggapu iti NHI, it has no value. Probably for propaganda, yes, but in court it will not hold,” Fariñas pointed out. He added that the city government maintains that the LCES building is not a heritage site as also certified earlier by the National Historical Institute (NHI).

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c3/abercromb24/doc.jpg

But to stop the controversy on the issue, Fariñas said he is now exploring the possibility of not demolishing the LCES main building as he stressed that the only issue is the preservation of this one building. In view of this, he said he hopes to be able to present the design of the site together with the proposed new site of the LCES building. However, he added that he will need to sit down again with Laoag Bishop Sergio L. Utleg and Bellagio Holdings, Inc. for the new plan. The mayor also belied rumors that Utleg has withdrawn his signature from the memorandum of agreement on the lease contract of the LCES lot. “There is not truth to that. The good bishop is firm on his
decision and made already a lot of statements regarding his stand on the matter. On his recent meeting with Utleg, Fariñas said the bishop told him to put the school on the side of the lot and on how to go about the surroundings of the belltower. Fariñas also disclosed that someone approached the bishop and asked him to postpone the LCES project until after the 2010 elections. “So you can just imagine that the concern for the conservation as they say is not a genuine one. It is more of a political rather
than a genuine concern and sincere concern for conservation,
etc.,” Fariñas said. Burn LCES plot MEANWHILE, Fariñas also divulged that he has received a text message which said there are plans to burn down LCES.
The text message said: “Alert starting tomorrow bring home valuables in your rooms including records of your pupils there is report (you know who)
desperate people will burn Central.”The said text message was received on February 18. Fariñas said it is only proper to let the people of Laoag of
such plot as he stressed that he might end up being blamed should this materialize as he is the prime mover of the LCES relocation project. In response to this, Fariñas asked that Laoag City police chief Sterling Blanco and fire marshal William Ralleca be present during his announcement. He then ordered Blanco to keep police visibility high in the LCES area and Ralleca to station one fire truck inside the school premises. “No maiwar-waragawag ti kastoy, appo, kayat na nga sawen nga dagiti dadduma nga tattao nga sabalit panpanunot na, pardon me for saying this, dakes pay ketdi iti
pan-panunuten dan no ubraen da,” noted Fariñas. He also reiterated that the
city government is not that desperate as to plot the burning down of the school. “We are not that desperate to do it. So whoever is thinking about it, he is the one desperate in destroying me,” the mayor stated. Fariñas said they are still verifying the text message with the help of Blanco as to where it
was from but the mayor said he already has an idea where it came from buhe is not yet at liberty to divulge it.
He also assured LCES teachers, pupils and pupils’ parents that they are safe and that there is no need for alarm. For his part, Blanco said they would heighten police visibility in the area as her added that the police already conducts foot patrolinside and outside the LCES premises. He also said that they have coordinated with the telecommunication company for help to trace the origin of the said text message.

Barangay 14 Chair Felix Ayson has also instructed all of his barangay tanods to be more alert around the LCES area in response to the said text message.
Ayson, who is also the LCES Parent-Teacher-Community Association
(PTCA) president, said he has also coordinated with the Bureau of Fire Protection on the matter.

BoNduRanT

March 1st, 2009, 05:23 AM

http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/3076/southernapproachofgilbend3.jpg

Southern Approach of Gilbert Bridge

http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/5396/bonicornernolascomh5.jpg
Bonifacio st. corner Nolasco st.

2 more traffic lights installed in LC
BY DOMINIC B. DELA CRUZ
STAFF REPORTER

Fariñas thanked Metro ManilaDevelopment Authority (MMDA) Chair Bayani
Fernando for giving the said traffic lights. Fernando was in the city on February 2 as he served as the guest of honor and speaker during the opening of the Agro Industrial Fair.

The mayor said a traffic light costs about P1.5 million and the city government could not afford to acquire one which is why he sought the assistance of Fernando regarding the installation of additional traffic lights in
the city. One of the two newly installed traffic lights is at the
southern approach of Gilbert Bridge while the other is at the intersection of Bonifacio and Nolasco Sts. Fariñas said he has again requested additional traffic lights to ease the traffic congestion in the city as there are only a few
traffic aides in the city.

Meanwhile, Fernando, during his speech on February 2, also thanked the city
government for inviting him to grace occasions here in Laoag. The MMDchair vowed to make Laoag City one of his priorities should he be given the chance to serve as President of the country. Fernando during his recent visit again announced his intention to run for the highest political position in the land.
Though clarifying that his purpose of visiting the city was not to campaign, Fernando nevertheless enumerated his plans and programs should he become President of the republic during his speech.

BoNduRanT

March 1st, 2009, 08:20 AM

Post mo din yung Ilocos times article titled " Ilocos Norte from A to Z". Hehehehe

venntro

March 2nd, 2009, 02:07 AM

Ilocos Norte IRAA champ anew (http://http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=444809&publicationSubCategoryId=69)
Updated March 02, 2009 12:00 AM

DAGUPAN CITY, Philippines – For the 10th year, Ilocos Norte dominated the week-long Ilocos Region Athletic Association (IRAA) meet which ended here Friday.

Ilocos Norte, whose sports program is supervised by former Project: Gintong Alay executive director Michael Keon, garnered 660.17 points to take the overall title.

Pangasinan II placed second with 395 points while Pangasinan I was third with 378.

Dagupan, notching 150 points, landed seventh among 14 divisions, mainly driven by the gold haul ushered in by the secondary division events in basketball and taekwondo – teams made up of female athletes.

The Department of Education gave Dagupan a rousing approval of the city’s over-all planning, management and organization of the IRAA Meet.

In his remarks before local officials, regional education executives, division superintendents and sports officials during the welcome fellowship night, Education Secretary Jesli Lapus lauded host Mayor Alipio Fernandez Jr. and the people of Dagupan City for organizing “the best IRAA meet worth remembering in the coming years”.

Dr. Ligaya Soledad Miguel, regional director of the Department of Education, and thirteen division superintendents also rated Dagupan’s over-all preparation as “superb” – Eva Vesperas

gr8-one

March 2nd, 2009, 08:59 AM

hadjirieta

March 2nd, 2009, 09:47 AM

This bustling northern province needs its own thread. From the roaring cities of Laoag and Batac, to the laid-back country-side and pristine beaches, Ilocos Norte deserves it's own spot. Post away guys!

Ket wen ah! Dapat talaga ada sarili tayo nga thread, ken this is a way tapno mai-promote tay met ti province tayo diba?

Municipality of San Nicolas - Ilocos Norte's Biggest Little Town

ZHHDRwMq-pU

http://naomicorpuz.blog.friendster.com/2007/11/tribeca-coffeeshop-in-ilocos-norte-impressive/
^^^^^^^^
TRIBECA COFFESHOP

http://i40.tinypic.com/2usenad.jpg
Mc Donald's San Nicolas

http://i43.tinypic.com/2v1unm9.jpg
Honda Cars Ilocos by vjv 26

http://img22.imageshack.us/img22/6306/procconsularofficebw7.jpg
Consulate office of PR of China
by guitarose
Yup! taga san nicolas nak, dapat kuma ngarud ket ag balin nga city'n.... hehehe "SAN NICOLAS: THE MOST PROGRESSIVE TOWN BETWEEN TWO CITIES"

Isang municipal SK president ng Ilocos Norte, posible daw na
masuspenso?
Magiging Suspended Kabataan!

Hindi raw kasi ito dumadalo sa mga miting na isinasagawa ng
pederasyon?!
Saan Kano makimitmitng?

Isang mataas na opisyal ng PNP, inaarbor daw ang mga Chinese
nationals na nakakulong sa Laoag City Police Station?
Philippine National Pa-arbor?!

Isa daw nagngangalang Police Superintendent Napoleon Cauyan
ayon kay BID Chief Paul Versosa ang umaarbor sa mga
nahuling Chinese?!
Naki-BID kaya sa BID?!

Nahuli si Fuke Huang dahil sa pandadaya niya umano sa
Casino?!
Nandadaya si Fake? Este Fuke pala!

Isang nagngangalang Robert Cheng, hinuli at ipinakulong ni
Mayor Michael Fariñas dahil sa kaniyang panggugulo?!
Wrongbert!

Laoag-Hongkong direct flight, mahirap na raw maibalik?!
Direct flight flies?!

Kulang daw kasi ang eroplano ng PAL pati ang ilan pang airline
company na nag-ooperate sa Laoag International Airport!
PALtos!

Wala daw silbi ang bagong terminal building kung kakaunti rin
lang naman ang mga eroplano?!
Bagong terminal, lumang biyahe?!

Itinanggi daw ni Badoc Vice Mayor Divina Gracia de la Cruz na
siya’y sinungaling?!
Sus! Disgracia!

Nauna rito, inihayag daw ni Konsehal Jonathan Torralba na
umanoy sinungaling si Vice Mayor de la Cruz dahil sa kaniyang
pahayag na isa siya sa mga absentee councilor sa naturang
bayan?!
Kung sinungaling si Vice Mayor, siya ang absent! Absentminded!

Inihayag ni Ilocos Norte Governor Michael Keon na tuluyan
nang nasira ang maganda nilang samahan ni Laoag City Mayor
Michael Fariñas?!
Magandang samahan, nauwi sa samahan ng loob?!

Kung hindi na nagkikibuan si Gov at Mayor.....
Michael hates Michael?!

Ex-Mayor Cesar Ventura, sinampahan ng kaso si Mayor Michael
Fariñas?!
Ex-Mayor hates Mayor???

Wala daw basehan si Ex-Mayor Cesar Ventura sa kaniyang mga
isinasampang kaso kontra kay Mayor MVF?!
Walang alas?! Ace Ventura no more?!

Pati si Bishop Sergio Utleg, pinilahan din ng kaso ni Apo
Ventura?!
Sus, Apo pakawanem!

:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts::nuts:

by Carlos Juan

http://ilocostimes.com/
Hmmmm... nangngeg ko deta (SK), and iti kunada kettalaga nga masuspende isuna.

Batac - City of the Future

http://i39.tinypic.com/14xdzrb.jpg

http://i41.tinypic.com/f3i74o.jpg
from flickr

http://i44.tinypic.com/29bhb8o.jpg
by maverick191956

http://i43.tinypic.com/2vshsuo.jpg
by nelsonph
Ti lang makunak ket, ken based kadegijay tao na nakasaritak, forced kano didjay panag collect da ti TAX sunga adu ti na kolek da ken nagbalin a sigud nga city. hehehe

Post mo din yung Ilocos times article titled " Ilocos Norte from A to Z". Hehehehe
ana didjay?? ana nga issue?

I stand corrected.
All the while I thought it's inside Laoag...
Thanks for the photos nevertheless.
Landscaping na lang ba ang kulang?
deta kadi tey Convention Center?

...Nag push through ba ang Robinsons diyan sa Ilocos???
yup! and, nasa construction na siya. hehehe

really? ohhhh I see... I honestly had no idea.

Good for batac people, bad for the administration. why? Kasi, sabi nila, although hindi pa naman verified, the people were forced to pay taxes, kaya ganun na lang ang revenue ng Batac... so ayun. What ever the reason, I think Batac is too young compared to San Nicolas to become a City...:):):):)

Wow! So Ilocos should be able to host ASEAN soon then? Or is that just wishful thinking? :lol:

maybe not now... or a wishful thinking... hehe:lol::lol:

carl_vilches21

March 2nd, 2009, 12:29 PM

City exec announces reclassification of LC as 1st class city

AFTER being demoted to a third class city, city treasurer Elena Asuncion claimed Laoag City has now been reclassified back into being a first class city after the city government reached an annual budget of more than P300 million.

Based on the Department of Finance (DOF) Department Order No. 20-05, it states that any local government unit that has reached an average annual budget of not less than P300 million would be classified under the first classification.

In view of this, Asuncion said the city government has a total income of P333,837,982.66 for last year, which was higher than the approved annual budget of P327,750,990.

City Budget Office records show that the city government’s annual budget for this year—including supplemental budgets—is P322,720,760.97.

This simply means that Laoag has proved that it should be reclassified back into a first class city, according to Asuncion.

Asuncion added that she is expecting the DOF to include Laoag in its list of first class cities next year.

Among the benefits that maybe derived on a higher classification of a city include salary and wage increases of government employees.

Reacting to this, re-electionist Laoag Mayor Michael V. Fariñas said he is also expecting a continuing progress as along as there is unity and cooperation among the officials and people of Laoag.

Dominic B. dela Cruz

http://www.ilocostimes.com/apr30-may06-07/topnews_5.htm

...What a jump!!!

...After being a third class city upto 1st class city...:cheers:
...Fantastic...Congrats Laoag!!!

gr8-one

March 2nd, 2009, 08:23 PM

I haven't seen this thread as active as it's been for the past few days. Ilocosnorteniennes AGBIAG TAYU!!! :lol:

guitarose

March 3rd, 2009, 02:47 AM

Ilocos Norte Team, a decade of victory and supremacy . . . .:banana::banana::banana::banana:

sa katatapos na IRAA 2009 held in Dagupan City which started last February 22-27,over all No. 1 uli ang norte in 10 consecutive years.Congratulations!
kahit nabawasan kayo ng mga magagaling na athletes na galing Batac City,u still emerged victorious:cheers::cheers::cheers:

to Laoag City Team, Congratulations! No. 1 kayo sa city category and over all, No. 4 naman kayo:lol::lol::lol:
surprisingly, umangat ang standing nyo compared last year kc may sarili na kayong sports stadium na pinagprapraktisan :):):)

to Batac City Team, congrats din.over all No. 9 and No.4 kayo sa city category.you were once a part of the powerhouse Ilocos Norte Team.Now,as a new team and it's your first time to send a delegation in the IRAA, you performed well and beat other cities na dati nang sumasali. :lol::cheers::)

SSC LAOAG CITY AND ILOCOS NORTE THREAD IS PROUD OF YOU.JOB WELL DONE!
:okay::okay::okay::okay::okay::okay::okay::okay::okay::okay::okay::okay::okay::okay::tyty::tyty::tyty::tyty::tyty::tyty::tyty::tyty::tyty::tyty::tyty::tyty::tyty:

the IRAA official results - Team Standing

01. Ilocos Norte - 660.17 pts.:banana::banana::banana::lol::lol::lol::):):cheers::cheers:
02. Pangasinan II - 395.00 pts.
03. Pangasinan 1 - 378.00 pts.
04. La Union - 246.00 pts.
05. Laoag City - 224.00 pts.:cheers1::cheers1::cheers1::cheers1::cheers1:
06. Ilocos Sur - 198.17 pts.
07. Dagupan City - 150.00 pts.
08. Alaminos City - 119.17 pts.
09. Batac City - 72.50 pts.:carrot::carrot::carrot::carrot::laugh::laugh:
10. Candon City - 57.00 pts.
11. San Carlos City - 56.00 pts.
12. San Fernando City - 51.00 pts.
13. Urdaneta City - 40.00 pts.
14. Vigan City - 15.00 pts.

the IRAA official results (City Category) - Team Standing

01. Laoag City - 224.00 pts.:cheer::cheer::cheer::cheer::cheer::cheer::cheer::cheer::cheer:
02. Dagupan City - 150.00 pts.
03. Alaminos City - 119.17 pts.
04. Batac City - 72.50 pts.:tongue::tongue::tongue::tongue::tongue::tongue::tongue::tongue::tongue::tongue::tongue:
05. Candon City - 57.00 pts.
05. San Carlos City - 56.00 pts.
06. San Fernando City - 51.00 pts.
07. Urdaneta City - 40.00 pts.
08. Vigan City - 15.00 pts.

gr8-one

March 3rd, 2009, 03:04 AM

DYNASTY!!!
Will they ever relinquish the crown?
Only time will tell but right now - savor the moment guys!

Wow Laoag - 1st place sa city category!
And Batac - not a bad start. Not bad at all.
Too bad Batac might have to be a part of the provincial delegation - again - next time.

gr8-one

March 3rd, 2009, 03:31 AM

Hi guitarrose. Thanks for post. Do you have additional infos about Balai Condominiums? San ang marketing office and showroom nila?

Guys, the Balai Condo will be marketed to Ilocanos here in Hawai'i although eventually, kapag hindi mabili lahat yung units I am sure locals will get a crack at it. But by then the good ones would have been taken.

So if you are in Ilocos or in PI and want to score a unit, get in touch with your relatives here to ensure you get the unit you want (like ocean view or mountain or mall view :) ).

