Laoag and Batac Cities, and Ilocos Norte Province [Archive] - Page 8

gr8-one

March 8th, 2011, 03:18 AM

By: Cristina Arzadon

LAOAG CITY, March 7 (PIA) - It’s learning science and math the fun way through the Department of Science and Technology’s explorer bus which rolls on today in Ilocos Norte for a three-day mobile science and math education.
Aptly called the “Science Explorer” bus, the mobile facility will visit public schools in Bacarra town and the cities of Laoag and Batac.

The bus is equipped with audio-visual materials, interactive exhibits and laptop gadgets carrying instructional materials that are designed to facilitate learning among students.

Ruby Cristobal of the DOST’s Science Education Institute said the country’s first of-a-kind interactive learning facility will go around the Philippines to provide the youth a taste of what science is all about.

“We would like to introduce science as a way of life. It is a key to progress and future. Students will see how an ideal science class should be”, Cristobal said, noting the dearth of science laboratory equipment in schools.

The mobile school will visit three public high schools and nine grade schools in three sites. It will hold several sessions lasting two hours each and will accommodate 30 students each period.

Aris Reynold Cajigal, the provincial government’s education consultant said, more students will get the chance to experience the school on wheels.
“We intend to break the students’ fear of science and math,” he said.

Ilocos Norte is the first stop of the science mobile school outside of Metro Manila after the DOST launched it in October last year to close the gap in science laboratories in the elementary and secondary schools.

Based on DOST records, only 4,060 high schools maintain science laboratories out of 5,359 public schools with a ratio of 1,325:1 pupils to science laboratories.

The DOST encourages school heads to call its office and book the science explorer bus in their areas by calling the SEI office at 837-1925. (ANL/CCA- PIA 1 Ilocos Norte)

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cross-posted from source: PIA.GOV (http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=20817)

eee7

March 9th, 2011, 01:52 AM

5 SISTERS bids us all farewell...

and now SM (dept. store, SaveMore) says hello :)

kaya pala narinig kanina sa mga kasamahan kung medrep na ang dami daw binebentang gamit ngayon sa 5 sisters, bagsak presyo daw. by the way, 5 sister already acquired karamihan ng mga lupa sa paligid nila.

eee7

March 9th, 2011, 02:41 AM

kakachat ko lang sa batch ko na may position din sa 5 sisters, eto sabi nya sakin:

March 9 at 11:38am
totoo bang magsasara na 5 sisters?

March 9 at 11:40am
yes, until end of august2011...for renovation ng building

March 9 at 11:40am
kanino binenta? mura na ba lahat paninda ngayon?

March 9 at 11:42am
wrong info ka...hindi ibinenta....after ng renovation ....lease lang ng ibang company save more ata... hindi lahat sale..selected item lang

March 9 at 11:45am [object Object]
save more/hypermart yong company na magrerent ng building

808 state

March 9th, 2011, 12:02 PM

Five Reasons to Visit Ilocos Norte - Time.Com (http://www.time.com/time/travel/article/0,31542,2049939,00.html)

thanks for posting @ergit:cheers: and welcome to the thread...enjoy posting:cheers:

808 state

March 9th, 2011, 12:03 PM

Paoay Church to get a facelift (http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=21153)
By: Cristina Arzadon

PAOAY, Ilocos Norte, March 9 (PIA) – The provincial government’s Metro Ilocos tourism plan will revolve around the town’s tourism centerpiece, the St. Augustine Church or Paoay Church as it is set to get a facelift.

Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos created the plan that includes developing Paoay and the towns of San Nicolas and Currimao and the cities of Laoag and Batac for tourism support and development.

“We envision Ilocos Norte to become the northern gateway of the Philippines. We have more natural resources. We have a lot of potential tourist attraction to be developed, enriched appreciated and to be enjoyed,” Marcos said.:cheers::cheers::cheers:

For this town’s development program, Marcos has tapped globally recognized architect Felino Palafox to design a tourism plan that would consolidate Paoay’s existing infrastructure facilities that surround Paoay church like the plaza, the ruins of the Catholic convent and the frontage of a state-run university.

“Tourism is the largest industry in the world, bigger than oil,” Palafox had said when he agreed to come up with a tourism design for Ilocos Norte.

The other tourism plan includes the development of the Paoay Lake and areas flanking it like the view deck and the sprawling lot below the Malacañang of the North.

Locally known as the “Balay ti Amianan,” the former rest house of the Marcoses was set on a vast lot in barangay Suba in Paoay town with a commanding view of the pristine lake.

The Malacañang of the North has been under the supervision of the Philippine Tourism Authority after the 1986 Edsa Revolt until the provincial government took over its upkeep late last year.

Governor Marcos has introduced improvements on the once run-down facility and opened it to private functions aside from a regular tourist stop.

To generate more tourist activities, a commercial arcade along a stretch of the road lining the Paoay church will rise. It will be a stop for the town’s unique products and other Ilocano souvenir items.

Interestingly, the provincial government launched a design competition to implement the town’s tourism plan which covers the commercial arcade and plaza and the Paoay Lake National Park.

The competition will bring together the ideas of local architects and engineers including students who were called to bring in concepts that are grounded on Ilocano culture. (JCR/CCA- PIA 1 Ilocos Norte)

808 state

March 9th, 2011, 12:42 PM

OBLATION MONUMENT - LAOAG
http://i55.tinypic.com/kbf5t0.jpg
by alaricxyz (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alaricyanos/)

808 state

March 9th, 2011, 01:12 PM

http://i55.tinypic.com/347kaba.jpg
from facebook by edlyn ballesteros

808 state

March 9th, 2011, 01:39 PM

BATAC CITY
http://i56.tinypic.com/2a77oxu.jpg

http://i52.tinypic.com/21maoef.jpg
by godwinn (http://www.flickr.com/photos/godwinnv/)

808 state

March 9th, 2011, 01:42 PM

SARRAT, ILOCOS NORTE
http://i56.tinypic.com/2h4drhd.jpg
by godwinn (http://www.flickr.com/photos/godwinnv/)

808 state

March 9th, 2011, 02:15 PM

BACARRA TOWN PLAZA - BACARRA, ILOCOS NORTE
http://i56.tinypic.com/63vqzs.jpg
by Σď βμĿμšäņ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/edbulusan/)

gr8-one

March 10th, 2011, 09:27 PM

^^ SaveMore - SM din yun :)

gr8-one

March 10th, 2011, 09:36 PM

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/sites/default/files/a_images/people/celebrity/brian_brady_pgt.jpg

MANILA, Philippines – Twelve-year-old Brian Brady became a household name in Laoag City in Ilocos Norte after surviving the elimination round of ABS-CBN reality show “Pilipinas Got Talent (PGT) Season 2.”

His friends and neighbors said they were proud of the young Brady, an American child who grew up in the country. His teachers and classmates at AP Santos Elementary School were all praises for him, saying he is a good person.

Like many PGT hopefuls, Brady has a sad past. When he was only a month old, he was separated from his parents after they were imprisoned due to illegal drugs.

With no one to take care of him in the States, the Filipino friends of his parents volunteered to look after him until he was brought to Laoag City.

Brady had been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). He was given proper attention until he was treated.

Brady knows how to speak Ilocano and Tagalog. And, aside from singing, he knows how to play the piano.

Brady is aware about the fate of his parents as well as how he ended up living in the Philippines.

Despite his gloomy past, he remains cheerful. He said he has no regrets and is grateful to his adoptive family.

Although he wants to see his biological American parents, he said he prefers to stay in the Philippines, saying he sees himself as a real Filipino. -Report from Grace Alba, ABS-CBN Laoag

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ABS-CBN (http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/03/10/11/american-pgt-hopeful-laoag-wows-judges)

ipur

March 11th, 2011, 08:57 AM

BREAKING NEWS...

Intensity 8.8 earthquake happened in JAPAN around 1:56PM today. Most probably, a tsunami alert will be issued on the eastern sea board of the Philippines sooner today...Please be alert as it is being expected that a tsunami (if there is) will arrive at around 6PM today ...

ipur

March 11th, 2011, 09:11 AM

^^now upgraded to 8.9

william :D

March 11th, 2011, 03:59 PM

Tsunami Alert Philippines: Phivolcs raises alert to level 2, forces evacuation (UPDATED)

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has just raised the alert level to 2 in the following areas:

Batanes Group of Islands
Cagayan
Ilocos Norte
Isabela
Quezon
Aurora
Camarines Norte
Camarines Sur
Albay
Catanduanes
Sorsogon
Northern Samar
Eastern Samar
Leyte
Southern Leyte
Surigao del Norte
Surigao del Sur
Davao Oriental
Davao del Sur

Of this list, the top four listed are of the most concern to authorities.

People living in the affected areas are now being forced to evacuate as Phivolcs expects a wave to hit sometime Friday between 5 to 7 pm (local time).

Benito Ramos of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) also warns the public to stay away from shorelines.

Renato Solidum, Director of Phivolcs, in a separate press conference, seconded Ramos' advice and further added that people living closer to coastal waters should move inland, far away from the waterfront, to avoid any casualties.

"Huwag na po tayong mag-usyoso sa tsunami (Please don't treat it like a spectacle)," said Solidum.

In another news conference, Deputy Director of Phivolcs Bartolome Bautista, expected that they will lift the alert sometime between 8 or 9 in the evening.

He also said that the tsunami is expected to be less than a meter and that it should not be damaging nor will it cause any fatalities.

"Unless of course, you are on the beachfront and you can't swim," he quipped.

"Supersonic ang speed niyan, parang jet plane (It's speed is super sonic, like a jet plane)," he further explained.

He doesn't expect the tsunami to reach communities further inland but reiterated the need for people to move to higher ground.

The Philippine Coast Guard has also issued a warning regarding sea travel, particularly those travelling to the eastern side (Pacific Ocean).

Meanwhile, Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos has also suspended classes in areas near the coast.

(PNA) Per latest reports by local officials, numerous individuals were injured in Miyagi Prefecture and Central Tokyo following the powerful earthquake that hit northeastern Japan.

Fire department officials in Osaki, Miyagi Prefecture, said they received at least 20 reports of injuries, including people being hit by falling objects and being trapped under debris.

In Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward, about 10 people were injured when part of the roof of a hall collapsed, the Metropolitan Police Department said.

Latest reports put fatalities at 32.

Updates to this story can be found here. (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/308836/89-quake-tsunami-hit-japan)

source (http://mb.com.ph/node/308807/phivolc)

http://28.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lhvwmiaAU91qbkjr9o1_500.jpg
photo from bayanihan online (http://bayanihanonline.wordpress.com/2011/03/11/tsunami-alert-philippines-2/)

lets all pray!!! :ohno:

808 state

March 11th, 2011, 04:22 PM

SOON

COMMERCIAL ARCADE DESIGNED BY PALAFOX ASSOCIATES
http://i52.tinypic.com/a59iq0.jpg

http://i52.tinypic.com/34f19o5.jpg
BY INHCC

PLAZUELA DE ILOILO: The Rise of Spanish Colony in Modern Iloilohttp://img142.imageshack.us/img142/5003/florete.jpg
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h141/oboi_1/plz_04.jpg
http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs280.snc1/10735_1199653343820_1003115030_30617756_5701250_n.jpg
http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs280.snc1/10735_1199653383821_1003115030_30617757_362023_n.jpg
http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs260.snc1/10735_1199653423822_1003115030_30617758_4298136_n.jpg

808 state

March 11th, 2011, 05:49 PM

http://i51.tinypic.com/2l5qoh.jpg

GTPro

March 12th, 2011, 10:24 AM

Matindi yan basta gawang Palafox

EDMARATION

March 14th, 2011, 07:08 AM

5 SISTERS SUPERSTORE IS CLOSING:cry::cry::cry:

EVERYTHING'S ON SALE

ALL ITEMS MUST GO!!!

http://i55.tinypic.com/2ef1e7m.jpg

http://i55.tinypic.com/qn49lf.jpg

THANK YOU AND GOODBYE

WE'LL BE MISSING YOU

5 Sisters Superstore

=> matagal din ang 5sisters na yan.. Kalungkot oh.. bye 5 sisters. Sm can really consume everything..

808 state

March 14th, 2011, 12:21 PM

http://i55.tinypic.com/a9pxs0.jpg

Puregold eyes 100-store network in Luzon this year (http://business.inquirer.net/money/topstories/view/20110313-325274/Puregold-eyes-100-store-network-in-Luzon-this-year)

MANILA, Philippines—Grocery chain Puregold Price Club Inc., which will soon debut on the Philippine Stock Exchange, aims to build a 100-store network across Luzon this year.

Puregold, owned by the family of Filipino-Chinese businessman Lucio Co, plans to expand to as far as Laoag, Ilocos Norte,:banana::banana::banana: and La Trinidad, Benguet, in Northern Luzon, company officials said. In Southern Luzon, the company is looking at Candelaria in Quezon and San Juan in Batangas.

Vincent Co, merchandising director of Puregold, told reporters on the sidelines of a joint press briefing with Globe Telecom that the company was targeting to hit 100 stores this year from the current network of 65.

“There’s still a big market in Luzon but next year, we may enter key cities outside of Luzon,” Co said.

Co said Puregold’s selling proposition was its “value for money” offering of merchandise goods from the “sari-sari” (small neighborhood) stores to the end-users. He said the store now had over 150,000 active members, including those who buy wholesale and sell in sari-sari stores.

He added that Puregold was offering free delivery services to regular customers regardless of how much goods they buy. Some sari-sari stores, he said, would buy goods as frequently as four times a week.

Puregold senior area manager Kelvin Kwan said the company had three store formats: PriceClub (with 44 branches); neighborhood grocery store Puregold Jr. (17) and Puregold Extra (4). PriceClub is a full-service hypermart; Puregold Junior, a neighborhood store format sized at 1,200 square meters; and Puregold Extra, a small grocery with an area of about 800 square meters.

“We’re very optimistic because of the good state of the economy,” Kwan said.

On Friday, Puregood signed an agreement with Globe allowing its shoppers to purchase Globe and TM prepaid loads in over 1,400 checkout counters of its stores. “Buying Globe and TM prepaid load has become simple, secure and hassle-free as subscribers can already include load purchase in their grocery list while shopping in Puregold,” Globe consumer sales group head Ferdinand de la Cruz said.—Doris C. Dumlao

808 state

March 14th, 2011, 12:29 PM

=> matagal din ang 5sisters na yan.. Kalungkot oh.. bye 5 sisters. Sm can really consume everything..

kinalakihan ko na ang 5 SISTERS, dyan din kami umuutang noon:D paalam na 5 SISTERS:wave::wave:

are we going to see http://i54.tinypic.com/20954ww.png soon?

ABANGAN!:cheers::cheers::cheers:

808 state

March 14th, 2011, 01:16 PM

http://i52.tinypic.com/64j952.png
http://i52.tinypic.com/2lihgup.jpg
from its website

http://i55.tinypic.com/dphfme.jpg
by yolanda.tumamao (https://picasaweb.google.com/yolanda.tumamao)

808 state

March 14th, 2011, 01:26 PM

KAPULUAN - PAGUDPUD, ILOCOS NORTE
http://i53.tinypic.com/o7kd3o.jpg

http://i53.tinypic.com/14ae99t.jpg
by Burkhard Schrage

808 state

March 14th, 2011, 01:29 PM

BANGUI, ILOCOS NORTE
http://i56.tinypic.com/x4qkxf.jpg
by Burkhard Schrage

Tarlaqueno-ako

March 14th, 2011, 01:49 PM

Oh yeah, maraming kuwentong ganyan yung mga old folks when I was a kid. I think this was one way for the young men and women to meet and get to know each other too hehe. Anyway, since I grew up in the barrio myself, meron din yung "irub party" noon. Anybody heard of this one? I think this was mainly for kids though. Ito yung young, green and pre-harvest state ng sweet rice or "diket" where you burn and toast the grain over fire then pounded to separate the husk and what comes out is like a green pinipig called "iniruban". You can either eat it as it is, use it for toppings or cook it into a suman-like cake called "binagkal". :cheers:

Merun sa amin iyan sir, he he. Tama inuruban din ang tawag sa amin sa Camiling.:) Madalas daw gawin iyan noong araw at naabutan ko pa, Kung tawagin sa amin ay "agirub". Pag may mga balikbayans, ginagawa eto, bonding time.:)

guitarose

March 14th, 2011, 03:11 PM

LCES lot commercial area project begins

BY DOMINIC DELA CRUZ
STAFF REPORTER

AFTER THE long wait, Laoag Mayor Michael V. Fariñas personally confirmed
that proposed commercial area to be established on the eastern portion of the Laoag Central Elementary School lot has now begun.Fariñas announced that the winning bidder for the said project has started the construction of the Bureau of Fire Protection and Girl Scout of the Philippines buildings as well as the completion of the city’s Department of Education building.

These constructions initiate the project since the affected government offices would have to be transferred first before full blown construction of the commercial establishment can be commenced as part of the agreement between Bellagio Holdings Corp., the Diocese of Laoag and the city government. Under the memorandum of agreement (MOA) entered into by the three parties, there will also be a two-storey LCES building that would be constructed, home economics and other school buildings that are needed would be shouldered by the contractor. This also includes some of the school office equipments and furniture. The Gabaldon-type building located at the center of the LCES lot will also be restored. The mayor learned that the target date for the completion of the identified buildings, which includes the big commercial area, will be before the classes start this year.

Fariñas also clarified that in the demolition of structures around the bell tower, the city government is only issuing demolition permits as he stressed that the demolition would be up to the Catholic Church and Bellagio.
The said area has been marked to become a park.

Meanwhile, the mayor said that the city government respects free enterprise wherein investors are very much welcome to invest here in the city.
This is the reaction of the mayor on the rumors that the biggest mall owner in the country is set to construct its own establishment in the city. This simply means that the place is has been tipped for progress if business establishments are continuously put up in a certain area. It must be remembered, Fariñas said that Laoag City is eyeing to become a highly urbanized city in the future and that the city is very much open and to any investors that may come.

THE ILOCOS TIMES learned that the biggest mall owner in the country has started buying lots at the heart of the city. This is aside from the commercial
area to be put up within the vicinity of the LCES.

With these proposed projects, the mayor sees the solution to unemployment in the city of Laoag and the province of Ilocos Norte, where this will
generate employment opportunities and at the same time earn additional income on the part of the city government through local
revenues.

http://ilocostimes.com/pdf-issues/feb28-mar06-11.pdf
.
.

.

guitarose

March 14th, 2011, 03:26 PM

LCES lot commercial area project begins

BY DOMINIC DELA CRUZ
STAFF REPORTER

AFTER THE long wait, Laoag Mayor Michael V. Fariñas personally confirmed
that proposed commercial area to be established on the eastern portion of the Laoag Central Elementary School lot has now begun.Fariñas announced that the winning bidder for the said project has started the construction of the Bureau of Fire Protection and Girl Scout of the Philippines buildings as well as the completion of the city’s Department of Education building.

These constructions initiate the project since the affected government offices would have to be transferred first before full blown construction of the commercial establishment can be commenced as part of the agreement between Bellagio Holdings Corp., the Diocese of Laoag and the city government. Under the memorandum of agreement (MOA) entered into by the three parties, there will also be a two-storey LCES building that would be constructed, home economics and other school buildings that are needed would be shouldered by the contractor. This also includes some of the school office equipments and furniture. The Gabaldon-type building located at the center of the LCES lot will also be restored. The mayor learned that the target date for the completion of the identified buildings, which includes the big commercial area, will be before the classes start this year.

Fariñas also clarified that in the demolition of structures around the bell tower, the city government is only issuing demolition permits as he stressed that the demolition would be up to the Catholic Church and Bellagio. The said area has been marked to become a park.

