Naga and Iriga Cities, and Camarines Sur Province [Archive] - Page 12

psyche_ot

October 1st, 2007, 01:46 PM

Microtel to open 4 new hotels in RP
By Ma. Elisa P. Osorio
Monday, October 1, 2007
Davao City — International hotel chain Microtel Inn and Suites announced its multi-million investment in the country as it will simultaneously open four new hotels across the region next year.

The announcement came at the heels of the opening of the hotel’s sixth location in the Philippines. Over the weekend, Microtel Davao owned by the Floirendo family opened its doors.

The four new hotels will be located at Mactan, Cabanatuan, SM Mall of Asia and in Puerto Prinsesa, Palawan. Combined, the soon to rise hotels will have 410 rooms. With the average investment of P1.6 million per room, total project cost is estimated at P656 million.

In an interview, Microtel Development president Jose Mari del Rosario said the Microtel Mactan and Microtel Cabanatuan will be the first two to open in June. The Mactan location will have 160 rooms while the Cabanatuan branch has 50.

Next is the 50 room Microtel Puerto Prinsesa in October while the Mall of Asia hotel will be ready for occupancy in the last quarter of next year.

The hotel will be strategically located near the SMX Convention Center and the SM Mall of Asia. SM BayCentral is being packaged as Metro Manila’s premier business and tourism district. SM BayCentral covers 60 hectares of prime reclaimed land along the coast of Manila Bay, offering choice locations for business, tourism, retail and leisure projects, SM Investments said. The central attraction of the area is the SM Mall of Asia, the SM group’s biggest shopping mall.

At the same time, Del Rosario bared the hotel’s five-year plan. By 2012, he said Microtel will be present in four more locations in Metro Manila excluding Mall of Asia and several other provinces.

Locations being considered in the metropolis are the business districts of Makati and Ortigas; Alabang, an emerging business district; and Timog in Quezon City.

In Mindanao, he said they are planning to put up hotels in Cagayan de Oro and General Santos City. Two provinces in Bicol are being looked at namely Naga and Legaspi. Even before the Mactan branch is completed, del Rosario said the group is considering putting up another in the City proper of Cebu.

In Northern Luzon meanwhile, Microtel is considering Laoag and Angeles City, Pampanga.

The fast expansion of Mircotel in the country, del Rosario said is because all the Microtel hotels enjoy 65 percent to 70 percent occupancy rate. “It’s a good product and the concept really works,” he explained.

According to him, Microtel remains to be a no frills hotel. It does not operate any restaurants and all services are outsourced.

The newest Microtel to open in the country is in Davao. The 50-room hotel is the closest hotel to the international airport. It is located near rows of restaurants at the Damosa Complex.

To further boost occupancy of Microtel Davao, a convention center which can accommodate 100 people will open behind the hotel in December.

Microtel is part of the Global Hyatt Hotel Group.

hiiamdib

October 3rd, 2007, 06:51 AM

yes nmn, SM naga

mich07

October 5th, 2007, 02:36 PM

Forum seeks tourism investment boom
By Jason B. Neola

NAGA CITY –- Some 83 key tourism stakeholders and investors converged on Tuesday, October 2, 2007, in what they termed as enhanced exploratory initiative to strengthen the tourism industry in Bicol.

The Bicol Regional Tourism Investment Forum, the first ever to be held in the region, effectively served as a facility through which the stakeholders cooperatively pooled their ideas to come up with multi-pronged plans and strategies aimed at zeroing in on the opportunities and challenges that will provide the industry with sustainable growth.

The gathering enabled tourism players to obtain a broader plane wherein they can make investments for tourist-friendly businesses. It also visualized for would-be investors in the region an effective guide on where, how and when to pursue tourist-friendly business including stipulated benefits and advantages extended by the government like tax holidays and exemptions as discussed by DOT-TIRG Regional Director Ma. Victoria Jasmin.

The activity was organized by the Bicol Regional Tourism Council (BRTC) and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT) thru Regional Director Nini Ravanilla who discussed an overview on tourism investment in the Bicol region.

BRTC Chair Daniel A. De Leon expressed elation over the forum’s outcome which had been arrived at due to participative attendees who unselfishly manifested their all-out involvement in the discussion.

Among the forum active partakers were Naga Mayor Jesse M. Robredo who discussed the city’s experience and plans on creating an environment that is conducive to tourism investment and development. Naga has 26 hotels and 80 restaurants.:okay:

Businessman Fidel Cu, of FLC Group of Companies, which include the Golden 7 Bank and the forum venue Avenue Plaza Hotel, shared essential insights on the importance of building investments in the locality to boost employment and enhance the locality’s business and tourism climate.

The Sunwest Group of Companies headed by Elizalde Co presented his company’s P4.1 – billion investments on Misibis, a well-planned tourist destination for retirement, recreation and rest located in Albay.

Talk on Special Economic Zone Act was given by Emmanuel Cortero of PEZA while information on government’s lending program and credit facilities was rendered by Abelardo Monarquia of the Development Bank of the Philippines.

Engr. Emeterio Aman of Enjoy Realty and Development Corporation disclosed his company has been engaging in developing lands as retirement areas and constructing affordable retirement homes. He said Naga City is an ideal place for retirement tourism considering its plus factors: tropical climate, best nursing schools, hospitable people, “the Maogmang Lugar” image, best medical facilities, globally recognized local government and vibrant business sectors.

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

Construccion kan coliseum pinapundo

Pinapundo kan City Hall an pagpadagos kan patrabajo kan phase 4 kan construccion kan Metro Naga Coliseum sa central business district II tanganing idulag sa posibleng rapado nin makusog na bagyo na pueding maglaog sa Bicol ngonian na mga bulan kan Octubre, Noviembre asin Deciembre 2007.

Katuyohan nganing dai na maulit si nangyari kan nakaaging duwang supertypoon Melinyo asin Reming na mientras na nagpapadagos an contruccion kan edificio nirapado kan makukusog na bagyo sagcod na dakula si destroso sa proyecto.

An phase 4 kan proyecto may propuestong 53 milliones de pesos para sa bagong desinyo kan atop asin construccion.

Sinabi ni alcalde Jesse M. Robredo na an patrabajo kaipuhan ponan na sa Enero 2008 na kun haen libre na sa ano man na calamidad asin dai nang kaulangan na maabala pa an construccion nganing magamit na sa Penafracia fiesta nurong taon.

Afuera pa kaini, nakatalaan na bagohon an desinyo kan coliseum envez para sa dating l80 kilometros per hour sa kusog kan duros kan ano man na bagyo kaipuhan na an kapusogan sa pagsabat sa bagyo dawa may kusog na 240 kilometer per hour arog kan bagyong Reming, sabi pa ni Robredo.

Mientras tanto, si City Engineer Chito Palmiano nagsabi na pigvisita na kan oficiales kan Association of Structural Engineer of the Philippines an Coliseum nganing adalan an paghaman nin bagong desinyo na dai na kayong bungkalon nin supertypoon. Sa masunod na semana mag-oorolay an City Hall asin an sinambit na asosacion nganing finalisaron an bagong desinyo na iyo an irerecomendar sa project designer kan edificio nganing iyo an iimplementar.

Sa kaparejong entrevista ki Palmiano, sinabi kaini na si dipuntong congresista Rolando Andaya Sr. enot nagpabulos nin 40 milliones pesos para sa phase l asin 20 milliones pesos sa phase 2 mientras na sa phase 3 cantidad 10 milliones pesos sagcod sa phase 4 hali na sa gobierno local na pig-utang sa bangco.

Check out for the other headlines of Bicol Mail (http://www.bicolmail.com/)

mich07

October 5th, 2007, 03:48 PM

6 most competitive cities identified:cheers: :cheers: :cheers:
spacer

The Center for Industrial Competitiveness (CIC) has identified Quezon City, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Naga, Angeles and San Fernando as model cities in terms of reduced business regulations worthy to be emulated by other urban centers.

CIC executive director Virgilio Fulgencio said Moncada, a second-class municipality in the province of Tarlac, is also considered a model as it has streamlined transaction flows and thus reduce the cost of doing business in the area. It was previously considered a fifth class municipality.

"It has a booth in the barangay that if you want to conduct business, you can pay your real estate and cedula there. You don’t have to go to the municipal hall, this saves your time and reduce red tape," he said.

Fulgencio said helping local government units (LGUs) simplify their business registrations would significantly improve the business environment in the country.

"Already a lot of powers of the national government have been devolved to the LGUs by the LGU Code. Thus, a lot of reforms and innovations no longer happen at the national level but at the LGU level," he said.

Cutting the number of days in business procedures are among the three measures identified by the World Bank for the Philippines to improve its ranking in terms of ease of doing business.

Others include reducing the days and cost to register a property and the need to create a credit information bureau which is crucial in providing financing for the small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

In WB’s Doing Business Report, the Philippines only ranked 133rd out of 178 economies from previous year’s 130th ranking.
source (http://www.mb.com.ph/issues/2007/10/01/BSNS20071001104511.html)

SM expands planned mall in Naga City
By By Juan Escandor Jr., 1 Oct 2007
Source: Inquirer

The building of an SM branch in this city has been delayed after the country’s largest mall chain decided to redesigned the establishments from a “hypermarket” to a “full mall”.

Glen Ang, assistant vice president for SM South Region, told the local Sangguniang Panlunsod that the change of design conforms with their expectation that city stands as the center of trade in the province.

Ang explained that the original hypermarket designed for Naga City branch would have carried 10-20 percent nonfood items with the balance being food items.

But he said that, upon review, it was decided that the hypermart be redesigned into a “full mall” where the establishment is divided into separate sections for food, non-food items, furniture, accessories and other items.