I can't wait to see their model units :)

.

allan_dude

March 3rd, 2009, 04:22 AM

gurugeri

March 3rd, 2009, 09:21 AM

Wonderful place! I hope I get the chance to visit Ilocos Norte. Ganda!

guitarose

March 3rd, 2009, 10:55 AM

ang laki talaga ng pinagbago ng San Nicolas:cheers:

dati sleeping town siya tapos ngayon binabaha ng developments whoooaaa:banana:

mayroong coca-cola at san miguel plants
mayroong shakey's
mayroong tribeca coffee shop
mayroong mc donald's
mayroong red ribbon
mayroong purefoods
mayroong honda cars
mayroong robinsons mall
mayroong 3 condominiums (8 floors each):cheers::cheers::cheers:
at may consulate office pa ng China (sosyal)

ibang level na! Go Go Go San Nicolas

yes to cityhood:lol::lol::lol::lol:

nakalimutan mo mayrun ding

nissan cars ilocos:):):)
hyundai cars laoag (sa sn nicolas pa din ang location)^^
david's saloon:banana::banana::banana:
David's Tea house:cheers::cheers::cheers:
Engineering bar and restaurant:cheers::cheers::cheers:

venntro

March 4th, 2009, 02:16 AM

^^ Keon should take over PATAFA and let him revive his Gintong Alay project.

hadjirieta

March 4th, 2009, 05:37 AM

aba'y dapat lang... tatakbo-takbo tapos ayaw magtrabaho:bash: ay biag aya:lol:

grabe pala ang mga politicians ng ilocos norte ano, nag-aaway dahil sa isang mall... :nuts::nuts::nuts:

Hay naku... jak man amu nu apay, ngem dakkel gamin ti mapastrek da nga kuwarta, nu siyak a ket, apay kuma nga haan diba? Ngem adu ngamin digitay politicians nga "AGIN-LALAING AND CONCERN" about educations "KUNO"! Ket haan da met makatullong iti unstoppable tution fee increase iti schools ditoy... hay biag...:banana::banana:

hadjirieta

March 4th, 2009, 05:39 AM

ang laki talaga ng pinagbago ng San Nicolas:cheers:

dati sleeping town siya tapos ngayon binabaha ng developments whoooaaa:banana:

mayroong coca-cola at san miguel plants
mayroong shakey's
mayroong tribeca coffee shop
mayroong mc donald's
mayroong red ribbon
mayroong purefoods
mayroong honda cars
mayroong robinsons mall
mayroong 3 condominiums (8 floors each):cheers::cheers::cheers:
at may consulate office pa ng China (sosyal)

ibang level na! Go Go Go San Nicolas

yes to cityhood:lol::lol::lol::lol:

PUREFOODS? Hmmm... tatta'k laeng nangeg deta... hmmm saan yan? Yan ba yung kina Mayor Valdez??:):)

hadjirieta

March 4th, 2009, 05:41 AM

No post like these please. Stick tayo sa topics that are related to what SKYSCRAPERCITY is all about.

I agree...:banana::banana:

hadjirieta

March 4th, 2009, 05:43 AM

nakalimutan mo mayrun ding

nissan cars ilocos:):):)
hyundai cars laoag (sa sn nicolas pa din ang location)^^
david's saloon:banana::banana::banana:
David's Tea house:cheers::cheers::cheers:
Engineering bar and restaurant:cheers::cheers::cheers:

Oo nga nuh, nkalimutan nyang ipost yun... hmmm:cheers::cheers:

hadjirieta

March 4th, 2009, 05:48 AM

LC to push through with LCES mall project
BY DOMINIC B. DELA CRUZ AND LEILANIE G.ADRIANO
STAFF REPORTERS

wheeew a very HOT issue!

dumaan ba talaga yan sa tamang proseso??

yoh_1

March 4th, 2009, 06:05 AM

Hi! I'm a newbee here! Wow, your place is nice! And I'm glad that progress is scattered in the Philippines.:)

BoNduRanT

March 4th, 2009, 06:11 AM

dumaan ba talaga yan sa tamang proseso??

Please refrain from using large fonts with post like this. Konting disiplina sana sa posting. Nagmumukhang messy ang thread with this kind posting.

And please NO TEXT speak.

eee7

March 4th, 2009, 08:11 AM

matagal na ang Purefoods jan sa SN:) sa pagkakaalam ko yung malaking gusali malapit sa nangalisan at ranada inn yata yun... ah basta mayroon:lol: ewan ko na lang ngayon kung nandyan pa...

nga pala, idagdag ko na rin ang GoodYear Servitek:lol: at yung Petron papuntang Batac, maganda at malaki siya:lol:

Waffle Time, Cindy’s, and Fiorgelato (Italian ice cream scooping station), Julie’s Bakeshop, 7-ELEVEN CONVENIENCE STORE just to name a few:)

wow San Nicolas, BIGATIN!:banana::banana:

http://www.ilocostimes.com/may22-jun04-06/feature_2.htm

Parang wala yatang Fiorgelato, Cindy's, Julie's Bakeshop at 7-11 sa San Nicolas.

maharlika2916

March 4th, 2009, 10:01 AM

^^ Keon should take over PATAFA and let him revive his Gintong Alay project.

Huwag naman sana para palagi kaming champion haha!

maharlika2916

March 4th, 2009, 10:09 AM

BoNduRanT

March 4th, 2009, 03:04 PM

hahaha natawa tuloy ako sa comment mo:lol: I couldn't agree more. sa simula lang iyan, I'm sure kapag natayo ang mall na iyan, yung mga tutol ay sila rin ang unang magsho-shopping jan:lol:... pustahan tayo:lol:

kaya siguro gusto ni mayor na maitayo ang mall kasi nababahala siyang magiging matamlay ang businesses sa Laoag dahil siguradong sa Robinsons ang punta ng lahat... at mga taga south of the river, malamang di na pupunta pa ng downtown Laoag kasi San Nicolas na ang "it" place para sa kanila...ito ay sa palagay ko lamang

kaya suportado ako kay mayor! dapat may mall talaga ang Laoag para healthy ang kompetisyon ng Laoag at San Nicolas:cheers:...

I dont think businesses in Laoag will go "matamlay". Malls are not the end of everything. Laoag and San Nicolas COMPLIMENT each other. The same way MM cities compliment each other. This might eventually pave the way for a metropolitan area with other towns joining once commerce flourishes even more with these kind of developments.

With the Rob Mall going to be the IT place to be, maybe for a moment pero alam mo naman ang mga tao, pag bago ang isang bagay sa kanilang lugar pagkakaguluhan. Eventually it will fizzle out and things will be normal. Similar to what happened when the first Jollibee opened up in Laoag.

BoNduRanT

March 4th, 2009, 03:10 PM

matagal na ang Purefoods jan sa SN:) sa pagkakaalam ko yung malaking gusali malapit sa nangalisan at ranada inn yata yun... ah basta mayroon:lol: ewan ko na lang ngayon kung nandyan pa...

nga pala, idagdag ko na rin ang GoodYear Servitek:lol: at yung Petron papuntang Batac, maganda at malaki siya:lol:

Waffle Time, Cindy’s, and Fiorgelato (Italian ice cream scooping station), Julie’s Bakeshop, 7-ELEVEN CONVENIENCE STORE just to name a few:)

wow San Nicolas, BIGATIN!:banana::banana:

http://www.ilocostimes.com/may22-jun04-06/feature_2.htm

Unfortunately, there is no 7-11 store in Ilocos Norte, even Sur. Im sure because I personally know the person who heads the franchising department of 7-11. It was just a press release. Besides, every ideal location for a 7-11 or even a Mercury Drug store within 365 is already occupied.

BoNduRanT

March 4th, 2009, 03:16 PM

Guys, the Balai Condo will be marketed to Ilocanos here in Hawai'i although eventually, kapag hindi mabili lahat yung units I am sure locals will get a crack at it. But by then the good ones would have been taken.

So if you are in Ilocos or in PI and want to score a unit, get in touch with your relatives here to ensure you get the unit you want (like ocean view or mountain or mall view :) ).

I can't wait to see their model units :)

.

They could score more tenants if they would not limit their marketing within the 365 area only.

Here's my take. It wont be that mabenta with the locals kasi almost lahat ng nasa Laoag and San NIcolas and nearby towns have their own houses, small or big, and land properties. Unless you are rich, a big spender and lots of cash to burn or a real estate investor then you might want a condo unit.

guitarose

March 4th, 2009, 04:21 PM

The Legendary Paoay Lake

Declared as National Park and the only bird watching site in Northern Luzon

http://img10.imageshack.us/img10/5885/020320091059bp5.jpg

http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/4084/020320091056ay7.jpg

http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/8780/020320091057zz7.jpg

St. Augustine Church

A UNESCO World Heritage

http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/4289/020320091060vc4.jpg

http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/2315/020320091061ur0.jpg

http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/3304/020320091062pv9.jpg

guitarose

March 4th, 2009, 04:42 PM

yun lang kasi ang sinabi ng aunt ko noong nagbakasyon siya :lol:

ang dami pa lang car company showrooms sa San Nicolas:banana:...

I am quite surprised na may david's saloon din at david's tea house at may bar pa:lol:

todo na 'to! :banana:

sa laoag kaya guitarose? anong meron?

Walang bago ngayun dito sa Laoag. Sa San Nicolas meron na namang bago

Nagbukas na ang Ilocos Rosewell Hotel (Kunan ko ng picture next time) and malapit na ding magbukas ang NATASHA Ilocos.

gr8-one

March 5th, 2009, 09:01 PM

Guling-guling Festival impresses
tourists, guests

BY LEILANIE G. ADRIANO
STAFF REPORTER

http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj111/inol_bucket/guling-guling2009.jpg

PAOAY, ILOCOS NORTE—Hundreds of men, women and children dressed in colorful handwoven clothes danced their way in from the century-old St. Augustine Church in town on February 24.

The annual Guling-guling festival is a day of merrymaking in this town and is held before Ash Wednesday. The tradition began in the 16th century and was introduced by Spanish friars to let the religious interact with parishioners. The festival concludes on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, which is believed to be the last day of merrymaking before Lent.

“Guling” is an Ilocano word which means “to mark, smear or make a sign.” In the past, the town’s chieftain, which is now the municipal mayor, would draw the Cross on a person’s forehead using a wet, white rice flour.
White signifies purity and the mark indicates that the person has been cleansed of past sins. An Italian visiting Ilocos Norte was mesmerized by the festival as he joined the crowd watching the procession line up for the smearing of the cross by a bishop and several town officials. The said tourist asked not to be named.

“They seem to be very happy and united,” he said after witnessing locals take turns in the street dancing competition as viewers partook of the dudol and basi.

Sam Penny, a 50-year old from Houston, Texas, USA and who also watched the Gulingguling festival, said he finds affair “very interesting,” as he saw nice costumes of women and children having fun. Penny, whose wife hails from this town, said he enjoys Paoay because of the magnificent Paoay Church, which is a Unesco World Heritage Site, and its “quiet ambiance.”

“I like staying in small towns like Paoay. Manila is too big for me that is why I keep coming back here,” Penny said. He added that this was the first time he witnessed the Guling-guling festival.

Paoay Mayor Bonifacio Clemente said he envisions the Paoay festival to become like the other famous festivals in the country such as the Sinulog, Panagbenga, and Ati-atihan festivals, which draw flocks of tourists during their staging.

For his part, Ilocos Norte Association of Barangay Councils Pres. Jessie Galano, who hails from this town, said the Guling-guling Festival is a “rich
cultural heritage” to behold for the local residents as this has long been a tradition handed down by their ancestors.
_________________________________________________________________
CROSS-POSTED FROM SOURCE: ilocostimes.com (http://www.ilocostimes.com)

.

guitarose

March 6th, 2009, 02:01 AM

Marcos Hall of Justice

http://img22.imageshack.us/img22/1258/mh1.jpg

http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/3961/mh2g.jpg

http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/8108/050320091079.jpg

This building was once the detention center of Ferdinand Marcos. He was accused of killing the political opponent (Nalundasan) of his father, the late Cong. Mariano Marcos. He was a Law graduate of UP Diliman then, but due to his imprisonment, he was not able to attend formal review for the up coming bar exam.Instead, he had a self study inside his prison cell. He was allowed to take the bar exam and successfully topped it (ranked No. 1). As a lawyer, during court hearing, he was permitted to represent and defend himself of the charged against him.Finally, he won the case, acquitted and released from jail. This was the start of the brilliant political career of Ferdinand Marcos that leads him to power all the way to Malacanang and became the best President of the Republic of the Philippines ever had.

Now, the Marcos Hall of Justice, houses the different Regional Trial Courts of the Department of Justice.

guitarose

March 6th, 2009, 02:26 AM

The first high end beach resort in Blue Lagoon (Maira-ira Beach), Pagudpud

http://www.hannahsbeachresort.com/files/images/Dormitory%20and%20Gym%201st%20level,%20vip%20suites%202nd%20level.preview.JPG

http://www.hannahsbeachresort.com/files/images/Gym.preview.JPG

http://www.hannahsbeachresort.com/files/images/Dormitory%20-%201st%20level%20and%20VIP%20suites%202nd%20level.preview.JPG

http://www.hannahsbeachresort.com/files/images/Dormitory%20and%20Gym.preview.JPG

http://www.hannahsbeachresort.com/files/images/Multi-purpose%20Hall%202.preview.JPG

http://www.hannahsbeachresort.com/files/images/IMG_9574.preview.JPG

http://www.hannahsbeachresort.com/files/images/Massage1.preview.JPG

http://www.hannahsbeachresort.com/files/images/Pool%20Area.preview.jpg

http://www.hannahsbeachresort.com/files/images/Swimming%20Pool.preview.jpg

http://www.hannahsbeachresort.com/files/images/IMG_9603.preview.JPG

http://www.hannahsbeachresort.com/files/images/multi-purpose_1.preview.jpg

http://www.hannahsbeachresort.com/files/images/1%20(1).JPG

http://www.hannahsbeachresort.com/files/images/1%20(46).JPG

http://www.hannahsbeachresort.com/files/images/1%20(50).JPG

http://www.hannahsbeachresort.com/files/images/1%20(53).JPG

http://www.hannahsbeachresort.com/files/images/1%20(71).JPG

http://www.hannahsbeachresort.com/files/images/IMG_0056.JPG

Source : http://www.hannahsbeachresort.com

guitarose

March 6th, 2009, 11:07 AM

http://www.nipa.com.tw/img/map.jpg

http://www.nipa.com.tw/img/travel001_01.jpg

http://www.nipa.com.tw/img/travel001_02.jpg

http://www.nipa.com.tw/img/travel001_05.jpg

http://www.nipa.com.tw/img/travel001_08.jpg

http://www.nipa.com.tw/img/travel001_10.jpg

http://www.nipa.com.tw/img/travel001_11.jpg

http://www.nipa.com.tw/img/travel001_1104.jpg

http://www.nipa.com.tw/img/travel001_12.jpg

http://www.nipa.com.tw/img/travel001_16.jpg

http://www.nipa.com.tw/img/travel001_19.jpg

http://www.nipa.com.tw/img/travel001_23.jpg

http://www.nipa.com.tw/img/travel001_27.jpg

http://www.nipa.com.tw/img/travel001_28.jpg

http://www.nipa.com.tw/img/travel001_31.jpg

http://www.nipa.com.tw/img/travel001_32.jpg

Source : http://www.nipa.com.tw

ergit222

March 7th, 2009, 02:47 AM

^^ ang ganda. malapit ba sa coral rocks formation area itong nipa beach resort?

Asturiano

March 7th, 2009, 03:06 AM

Marcos was the best and the worst President of the Philippines.

isagani

March 7th, 2009, 06:21 AM

Marcos was the best and the worst President of the Philippines.
I agree. I read somewhere something similar, along the lines of "The Marcoses were the best and the worst of us," which is very true in many ways.

freightrunner

March 7th, 2009, 11:20 PM

BoNduRanT

March 8th, 2009, 03:13 PM

OUR WORLD UP NORTH
BY CRISTINA ARZADON
Ilocos Times Contributor

WHILE MOST provinces in the countryside have caught up with the wave of modernization and the comforts of modern living, Ilocanos continue to enjoy the simplicity and charm of Ilocos life.