Meanwhile, the mayor said that the city government respects free enterprise wherein investors are very much welcome to invest here in the city. This is the reaction of the mayor on the rumors that the biggest mall owner in the country is set to construct its own establishment in the city. This simply means that the place is has been tipped for progress if business establishments are continuously put up in a certain area. It must be remembered, Fariñas said that Laoag City is eyeing to become a highly urbanized city in the future and that the city is very much open and to any investors that may come.

THE ILOCOS TIMES learned that the biggest mall owner in the country has started buying lots at the heart of the city. This is aside from the commercial area to be put up within the vicinity of the LCES.

With these proposed projects, the mayor sees the solution to unemployment in the city of Laoag and the province of Ilocos Norte, where this will generate employment opportunities and at the same time earn additional income on the part of the city government through local
revenues.

http://ilocostimes.com/pdf-issues/feb28-mar06-11.pdf
.
.

.

gr8-one

March 14th, 2011, 08:32 PM

^^ K E W L ! ! !

gr8-one

March 14th, 2011, 08:36 PM

By: Miriaflor B. Rimando

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, March 14 (PIA) --- The Department of Tourism - Region 1 (DOT-R1), in partnership with the Philippine National Police (PNP) here, conducted a two-day training to some 50 policemen who would act as tourist guides and will eventually be called Tourist-Oriented Police for Community Order and Protection (TOPCOP) in Laoag City to keep guests and tourists safe and make their stay in the country enjoyable.

The TOPCOP was piloted in Ilocos Norte to provide necessary assistance and reassure the security and safety of visitors, both local and foreign guests, coming in the province to witness the tourism pride of Laoag City.

Among the components of the training include the review of police response procedures, tourist profiles, overview on tourism and child protection laws which were discussed by officers who are expert in the field.

Effective customer service with values formation was also discussed by Master trainor Julius Judalena, a DOT accredited speaker, while PSupt. Christian Haveria presented the role and mission of TOPCOP.

The DOT project is envisioned to create a favorable image of the country as a safe place and make tourism incomes contribute to socio-economic benefits especially after a Memorandum of Understanding was signed in 2010 by the DOT and the PNP, represented then by Secretary Alberto Lim and General Raul Bacalzo respectively. (JCR/MBR/PIA1-La Union

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source (http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=22106)

gr8-one

March 14th, 2011, 08:39 PM

Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 22:38:00 03/13/2011

MANILA, Philippines—Grocery chain Puregold Price Club Inc., which will soon debut on the Philippine Stock Exchange, aims to build a 100-store network across Luzon this year.

Puregold, owned by the family of Filipino-Chinese businessman Lucio Co, plans to expand to as far as Laoag, Ilocos Norte, and La Trinidad, Benguet, in Northern Luzon, company officials said. In Southern Luzon, the company is looking at Candelaria in Quezon and San Juan in Batangas.

Vincent Co, merchandising director of Puregold, told reporters on the sidelines of a joint press briefing with Globe Telecom that the company was targeting to hit 100 stores this year from the current network of 65.

“There’s still a big market in Luzon but next year, we may enter key cities outside of Luzon,” Co said.

Co said Puregold’s selling proposition was its “value for money” offering of merchandise goods from the “sari-sari” (small neighborhood) stores to the end-users. He said the store now had over 150,000 active members, including those who buy wholesale and sell in sari-sari stores.

He added that Puregold was offering free delivery services to regular customers regardless of how much goods they buy. Some sari-sari stores, he said, would buy goods as frequently as four times a week.

Puregold senior area manager Kelvin Kwan said the company had three store formats: PriceClub (with 44 branches); neighborhood grocery store Puregold Jr. (17) and Puregold Extra (4). PriceClub is a full-service hypermart; Puregold Junior, a neighborhood store format sized at 1,200 square meters; and Puregold Extra, a small grocery with an area of about 800 square meters.

“We’re very optimistic because of the good state of the economy,” Kwan said.

On Friday, Puregood signed an agreement with Globe allowing its shoppers to purchase Globe and TM prepaid loads in over 1,400 checkout counters of its stores. “Buying Globe and TM prepaid load has become simple, secure and hassle-free as subscribers can already include load purchase in their grocery list while shopping in Puregold,” Globe consumer sales group head Ferdinand de la Cruz said.—Doris C. Dumlao

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
source (http://business.inquirer.net/money/topstories/view/20110313-325274/Puregold-eyes-100-store-network-in-Luzon-this-year)

hugodiekonig

March 15th, 2011, 12:23 AM

808 state

March 15th, 2011, 12:29 PM

^^great news:banana::banana::banana:

PUREGOLD
SM
DUTY FREE
are invading the sunshine city...Laoag is indeed moving forward!
:dance::dance::dance:

gr8-one

March 15th, 2011, 08:58 PM

^^ KEWL...

gr8-one

March 17th, 2011, 09:09 AM

The power subsidiary of Ayala Corp has acquired a 50% stake in the firm behind the Ilocos Norte wind farm at an undisclosed price.

The development is in line with the conglomerate's thrust of diversifying into the power and infrastructure businesses.

"Ayala Corp., through Michigan Power, Inc., a 100%-owned subsidiary, acquired a 50% effective stake in NorthWind Power Development Corp. (Northwind)," the country's oldest conglomerate said in a disclosure on Thursday, declining to cite the purchase cost.

Northwind owns and operates the 33-megawatt wind farm in Bangui Bay in Ilocos Norte. The project, the first commercial wind farm in Southeast Asia, has 20 wind turbines.

"This is part of Ayala Corp.'s initiative to enter the power sector and comes after the company's recent joint venture with Mitsubishi Corp. on solar power," the firm said.

"Our goal over the next five years is to build a portfolio of power generation assets of over 1,000 megawatts, which include both renewable and traditional forms of energy sources," Fernando Zobel de Ayala, president and chief operating officer of Ayala Corp., said in the same disclosure.

"We believe there are opportunities to make early stage investments in the renewable energy space, which may have the potential to grow over time given the need to develop alternative sources of energy," he added. - Neil Jerome C. Morales

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source (http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?title=Ayala%20Corp.%20buys%20stake%20in%20Ilocos%20wind%20farm&id=28150)

koreanboy

March 17th, 2011, 01:53 PM

Paoay church in Ilocos to get facelift

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

MANILA, March 16 (PNA) - The provincial government of Ilocos Norte has announced a plan to restore Paoay Church.

The renovation of the St. Augustine Church or Paoay Church will also involve the towns of San Nicolas and Currimao and the cities of Laoag and Batac.

Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos said the project aims to make the province becomes the country’s “northern gateway.”

“We have a lot of potential tourist attraction to be developed, enriched and appreciated, and to be enjoyed,” the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) website said, quoting Marcos.

Renowned architect Felino Palafox was tapped to design the tourism plan surrounding Paoay Church like the plaza, the ruins of the Catholic convent and the frontage of a state-run university.

A commercial arcade, which would feature the town’s unique products, along a stretch of the road lining the Paoay Church will also rise to generate more tourist activities.

Construction of Paoay Church was started by the Augustinian friars in 1694. Led by Fr. Antonio Estavillo, it was completed in 1894 and was re-dedicated in the same year.

During the revolution in 1898, its coral stone bell tower was used by the Katipuneros as an observation post.

Paoay Church is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is currently a property of the Diocese of Laoag, Ilocos Norte. (PNA)
LAP/LOR/jmc

808 state

March 21st, 2011, 01:13 PM

PATAPAT VIADUCT - PAGUDPUD, ILOCOS NORTE
http://i55.tinypic.com/15zm3vr.jpg
by LitratoNiJuan (http://www.flickr.com/photos/pixeleu/)

808 state

March 21st, 2011, 01:17 PM

HANNAH'S PLACE - PAGUDPUD, ILOCOS NORTE
http://i54.tinypic.com/309lzsk.jpg
by LitratoNiJuan (http://www.flickr.com/photos/pixeleu/)

808 state

March 21st, 2011, 01:26 PM

BANGUI, ILOCOS NORTE
http://i51.tinypic.com/28i45k1.jpg
by wachi_remo (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ichawremo/)

gr8-one

March 21st, 2011, 08:32 PM

By: Carlo P. Canares

LAOAG CITY, March 21 (PIA) - A group of government information officers in Ilocos Norte was formally organized with the election of officers recently.

Spearheaded by the Philippine Information Agency-Laoag Information Center, the Ilocos Norte Association of Government Information Officers (INAGIO) is composed of information officers of government agencies and local government units in the province. Its primary role is to help the Executive Branch in disseminating the government’s message directly to private media entities. It also serves as the agency’s or LGU’s communication arm whose task is to produce news releases on policies, programs, projects and activities that would enhance the people’s capabilities to identify opportunities for development.

Following its organization and elections held at the PIA-Laoag Infocen, the newly elected officers are Fehlander Madriaga of the Department of Science & Technology, president; June Arvin Gudoy of Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte, vice-president; Wilma Eda of Department of Education, secretary; Racquel Guzman of Department of Social Welfare & Development, Treasurer; Ramon Formanted of Laoag City Government, PRO; and Leonavella Dadiz of the Department of Labor & Employment, Business Manager.

The officers and members promised to work together and uphold its newly-enacted Constitution and By-Laws to promote government development programs in Ilocos Norte. The organization shall be coordinating its activities through the secretariat of the PIA-Laoag Infocen.

Laoag Infocen Manager Ms Cristina Arzadon has made a commitment to assist the INAGIO members in capability building programs such as the holding of writers’ trainings and workshops. (ANL/CPC-PIA Ilocos Norte)

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source (http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=23545)

gr8-one

March 21st, 2011, 08:35 PM

LINGAYEN -- Pangasinan II dethroned Ilocos Norte in the recent one-week Department of Education (Deped) regional athletic meet held here.

Governor Amado Espino Jr. was glad with the win, saying: "Ang usapan namin ng mga coaches noon, because Pangasinan II Schools Division has the most probable chance to beat Ilocos Norte, ay makalaban man lang. What I expected is lalapit lang ng husto (sa Ilocos Norte), pero next year pa at least makapag-over all champion."

Espino gave his all-out support to the athletes of Pangasinan during their training and preparation for the Ilocos Regional Athletic Association (IRAA) Meet (or Region 1 Athletic Association Meet as approved by DepEd Undersecretary for Legal Affairs Alberto Muyot).

"I am very happy not only because Pangasinan II is overall champion (and Pangasinan II and Pangasinan I ruling the elementary and secondary divisions, respectively), but also because our visitors had good comments on the security, cleanliness at the different venues, and the beauty of the province," the governor said.

The visitors reportedly had the grand time visiting the Capitol building and the Sison Auditorium (the cultural center of Pangasinan), and roaming around the Capitol grounds.

"We have six schools division in Pangasinan. After 11 years, nanalo tayo. We have to maintain this next year para hindi nila sabihin natsambahan lang. I think we will pursue that sports program called Summer Camp para maturuan lalo ang mga magagaling na mga athletes," said Espino.

He said the government will house the athletes at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center.

Pangasinan II kicked Ilocos Norte out of the throne by earning 503.5 total points. Ilocos Norte recorded 490.5 total points.

Pangasinan II Schools Division Superintendent Viraluz Raguindin said the support given by Espino and the Provincial Government was a major factor in their victory.

"Simula nong magplano kami nong hosting ng IRAA, we have also been working and providing for the training of our athletes. Kasi side by side with that, dalawang bagay ang tinitignan ni governor - ang ating contingent at ang preparations for the hosting. Kaya akoy lubos na nagpapasalamat sa ating governor who has given us his all out support," she said.

She acknowledged the assistance and support of Provincial Government sports director Modesto Operana.

"On the spot, he (Operana) checks on our athletes undergoing training," Viraluz said.

She also thanked the athletes for their perseverance and hard work.

"I will always pray na tulungan kayo ng Diyos. And of course sa mga magulang, ipagpatuloy ang inyong pagnanais na gumaling ang kanilang performance in sports and athletics. Let us support the sports program of the division," she said.

Aside from hosting the IRAA, Governor Espino said the province will bid for the hosting of the Palarong Pambansa next year.

He said he will be sending the schools superintendent and the members of the Provincial Board to the upcoming Palarong Pambansa in Zamboanga.

"We will bid for the hosting of Palarong Pambansa. If my time and schedule permits, will go there too," he said.

Pangasinan hosted the Palarong Pambansa in 1995. Espino was director of the Pangasinan Police Provincial Office. (Liway C. Manantan-Yparraguirre/Sunnex)

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source (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pangasinan/sports/2011/03/20/pangasinan-beats-ilocos-norte-regional-athletics-145890)

hugodiekonig

March 22nd, 2011, 03:48 PM

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4116/4857108314_fa72724514_z.jpg

hpesoJames (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hpesojames/4857108314/sizes/z/in/photostream/)

pau_p1

March 23rd, 2011, 11:34 AM

BANGUI, ILOCOS NORTE
http://i51.tinypic.com/28i45k1.jpg
by wachi_remo (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ichawremo/)

paano ba pumunta dito sa Bangui?... I've been looking at Google maps on which road to go to get there.. but I'm not sure if it will lead to the right place... We're going there this holy week...

also for Kapurpuraoan (white rock).. how can I get there from the national highway?

suri_maw2020

March 23rd, 2011, 11:56 AM

@ pau Click below link from Wikimapia....

http://www.wikimapia.org/#lat=18.526736&lon=120.7087612&z=14&l=0&m=b

paano ba pumunta dito sa Bangui?... I've been looking at Google maps on which road to go to get there.. but I'm not sure if it will lead to the right place... We're going there this holy week...

also for Kapurpuraoan (white rock).. how can I get there from the national highway?

pau_p1

March 23rd, 2011, 12:08 PM

thanks for the link.. so would you say that that road beside that delta is the best road to get on to have the best view?..

808 state

March 24th, 2011, 06:46 PM

1st Vietnam International Choir Festival
and Competition 2011

GRAND CHAMPION!
:banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:

http://i55.tinypic.com/ip8wf7.jpg
from facebook

CONGRATULATIONS

ILOCOS NORTE NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL'S
SAMIWENG SINGERS

:dance::dance::dance:

RShI51XvnAg&feature

CZS0RLESwxQ

yZy9hP5ojOg

guitarose

March 26th, 2011, 05:17 PM

Clark Airport goes clean energy

PIA Press Release
Thursday, March 24, 2011

CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga, March 24 (PIA) - The Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) is set to implement an industry-defining project that will boost CIAC's mission to be the country's premiere international gateway airport and a competitive services and logistics hub in the Asia-Pacific Region.

CIAC and the Energy Logics Group (ELG) recently signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the conduct of engineering and feasibility studies on Renewable Energy Systems within the properties of the 2,367-hectare Clark Civil Aviation Complex.

CIAC president and CEO Victor Jose I. Luciano and ELG president and CEO Marco Prieto Delgado signed the agreement that will pave the way for the establishment of Renewable Energy Systems within the aviation complex. Luciano said that, "The project would be beneficial to the development of the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) since it is being geared as the country's premier international gateway."

Led by Delgado, ELG is one of the pioneers in renewable energy in the country and a staunch proponent of President Aquino's directive to create a long-term roadmap to harness renewable energy sources towards the Philippines' energy independence and security.

ELG is registered by the Department of Energy (DOE) under the Renewable Energy Act of 2009.

It has significant interests in wind, solar, hydro, bio-fuels, and biomass in the Philippines, Guam, Canada, and Latin America and is a member of the Transnational Diversified Group, a privately-held conglomerate with 30 operating companies in shipping, ship management, logistics, business process outsourcing, air and travel, and energy and has a workforce of 14,000.

ELG currently has the largest combined wind-solar pipeline in the Philippines, with a minimum of 420-MW in wind and 250-MW in solar.

It is set to ground-break the $300 million 120-MW Pasuquin East Project in Ilocos Norte on the 3rd quarter of 2011.

Total investments in energy infrastructure for the next 10 years is at least $1.23 billion.

ELG is driven by its commitment of delivering a strong corporate social responsibility program for its host communities.

A portion of its revenue shall be used to develop missionary electrification, education, job generation and entrepreneurship, environment, and community building.

The CIAC project, upon the initiative of Luciano, integrates renewable energy and energy efficiency systems within the airport facilities and is in line with the DOE's thrust towards developing distributed generation of clean energy as directed by DOE Secretary Jose Rene D. Almendras.

Buildings under the jurisdiction of the CIAC are expected to be more efficient and sustainable, and will make CIAC a model of carbon footprint reduction.

The flagship projects will be solar generation facilities on rooftops of existing and future terminals and hangars, initially envisaged to generate an estimated 1,200 megawatt hours per year.

Given the approval of the Board of Directors of CIAC, ELG shall immediately begin the feasibility studies and development of various sites within the CIAC area. (CLJD-PIA 3/CIAC)

http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=24063

hugodiekonig

March 27th, 2011, 01:43 PM

by: Cristina Arzadon

LAOAG CITY, March 27 (PIA) – When the clock struck at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, the Laoag city hall plunged into darkness to observe the worldwide earth hour that was meant to battle the effects climate change.

The maintenance crew of the city park, plaza and other public structure dimmed the lights for an hour. Food chains and other business stalls also softened their lights as their contribution to the global effort of reducing the effects of global warming.

The local radio station of Bombo Radio aired a nationwide countdown to earth hour before signing off.

Some households in the city switched off their power and lighted candles.

Earth Hour, which was launched in Australia in 2007, is meant to mobilize action against climate change through the simple act of turning off lights.

Ilocos Norte Imee Marcos and Laoag city Mayor Michael Fariñas have both issued directives to turn off lights in public structures for an hour to support efforts in saving Mother Earth.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo have earlier instructed provincial governors, city and municipal mayors and punong barangays, to turn off non-essential lights and electrical appliances in provincial, city, municipal and barangay halls and other government facilities for one hour.

“We hope that this simple act of switching off lights will go beyond Earth Hour and trigger the implementation of more decisive actions to mitigate the impact of climate change,” he said.

Robredo also enjoined LGUs to organize their own Earth Hour events within their areas. He said local officials can hang streamers to generate the participation of the public on the activity.

He also encouraged the public to sign up at www.earthhour.org to share stories of their actions that benefit the planet.

“We should also continue using compact fluorescent lights instead of incandescent bulbs in government installations to minimize electricity usage and costs,” said Robredo.(JCR/CCA/PIA1-ILOCOS NORTE)

http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r01&id=24479

hugodiekonig

March 28th, 2011, 05:02 PM

by Cristina Arzadon

LAOAG CITY, March 28 (PIA) – After winning its first international choir tournament in Vietnam, the 29-member Samiweng choral group is now eyeing the 2012 World Choir Games in Cincinnati, Ohio in July next year.

The world-class choral from the Ilocos Norte National High School (INNHS) was given a certificate of qualification to advance automatically in the championship round of the 7th World Choir Games in Ohio on July 4 to 12 next year.

Robert Caluya, conductor emeritus of INNHS, said the certification issued meant that the group is no longer required to audition for the world competition.

Caluya said the two awards that the Samiweng took home during the 1st Vietnam International Choir Festival and Competition in Hoi An recently was an affirmation of the group’s world-class talent.

“We have been waiting for this moment. We first applied for an international competition since a decade ago. But God had another plans. This is His plan (referring to the Vietnam victory),” he said.

Caluya and his co-conductor Sherberk Cabrales stirred the Samiweng to earn the Gold Diploma (Level III) in the children’s choir category and another Gold Diploma (Level IV) in the Sacred Choir Music Category.

The group was also declared as the overall winner in the Children's Choir, Sacred Choir Music, Youth Choir of Mixed Voices and Youth Choir of Equal Voices.

The competing countries went under scrutiny by members of the international jury that included Dang Chau Anh from riVietnam, Soundarie David from Sri Lanka, Raymund Fu from Hongkong, John August Pamintuan from Philippines, Susanna Saw from Malaysia, and Aida Swenson from Indonesia.