Ang revealed that the Naga SM Mall, which will start construction in the fourth quarter of 2008, will be a two-story building with a total area of 46,000 square-meters.. detailing further the actual floor area of the mall, he said the first and second floors will have an equal floor areas of 21, 000 sq. m. each.

Ang added they would also construct a separate building at the back of the mall, which is an 18, 000 sq. m. carpark. He said the establishment will occupy a total area of 61, 000 sq. m. in a leased lot of Central Business District II. Engineer Anthony Paule, chief designer of the SM for 45 years, said it would take 10 months to complete the construction of the building, in addition to three months spent for the preparation of documents and permits for its construction.

Paule said the change of designed of the proposed SM branch here came after top management saw the need to provide complete services to the city like the branches in Davao, Lucena, Lipa and Batangas.

source (http://www.smprime.com/News.php?BlurbID=821)

mich07

October 5th, 2007, 04:18 PM

How about a merger with Pili (which is, after all, directly south of Naga)? That way, Naga regains its former status as provincial capital and Pili benefits from (maybe) increased trade.

This is the least possible thing that would happen in case Naga has been merged with any of its neighboring towns. There isn't much of economic bridge between the 2, knowing that the business district of naga is too far from pili in comparison to its distance to camaligan, milaor, canaman and other northern towns.

I think that won't happen. After all, Pili is already vying for cityhood, so why merge with Naga? Right?

Pili is now a 1st class town but i doubt if it already surpassed the requirement of having at least 100M income but it really does have lots of potentials. Not far from it in the 2nd district is Calabanga, a 2nd class town, that could also have its cityhood in the near future.

mich07

October 5th, 2007, 04:28 PM

DOT Cites Camsur As Tourism Model Now The Leading Province In Bicol Region In Terms Of Tourist Arrivals
Category: p_release
Source: MULTIMEDIA EDUCATION CENTER

The Department of Tourism lauded Camarines Sur as a model local government unit in the thrust to develop tourism as a major national industry.

This was the very complimentary assessment made by DOT undersecretary for tourism services and regional offices Oscar P. Palabyab before some 400 participants and guests at the opening ceremonies of the 8th National Convention of the Association the Philippines (ATOP) Wednesday evening, October 3 at the Camarines Sur Convention Center, crediting the tourism development initiatives launched by Governor LRay Villafuerte as largely responsible for the dramatic 27% jump in the growth of tourism in Bicol Region.

Camarines Sur with its internationally acknowledged Camarines Sur Watersports Complex at the forefront has lately emerged as the leading destination in the Bikol Region, dislodging the province of Albay with its fabulous Mayon Volcano as the primary tourism attraction in this part of Luzon in terms of arrivals.

Largely due to local initiatives, overall tourism growth has likewise reflected commendable growth, and if all local government with tourism potentials would follow the lead of Camarines Sur and more so if local efforts are organized as the ATOP presently headed by national president Jennylind Demerre-Cordero of Negros Occidental is striving to realize, tourism can very easily overtake foreign currency revenues from remittances of overseas Filipinos workers (OFWs), Palabyab said.

And this will be at much less social cost like broken families, children getting addicted to drugs and Filipino nationals getting abused abroad or even coming home in a box, Usec. Palabyab who came as guest speaker in lieu of Sec. Ace Durano who is abroad, added.

One positive note that would boost tourism development in the country was the explicit assurance of opening day keynote speaker Mandaluyong Mayor Benjamin DC. Abalos, Jr. that the League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) of which he is president, as well as his wife Menchie who has the clout of the recently organized League of Mayors’ Spouses behind her, are fully supportive of House Bill 202 filed by Cong. Edgar Chatto of Bohol.

Among others, House Bill 202 seeks the creation of tourism officer position in all first class municipalities and cities in the country or municipalities and cities where tourism is considered a major local industry.

LCP will also work for the improvement of infrastructures like roads and transportation and the adoption of a coherent and comprehensive tourism plan that are essential elements to the industry’s growth and development.

Mayor Abalos was equally effusive with his appreciation of Camarines Sur’s leadership in the tourism thrusts in Bicol Region that translated last year into over 200,000 tourist arrivals in the province accounting over P100 Million or close to half of the entire tourism revenues in the region.

Second day of the convention will feature the inputs of a battery of expert resource speakers including Director Rene Romulo de los Reyes of the DOT Bureau of International Tourism Promotions who will expound on “Developing Cultural Products in the Regions for Tourism Philippines, Negros Navigation executive vice president Jose Manuel Mapa who will talk on “Negros Navigation Ties the Knot with Tourism Officers’, noted film director and USLS artist in resident Maurice “Peque” Gallaga who will tackle “The Business of Showbiz in Tourism”, and DOT consultant on special projects and SBMA tourism consultant Nilo Agustin who will orchestrate “Synthesis: Turismo sa Negosyo, Unlad and Bayan Ko.” (GBClaveria)

source (http://www.camarinessur.gov.ph/?page=6&pid=100&id=441)

mich07

October 6th, 2007, 02:33 PM

Sabado, Oktubre 06, 2007 8:32:30 PM

05 - Indian BPO firm to expand RP operations

Friday, October 05 2007 @ 06:44 PM BST

Business

Sutherland Global Services (SGS) of India announced Thursday that it will expand its call center operations in the Philippines with two new sites to be established outside Metro Manila.

Sutherland president K.S. Kumar made the announcement when he paid a courtesy call on President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo at the Taj Majal Hotel where she is billeted while in India.

Kumar informed the President that SGS's new call centers would be established in Camarines Sur and Davao City. The Davao City call center will hire 100 workers.

The two new SGS's sites are expected to create 500 additional jobs to the firm's total workforce in the country. There are 2,000 Filipinos employed by the Indian business process outsourcing (BPO) company at its Clark Freeport Zone (CFZ) operations.

source (http://biz.balita.ph/html/article.php?story=20071005184412456)

CSEC to usher Sutherland jobs fair at Capitol

The Camarines Sur Employment Center (CSEC), pursuant to its mandate of providing assistance to Bicolanos particularly those from Camarines Sur, will usher in the conduct of a jobs fair slated on October 11 to 13, 2007 at the Capitol Convention Center intended to complete the manpower complement of Sutherland’s impending operation in Camarines Sur.

Sutherland, whose operation will entail the hiring of at least 200 persons to man the initial 200 workstations, is still in need of at least a hundred more personnel as call center agents to assure the full operation of its initial number of workstations, aside from the office staff who would provide support to its operations. Thus, CSEC is providing Sutherland with the necessary assistance in finding qualified personnel to fill the vacancy seeing the benefit it would bring to the constituents of the province who are in dire need of work as well as to the provincial government in terms of rentals at the Camarines Sur IT Park and other incidental revenues.

It will be recalled that Camarines Sur’s English Proficiency Program (EPP), similarly conceived and initiated by CSEC under the administration of Gov. LRay Villafuerte, is providing the training for the first batch of applicants who were picked out during the first jobs fair conducted last August 23 and 24, 2007. These applicants are undergoing the Foundation Quality Training and Near Hire training which started last September 13 and will last until October 5, 2007.

These instrumentalities of the provincial government are actually working hand in hand with the CSEC in finding qualified personnel on one hand and EPP, providing the necessary training on the other hand, in order to provide assistance to as many Bicolanos to land jobs with Sutherland as the latter’s operation is planned to expand up to 500 workstations. The Sutherland’s operations in Camarines Sur will definitely bring appreciable improvement to the local employment scene and will enhance economic growth in the province.

If things fall into its proper place, there is no stopping Sutherland’s initial operation come November this year. CRFERNANDEZ/ MMEC

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

fil07

October 6th, 2007, 04:01 PM

fil07

October 6th, 2007, 05:00 PM

"Thank goodness it's not what I was thinking"

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/213/466466156_aef6399cee.jpg?v=0

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/217/466473731_32a1305e20.jpg?v=0

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/180/466466414_4fca8dfeb3.jpg?v=0

The departure lounge is very clean and modern. It wouldn't look out of place in Europe or the US.

Don't know, I might be wrong but, it looks like NAIA terminal 2 in domestic wing????

^yup, that's in NAIA Terminal 2 not Naga
http://www.unlawyer.net/photos/ipap-photos/naia_terminal_2_cafe_nescafe.jpg
Source (http://www.unlawyer.net/photos/?a=ninoy-aquino-international-airport-naia-terminal-2&i=9)

"Geez Where's Ours???"

Bicol Homepage --> http://bicolhomepage.com/

Looks promising, IMO. But they have to feature more about the rest of the Bicol Region (like in their directory, for instance) if they want to live up to their name, Bicol Homepage. Just my two cents :2cents:

Yes, so far it's mostly about Naga (and Bagasbas)...well I suppose they've only just launched the site and are still developing it. Mind you, the same thing can be said of most so-called Bicol papers and journals (Bicol Mail, Vox Bicol, Bicol Reporter) - I think all of them are Naga-based and unsurprisingly, focus on their city. :)

I think all it tells me is that if journalists are based in one city, we shouldn't be too surprised if they tend to focus their attention on that city, that's all. ;)

Btw, I love the way that article described Naga and Legazpi as two provinces. A perfect example of Manila-centric journalism. :)

And a perfect example of a know-it-all writer.

"Rationalize"

http://img398.imageshack.us/img398/8158/nagalightsbe8.jpg
originally posted by Sinjin/Jhaelnis
Post first appeared in Aerials of the Philippines thread.

Thanks for the useful information :)

For the satelite pics that show the brightness of the cities Legaspi and Naga, there are probably factors affecting it.. pero ewn, hehe.

hmm i also think so..example is that Naga is the most densely populated city in the region means maliit ang area ng Naga compared to Legazpi yet siksikan o dense talaga unlike legazpi kalat kalat ang population because of the big land area kaya yung light hindi concentrated sa isang lugar kaya medyo shallow IMO.:)

You got me right. Very correct!