Yet, the Ilocos province today has come a long way from the harsh conditions of the land— a mixed landscape of coastal waters and agricultural lands straddled by sand dunes, riverbeds and hardwood forests. The hardy and assiduous Ilocanos have built their character upon the same cruel landscapes marked by a prolonged dry season and by generally rocky and sandy soil. Understandably, the difficult conditions of early Ilocos life are reflective of the Ilocanos’ distinct character as frugal because produce was limited to what the land and the sea could churn out. The local’s penchant for salty dishes is influenced as well by the stretch of sea beds scattered across Ilocos towns. Ilocos Norte for example remains a destination of choice for most tourists looking for traces of the genteel past which is still etched even in province’s nerve center in the capital city of Laoag.

Presently the prime commercial center of the province, Laoag remains to be a blend of the traditional and the new face of Ilocos centuries later from the Spanish colonial period when the Spaniards discovered the region
in 1572. While medium-rise buildings have started growing like mushrooms
in this capital city, patches of heritage structures remain squeezed within commercial strips right at the heart of the city. Icons of Spanish influence ranging from colonial houses, tabacaleras (brick tobacco warehouses) and churches stand as mute witnesses to the rich Ilocos history. One of such historical edifices is the Museo Iloco nicknamed as Gameng (from the
Ilocano word that means treasure) which is housed in the centuries-
old Spanish brick warehouse originally known as the Camarin de Tabacco dela Tabacalera. Sitting next to the provincial capitol, the brick structure is now the only functional edifice among five such structures built around Ilocos Norte during the Spanish period. All other tabacaleras built in the towns of San Nicolas, Currimao, Bacarra and Dingras have become mere icons of
Spanish occupation. Established in 1999, the Museo enhances the cultural and historical heritage of Ilocanos and provides tourists a window to Ilocano culture. The Museo just launched in November this year the Gameng Learning Center for Ilocos Norte Traditions and a Sarusar shop (gift shop) showcasing Ilocos’ ethnicity and distinctive products. Souvenir and gift items such
as abel Iloco (handwoven cloth), basi, handicrafts and Ilocano-made food stuff are available at the Sarusar. The Museo is located at Gen. Luna corner Llanes Streets in Laoag. Telephone Numbers (077) 770-4587; Fax: (077) 7703836.

While in Laoag, sports aficionados can explore an 85 square kilometer-stretch of sand dunes in the seaside village of La Paz (Bantay Bimmaboy to locals) in a rugged four-wheel drive under the cruel Ilocos sun. A protected geological
monument because of its unique land formation, the La Paz sand dunes have been popularized as an outdoor adventure site for the daring tourists.
The sand adventure was popularized by the PINAKBET group or Province of Ilocos Norte Adventurers, Kampers, Bikers and Eco-Tourism. The group derived its name from the quintessential Ilocano vegetable dish pinakbet which is the contracted form of the Ilocano word “pinakebbet”, meaning shrunk or shrivelled. Locals make use of bagoong (fish paste), or fermented
monamon (a fish variety) or other fish selection. The basic vegetables used in this dish include native bitter melon, eggplant, tomato, ginger, okra, string
beans, lima beans, chili peppers and winged beans. Ilocanos may be frugal with their resources but don’texpect them to be subtle on the table. Expect the locals to stage any kind of gathering in order to invite visitors to a padaya (a festive party) where traditional cuisine is served for as many as there are folks living within the village. Restaurant owner Pamela Aragoza worked within the framework of an Ilocano food gathering for her dining place
named in honor of her mother Preciosa. The La Preciosa restaurant has become a byword in the culinary business outside the province and abroad where Ilocano balikbayans and tourists alike would come together for a family gathering each time they visit Ilocos Norte. La Preciosa pioneered fine-dining restaurant in the North beginning the 1950s when the family matriarch Severa Ablan Ventura opened the Modern Kitchenette in downtown Laoag to Ilocanos looking for regular home-cooked food whipped differently. Several later passed her skill for practical cooking to Preciosa who soon opened her own restaurant which she named as Peppermint Kitchenette offering a mix of colonial, Filipino and Ilocano cuisines. It was no surprise that Preciosa’s daughter Pamela would later continue the tradition of home-cooking through her own dining place. La Preciosa restaurant is located along Rizal St, Laoag
City with telephone number (077) 7731162.

Other homegrown food businesses include the Herencia Café right across the majestic Paoay Church and the C and E pizza pasta restaurant. The Herencia café offers Ilocano cuisine but its original recipe, the pinakbet pizza is a hit among local and foreign tourists. It is located along Mc Arthur Highway Barangay 14, Sangladan Paoay, Ilocos Norte with telephone number 614-0214. The C and E pizza whipped up its own Bagnet pizza to maximize the popularity of the bagnet or crispy topped with a generous amount of bagnet chunks while gamete strips (or Japanese nori) add a twist to its taste. The resto offers assorted pizza and pasta but its bestseller is its original recipe the carbonara pizza. Resto owner Candy Caluya derived her business name from the initials of her parents Constante and Estelita. It is located along Gen. Luna St. Laoag City with telephone number 09285240606.

isagani

March 8th, 2009, 11:31 PM

OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF BATAC!

batac.gov.ph

misleading someone would be the last thing I would do just so you know...
Batac's city charter was declared unconstitutional in November 2008, along with 15 other new cities, although many of these former cities still cling to the 'city' title.

venntro

March 9th, 2009, 02:11 AM

Tobacco prices hit record high (http://http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=446816&publicationSubCategoryId=66)
Updated March 09, 2009 12:00 AM

CANDON CITY, Philippines — For the second straight year, prices of tobacco leaves have reached unprecedented heights.

Andy Reyes, president of the Philippine Association of Tobacco-based Cooperatives (PATCO), said top grade virginia “AA” tobacco leaves are now selling at P68-P80 a kilo compared to P61-68 last year. Reyes said other Virginia tobacco grades have posted similar price increases..

For burley, Reyes said the top grade – grade A – is being bought at P67 a kilo, which is way above the floor price set by the National Tobacco Administration.

Reyes thanked Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap, NTA Administrator Carlitos Encarnacion and tobacco buying companies for their support to the leaf growers that included production assistance.

He said farmers subscribed to the farming technology of the DA-NTA and the tobacco companies and acknowledged the “diligence” of NTA tobacco production and regulation officers who assisted them.

At the same time, Reyes called on the Department of Agriculture and tobacco firms to help affected farmers rehabilitate their curing barns that have been damaged.

Affected are former tobacco farmers who had earlier shifted to other crops but have now returned to tobacco growing due to last year’s high leaf prices.

He said that they had abandoned their curing barns and were exposed to the elements. – Teddy Molina

freightrunner

March 9th, 2009, 02:36 AM

Batac is NOT a city. We dont want people to be misinformed. Until they are qualified and reinstated, it is still a town.

May I add to that that it used to be fun visiting this thread until recently when some of the postings became ridiculous like outdated news items from 8 years back being posted which are now irrelevant since a lot of facts and figures have changed. Postings like these are misleading and only meant to satisfy the poster's ego. Thanks @ BoNduRanT for your watch. I thought I was the only one who noticed something wrong going on here. Some egomaniac.:cheers:

eee7

March 9th, 2009, 08:45 AM

Walang bago ngayun dito sa Laoag. Sa San Nicolas meron na namang bago

Nagbukas na ang Ilocos Rosewell Hotel (Kunan ko ng picture next time) and malapit na ding magbukas ang NATASHA Ilocos.

Ilocos Rosewell hotel is located in Nangalisan, Laoag City.

carl_vilches21

March 9th, 2009, 12:03 PM

http://i40.tinypic.com/243m5nl.jpg

...i thought it was Michael Jackson...:lol:

BoNduRanT

March 9th, 2009, 02:59 PM

May I add to that that it used to be fun visiting this thread until recently when some of the postings became ridiculous like outdated news items from 8 years back being posted which are now irrelevant since a lot of facts and figures have changed. Postings like these are misleading and only meant to satisfy the poster's ego. Thanks @ BoNduRanT for your watch. I thought I was the only one who noticed something wrong going on here. Some egomaniac.:cheers:

Exactly. We appreciate the postings pero as much as possible observed proper posting and restraint. Wag masyado maging excited. Wag maging "PEX-y" sa posting.

365 Center is located in SAN NICOLAS NOT in LAOAG to speak of... now tell me who's misleading somone? :lol:

Off course, I posted that before unaware that the area where 365 is located belongs to San Nicolas. I thought it was still in Nangalisan. People make mistakes.

mas mabuting maging conceited kesa pakialamero ano :nuts: hay buhay, daming insecure:ohno: :lol:

Before everything goes out of hand. Please read SSC Philippines RULES AND REGULATIONS (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=601824)

Kasama na sana yung isa pang poster dito na mukhang di rin aware sa mga rules and regulations.

Pis.

BoNduRanT

March 9th, 2009, 03:07 PM

Whats the date for this article? As long as the there is no new ruling that will overturn the previous ruling by the SC. It still stands that Batac is not yet a city.

SC ruling vs 16 new cities not yet final
Written by Manny Galvez (Philstar News Service, www.philstar.com)

BALER, Aurora - Supreme Court (SC) Chief Justice Reynato Puno stressed yesterday that the tribunal's ruling declaring unconstitutional the conversion of 16 municipalities into cities is not yet final and could still be reversed.

Puno told reporters here that the aggrieved local government units (LGUs) may still file a motion for reconsideration with the SC to reverse its ruling.
Puno said it is still premature for the mayors of the new cities to grumble over the decision and be disheartened.

Puno and other SC officials were here to launch, along with Aurora Gov. Bellaflor Angara-Castillo, the tribunal's Justice on Wheels (JOW) program.

Last Tuesday, the SC, in a decision penned by Justice Antonio Carpio, declared unconstitutional the conversion into cities of Baybay, Leyte; Bogo, Carcar and Naga, all in Cebu; Catbalogan, Samar; Tandag, Surigao del Sur; Tayabas, Quezon; Lamitan, Basilan; Tabuk, Kalinga; Bayugan, Agusan del Sur; Batac, Ilocos Norte; Mati, Davao Oriental; Guihulngan, Negros Oriental; Cabdbaran, Agusan del Norte; and El Salvador, Misamis Oriental.

The SC said the cityhood grant to these places violated the equal protection clause of the Constitution in the conversion of municipalities into cities.

It said the cityhood grant failed to comply with the provisions of the Local Government Code, which requires municipalities eyeing cityhood to have an income of at least P100 million for the last two consecutive years, a population of 150,000, and a land area of 100 square kilometers.

The SC decision triggered protests from the concerned LGUs, which claimed that it would have a devastating effect on their development efforts and would drive away potential investors.

SC Assistant Court Administrator Midas Marquez said the tribunal only ruled on the basis of the law.

"We cannot do anything about it. The (SC) will have to apply what is provided for by law," he said.

Marquez, however, also said the decision may still be reversed in favor of the concerned LGUs, citing several SC rulings.

Marquez clarified that the SC vote on the issue was 6-5, not 7-5 as reported in newspapers, and that the vote of Associate Justice Consuelo Ynares-Santiago, who was also here yesterday, would be crucial if the LGUs would file a motion for reconsideration.

Santiago was on leave when the voting was done.

"Justice Santiago would be the swing vote," he said, adding that in the event of a deadlock at 6-6, the cityhood of the 16 LGUs would become final, as there would be a "presumption of constitutionality."

BoNduRanT

March 9th, 2009, 03:15 PM

the IRAA official results (City Category) - Team Standing

01. Laoag City - 224.00 pts.:cheer::cheer::cheer::cheer::cheer::cheer::cheer::cheer::cheer:
02. Dagupan City - 150.00 pts.
03. Alaminos City - 119.17 pts.
04. Batac City - 72.50 pts.:
05. Candon City - 57.00 pts.
06. San Carlos City - 56.00 pts.
07. San Fernando City - 51.00 pts.
08. Urdaneta City - 40.00 pts.
09. Vigan City - 15.00 pts.

need I say more?

OFFICIAL WEBSITE OF BATAC!

batac.gov.ph

misleading someone would be the last thing I would do just so you know...

No you dont. Because SUPREME COURT ruling WINS and outdated and inaccurate website LOSE. Simple as that.

Batac's city charter was declared unconstitutional in November 2008, along with 15 other new cities, although many of these former cities still cling to the 'city' title.

garzland

March 10th, 2009, 11:14 PM

Over 5,000 hectares of farmlands still up for distribution to Ilocos Norte farmer-beneficiaries (http://positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Tourism_24/index.shtml)

LAOAG CITY, March 11 (PNA) -- Officials of the Department of Agrarian Reform said they need more time beyond the six months-period that Congress has allowed them to complete distributing lands to farmer-beneficiaries.

Christianne Suguitan, provincial agrarian reform officer, said more than 30 percent of the land distribution component in Ilocos Norte has been completed since the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program was implemented in 1988.

Republic Act 6657 or the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform law took effect in 1988 under then President Corazon Aquino. It was extended for another 20 years until December 2008.

Congress gave the program another six months extension or until June this year to allow DAR to complete its land distribution program.

"The time is too short. We need more time to distribute all lands (to agrarian beneficiaries)," Suguitan said.

In Ilocos Norte alone, at least 5,000 hectares more of farmlands are up for distribution among 22,000 agrarian reform beneficiaries.

Since CARP was implemented, DAR-Ilocos Norte has already delivered 20,000 hectares of lands to its beneficiaries.

The provincial office has a distribution rate of 800 hectares per year. However, it was able to deliver some 1,600 hectares to beneficiaries last year.

The agrarian reform program consists of three components namely: land acquisition and distribution, delivery of support services and social justice delivery.

The department, however, clarified that the six months-extension is merely meant to give DAR more time to complete its land distribution component.

"With respect to the other two components (support service and social justice delivery), we are assured of another five years," Suguitan said.

The department's provincial office is largely credited for issuing land titles to 150 farmer beneficiaries covering 150 hectares of arable lands in the towns of Burgos and Bangui last year.

The farm plots were part of the 451 hectares of the provincial government-owned Dungon-Dungon Estate that straddles the boundaries of Burgos and Bangui.
It took nearly 20 years for DAR to negotiate with the provincial government for the issuance of certificate of land ownership awards (CLOA) to farmer-beneficiaries. (PNA)

freightrunner

March 11th, 2009, 04:25 AM

OK. Back to normal. Guitarose napanamon? I need to see some pictures. :)

[dx]

March 12th, 2009, 05:02 AM

See you tomorrow, Ilocos! :D

BoNduRanT

March 12th, 2009, 03:49 PM

Enjoy your stay! Post some photos!

[dx]

March 13th, 2009, 01:04 PM

Enjoy your stay! Post some photos!

I definitely will. Just got back from the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse, Kapurpurawan Rock Formation, and Bangui Bay Windmills... and just enjoyed the sunset here in Saud Beach, Pagudpud. Ilocos Norte is beautiful, can't wait for the rest of the trip. Hehe. Got tons of pics, will upload them when I get back to Manila. GPRS lang connection ko dito, pero di mapigilan mag SSC. :lol:

guitarose

March 15th, 2009, 09:51 AM

OK. Back to normal. Guitarose napanamon? I need to see some pictures. :)

Apay back to normal:ohno:, ana't napasamak? :ohno:I was on travel for a week sa cauayan, tuguegarao and aparri and i dont have any connectivity. Anyway, im back.^^

guitarose

March 15th, 2009, 09:55 AM

OT. May I make a correction? The RTC's and judges are not under the Dep't of Justice. They are under the Supreme Court which is distinct and separate from the Justice Department. It's the regional prosecutors and their assistants who are under the Justice Department's supervision. They may have offices under the same building though. Thanks.

Thanks for the correction^^

freightrunner

March 15th, 2009, 12:30 PM

^^Adda limmabas nga bagyo hehe. Pero pinadelete na nya yung mga postings niya from the admins.

guitarose

March 16th, 2009, 02:38 AM

[QUOTE=guitarose;32636578]

thank you guitarose ! :banana:

looks nice ! :banana:

do you have shot that does not deform the building to get a reality impression how big it really is in comparison to the existing, older terminal ? looks huge on this shot. :nuts:

that would be very nice, thank you ! :banana:

LIA's New Arrival Building
Di pa tapos pero ginagamit na.Maybe, matapos yan bago mag eleksyon next year hehe:ohno:

http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/2721/facadedx5.jpg

http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/7670/terminal2.jpg

Aditional photos at the airport

Inside the new arrival building
http://img22.imageshack.us/img22/3233/arrivalbldng2hc1.jpg

http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/3852/arrivalbldngqr7.jpg

http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/8939/inaugurationplacard.jpg

View from the cabroom of the LIA Control Tower
http://img27.imageshack.us/img27/4766/3airplanes.jpg

http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/6076/cabroom.jpg

http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/2466/chinasoutherntakeoff.jpg

http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/6653/pal1.jpg

http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/2312/viewfromthecabroom.jpg

[dx]

March 16th, 2009, 11:17 AM

Yey, may wifi dito sa Laoag International Airport. hehe. Finally going home to Manila after a 4-day trip (Pagudpud-Bangui-Vigan-Laoag)

Will post photos soon :)

northsky

March 17th, 2009, 06:29 AM

Good Morning, Laoag!