The other choral groups came from Estonia, Singapore, China, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and Vietnam.

The Ilocos contingent was accompanied by school executives led by INNHS principal Isabel Sison-Sandi.

The Samiweng’s trip to Vietnam was made possible through donations and cash assistance from the Laoag City government headed by City Mayor Michael Fariñas, the provincial government of Ilocos Norte with the leadership of Governor Imee R. Marcos; DepEd Laoag led by the City Schools Division Superintendent Araceli C. Pastor; INNHS Integrated General Parents Teachers Association through its President Noralyn Espejo; INNHS Class Alumni Associations and other private individuals. (ANL/CCA- PIA 1 Ilocos Norte)

http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r01&id=24653

:banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::cheers:

hugodiekonig

March 29th, 2011, 04:14 PM

by Carlo P. Canares

LAOAG CITY, March 29 (PIA) - The Regional Development Council in Region 1 has proclaimed the municipality of San Nicolas in Ilocos Norte as the grand slam winner in its three awards.

San Nicolas was again adjudged as the Best Performing Local Government Unit for 1st to 3rd class municipality in Region 1 for CY 2010. This is in recognition of the exemplary effectiveness of the LGU’s performance and capabilities in such areas as governance, administration, social services, economic development, environmental management based on the Local Governance Performance Measuring System (LGPMS).

The town was also declared the champion in the search for Best LGU-NGO Partnership with its entry, “LGU San Nicolas-Gelfi: Partners for KalikaSanicolas.” The entry showed San Nicolas partnering with Green Earth Legacy Foundation Inc (GELFI), a non-government organization, in promoting environmental and livelihood development programs aimed at preserving the environment.

San Nicolas was likewise adjudged as the 2nd runner up in the Best LGU Practices for the 1st-3rd class municipal category in the region for its entry “Can We Stand a Loan?: The LGU San Nicolas’ Debt Defying Experience.” The entry showed how the huge structure that is the San Nicolas Public Market was built with no loans incurred but merely on the honest, transparent and dedicated governance and leadership of Mayor Alfred Valdez Jr., and the unity, hard work and determination of San Nicolenos and town officials.

Mayor Valdez said these great accomplishments are results of the unified workings of “three actors of development:” government, the citizenry, and non-government organizations.

“It is my belief that with a unified people inspired by an honest government, our town will have a tranquil sojourn to prosperity and greatness,” Mayor Valdez said. (ANL/CPC-PIA 1 Ilocos Norte)

http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r01&id=24759

congratulations San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte! :cheers:

hugodiekonig

April 2nd, 2011, 04:51 PM

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3605/3361558449_d956e3ffab_z.jpg?zz=1

View from Old Ermita Hill Building overlooking Gilbert brdige of Laoag City

Neil Ratuita (http://www.flickr.com/photos/neilgratuita/3361558449/)

hugodiekonig

April 2nd, 2011, 04:52 PM

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3448/3312181333_078e9930e6_z.jpg?zz=1

Neil Ratuita (http://www.flickr.com/photos/neilgratuita/3312181333/sizes/z/in/photostream/)

hugodiekonig

April 2nd, 2011, 04:54 PM

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3448/3312181333_078e9930e6_z.jpg?zz=1

Neil Ratuita (http://www.flickr.com/photos/neilgratuita/3312181333/sizes/z/in/photostream/)

hugodiekonig

April 4th, 2011, 10:34 AM

by Cristina Arzadon

LAOAG CITY, April 4 (PIA) – Thanks to Facebook, twitter and other social networking sites, Ilocos Norte's tourism is heating up with the entry of the hip crowd.

“We are ready for the huge crowd,” says Milagros Gonzales, tourism chief of the Department of Tourism in Ilocos Norte.

Gonzales said Ilocos tourism is bustling despite the absence of Chinese visitors following the pull out of the Hongkong Express flights to Laoag after the Manila hostage crisis in August last year.

Before the suspension of the Hongkong flights, Ilocos Norte enjoyed weekly arrivals of 1,200 Chinese nationals.

But thanks to Facebook, the absence of Chinese tourists has been filled up by the hip crowd composed mostly of college students from Luzon.

“They spread the news through the networking sites like Facebook and Twitter. And it works because we have students coming in by busloads.

They filled up the void (left by the Hongkong flight cancellation) way beyond our expectations,” Gonzales said.

She said an average of five university-sponsored field trips carrying busloads of 400 passengers (equivalent to 2,000 weekly visitors) show up in the province weekly since January this year. The figure is expected to soar during the summer season.

Ilocos Norte is one of eight anchor destinations in the country. Tourists are expected to either to dip in Pagudpud’s white beach, plow into rolling deserts known as the La Paz sand dunes on board four-wheel drives or indulge on authentic Ilocano cuisine.

Beginning March, the DOT started conducting seminars on basic tourism handling for resort owners and communities involved in home stay accommodation.

Gonzales said they also inspected eco-tourism sites around Ilocos Norte to check on the presence of facilities. Even hotel facilities are being checked for uninterrupted water supply to toilet kits.

She said authorities are negotiating for the entry of an international carrier to service the Taiwan-Laoag-Boracay route upon the request of businessmen.

She added representatives of the DOT and the Manila Economic and Cultural Office have made exploratory talks on the opening of the route which could supply more foreign tourists on top of domestic visitors. (ANL/CCA-PIA 1 Ilocos Norte)

http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r01&id=25799

hugodiekonig

April 4th, 2011, 10:35 AM

hugodiekonig

April 5th, 2011, 04:27 PM

http://hphotos-snc6.fbcdn.net/201691_10150133391182731_613207730_6491330_1830521_o.jpg

Mike Caballes (http://hphotos-snc6.fbcdn.net/201691_10150133391182731_613207730_6491330_1830521_o.jpg)

hugodiekonig

April 5th, 2011, 04:29 PM

http://hphotos-snc6.fbcdn.net/195114_10150133392877731_613207730_6491364_6370682_o.jpg

Mike Caballes (http://hphotos-snc6.fbcdn.net/195114_10150133392877731_613207730_6491364_6370682_o.jpg)

hugodiekonig

April 5th, 2011, 04:31 PM

http://hphotos-snc6.fbcdn.net/201691_10150133391182731_613207730_6491330_1830521_o.jpg

Mike Caballes (http://hphotos-snc6.fbcdn.net/201691_10150133391182731_613207730_6491330_1830521_o.jpg)

hugodiekonig

April 5th, 2011, 04:32 PM

http://hphotos-snc6.fbcdn.net/195114_10150133392877731_613207730_6491364_6370682_o.jpg

Mike Caballes (http://hphotos-snc6.fbcdn.net/195114_10150133392877731_613207730_6491364_6370682_o.jpg)

hugodiekonig

April 5th, 2011, 06:03 PM

by Carlo P. Canares

LAOAG CITY, April 5 (PIA) - Mayroon kasabihan na “a sure way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” Ganito din ang pananaw ni Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos. Subalit ito ay upang manghikayat ng mga turista sa lalawigan.

Naisip ng masipag na gobernadora na isang paraan upang humikayat ng mas maraming turista sa lalawigan ay sa pamamagitan ng mga masasarap na pagkain Iloko. Food trip, wika nga.

Ang Ilocos Norte ay puntahan ng mga banyaga at lokal na turista dahil ang lalawigan ay mayaman sa kultura, kasaysayan; at dahil sa nature-adventure at pilgrimage sites. Ang Ilocos Norte nga ay isa sa top 8 ‘anchor destination’ ayon sa Department of Tourism.

Subalit, nitong nakaraang taon, bahagyang nabawasan ang dami ng mga turista na nagpunta sa lalawigan. Kumpara noong 2009 na mayroon 192,654 na turista ang dumating sa Ilocos Norte, ay mayroon na lamang 191,300 ang bumisita noong 2010. Ito ay matapos makansela ang mga biyaheng Hong Kong at Taiwan patungo sa Laoag dahil sa nangyaring ‘hostage taking’ ng mga taga-Hong Kong sa Luneta noong nakaraang taon.

At upang mapalakas muli ang tourism industry ng Ilocos Norte, ipino-promote ni Gobernadora Marcos ang Ilocano cuisine para sa mga turista.

Ayon kay Ginang Lily Palafox, Events Coordinator ng Provincial Tourism Office, sumasali ang lalawigan sa “Mercato,” isang food festival sa The Fort sa Metro Manila. Mayroon sariling ‘booth’ ang lalawigan, ang PinakBest, kung saan ipinapakita ng Ilocos Norte ang masasarap at sikat na empanada, bagnet o chicharon, longaniza, sukang Iloko at iba pa. Ang food festival na ito ay sinasalihan ng mga magagaling na chef, mga hotel at restaurant na dinudumog ng mga mahihilig sa pagkain.

Bukod sa pagsali sa food festival, gumawa din si Gobernadora Marcos ng ‘gastro map,’ na magtuturo sa turista kung saan bayan o restaurant makakabili ng mga ipinagmamalaki na Ilocos cuisine. Halimbawa, nakasulat sa ‘gastro map’ na sa bayan ng Currimao mabibili ang mga kakanin; sa Batac City naman ang empanada at longganiza; sa San Nicolas ang bagnet; sa Banna ang rice coffee.

At upang matuwa pa lalo ang mga turista ay magbibigay ng diskwento ang mga kilalang restaurant sa Laoag City sa mga kakain dito. Sa kasalukuyan ay mayroon ng sampung restaurant ang lumahok sa promotion na ito ng Ilocos Norte.

Kinakailangan lamang ipakita ng mga turista ang kanilang ‘gastro map’ sa tuwing sila ay kakain sa mga restaurant.

Hindi lamang yan. Ayon pa kay Gng Palafox, inumpisahan na din ang Ragragsak ditoy Dap-ayan. Ang Dap-Ayan ay isang lugar sa Laoag City kung saan maraming kainan na pagkaing Iloko. Magkakaroon ng mga sing-along at iba pang palabas dito upang humikayat ng turista sa buong Summer. (ANL/CPC-PIA 1 Ilocos Norte)

http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r01&id=26132

hugodiekonig

April 5th, 2011, 06:03 PM

gr8-one

April 5th, 2011, 08:25 PM

WESTERN UNION Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Western Union, handed a $250,000 grant to the Philippines and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to fund a project that would channel overseas Filipino workers’ (OFW) remittances to sustainable local development programs in local communities.
The project entitled “The Overseas Filipinos Remittances for Development (OFs-RED): Building a Future Back Home” aims to pool funds from Filipino migrant workers to generate community-based enterprises in the OFWs’ respective communities, which would in turn address poverty reduction in the country.

“The Western Union Foundation funded OFs-RED project will contribute to efforts in the Philippines to achieve the Millennium Development Goals, in particular the target to halve the poverty by 2015, by supporting the creation of an enabling environment for overseas Filipinos and their families to use remittances for development,” UNDP Country Director in the Philippines Renaud Meyer in his speech.

OFs-RED, which was launched yesterday at the Makati Shangri-La Hotel, is a two-year project that would be jointly led by UNDP, the Philippine government through the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), the Commission on Filipinos Overseas, Local Government Units and Western Union.

The project is targeted to complete “a collective remittance model” in its first year of implementation, so that the model can be prepared for a broader dissemination or replication in other local communities in the second year.

“The model would be pilot tested in two sites, which are Taguig City and Ilocos Norte. The sites were chosen for their openness to the concept of migration and their exposure and/ or experience in migration,” said Pia De Lima, Western Union Director for Corporate Communications for Asia Pacific, after the launching of the OFs-RED: Building a Future Back Home yesterday.

“We target to field test the project by the third quarter in Ilocos Norte,” UNDP Portfolio Manager for the Empowerment of the Poor Unit Corazon T. Urquico said.

“Possible projects to be rolled out in Ilocos Norte are towards the agribusiness, ecotourism and food processing industries,” she added.

The OFs-RED project involves six phases. The first phase is “Policy-Making,” which is the assessment and refinement of government policies for the inclusion of collective remittances.

It is followed by “Capacity Assessment or Building,” which is building awareness among sender and beneficiaries of the program. The third phase is the “Collective Remittance Model,” which includes the creation of the framework and mechanism of the project.

The next phase is the “Promotion and Mobilization of Funds” phase, where OFWs and their families must be willing to undertake the “interventions” identified in the study.

This is then followed by the “Action Pilot” phase, which is the field testing of the project in two local communities, which are Ilocos Norte and Taguig City.

The last phase is the “Evaluation,” which would assess the final model on how to harness remittances and translate them to local development programs before implementing it to other communities.

or his part, NEDA Deputy Director General Rolando G. Tungpalan, in his speech, said: “The substantial inflows from remittances have kept the country’s economy resilient. This project is consistent with the Philippine Development Plan for 2011-2016.”

“This project would inspire and deepen the OFWs’ commitment to aid the country’s development,” he added.

The Philippines is the world’s fourth largest recipient of overseas remittances after India, China, and Mexico with $18.76 billion sent home in 2010 or 14% of the country’s gross domestic product. -- Ann Rozainne R. Gregorio

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source: Business World Online (http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Finance&title=Philippines,-UNDP-receive-grant-to-develop-programs-for-remittances&id=29247)

hugodiekonig

April 6th, 2011, 08:45 AM

by Cristina Arzadon

LAOAG CITY, April 6 (PIA) – Time to get rid of your outdated, creased tourist map and replace it with the new directory featuring the most sought out facts from food, transportation and accommodation in Ilocos Norte.

Produced by the provincial government, the Ilocos Norte directory is part of a marketing pitch for Ilocos tourism focusing on places of interest around the province.

The release of the Ilocos Norte directory is in time for droves of tourists who will visit the province for the Lenten break and throughout the summer season.

Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos has woven the province’s tourism promotion into a marketing plan called “Paoay Kumakaway” project. The tourism campaign focuses on select tourist destinations but made the town of Paoay as its launching pad.

Marcos also developed a Metro Ilocos tourism plan revolving around the town’s tourism centerpiece, the world heritage St. Augustine Church or Paoay Church.

The new directory incorporates an updated list of restaurants and fast food outlets and their contact numbers for easier access. The list includes accommodation facilities from hotels, lodgings, inns and resorts.

The fact list comes in handy to tourists and the general public who are in search of public transport either by air or on land. (ANL/CCA-PIA 1 Ilocos Norte)

http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r01&id=26198

hugodiekonig

April 6th, 2011, 08:46 AM

hugodiekonig

April 6th, 2011, 08:48 AM

ni Carlo P. Canares

LAOAG CITY, April 6 (PIA) - Kasabay ng pagsisimula ng kampanyang “Iligtas sa Tigdas ang Pinas”na kampanya ng Department of Health, sinimulan na din ng Ilocos Norte Provincial Health Office ang measles vaccination drive para sa mga bata.

Sinabi ni Provincial Health Officer Dr. Walberg Samonte na bumuo ang kanilang opisina ng mga doktor, nars kasama ang mga barangay health workers na pupunta sa mga barangay sa lalawigan upang isagawa ang pagbabakuna. Aniya pa, gagawin nila ito na door-to-door upang masiguro na ang bawat bata ay mabakunahan laban sa tigdas.

Ang “Iligtas sa Tigdas ang Pinas” ay isinasagawa upang mabawasan ang bilang ng mga bata na nasa panganib na magkaroon ng tigdas. Nilalayon ng pamahalaang Aquino na mawala ang sakit na tigdas sa buong kapuluan sa taong 2012. Ang tigdas ay sakit na sanhi ng virus at kumakalat sa pamamagitan ng pagubo at pagbahing o direktang ‘contact’ sa mayroon sakit nito. Ang mga sintomas ay lagnat; rashes na naguumpisa sa mukha, katawan at paa; ubo, sipon, mapulang mata at maliliit na ‘white spots’ sa loob ng bibig.

Noong 2010, mayroon 6,200 na kaso ng tigdas ang naitala. Karamihan sa mga kaso ay mga batang wala pang 8 taong gulang at hindi nabakunahan. Tatlumpu (30) sa mga kaso ang namatay.

At simula Enero hanggang Marso 19 ngayong taon, mayroon ng 2,075 kaso ng tigdas ang naitala. Umabot sa 174 ang naitala na kaso sa Rehiyon 1.

“Nakakabahala na marami pa rin bata ang namamatay dahil sa tigdas kahit pa libre ang pagbabakuna sa mga health centers,” ayon pa kay Health Secretary Ona.

Kung kaya’t ngayon Abril 4 hanggang Mayo 4, ay magkakaroon ng door-to-door pagbabakuna laban sa tigdas.

Nanawagan naman si Dr Samonte sa mga ina na makipagtulungan sa kanila at payagan ang kanilang mga bata sa pagbabakuna. (ANL/CPC-PIA 1 Ilocos Norte)

http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r01&id=26204

hugodiekonig

April 6th, 2011, 12:24 PM

by Cristina Arzadon

LAOAG CITY, April 6 (PIA) – Time to flex muscles this summer the fun way through the Laoag city governmentt’s Sama-Summer Together program.

The program, now running on its sixth year, is the city government’s month-long free summer course in sports and instructional sessions for grade school and high school students.

Hipolito Salva, city sports coordinator, said the summer program offers skills-training in various ball games and will include tutorials in mathematics, computers and cooking lessons.

“We have sufficient slots for the ball games but we are limiting enrollees in the computer tutorials and cooking lessons. We advise our youth to enlist early to avail of the limited slots,” he said.

Salva said students can sign up in their preferred ball games or tutorials by filling out forms at the City Community Affairs Office.

The computer sessions would only accommodate 30 students due to limited computer units for the program. The STI colleges will be providing their facilities for the tutorials including the cooking sessions.

The weekly sessions, which will run from Monday to Friday, will kick off on April 29 and end on June 3.