:cheers: CLASSIC!

mich07

October 7th, 2007, 03:51 AM

From Positive News Media
Business
SM City Naga to start construction in January 2008
By
Sep 26, 2007 - 4:53:55 AM

NAGA CITY, Sept. 27 (PNA) -- The much-awaited construction of the first SM Mall in the Bicol region in a 4.6-hectare lot inside the new central business district here is set to finally start in January 2008.

Glen Ang, assistant vice president of SM Prime Holdings bared this during the regular session of the Sanggunian Panglunsod last Monday.

Ang said changes in the mallâ€™s design, from a hyper mart to a full mall caused the delay in the construction of the two-storey SM City Naga, which was supposed to start last August.

The SM official said the mall will have a total floor area of 61,300 square meters, which will consist of two separate two-storey structures, the mall and carpark buildings.

The mall building will have a floor area of 21,000 square meters per floor or 42,000 square meters in total. This will house the department store, supermart, four movie houses, food court and various stores.

The two-floor carpark building, on the other hand, will have a total floor area of 18,000 square meters.

Ang said the basic building construction of the SM City Naga complex will be undertaken in 10 months period, with an additional of three to four months for interior finishing.

SM Prime Holdings is presently in the process of finalizing plans and designs and securing the necessary permits prior to the start of the construction works January next year, he said.

Hans Sy, president of SM Prime Holdings, said the construction of the mall costs some P700 million.

Some 1,000 workers will be employed during the construction phase, while an estimated 3,000 jobs will be generated when the mall opens for business, he said.

The SM City Naga, once completed sometime in 2009, will be the 34th branch of the largest leading department store chain in the country.

It has 30 existing branches strategically operating around Metro Manila and key provinces in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
Construction of three other branches are ongoing and are expected to be completed before the year ends.(PNA)

© Copyright 2004 by Positive News Media

source (http://www.positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Business_19/SM_City_Naga_to_start_construction_in_January_2008_printer.shtml)

bobbymay74

October 7th, 2007, 04:00 AM

More anomalous projects uncovered

Email this article | Post a comment

Friday October 5, 2007

NAGA CITY – More pork barrel funds have been feared to have gone down the drain, or more precisely, to the pockets of unscrupulous contractors and DPWH engineers, with the concerned lawmaker accountable for such blatant waste of taxpayers’ money.
This came about as more anomalous infra projects being implemented by the Second Engineering District of the province of Camarines Sur were uncovered anew even as DPWH District Engineer Willard Atutubo :nuts: continues to ignore the request of the city’s Project Monitoring Council to furnish them copies of their respective programs of work.:ohno: :ohno:
“I believe Engineer Atutubo is treading dangerous grounds with his continuing refusal to furnish us copies of the POWs, which are essential in the monitoring functions of the City PMC as mentioned in my August 6, 2007 letter,” Naga City Mayor Jesse M. Robredo wrote DPWH Regional Director Orlando C. Roces about Atutubo’s unexplained refusal to heed the request.:ohno:

The Naga PMC, recently recognized by NEDA as one of the best in Bicol, is mandated to ensure that all government projects being implemented in Naga are monitored properly to facilitate implementation, problem-solving and evaluation.
Notwithstanding the absence of the POWs, Mayor Robredo went on to point out at least six allegedly anomalous projects out of the initial 15 that PMC has so far monitored. These projects were reportedly implemented under the congressional pork barrel funds of 2nd District Rep. Luis R. Villafuerte.
:ohno: :ohno: :ohno: :(

These six allegedly anomalous projects were identified, as follows:
(a) P300,000 road concreting/pathwalk in Bgy. Balatas which already exhibited visible scaling two months after its reported completion;
(b) Two multi-purpose buildings, one worth P400,000 in Bgy. Balatas and another worth P300,000 in Bgy. Del Rosario, which were both misrepresented as 80% completed when only very little work has in fact been done;
(c) A P300,000 pathway concreting project in Bgy. Cararayan which allegedly was constructed inside a private property, a clear violation of law;
(d) An P800,000 construction of multi-purpose building and mini-park in Bgy. Lerma, reportedly overpriced considering that only a mini-park was actually constructed, in addition to some minor repair work on a police outpost built by the city government;
(e) A P2 million road concreting project in Bgy. San Isidro, allegedly overpriced by as much as 837%, based on comparable road concreting projects being implemented by the city government.

Robredo further informed Director Roces of substantial cost discrepancies noted in the projects wherein he found out that estimates by the 2nd Engineering District were jacked up by an average of 261%, compared to the actual cost of the same type of projects being implemented by the city government.

“The biggest difference is in that P2-million road concreting project which yielded only a combined 187.5 lineal meters; if the city government implemented it, we could have concreted a 577-meter road,” Robredo said.

It was learned that pathwalks being implemented by the city government would cost only P100,000.00 compared to Atutubo’s P200,000.

Where the cost of road concreting being implemented by Atutubo’s district office was placed at P32,520.33 per linear meter, the same project would have cost only P3,470 per linear meter if the Naga city government implemented it, the city mayor added.

garzland

October 7th, 2007, 02:37 PM

There are two Naga cities.

yeah, but I guess the city that is being referred to there is Naga City in Camarines Sur... Naga City in Cebu is just a newly created city...

garzland

October 7th, 2007, 02:38 PM

fil07

October 7th, 2007, 06:24 PM

yeah, but I guess the city that is being referred to there is Naga City in Camarines Sur... Naga City in Cebu is just a newly created city...

It is better if it's clear. To borrow Manny Pacquiao's favorite line, "you know".

Mond87

October 8th, 2007, 11:54 AM

marlon_ld

October 8th, 2007, 05:18 PM

^^dai man po cguro....defensive k mn mxado..

fil07

October 8th, 2007, 05:46 PM

Yet another classic.

gurugeri

October 9th, 2007, 03:15 AM

CLASSIC!

Okay, you've said your piece.

gurugeri

October 9th, 2007, 03:26 AM

The Center for Industrial Competitiveness (CIC) has identified Quezon City, Marikina, Muntinlupa, Naga, Angeles and San Fernando as model cities in terms of reduced business regulations worthy to be emulated by other urban centers.

Congratulations, Naga! You so deserve it. I went there on Saturday and was impressed with the busyness on Magsaysay Avenue.

gurugeri

October 9th, 2007, 03:30 AM

^^Garz, if your only intention for that question is for comparison, I don't think I would have to divulge it. I have been disturbed by comparing the two cities (e.g. Legazpi and Naga) too much now. But, here's what you have to remember, both PMall Legazpi and SM Naga have very similar statistics that a slight difference in their areas wouldn't be that significant at all!

Keri na kung may comparison. That's not avoidable. A website article says "Albay-Camarines Sur rivalry is back," when it was just about whom GMA was to appoint Regional Development Council head.

And we have to admit SM was the first one in the business and has made waves in that concern.

Amid all that, I am looking forward to SM Naga. I need not go home in Daraga for anything else on weekends. When does construction start, Naga peeps?

F3rNaNd0

October 9th, 2007, 05:27 AM

eu entrei no forum brasileiro?

Mond87

October 9th, 2007, 06:28 AM

^^dai man po cguro....defensive k mn mxado..

bako man ako defensive. bothered lang ako sa pagkocompare... all my life, I've been bogged by comparisons kaya ganun ako... heheheh... anyways, pagdating sa area ng SM Naga and PMall Legazpi, they really don't have much difference at all!

SM Naga - 42,000
PMall Legazpi - more than 40,000 sabi ni Dex but all three floors of the mall is already 39,000 at may 4th floor pa ang Gaisano part so you can't really say. Right now, both malls must have the same size... If there's any difference, it's not that significant at all! :)

gurugeri

October 9th, 2007, 06:43 AM

bako man ako defensive. bothered lang ako sa pagkocompare... all my life, I've been bogged by comparisons kaya ganun ako... heheheh... anyways, pagdating sa area ng SM Naga and PMall Legazpi, they really don't have much difference at all!

SM Naga - 42,000
PMall Legazpi - more than 40,000 sabi ni Dex but all three floors of the mall is already 39,000 at may 4th floor pa ang Gaisano part so you can't really say. Right now, both malls must have the same size... If there's any difference, it's not that significant at all! :)

Yes, just the name--SM and Gaisano.

josh2

October 9th, 2007, 07:51 AM

Plus a separate CARPARK building at the back of the mall with a total of 18,000 sq. m.
ANG said the establishment will occupy a total area of 61, 000 sq. m. in a leased lot of Central Business District II
:banana: :banana: :banana: :cheers:

josh2

October 9th, 2007, 07:54 AM

HALOY:ohno: :ohno:

josh2

October 9th, 2007, 08:08 AM

For Sure after SM sunod na ang ROBINSONS Mall sa Naga kc halos lahat na SM Mall tinatapatan ng ROB.

garzland

October 11th, 2007, 04:08 AM

Mond87

October 11th, 2007, 04:31 AM

^^Well, thanks. IT's just the same as PMAll... somewhat as big as that...:)

garzland

October 11th, 2007, 05:45 AM

^^Thanks, too, Mond.

mich07

October 11th, 2007, 12:19 PM

Insanedriver

October 11th, 2007, 07:05 PM

wow... naga airport is pretty nice :)
i wasn't sure if this was the aiport i used back in the 90's cuz i was just a toddler back then.

drfeelgood17

October 12th, 2007, 03:25 PM

The location of E-mall used to be a bus terminal.

Ok. Is this the one on Penafrancia Avenue? I haven't been to Naga in a long time.

fil07

October 12th, 2007, 03:59 PM

Almost the entire block - Peñafrancia Ave, Gen.Luna/E.Angeles (ribong ako pirmi sa duwa) and P. Diaz.