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2002/2138817928_407f833fc9_o.jpg

freightrunner

March 17th, 2009, 04:37 PM

Agkatawa Tayo.
Check out this funny ilocano song from youtube with backgrounds from Laoag.:lol::lol::lol:
fJMJkGZTibM&feature=related

gr8-one

March 17th, 2009, 09:02 PM

^^ Mayat man deta ilokano nga karaoke. Pakagatangan ngata aya daytay cd na?

gr8-one

March 17th, 2009, 09:07 PM

Apay napanan dagitay posts nga dadduman?
Did I miss something?

guitarose

March 18th, 2009, 04:26 AM

Apay napanan dagitay posts nga dadduman?
Did I miss something?

Apay di mo met ammo ti napasamak? agparis ta ha:lol: ha:lol:. According to freightrunner adda kano limmabas nga bagyo^^

guitarose

March 18th, 2009, 04:36 AM

LC set to question moratorium ordinanace in court

BY DOMINIC B. DELA CRUZ
STAFF REPORTER

LAOAG CITY Mayor Michael V. Fariñas has requested the Sangguniang Panglungsod to grant him authority to file a petition for certiorari and prohibition with prayer for the issuance of a temporary restraining order and/or writ of preliminary injunction against Ilocos Norte Gov. Michael M. Keon and the 7th Sangguniang Panlalawigan with regards to Provincial Ordinance No. 039-2009, or the moratorium ordinance passed recently.

The measure, which was certified by Fariñas as urgent, was however referred to the city council's committee on laws due to the absence of a draft ordinance for the council members' referral for discussion.

Earlier, Fariñas said they might file a motion for reconsideration as the municipalities of Badoc and Dingras were given exemption from the moratorium ordinance as they began rehabilitation of edifices identified in the said ordinance.

"If they exempt Badoc and Dingras, they should also exempt Laoag. Otherwise, mamati akun nga politika iti rasonen, apo, no haan datay nga i-exempt, "Fariñas said.

Before the filing of a motion for reconsideration, Fariñas said he would also consult with his lawyers first as there might be implications in this move, among which is the admittance that the ordinance is valid.

On March 11, Fariñas decided to forego filing a motion for reconsideration and instead chose to file a petion for certiorari in court.

As this developed, the mayor also announced that he has consulted with Laoag Bishop Sergio L. Utleg and Bellagio Holdings, Inc. with regards to the plans to keep the Laoag Central Elementary School administration building intact.

The meeting resulted in the agreement of all parties concerned not to touch the said building anymore and that Bellagio Holdings, Inc. is willing to settle for the eastern portion of the LCES lot.

Fariñas also disclosed that he was already given a layout of the mall but he's still waiting for the final version.

Meanwhile, city legal counsel Atty. Marlon Wayne D. Manuel said the moratorium ordinance impaired the obligations of contracts, stressing that the city government, the Catholic Church and Bellagio Holdings had already signed a contract for the development of the LCES lot before the ordinance was passed.

Manuel stated that the ordinance prevents the enforcement of rights and the performance of obligations on the contracting parties and that the provincial board should have respected the contract entered into by the city government.

The former Laoag vice mayor added that it was not a valid excercise of police powers as it violates the equal protection, due process and that the ordinance was not reasonable.

"Ket kaadwan na ditoy ket properties iti simbaan wenno Catholic Church ken city. Ket iparit na pay ketdin nga develop-em diay kukua mun ken demolishem," Manuel said.

Source : www.ilocostimes.com

guitarose

March 18th, 2009, 04:42 AM

Low-cost housing project in LC in the works

BY DOMINIC B. DELA CRUZ
STAFF REPORTER
March 9-15,2009 issue

Despite meeting several challenges on his earlier proposed projects, Laoag Mayor Michael V. Fariñas has proposed another big project, this time a low-cost housing project.

The city government has applied for 71 hectares of land at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), which are uncultivated and unused lots along Barangay Talingaan, La Paz and Navotas here in Laoag City.

Fariñas reported that the DENR has already approved the city government's application and that they are now only awaiting the signature of Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo before the land would be awarded to the local government unit.

Should the applied for lots be awarded to the city government, Fariñas said they would immediately look for prospective investors with 20 percent of the 71 hectares - or 14 hectares -- would be dedicated for low-cost housing.

The remainder would be for hotels, resorts or any other land development projects which the investor would be interested in.

This project, according to Fariñas would be good for the city as it would create revenue and employment opportunities.

The low-cost housing, Fariñas explained, would be initially made available to government employees who do not yet have their own houses, after which it would also be made available to Pag-ibig members.

Fariñas added that instead of renting P2,000 a month, one can now own a house in 20 years with monthly payments of P2,000.

Reacting to this, city assesor Engr. Ruben Domingo confirmed that the city government application for the lot has already been approved by the DENR and now only needs the President's approval as this would become a Presidential Proclamation or Special patent.

Aside from the low-cost housing, Domingo said a separate area may also be given to Gawad Kalinga for another housing project for indigents.

Meanwhile, Fariñas disclosed that he was surprised to find that most of the sand dunes area in the city has been titled to private individuals.

As a result, Fariñas has requested members of the Sangguniang Panglungsod to pass a resolution for an application for the eastern lot below the Gilbert Bridge, the area where the carnival and baratillo area located during fiestas.

Should this again be granted Fariñas said he foresees a 30-hectare lot where another mall, government and private building or other centers can be constructed.

Source: www.ilocostimes.com

guitarose

March 18th, 2009, 04:49 AM

Wanted: Ilocos Norte Hotel and Convention Center (INHCC) operator

BY LEILANIE G. ADRIANO
STAFF REPORTER

March 9-15, 2009 issue

AFTER THE completion of the Ilocos Norte Hotel and Convention Center (INHCC), the Ilocos Norte provincial government is set to hand over its operation hotel management experts.

The Sangguniang Panlalawigan on March 9 unanimously approved draft resolution 2009-02-130, authorizing Ilocos Norte Gov. Michael M. Keon to enter into a management agreement with a professional hotel and convention operator, which would supervise and manage the operations of the INHCC.

Earlier, Keon said he is negotiating with hotel and convention center experts in Manila to ensure that the INHCC will be properly managed.

Since the operation of hotels is new to the provincial government, Keon said it would be best if they leave this to experts.

The INHCC was a project of former Ilocos Norte Gov. Ferdinand R. MarcosJr., where the provincial government contracted a P475 million loan to finance the construction of the said edifice located along the boundary of Barangay Balacad, Laoag City and Suba, Paoay.

Keon continued Marcos project during his incumbency.

The INHCC features a three-storey hotel with 100 rooms, a single storey, banquet-style convention center that can accommodate 600 persons, a dormitory that can house 216 guests, a mesh hall, and administration building, and a chapel.

Source : www.ilocostimes.com

guitarose

March 18th, 2009, 04:58 AM

Narinig ko over the radio that INHCC will be managed by a company called MICROPOLE(d ko alam kong tama spelling ko) from Manila.^^

guitarose

March 18th, 2009, 05:13 AM

New mall to open in September; condo to rise in 2010

BY CRISTINA ARZADON
CONTRIBUTOR

March 9-15, 2009 issue

SAN NICOLAS, Ilocos Norte - Business is looking up in this town, squeezed between two cities, with the near completion of the first shopping mall in Ilocos Norte built by property developer Robinsons Land Corp.

Sitting between the cities of Laoag and Batac, this town has been the home of small-scale industries from its famous terra cotta manufacturing, furniture-making and blacksmith.

Construction of the two-level shopping mall began in November, last year. It is targeted for completion this September. The mall is a joint venture deal with Ilocos-based property developer Venvi Development Corp.

San Nicolas Mayor Alfredo Valdez Jr., said business and employment opportunities will trickle down once the mall starts operating.

He said the town has already earned around P1.5 million from the mall project,s zoning fee and building permit alone.

"We are the only town which is non-dependent from the IRA (internal revenue allotment) share," he said noting that San Nicolas income class has been reclassified from fourth to a second-class municipality.

Architect Ike Madamba, of Venvi, said the two-hectare mall project is part of a 20-hectare development area that will include three condominium structures, hotel and office buildings and call centers that will be put up adjacent to the mall.

Madamba said based on their timetable, a tenant's conference among prospective business outlet is set in March at the Fort Ilocandia Resort and Casino in Laoag before mall spaces will be turned over to tenants in June.

Venvi Corp. is likewise set to break ground in May for its three building Balai Condominium which will occupy a 5,700 square meter-lot next to the mall.

The P450 million-condominium project will be formally lunch in Hawaii where Ilocano families have been residing.

Madamba said the decision to market the real estate project to Ilocano communities in Hawaii is logical because Ilocanos would want to have their own property when they return home after yaers of working abroad.

"We are offering them the convenience of condo-living, a departure from the usual gated communities that other real estate developers have been offering," he said.

"We do not know how big the market is, we are not sure whether this (condo project) will fly. But our proposition should be appealing," he added.

Madamba said condo-living will be more attractive to returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) who have been used to a kind of lifestyle abroad.

"More often, houses are left to relatives while our OFWs are outside the country. But after staying abroad for a while, they might go back not being able to recognize their own bedroom because it has been invaded by relatives," he said.

"If they have their own condo units, they can go back to working abroad without thinking about security or who will stay in their house while away," he added.

Robinsons Ilocos Norte will be its fourth mall in Northern Luzon next to Robinsons Starmills and Robinson Place in Pampanga and Luisita Mall in Tarlac.

Source : www.ilocostimes.com

guitarose

March 18th, 2009, 06:07 AM

Guys, the Balai Condo will be marketed to Ilocanos here in Hawai'i although eventually, kapag hindi mabili lahat yung units I am sure locals will get a crack at it. But by then the good ones would have been taken.

So if you are in Ilocos or in PI and want to score a unit, get in touch with your relatives here to ensure you get the unit you want (like ocean view or mountain or mall view :) ).

I can't wait to see their model units :)

.

So gr8-one, anya ngarud ti mas prefer mo?the hawaiian inspired hanalei heights by Robinsons Land sa Bgy. Mangngato or the Balai Condominium sa 365 Center.:):):)Tanong ko lang, he:lol:he:lol:he:lol:

gr8-one

March 18th, 2009, 10:59 PM

^^ I prefer a single family home on Hanalei Hts., although a unit at the Balai condo will be a good investment/rental property - Nu adda kuwarta :lol:
Judging from its name I think the developers are targeting yet another Hawaiian market. Hanalei is a beautiful, pristine area in the island of Kauai.

It remains to be seen whether or not this planned subdivision in Laoag will live up to its name. I know some fellow Ilocanos here are getting excited though, talking about retirement and settling back home for good.

pi_malejana

March 19th, 2009, 09:04 AM

nahanap ko lang ngayon... photos taken about 3 years ago, nevermind the date stamped...:D

don't know the name...:)
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g27/malejana/scan0002-1.jpg

paoay lake as seen from the Malacanang Ti Amianan...:)
http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g27/malejana/scan0001-1.jpg

:cheers:

attitude2win

March 19th, 2009, 01:28 PM

BoNduRanT

March 19th, 2009, 02:14 PM

Marcos Country? :lol:

gr8-one

March 19th, 2009, 08:36 PM

anybody knows the alias of Ilocos Norte Province? example for Palawan it is called the "Philippines last frontier" for cebu the queen city for bacolod the city of smiles.. what about Ilocos norte? thnxs

Ilocos Norte -> It's More Than Just Churches :)

Di ba nga, to many, when they think of Ilocos (Norte/Sur) the first think that strike their minds are churches & belltowers?
Well, it is a fact that Ilocos is more than just those. Marami pa kaming mai-offer na iba: Sand Dunes, powder white beaches, wind mills to name a few :lol:

attitude2win

March 20th, 2009, 01:10 AM

yup I agree with you...just came back from your province last week... ang dami ngang makikita dyan.... from the century old churches, beaches, windmills, etc etc..... pero wala ba talagang distinct alias ang Ilocos?

guitarose

March 20th, 2009, 02:21 AM

http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/9285/190320091095.jpg

construction workers are working 24 hours na para ma meet nila yung deadline sa September 2009.Nasa 2nd level na sila.^^

guitarose

March 20th, 2009, 02:39 AM

Playa Tropical Resort Hotel
Beautifully built Balinese inspired casas . . .

http://www.playatropical.com.ph/images/gallery/24.jpg

http://www.playatropical.com.ph/images/gallery/23.jpg

http://www.playatropical.com.ph/images/gallery/01.jpg

http://www.playatropical.com.ph/images/gallery/37.jpg

http://www.playatropical.com.ph/images/gallery/21.jpg

http://www.playatropical.com.ph/images/gallery/05.jpg

http://www.playatropical.com.ph/images/gallery/02.jpg

http://www.playatropical.com.ph/images/gallery/27.jpg

http://www.playatropical.com.ph/images/gallery/36.jpg

http://www.playatropical.com.ph/images/gallery/11.jpg

http://www.playatropical.com.ph/images/gallery/38.jpg

http://www.playatropical.com.ph/images/gallery/33.jpg

http://www.playatropical.com.ph/images/gallery/35.jpg

http://www.playatropical.com.ph/images/gallery/15.jpg

Source : www.playatropical.com.ph/gallery.php

[dx]

March 20th, 2009, 03:07 PM

Saud Beach, Pagudpud
Ilocos Norte
(March 13, 2009)

Can you see Bangui's Windmills? :colgate:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_1646.jpg

Crystal-clear
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_1650.jpg

Very clean water
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_1651.jpg

Wide stretch of white sand beach
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_1662.jpg

A school of baby fish
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_1665.jpg

Rocks
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_1667.jpg

Polaris Beach House (highly recommended, food is quite pricey though)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_1678.jpg

Blue-green waters
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_1696.jpg

Saud Beach, Pagudpud
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_1709.jpg

Saud Beach, Pagudpud
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_1731.jpg

Photos by Dex :) more to come...

Rodel

March 20th, 2009, 03:31 PM

http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/9285/190320091095.jpg

construction workers are working 24 hours na para ma meet nila yung deadline sa September 2009.Nasa 2nd level na sila.^^

where in ilocos norte is this mall located?

[dx]

March 20th, 2009, 03:44 PM

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse
Burgos, Ilocos Norte
(March 13, 2009)

http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/9197/phlocatorilocosnortebur.png (http://img297.imageshack.us/my.php?image=phlocatorilocosnortebur.png)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/BurgosLighthousePano.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_1806.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_1739.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_1786.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/BurgosLighthouse.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_1765.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_1740.jpg

Photos by Dex :) ("http://psychosanctum.com)

[dx]

March 21st, 2009, 02:21 AM

Kapurpurawan Rock Formation
Burgos, Ilocos Norte
(March 13, 2009)

Kapurpurawan, from the ilocano word "puraw" which means white; A limestone hill carved by wind and water erosion.

View from the hill
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_1807.jpg

There it is!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_1810.jpg

A herd of goats
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_1813.jpg

Mommy, wait for me!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_1817.jpg

Sun-dried rock salt
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_1828.jpg

Blindingly white
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_1833.jpg

Mysterious rock formation
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_1836.jpg

Kapurpurawan
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_1843.jpg

Kapurpurawan
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_1858.jpg

Kapurpurawan
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_1860.jpg

still a lot more to come... :)

gr8-one

March 21st, 2009, 03:27 AM

[dx], thanks for sharing - eagerly awaiting the rest of the photos

gr8-one

March 21st, 2009, 03:32 AM

where in ilocos norte is this mall located?
San Nicolas town - between the city of Laoag and the "once city" of Batac :)

[dx]

March 21st, 2009, 03:35 AM

[dx], thanks for sharing - eagerly awaiting the rest of the photos

you're welcome! :)

hakz2007

March 22nd, 2009, 05:12 AM

hi guys,

do you know why gilbert bridge was named as such? i am from bicol...