Mayor Michael Fariñas has considered the project as one of his preferred programs for the youth. The program has continued attracting more youth participants since it was offered as an after-school training course. (ANL/CCA- PIA Ilocos Norte)

http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r01&id=26280

808 state

April 7th, 2011, 01:22 PM

MCDONALD'S - BATAC CITY
http://i53.tinypic.com/35iycg8.jpg
by BlauEarth (http://blauearth.com/)

hugodiekonig

April 7th, 2011, 01:25 PM

MCDONALD'S - BATAC CITY
http://i53.tinypic.com/35iycg8.jpg
by BlauEarth (http://blauearth.com/)

Wow may Mcdo na pala sa Batac! makikita ko iyan next month!:banana::banana::banana::cheers:

808 state

April 7th, 2011, 01:36 PM

Wow may Mcdo na pala sa Batac! makikita ko iyan next month!:banana::banana::banana::cheers:

yey, salamat ng marami dahil pupunta ka ulit sa Norte:banana: pix mo ha, please hehe:cheers:

pansin ko, laging kinakawawa ang Batac!:nuts::nuts::nuts: ba't ganyan ang McDo, buti pa ang Laoag at San Nicolas:cheers:

hugodiekonig

April 7th, 2011, 01:38 PM

yey, salamat ng marami dahil pupunta ka ulit sa Norte:banana: pix mo ha, please hehe:cheers:

pansin ko, laging kinakawawa ang Batac!:nuts::nuts::nuts: ba't ganyan ang McDo, buti pa ang Laoag at San Nicolas:cheers:

Maliit man basta Meron, yun naman ang mahalaga:okay: sure, ako ,pa! Isshare ko ang pics ko ng Ilocos Norte trip ko rito pati rin sa ibang Ilocos Norte threads

808 state

April 7th, 2011, 01:38 PM

http://hphotos-snc6.fbcdn.net/195114_10150133392877731_613207730_6491364_6370682_o.jpg

Mike Caballes (http://hphotos-snc6.fbcdn.net/195114_10150133392877731_613207730_6491364_6370682_o.jpg)

ang ganda!:cheers::cheers::cheers:

808 state

April 7th, 2011, 01:47 PM

Maliit man basta Meron, yun naman ang mahalaga:okay: sure, ako ,pa! Isshare ko ang pics ko ng Ilocos Norte trip ko rito pati rin sa ibang Ilocos Norte threads

oo nga ano, kahit papaano, may mcdo na rin sila:lol::lol::lol: I guess, the company purposely did that just to test the waters;) thanks in advance!:cheers: happy trip @hugo:cheers:

http://i52.tinypic.com/2wekr5s.jpg
net find

^^btw, miss ko na tong McDo Laoag, sayang at pinalitan na ng design:ohno:

808 state

April 7th, 2011, 01:56 PM

MALACANANG OF THE NORTH - PAOAY, ILOCOS NORTE
http://i51.tinypic.com/2jb5phv.jpg

http://i53.tinypic.com/2805xg7.jpg

http://i53.tinypic.com/25jz7vb.jpg

http://i52.tinypic.com/9rm92g.jpg
by ferdzdecena (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ironwulf/)

808 state

April 7th, 2011, 02:03 PM

PRES. FERDINAND E. MARCOS MUSEUM - SARRAT, ILOCOS NORTE
http://i55.tinypic.com/2u6z50h.jpg
by ferdzdecena (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ironwulf/)

808 state

April 7th, 2011, 02:04 PM

LA PAZ SAND DUNES - LAOAG
http://i52.tinypic.com/2sb99na.jpg
by ferdzdecena

808 state

April 7th, 2011, 02:05 PM

MAIRA-IRA - PAGUDPUD, ILOCOS NORTE
http://i51.tinypic.com/258a2pe.jpg
from ILOCOS NORTE HOTELS

gr8-one

April 8th, 2011, 08:54 PM

by Carlo P. Canares

LAOAG CITY, April 8 (PIA) - It was a glorious occasion for women as the Sunshine City of the North, Laoag City, honored its women achievers in its first-ever Sunshine Women Awards recently.

Twenty-three women were awarded for their outstanding achievements in various fields by the Laoag City Government headed by Mayor Michael Farinas in cooperation with the Laoag City Local Council for Women (LCLCW).

The winners for the Women- Adult (Professional) Category are Lilian Abijero, Isabel Sandi, Teresita Edu, Evelyn Gallardo, Glory delos Santos, Esther Lili Pasion, Linda Catimbang and Celestina Paz.

For the Women-Adult (Non-Professional) Category, they are Lydia Abragar, Lorenza Maximo, Evelyn Anacleto, Estella Angel, Virginia Ancheta Agustin, Mercedes Ramos, Teresita Macaballug and Mercedez Coloma.

There were five winners for the Young Women Category, namely, Maelynne Maximo, Leiveryn Ramos, Karen de Jesus, Toni Carag and Romelyn Tutaan.
Chevylle Farinas, chair of the LCLCW, and Cagayan SP member Atty Mila Lauigan led the awarding of trophies and certificates to the awardees amidst cheering from women’s groups at the Laoag City Multi Purpose Amphitheatre.
According to Mary Ang, head of the selection committee, they had a difficult time selecting from among a huge number of qualified nominees. This goes to show, she said, the big role women has played in nation building and the inspiration they serve to others.

The awardees were nominated either by Barangay Councils, a recognized youth and adult group, or non-government organization.

It was the first time the Sunshine Women Award was given and the City Government plans to continue giving it out from hereon. (ANL/CPC-PIA 1 Ilocos Norte)

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source: PIA.gov (http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=26622)

gr8-one

April 8th, 2011, 08:56 PM

AS THE governors of Cebu and Ilocos Norte signed a memorandum to become sister-provinces, the food of the Ilocos region was showcased by a hotel in Cebu City yesterday.

The Marco Polo Plaza Cebu introduced the “Flavors of Ilocos,” which will feature food from the region at the Cafe Marco.

Hotel general manager Hans Hauri said featuring Ilocano cuisine is a sort of tribute to Ilocanos living in Cebu and a treat for all “aficionados of good food.”

After featuring international cuisine, Hauri said they began showcasing food from Cebu’s towns such as Bantayan and Aloguinsan.

Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia and Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to forge a sisterhood between the two provinces.

Garcia said she soon plans to visit Ilocos Norte to sign a similar MOU. She added that Cebuanos and Ilocanos are both hardworking, entrepreneurial and love good food. Marcos urged Cebuanos to pay her province a visit.

“With 11 million Filipinos traveling the archipelago through the various airlines and shipping companies, we are no longer tourists in our own country,” she said. She added that bringing the food of Ilocos to Cebu added to such efforts.

Marcos explained that Ilocos flavors are distinct, special and unusual.

Aside from the famous vegetable dish pinakbet, the 10-day showcase will feature the famous Ilocano bagnet, a deep-fried pork dish, longganisa, and the Ilocano empanada, made with orange-colored dough.

Chef Danny dela Cuesta explained that Ilocano cuisine is able to combine bitter, sour, salty, sweet and umami tastes.

Ilocano food will be available at the hotel’s Café Marco until April 17.

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source: sunstar cebu (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/business/2011/04/08/flavors-ilocos-coincides-new-sisterhood-pact-149454)

true_north

April 9th, 2011, 05:12 AM

the buildings surrounding the Laoag Sinking Bell Tower are already demolished to make way for a park, I think :lol:

true_north

April 9th, 2011, 05:16 AM

the buildings surrounding the Laoag Sinking Bell Tower are already demolished to make way for a park, I think :lol:

hugodiekonig

April 9th, 2011, 06:55 AM

the buildings surrounding the Laoag Sinking Bell Tower are already demolished to make way for a park, I think :lol:

Whoa I'll gonna see that next month!:cheers:

guitarose

April 9th, 2011, 11:32 AM

the buildings surrounding the Laoag Sinking Bell Tower are already demolished to make way for a park, I think :lol:

You're right. That is one of the agreement, Puregold will build a promenade/esplanade surrounding the bell tower.
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guitarose

April 9th, 2011, 11:53 AM

After Robinson homes (Brighton Park place Main, Brighton Park place North, Hanalei Heights), Camella Homes by Vista Land is now in Laoag. Site development is on going located along airport road between between Brgy Cabungaan and Zamboanga.
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808 state

April 9th, 2011, 02:30 PM

http://i56.tinypic.com/241mqfs.jpg

SM’s neighborhood store to rise in Laoag (http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=26848)

LAOAG CITY, April 8 (PIA) – Finally, a first-class neighborhood store operated by the most dominant player in the food retail industry, SM Supermarket, will soon open its newest branch in Laoag.:banana::banana::banana::banana:

The Savemore Market will soon rise in Laoag’s downtown area replacing the oldest-running and pioneering air-conditioned shopping center, the 5-Sisters Superstore.

Store developers have yet to announce when construction works begin. But talks abound that the new SM store will occupy two parallel blocks in downtown Laoag to accommodate more shoppers and provide ample car ports.

Since early this year, droves of shoppers have been trooping to the 5-Sisters shopping center for its closing out sale.

Tenants have been given until August 15 to vacate their stalls. That will also end the lease agreement between tenants and the owners.

The Savemore Market is SM Supermarket’s stand-alone independent neighborhood store. It offers the convenience of a first-class indoor wet market, groceries and general merchandise store.

It caters primarily to budget-constrained households by offering lower-priced items. Since its establishment, there have been more than 30 branches nationwide.

The concept of a neighborhood store began in 1998 when SM Supermarket introduced its first Savemore store in Makati.

The retail giant built the store outside an SM mall to bring the SM shopping experience closer to where shoppers live and work.

Savemore stores complement the regular SM Supermarket as it caters to shopper’s last minute purchases and their day-to-day budget. (ANL/CCA- PIA 1 Ilocos Norte)

:dance::dance::dance:

808 state

April 9th, 2011, 03:13 PM

KAPURPURAWAN - BURGOS, ILOCOS NORTE
http://i52.tinypic.com/5eua68.jpg
by maximum warp (http://www.flickr.com/photos/maximumwarp/)

808 state

April 9th, 2011, 03:15 PM

http://i52.tinypic.com/1zlzur4.jpg

808 state

April 9th, 2011, 03:25 PM

ILOCOS NORTE CAPITOL - LAOAG
http://i52.tinypic.com/k9z9zr.jpg
by rp_poly_cuh (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rosapaulina_anajao/)

808 state

April 9th, 2011, 03:38 PM

http://i51.tinypic.com/2dlrk2d.jpg
by Mikiongski (http://www.flickr.com/photos/11984633@N02/)

808 state

April 9th, 2011, 03:44 PM

CURRIMAO ROCK FORMATIONS - CURRIMAO, ILOCOS NORTE
http://i55.tinypic.com/znv8ts.jpg
by Σď βμĿμšäņ (http://www.flickr.com/photos/edbulusan/)

808 state

April 9th, 2011, 03:53 PM

http://i54.tinypic.com/30vj22h.jpg
by MonteMayor . (http://www.flickr.com/photos/7210723@N06/)

http://i56.tinypic.com/24opt2q.jpg
by mbb8356 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/29421855@N07/)

mAiNsTrEaMhunter

April 9th, 2011, 04:31 PM

gr8-one

April 10th, 2011, 09:00 AM

^^Indeed!

gr8-one

April 10th, 2011, 09:03 AM

by Cristina Arzadon

LAOAG CITY, April 8 (PIA) – Finally, a first-class neighborhood store operated by the most dominant player in the food retail industry, SM Supermarket, will soon open its newest branch in Laoag.

The Savemore Market will soon rise in Laoag’s downtown area replacing the oldest-running and pioneering air-conditioned shopping center, the 5-Sisters Superstore.

Store developers have yet to announce when construction works begin. But talks abound that the new SM store will occupy two parallel blocks in downtown Laoag to accommodate more shoppers and provide ample car ports.

Since early this year, droves of shoppers have been trooping to the 5-Sisters shopping center for its closing out sale.

Tenants have been given until August 15 to vacate their stalls. That will also end the lease agreement between tenants and the owners.

The Savemore Market is SM Supermarket’s stand-alone independent neighborhood store. It offers the convenience of a first-class indoor wet market, groceries and general merchandise store.

It caters primarily to budget-constrained households by offering lower-priced items. Since its establishment, there have been more than 30 branches nationwide.

The concept of a neighborhood store began in 1998 when SM Supermarket introduced its first Savemore store in Makati.

The retail giant built the store outside an SM mall to bring the SM shopping experience closer to where shoppers live and work.

Savemore stores complement the regular SM Supermarket as it caters to shopper’s last minute purchases and their day-to-day budget. (ANL/CCA- PIA 1 Ilocos Norte)

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source: pia.gov (http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=26848)

gr8-one

April 10th, 2011, 09:14 AM

808 state

April 12th, 2011, 02:40 PM

^^thanks to SM for invading THE SUNSHINE CITY!;)

808 state

April 12th, 2011, 02:43 PM

http://i53.tinypic.com/344rtrc.jpg

Location of ‘Temptation Island’ Remake (http://www.starmometer.com/2011/03/24/sneak-peek-location-of-temptation-island-remake/)

Check out the filming location of “Temptation Island” remake in Paoay and Laoag in Ilocos Norte.

Before the month ends, the film will start rolling at the breathtaking Paoay and Laoag in Ilocos Norte, the location for Regal Films’ remake of “Temptation Island.”

Top-billing the sexy flick are Marian Rivera, Heart Evangelista, Lovi Poe, and Solenn Heussaff. Adding testosterone in the movie are hunks Aljur Abrenica, Tom Rodriguez, and Paulo Avelino. It has been announced that Joem Bascon will also join the cast.:cheers::cheers::cheers:

The film is about a group of beauty contest finalists stranded in a desert island without food, water and shelter.

At the helm is Chris Martinez, the writer of Kimmy Dora and director of the award-winning film “100″ and the box-office hit “Here Comes the Bride.”

guitarose

April 12th, 2011, 03:31 PM

Visa application to China increases, says consul

BY LEILANIE G. ADRIANO
STAFF REPORTER

THE CHINESE Consulate Office in Laoag City continues to process visa applications to China, and the number is increasing, says the consulate office recently.

Amidst the execution of Filipina drug mules in China, Laoag Chinese consul Tian Qixiang of the People’s Republic of China said diplomatic and trade relations between the Philippines and China will not suffer. He stressed “case won’t affect relations” as both countries have to respect each other’s rule of law.

Since 2007 when the Laoag Chinese Consulate Office was established, records show that the number of applicants for Chinese visa in this northern gate way of Luzon has increased from 790 in 2007 to more than
16,000 after four years of Chinese visa processing here.

“We are here to make friends and promote business and we are here to stay (hopefully) forever,” Consul Tian Qiang said through a Chinese interpreter to reporters on April 1.

With the proposed improvement at the Laoag International Airport, the consul hopes that Chinese tourists will be back in Laoag City with the resumption of chartered flights servicing the China and Laoag route.

http://ilocostimes.com/pdf-issues/apr04-apr10-11.pdf
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guitarose

April 12th, 2011, 04:09 PM

the buildings surrounding the Laoag Sinking Bell Tower are already demolished to make way for a park, I think :lol:

http://img37.imagefra.me/i54c/guitarose/u5yb_d58_uax6h.jpg
A BETTER VIEW. The clearing operations at the Laoag Central School lot not only signals the beginning of the commercial district project, it has also afforded locals of a view of the Belltower that has long been obstructed
by buildings built around it.

By DOMS DELA CRUZ
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gr8-one

April 13th, 2011, 08:30 PM

by Cristina Arzadon

BANNA, Ilocos Norte April 13 (PIA) – The first and only zip line in Ilocos Norte continues to draw sports enthusiasts and has become the destination of choice of most tourists including locals.

The Banna zipline in the forest village of Caribquib saw its birth in April last year when village leaders thought of transforming a section of the mountainous range to an eco-tourism ground.

The project paid off as hundreds of tourists flock to the village to ride on the zip line.

The 160 meter-cable ropeslide straddles a river and is sandwiched by mountain ranges making the less than 20 second-ride an exhilarating challenge. On top of the zip line rides, tourists can make use of the village’s sprawling grounds for picnic.

The zip wire is under the upkeep of the municipal government. It is partly supported by ride fees at P100 per person.

Zip line tours are becoming alternative vacation activities during summer aside from combing the beach.

A zip line also known as a flying fox or aerial runway consists of a pulley suspended on a cable mounted on an incline.

It is designed to enable a user to traverse from the top to the bottom of the inclined cable, usually made of stainless steel, by holding on or attaching to the freely moving pulley.

Zip lines come in many forms, most often used as a means of entertainment. They may be short and low, intended for child's play and found on some playgrounds.

Longer and higher rides are often used as a means of accessing remote areas. (ANL/CCA-PIA 1 Ilocos Norte)

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source: pia.gov (http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=27376)

gr8-one

April 13th, 2011, 08:32 PM

A Global View
By Dr. Beth Day Romulo
April 13, 2011, 10:02pm

MANILA, Philippines – Fortunately for the Philippines, investment in alternate sources of energy began years ago. The Mak-Ban geothermal plant, which helps supply Manila’s energy needs, was constructed in 1979. Today, the Philippines get 17% of its power from alternate sources of energy such as geothermal, which makes it the leading developer of alternate energy in Asia, second only to the United States in the world in the development of geothermal energy sites.

Basic Energy Corp. recently announced plans to develop a 20-megawatt geothermal energy project in Batangas. Feasibility studies are under way to determine the best drilling locations; 60 prospective geothermal sites have already been identified. In addition to the actual production sites, feasibility studies must also include proximity to adequate infrastructure, transmission lines, and regional power demand.

Food and beverage giant San Miguel, which has expanded into power generation, is bidding for five geothermal and hydro power plants in Leyte which are being privatized by the government.

In Mindanao, the Energy Development Corp., in partnership with the Worldwide Fund for Nature, announced three new geothermal projects.

And the Delgado Group of companies’ energy arm, Energy Logics, is looking into the feasibility of both solar and wind projects in Ilocos Norte.

Studies of the Ilocos Norte area revealed that the site selected for four projected wind farms could also support solar power facilities. The distances between the wind turbines is so great, and the sunshine in that region is so reliable that solar facilities can be constructed on the same property along with the wind farms.

Power generation is expected to come on line within two years.

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source: mb.com.ph (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/313974/the-philippines-leads-alternate-energy-sources)

gr8-one

April 13th, 2011, 10:01 PM

IN THE 34 years that she has served the Marcoses at the Malacañang of the North, 54-year-old Letty Buduan has never found a reason to complain about the erstwhile First Family.

They always have been generous to the domestic staff, Letty says. When she was around, Imelda Marcos, then the First Lady, would have all the household staff line up and would dole out P500 to each of them. On days like this in the 1970s, it was Merry Christmas.

Post your online prayers for Japan earthquake victims

Five hundred pesos 40 years back was a huge amount. With it, you could buy, what, an airplane, an entire candy store, a rubber band factory? Back then, I labeled myself a half-millionaire when I had piso in my pocket because I could treat out my classmates to ice cream.

These days when Imelda visits what was once a grand vacation house of the Marcoses in Paoay town in Ilocos Norte, she still makes chitchat with Letty.

Does she still give out stuff and money to you, journalists from Cebu and Davao ask Letty, now the administrative assistant of the Malacañang of the North. She has given us a tour of what to me is the most beautiful house I’ve ever set foot in, if only it didn’t have the five life-sized statues of former president Ferdinand Marcos in two of the rooms.

Yes, Madam still does, Letty says. How much, we further ask. Five hundred pesos, Letty replies. Some things remain constant at the Malacañang of the North.

The Malacañang of the North used to be one of the 27 vacation houses of the Marcoses. It has now been converted into a venue for grand weddings and theme events.

The house, made of hardwood, had deteriorated after the Marcoses had lost their power.

The Philippine Tourism Authority, which had custodianship of the property when the property was sequestered, had neglected its upkeep.

When Imee Marcos became the governor or Ilocos Norte, she had the house restored and converted it into a museum with practicable purpose. Provincial Administrator Windell Chua says the restoration cost P7 million.

Visitors can look around for P30. The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte envisions the Malacañang of the North to be self-sustaining. Any vestige of opulence has been removed and it is just a beautiful, Spanish colonial house.

The house, which overlooks the Paoay Lake and gets a sunset view, has eight people to make sure it is kept in clean and good condition. The wooden floors are so shiny and cool to the feet that you would prefer to walk barefoot on them. Not a dust on the furniture, on the baby grand by the staircase, on the lamps. What do the staff do, clean the house all day?

Letty knows every nook and cranny of the Malacañang of the North. We ask her if she ever has felt goosebumps here. Does Ferdie make his presence felt? She laughs and replies, No, not at all.

The house is vast, not just huge. Imelda’s bedroom is the biggest and displays some of her handbags. Imee and Irene shared a bedroom. Bongbong’s is on the ground floor. They all slept in canopied beds.

Ilocos Norte is steep in history. While it is associated with the Marcoses, the province is to be visited for its own beauty. With cheap flights offered by Cebu Pacific, you get to Laoag from Manila in an hour.

There is much to see and experience in Ilocos Norte such as utan kalata. I mean, in the four days I was there, I had vegetables every meal. I even had pinakbet pizza.

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source: sunstar.com.ph (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/opinion/2011/04/14/so-malacanang-north-150289)

808 state

April 14th, 2011, 04:18 AM

Pagudpud is Top 4 in Google's search list of rising local destinations (http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=27513)

LAOAG CITY, April 13 (PIA) – Ilocos Norte’s summer capital of Pagudpud has ranked fourth in the list of most searched places for fast-rising local destinations next to Coron in Palawan, and Sagada in Mountain Province.