Sa Dinaga, riverside, dating terminal man (mga mini-bus).

Earliest memories of Naga hehe

drfeelgood17

October 13th, 2007, 01:26 PM

Almost the entire block - Peñafrancia Ave, Gen.Luna/E.Angeles (ribong ako pirmi sa duwa) and P. Diaz.

Sa Dinaga, riverside, dating terminal man (mga mini-bus).

Earliest memories of Naga hehe

Yes, I think I vaguely remember this former terminal. So it was quite big and much more centrally located than the present one. That was probably the reason why in those days Manila to Legazpi buses used to go right into Naga's central district whereas nowadays they don't as the new integrated terminal is in the outskirts.

Mond87

October 13th, 2007, 02:15 PM

^^u'r part bicolano, right?

bobbymay74

October 14th, 2007, 06:09 AM

Yes, I think I vaguely remember this former terminal. So it was quite big and much more centrally located than the present one. That was probably the reason why in those days Manila to Legazpi buses used to go right into Naga's central district whereas nowadays they don't as the new integrated terminal is in the outskirts.

Yeah, it was the site of the former Terminal of Pantranco (now Philtranco). There was a city ordinance that all Bus terminal will be establish outside the centro.

Then i learn from the early 2000 that the lot was loaned by the TAN Family of LCC from the bank, when they use to build the LCC of Felix Plazo. Til they have to give it up. Then it was the Enrile father that take it over now the E-MALL.

bobbymay74

October 14th, 2007, 07:06 AM

Almost the entire block - Peñafrancia Ave, Gen.Luna/E.Angeles (ribong ako pirmi sa duwa) and P. Diaz.

Sa Dinaga, riverside, dating terminal man (mga mini-bus).

Earliest memories of Naga hehe

The Old barangay of Penafrancia is located from the Old Penafrancia church to the Mercury drugstore(corner of Panganiban St.).

But a new barangay was established. under the name of San Francisco, changing the boundery of barangay Penafrancia starting from the Penafrancia church to the colgante bridge, then from the colgante bridge to the Mercury Drugstore corner of Panganiban Ave. is under San francisco.

Elias Angeles St. starting from the U.S.I. /Metropolitan Cathedral to the area where the Mc. Donald, Pizza hut, Cabana, plaza Quinces M. /Rizal and to the tip of the new bldg of Romy Tan (Oyster rest.) is located. connecting to Caceres St.

( some portion of E. Angeles St. is under Barangay San francisco)

The former ORBE mini-bus was situated in the former Padian St. now Caceres St. under barangay Dinaga.

Gen. Luna starts from the Supemarket to the area of former Advent cinema.

garzland

October 15th, 2007, 04:48 AM

Yeah, it was the site of the former Terminal of Pantranco (now Philtranco). There was a city ordinance that all Bus terminal will be establish outside the centro.

Then i learn from the early 2000 that the lot was loaned by the TAN Family of LCC from the bank, when they use to build the LCC of Felix Plazo. Til they have to give it up. Then it was the Enrile father that take it over now the E-MALL.

I remember, the terminal of most buses was located in Diversion before the opening of the Central Bus Terminal... At last, it became organized....Noon, kalat-kalat sa centro...

fil07

October 15th, 2007, 10:46 PM

kevinb

October 19th, 2007, 05:54 AM

Microtel to open 4 new hotels in RP
By Ma. Elisa P. Osorio
Monday, October 1, 2007

Microtel is part of the Global Hyatt Hotel Group.

Wow! :banana:

Ok. Is this the one on Penafrancia Avenue? I haven't been to Naga in a long time.

It's the block where you can find MetroBank - Peñafrancia Branch. There's KFC now adjacent to MetroBank, and E-mall's at the back. :)

-----

I miss Naga! I'm here in Clark kasi. :(

bonixx

October 19th, 2007, 12:37 PM

Wow Microtel ? sa santo tomas ko pa lang nakikita yan ahehehe...Malaki na rin pala SM City Naga ha...Sana gawin na ring Mall area yung 18,000sq.m para mas marami pang shop ang makarent...

Sinjin P.

October 19th, 2007, 08:08 PM

For Sure after SM sunod na ang ROBINSONS Mall sa Naga kc halos lahat na SM Mall tinatapatan ng ROB.

Actually parang nauuna yata ang Robinsons tapos tinatapatan na ng SM

fil07

October 20th, 2007, 12:24 AM

Robinson Supermart

mich07

October 20th, 2007, 06:58 AM

http://www.missearth.tv/images/destinations_top.jpg
http://www.missearth.tv/images/destinations_ad.jpg

http://www.missearth.tv/images/destinations_logocamsur.jpghttp://www.missearth.tv/images/destinations_logocwc.jpg

http://www.missearth.tv/destinations.html

^^
Wow! That's nice.

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

In 3 years
Capital town’s cityhood seen
By Jonas Cabiles Soltes

PILI, Camarines Sur -- Life may be calling now in the capital town of this province as it aspires to be a city before the end of 2010, but this municipality is yet to take a lot of actions to meet the requirements of cityhood.

Alexis San Luis, mayor of this town, has accepted there are many things to do despite the municipal government’s time-bound aspiration to make their town, the other of just two first-class municipalities in this province, a city three years from now.

San Luis said the four roads connecting upper villages to the town proper needs to be converted to national roads.

Most importantly, effective economic measures to boost local business and encourage more investments are needed.

He also said that his town needs appropriate urban planning to put in place and bring order to the spurts of establishments in the town proper

The town mayor said Camarines Sur 2nd District Representative Luis Villafuerte fully supports the cityhood bid and has signified to take it to Congress. According to him, the Congressman also supports other measures to be taken for this town to earn a change in status.

He said that the municipal government is also planning to put ‘Welcome to Pili Airport’ sign at the junction of the Maharlika Highway and the road leading to the airport named after neighboring Naga City. He said however that he was not so eager on renaming the airport back to Pili Airport.

Meanwhile, San Luis confirmed that the town government had no close ties with the provincial government resulting from the rift between Governor L-Ray Villafuete and his father, the mayor’s partymate. The same is true between the town government and city government of neighboring Naga. He said however that these are more on the political than on governmental side.

If this town would be a city, it would be the eighth city in Bicol. If it beats Daraga town in Albay in the race for cityhood, it also will be the first time that there are neighboring cities in the region.

In his resolution seeking to explore the probable socio-economic impact of the merger of Naga City with adjoining Gainza and Camaligan towns, City Councilor Jose Tuazon cited that businesses in the city are spilling in this municipality.

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

fil07

October 20th, 2007, 01:35 PM

^^
Wow! That's nice.

---------------------------------------------
If this town would be a city, it would be the eighth city in Bicol. If it beats Daraga town in Albay in the race for cityhood, it also will be the first time that there are neighboring cities in the region.
source (http://www.bicolmail.com/)

Trivia!

josh2

October 21st, 2007, 06:34 AM

Robinson Supermart

ROBINSONS PLACE NAGA. Ganda pakinggan. Actually maganda dn ang rob especially ung mga mall nila mismo.

josh2

October 21st, 2007, 06:37 AM

XAnga pla diba my AUDITION jan sa LCC Mall Naga City ang PBB Season 2 & PDA of ABS-2 Ganda yan ha, If anjan lng Aq mag o-Audition Aq heheheheheh.
Sana my mai-POSTna mga pics d2 sa thread na'to about that events.
Thanks

Mond87

October 22nd, 2007, 03:58 AM

^^Aren't Tabaco and Ligao adjacent to each other? ;)

gurugeri

October 22nd, 2007, 06:18 AM

^^Aren't Tabaco and Ligao adjacent to each other? ;)

They are. I read that article from Bicol Mail. I mean, I bought a copy and read it on the front page. The author is a brother of my former co-teacher. I think, he did not research well. Are Bacon and Legazpi also adjacent to each other? If they are, then Sorsogon City and Legazpi can also be called neighboring cities since Bacon is now just a district of Sorsogon City.

gurugeri

October 22nd, 2007, 06:29 AM

The city (Sorsogon) is bounded on the east by the municipalities of Pto. Diaz and Gubat, on the south by the municipality of Casiguran and Sorsogon Bay, on the west by the municipality of Castilla, on the northeast by the municipality of Manito in Albay, and on the north by Albay Gulf.

Hindi pala. Hehe!

iamjomar

October 22nd, 2007, 07:41 AM

^^Aren't Tabaco and Ligao adjacent to each other? ;)

yes they are! And there's even an access road between those two cities.

josh2

October 23rd, 2007, 02:34 PM

Actually parang nauuna yata ang Robinsons tapos tinatapatan na ng SM

I mean ung MALL mismo. kc sa naga my Rob Supermarket lng tska Handyman, hndi mismo ROB. Mall!
Hopefully.

josh2

October 23rd, 2007, 02:35 PM

Actually parang nauuna yata ang Robinsons tapos tinatapatan na ng SM Kala q po b my Robinsons Department Store na jan, Wala pa pala?

bobbymay74

October 24th, 2007, 05:00 AM

Kala q po b my Robinsons Department Store na jan, Wala pa pala?

Yeah, Robinsons Department Store is located at the ground floor of E-mall in Barangay San Francisco. They are doing well in sales and very accessible too. I'm expecting Robinson Mall will be next to be establised after SM :banana:

garzland

October 24th, 2007, 05:13 AM

NAGA CITY -- The best athletes from Bicol and Southern Tagalog will be flexing their muscles at the gaming fields of the Metro Naga Sports Complex and in four other selected venues as this city plays host to the qualifying games of the 2nd Philippine Olympic Festival (POF) from Oct. 24 to 28, this year.