BoNduRanT

March 22nd, 2009, 07:08 AM

hi guys,

do you know why gilbert bridge was named as such? i am from bicol...

It was named in honor of then acting Governor General Newton Gilbert.

From wikipedia: Newton Whiting Gilbert (1862 - 1939) was a politician from Indiana. He was Lieutenant Governor of Indiana, a representive in the United States House of Representatives, and Acting Governor-General of the Philippines from 1907 to 1908.

Constructed in 1914. was made into a four-lane bridge in 1983 and was renamed Marcos Bridge in honor of the late Don Mariano Marcos, father of Macoy. Most locals still call it Gilbert instead of Marcos Bridge.

freightrunner

March 22nd, 2009, 11:35 AM

;33930186']Kapurpurawan Rock Formation
Burgos, Ilocos Norte
(March 13, 2009)

Kapurpurawan, from the ilocano word "puraw" which means white; A limestone hill carved by wind and water erosion.

View from the hill
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_1807.jpg

There it is!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_1810.jpg

A herd of goats
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_1813.jpg

Mommy, wait for me!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_1817.jpg

Sun-dried rock salt
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_1828.jpg

Blindingly white
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_1833.jpg

Mysterious rock formation
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_1836.jpg

Kapurpurawan
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_1843.jpg

Kapurpurawan
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_1858.jpg

Kapurpurawan
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_1860.jpg

still a lot more to come... :)

Great shots. Thanx for sharing.

[dx]

March 22nd, 2009, 12:56 PM

Great shots. Thanx for sharing.

You're welcome...

[dx]

March 22nd, 2009, 06:36 PM

Bangui Windmills
Bangui, Ilocos Norte
(March 13, 2009)

Standing beside these huge windmills was kinda surreal. hehe

The Bangui Windmills are located in Bangui, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. The windmills, officially referred to as the NorthWind Bangui Bay Project, is a project by NorthWind Development Corporation that taps renewable energy sources to help reduce the greenhouse gases that cause global warming. The project is the first “Wind Farm” in the Philippines consisting of wind turbines on-shore facing the South China Sea and considered to be the biggest in Southeast Asia. The project sells electricity to the Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative (INEC) and provides 40% of the power requirements of Ilocos Norte via Transco Laoag. (Source (http://en.wikipilipinas.org/index.php?title=Bangui_Windmills))

Each tower stands 50 meters high.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_1865.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/BanguiWindmill.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_1873.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_1874.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_1879.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_1880.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_1887.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_1896.jpg

BoNduRanT

March 23rd, 2009, 02:03 PM

And hopefully soon, Ilocos will have its 2nd windfarm in Burgos.

Greeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeat shots dx! Cant wait for the rest of your photos! :okay:

[dx]

March 23rd, 2009, 04:16 PM

And hopefully soon, Ilocos will have its 2nd windfarm in Burgos.

Greeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeat shots dx! Cant wait for the rest of your photos! :okay:

That's great news! Ilocos Norte - The Wind Energy Capital of the Philippines (or even Southeast Asia hehe)

Thanks! I still have a lot to upload.

BoNduRanT

March 23rd, 2009, 04:52 PM

Pasuquin pala ata, not Burgos

ILOCOS NORTE TO GET A SECOND WIND FARM (http://www.thebioenergysite.com/news/2433/wind-farm-for-ilocos-norte)

The second wind power farm in Ilocos Norte and in Southeast Asia will be built in Pasuquin, Ilocos Norte by the fourth quarter of 2009 if not by 2010.

The 120-megawatt wind power farm will be built by Tranzen Group Inc., in collaboration with the British-owned Berkely Energy on a 60-40 arrangement.

This was disclosed by Provincial Board Member Mariano Marcos II after he accompanied British Ambassador Peter Beckingham, Salvador Zamora II of Tranzen and TC Kundi, Bekerly Energy managing director, in a courtesy call to Gov. Michael Keon at the capitol recently.

Marcos said the proposed project will cost approximately US$ 250 million and will be thrice bigger than already operational Northwind’s power farm in Bangui, Ilocos Norte.

A report said that Berkerly Energy is a private equity fund specializing in renewable energy infrastructure investments in Asia.

Ambassador Beckingham told newsmen here that the British government gives premium in the fight against climate change and alternative energy, saying that climate change is absolutely crucial for every country.

Beckingham was fascinated by the big potentials of Ilocos Norte for wind energy as well as for water sports, like surfing.

He cited Pagudpud town, which is now being flocked by tourists year-round, due to its being an ideal place for surfing. (PNA)

PASUQUIN EAST WINDFARM DEVELOPMENT PROJECT (http://www.adb.org/Documents/Profiles/PPTA/42128012.ASP)

:banana:

[dx]

March 24th, 2009, 01:14 AM

Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/7404/phlocatorilocosnortepag.png

A charming and peaceful little town.

Welcome to Pagudpud!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_1904.jpg

Arch
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_1905.jpg

Lovely countryside
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_1906.jpg

Pagudpud town hall
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_1911.jpg

Pagudpud town plaza
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_1910.jpg

Pagudpud public market
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_1915.jpg

An auditorium
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_1918.jpg

Florida bus
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_1916.jpg

Pagudpud's empanada has a distinct orange color hehe
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_1914.jpg

Yum!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_1913.jpg

Ricefields
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_1919.jpg

[dx]

March 25th, 2009, 09:25 AM

Sunset in Pagudpud's Saud Beach
(March 13, 2009)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/PagudpudSunset.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_1925.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_1931.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_1956.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_1965.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_1969.jpg

guitarose

March 25th, 2009, 03:32 PM

Narinig ko over the radio that INHCC will be managed by a company called MICROPOLE(d ko alam kong tama spelling ko) from Manila.^^

I just wanna make a correction with my post.It's not MICROPOLE but its MICROTEL management ang nakakuha ng management ng Ilocos Norte Hotel and Convention Center (INHCC). I just don't know if this company is thesame company that owns the Microtel chain of hotels here in the Philippines and abroad.

kiretoce

March 25th, 2009, 09:56 PM

The Philippines: Manila, Laoag, and Baguio (http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/travel/destinations/south_east_asia/article5968365.ece)

I’m Going Back to the Philippines was a hit song for Menudo in the 1980s and this poor but beautiful country of more than 7,000 islands is a great place to keep going back to, especially over Christmas, when the weather is warm but not baking and the Filipinos’ love for a party and still strong adherence to the Catholic Church mean an unending series of parties, celebrations and get-togethers over the festive period.

The Spanish and American influences after centuries of colonial rule are unmissable. There are fantastic beaches and a thriving nightlife.

The sex tourists love this place and it rivals Thailand for attracting them, but you can have a great time here without having to step into the raucous red-light areas.

It is, however, difficult to avoid stepping into Manila. For the vast majority of visitors to the Philippines, this is the first port of call and the capital has an edge. Tread carefully, especially when leaving Ninoy Aquino International Airport, and this is a city with a lot to offer.

Just make sure the airport taxi is bona fide and keep a firm hold on your common sense and the worse thing you are likely to experience, over the Christmas period anyway, is endless renditions of Joy to the World sung by persistent waifs seeking to relieve you of any spare change.

There is plenty to see and do in Manila. But if time is short, do not miss a drink in the Manila Hotel’s wood-panelled bar.

This famous hotel, where General Douglas MacArthur lived for six years until the Japanese invasion, is as evocotive as Hong Kong’s Peninsula or Bangkok’s Oriental. If you strike lucky, the orchestra will be playing in the lobby.

From the hotel, cross the ever-busy Roxas Boulevard that runs parallel to the palm-fringed Manila Bay, and enter Rizal Park. Here sentries maintain a 24-hour-a-day guard of the memorial to the country’s national hero, Jose Rizal, executed for spreading ideals of revolution against Spanish rule.

Dotted around the park are various key government buildings and the National National Museum of the Philippines. Malacanang Palace, the official residence of the President, is a mile away.

Within walking distance of Rizal Park (also known as Luneta) is the Intramuros, the old Spanish capital of Manila, with its canonball-riddled walls — some of the damage caused by the British when they captured the city from the Spanish in 1762.

The cathedral, constantly rebuilt after being destroyed by earthquakes, is worth a look and outside you can pick up a kalesa (horse taxi) to see the walls. An hour's tour costs about £7. Today the Intramuros is a favourite place for wedding receptions and the jail cells set into the wall are mini factories, just like at London Bridge.

Two miles south of the park, right between the American Embassy and the weirdly shaped Cultural Centre (it looks like a gigantic blacksmith anvil), take the chance to go on a sunset cruise round Manila Bay. It lasts up to a couple of hours and is an excellent way to see this city, which looks at its best from the water. (Manila’s streets are pot-holed, dirty and crowded.)

The cruise goes to the huge SM Mall of Asia shopping complex, but fortunately doesn’t stop there. The place is a madhouse but no doubt paradise for the shopoholics.

On Fridays and Saturdays, passengers can watch the fireworks set off at the edge of the mall, which is as near I want to get to it, having experienced the place a couple of years ago. (Good to have an ice rink on site though.)

Back on dry land, take a trip to Makati perhaps in one of the flamboyant and usually crowded jeepneys that plough along the streets of every town and city in the Philippines. Makati is Manila’s business district and is noticeably cleaner and smarter than the Bay area and has a less frenetic pace.

It is a good place to stay. There are plenty of excellent hotels in the area and a walk down Makati Avenue brings you past various statues to Filipino resistance heros (and heroine in the case of Melchora Aquino) to yet another huge shopping complex, the Gloriana.

There is a superb museum, the Ayala, which is much better than the National Museum. The Ayala, sited in Makati's Greenbelt Park, displays gold discoveries from the pre-Spanish era, finely crafted ship models, Chinese pottery, costumes, superb artwork that gives pride of place to Fernando Amorsolo, heralded as the country’s first national artist, and the women who inspired him, and best of all “the Diorama Experience” - a series of 60 carvings and paintings that display the country’s history from the prehistoric, to trading with the Chinese, the centuries of Spanish rule, to the recognition of Philippine independence by the United States in 1946. (One of the scenes shows the British fighting in Manila).

Outside the capital, there is a bewildering choice of islands and towns to visit.

My choice was decided by my wife, who comes from Laoag in the far north of the country’s main island, Luzon. This Christmas we took the Manila “highway" 250 miles north to Laoag city. (We usually take the easy option of flying, which takes just under an hour.

The coach journey means up to ten hours travelling on the crowded highway, but at least there is a view from the window though there is virtually no countryside to be seen). The long and winding road was lit up with Christmas lights and trees -- the tacky and the gaudy being especially popular.

The Government has tried to tone down the festivities and has told schools not to charge parents for putting up elaborate decorations. Nobody seemed to be taking notice on this highway.

Laoag itself does not have the charm of other cities such as Cebu. The capital of Ilocos Norte province, Laoag is a bustling, crowded city where the jeepneys, tuk-tuk motorbike taxis and kalesas jostle for road space. The key road is Rizal Street and halfway down it is the long established 5 Sisters store, an amazing mix of bargain clothes, toys, electronics, food and drink — Philippine “London” gin at around £2 a bottle.

Near the bridge to the Manila highway are the city’s two principal sights — St William’s Cathedral and its neighbouring sinking Spanish bell tower. Legend has it that a man on a horse could pass through tower’s entrance when it was built in 1612, now you have to duck as you climb up the stairs. At the top is the grand view you would expect, but to get in ask at the cathedral for a guide, who will open up for you.

The 17th century cathedral itself, like so many others, has seen its share of the action — earthquake damage, occupation by rebels against Spanish rule, etc. Today it gives thanks to former President Marcos and his wife Imelda for supplying its chandeliers.

Laoag was Marcos’s power base and the region’s government building is still carries the inscription “Marcos Halls of Justice”. Until recently, the couple’s son, Bong Bong, was the region’s Governor (he is now a national congressman). The old president, who died in 1989 three years after being ousted from power, can be still seen, in frozen glory, lying in state at nearby Batac.

Whether it really his body that I viewed to the booming sound of funeral music is debatable, espcially given the electric powercuts that bedevil the country. Next door is a museum devoted to the dictator’s life and times, and not far away lies the World Heritage protected church of Paoay, part built with coral stone. “Malacanag of the North”, built for the Marcoses to entertain in their home province, is also close by and looks across Lake Paoay.

If you visit this northern part of the Philippines, make some time for Pagudpud, 60km from Laoag. Coral lies strewn across its windy, white sand beaches, though by claiming to be the Boracay of the North is overdoing its act (The tropical island beach resort of Boracay, 350km south of Manila, is a top Southeast Asian tourist attraction.)

One tip, the further you walk from the beaches, the less you pay for much nicer accommodation. On the drive from Laoag, you can see the windfarms set in the South China Sea and climb up the country’s tallest lighthouse, Cape Bojeador at Burgos, built in 1892.

I did manage to see Baguio on this trip, the mountainous city 205km north of Manila on the main island of Luzon that had long been on my list of places to visit. I had pictured beautiful mountain scenery and a welcoming cooler climate. I was expecting Simla; I got Calcutta.

A little cooler than Manila or Laoag admittedly, Baguio was a big disappointment. The Americans laid the city round Burnham Park and I stayed right alongside the park, which was unlit and locked up at night — and this, the city’s centrepiece. The surrounding and very crowded streets buzzed to a constant throb of heavy traffic. The shops were disappointing. The city centre in this university town simply lacks class.

The cathedral has a stunning location in Baguio, or rather it would have if the shanty adjacent buildings and billboards did not obliterate the views of the surrounding mountains.

The nearby former American base, Camp John Hay, offers a welcoming escape. It is the city’s most popular attraction. Open to the public since 1991 when the US troops pulled out, it is a place to play golf, go horse riding, try abseilling, visit a butterfly enclosure — and to sample American ice creams.

Very good, too. Make time to tour the Commander’s House, which boasts a totem pole outside of the carved heads of VIP visitors, Teddy Roosevelt among them. This base, named after a turn of the 20th century Secretary of State, was used by the Japanese as a concentration camp for American and British soldiers during the Second World War.

A two-hour drive from Baguio, crossing over the Manila highway, lies One Hundred Islands National Park. Three are actually more than a hundred islands and they offer a sanctuary from the noise and crowds. Accommodation is available, but it is limited and can be expensive.

However, a day is more than enough time to take a boat out to some of the islands, enjoy a swim and a meal, and explore the odd cave or clamber up to the lookout spots for some wonderful views. We returned to the mainland as the sun set; it was an idyllic journey.

Even with the pound’s fall from grace (today you get less than 70 pesos to the pound; two years ago it was 100), this is an inexpensive country to visit once the long air journey is over (Manila is one and a half hours flying time further than Hong Kong). There are some fine restaurants, but Indian food has yet to establish a presence. Wine can be expensive. Stick to the ubiquitous and excellent San Miguel beer to keep the bills down.

The Foreign Office warns that there is a high threat from terrorism throughout the Philippines. There certainly is in the far south, which has long suffered from terrorist activity.

Last Christmas was my tenth visit to the country and I have always found it safe, providing you do not leave your common sense at home. People are very welcoming. English visitors are still a novelty and there is plenty to see and do. With its warm climate, superb beaches and widespread use of English, Spanish and American influences in the culture and architecture, the Philippines is well worth setting time aside for, especially on any tour of South-East Asia.

gr8-one

March 26th, 2009, 03:25 AM

The Philippines: Manila, Laoag, and Baguio (http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/travel/destinations/south_east_asia/article5968365.ece)
..... If you visit this northern part of the Philippines, make some time for Pagudpud, 60km from Laoag. Coral lies strewn across its windy, white sand beaches, though by claiming to be the Boracay of the North is overdoing its act (The tropical island beach resort of Boracay, 350km south of Manila, is a top Southeast Asian tourist attraction.)I wouldn't want to or wouldn't dare, set foot, on the beaches of Pagudpud ever again if it became like Boracay :) (don't get me wrong though, Boracay is a beautiful place no doubt about it but I just don't like the big crowd) so here's hoping that the day will never come...