Google.com, the world’s leading search engine giant, came out with a Top 10 list of Philippine e destinations that have been searched by global users.

Completing the Top 10 list of fast-growing Philippine destinations were Boracay, Bohol, Puerto Princesa, Tagaytay, Camarines Sur and Baguio.

That Pagudpud comes ahead of the country’s overly-hyped island paradise of Boracay is no surprise as more tourists are now inclined towards looking for escape from stressful environments that go along with their daily grind.

Pagudpud has become a destination of choice to tourists looking for pristine beaches and idyllic resorts minus the raucous that other Philippine resort capitals offer.

“With this much love for summer vacation in beaches and resorts, Google looks into the most popular local destinations for the first quarter of this year,” Google said in a statement.

The company noted that Coron, Palawam is largely underdeveloped compared with Boracay but that Coron, with its white-sand beaches, started gaining popularity when plans to develop an island as the largest integrated island resort were announced.

“The island paradise is popular for being a great shipwreck diving spot as well as for its therapeutic Maquinit Health Springs,” Google said. (ANL/CCA-PIA 1 Ilocos Norte)

:cheers::cheers::cheers:

808 state

April 14th, 2011, 04:28 AM

http://i53.tinypic.com/30k4nbc.jpg

http://i55.tinypic.com/apelqg.jpg
by alaricxyz

Filipino solons hail SC cityhood ruling (http://www.mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20110413032542)

MANILA, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Apr. 13, 2011) - Members of the Philippine Congress lauded the Supreme Court for affirming a previous ruling upholding the constitutionality of 16 laws which converted as many municipalities into full-fledged cities.:cheers::cheers::cheers:

“We applaud the SC decision, which recognizes the authority of Congress to pass and amend laws as it sees fit, and the sovereign will of the people who ratified in plebiscites the upgrading of their municipalities into cities,” said House Assistant Majority Leader and Cebu Representative Eduardo Gullas.

Gullas said he and other members of Congress would immediately ask Budget Secretary Florencio Abad to release the Internal Revenue Allotment of the new cities.

The IRA represents a local government’s share of revenues from the national government.

The League of Cities of the Philippines has previously lobbied and blocked the conversion of municipalities into cities and strongly opposed the latest ruling of the High Court.

It is also reported to be planning a new strategy to again try to block the implementation of the SC ruling, but Gullas said: “We respectfully suggest to the LCP that they now abandon their stubborn resistance to the formation of the new cities. They should now acknowledge the lawmaking prerogative of Congress, and bow to the SC ruling.”

In their last summer session in Baguio City on Tuesday, the SC justices sustained their February 15, 7-6 vote dismissing the LCP’s appeal for the cityhood laws, passed by the 11th Congress, to be declared unconstitutional.
The 16 new cities are: Baybay (Leyte); Bogo (Cebu); Catbalogan (Samar); Tandag (Surigao del Sur); Borongan (Eastern Samar); Tayabas (Quezon); Lamitan (Basilan); Tabuk (Kalinga); Bayugan (Agusan del Sur); Batac (Ilocos Norte); Mati (Davao Oriental); Guihulngan (Negros Oriental); Cabadbaran (Agusan del Norte); Carcar (Cebu); El Salvador (Misamis Oriental); and Naga (Cebu).

“We are counting on the installation of the 16 new cities to usher in a new era of sound and balanced rural development, particularly in the Visayas and Mindanao, and to propel national economic growth,” Gullas said, adding the LCP had been “unreasonably opposed” to the creation of the 16 new cities “because of money.”

“LCP members simply they don’t want their share of the IRA to be diminished, with the new cities taking their share of the pie,” Gullas pointed out. “But the pie is always getting bigger every year, because the economy continues to expand, and government revenues continue to grow. So everybody will still be getting IRA increases.” :cheers::cheers::cheers:

808 state

April 14th, 2011, 04:38 AM

Latest summer destination: Ilocos Norte’s first zip line (http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=27376)

BANNA, Ilocos Norte April 13 (PIA) – The first and only zip line in Ilocos Norte continues to draw sports enthusiasts and has become the destination of choice of most tourists including locals.

The Banna zipline in the forest village of Caribquib saw its birth in April last year when village leaders thought of transforming a section of the mountainous range to an eco-tourism ground.

The project paid off as hundreds of tourists flock to the village to ride on the zip line.

The 160 meter-cable ropeslide straddles a river and is sandwiched by mountain ranges making the less than 20 second-ride an exhilarating challenge. On top of the zip line rides, tourists can make use of the village’s sprawling grounds for picnic.

The zip wire is under the upkeep of the municipal government. It is partly supported by ride fees at P100 per person.

Zip line tours are becoming alternative vacation activities during summer aside from combing the beach.

A zip line also known as a flying fox or aerial runway consists of a pulley suspended on a cable mounted on an incline.

It is designed to enable a user to traverse from the top to the bottom of the inclined cable, usually made of stainless steel, by holding on or attaching to the freely moving pulley.

Zip lines come in many forms, most often used as a means of entertainment. They may be short and low, intended for child's play and found on some playgrounds.

Longer and higher rides are often used as a means of accessing remote areas. (ANL/CCA-PIA 1 Ilocos Norte)

808 state

April 14th, 2011, 07:41 AM

http://i55.tinypic.com/11ipt28.jpg
from PAGCOR (http://www.pagcor.ph/laoag/Welcome%20page.html)

808 state

April 14th, 2011, 08:07 AM

http://i51.tinypic.com/s67jw3.jpg
by Rom Asuncion (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rommelshots/)

808 state

April 14th, 2011, 03:58 PM

TOBACCO MONOPOLY MONUMENT - LAOAG
http://i51.tinypic.com/25k3l7r.jpg
by adlaw (http://www.flickr.com/photos/adlaw/)

808 state

April 14th, 2011, 04:15 PM

LAOAG
http://i54.tinypic.com/2ecgocp.jpg
by nickhenkoy (http://www.flickr.com/photos/nicko_13/)

gr8-one

April 14th, 2011, 08:30 PM

by Cristina Arzadon

LAOAG CITY, April 13 (PIA) – Ilocos Norte’s summer capital of Pagudpud has ranked fourth in the list of most searched places for fast-rising local destinations next to Coron in Palawan, and Sagada in Mountain Province.

Google.com, the world’s leading search engine giant, came out with a Top 10 list of Philippine e destinations that have been searched by global users.

Completing the Top 10 list of fast-growing Philippine destinations were Boracay, Bohol, Puerto Princesa, Tagaytay, Camarines Sur and Baguio.

That Pagudpud comes ahead of the country’s overly-hyped island paradise of Boracay is no surprise as more tourists are now inclined towards looking for escape from stressful environments that go along with their daily grind.

Pagudpud has become a destination of choice to tourists looking for pristine beaches and idyllic resorts minus the raucous that other Philippine resort capitals offer.

“With this much love for summer vacation in beaches and resorts, Google looks into the most popular local destinations for the first quarter of this year,” Google said in a statement.

The company noted that Coron, Palawam is largely underdeveloped compared with Boracay but that Coron, with its white-sand beaches, started gaining popularity when plans to develop an island as the largest integrated island resort were announced.

“The island paradise is popular for being a great shipwreck diving spot as well as for its therapeutic Maquinit Health Springs,” Google said. (ANL/CCA-PIA 1 Ilocos Norte)

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source: pia.gov.ph (http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=27513)

gr8-one

April 14th, 2011, 08:34 PM

By Rina Jimenez-David
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 22:33:00 04/14/2011

Filed Under: Air Transport, Tourism
Most Read

TRUTH BE told, when the headlines said that Naia Terminal 1 was voted the “fifth worst airport in the world” by an online guide, I was taken by surprise. All the while, I thought the old, moldy Terminal 1 was the worst airport in the world.

We always use “poverty” as an excuse for our shabby terminal, usually the first and last place in which the country could make an impression on international visitors—their initial experience and lingering memory of the Philippines. But when I departed from Phnom Penh a few years back, I was astounded to discover spanking new facilities, including a duty-free area dotted with high-end souvenir shops. I felt ashamed as a Filipino. If a poorer country like Cambodia could update its international airport—apparently in a bid to take advantage of the country’s growing tourist trade—why couldn’t we have a new, improved airport or at least refurbish the old one?

True, Naia 1 has undergone some re-modeling, mainly on its exteriors. But the musty smell of mold and age is unmistakable once one passes through the first of many x-ray machines. The check-in area is a confusing Divisoria of winding queues. The Duty Free area is cramped, the shelves filled with pathetic remnants of dated items. The snack counters offer little more than overpriced sandwiches and dimsum. And of course there are the much-denigrated “comfort” rooms with cracked tiles and inoperable faucets. I remember one restroom with a huge plastic barrel, from which passengers were expected to scoop out water to wash their hands or—eeuww—flush the toilets. And you wonder why airport users resent having to pay the airport terminal fee?

* * *

WE COULD have avoided our fifth-place standing among the worst airports of the world, I think, if only Terminal 3, which would have served both domestic and international passengers, had opened on time.

But ownership and management of the terminal have been mired in legal disputes. True, it has been opened for use, but only by a few budget airlines. The major international airlines continue to use Terminal 1, arguing that the new terminal is still unfinished and cannot accommodate all their needs. But the major reason, I heard, is that the airlines are still apprehensive about the legal wrangling, not wanting to get caught in case of an adverse ruling.

Still, even in its state of suspended legality, Terminal 3 offers more passenger amenities than either Terminal 1 or the Centennial Terminal. On a recent trip to Laoag, we arrived early for our Cebu Pacific flight and decided to explore the second-floor area. We found to our pleasant surprise shops selling both local and imported goods and plenty of food outlets. We finally settled for a ramen place that looked bright and welcoming. As we waited for our orders, who should come strolling by but colleague and friend Deedee Siytangco with her son AJ, who was leaving for Singapore. It turns out that the ramen place (whose name escapes me now, sorry) is owned by Deedee’s daughter Sandee and her husband Andrew Masigan. So what would have been an interminable hours-long wait passed quickly with entertaining conversation and filling, hot food, including a green apple shake that I highly recommend.

click to read more.... (http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/columns/view/20110414-331179/The-worst-airport)

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source: inquirer.net (http://www.inquirer.net)

808 state

April 15th, 2011, 03:48 PM

SAUD BEACH - PAGUDPUD, ILOCOS NORTE
http://i51.tinypic.com/2eg7gv4.jpg
by jayjay_dy (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jayjay_dy/)

808 state

April 15th, 2011, 04:34 PM

PAMULINAWEN HOTEL - SAN NICOLAS, ILOCOS NORTE
http://i52.tinypic.com/20sf992.jpg

http://i56.tinypic.com/iyfmde.jpg

http://i55.tinypic.com/116nuxz.jpg
by BlauEarth (http://blauearth.com/)

808 state

April 15th, 2011, 04:43 PM

LA ELLIANA HOTEL - LAOAG
http://i51.tinypic.com/1z1gpra.jpg
net find

808 state

April 15th, 2011, 04:50 PM

FORT ILOCANDIA - LAOAG
http://i52.tinypic.com/2rzfdy8.jpg
by tishybaby (http://www.flickr.com/photos/tishmp/)

808 state

April 15th, 2011, 04:55 PM

JAVA HOTEL - LAOAG
http://i54.tinypic.com/nffcl1.jpg
by Adam Dimech (http://www.flickr.com/photos/adonline/)

guitarose

April 16th, 2011, 12:27 PM

Some of Laoag's on going projects and in the pipeline investments, Puregold Mall is under construction , SM Savemore confirmed that they had a lease agreement with 5 Sisters Superstore, Camella Homes site development is in progress, Duty Free Philippines (according to my source at the airport) will soon open their branch at the arrival terminal of the airport and now here comes another good news....

Got this news over the radio that SM is negotiating with the Diocese of Laoag. The proposal of SM is to build a billion pesos 4 level mall within the church compound. In response, the Diocese of Laoag created a technical working group to sit down with SM and study their proposal.

Mayor Fariñas interview by the media was asked about the news and confirmed that there is ongoing negotiation between SM and the Diocese of Laoag regarding this matter.

If this negotiation will be successful, SM City Laoag will soon a reality.

http://img37.imagefra.me/i54g/guitarose/oi49_d92_uax6h.jpg
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gr8-one

April 16th, 2011, 06:57 PM

^^ awesome!

808 state

April 17th, 2011, 11:42 AM

LAOAG CITY HALL - LAOAG
http://i53.tinypic.com/jr32tw.jpg
by Jhun Tarun (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jhuntarun/)

808 state

April 17th, 2011, 11:49 AM

http://i55.tinypic.com/2coln2v.png

http://i54.tinypic.com/2i1ms1k.jpg

http://i53.tinypic.com/64pmcx.jpg

freightrunner

April 17th, 2011, 12:57 PM

10 things to do in Cagayan and Ilocos
By Kara Santos
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 17:32:00 04/16/2011

Filed Under: Lifestyle & Leisure, Travel & Commuting, Tourism
THERE’S so much more to the North than historic churches and Spanish colonial houses. Beaches abound, mountain trails and waterfalls beckon, sand dunes offer a taste of adventure, and relaxing resorts can prove to be a respite from routine.

This was proven by the second leg of “Lakbay Norte 2,” a media tour organized by the non-profit group North Philippines Visitors Bureau (NPVB). The whirlwind tour had us traveling by air, land and sea over six days.
Here are a few of the tour’s highlights:

1 Luxurious living in Sun City. Roughly a two-hour straight drive from Tuguegarao City (or 11 hours from Manila), in the municipality of Sta. Ana at the northwestern tip of Luzon, stands the upscale Sun City Hotel and Casino, also known as the Cagayan Holiday and Leisure Resort. Formerly an exclusive resort for high-rollers from mainland China, it recently opened its doors to local tourists, with richly decorated Asian villas, a beautiful infinity pool by the beach, gourmet cuisine and a range of water sports and activities to choose from. With its excellent facilities, the hotel is fast becoming a popular place for business conventions, destination weddings, and other special occasions for folk who want to get away from it all.

2 Island-hopping adventure. Despite, or maybe because of, the rainy weather on the tour’s second day, the island-hopping trip turned out to be quite an adventure. The 40-minute boat ride to Palaui Island had our boat drifting on a roller-coaster of 15-foot high swells. It was a relief to step onto the shores of the island, speckled with tiny white corals and hermit crabs crawling on the sand. Another short boat ride brought us to an island where Cape Engano, a Spanish lighthouse built in 1892, stands majestically on top of a hill. From that vantage point, we got a panoramic view of the island – on one side a calm cove where our boats had docked, and on the other, a tempest of waves smashing against the rocks. According to the local tourism staff, crew members from the show “Survivor” scouted the island as a possible venue for a future season. With the island’s dramatic hilltop, shoreline and terrain, it is easy to imagine hearing the “Survivor” theme music playing against picturesque shots of the place.

3 Seafood lunch at the “Crab Capital.” If hospitality is measured in terms of food, then the people of the North are perhaps among the most hospitable in the country. On our bus ride from Cagayan to Ilocos Norte, we stopped for lunch at the coastal town of Buguey, dubbed “the crab capital of the north.” Here, we were warmly welcomed by our hosts with fresh buko juice, crab sandwiches, and a feast of beautifully plated crabs (both steamed and cooked in a half shell), shrimps, breaded prawns, oysters, seaweed, fresh fruits and their local delicacy bocayo (coconut candy). I’ve always loved crabs and the sight of thick orange aligue (crab roe) as I cracked open a large shell was enough to make me abandon the use of utensils and dig in with bare hands for my meal.

4 Peaceful retreats in Pagudpud. Our stopover in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte was Kapuluan Vista, a laid-back resort owned by surfer couple Mike and Alma Oida. After the heavy buffet meals previously served us on the tour, the organic fare they served was detoxifying, starting with kilawin, seafood sisig, cilantro soup, salad greens, and the main course of dinakdakan (grilled pork) and blue marlin, finished off with homemade ice cream.

According to Mike, the resort tries to offer something new every year. Aside from being a popular food destination, Kapuluan Vista has become a yoga destination as well for those looking for a holistic vacation. They also offer surfing lessons, although Mike warns that surfing waves are not consistent all year around. But when they do come, they are world-class, he adds. The area also offers fantastic mountain biking trails. Interestingly, the resort doesn’t sell packaged items like chips, so it only generated ten bags of trash in its first year of going organic. Check out www.kapuluanvista.com.

5 Roughing it up at Adams. Our next adventure took us to down to Adams, a small community nestled amidst mountains. To get there, we rode a good hour to the town proper on a dump truck, unsteadily driving along dirt roads and ducking every time we would pass low hanging branches and foliage. After loading up on kakanin (native rice cakes), we trekked for an hour and a half through rice fields, hanging bridges and narrow mountain ridges to get to Anuplig Falls. Some opted to pass a longer and safer route with a river crossing, while others (including myself) passed a steep pathway through the mountain as a “shortcut.” The 25-foot natural falls with two cascading basins was a welcome treat for those who braved the cold and jumped in for a swim.

After our trek back, we enjoyed a riverside lunch of native delicacies – tuck (deep-fried frogs), palos (stewed eel), bu-os (boiled ant eggs), suahe (freshwater shrimps), seaweed and assorted organically grown vegetables. The group then made its way to a charming wooden cottage where we got to taste several varieties of local wine – basi (made from fermented sugarcane), tapuey (rice wine) and bugnay (wild blackberries wine).

6 Scaling the Kapurpurawan Rocks. Clear blue skies welcomed us when we visited the Kapurpurawan Rock Formation in the northwest town of Burgos in Ilocos Norte. We were stunned by the sheer natural beauty of the white sandstone formation. According to our guide, Kapurpurawan was formed by the geological deposition of minerals and sculpted by the forces of the ocean on the rocky coast. The locals say the name Kapurpurawan is derived from the Ilocano root word puraw, meaning white. During low tide, the majestic white limestone rock fringed by a coastline of flat corals, loose rocks, tiny pools and the crashing waves of the South China Sea seems straight out of a fantasy movie. Sights like Kapurpurawan make you just exclaim in awe at how beautiful the Philippines is.

7 Pay homage to historic sites. While the adventure tours are gaining popularity, a trip to Ilocos Norte would not be complete without visiting some of its historic churches like the grand Paoay Church (a Unesco world heritage site that blends gothic, baroque and oriental architecture) and Sarrat Church. The Marcos Birthplace (the ancestral house where Ferdinand Marcos was born), Marcos Mausoleum (which houses the deposed president’s body) and Malacañang to Amianan or Malacañang of the North, a vacation house of the Marcoses that sits along the lazy shores of Paoay Lake, are also worth visiting.

8 Adrenaline rush at the sand dunes. One of the highlights of the trip was the adrenaline rush from sand boarding and riding a 4x4 vehicle at the La Paz Dunes in Laoag. The activity initiated by the LEAD Movement of Ilocos is becoming one of the main attractions of Ilocos Norte, aside from the historic churches and museums. From a height of 25 to 30 feet, while either standing on a board strapped to your feet or sitting on a board, you’re pushed down into a steeply inclined sand dune while you try to maintain your balance. Meanwhile, in the 4 x 4 ride, our driver sped all around the course, at one point going up a hill at breakneck speed then suddenly letting the vehicle fall back in reverse, while we, the passengers, held on to the railings for dear life. It was such a rush that all of us were on a high for hours after. (Highly recommended!)