Naga City Mayor Jesse M. Robredo confirmed some 1,000 to 1,500 athletes from the two regions will tangle in various sports disciplines to pick out the best who will complete in the national championships.

The Philippine Olympic Festival is an initiative of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) that will lay down the foundation of a Philippine Sports System through the integration, both horizontally and vertically, of all the sports development efforts by different sectors.

The sports festival aims to organize the POF Games in the tradition of the Olympic Games; promote and propagate the values of Olympic Movement – friendship, solidarity and fair play; forge partnerships with the Philippine Sports Commission, Local Government Units, sponsors and other sectors, and; set up a talent identification program, a long-term athletes development program and other programs for the benefit of young potential athletes in preparation for future Olympic Games.

The games to be competed in Naga are judo, table tennis, taekwondo, arnis, wrestling, karate-do, aquatics, athletics, baseball, football, sepak-takraw, basketball, gymnastics, archery, chess, and muay tai.

Robredo said opening rites will be held at Plaza Quezon, in the afternoon of Oct. 24.

Venues of the games, aside from the Metro Naga Sports Complex are: Ateneo de Naga Bagumbayan and Pacol campuses, LCC Activity Center, Old Grandstand (CSNHS), Naga City Gym and the Raul S. Roco Library.

There are two competition formats: age group determined by the respective National Sports Associations (NSAs) and team championship determined by the number of gold medals won.

Four other qualifying games were held or are being held in the following regions: Central/Northern Luzon; National Capital Region; Visayas, and; Mindanao.

www.naga.gov.ph

garzland

October 24th, 2007, 05:20 AM

By Ting Barbosa

A REJUVENATED Bicol River Basin Development Program is fast-tracking a huge World Bank aid amounting to over P1-billion intended to abet floods that had brought gargantuan destruction to properties in the region, and more importantly, restore Camarines Sur’s stake as a leading rice producer in the country.

Presidential Assistant for Bicol Tomasito Monzon, also recently designated by Pres. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo as BRBDP program director, told the Bicol Mail an initial P150-million Department of Agriculture fund sourced by presidential son Rep. Dato Arroyo (Camarines Sur 1st district) had been appropriated for the construction of a mega rubber dam in Libmanan, which – upon completion – is expected to propel that municipality as top agricultural producer in the province.

The World Bank aid, Monzon added, will pump up BRBDP’s projects along three major areas of concern: Watershed protection, flood control and irrigation. Watershed protection will be undertaken in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), flood control with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), and irrigation with the department of Agriculture (DA) and National Irrigation administration (NIA).

Negotiations with the World Bank are now underway and the aid package could fall in place before the end of next year.

Monzon said other than the three major concerns, the BRBDP hopes to set up institutional agriculture livelihood programs that will last beyond the initial six-year lifespan of the BRBDP.

He stressed his agency will encourage and enlist the involvement of local government units and peoples’as well as non-government organizations and vowed to make agency transactions and projects fully transparent to the public.

www.bicolmail.com

josh2

October 25th, 2007, 05:47 AM

Yeah, Robinsons Department Store is located at the ground floor of E-mall in Barangay San Francisco. They are doing well in sales and very accessible too. I'm expecting Robinson Mall will be next to be establised after SM :banana:

Ang alam q po Robinsons Supermarket ang nasa Groundfloor hindi Dept.Store?

garzland

October 25th, 2007, 07:06 AM

^^Yeah, It's a Supermarket not a Dept. Store...

bobbymay74

October 27th, 2007, 11:04 AM

Ang alam q po Robinsons Supermarket ang nasa Groundfloor hindi Dept.Store?

Opsss.. sorry :nuts: I usually do my grocery in Robinsons Supermarket very nice place :)

Hello SSC member, would like to have our second meeting this December??
By then KEVIN will be back from his training

garzland

October 27th, 2007, 11:10 AM

^^Sure, why not... Kaya pala si Kevin ay matagal ng di nagpopost dito....

kevinb

October 28th, 2007, 11:09 AM

Hello SSC member, would like to have our second meeting this December??
By then KEVIN will be back from his training

I won't be back till January next year. 3months kasi dapat, eh Januraty will be the 3rd month.:(

-----

Any news about Naga?

josh2

October 28th, 2007, 02:26 PM

Bat nmn po ang bgal ng Thread na to??
pansin q lng po, obviously. HEHEHE:ohno::ohno::ohno:

josh2

October 28th, 2007, 02:41 PM

I actually feel bored to this thread INASMUCH AS mejo mabagal kumilos even though I'm also NAGUENOS. I dont want to disappoint anybody here but we cant deny the fact that only few members are active to this thread.
I hope nxt time that i open my accnt here there are already good news; new and interesting topics and possitive development about our beloved thread. heheheheh madrama ba? pero TOTOO.:ohno::ohno:

josh2

October 28th, 2007, 02:49 PM

:):):):):):):):):)

aries6210

October 28th, 2007, 03:43 PM

There is a news in Bicolmail stating SM to start construction but when? The file is not found when i clicked it.

psyche_ot

October 28th, 2007, 06:27 PM

maybe the naga city forumers should buy a decent digital camera so that they can post more pictures of the development in our beloved city especially that naga city is having a construction boom..it's just a shame that we can't put those sought after photos..im sure fellow naguenos even fellow bicolanos would be glad when they see how Naga is transforming into a premier Bicol and a Philippine city at the moment..

Sinjin P.

October 29th, 2007, 03:38 AM

There is a news in Bicolmail stating SM to start construction but when? The file is not found when i clicked it.

Previous news articles mentioned that the construction of SM Naga will begin next year just yet.

aries6210

October 29th, 2007, 07:31 AM

SM expands planned mall in Naga City
By By Juan Escandor Jr., 1 Oct 2007
Source: Inquirer

The building of an SM branch in this city has been delayed after the country’s largest mall chain decided to redesigned the establishments from a “hypermarket” to a “full mall”.

Glen Ang, assistant vice president for SM South Region, told the local Sangguniang Panlunsod that the change of design conforms with their expectation that city stands as the center of trade in the province.

Ang explained that the original hypermarket designed for Naga City branch would have carried 10-20 percent nonfood items with the balance being food items.

But he said that, upon review, it was decided that the hypermart be redesigned into a “full mall” where the establishment is divided into separate sections for food, non-food items, furniture, accessories and other items.

Ang revealed that the Naga SM Mall, which will start construction in the fourth quarter of 2008, will be a two-story building with a total area of 46,000 square-meters.. detailing further the actual floor area of the mall, he said the first and second floors will have an equal floor areas of 21, 000 sq. m. each.

Ang added they would also construct a separate building at the back of the mall, which is an 18, 000 sq. m. carpark. He said the establishment will occupy a total area of 61, 000 sq. m. in a leased lot of Central Business District II. Engineer Anthony Paule, chief designer of the SM for 45 years, said it would take 10 months to complete the construction of the building, in addition to three months spent for the preparation of documents and permits for its construction.

Paule said the change of designed of the proposed SM branch here came after top management saw the need to provide complete services to the city like the branches in Davao, Lucena, Lipa and Batangas.

mich07

October 29th, 2007, 02:31 PM

There is a news in Bicolmail stating SM to start construction but when? The file is not found when i clicked it.

Here's the full news article from the bicol mail (http://www.bicolmail.com/issue/2007/oct25/sm.html)

SM City Naga to start construction

NAGA CITY -- With 600,000 population distributed in 113,000 households within the Metro Naga area, which is composed of this city and 14 other neighboring towns as its immediate target market, SM City Naga this week formally announced the start of construction of its first mall in Bicol before members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan here.

The proposed shopping mall will sit on a 4.6-hectare sprawl within the Central Business District 2 of this city, across the integrated bus terminal and near the soon-to-be-completed 8,000-seater Naga City Coliseum.

Annie Garcia, President of the Shopping Center Management Corporation of SM Prime Holdings, Inc. told the Sanggunian members here that ground preparation would start next month preparatory to actual construction.

She said they expected the mall to be completed in March 2009 or even earlier.

SM City Naga will feature a department store, a supermarket, food court, junior anchors, and four cinemas.

Garcia visited city hall Monday (Oct. 22) and paid a courtesy call on City Mayor Jesse M. Robredo.

Coming in full force, Garcia was accompanied by top officials of Shoemart and project engineers and construction officials.

The SM officials took note of Naga’s dynamic trading and commercial activities, anchored as they are by at least 5,000 business establishments, 31 banks, 15 colleges and universities, 6 hospitals, 11 major hotels, 6,000 utility vehicles and 12 bus lines.

SM City Naga would be the first of the country’s leading mall operator in Bicol and the second in South Luzon, outside of Metro Manila.

From their records, SM Malls in provincial cities contribute as much as 11% to 60% of the total municipal tax collection which amounts to a low of P58,938,626 and a high of P131,880,211 a year.

mich07

October 29th, 2007, 02:35 PM

GMA releases P50 million
for Caramoan road project (http://www.bicolmail.com/issue/2007/oct25/releases.html)
By Mar Arguelles

VIRAC, Catanduanes -- President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Monday, announced the release of an additional P50 million funding to finance the completion of the Caramoan Peninsula road network project in Camarines Sur.

The road project covering a 27-kilometer stretch would link the towns of Caramoan and Presentacion, which in the past had no road facilities, except through sea transportation.

The chief executive said the P50 additional fund release would add to the P250 million road construction project earlier released making the total project cost at P300 million.

According to the Department of Public Works and Highways, the completion of the road network would connect Caramoan town to Presentacion which links to Lagonoy town and other major road networks in Camarines Sur.

The towns of Caramoan and Presentacion are considered as hot beds of communist insurgents who have on several occasions engaged government forces in bloody encounters and ambuscades.