[dx]

March 26th, 2009, 10:17 AM

Kabigan Falls
Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte
(March 14, 2009)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_2017.jpg

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http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_2055.jpg

[dx]

March 26th, 2009, 10:22 AM

Patapat Viaduct
Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte
(March 14, 2009)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_2059.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_2060.jpg

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http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_2059.jpg

BoNduRanT

March 26th, 2009, 02:50 PM

Oh good. They already fixed the broken part of the viaduct.

idonthaveaname

March 29th, 2009, 02:26 AM

http://i41.tinypic.com/34eb69k.jpg

http://i41.tinypic.com/1znmwk2.jpg

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http://i41.tinypic.com/2pqkeh5.jpg

idonthaveaname

March 29th, 2009, 02:31 AM

http://i41.tinypic.com/6zq495.jpg

http://i41.tinypic.com/2dmayk9.jpg

http://i39.tinypic.com/ay58iu.jpg

[dx]

March 29th, 2009, 06:30 AM

Some final shots of Pagudpud and Bangui Windmills before leaving for Vigan

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_2306.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_2307.jpg

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http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_2309.jpg

[dx]

March 29th, 2009, 05:22 PM

Oops. Got some more photos from a couple of sites that I forgot to post.

Bantay Abot Cave
Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte
(March 14, 2009)

A mountain with a hole. We weren't able to go into the cave because of the stormy weather and the high tide. The weather that day added to the allure of the Pagudpud coastline -- such a rugged but beautiful landscape.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_2161.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_2144.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_2142.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_2164.jpg

some seashells I picked up on the rocky and coral-strewn beach near Bantay Abot Cave
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_2304.jpg

Rodel

March 30th, 2009, 04:17 PM

Oh good. They already fixed the broken part of the viaduct.

yeah...here's a photo of the broken part of the viaduct taken in april 2006

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h315/req2000/Ilocos/P3220156.jpg

guitarose

April 2nd, 2009, 12:43 PM

Third bank emerges in LCGH upgrade loan

BY DOMINIC B. DELA CRUZ

STAFF REPORTER

AFTER THE Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) and the Philippine Postal Bank (PBB), a third bank, the Landbank of the Philippines (LBP), has also signified its intention to finance the Laoag City General Hospital upgrade through a P350 million loan.

This came to fore after the Laoag City Sangguniang Panglungsod has approved an urgent resolution on March 17 granting authority to Laoag Mayor Michael V. Fariñas to represent the city government in negotiations with LBP regarding the loan for the LCGH upgrade.

Based on the initial study made by the local finance committee, Fariñas said DBP and LBP have thesame offer of 9% interest. PBB offers a lower interest of 8.5% but this would be for a limited amount only.

Earlier, Fariñas said the city government may opt for DBP's loan package as this is the current bank of the city government and also the bank where the city government has taken out loans for its earlier projects.

However with the current conditions brought out by the letter sent by Ilocos Norte Gov. Michael M. Keon to DBP and PBB questioning the legality of the LCGH upgrade and the subsequent loan the city government is applying for, which has resulted in delays in the bank's processing of the loan application, Fariñas has allowed the entry of LBP into the fray.

Fariñas added that whichever bank would provide the best offer and would pursue the project as soon as possible would be choosen.

Based on the LBP proposal, the loan's term would be 15 years, depending on the sub-projects and consistent with the project guidelines, with fixed rate of 9% internally funded or at available special fund with applicable financing rate at 9% or lower once accessed, subject to APR of 3%.

A penalty rate of 24% per annum incase of non-payment shall be charged to start on the day after due date of loan amortization/credit accommodation up to date of settlement.

Fariñas said he has accepted LBP's offer but this would still be studied by the local finance committee.

Fariñas also clarified that the city government is not closing its doors to DBP and PBB, saying it still up to these banks on which of them would be able to give their final approved loan package for the project first that would eventually end up financing the LCGH upgrade.

Source : The Ilocos Times (March 23-29, 2009 issue)

[dx]

April 3rd, 2009, 03:55 PM

A Cloudy Day at the Blue Lagoon
Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte
(March 14, 2009)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_2168.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_2171.jpg

BoNduRanT

April 7th, 2009, 01:18 PM

Rodel

April 7th, 2009, 02:00 PM

The sun halo that Ilocanos saw during noontime. April 7th . It lasted for a few hours.

http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2745/186/87/729512776/n729512776_1508898_6663858.jpg

Photo by Joyce Bumanglag from Facebook.

oh yes...a similar photo was sent to me by my friend who happens to be in ilocos sur.
where were you when you take this photo?

Rodel

April 8th, 2009, 02:34 PM

apr 5, 2009
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h315/req2000/Ilocos/IMG_2237-1.jpg

[dx]

April 8th, 2009, 03:46 PM

apr 5, 2009
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h315/req2000/Ilocos/IMG_2237-1.jpg

Cool, nakaharap na sya sa Bangui. Hehe. Last month they were all facing the sea. Pwede pala sya galawin para ma-maximize ang hangin.

Rodel

April 8th, 2009, 05:01 PM

;33999006']Bangui Windmills

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_1896.jpg

oo nga ano...ganun pala yun, your previous photo showed na nakaharap yung windmill sa dagat, this month it's the other way around...

BoNduRanT

April 12th, 2009, 07:46 AM

SC denies cityhood of 'League of 16' (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/sc-denies-cityhood-league-16)

THE Supreme Court (SC) reportedly denied the motion for reconsideration filed by 16 new cities on its decision nullifying the laws that made them into cities.

Unconfirmed reports reaching Sun.Star Davao showed that the latest SC decision was issued on March 31.

It was learned that the City Government of Mati readily terminated all its casual employees, numbering to about 300, due to the SC decision.

Efforts to confirm this with Mati Mayor Michelle Rabat, however, proved futile as of this posting Wednesday.

On November last year, the SC, voting 6-5, declared unconstitutional the Cityhood Laws or Republic Acts (RAs) converting 16 municipalities into cities.

In a 24-page decision penned by Justice Antonio T. Carpio, the court ruled that the following Cityhood Laws violate sections 6 and 10, Article 10 of the Constitution: RA 9389 (Baybay City in Leyte), 9390 (Bogo City in Cebu), 9391 (Catbalogan City in Samar), 9392 (Tandag City in Surigao del Sur), 9393 (Lamitan City in Basilan), 9394 (Borongan City in Samar), 9398 (Tayabas City in Quezon), 9404 (Tabuk City in Kalinga), 9405 (Bayugan City in Agusan del Sur), 9407 (Batac City in Ilocos Norte), 9408 (Mati City in Davao Oriental), 9409 (Guihulngan City in Negros Oriental), 9434 (Cabadbaran City in Agusan del Norte), 9435 (El Salvador City in Misamis Oriental), 9436 (Carcar City in Cebu), and 9491 (Naga City in Cebu).

The said cityhood laws, all enacted after the effectivity of RA 9009 increasing the income requirement for cityhood from P20 million to P100 million in Section 450 of the Local Government Code (LGC), explicitly exempt respondent municipalities from the increased income requirement.

Granting the petitions of the League of Cities of the Philippines, the SC ruled the exemption in the city laws is unconstitutional because Section 10, Article 10 of the Constitution requires that such exemption must be written into the LGC and not into any other laws.

The SC also held that the cityhood laws violate section 6, Article 10 of the Constitution because they prevent a fair and just distribution of the national taxes to local government units (LGUs). It explained that a city with an annual income of only P20 million, all other criteria being equal, should not receive the same share in national taxes as a city with an annual income of P100 million or more.

It ruled that the criteria, as prescribed in section 450 of the LGC, must be strictly followed because such criteria prescribed by law are material in determining the "just share" of LGUs in national taxes.

The court said "limiting the exemption only to the 16 municipalities violates the requirement that the classification must apply to all similarly situated. Municipalities with the same income as the 16 respondent municipalities cannot convert into cities, while the 16 respondent municipalities can. Clearly, as worded the exemption provision found in the cityhood laws, even if it were written in Section 450 of the Local Government Code, would still be unconstitutional for violation of the equal protection clause." (BOT)

BoNduRanT

April 15th, 2009, 04:11 PM

Paoay Lake by

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3543/3289479766_881cb57980_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3445/3312181339_ce567ce2ce_o.jpg

Don Mariano Marcos Bridge ( Gilbert Bridge ) from Ermita Hills

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3605/3361558449_ba4d1d507d_o.jpg

Dos Hermanos, Blue Lagoon, Pagudpud

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3212/3122656032_b87ea21db8_o.jpg

Caparispisan, Pagudpud

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3032/3017779456_e848efbdc8_o.jpg

Pagudpud

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3025/3017779484_ab1c2abaca_o.jpg

Kapurpurawan?

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3132/2543169699_4208d1b416_b.jpg

Currimao

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3053/2543098635_4f0317b706_b.jpg

Photos by Neil Ratuita (http://www.flickr.com/photos/neilgratuita/) @ Flickr

BoNduRanT

April 15th, 2009, 04:17 PM

Kapurpurawan CLiffs

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3261/2543872346_3f352314dc_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2122/2543059893_7be6d24fd2_b.jpg

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http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2027/2543843114_f96f8dfe50_b.jpg

Photos by Neil Ratuita (http://www.flickr.com/photos/neilgratuita/) @ Flickr

[dx]

April 16th, 2009, 02:54 AM

^Amazing pictures! :applause: Ayoko sa tag na 'parang hindi sa pinas' pero para talagang hindi sya sa pinas hehe. It's what I imagine the coastlines of Scotland and Ireland would look like.

Rodel

April 19th, 2009, 01:15 PM

;35212306']^Amazing pictures! :applause: Ayoko sa tag na 'parang hindi sa pinas' pero para talagang hindi sya sa pinas hehe. It's what I imagine the coastlines of Scotland and Ireland would look like.

yeah, when i was looking on the pictures...i have an impression that this is not in the philippines, pwede nga sya dun sa thread na parang di sa pinas, esp the 2nd photo - paoay lake.:)

Rodel

April 19th, 2009, 01:18 PM

Paoay Church

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h315/req2000/Ilocos/DSC00465.jpg

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h315/req2000/Ilocos/IMG_2209.jpg

ericlucky290

April 20th, 2009, 06:29 AM

Blue Lagoon
http://images.revrick.multiply.com/image/2/photos/15/500x500/27/Ilocos-Trip-266.jpg?et=0ZdwF8xbevgaWS1KgOYvmw&nmid=233022407

Saud Beach
http://images.revrick.multiply.com/image/2/photos/15/500x500/24/Ilocos-Trip-423.jpg?et=vXFIq%2C92jMT22dx46Sxdvg&nmid=233022407

Bangui Windmills
http://images.revrick.multiply.com/image/4/photos/15/500x500/2/Ilocos-Trip-189.jpg?et=jIGwMtqFeyhwvhnVhosEgQ&nmid=233022407

BoNduRanT

April 20th, 2009, 04:05 PM

Bangui Windmills
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3313/3220311580_fccd08d64a_o.jpg

Kapurpurawan
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3028/2845882590_d825285f83_b.jpg
RobertPestanas (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rpestanas/) @ Flickr.com

BoNduRanT

April 20th, 2009, 04:36 PM

Laoag's Sinking Belltower
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2215/2247700032_99dbb02d59.jpg?v=0

Storm Crypt (http://www.flickr.com/photos/storm-crypt/) @ Flickr

BoNduRanT

April 20th, 2009, 04:41 PM

Municipal Council of Laoag (1956-1959)
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2301/2065995192_319d1f8f37.jpg

Municipal Council of Laoag (1960-1963)
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2380/2065995694_53ad5eef92.jpg

One of the first theaters in Ilocos Norte ( I wonder where it was located then)
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2211/2065996416_347a56e931_b.jpg

Hatsukoi_07 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hatsuko)@ Flickr

gr8-one

April 24th, 2009, 12:30 AM

Great finds!

BoNduRanT

April 26th, 2009, 05:24 PM

Good job!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3392/3474376125_50fc180116.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3391/3475183428_59a626052d.jpg

Photos by ANNALYN (http://www.flickr.com/photos/annalyn/) @ FLickr

gr8-one

April 27th, 2009, 11:37 PM

^^ MANEN????
I mean, again? WOW - Congratulations!!!
How did they do on the dance competition?

BoNduRanT

April 28th, 2009, 10:50 AM

Yeah, Laoag's 3rd win. Here's another photo.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3558/3480596818_cf3f25ae2b.jpg
Photo by Marcos C from ExploreIloilo.com (http://www.exploreiloilo.com/aliwan-2009-winners-results-for-streetdance-float-and-festival-queen-pageant.html)

garzland

April 30th, 2009, 02:18 AM

Laoag, Candaba bag top prizes in "Festivals of the North" (http://positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Cities_And_Towns_23/Laoag_Candaba_bag_top_prizes_in_Festivals_of_the_North.shtml)

By Leonardo V. Micua

DAGUPAN CITY, April 30 (PNA) — The “Pamulinawen” Festival of Laoag City and the “Ebon-Ebon Festival” of Candaba, Pampanga were adjudged champions in their respective categories in the “Festivals of the North” held in Dagupan City despite the rains on Monday.

Represented by street dancers garbed in colorful indigenous materials available in their respective places, Laoag and Candaba captured the top prizes of P200,000 each in the city and municipal categories in the “Festivals of the North” that spiced up the ongoing Dagupan Bangus Festival.

The “Festivals of the North” was a mix of all folk festivals from Regions 1, 2 and 3, showcased here by town or city champion street dancers, affording the locals and tourists a rare chance to witness all festival champions in all these areas in just one setting.

There were 25 street dancing groups that showed their wares parading in the wet streets of Dagupan and on to the city plaza where each group made focal presentations before a board of judges and a mammoth crowd composed of local residents and tourists.

The “Pamulinawen” Festival of Laoag, on its second year to join the “Festivals of the North”, won the championship in the city category, aside from being adjudged as “best in choreography” for another P20,000 prize.

Candaba’s “Ebon-Ebon” Festival, only on its first time to compete in the “Festivals of the North”, bagged the top prize in the municipal category, as well as another P20,000 for being best in choreography.

Guest performers during the "Festivals of the North” were the champion street dancers of “Dinagyang Festival” from Iloilo City and the Tribu ng Pandan of Mapandan, Pangasinan, last year’s Bangus Festival Champion as well as Centennial Champion in the “Panagbenga” Festival in Baguio City.

Mayor Alipio Fernandez Jr. and Vice Mayor Belen Fernandez, honorary chairman and chairman, respectively of the Dagupan Bangus Festival, distributed the cash prizes based on the list of winners certified by the Board of Judges.

Second placer in the city category was host Bangus Festival of Dagupan City which bagged P100,000, trophy plus P20,000 for being best in costume, followed by third placer “Pindangan” Festival of San Fernando City, La Union, P75,000; Mango, Bamboo Festival of San Carlos City, P50,000; and the “Binatbatan” Festival of Vigan City, P30,000.

Trailing the “Ebon-Ebon” Festival in the municipal category are the “Guling-Guling” Festival of Paoay, Ilocos Norte, which bagged P100,000, trophy; and another P20,000 for being adjudged as “Best in Costume”; followed by Corn Festival of Sto. Tomas, Pangasinan, P75,000; “Patopat” Festival of Pozorrubio, Pangasinan, P50,000; and “Damili” Festival of San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte, P30,000.

Vice Mayor Belen Fernandez, whose brainchild is the “Festivals of the North”, invited all the participants to come back next year when bigger prizes will be at stake for the winners. (PNA)

guitarose

April 30th, 2009, 04:36 AM

http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/685/240420091132.jpg

http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/2759/240420091133.jpg

http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/5532/240420091134.jpg

The city government acquired the adjacent lot owned by radio station DWRI/DWAR so that the land area of this project will have a wider space.

BoNduRanT

April 30th, 2009, 02:19 PM

Nice. But whats the status for the funding? I heard the city and province are still on a legal battle over it.

BoNduRanT

April 30th, 2009, 02:23 PM

Taiwan-Laoag Flights Resume
by Leilanie AdrianoIlocos Times (http://ilocostimes.com/pdf-issues/apr20-apr26-09.pdf)

AFTER CHARTERED flights from Taiwan was temporarilyhalted a few months back, the Department of Tourism Laoag sub-office said Mandarin Airlines has resumed its operation of flights between Kaohsiung, Taiwan and Laoag City
on April 21.

Tourism Laoag sub-office’s Ma. Milagros R. Gonzalessaid foreign tourists visiting Ilocos Norte are mostly from Taiwan and China because of its proximity to Laoag City, which only has an approximately one hour travel time.

Gonzales said the resumption of Taiwan flights would surely bring in more benefits to the province as
she added that most of these tourists are casino players at the Fort Ilocandia Resort and Casino where they are usually billeted.