9 Food trip in Ilocos. For a morning snack, we stopped by Pasuquin Bakery that produces that northern delicacy biscocho (a bread roll that comes in soft and crispy variants). Then over a delightful Ilocano lunch in Herencia Café just across Paoay Church, we learned that Ilocos’ signature bagnet (deep-fried pork belly) is boiled in saltwater first, dried, frozen and then deep-fried again (yum), hence retaining twice the goodness of lechong kawali. Aside from the crunchy bagnet, we got to sample a number of dishes such as poque-poque (a grilled eggplant salad), dinengdeng (vegetable soup flavored with bagoong), higado (a liver and meat dish), pinakbet (vegetable stew with bagoong) and Ilocandia Pizza (topped with longganisa).
With just a couple of hours between lunch and our last snack, I was too full to try the famous Batak miki (a noodle soup) at a streetside eatery, but shared half a special empanada, a local pie made of crispy orange dough filled with longganisa, egg and veggies. It’s best sprinkled with a little vinegar to take off the umay (satiety) factor.

10 Chill out in Currimao. “Forget Bali and Boracay,” says a recent Time Magazine article referring to pristine beaches in a list of “Five reasons to visit Ilocos Norte” (other reasons include churches, cuisine, natural wonders and historic Vigan). Our last night was spent in Playa Tropical, a relaxing seaside resort in the fishing town of Currimao. Decorated with aged hardwood furniture and surrounded by lush plants and flowers, the resort epitomizes pure relaxation. Just beyond the infinity pool, bright red and white fishing boats lined the shore. Couples can opt to stay in the main rooms while larger families or groups can rent one of the four gorgeously decorated casas good for eight people (it comes with its own private pool).
Aside from skimboarding lessons offered on the beach, Playa also arranges tours to Vigan and Pagudpud, as well as an overnight tour to nearby Badoc Island where guests can camp out. Visit www.playatropical.com.ph for details. Just a short walk down the shore takes you to Sitio Remedios, a heritage resort with vintage houses and a quaint chapel decorated in old brick and wood details that are worth a visit.

Starting with this tour, guests to the North will definitely find themselves lusting for more! •

Lakbay Norte 2 was made possible through corporate partners: Manila North Tollways Corporation, Victory Liner, McDonald’s, Smart and Robinsons Land. This year’s participating brands were Flying V, Cebu Pacific, URC, Dizitab, R.O.X., Sanuk, The North Face, Columbia, ActivAsia and Elite Ads. Hosts included the Cagayan and Ilocos Norte Convention and Visitors Bureaus.

link (http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/...yan-and-Ilocos)

808 state

April 17th, 2011, 02:03 PM

ILOCOS NORTE CAPITOL - LAOAG
http://i56.tinypic.com/xmucqu.jpg
by hottietin (http://www.flickr.com/photos/hottietin/)

http://i54.tinypic.com/wu2tm9.jpg
by Jeff Zapanta (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeffzapanta/)

http://i52.tinypic.com/2n09c0n.jpg
by hottietin

http://i56.tinypic.com/35knxmq.jpg
by roaming pat (http://www.flickr.com/photos/roamingpat/)

808 state

April 17th, 2011, 02:17 PM

MUSEO ILOCOS NORTE - LAOAG
http://i53.tinypic.com/t9h092.jpg

http://i51.tinypic.com/2hocxnk.jpg
by Reynald Nuñez (http://www.flickr.com/photos/reynaldnunez/)

808 state

April 17th, 2011, 02:23 PM

http://i55.tinypic.com/119uuq8.jpg
net find

808 state

April 17th, 2011, 02:30 PM

MADONGAN DIVERSION DAM - DINGRAS, ILOCOS NORTE
http://i56.tinypic.com/vqo7jl.jpg
by ctjuggler

808 state

April 17th, 2011, 02:34 PM

http://i51.tinypic.com/6zausj.jpg
credits to the owners

808 state

April 17th, 2011, 03:12 PM

JOHNSON'S SUPERMART - RIZAL STREET, LAOAG
http://i52.tinypic.com/10qgad0.jpg
from Laoag Renzo Hotel

808 state

April 17th, 2011, 03:21 PM

SINKING BELL TOWER - LAOAG
http://i56.tinypic.com/2zzoshl.jpg
by Constantine Agustin (http://www.flickr.com/photos/biagkensiak/)

808 state

April 17th, 2011, 03:24 PM

PARANG RIVER RESORT - SARRAT, ILOCOS NORTE
http://i55.tinypic.com/oku7wo.jpg
by Constantine Agustin (http://www.flickr.com/photos/biagkensiak/)

808 state

April 17th, 2011, 03:28 PM

ILOCANO HEROES HALL - LAOAG
http://i55.tinypic.com/2rrrxiv.jpg

http://i51.tinypic.com/hukjz4.jpg
by Atty. Kris Ablan

808 state

April 17th, 2011, 03:34 PM

MARCOS HALL OF JUSTICE - LAOAG
http://i51.tinypic.com/2dt69o9.jpg
from The Duldulao Genealogy Site (http://www.freewebs.com/duldulao/)

808 state

April 17th, 2011, 03:51 PM

MARCOS MAUSOLEUM - BATAC CITY
http://i54.tinypic.com/27y98oo.jpg
by Kitflores (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kitflores/)

true_north

April 17th, 2011, 07:34 PM

http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/207225_1665778289925_1401319647_31428532_4009564_n.jpg

:banana:

808 state

April 18th, 2011, 12:05 PM

http://i51.tinypic.com/301nhjn.jpg
by mkirader (http://www.flickr.com/photos/chaolonglover/)

808 state

April 18th, 2011, 12:13 PM

MALACANANG OF THE NORTH RED NIGHT PARTY - PAOAY, ILOCOS NORTE
XfQbym58Inw&feature

De1H01MO2Io&feature

uAEY4EZF5jo&feature

7447VdgzkU8&feature

xt3QcVexGcI&feature

808 state

April 18th, 2011, 12:21 PM

PAOAY LAKE - PAOAY, ILCOOS NORTE
http://i56.tinypic.com/2r5b9zo.jpg
by Map I Sky (http://www.flickr.com/photos/28386545@N07/)

Shagenbaby

April 19th, 2011, 08:48 AM

i've heard from people that the sinking bell tower in laoag will be demolished? and a mall will be build on it's place.. how true is this T_T

guitarose

April 19th, 2011, 09:46 AM

i've heard from people that the sinking bell tower in laoag will be demolished?

no. its not. the sinking bell tower remains, only the commercial buildings built around it were demolished to give way for a park. This is part of the Mall (PUREGOLD) development within the Laoag Central Elementary School lot.

and a mall will be build on it's place.. how true is this T_T

yes a mall (PUREGOLD) will be build but at the eastern portion of the LCES compound.

Refer to picture below. The portion with green lines dun po yung Puregold Mall. Yung pink portion, dyan yung sinking bell tower and a park.And yung orange portion will be the new Laoag Central Elementary School.

http://img37.imagefra.me/i54g/guitarose/oi49_d92_uax6h.jpg
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guitarose

April 19th, 2011, 03:30 PM

FOR SISTER CITY RELATIONSHIP SIGNING IN KAUAI
LC delegation set to fly to Hawaii

BY DOMINIC DELA CRUZ
STAFF REPORTER

LAOAG MAYOR Michael V. Fariñas disclosed that a delegation from the city government is set to fly to Kauai in Hawaii, USA to sign the sister city agreement between the two cities. Earlier, Kauai officials, led by Mayor Bernard P. Carvalho Jr. visited the city to sign the sisterhood agreement and to join the celebration of the Pamulinawen Festival. The signing was held at the City Hall Auditorium and attended by officials from both cities led by their respective mayors. Carvalho personally thanked the city government for the warm welcome and hospitality shown to them as he invited Laoag officials to also visit Kauai for them to also sign the agreement in the Hawaiian city. From here, Fariñas has invited members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, department heads and whoever would wish to join the delegation provided they are willing to shoulder all of their respective expenses. The mayor added that there is no specific date for the trip yet as he said he needs the complete list of those who want to join the delegation as this would be forwarded to the Kauai government.

http://ilocostimes.com/pdf-issues/apr11-apr17-11.pdf
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guitarose

April 19th, 2011, 03:45 PM

http://img40.imagefra.me/i54j/guitarose/n7x5_58d_uax6h.jpg

SHIFTING TO HIGH GEAR. The LCES project shifts to high gear as the demolition of school buildings began,
except for the main building. The contractor expects to finish the two two-storey school buildings before the
start of the next school year.
DOMS DELA CRUZ

LCES demolition starts

BY DOMINIC DELA CRUZ
STAFF REPORTER

AS THE PROPOSED project to convert the Laoag Central Elementary School lot into a commercial area shifts to high gear, city engineer
Ulderito Root announced that the demolition of LCES buildings has begun.Root added that in placed of the soon-t0-be demolished structures, two two-storey buildings will be constructed on the northern
and western portion of the school lot. The buildings would be equipped with all needed facilities and equipments, including school offices.

The LCES lot would be divided into two with the eastern portion becoming the commercial area while the western portion would be for the school. The old main building, which has been described as a
Gabaldon-type building and thus a historical edifice would not be
demolished. Root stated further that the contractor vowed to complete
the construction before the start of the 2011-2012 school year so as not to disturb pupils during enrolment.

A promenade, or a walkway, would also be built around the
city’s famous Sinking Bell Tower. A similar demolition has also
commenced around the bell tower as business establishments
that were occupying the said area has also moved out.

The construction of a new Bureau of Fire Protection building along the city engineering compound in Barangay 1 is ongoing as well as the completion of the city Division Schools office and Girl Scouts of the Philippines building at Barangay 23.

Earlier, Laoag Mayor Michael V. Fariñas said the government offices that would be affected by the project—the BFP, DepEd and GSP—would
only commence once their new buildings have been completed. Fariñas added that the contractor will shoulder all the expenses for the construction of all the school and office buildings as he stressed that he believes this project would boost employment not only in the city but the whole province as well.
http://ilocostimes.com/pdf-issues/apr11-apr17-11.pdf
.
.
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Shagenbaby

April 20th, 2011, 01:26 AM

no. its not. the sinking bell tower remains, only the commercial buildings built around it were demolished to give way for a park. This is part of the Mall (PUREGOLD) development within the Laoag Central Elementary School lot.

yes a mall (PUREGOLD) will be build but at the eastern portion of the LCES compound.

Refer to picture below. The portion with green lines dun po yung Puregold Mall. Yung pink portion, dyan yung sinking bell tower and a park.And yung orange portion will be the new Laoag Central Elementary School.

http://img37.imagefra.me/i54g/guitarose/oi49_d92_uax6h.jpg
.
.
.
.

good thing it will not be demolished :banana: but i hope that the design of the mall will be in accordance to the design of the old structures around laoag :okay:

hugodiekonig

April 20th, 2011, 10:51 AM

ni Carlo P. Canares

LAOAG CITY, April 20 (PIA) --- Hindi matatawaran ang serbisyo na inihahatid ng Philippine National Police sa bayan, lalo pa ngayong Semana Santa.

Para kay Gng Milagrcos Gonzales, Department of Tourism- Laoag Senior Officer, malaking tulong ang PNP sa lalawigan ng Ilocos Norte sa pagbibigay seguridad at tulong sa publiko, lalo na sa mga turista.

Araw-araw ay parami ng parami ang dumarating na mga turista sa lalawigan, na kasama sa top 10 tourist destinations sa bansa. Inaasahan na tatlo hanggang limang libong katao ang tutungo sa Ilocos Norte ngayong Semana Santa. Dahil sa dami ng tao, kinakailangan na seguraduhin ang kaligtasan at kaayusan ng publiko.

Sa pagdating pa lamang ng mga turista sa unang bayan ng Badoc, mayroon na kaagad mga pulis para sa checkpoint at Motorists Assistance Center.

“Nagtalaga na ng Motorists Assistance Center ang PNP na makikita sa national highway sa lahat ng mga bayan na daraanan ng mga turista mula Badoc hanggang Pagudpud,” sabi ni Gng Gonzales.

Aniya pa Gonzales, sa assistance centers na ito nagpupunta ang mga turista kapag sila ay mayroon mga katanungan at kailangan.

“Kinukuha din ng mga turista sa PNP assistance centers ang mga itinerary of travel at brochures mula sa DOT,” ayon kay Gonzales.

Nagbibigay din ng 24 oras na seguridad ang PNP, lalo na sa mga lugar kung saan marami ang mga turista. Sa ilalim ng programa ng PNP at DOT na Tourism-Oriented Police for Community Order and Protection (TOP COP) magdaragdag ang PNP ng mga pulis sa mga tourist spots bilang ‘preemptive measure’ kontra sa mga sindikato na nambibiktima ng mga turista. Ang Ilocos Norte, ayon kay Gonzales, ay isa sa 14 tourist destinations sa bansa na napili ng DOT bilang ‘pilot project area’ ng nasabing programa.

“Malaki ang pasasalamat ko sa malaking tulong ng PNP sa DOT at sa publiko sa kanilang malaking serbisyo,” sabi ni Gonzales. (ANL/CPC-PIA 1 Ilocos Norte)

http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r01&id=28573

hugodiekonig

April 20th, 2011, 10:54 AM

hugodiekonig

April 20th, 2011, 01:10 PM

Wednesday, 20 April 2011 17:44 Benjamin Layug
E-mail Print PDF

For the second leg of our North Philippines Visitors Bureau (NPVB) and ActivAsia-sponsored Lakbay Norte 2 Media Tour in the Cagayan province—the first leg was in Pampanga, which was mostly easygoing as we stayed in the luxurious Sun City and Eastern Hawaii Hotels in Santa Ana, and pigged out on varied Cagayanon fare at the hotels, as well as in the other Cagayan towns we visited—it was time to burn the extra calories gained as we moved on to the adjoining province of Ilocos Norte.

Since our arrival, via a Cebu Pacific flight in Tuguegarao City, the weather wasn’t cooperating with us and it was still raining when we arrived, by nighttime, at Kapuluan Vista Resort in Pagudpud (www.kapuluanvista.com), the first Ilocos Norte town after the Cagayan boundary.

The gloomy weather was somewhat offset by the delicious seafood dinner (coupled with homemade ice cream) prepared by Mike and Alma Oida, the resort’s gracious Fil-American owners. Mike, an avid surfer and fitness buff who can speak fluent Tagalog, and the Ilocano-speaking Alma (whose roots are in La Union) regaled us with their story of how, as newlyweds, they were drawn to the waves and rustic beauty of Pagudpud’s Blue Lagoon six years ago, liking it so much that they packed up all their belongings in the US and decided to settle here, buying an 8,000-square-meter piece of heaven near the Dos Hermanos rock formation, where they built their eco-friendly dream home and resort in Sitio Baniaran in barangay Balaoi. The resort now has six rooms with baths, four dorms (for budget travelers) with common baths, a restaurant (with Wi-Fi, and most of the herbs and vegetables served here are grown and picked daily from the resort’s organic garden), swimming pool, and mountain bikes and surfboards (with Mike providing lessons) for rent.

It was still raining and windy in the early morning when we said goodbye to our hosts, leaving Kapuluan, after an early morning Filipino breakfast of Vigan longanisa, via coaster for our next destination, the town of Adam, located at the foot of the Gran Cordillera Central Mountain Range.

This fairly young (it became independent from Bangui on May 16, 1983, by virtue of Republic Act 337), 117.2-sq-km town has a sparse population of 1,480, uniquely spread out in only one barangay with eight sitios. Our coaster backtracked toward the Cagayan boundary, again traversing the 1.3-km long Patapat Viaduct (its rocky shore now littered with the unsightly, rusting hulk of the marooned Korean-owned MV Nam Yang 8 oil tanker which listed at the height of Typhoon Juan in January 2010, causing an oil spill) until we reached a junction at barangay Panzian. This was the end of the road for our coaster and, from hereon, we were to tackle the last, rugged 13 km to the town via a dump truck (the only suitable transportation for our group as the only other way was via single-seat motorcycles).

Most, except those who sat beside the driver and on a cooler box, endured the hour-long trip in good spirits, standing up and clinging to the sides of the truck. The going was really rough as the road was really bumpy and we had to watch out for overhanging tree branches. The hardships and rigors of the ride was somewhat offset by the rugged and pastoral beauty of the countryside.

The sun shone brightly when we finally arrived at the town’s gym. Here, Dr. Bielmaju Waley-Bawingan, wife of town Mayor Eric T. Bawingan, and a merienda of fresh buko juice and kakanin welcomed us. Once carbo loaded, Dr. Bawingan briefed us on our next activity—a hike to Anuplig Falls, the most impressive of the town’s 11 waterfalls. She furnished us with five guides and, laden with bottled water, we proceeded on our 2.5-km hike, normally a 45-minute “walk in the park” for the townspeople, but double that for our group (and even longer for the others). Though long, the hike was pleasant, the trail moderately graded (except at the steep shortcut we took up a hill), sometimes wide but often narrow.

Again, we had fantastic views of forest-cladded mountains, hills and valleys; small verdant rice terraces; crystal-clear brooks and rivers (one we crossed via a hanging bridge) and a small waterfall. The swirling sound of the Bolo River heralded our arrival at the 25-feet high Anuplig Falls, its two basins inviting us to swim its bracingly cold water.

Some of us, myself included, bravely did so, with Frank Dizon at the lower basin; Ivan Man Dy, Ian Garcia and myself (spraining my right foot in doing so) climbing up to the second basin; and Gabby Malvar, Ida Noelle and Karlo de Leon moving further up to the base and the back of the falls itself. The others just dipped their tired feet, took photographs or interviewed Juan Agudo, a septuagenarian local farmer. After an hour, we all retraced our way back to the town with yours truly, accompanied by Dandi Galvez and a guide, hobbling along on a sprained foot.

Upon arrival at the town, we were treated to a late lunch at a picnic shed by the river, feasting on aba (a local version of laing minus the coconut milk), kiwet (a Yapayao term for palos or freshwater eel), shrimps, a green salad of lightly blanched young string beans mixed with fresh tomatoes on bagoong and lasuna (sibuyas tagalog), itlog ti abu-os (fire ant eggs), igado (stewed pork entrails), breaded fried frogs and red highland rice.