Pres. Arroyo’s announcement of the additional fund release came during the 62nd Anniversary celebration of the Catandungan Festival in this island province.

Arroyo inaugurated the island province’s Circumferential Road Phase 1 Project, where she also turned over to the provincial government P10 million check for the Calamity Assistance and Rehabilitation Effort (CARE) project and 50 units of computers.

She also distributed PhilHealth cards, TESDA scholarship and farm seedlings to indigent residents there.

Before visiting the island province of Catanduanes, Arroyo attended the First National Conference on Climate Change Adaptation at the Albay Astrodome, in Legazpi City which was hosted by Albay Gov. Jose Sarte Salceda.

gurugeri

October 30th, 2007, 04:31 AM

fil07

October 30th, 2007, 04:39 AM

Laguna, Naga finish 1-2 in Bicol-Southern Tagalog meet By June Navarro
Inquirer
Last updated 03:15am (Mla time) 10/30/2007

Medal tally G S B
Laguna 125 89 57
Naga City 87 89 92
Cavite 83 52 37
Batangas 30 36 39
Rizal 16 25 22
Or. Mindoro 14 7 12
Cam. Sur 13 33 25
Lucena City 10 0 0
P. Princesa 3 4 5
Cam. Norte 2 5 4
Masbate 1 1 0
Palawan 0 8 1
Albay 0 0 1

NAGA CITY -- Laguna scooped up seven more gold medals in aquatics Monday to seal its dominance of the Philippine Olympic Festival-Bicol Southern Tagalog qualifying games at the Metro Naga Sports Complex here.

Marvie Borja, Joshua Desamero and Banjo Borja picked up two more golds each while the 200-meter medley relay for girls’ 13-14 years old, made up of Julie Delas Alas, Grace Cervantes, Althea Belen and Margot Mabanta, capped Laguna’s final-day onslaught that gave the province 39 golds alone in the pool.

Marvie Borja ruled the 100m butterfly and 400m freestyle for girls’ 15-and-above while her brother, Banjo, scored convincing victories in the 400m freestyle and 200m breaststroke for boys’ 15-and-above.

Desamero struck in the 100m fly and 400m free in the boys’ 13-14 category as Laguna seized the overall crown with 125 gold medals, 89 silvers and 57 bronzes.

Laguna also produced 14 golds in taekwondo and arnis, 13 in archery and gymnastics and seven in karatedo and judo to win pulling away from host Naga City (87-89-92) and Cavite (83-52-37).

But the top individual accolade went to Christine Grace Tan, a lovely 14-year-old national training pool aspirant from Batangas province.

The 5-foot-5 Tan splashed her way to two more gold medals by winning the 400m free and 100m fly for girls’ 14-and-under to emerge as the tournament’s best athlete with 12 gold medals.

Tan also ruled the 50m, 100m, 200m and 800m free, 100m and 200m back, 100m and 200m breast and the 200m and 400m individual medley.

Although Tan collared the most number of gold medals, a pair of nine-year-olds -- Renzo Oliver Baja of Batangas and Laguna’s Catherine Bondad -- came up with exceptional marks in their respective events.

Baja registered five “Triple A” ratings in the 200m IM, 100m back, 50m free, 100m breast and 50m fly while Bondad had remarkable performances in the 100m back, 200m IM, 50m free and 100m breast.

Ratings are used internationally to measure the potential of young swimmers, with Triple A considered as the highest.

Host Naga City leaned on the golden efforts of swimmer Michaelmars Danila, its gymnasts, taekwondo jins, archers and arnis masters to overhaul Cavite for second place on the final day.

Cavite ruled the track and field competition to grab the lead in the first three days but could come up with just a lone gold out of the 128 gold medals at stake in the pool.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/sports/view_article.php?article_id=97611

mich07

October 30th, 2007, 06:28 AM

^^
A result of the political dynasty. A century-old family in the field of politics yet a bad condition of roads for some certain decades:ohno:

mich07

October 30th, 2007, 10:59 AM

I've heard that the coming Survivor Asia will be shot in one of Caramoan's island. AXN/Survivor Manager for Asia is a friend of Lray's son. Sana totoo. :colgate: :colgate: :colgate:
"i learned that they clean-shaved the island forests in time for survivor asia’s leg here in the philippines in february"

^^
I read it from this blog (http://benjaminpadero.com/)

Matteo

October 30th, 2007, 06:50 PM

^^ is that for the current Survivor China? or is it gonnabe a totally different one?

anyway was CWC the one they used for the movie A Love Story with aga muhlach?

fil07

October 30th, 2007, 10:14 PM

No. Yes.

No. Batangas

mich07

October 31st, 2007, 04:29 AM

8 cities cited for being ‘business friendly’ (http://business.inquirer.net/money/breakingnews/view_article.php?article_id=97843)

By Ronnel Domingo
Inquirer
Last updated 05:07am (Mla time) 10/31/2007

MANILA, Philippines--The National Competitiveness Council (NCC), a group formed jointly by the government and the private sector to promote economic competitiveness, has cited eight cities for being “business-friendly” based on its scorecard.

NCC director Virgilio Fulgencio said the Institute for Solidarity in Asia (ISA), headed by former finance secretary Jesus Estanislao, has declared San Fernando in La Union province, San Fernando in Pampanga, Marikina in Metro Manila, Naga in Camarines Sur, Sorsogon in Sorsogon province, Calbayog in Samar, Iloilo in Iloilo province and Tagbilaran in Bohol as model cities.

Fulgencio said these cities were adjudged as good places in which to live, work and do business, as the local government units (LGUs) comply with ISA’s public governance system and scorecard (PGS).

The PGS is patterned after the Harvard Business School’s “balanced scorecard” applied on LGUs, he said.

The PGS measures the progress of a city has made in various areas of concern, including competitive infrastructure, responsible citizenship, growth in the per capita gross domestic product, and greater productivity.

The eight city governments have partnered with ISA on a program called Dream Cities, which requires each of them to map out a charter that states their visions for the next few years.

Examples are Marikina’s goal of becoming Southeast Asia’s model city in competitiveness; San Fernando’s positioning to become a tourist destination, and Tagbilaran’s desire to become a premier eco-cultural tourism hub in Asia.

Twelve other cities nationwide have joined the ISA program: Tuguegarao, Dagupan, Tagaytay, Iriga, Cebu, Dumaguete, Ligao, Panabo, Tacurong, Tangub, Toledo and Samal.

The ISA’s support includes help in strategic planning for spurring business, infrastructure development, and zoning. The LGUs are required to involve the community in government affairs.

“They have resources to do these projects,” Fulgencio said. “They also need to create an Office of Strategy Management, which is responsible for the core plan within the city.”

Formed last year to address perceptions that the country’s attractiveness to investors was waning relative to neighboring countries, the NCC has created six groups to formulate action agendas and push initiatives focused on human resources; management expertise in specific public offices; financing to micro, small and medium enterprises; reduction of transaction costs and improved transaction flows; the upgrade of infrastructure, particularly in transportation, and reduction of costs and securing supplies of electricity. With INQUIRER.net

mich07

October 31st, 2007, 09:25 AM

At last...
http://bp0.blogger.com/_0vuQhag2Uqk/RyfWD1EkP1I/AAAAAAAAASI/g48hFKKnDzE/s1600/sm%2Bnaga.JPG

"The two-storey mall will rise on a 4.7-hectare property between the existing Filcab terminal and St. Joseph School. It will have a gross floor area of 73,300 sq. meters, 54,400 of which are leasable.

Together with a department store that will occupy almost 12,000 sq. m and a supermarket (6,300 sq. m), the mall will feature four cinemas, a food court and 759 parking slots. It will also accommodate as many as 170 short and long-term tenants."

Check out for the full story from this blog (http://nagueno.blogspot.com/2007/10/work-on-sm-naga-set-to-start.html)

mich07

October 31st, 2007, 09:49 AM

marlon_ld

October 31st, 2007, 10:51 AM

nice find mich^^

but looking at the rendering there is no much difference from the other sm malls...

d man lng striking...hehehe

garzland

October 31st, 2007, 12:17 PM

^^At last my rendering na... Well, I find the design nice but the color no

I thought it's only 42,000 sq. meters why does it become 54,000 sq. meters.

garzland

October 31st, 2007, 12:29 PM

I won't be back till January next year. 3months kasi dapat, eh Januraty will be the 3rd month.:(

-----

Any news about Naga?

Tagal naman, kev! Anyway Good luck to you!

garzland

October 31st, 2007, 12:30 PM

Matteo

October 31st, 2007, 05:33 PM

^ thats nice.
now this will be the largest mall in bicol huh
i think pacific mall in legaspi is only 40,000 sq m

fil07

October 31st, 2007, 07:38 PM

Aguirangan Island (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&hl=en&geocode=6704699265300959896,13.709118,123.666916&time=&date=&ttype=&saddr=&daddr=&mra=pr&ie=UTF8&t=k&om=0&ll=13.713204,123.673954&spn=0.032019,0.05785&z=14)

http://images.karlos80.multiply.com/image/10/photos/23/600x600/2/IMG_0893.jpg?et=auV4v0%2BEY8D19pS%2BiPxC4g
http://images.karlos80.multiply.com/image/17/photos/23/600x600/3/IMG_0894.jpg?et=qvmXVjrsOHm3OyAJxfUViQ
http://images.karlos80.multiply.com/image/16/photos/23/600x600/1/DSC_0063%28aguirangan%29.JPG?et=DNXWR58zaCqSizvIO%2ChXjA

Matteo

October 31st, 2007, 11:13 PM

^ i wonder how much if you wanna buy that little spot

fil07

November 1st, 2007, 04:31 AM

I don't sell it. :ohno:

Matteo

November 1st, 2007, 10:21 PM

i'll just look for another island to buy then :yes:

aries6210

November 2nd, 2007, 10:01 AM

fil07

November 2nd, 2007, 04:08 PM

^^Aren't Tabaco and Ligao adjacent to each other? ;)

It says "neighboring cities". Tabaco and Ligao's CBDs are miles away from each oher although these cities share a boundary. It's like Moscow, Russia and Pyongyang, North Korea.

bonixx

November 2nd, 2007, 06:42 PM

mich07

November 2nd, 2007, 09:12 PM

Hi everyone, hey, garzland, post ka naman ng new developments in Naga City. How about that one, "westpark", im i correct. Last thread, someone has said that there is a construction going on in front of avenue square, what is it now? Post naman the updates of these developments. if you have pictures for them, might as well, better. In legaspi, there is the so called "Embarcadero", a commercial strip mall i guess being constructed. I hope a similar upscale strip mall will also be constructed in Naga city.