On April 21, Jun Tamayo of the Civil Aviation Authority told THE ILOCOS TIMES that Mandarin Airlines
with flight number AE7271 touched down at around 10:00 am at the Laoag International Airport (LIA).
On board were passengers from Kaoshiung. On April 24, the same plane will charter passengers from Laoag to Kaoishung at 11:00 am. The Taiwan-Laoag flights were cancelled last March. The cancellation however was only temporary as its Tuesdays and Fridays flights have been resumed this month. Earlier on February, China flights from Guang Zhou were also temporarily halted. “Thanks to Cong. Roque R. Ablan Jr.,” Gonzales said, explaining that the province’s first district solon initiated action for the revival of the said flights.

BoNduRanT

April 30th, 2009, 05:21 PM

Several images from ablaners.multiply.com

http://images.ablaners.multiply.com/image/4/photos/36/500x500/22/INHCC-birdseyeview.jpg?et=Ukwa0tGdzJeDR%2CUpoE8LWw&nmid=219636025

http://images.ablaners.multiply.com/image/2/photos/36/500x500/24/the-hotel.jpg?et=GFvP2xt6cLzSgxEEAe6ZAg&nmid=219636025

http://images.ablaners.multiply.com/image/2/photos/36/500x500/7/031620091136.jpg?et=eNRxEgtJDYl6lArt95dKnw&nmid=219636025

http://images.ablaners.multiply.com/image/3/photos/36/500x500/19/031620091145.jpg?et=HQ%2BI4Hbeon%2BEIlF0o%2BRDyw&nmid=219636025

BoNduRanT

April 30th, 2009, 05:24 PM

From ablaners.multiply.com

Pasaleng Bay Underwater Cave, Pagudpud
http://images.ablaners.multiply.com/image/10/photos/7/1200x1200/13/Underwater-Cave.JPG?et=eL1NZx0SkoSYnOF8Di6gJw&nmid=73723408

guitarose

May 2nd, 2009, 01:59 AM

Nice. But whats the status for the funding? I heard the city and province are still on a legal battle over it.

According to Mayor MVF, if Plan A fails then they will go to Plan B or C. The mayor did not give details regarding these plans (B or C) but he is hopeful and determined that he will realize this dream of having a modern hospital in the city of Laoag.

BoNduRanT

May 3rd, 2009, 04:40 PM

Laoag International Airport - Runway 01 Approach
You can see Mt. Bimmaboy in the background.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3154/2926774788_6a019fba57.jpg

And an aerial view of the Bangui Windmills
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3249/2926773372_c41eaacd52.jpg
Photos by MagicEye from PinoyPhotography.com (http://www.pinoyphotography.org/forum/index.php?topic=37760.30)

[dx]

May 5th, 2009, 02:53 PM

St. Augustine Church
Paoay, Ilocos Norte
March 16, 2009

Paoay Church (also known as the St. Augustine Church in Paoay) is a historical church located in Paoay, Ilocos Norte. During the Philippine Revolution in 1898, its coral stone bell tower was used by the Katipuneros as an observation post. Paoay Church is part of the UNESCO World Heritage List. It currently is a property of the Diocese of Laoag, Ilocos Norte.

Construction of Paoay Church was started by the Augustinian friars in 1694. It was completed in 1894 led by Fr. Antonio Estavillo and was re-dedicated in 1894. The Church is a unique combination of Gothic, Baroque and Oriental designs. Its facade reveals Gothic affinity, its gables show Chinese elements, while the niches topping the walls suggest Javanese influence (reminiscent of the famous Boroboudur Temple).

Known as the “Earthquake Baroque” church in the Philippines, Paoay church was built of baked bricks, coral rocks, salbot (tree sap) and lumber, and has 24 carved massive buttresses for support. It is an architectural solution to the area's challenging, natural setting. Both sides of the nave are lined with the most voluminous stone buttresses seen around the islands. Large coral stones were used for the lower level while bricks were used for the upper levels of the church. The walls are 1.67 meters thick made of the same materials. Its bell tower, which is detached from its main building, is made of coral stone. It stands a safe distance away to spare the sanctuary in case of collapse. Originally, the church roof was thatched; and it is conjectured so that buttresses not only support walls but give roof access during fire and typhoon.

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BoNduRanT

May 5th, 2009, 03:57 PM

Good eye for details DX! I knew the church was made of corals but I never bothered checking it up-close everytime I go there. Funny :lol:

[dx]

May 5th, 2009, 06:00 PM

Good eye for details DX! I knew the church was made of corals but I never bothered checking it up-close everytime I go there. Funny :lol:

Thanks! Hehe. Isn't it astounding how they painstakingly built this massive structure from bricks and corals slowly over 200 years? It truly deserves its place in the UNESCO World Heritage List. :okay:

Asturiano

May 6th, 2009, 03:08 AM

It was sad to think that the church is part of Unesco heritage site and yet it seem that it was never maintain to preserved its beauty. Weeds are growing everywhere.

eee7

May 6th, 2009, 07:29 AM

It was sad to think that the church is part of Unesco heritage site and yet it seem that it was never maintain to preserved its beauty. Weeds are growing everywhere.

Actually I like it with weeds growing around. It adds effect to the church.

[dx]

May 6th, 2009, 07:36 AM

Actually I like it with weeds growing around. It adds effect to the church.

The weeds do lend a romantic aura to the church, but over time and if left untended, those plants can weaken the wall's structure, especially if their roots burrow deeper into the cracks and crevices.

[dx]

May 6th, 2009, 07:43 AM

Fort Ilocandia Resort and Casino
Laoag, Ilocos Norte
March 16, 2009

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_2824.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_2825.jpg

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http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_2811.jpg

BoNduRanT

May 6th, 2009, 02:16 PM

It was sad to think that the church is part of Unesco heritage site and yet it seem that it was never maintain to preserved its beauty. Weeds are growing everywhere.

The weeds are ok. It adds character to the church. What bothers me is how they manage the interiors of the church. I seriously doubt they would do well if they decide to have the interiors restored and detailed. Ngayon pa lang, sablay na sila.

Asturiano

May 7th, 2009, 12:01 AM

[dx]

May 7th, 2009, 02:30 AM

^^^^
Yes, it add a character on the building but if they don't take them out, the roots will grow and force its way into already cracked and hole masonry in the facade and totally destroyed the already dilapidated facade of the building. It would be nice if one or two times a year they take them out to preserved the facade of the building. They already destroyed the interior and now the anterior is next.

The weeds are ok. It adds character to the church. What bothers me is how they manage the interiors of the church. I seriously doubt they would do well if they decide to have the interiors restored and detailed. Ngayon pa lang, sablay na sila.

Yes, unfortunately the church's underwhelming interior was in complete contrast to the monumental exterior. Exposed GI sheets? :no:

[dx]

May 7th, 2009, 02:45 AM

Paoay Lake

The landlocked lake located 3 kilometers away from the sea in Suba, Paoay has an area of 470 hectares. Declared as a National Park under Republic Act 5631 on June 21, 1969, its environs has been turned into a sports complex including a world-class golf course.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/PaoayLake.jpg

hakz2007

May 7th, 2009, 10:09 AM

FINAL RULING
SC: 16 municipalities can’t become cities

By Tetch Torres
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 14:38:00 05/07/2009

Filed Under: Local authorities, Judiciary (system of justice)

MANILA, Philippines – The Supreme Court has denied with finality appeals to reverse its ruling that declared as unconstitutional laws that converted 16 municipalities into cities.

Voting 6-5, the court voided the following Republic Acts: 9389 (Baybay City in Leyte), 9390 (Bogo City in Cebu), 9391 (Catbalogan City in Samar), 9392 (Tandag City in Surigao del Sur), 9393 (Lamitan City in Basilan), 9394 (Borongan City in Samar), 9398 (Tayabas City in Quezon), 9404 (Tabuk City in Kalinga), 9405 (Bayugan City in Agusan del Sur), 9407 (Batac City in Ilocos Norte), 9408 (Mati City in Davao Oriental), 9409 (Guihulngan City in Negros Oriental), 9434 (Cabadbaran City in Agusan del Norte), 9435 (El Salvador City in Misamis Oriental), 9436 (Carcar City in Cebu), and 9491 (Naga City in Cebu).

“In view of the denial of the second motion for reconsideration, no further pleadings shall be entertained. Let entry of judgment be made in due course,” the high court said in a three-page resolution.

The court had voided the said laws converting the municipalities into cities in a resolution dated November 18, 2008.

The court said the municipalities were not exempt from the income requirement for cities of P100 million.

The income requirement for cities was raised to P100 million from P20 million after Republic Act 9009 amended the Local Government Code. The laws converting the 16 municipalities into cities were passed after RA 9009 took effect.

The court said “limiting the exemption only to the 16 municipalities violates the requirement that the classification must apply to all similarly situated.”

The high court made the ruling following a petition by the League of Cities of the Philippines, saying a wholesale conversion of municipalities into cities would reduce the share of existing cities of the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA).

BoNduRanT

May 7th, 2009, 01:51 PM

;36290636']Paoay Lake

The landlocked lake located 3 kilometers away from the sea in Suba, Paoay has an area of 470 hectares. Declared as a National Park under Republic Act 5631 on June 21, 1969, its environs has been turned into a sports complex including a world-class golf course.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/PaoayLake.jpg

Woooow! Nice panorama DX! Is this yours? Good job! :okay:

BoNduRanT

May 7th, 2009, 01:56 PM

FINALLY a decision. Same results from the articles that we're reported over Sun Star Davao and Ilocos Times (http://www.ilocostimes.com/pdf-issues/mar30-apr05-09.pdf)(for article) around April.

At least theres no reason for that egomaniac to go berserk again. :lol:

FINAL RULING
SC: 16 municipalities can’t become cities

By Tetch Torres
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 14:38:00 05/07/2009

Filed Under: Local authorities, Judiciary (system of justice)

MANILA, Philippines – The Supreme Court has denied with finality appeals to reverse its ruling that declared as unconstitutional laws that converted 16 municipalities into cities.

Voting 6-5, the court voided the following Republic Acts: 9389 (Baybay City in Leyte), 9390 (Bogo City in Cebu), 9391 (Catbalogan City in Samar), 9392 (Tandag City in Surigao del Sur), 9393 (Lamitan City in Basilan), 9394 (Borongan City in Samar), 9398 (Tayabas City in Quezon), 9404 (Tabuk City in Kalinga), 9405 (Bayugan City in Agusan del Sur), 9407 (Batac City in Ilocos Norte), 9408 (Mati City in Davao Oriental), 9409 (Guihulngan City in Negros Oriental), 9434 (Cabadbaran City in Agusan del Norte), 9435 (El Salvador City in Misamis Oriental), 9436 (Carcar City in Cebu), and 9491 (Naga City in Cebu).

“In view of the denial of the second motion for reconsideration, no further pleadings shall be entertained. Let entry of judgment be made in due course,” the high court said in a three-page resolution.

The court had voided the said laws converting the municipalities into cities in a resolution dated November 18, 2008.

The court said the municipalities were not exempt from the income requirement for cities of P100 million.

The income requirement for cities was raised to P100 million from P20 million after Republic Act 9009 amended the Local Government Code. The laws converting the 16 municipalities into cities were passed after RA 9009 took effect.

The court said “limiting the exemption only to the 16 municipalities violates the requirement that the classification must apply to all similarly situated.”

The high court made the ruling following a petition by the League of Cities of the Philippines, saying a wholesale conversion of municipalities into cities would reduce the share of existing cities of the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA).

[dx]

May 7th, 2009, 02:04 PM

Woooow! Nice panorama DX! Is this yours? Good job! :okay:

Thnx hehe. Yup, I just stitched 5 photos in PS.

BoNduRanT

May 7th, 2009, 02:08 PM

;36310560']Thnx hehe. Yup, I just stitched 5 photos in PS.

Good work on the stitching! Seamless!!! :okay:

BoNduRanT

May 7th, 2009, 02:17 PM

Another photo of the winning Pamulinawen Float from the 2009 Aliwan Festival

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c3/abercromb24/pamulinawenfloat.jpg

From Ilocostimes.com

gr8-one

May 8th, 2009, 12:53 AM

Will be visiting Ilocos 5/9 to 5/30, can't wait.

BoNduRanT

May 8th, 2009, 03:13 PM

Dont forget to visit the...........

Bangui Windmills!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3633/3462909390_7daaefb6a8_b.jpg
by maccoy_david (http://www.flickr.com/photos/maccoy_david/) @ Flickr

BoNduRanT

May 8th, 2009, 03:23 PM

USAFFE 15th Infantry Battalion Memorial Square - Piddig, Ilocos Norte

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3036/3097265632_f213712fc0_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3187/3097266914_2172352358.jpg?v=0

by vadzki_002 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/23283391@N07/) @ Flickr

BoNduRanT

May 13th, 2009, 09:43 AM

Ilocos Norte from A to Z
by Blauearth (http://blauearth.wordpress.com/2009/04/05/ilocos-norte-from-a-to-z/)
Photos by the Author

Many times, I was given the chance to settle in another place, but I always found myself on the road leading back to my hometown, Ilocos Norte. Its laid-back charm and everything about it keep me spellbound.

http://blauearth.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/dsc_0758.jpg?w=300&h=200

A Adams, a town way up in the mountains at the northern end of Ilocos Norte, is a perfect getaway for anyone yearning for tranquility and a communion with nature. The name alone suggests extraordinariness. Rainforests, exotic flora and fauna, crystal clear waters cascading from mountains into rivers and creeks, a crisp and cool climate, quaint communities uniquely intertwined with mixed indigenous cultures, divine meals prepared from the freshest upland produce and catch-make Adams absolutely amazing.

http://blauearth.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/dsc_1087.jpg?w=300&h=199http://blauearth.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/dsc_1080.jpg?w=199&h=300

B The imposing belfry near the foot of the Marcos Bridge is like a sentinel guarding Laoag, the very heart of Ilocos Norte. The historical 45-meter tall Sinking Bell Tower of Laoag with an Earthquake Baroque architectural style, built in 1612, is believed to sink an inch per year because of its massiveness. Legend has it that its half-buried door once allowed a man on horseback to enter. To the Catholics, the ringing of bells is a practice during mass to create a joyful noise for the Lord. To the non-Catholics, the ringing of bells, heard in nearby towns as well, signals the coming of either dawn or dusk, day in, day out.

C Ilocos Norte’s rich cultural heritage is apparent through the several structures that date back to the Spanish colonization period like the centuries old churches and the Cape Bojeador Lighthouse in Burgos. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the San Augustine Church in Paoay, built in 1704, is a sight to behold with its unique Earthquake Baroque architecture with Gothic and Asian influences. The Neo-classic Sta. Monica Church in Sarrat, built in 1779, is a favorite for weddings and baptisms among the locals in the province. The tallest lighthouse in the country, majestic Cape Bojeador, built in 1892, remains to guide ships that pass by the northern portion of the South China Sea.

D Dap-ayan ti Ilocos Norte in Laoag, a brainchild of Atty. Liza Araneta-Marcos, wife of Cong. Bongbong R. Marcos, is a new structure housing a food court and souvenir stalls that sell Ilocos Norte products like chicharon, basi, longganisa, cornik, empanada, suka, abel cloth, biscocho, tupig, wickerwork, broom, pottery, among others. The atrium is a venue for special events like mini-concerts. It is a one-stop shop that saves tourists a lot of time and effort, a laudable project, indeed.

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E Aside from visiting me, the scrumptious empanada is the other reason some friends of mine keep coming back to Ilocos Norte. To be able to appreciate the empanada, you have to eat it straight from the frying pan. In case you didn’t know, the empanada has many variations. The Batac empanada has young papaya as one of its fillings and a crust made of rice flour, while the Laoag empanada has cabbage instead of papaya and a flour crust. A few Laoag empanada makers use papaya, though. Both have egg, monggo and longganisa. In Laoag, there’s also the sweet longganisa variation. Sukang Iloko with sili is the perfect companion; others prefer ketchup with their empanadas.

F Fit for royalty, Fort Ilocandia Resort Hotel, the premiere hotel in the north that opened in 1983, is a first class sprawling property that boasts of luxurious facilities, a world-class 18-hole golf course overlooking the legendary Paoay Lake, an Olympic-size pool, a casino, a mini zoo, a spa that offers Chinese foot massage, several restaurants including an authentic Chinese dimsum place, plus great service. It makes the province confident to host the rich and the famous.