Later on, we did some free wine tasting, sampling tapuey (Kankana-ey rice wine similar to Japanese sake) and tropical wines made from bugnay (wild blackberry), pineapple, cherry, santol, passion fruit, duhat and malubeg, manufactured by 40 local wineries, all backyard operations within the town. Totally sated and a bit tipsy, we returned to the dump truck for the hour-long trip back to the National Highway (and from there to Laoag City) with the injured me sitting beside the driver together along with cramp-afflicted cameraman Roland Fontilla Jr. and foot-blistered Sheryl Songsong.

http://businessmirror.com.ph/home/life/10159-the-pagudpud-to-adam-trail

808 state

April 21st, 2011, 03:19 PM

^^thanks for posting @hugo;)

808 state

April 21st, 2011, 03:19 PM

W27seWGht_Y&feature=channel_video_title
:dance::dance::dance:

808 state

April 21st, 2011, 03:26 PM

808 state

April 21st, 2011, 03:40 PM

OOg-BxAB0XE&feature

808 state

April 21st, 2011, 07:45 PM

AVENUE SQUARE - J.P. RIZAL ST., LAOAG
http://i52.tinypic.com/2d0kjmv.jpg
by swd@joyr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/42547718@N03/)

808 state

April 23rd, 2011, 11:47 AM

http://i54.tinypic.com/aaxg5f.jpg
by cFaBiAn (http://www.flickr.com/photos/the_return_of_the_comeback/)

808 state

April 23rd, 2011, 11:49 AM

http://i52.tinypic.com/taixcz.jpg
by Squareh00r (http://www.flickr.com/photos/chipsillesa/)

808 state

April 23rd, 2011, 12:22 PM

MALACANANG OF THE NORTH - PAOAY, ILOCOS NORTE
http://i55.tinypic.com/ivxs81.jpg

http://i52.tinypic.com/2gxr9ci.jpg
by penmanila (http://www.flickr.com/photos/penmanila/)

808 state

April 23rd, 2011, 04:13 PM

SUBA SAND DUNES - PAOAY, ILOCOS NORTE
http://i55.tinypic.com/2hydldc.jpg
by lagal[og] (http://www.flickr.com/photos/oggie/)

808 state

April 23rd, 2011, 04:34 PM

NUEVA ERA TOWN HALL - NUEVA ERA, ILOCOS NORTE
http://i55.tinypic.com/2ykkihf.jpg
by Abra Motocross & Trail Riders Association (http://aj-amtra.blogspot.com/2009/05/ilocos-norte.html)

808 state

April 23rd, 2011, 04:42 PM

BADOC TOWN HALL - BADOC, ILOCOS NORTE
http://i53.tinypic.com/5pmuk0.jpg
from Ilocandia Treasures (http://www.ilocandiatreasures.com)

808 state

April 24th, 2011, 04:35 PM

GILBERT BRIDGE - LAOAG
http://i56.tinypic.com/ay2gcg.jpg
by 720184 - LuisIII (http://www.flickr.com/photos/61416313@N04/)

808 state

April 24th, 2011, 04:46 PM

ST. AUGUSTINE CHURCH - PAOAY, ILOCOS NORTE
http://i52.tinypic.com/711n54.jpg
by ! d r a M (http://www.flickr.com/photos/24704400@N02/)

808 state

April 24th, 2011, 04:52 PM

6AKNGXQFYmA

http://i53.tinypic.com/20poacx.jpg
:banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:

808 state

April 26th, 2011, 01:31 PM

CURRIMAO, ILOCOS NORTE
http://i54.tinypic.com/rlm88i.jpg
by vinozorolla (http://www.flickr.com/photos/vinozorolla/with/5626162087/)

808 state

April 26th, 2011, 01:40 PM

LAOAG
http://i53.tinypic.com/2n6doqt.jpg

808 state

April 26th, 2011, 01:54 PM

VALDEZ CENTER - SAN FRANCISCO, SAN NICOLAS, ILOCOS NORTE
http://i52.tinypic.com/dy0ew9.jpg

808 state

April 26th, 2011, 01:56 PM

SAN NICOLAS, ILOCOS NORTE
http://i55.tinypic.com/2v8mzgk.jpg

http://i54.tinypic.com/s3njh0.jpg

http://i52.tinypic.com/2gydjxd.jpg

http://i52.tinypic.com/27zgnbm.jpg

808 state

April 26th, 2011, 02:02 PM

LAOAG CITY COMMERCIAL COMPLEX - ABADILLA ST., LAOAG
http://i52.tinypic.com/2rehdas.jpg

808 state

April 26th, 2011, 02:10 PM

FORT ILOCANDIA - LAOAG
http://i55.tinypic.com/a2zlhs.jpg
by Danskie_JR_Photography (http://www.flickr.com/photos/danskiedijamcojr/)

808 state

April 27th, 2011, 03:16 PM

PASUQUIN, ILOCOS NORTE
http://i54.tinypic.com/27ya8oh.jpg
from friendster

808 state

April 27th, 2011, 03:33 PM

PIDDIG, ILOCOS NORTE
http://i55.tinypic.com/34gvcr7.jpg
from facebook

808 state

April 27th, 2011, 03:39 PM

AGLIPAY SHRINE - PINILI, ILOCOS NORTE
http://i56.tinypic.com/245ylar.jpg
from DOT REGION 1

808 state

April 28th, 2011, 11:52 AM

ADAMS, ILOCOS NORTE
http://i51.tinypic.com/153pk5k.jpg

http://i54.tinypic.com/1zz6d1d.jpg
by Mon Corpuz

808 state

April 28th, 2011, 11:56 AM

SITIO REMEDIOS - CURRIMAO, ILOCOS NORTE
http://i54.tinypic.com/nd0rd0.jpg
by lagal[og] (http://www.flickr.com/photos/oggie/)

808 state

April 28th, 2011, 12:01 PM

ILOCOS NORTE CAPITOL - LAOAG
http://i52.tinypic.com/10z3d3s.jpg

http://i53.tinypic.com/25zl8aa.jpg
by jhey-ar

808 state

April 28th, 2011, 12:18 PM

http://i55.tinypic.com/2jez3w1.jpg
by Gerald Kevin Jove

808 state

April 28th, 2011, 12:20 PM

JOLLIBEE CENTRO - LAOAG
http://i52.tinypic.com/2znzaed.jpg
by by Gerald Kevin Jove

808 state

April 28th, 2011, 12:25 PM

SAN NICOLAS, ILOCOS NORTE
http://i51.tinypic.com/1ifmhj.jpg
by alaricxyz (http://www.flickr.com/photos/alaricyanos/)

http://i54.tinypic.com/3520p4y.jpg
by von21

808 state

April 28th, 2011, 12:28 PM

RUSTY LOPEZ - ABADILLA ST., LAOAG
http://i52.tinypic.com/208a687.jpg
from Ilocandia Treasures (http://www.ilocandiatreasures.com/)

808 state

April 28th, 2011, 12:30 PM

http://i53.tinypic.com/2czvew5.jpg
from Ilocandia Treasures (http://www.ilocandiatreasures.com/)

gr8-one

April 28th, 2011, 08:27 PM

by Carlo P. Canares

LAOAG CITY, April 27 (PIA) --- More culture. More glorious food. More street pageantry. More hospitality. More fun.

There are more reasons to visit Ilocos Norte this summer as it’s towns celebrate their festivals amidst eco-tourism wonders, historical pilgrimage sites and sports-adventure playgrounds.

Badoc, the province’s first town to welcome the wide-eyed traveler, is already celebrating its Bado-Badoc Festival until the end of the month. The town is home to the pilgrimage site of the Diocesan Sanctuary of Our Lady Cause of Our Joy church.

For this year’s festival, the town is introducing handicrafts such as baskets, table-runners made of Bado-Bado grass, which is indigenous in its riverbanks.
There are also parades, pageantry, a carabao race, Booths showcasing the town’s beauty, talent and products.

Not far from Badoc is the town of Currimao, famous for its kakanin and beautiful beaches. A coastal town, it pays tribute to its fishermen and primary industry and gives homage to the Almighty for the rich marine life as it celebrates Dinaklisan Festival from April 29 to May 1.

People come together for the float parade, street dancing, a kite-flying competition and the coronation of the town’s loveliest maiden, among others.
And on May 1, there will be a grand fluvial parade where fishermen throw their nets into the sea to catch fish (daklis in Ilokano) after which the catch will be grilled and shared by the townspeople along the shore.

In nearby Batac City, home of former President Ferdinand E. Marcos, farmers and the bountiful harvest are the focus of the Farmers Festival of Rural Barangays.

Beginning April 30 until May 7, there will be talent contests, an agro-industrial fair showcasing the various products from 30 rural barangays, a Farmers Ball where farmers and their families get together for a night of dancing, a carabao-painting contest, a parade of carosas bearing lovely muses from the barangays, a street dancing contest interpreting the various agricultural products and the crowning of Farmers Festival Queen of Rural Barangays.

Ilocos Norte is proud of its indigenous people: the Isnegs, Yapayaos, Kankanaeys and Tingguians. And the upland towns of Adams, Nueva Era, Dumalneg and Carasi pay tribute to them in the Magdadaran Talit Festival from May 2-7.

Carasi plays host to this year’s festival with the theme “Strengthening the Indigenous Peoples Cultural Integrity and Identity” showcasing the customs and traditions, products and talents of the people.

Highlights of the festival are the street pageantry to be graced by Governor Imee Marcos on May 6; and the tribal meeting wherein their rights over ancestral domain will be discussed. (JCR/CPC-PIA 1 Ilocos Norte)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
cross-posted from source: PIA.GOV.PH (http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=29375)

gr8-one

April 28th, 2011, 08:37 PM

http://www.pep.ph/images/gallery/26-April-2011-9c8d724910/ec3191f5e.jpg
Marian Rivera & some other cast members of Temptation Island try some Ilokano dishes at La Preciosa

http://www.pep.ph/images/gallery/26-April-2011-9c8d724910/37f0d201d.jpg
Solenn Heusaff waits at the lobby of Playa Tropical in Currimao town

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Credits: www.pep.ph

hugodiekonig

April 29th, 2011, 01:17 AM

by Carlo P. Canares

LAOAG CITY, April 27 (PIA) --- More culture. More glorious food. More street pageantry. More hospitality. More fun.

There are more reasons to visit Ilocos Norte this summer as it’s towns celebrate their festivals amidst eco-tourism wonders, historical pilgrimage sites and sports-adventure playgrounds.

Badoc, the province’s first town to welcome the wide-eyed traveler, is already celebrating its Bado-Badoc Festival until the end of the month. The town is home to the pilgrimage site of the Diocesan Sanctuary of Our Lady Cause of Our Joy church.

For this year’s festival, the town is introducing handicrafts such as baskets, table-runners made of Bado-Bado grass, which is indigenous in its riverbanks.

There are also parades, pageantry, a carabao race, Booths showcasing the town’s beauty, talent and products.

Not far from Badoc is the town of Currimao, famous for its kakanin and beautiful beaches. A coastal town, it pays tribute to its fishermen and primary industry and gives homage to the Almighty for the rich marine life as it celebrates Dinaklisan Festival from April 29 to May 1.

People come together for the float parade, street dancing, a kite-flying competition and the coronation of the town’s loveliest maiden, among others.

And on May 1, there will be a grand fluvial parade where fishermen throw their nets into the sea to catch fish (daklis in Ilokano) after which the catch will be grilled and shared by the townspeople along the shore.

In nearby Batac City, home of former President Ferdinand E. Marcos, farmers and the bountiful harvest are the focus of the Farmers Festival of Rural Barangays.

Beginning April 30 until May 7, there will be talent contests, an agro-industrial fair showcasing the various products from 30 rural barangays, a Farmers Ball where farmers and their families get together for a night of dancing, a carabao-painting contest, a parade of carosas bearing lovely muses from the barangays, a street dancing contest interpreting the various agricultural products and the crowning of Farmers Festival Queen of Rural Barangays.

Ilocos Norte is proud of its indigenous people: the Isnegs, Yapayaos, Kankanaeys and Tingguians. And the upland towns of Adams, Nueva Era, Dumalneg and Carasi pay tribute to them in the Magdadaran Talit Festival from May 2-7.

Carasi plays host to this year’s festival with the theme “Strengthening the Indigenous Peoples Cultural Integrity and Identity” showcasing the customs and traditions, products and talents of the people.

Highlights of the festival are the street pageantry to be graced by Governor Imee Marcos on May 6; and the tribal meeting wherein their rights over ancestral domain will be discussed. (JCR/CPC-PIA 1 Ilocos Norte)

http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r01&id=29375

:runaway:

hugodiekonig

April 29th, 2011, 01:18 AM

by Carlo P. Canares

LAOAG CITY, April 27 (PIA) --- More culture. More glorious food. More street pageantry. More hospitality. More fun.

There are more reasons to visit Ilocos Norte this summer as it’s towns celebrate their festivals amidst eco-tourism wonders, historical pilgrimage sites and sports-adventure playgrounds.

Badoc, the province’s first town to welcome the wide-eyed traveler, is already celebrating its Bado-Badoc Festival until the end of the month. The town is home to the pilgrimage site of the Diocesan Sanctuary of Our Lady Cause of Our Joy church.

For this year’s festival, the town is introducing handicrafts such as baskets, table-runners made of Bado-Bado grass, which is indigenous in its riverbanks.

There are also parades, pageantry, a carabao race, Booths showcasing the town’s beauty, talent and products.

Not far from Badoc is the town of Currimao, famous for its kakanin and beautiful beaches. A coastal town, it pays tribute to its fishermen and primary industry and gives homage to the Almighty for the rich marine life as it celebrates Dinaklisan Festival from April 29 to May 1.

People come together for the float parade, street dancing, a kite-flying competition and the coronation of the town’s loveliest maiden, among others.

And on May 1, there will be a grand fluvial parade where fishermen throw their nets into the sea to catch fish (daklis in Ilokano) after which the catch will be grilled and shared by the townspeople along the shore.

In nearby Batac City, home of former President Ferdinand E. Marcos, farmers and the bountiful harvest are the focus of the Farmers Festival of Rural Barangays.

Beginning April 30 until May 7, there will be talent contests, an agro-industrial fair showcasing the various products from 30 rural barangays, a Farmers Ball where farmers and their families get together for a night of dancing, a carabao-painting contest, a parade of carosas bearing lovely muses from the barangays, a street dancing contest interpreting the various agricultural products and the crowning of Farmers Festival Queen of Rural Barangays.

Ilocos Norte is proud of its indigenous people: the Isnegs, Yapayaos, Kankanaeys and Tingguians. And the upland towns of Adams, Nueva Era, Dumalneg and Carasi pay tribute to them in the Magdadaran Talit Festival from May 2-7.

Carasi plays host to this year’s festival with the theme “Strengthening the Indigenous Peoples Cultural Integrity and Identity” showcasing the customs and traditions, products and talents of the people.

Highlights of the festival are the street pageantry to be graced by Governor Imee Marcos on May 6; and the tribal meeting wherein their rights over ancestral domain will be discussed. (JCR/CPC-PIA 1 Ilocos Norte)

http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r01&id=29375

:runaway:

808 state

April 30th, 2011, 03:37 PM

DUMALNEG, ILOCOS NORTE
http://i53.tinypic.com/2zxpo3o.jpg

http://i55.tinypic.com/2zpv53l.jpg

http://i53.tinypic.com/15re3ix.jpg

http://i55.tinypic.com/2q2r5ua.jpg

http://i53.tinypic.com/3165lc3.jpg
from facebook by Allen Rey Lagoc

808 state

April 30th, 2011, 03:46 PM

BANGUI, ILOCOS NORTE
http://i55.tinypic.com/2nsytdv.jpg
by ABEE_T (http://www.flickr.com/photos/abee_t/)

808 state

April 30th, 2011, 03:49 PM

http://i51.tinypic.com/2gvim9f.jpg
by jfi7811 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/tugot/)

808 state

April 30th, 2011, 08:05 PM

SARRAT, ILOCOS NORTE
http://i54.tinypic.com/egcsxz.jpg
by PearldotKom (http://www.flickr.com/photos/pearlkomicho/)

808 state

April 30th, 2011, 08:08 PM

PAGUDPUD, ILOCOS NORTE
http://i54.tinypic.com/2sbshsm.jpg
by adlaw (http://www.flickr.com/photos/adlaw/)

808 state

April 30th, 2011, 08:10 PM

BURGOS, ILOCOS NORTE
http://i51.tinypic.com/23j4cco.jpg
by NeiL Ratuita (Full) (http://www.flickr.com/photos/neilgratuita/)

808 state

April 30th, 2011, 08:17 PM

PLAYA TROPICAL - CURRIMAO, ILOCOS NORTE
http://i56.tinypic.com/2usel2b.jpg
by Rina Burgos (http://www.flickr.com/photos/rinaburgos/)

808 state

April 30th, 2011, 08:20 PM

LAOAG
http://i54.tinypic.com/2vmis2d.jpg
by arnoldzafra (http://www.flickr.com/photos/arnoldzafra/)

808 state

April 30th, 2011, 08:23 PM

FORT ILOCANDIA - LAOAG
http://i53.tinypic.com/2vxgkcw.jpg
by antonrapadas (http://www.flickr.com/photos/davvundanum/)

808 state

April 30th, 2011, 08:35 PM

PADSAN RIVER - LAOAG
http://i54.tinypic.com/snny91.jpg
by swd@joyr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/42547718@N03/)

saggi

May 1st, 2011, 01:24 AM

68lUc3NPvZw

From Travel Journal
Posts: 5 Day Itinerary: North Luzon Road Trip Adventure (http://saggi-space.blogspot.com/2011/04/5-day-itinerary-north-luzon-road-trip.html)
North Luzon: 5 Cities, 5 Days for only Php5,000 (http://saggi-space.blogspot.com/2011/04/north-luzon-5-cities-5-days-for-only.html) :okay:

808 state

May 2nd, 2011, 11:07 AM

true_north

May 2nd, 2011, 01:09 PM

the entire province of Ilocos Norte will be a "wifi" zone soon! :banana:

a project of Governor Imee Marcos :)

true_north

May 2nd, 2011, 01:10 PM

the entire province of Ilocos Norte will be a "wifi" zone soon! :banana:

a project of Governor Imee Marcos :)

808 state

May 2nd, 2011, 04:24 PM

the entire province of Ilocos Norte will be a "wifi" zone soon! :banana:

a project of Governor Imee Marcos :)

that's good to know!;) thank you Governor Imee Marcos!:cheers:

long live the Marcoses! :banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:

true_north

May 2nd, 2011, 04:57 PM

the INEC just installed a router in the light post in front of our house. Wifi for Ilocos Norte! Thank you, Gov. Imee :)

the first in the Philippines, I think :lol:

true_north

May 2nd, 2011, 04:59 PM

the INEC just installed a router in the light post in front of our house. Wifi for Ilocos Norte! Thank you, Gov. Imee :)

the first in the Philippines, I think :lol:

hugodiekonig

May 3rd, 2011, 02:07 AM

the entire province of Ilocos Norte will be a "wifi" zone soon! :banana:

a project of Governor Imee Marcos :)

naku magastos yan ah, pero kayang kaya naman I think ng provincial government na palagyan ng mga routers sa mga town centers. This project will benefit tourists and students for access to free information and communication

hugodiekonig

May 3rd, 2011, 02:08 AM

by Cristina Arzadon

PAGUDPUD, Ilocos Norte, May 2 (PIA) --– There is more to this scenic town than the beach.

The popularity of Pagudpud’s white beach has stirred the entrepreneurial skills of residents with a variety of shell crafts and trinkets they have been producing as added attraction to frolickers.

Before they learned the craft, residents were merely trading trinkets and souvenir items they bought from Divisoria in 2003.

Jenny Abendanio, president of the local shell craft association, says they could not sell much because the products they used to sell were also found in the places where they came from.

“Back then, we were merely selling trinkets from Divisoria on top of the fish, fruits and native delicacies,” she says.

The residents eventually formed an association of craft makers and attended workshops to help them create their own designs and polish their skills in manufacturing. Sales began picking up with the steady stream of local and foreign tourists.

Raw materials, such as shells and pebbles, are mostly gathered along the shorelines, Abendanio says.

Noting that craft makers could not assemble the materials with bare hands, the 41-member association asked the local government for help in speeding up production.

Pagudpud officials linked up with government agencies to provide skills training and product enhancement, and encouraged residents to attend the free workshops.

The Department of Science and Technology provided them with drills, grinder and cutting machines in the form of a grant.

Aside from trinkets made of locally available materials, shell-craft pieces with “Pagudpud-inspired” designs, like the bahay kubo (nipa hut), anahaw leaves and grotto are assembled.

Craft makers earn up to P500 a day during the tourist season, Abendanio says.

Association members occupy a stretch of stalls on the public beach, while other craft makers are spread in private resort hotels, mostly in Saud village. Other stalls have spruced up at the end of the long and winding causeway known as Patapat Bridge which leads to Cagayan.