I think the city should entertain first the entry of the Pacific mall before any other malls. The project isn't only a mall but a city within a city.

"Time and expanding commerce will tell when that portion of the city will be transformed into another city within a city even as Landco-Pacific waits for the proper time to start development of their planned P1.2 billion, twelve-hectare business park within the area."
source (http://www.bicolmail.com/issue/2007/august23/selda.html) dated last aug. 27 2007.
^^
The delay of this project is, I think, because of the advent of SM.

mich07

November 2nd, 2007, 09:15 PM

^^
I also thought of it. But I think the writer should have elaborated it.

garzland

November 3rd, 2007, 03:08 AM

Hi everyone, hey, garzland, post ka naman ng new developments in Naga City. How about that one, "westpark", im i correct. Last thread, someone has said that there is a construction going on in front of avenue square, what is it now? Post naman the updates of these developments. if you have pictures for them, might as well, better. In legaspi, there is the so called "Embarcadero", a commercial strip mall i guess being constructed. I hope a similar upscale strip mall will also be constructed in Naga city.

Yeah, there's a construction going on just in front of the Avenue Square... I just don't know the exact name of it. I'm glad there's a so called Embarcadero in Legazpi. If you're gonna ask me, I don't want to duplicate it here in Naga, it's better if only Legazpi has it...

The Westpark is partially operational, I have taken a pic of that before and posted it here... There's a lot of under construction and newly ocnstrcuted buildings here in the city... It's just that I want to take a pic of them if I have already my N95 next year hehehe... para maganda at malinaw...

garzland

November 3rd, 2007, 03:10 AM

^ thats nice.
now this will be the largest mall in bicol huh
i think pacific mall in legaspi is only 40,000 sq m

Yup, I guess since it added another 12000 sq.m with a total of 54,000 sq meters.

garzland

November 3rd, 2007, 03:12 AM

^^Finally! Kudos Naga City! wow nice Design of SM City Naga...it looks like more than two storey for me...ahehehe i cant imagine this could be the southernmost SM in Luzon ,in the making ...Nice new SM Logo as indicated simmilar to SM Taytay, i hope SM Lucena could replace the old SM Logo sign aheheh...

It looks like a 3-storey to me, actually...

garzland

November 3rd, 2007, 03:21 AM

WITH Naga’s burgeoning trade and commerce hitting fever pitch, undoubtedly making it the most dynamic urban enclave in the region 400 kilometers south of Metro Manila, it is reassuring to note that the city government is trying its best to protect the weaker members of the community while encouraging its free markets to unleash their competitive spirit. The challenge now is to sustain the right balance in the race for growth and development from hereon forward.

Thus, we see the fast-paced beautification and upgrading of Panganiban Avenue which has become the domain of small local traders whose strength will come to test when SM Properties put up its mall at nearby Central Business District II before the onset of 2008.

With its neat asphalt overlay and a uniform array of tri-colored lampposts, the kilometer-long Panganiban Avenue has gone a long way since over a decade ago when on its side were found shanties unsteadily standing on the swampy strip of the PNR railroad tracks that parallel the avenue, which ironically served as the city’s gateway from the south to the centro.

As part of Naga Local Initiatives for Economic Activities and Partnerships (LEAPS) program, the city government leased from the Philippine National Railways the abandoned portion of the railroad company’s right-of-way. With the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) as partner, the city then conceived uniform designs for duplex-type commercial buildings in the area. Afterwards, interested private developers were invited to sublease the PNR property and build the duplex-type and pavilion type commercial buildings. This Build-Operate-Lease arrangement was further enhanced with its beautification component that provided landscaping and greening of the vacant portions between the buildings which also served as ample spaces for parking.

Meanwhile, the 250 hectare CBD II is preparing for the coming of SM City Naga while rushing to complete the typhoon battered construction of the Metro Naga Coliseum. For good measure, City Mayor Jesse M. Robredo has called on the private operator of the city-funded Integrated Bus Terminal to exercise diligent upkeep and management of the premises at all times. In fact, the mayor has dispatched his men to discuss with the operator ways to maintain cleanliness and orderliness in the bus terminal.

Compared to the Panganiban upgrading project, which moved growth to other areas at the periphery of the old business district (centro), CBD II is an effort to create another distinct commercial area which to date has resulted in the 100% expansion of the city’s commercial district since 8 or 10 years ago.

Another significant initiative, primarily propelled by the private sector that contributed to Naga’s expansion as a trade and commercial hub in this part of the region is the so-called Naga Southwest Development Project. This is a multi-billion 100-hectare property development project that is envisioned as a first-class commercial and residential district.

Inaugurated in 2000, the project is anchored on the construction of a new 4.5 kilometer Almeda highway – completed in 2004 – that opens up the entire marshland, with patches of rice lands, for future development.

Already, subdivisions have sprouted on the southern end of the highway. The private sector, through the Almeda and Consunji group of companies, shouldered the cost of road construction – at over P100 million -- apart from donating 5 hectares to the city government and the relocation of a public school from its old site to a donated lot from across the other side of the newly-built highway. Time and expanding commerce will tell when that portion of the city will be transformed into another city within a city even as Landco-Pacific waits for the proper time to start development of their planned P1.2 billion, twelve-hectare business park within the area.

At the San Felipe-Pacol-Carolina-Panicuason corridor towards the foot of Mt. Isarog, otherwise known as the East Highland Tourism Zone, first-class residential homes continue to sprout, with the 100-hectare Haciendas de Naga and the Avida villages of the Ayala real estate company leading the tempo of heightened home and leisure village construction in that area. The area which boasts of natural cool climate and vast expanse of verdant foliage is home to a string of spring water resorts, agri-farms, ecology park, the Metro Naga Sports Complex and the Ateneo de Naga High School campus.

While politically Naga is not allied with the national administration, the city has remained to be independently bullish in terms of economic development and business expansion, sparing in the process the national treasury from allocating dole-out funds to the city. The money not given to Naga is effectively diverted for use in other more depressed communities of the country. Pres. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Budget Secretary Nonoy Andaya, therefore, should be grateful to the Naguenos for not asking, like beggars, too much funds from the national coffers.

About ¾ of the city budget are derived from local revenues and efficient fiscal management, while other cities favored by Malacanang wallow in huge pork barrel funds from both Congress and Malacanang. Regretfully, however, many of these projects in other cities and provinces heavily identified with Malacanang turn out to be graft-ridden white elephants, such as the Pantao International Port, for example. Or the much-ballyhooed multi-billion Bicol post-typhoon rehabilitation works, as another example.

www.bicolmail.com

bobbymay74

November 3rd, 2007, 04:56 AM

I think the city should entertain first the entry of the Pacific mall before any other malls. The project isn't only a mall but a city within a city.

"Time and expanding commerce will tell when that portion of the city will be transformed into another city within a city even as Landco-Pacific waits for the proper time to start development of their planned P1.2 billion, twelve-hectare business park within the area."
source (http://www.bicolmail.com/issue/2007/august23/selda.html) dated last aug. 27 2007.
^^
The delay of this project is, I think, because of the advent of SM.

I strongly agree. Landco has a great planned for the city( specially at the far side of naga-almeda area), and focus not only for their own company but for other people who would like to start a small and medium business. As i see it

josh2

November 3rd, 2007, 06:10 AM

Actually, the design is much nicer than SM Lipa...

wow finally, SM Naga is difinitely HERE

josh2

November 3rd, 2007, 06:12 AM

http://www.naga.gov.ph/ansel/images/smcity.jpg

sources:

http://www.naga.gov.ph/forum/index.php/topic,2812.msg22180/boardseen.html#msg22180
http://nagueno.blogspot.com/2007/10/work-on-sm-naga-set-to-start.html

wow finally, SM Naga is difinitely HERE. atleast NAGDAKULA PA ANG DESIGN. parang 4th flr or 5th floor ha.

bobbymay74

November 3rd, 2007, 07:04 AM

I strongly agree. Landco has a great planned for the city( specially at the far side of naga-almeda area), and focus not only for their own company but for other people who would like to start a small and medium business. As i see it

other than that.. the need for a better infrastructure in Naga is a must for a more investors. Lanco will surely be of help.

marlon_ld

November 3rd, 2007, 08:06 AM

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo declares Caramoan Islands as tourist zones
By Janice

Six white beach islands off the coast of the Caramoan Peninsula in Camarines Sur province have been declared recently as tourist zones by virtue of Republic Act (RA) No. 9445.

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo signed into law last May 9, 2007 RA No. 9445 naming the islands of Lahuy, Cotivas, Guinahuan, Luksuhin, Malibagon and Masag, located off the northern coast of Caramoan town as national tourism zones.

Re-elected Congressman Noli Fuentebella of the 3rd district of Camarines Sur, who is the principal sponsor of the newly enacted law, said RA No. 9445 directs the Department of Tourism (DOT), its attached agencies and the Partido Development Authority (PDA) to come up with a tourism development plan for the Caramoan islands.