G Gastronomic treats, ranging from the slightly bitter pinakbet to the sinful sweet kalti, excite the locals and visitors alike. Restaurants in Ilocos Norte like Herencia Café, Saramsam, Eagle’s Nest Bar and Restaurant, La Preciosa, Dawang’s Place, among many others, offer Ilocano cuisine perfect for the adventurous palate. Worth a long trip is the authentic Italian pizza at Mino’s in Badoc. The buttery spinach ravioli which melts in the mouth is equally good. I also wouldn’t hesitate to go to Kapuluan Vista Resort in Pagudpud just to have a fill of their exquisite kilawin tanguigui or blue marlin with sesame oil dressing. The seafood medley cooked in coconut milk in Panzzian Beach and Mountain Resort is superb as well. Native delicacies like tupig, linapet, patupat, busi, okoy, binuelos, diladila, bibingka, balicocha and palinang are mainstays at the Laoag Supermarket; the seasonal gamet, buos, alingo and ugsa meat are pre-ordered. Slices of Hawaiian mangoes dipped in bugguong and a little suka shouldn’t be missed during summer. Same goes to Ilocos’ version of the halo-halo from a makeshift stand alongside a road. Miki, a homemade noodle soup and hi-bol (a combination of pancit and paksiw) are hearty snacks if you’re on a tight budget. Jumping salad (live tiny shrimps), kilawen nga kalding, kaldereta, imbaliktad, dinakdakan, callente and insarabasab are favorite pulutans. For the caffeine junkies, Tribeca at the 365 Mall in San Nicolas offers original coffee concoctions like the chocolate nut frappucino. Their sugar-free strawberry cheesecake and flourless chocolate torte are healthy indulgence.

H The Ilocano hospitality-warm, friendly and generous (sometimes, to a fault)-is truly remarkable. It contradicts the notion that Ilocanos are penny-pinchers.

I Inabel, also known as abel Iluco, bespeaks the Ilocano creative ingenuity. The different traditional weaves are excellent for accent pieces like throw pillows and table runners. The newer designs with shimmery threads incorporated into it are getting more and more popular, even globally, because they could be made into unique and elegant evening wear. Personally, I like the burbur kind from Paoay which takes the place of a comforter. I grew up not being able to sleep without it. It also reminds me of my one and only nanny who hailed from Suba, Paoay and passed away 2 years ago. She left me with inabel blankets and beautiful memories that I will treasure forever.

http://blauearth.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/inabel.jpg?w=300&h=204 http://blauearth.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/abel-iluko1.jpg?w=300&h=207

J Juan Luna, the world-renowned son of Badoc, is the embodiment of dynamism, courage and patriotism that truly inspire the people of the province, and the whole nation as well. He used his craft to expose the inequity during the Spanish colonization. His award-winning “Spoliarium“, a stirring work of art on canvas, currently on display at the National Museum, is a national treasure. This must-see depicts a dark era in our history. Reproductions of his paintings hang at the Juan Luna Shrine in his hometown.

K Kapurpurawan is a rock monolith hidden behind the hills near the beach in Burgos. By accident, I came to discover the place with sublime scenery just when I thought I’ve seen all the bests in Ilocos Norte. Describing it as breathtakingly beautiful is an understatement. It is a whole new experience out there. I urge you to discover it too.

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L Laoag, an Ilocano word for light, is a befitting name for the capital city of Ilocos Norte. It extends brightness to all the different towns in Ilocos Norte. It brings a tide of joy because it offers more than the simple pleasures in life. All get to enjoy what Laoag has today-an international airport, several government and private hospitals, reputable public and private learning institutions (from pre-schools to universities), an air-conditioned arena, a stadium with a sports training center, various hotels that suit anyone’s taste and budget, fine dining restaurants, well-stocked grocery stores, hip cafes and bistros, fastfood restaurants, boutiques and beauty salons catering to the fashion-forward set, wellness centers, novelty shops, a tattoo place and many other happening places. And beyond all the city pleasures is a relatively low standard of living. In addition, unlike the bigger cities, there are no mean streets in Laoag. In fact, in February, the city received another accolade from Malacanang for being a National Peace and Order Winner.

M Manang, manong, the customary terms of respect for someone older-exemplifies good values and right conduct. When speaking the vernacular, it is imperative not to forget this; the least one wants is being accused of rudeness.

N New idealism is palpable in Ilocos Norte. The emerging new generation of leaders, professionals and entrepreneurs with promising fresh new ideas inspires and invigorates.

O Onward direction. Vision plus diligence continue to put Ilocos Norte ahead.

P When passing through the Patapat Viaduct in Pagudpud, one cannot resist a stop for a snapshot. From that vantage point, one can view the picturesque Pasaleng Bay; sunrises and sunsets are always spectacular even on a balmy day when it is difficult to tell where the sea ends and the sky begins. The surreal experience evokes a sense of romance and adventure. I don’t know, but it reminds me of old foreign movies. Perhaps, yours is a different feeling.

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Q Who doesn’t have quirks? Some find it hilarious, or pointless, but the Ilocano culture has numerable quirks and kinks that only the Ilocanos truly understand. A case in point is the famed Ilocano frugality which has found its way to in-jokes.

R Resiliency has always made the people of Ilocos Norte rise above any adversity. History proves that we can easily recover from even the harshest condition. Post-Marcos era, we were able to prove to the rest of the nation that we can stand on our own. ( SO TRUE :okay:)

S Ilocos Norte with its stunning seascapes is a perfect destination for the lovers of sand, surf, sea and sky. The secluded beach in Masintoc, Paoay, a picture of peace and quiet, is ideal for soul-searching. Pangil in Currimao is safe for little kids who enjoy snorkeling. Maira-ira Cove in the world-famous Pagudpud is wonderful during the summer months. Way up north, it gets rather chilly before and after the summer break. Badoc Island likewise deserves a revisit. The distinctive sky-high sand dunes in Suba and La Paz were locations for scenes in movies such as Tom Cruise’s Born on the Fourth of July and Mel Gibson’s Mad Max. In the country, it is only in Ilocos Norte where a wild 4×4 adventure ride on a desert terrain is possible.

http://blauearth.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/padsan-river.jpg?w=300&h=199

T Tried and tested, that’s the edge of a person coming from Ilocos Norte; and anywhere you put him, he is most likely to succeed in his job or career. The same goes to all Ilocanos. Since time immemorial, productive work is what the Ilocanos are known for.

U Up-to-date is a word to describe the average person in Ilocos Norte when it comes to information, ideas and style even if in terms of geographical location, the province is distant from the country’s megalopolis. Every clan in Ilocos Norte has a relative abroad, so it explains why you could spot someone in Hilfiger or Nike in a far-flung barangay. Naka-iPOD pay, di ngamin?

V Verdant and clean, a compliment the province usually gets from visitors. It is evident when one cruises the highway where green fields, trees and flowering plants dominate the surroundings. In other parts of the country, it is rare to find something similar.

http://blauearth.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/green-valley.jpg?w=300&h=200

W The windmills in Banqui, built by the Northwind Power Development Corporation, are a sign of the province’s onward direction. Very eco-friendly, the windmills supply electricity to 40 percent of Ilocos Norte. How we wish the electricity rate is pocket-friendly too.

http://blauearth.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/dsc_0561.jpg?w=200&h=300

X X-hilaration! It is what one gets when in Ilocos Norte-where unspoiled natural beauty abounds.

Y The yardstick against which all new leaders in the province are measured since the late President Marcos remains to be him-the Apo. He was brilliant and left the nation with many accomplishments including the thousands of laws he has written that are still in force and in effect. During his time, the province was solid with no political bickering at all.

Z Zeal, or passionate ardor in the pursuit of anything, the quintessential mark of an Ilocano, has put Ilocos Norte where it is today.

BoNduRanT

May 13th, 2009, 09:51 AM

Ilocos Norte In A Different Light
by Blauearth (http://blauearth.wordpress.com/2009/04/28/ilocos-norte-in-a-different-light/)

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An Abel Iluko fashion show capped the successful Ilocos Norte Day at the ‘Ilocos Region… more than you can imagine!’ tourism exhibit at the Clamshell in Intramuros, Manila, on April 26, 2009. The exhibit was a collaboration between the Department of Tourism (DoT) Region I and the different provinces of Region I, namely: Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union and Pangasinan.

Before the much-awaited Abel Iluko fashion show, organized by the Kannawidan Foundation, chaired by Mrs. Lita Marcos Roque, the movers and shakers of tourism in Ilocos Norte lined-up to promote the bests of the province, and entertain guests at the DoT Clamshell pavilion. The Provincial Tourism Office presented tourist destinations, festivals, resorts and hotels. Assistant Provincial Tourism Officer Joegie Jiminez hosted an exciting raffle draw; free hotel and resort accommodations and a television set were given away to lucky winners. The Department of Trade and Industry Ilocos Norte Office presented a food and product showcase. The LEAD Movement, a non-government eco-adventure group, was tapped for sports and ecotourism; it presented “Adams, A Myriad of Colors”, a 4+ years in the making PowerPoint presentation about sustainable community-based ecotourism development in Ilocos Norte. The Guling-Guling Festival, a centuries-old parade mounted on the eve of Ash Wednesday, was presented by the Local Government Unit of Paoay. The MMSU-College of Teacher Education Cultural Group reenacted Ilocano customs and traditions through TALDIAP “A Glimpse of Ilocano Culture”, a lively dance medley.

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The Abel Iluko opened with a dynamic dance depicting the transformation of mere cotton to Inabel fabric in a variety of weaves like binakol, binandera, leno, inalson, etc. Next was a fashion showcase of wearable colorful cocktail dresses, elegant evening gowns, men’s vests and suits in urban chic style, stylized barongs, and an immaculate bridal gown, all done in abel, and designed by Edgar Madamba, Edelmira Segundo-Garcia, Shirley Duque Alejandrino, Danny de le Cuesta, Barge Ramos and Gerry Katigbak. The catwalk’s first face was Mrs. Lita Marcos Roque in a fabulous chartreuse evening gown. Surprising the audience was the participation of some of Ilocos Norte’s dashing public officials. No less than Governor Michael Marcos Keon, in a Barge Ramos barong, wowed the audience with his flair on the catwalk. SP Member Mariano Marcos II and his pretty better-half, Cecile Araneta Marcos, and their adorable children, Enzo, EO and Mandy, all strutted like pros. Dapper in a dark-toned barong was SP Member Renato Ma. Peralta. SP Member Kris Ablan gave justice to his crimson barong. Very regal in her lilac formal wear was the statuesque Ms. Mildred Ranada-Lamoste, the hard-working SP Secretary. Looking cool in an Edgar Madamba binakol (a.k.a. “op-art” abel) jacket, was SP Member Angelo Marcos Barba. SP Member Portia Salenda was every inch a debutante in her shimmery purple abel with button embellishments. Notable was the chic binakol sheath dress by Edgar Madamba. When asked about his inspiration for that particular knee-length dress with a pouf-like hemline, he said, “the garnatis or star apple.” Other familiar faces that joined the line-up were from the private sector in the province.

The talented Gerry Katigbak directed the unique Abel Iluko. He says, “The Ilocanos are great and fantastic people to work with. About the fabric, he says, “fantastic and flexible.” Once more, the Ilocanos gathered together in Manila, the capital city of the Philippines, in one extraordinary day dedicated to their native land, Ilocos Norte.

Maxxclip

May 13th, 2009, 09:56 AM

Ilocos Norte from A to Z
by Blauearth (http://blauearth.wordpress.com/2009/04/05/ilocos-norte-from-a-to-z/)
Photos by the Author

I Inabel, also known as abel Iluco, bespeaks the Ilocano creative ingenuity. The different traditional weaves are excellent for accent pieces like throw pillows and table runners. The newer designs with shimmery threads incorporated into it are getting more and more popular, even globally, because they could be made into unique and elegant evening wear. Personally, I like the burbur kind from Paoay which takes the place of a comforter. I grew up not being able to sleep without it. It also reminds me of my one and only nanny who hailed from Suba, Paoay and passed away 2 years ago. She left me with inabel blankets and beautiful memories that I will treasure forever.

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available ba to sa Manila? And how much it cost? matagal na akong naghahanap nito:)

BoNduRanT

May 13th, 2009, 10:01 AM

ADAMS, Ilocos Norte
by Blauearth (http://blauearth.wordpress.com/2009/04/21/heaven-is-a-place-on-earth/)

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Heaven is a place on earth

Adams, a quaint town in the northeastern side of Ilocos Norte, nestled by the pristine mountains at the northern end of the Cordilleras, is a long two and a half hours drive from Laoag City. If you happen to come from the metropolis and yearn for a communion with nature, going up north to this treasure of a place called Adams is more than an escape from urbanism. One gets to discover not just beautiful places, but a chance to experience living in a place as natural as God wanted it to be.

Drive up north. The Adams-Pansian, Pagudpud junction is several meters away from the Patapat Viaduct. Turn right after Panzzian Beach and Mountain Resort. Expect the next 20-35 minutes to be bumpy, dusty and, at times, wet. The way is through a rough road in between mountains, mountain ridges, rivers and creeks. Before reaching the Adams Municipal Hall, the refreshing sight of the Bulo River that snakes through the hills and mountains makes you want to dunk in the cleanest body of water you’ve ever seen. Crude but sturdy hanging bridges connect the hills and mountains for a more convenient passage for those on foot.

The Adams town proper does not hint, at all, that outside its boundaries are enchanting places to be explored; and unique diverse cultures — Yapayao, Isneg, Kankaaey, Igorot, Ilocano — to be experienced. Visitors can be assisted by the Adams Mountaineering Organization, known as the AMO. Getting around Adams is by walking or riding a bike; motorcycle transit and 4×4 vehicles can reach only up to certain points. There are no hotels in Adams; lodging means homestays or setting-up camp at allowed areas like the vast Lovers’ Peak where one can enjoy the panoramic view of all the majestic mountains surrounding the town. There are only 2 commercial eating places where you can pre-order an exotic meal of freshly cooked red mountain rice with available wild vegetables, upland fish, eel and shellfish.

To reach Anuplig Falls, the premiere waterfalls in Adams, one has to hike for one and a half hours from the poblacion. From there, going back can also be done by tackling the Bulo River through rubber tubes. Mountain bikers can visit Sitios Sinidangan or Masasabog and experience the heartwarming welcome smiles of children and oldies amid rustic sceneries. For the bird lovers, birding, or birdwatching, is a chance not to pass up. A variety of birds such as wood peckers, pigeons, hawks, eagles and owls abound.

There are four major mountains in Adams. Getting to the summit of Mt. Palemlem, or Pico to some, 1294 m asl, is a 3-5 hours difficult ascent through forested narrow trails, steep slopes, and mountain ridge trails. The summit campsite, named Camp Gazebo, offers a glorious panorama of the province of Ilocos Norte. The endangered Ventricosa plant, commonly known as pitcher plant is common at the summit. Mt. Pao, 1323 m asl, is a barely explored old-growth rainforest where giant mushrooms have been reported. It boasts of waterfalls and a natural canopy walk from above midway to the summit. It takes approximately eight hours to get to the peak; a clear view of the regal Cape Bojeador Lighthhouse amidst lush green forests awaits you after the arduous ascent. Climbing Mt. Linao, 1407 m asl, is a 12-hour uphill slog through open trails, a creek, grass-covered trails, forests, a dry river bed and muddy slopes. The Linao Pond, 952 m asl, is a sanctuary to wild ducks and boars, the reward one gets from braving the extreme climb. Waking-up to see a pond beside Linao’s peak amidst fog and cool air breezing through is the most amazing experience in Adams.

Before leaving Adams, ask around for in-season fruits — lanzones, Mandarin oranges, jackfruits, rambutans, Barbados cherries, juicy dwarf pineapples, sweet Adams bananas, and wild strawberries. Other products include tapuey, or rice wine; santol wine; bugnay wine; Adams coffee with an exotic mocha-like taste; homemade cocoa, walis tambo, or broom, guaranteed to last 2 years; handmade knives; and neatly hand-woven rattan baskets and bags. The next time you visit Adams, consider: waterfalls-hopping to all 12 waterfalls; water-tubing from Adams to Bangui (another town in Ilocos Norte) through the Bulo River; or biking from Adams town proper all the way to Pasaleng, Pagudpud.

The lofty paradise in Northern Ilocos is as mysterious as its name. One can easily get enthralled with the place and forget about the rest of the world. The experience of being in a place as beautiful and natural as Adams makes one truly thankful to Our Creator. This rare treat evokes a sense of discovery and longing for the simple and stress-free life uncomplicated by the modernism and commercialism of the times. Indeed, there are still heavens on earth.

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