The local government is aware of the small income that craft makers earn, prompting Mayor Matilde Sales to provide them with free stalls. (ANL/CCA-PIA 1 Ilocos Norte)

http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r01&id=30242

hugodiekonig

May 3rd, 2011, 02:12 AM

hugodiekonig

May 3rd, 2011, 02:14 AM

PADSAN RIVER - LAOAG
http://i54.tinypic.com/snny91.jpg
by swd@joyr (http://www.flickr.com/photos/42547718@N03/)

Laoag nga talaga! Very clear ang sun

808 state

May 3rd, 2011, 05:48 PM

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/tvpatrol/laoag
^^watch

Duty Free daw ay ilalagay sa may Sinking Bell Tower? wow! plus coffee shops and of course Puregold;)

:dance::dance::dance:

808 state

May 3rd, 2011, 05:49 PM

Laoag nga talaga! Very clear ang sun

true;)

808 state

May 3rd, 2011, 05:53 PM

^^but the question is...

is it
http://i53.tinypic.com/f3urz6.jpg
by chuckiedreyfus (http://www.flickr.com/photos/chuckiedreyfus/)

or this?!
http://i54.tinypic.com/2lwavt0.jpg
net find

:dunno::dunno::dunno:

true_north

May 4th, 2011, 10:24 AM

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/223411_211734638851535_100000450009612_722603_1081729_n.jpg

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/228472_211734622184870_100000450009612_722602_5380442_n.jpg

guitarose

May 4th, 2011, 04:41 PM

LC eyes 6.55-km bypass road to decongest traffic

BY DOMINIC DELA CRUZ
STAFF REPORTER

IN LINE with the proposed construction of a bypass road in Laoag City, members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod unanimously approved an urgent
resolution certified by Laoag Mayor Michael V. Fariñas expressing support
for the said project. The resolution is addressed to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

According to the mayor, the proposed project was already approved by DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson during their personal visit with Rep. Rodolfo C. Fariñas (Ilocos Norte, first district) to the DPWH but they need the formal project proposal. As a result, the proposed Laoag bypass road project has
been ranked 8 in the DPWH’s list of priority projects. This is the reason the urgent measure was passed by the city council supporting the project as
one of the requirements. The measure was sponsored by councilor Joseph Tamayo.

The proposed project is seen to solve the traffic woes along General Segundo Avenue or more popularly known as “Bacarra Road” which is the most used routes in coming to and going out of the province. With the ongoing industrialization in the city—with the establishment of high rise commercial
buildings and the construction of another mall, heavy traffic is expected.

To remedy the situation, Fariñas said there is a need for the construction of a bypass road that would traverse through the Ilocos Norte National high
School to Barangay Sta. Maria with a total length of 6.55 kilometers.
The 6.55 kilometer stretch would eventually ease traffic congestion in the city of especially on the part of vehicles that come from the northern part of
the province and to those bound for the Laoag International Airport.

Before the approval of the measure, engineer Roy Tomas explained to the members of the city council about the by-pass road. According to Tomas, the
road will start around 50 meters on western part of Suba Road Junction in front of the Northwestern University passing through the Barangays of
Bengcag, Tangid and others that cross the Padsan River and ends
before the National Power Corporation. He said that the bypass road has also been proposed to be 20 meters in width because this would fall as a national highway. Tomas said that there would be no residential houses to be
affected but only agricultural lands and that the City Assessor’s Office is presently identifying the owners of these lands that would be affected.
As per knowledge of Tomas, the counterpart of the city government for this project would be shouldering the acquisition of right of way.

Reacting to this, Tamayo, who chairs the committee on transportation, said the funding for the right of way comes from the regular fund of the infrastructure project of the DPWH. He said the city government has not yet determined what would be and how much would be its counterpart on the said
project. With the support and eagerness of Congressman Fariñas on this project, Tamayo believes he would be helping the city government for the counterpart. It was learned that Congressman Fariñas endorsed the letter of Mayor Fariñas to Singson for the creation of a bypass road.

The Congressman strongly believes that the presence of this bypass road would decongest the traffic along the city’s main road going to the newly constructed Laoag City General Hospital and the Laoag International
Airport. Mayor Fariñas also expressed his thanks to all the members of the city council who supported the measure as certified urgent. Likewise, he also thanked Congressman Fariñas for the endorsement to Secretary Singson and hoping that this would be acted immediately considering its ranked eighth in the priority projects of the DPWH.
http://ilocostimes.com/pdf-issues/apr25-may01-11.pdf
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guitarose

May 4th, 2011, 04:54 PM

http://img37.imagefra.me/i554/guitarose/w3mt_463_uax6h.png
The first-of-a-kind solar- and wind-powered mariculture demonstration farm of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) established in Puro Island, Badoc, Ilocos Norte. It gives light and security to a floating house equipped with automatic sensor device that sends an alarm every time a threat or a person is detected near the area.

Solar-, wind-powered mariculture farm now in Badoc
BY LEILANIE G. ADRIANO
STAFF REPORTER

BADOC, ILOCOS NORTE—An integration of wind and solar energy power is providing energy to a mariculture zone project on Puro island in this town.
The first-of-a-kind solar-and wind-powered mariculture demonstration farm of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) established in this small island gives light and security to a floating house equipped with automatic sensor device that rings an alarm every time a threat or a person
is detected near the area.

Arthur Valente, fishery regulatory officer of the Office of the Provincial
Agriculture, said once a threat is detected, a mobile phone attached to the electrically controlled apparatus immediately transmits the alarm through call or text to authorized personnel near the area. According to Valente, the integration of solar and wind power was made feasible here in cooperation
with its local government unit backing the implementation of the mariculture
project.

A fully air-conditioned office van, measuring 6.3 meters by 2.42 meters, is also being constructed by the sea to oversee the mariculture zone project and, at the same time, to monitor illegal-fishing activities near the existing Badoc fish sanctuary area.

Fishers like Remigio Quidica,47, and Rommel Cajudoy, 38, of Pagsanahan Sur, Badoc, said they were amazed of how advanced technology enables people to make things work fast and easy.Quidica and Cajudoy were two of the selected caretakers of the mariculture project established in early January that houses highvalue commercial fish species like pompano, pegged in the market at P250 per kilogram.

Through this technology, the BFAR hopes to invite more investors to venture into mariculture projects and to help more marginalized fishers earn a living
through the creation of more sustainable livelihood in the future.
http://ilocostimes.com/pdf-issues/apr25-may01-11.pdf
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guitarose

May 4th, 2011, 05:08 PM

http://img40.imagefra.me/i554/guitarose/k98x_b2e_uax6h.jpg (http://i.imagefra.me/4cfi86sr)
The Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte, under the leadership of Ilocos Norte Governor Imee R. Marcos celebrates Earth Day at the Bangui Wind Farm on April 19. Imee announced in her speech that six more wind farms are expected to be put up in other areas of the province. A festive dance, skimboarding, surfing and kite flying were the main attractions of the day.
By ARIEL PAOLO A. TEJADA, PGIN CMO

guitarose

May 4th, 2011, 05:11 PM

http://img40.imagefra.me/i554/guitarose/v5t0_466_uax6h.png (http://i.imagefra.me/acdi86u8)
MEMBERS of the local media pose with Ruffa Mae Quinto during a break in the shooting of Temptation island in Paoay, Ilocos Norte.
By DOMS DELA CRUZ

gr8-one

May 4th, 2011, 08:53 PM

By Bayani San Diego Jr.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 17:13:00 05/04/2011

Filed Under: Places, Celebrities, Cinema, Television, People, Regional authorities, Philippines - Regions
Most Read

BADOC—Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos treated the cast and crew of “Joey Gosiengfiao’s Temptation Island,” led by director Chris Martinez and Regal producer Roselle Monteverde, to a tour of the Juan Luna Shrine recently in this sleepy corner of the Solid North.

“Our province is rich in historical and cultural treasures,” Marcos told the visitors. In an exclusive interview with Inquirer Entertainment, she revealed her plan to draft a “counterpart subsidy” program for production companies that choose the province as location for TV, movie or commercial shoots.

“We are eyeing a 25- to 50-percent subsidy,” she said. For every peso that a production company spends here, the local government is willing to match it “25 to 50 percent.”

“We recognize these firms’ contribution to our economy, in terms of providing employment to residents and promoting our tourist spots,” Marcos said, noting that Paoay has long been a favorite location among local and foreign productions.

The 1980 original and the 2011 remake of “Temptation Island” are set in the sand dunes of Paoay, where last year’s “Emir” was partly shot, too.

Fernando Poe Jr.’s “Panday” series, Ishmael Bernal’s “Himala” and Hollywood films “Mad Max” and “Born on the Fourth of July” were shot in the sand dunes park as well.

The province is also celebrated for its scenic beaches. Pagudpud was a frequent location for films and TV shows produced by Armida Siguion-Reyna. The recent Miss Earth pageant was held in White Rock beach.

Ilocos Norte also boasts manmade wonders, particularly the centuries-old St. Augustine Church in Paoay.

Marcos said the Bangui windmills were recently featured in an ad shoot. “The winding bridge Patapat Viaduct (in Pagudpud, near the foot of the Cordilleras) is called the French Riviera of the North,” she added.

The governor recently met with Briccio Santos, head of the Film Development Council of the Philippines, to prepare for the Sineng Pambansa film festival in Ilocos Norte on Oct. 26 and 27.

“We have our own version of Halloween, which we call the ar-arya,” Marcos noted. “The film fest will feature horror films, along with movies on funeral traditions and superstitions like Soxie Topacio’s ‘Ded na si Lolo.’ In Ilocos, we follow all sorts of colorful customs.”

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cross-posted from source: www.inquirer.net (http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/entertainment/entertainment/view/20110504-334585/Shoot-in-Ilocos-get-a-subsidy)

Darlen08

May 5th, 2011, 12:25 AM

I wish I could have my vacation this year to go on this beautiful places!!!

Darlen08

May 5th, 2011, 12:29 AM

Ganda naman mamasyal sa atin!!!

808 state

May 5th, 2011, 12:07 PM

PAMULINAWEN FOUNTAIN - LAOAG
http://i54.tinypic.com/2v2xksk.jpg

http://i54.tinypic.com/25iatdl.jpg
from facebook

808 state

May 10th, 2011, 01:39 PM

http://i56.tinypic.com/1zyr29.jpg
source (http://filipinasinshowbiz.com/index/2011/04/19/temptation-island-cast-suffers-from-the-ilocos-heat/)

808 state

May 10th, 2011, 01:53 PM

FORT ILOCANDIA - LAOAG
http://i53.tinypic.com/25s2452.jpg
by Hocchuan (http://www.flickr.com/photos/htap28/)

808 state

May 10th, 2011, 04:07 PM

o22wdDq_THo

808 state

May 10th, 2011, 04:15 PM

BURGOS, ILOCOS NORTE
http://i52.tinypic.com/jjn1ue.jpg
by ricmaniquis (http://www.flickr.com/photos/ricmaniquis/)

808 state

May 10th, 2011, 04:24 PM

http://i55.tinypic.com/2coln2v.png

http://i52.tinypic.com/avpwle.jpg

808 state

May 10th, 2011, 04:57 PM

BATAC NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
1Jz1WOrEIvs

808 state

May 10th, 2011, 05:05 PM

LUTTO-ONG FALLS - PASUQUIN, ILOCOS NORTE
http://i51.tinypic.com/2e51deo.jpg

http://i52.tinypic.com/14d3x3p.jpg
from facebook

gr8-one

May 10th, 2011, 09:15 PM

By Maila Ager
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 19:08:00 05/10/2011

Filed Under: Politics, Graft & Corruption, Health, Local authorities, local officials

MANILA, Philippines – Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III has exposed the alleged undelivered multimillion peso grants supposedly intended to support the health program in local government units (LGUs).

In a speech on Tuesday, a copy of which was furnished to reporters, Sotto revealed that a total grant of P423 million from the Department of Health was awarded to the LGUS for Maternal, Neonatal and Child Health and Nutrition (MNCHN).

But the fund, which should have been distributed to 16 regions, with each receiving P1 million, were not delivered to the intended beneficiaries, Sotto said.

“Everything looks well and good up to this point except that, Mr. President, when I started my inquiries to our LGUs, whether they received the money indicated under the Family Health program of the Department of Health supposedly allotted to them, to my astonishment, the answer is no, Mr. President,” Sotto said in his speech.

The senator specifically cited the case of Ilocos Norte where DoH records indicated that the province was supposed to receive P644, 525 in 2008, P602, 590 in 2009, and P2, 470, 279 in 2010.

“Yet, when I asked the heads of the LGU concerned, I was told they did not receive a single centavo,” he said.

“I have managed to obtain a certification that no funds were infused to the Family Health program of Ilocos Norte,” he pointed out.

Sotto said he received the same information relative to the provinces of Batangas and Quezon and Lucena City and no other key cities and provinces.

“There are reasonable grounds to believe that the funds appropriated for the Family Health program for the LGUs did not actually end up with the intended beneficiaries,” he further said.

And if indeed there were anomalies in the implementation of funds for family planning, then Sotto feared that the passage of the controversial Reproductive Health bill would just institutionalize this corruption.

“Mr. President, if this is really the case, can we afford that this continue to happen? The House of Representatives version of the RH bill enhances these expenditures, can we be assured that taxpayers' money will no longer be wasted?” the senator asked.

“There is a legal maxim that states: falsus in unus, falsus in omnubus. False in one, false in all,” he further said.

Sotto then asked the appropriate committee in the Senate to investigate the matter.

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source: inquirer.net (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20110510-335714/Undelivered-multimillion-peso-grants-for-LGU-health-program-bared)

EDMARATION

May 12th, 2011, 08:44 AM

http://i56.tinypic.com/1zyr29.jpg
source (http://filipinasinshowbiz.com/index/2011/04/19/temptation-island-cast-suffers-from-the-ilocos-heat/)

Hindi parin padadaig ang Ilocana beauty ni manang imee...

hugodiekonig

May 12th, 2011, 09:31 AM

Hindi parin padadaig ang Ilocana beauty ni manang imee...

syempre, Muse of Manila noon si Cong. Imelda Marcos kunam man, oh!:banana::cheers: May napagmanahan ng ganda hehehehe

hugodiekonig

May 12th, 2011, 09:33 AM

by Carlo P. Canares

LAOAG CITY, May 12 (PIA) --- Mouth-watering longganiza from Batac. Crispy-licious Chicharon or Bagnet from San Nicolas. Bibingka, puto and other native kakanin from Currimao and Calasiao, Pangasinan. Abel Iloko from the loomweavers of Paoay and shellcraft from the artisans of Pagudpud.

These are just some of the products showcasing Ilocano pride being sold at the 4th “Minuyongan ken Partuat” Trade Fair and Garden Show at the Aurora Park in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte.

The trade fair is a project of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) provincial office, in partnership with the Partuat ti Kailokuan Association, City Government of Laoag and the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte.

According to Jenette Suguitan, Senior Trade and Industry Specialist of DTI, the trade fair “aims to promote local products not only from Ilocos Norte but also from other provinces of Ilocandia, especially the One-Town-One-Product (OTOP) of the various local government units (LGUs) of the province.” The OTOP is a government program aimed to support local entrepreneurs and LGUs develop markets for their products and help push the local and national economy.

Other products featured at the trade fair are country wines from Adams and Ilocos Sur; furniture and home furnishings from the Cordillera Administrative Region and local manufacturers; processed food such as banna rice coffee, Batac empanada, Solsona veggie noodles, Paoay chichacorn; gifts, home decors like miniature replicas of Bangui windmills; linen and garments, among others.

One of the highlights of this year’s trade fair is plants, particularly bonsai

.

“We are introducing bonsai because more and more people are discovering the joy of collecting and taking care of bonsai,” Suguitan said. Bonsai plants being sold came from Ilocandia Bonsai Society, Ilocos Sur, Pasuquin and La Union.

The trade fair will run from May 11-20, 2011. (JCR/CPC-PIA 1 Ilocos Norte)

http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r01&id=32024

:cheers:

hugodiekonig

May 12th, 2011, 09:34 AM

freightrunner

May 13th, 2011, 02:07 AM

Hindi parin padadaig ang Ilocana beauty ni manang imee...

Yup napansin ko rin yan. Cougar. At siyempre dahil kaya niyang gumastos ng pampaganda hehe. Kung halimbawa lumaki yan sa poverty, unang-una wala ng ngipin yan o kung meron man yung sabi natin sa dialect na "pada nga rukapi", ngumisit sikona, at pwedeng sunod-sunod ang anak kaya losyang na hehe. :lol:

hugodiekonig

May 14th, 2011, 03:25 AM

Yup napansin ko rin yan. Cougar. At siyempre dahil kaya niyang gumastos ng pampaganda hehe. Kung halimbawa lumaki yan sa poverty, unang-una wala ng ngipin yan o kung meron man yung sabi natin sa dialect na "pada nga rukapi", ngumisit sikona, at pwedeng sunod-sunod ang anak kaya losyang na hehe. :lol:

may mga beauty tips rin siya. ang alam ko may show siya noon sa tv ng mga beauty tips niya

guitarose

May 14th, 2011, 01:20 PM

Macau-Laoag-Macau schedule for May 2011
http://img37.imagefra.me/i55e/guitarose/yi6e_fc0_uax6h.jpg (http://i.imagefra.me/126i9pad)

balcita_RN

May 14th, 2011, 07:42 PM

I would just want to make a shout-out to the office of the Department of Tourism in Laoag, Ilocos Norte...the person who assisted us when we inquired at their office was so nice and accommodating...which was a surprise considering most people working in public offices are rude and unaccommodating especially when they see that you are Filipino. So I just want to thank the Department of Tourism for helping us and making our stay in Ilocos Norte worthwhile...

guitarose

May 16th, 2011, 06:58 AM

LC major projects near completion
BY DOMINIC DELA CRUZ
STAFF REPORTER

LAOAG CITY assistant city engineer Fred Agpaoa announced that all major projects of the Laoag City government are all in full swing with the near completion of the multi- million upgrading of the Laoag City General Hospital (LCGH). LC major projects near completion Agpaoa said the earlier proposed soft opening of the hospital on May 30 might be fulfilled considering the few finishing touches of the electrical connections needed except for the construction which is expected to be completed until next week on the finishing for the painting. According to Agpaoa, the contractor has around 100 manpower this week who are in full blast working 16 to 24 hours to complete the total finishing touches. Agpaoa hopes that final and accomplishment reports made by the contractor would be submitted until next week. Agpaoa admitted that one of the hindrances in the finishing is the arrival of the new hospital equipments for the installation of electrical connections though majority of the important equipments
already arrived. He said the two passenger elevators are now functioning except for the other one which is ongoing exclusively for patients especially those are in bed.

The Laoag Central Elementary School (LCES) demolition is also ongoing and at the same time construction has started for the new school buildings. This is in preparation for the proposed commercial area to be located at the eastern portion of the existing LCES lot.
Agpaoa said that in a month’s time the completion of the school buildings will rise for the pupils to use this coming June. However, Agpaoa said that the city government is also considering some plans in case the completion would not be finished before the opening of classes but he assured this will only be for a short period of time. The existing DepEd and Girl Scouts buildings will be the temporary school buildings to be used until full completion which also includes the Janssen Hall owned by the Catholic church which is just across the street, Agpaoa said. He said that the construction of the new Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) building just beside the City Engineering Office is also in progress. This also includes the almost completed new city DepEd and the Girl Scouts buildings in Barangay 23.

It was learned that the city engineering office also presently studying some possible revisions of the proposed bypass road to be constructed here in the city. The bypass road is a project of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in cooperation with the city government of Laoag. The project is expected to start soon as this has been considered by the DPWH as number 8 priority projects of the said agency for this year. The multimillion proposed project will be constructed and will start at the western part of the Northwestern University (NU) going northward crossing the Padsan River wherein a bridge is also needed and will end near the Napocor building along Bacarra Road. In an earlier interview with mayor Michael V. Farinas, the bypass road aims to hasten traffic here at the heart of the city which is one of the major problems especially during peak hours. This would also help people coming from the northern part of the province going to the Laoag International Airport (LIA), Fort Ilocandia Resort and
Casino (FIRC), students of NU and those who will be going to the newly constructed and upgraded city hospital easier.
http://ilocostimes.com/pdf-issues/may02-may08-11.pdf

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