Fuentebella said the Caramoan islands’ tourism development plan will include the protection and enhancement of the natural features and cultural heritage of the tourist zones and provide a sustainable economic opportunities for the communities in the areas.

RA No. 9445 requires the PDA and the Caramoan local government unit (LGU) to implement and enforce the tourism development plan once completed.

Fuentebella said the law also directs the Tourism department and its attached agencies to assist the LGU by providing it with the needed technical and financial assistance to develop tourism infrastructure and skills.

Moreover, the DOT is also mandated to include in its program the promotion, locally and internationally, of the tourist zones.

The law enjoins the DOT, PDA and the LGU to encourage the private sector, non-government organizations and other groups to invest in the declared tourist zones in Caramoan, Fuentebella said.

The Camarines Sur solon filed the bill declaring the six Caramoan islands as tourist zones when the 13th Congress opened last July 1, 2004. It was passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate February 19 and 20, 2004, respectively.

marlon_ld

November 3rd, 2007, 08:13 AM

CWC pics
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/skyscrapercity/_SHP2637.jpg
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/skyscrapercity/_SHP7463.jpg

Accomodation....

Luxury villas
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/skyscrapercity/aerial_villas.jpg
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/skyscrapercity/_shp7622.jpg
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/skyscrapercity/_shp6538.jpg
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/skyscrapercity/_shp6536.jpg
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/skyscrapercity/_shp6518.jpg
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/skyscrapercity/_shp6514.jpg

Mansion Suites

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/skyscrapercity/_shp7270.jpg
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/skyscrapercity/_shp7264.jpg
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/skyscrapercity/_shp7714.jpg
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/skyscrapercity/_shp7635.jpg
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/skyscrapercity/_shp7702.jpg

Mond87

November 3rd, 2007, 09:49 AM

It says "neighboring cities". Tabaco and Ligao's CBDs are miles away from each oher although these cities share a boundary. It's like Moscow, Russia and Pyongyang, North Korea.

I think it would've been better if you've said that Russia and North Korea are neighboring countries coz Pyongyang and Moscow are obviously not neighboring cities...

I agree w/ Mich, the author could've elaborated it further. Ligao and Tabaco are indeed neighboring cities, they border each other and who knows, their CBDs might just expand and become closer to each other later on. It would've been safer if the author said that "Pili and Naga would be the cities to have the closest CBDs to each other if in case Pili becomes a city."

Mond87

November 3rd, 2007, 11:05 AM

garzland

November 3rd, 2007, 11:24 AM

^^I just do hope that the Almeda Highway will be made into 4 lanes so as to anticipate for a future traffic problem ...

garzland

November 3rd, 2007, 11:25 AM

wow finally, SM Naga is difinitely HERE. atleast NAGDAKULA PA ANG DESIGN. parang 4th flr or 5th floor ha.

It becomes bigger because it's now a full mall

garzland

November 3rd, 2007, 11:26 AM

^^Wow, the villas are grand... Those weren't there during my last visit...

Mond87

November 3rd, 2007, 11:35 AM

so it's something new... looks 5-star ha? galing... :)

garzland

November 3rd, 2007, 11:36 AM

By the way, there are 2 Naga Cities --Naga City in Camarines Sur and Naga City in Cebu... What do you think could be the implication of this to us the original Naga City?

garzland

November 3rd, 2007, 11:38 AM

^^Yeah, I think those are just 4-5 months old...

Mond87

November 3rd, 2007, 11:44 AM

change it to... Caceres??? It sounds nice... but I like Naga simply because magaan bigkasin...

garzland

November 3rd, 2007, 11:49 AM

^^Change to Caceres City? Hmmm...Doesn't sound good to me maybe because I'm not used to it...

fil07

November 3rd, 2007, 01:23 PM

If Gainza and Camaligan choose to be merged with Naga, they should change the city's name. Nueva Caceres is not a bad choice.

fil07

November 3rd, 2007, 01:37 PM

Russia and North Korea is to Tabaco and Ligao; Moscow and Pyongyang is to Tabaco and Ligao's CBD.

-

cool pics

bobbymay74

November 3rd, 2007, 02:12 PM

change it to... Caceres??? It sounds nice... but I like Naga simply because magaan bigkasin...

Good opinion NAGA, CACERES OR NUEVA CACERES are possible choices.

"IN-CASE, IF IT'S POSSIBLE" that the international airport will be build in Libmanan, maybe there are choices...

like
Naga International Airport - does it sounds native, easy to remember and read or sounds Japanese?..:)

Nueva Caceres International Airport- hmmm...sounds too long to read but has a taste of international name for me, and reflects not only Naga City but the whole Bicol region( diocese of caceres means the whole Bicol region during the spanish times).

Caceres International Airport- will soon be set up in Caceres, Extremadura region, Spain. So it's no longer available for us. (CACERES,Spain- Is where our city name came about).

Libmanan International Airport- ?? No idea.

fil07

November 3rd, 2007, 03:16 PM

Southern Luzon International Airport ngani kaya kun Bicol sana an makikinabang, bako na yan Southern Luzon.

Right Mond?

Let me add more details:

Intl Airport in LIBMANAN will serve:
- Camarines Norte - pop. 600,000
- Camarines Sur and Naga City - pop. 1,800,000
- perhaps some of Quezon Province
- only the island of Burias, Masbate (thru Pasacao port)

= total pop. around 2,500,000. parts of Quezon represent little population since most of this province is located closer to Manila. Burias, on the other hand, is very sparsely populated. The people of the islands of Ticao and Masbate are more frequent visitors of Sorsogon and Albay rather than of Cam Sur.

Intl Airport in DARAGA:
- Albay and Legazpi City - pop. 1,250,000
- Sorsogon and Sorsogon City - pop. 700,000
- islands of Ticao and Masbate of Masbate Province (thru Pilar port) - pop. 700,000
- Catanduanes (thru Tabaco port) - pop. 250,000

= total pop. around 2,900,000

another: Quezon is not a Bicolano province and Cam Norte is more populated by Tagalogs than Bicolanos. Naga city airport in Pili is less utilized than the one in Legazpi. It's not due to its smaller area or less modernized equipment. It's due to the fact that Naga city is only 8 hours away from Manila. And those people coming from eastern Quezon and Cam Norte would rather ride buses rather than airplanes because they're much closer to Manila than Sorsogon, Masbate, and Catanduanes are. Plus, as asserted in another forum, Albay has more foreign tourists than Cam Sur does. So, why the transfer? If some complain that the proposed airport in Daraga might turn into a white elephant, what more kung sa Libmanan?

Naga is only 8 hours away from Manila, and more than 8 hours away from Cebu and Tacloban.

mich07

November 3rd, 2007, 03:33 PM

If Gainza and Camaligan choose to be merged with Naga, they should change the city's name. Nueva Caceres is not a bad choice.

Nueva Caceres will remain as my second choice. Naga (bicol) doesn't need to change its name. It's pretty unfair if naga,bicol changes its name while naga,cebu benefits to the prestige of the name which has been built by the naguenos for many years.

Southern Luzon International Airport ngani kaya kun Bicol sana an makikinabang, bako na yan Southern Luzon.

I like the name 'Southern Luzon International Airport'. Naga is the center of the camarines provinces and other neighboring towns from mimaropa and calabarzon so it deserves its name while legazpi is indeed closest to all the bicol provinces so it also deserves to bear the name of 'Bicol International Airport'. But I think camarines sur should be concentrating first in developing caramoan and it's other tourism potentials.

mich07

November 3rd, 2007, 03:39 PM

garzland

November 3rd, 2007, 05:21 PM

^^Caramoan roads are being being paved now because of the budget allocation of 300M plus...So, in a matter of a year or more new roads and new Caramoan will be seen....

mich07

November 4th, 2007, 04:29 AM

CSSAC is no. 1 veterinary school

The Camarines Sur State Agricultural College (CSSAC) received a big boost in its bid to be upgraded to a state university after it was declared the top performing school for veterinary medicine in the whole country for 2005, 2006 and 2007.

Atty. Marito T. Bernales, Ph.D., CSSAC president, said that CSSAC achieved the distinction after it notched a passing average of 85.19% in the Veterinary Licensure Examination from 2005 to 2007 emerging as number one among all schools offering the course in the country.

University of the Philippines was second with 75.41% followed by Pampanga Agriculture College, 60.61%; Central Luzon State University, 59.20%; and Central Mindanao University, 50.37%.

Other schools in the top ten are University of Southern Mindanao, 45.68%; Cavite State University, 43.14%; Leyte State University, 40%; Isabela State University 35.06%; and Aklan State University, 34.48%.

The course, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, was opened at CSSAC starting only during the first semester of school year 1999-2000 and its first graduates in 2005 immediately scored a phenomenal 100% passing average.

With Dr. Julian Jose M. Trinidad as OIC Dean, the Institute of Veterinary Medicine at CSSAC is composed of the following faculty members: Dr. Alberto Cabrera, Dr. Jaime G. Tria V, Dr. Josefina Mañugo, Dr. Jose S. Sabater, Dr. Edwin C. Rosales and Dr. Leopoldo V. Ledesma, Jr.

Meanwhile, Congressman Luis R. Villafuerte disclosed that he has refiled at the opening of the 14th Congress last month the bill seeking the conversion of CSSAC into a state university.

It was among scores of bills authored by the Camarines Sur Second District solon in the previous Congress which were passed by the House of Representatives. For lack of time the Senate, however, failed to act on many of those bills most of which were intended to enhance the educational system.

source (http://www.crane-caramoan.org/news/20070831/01.php)

Repair of damaged Caramoan port set
http://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/news/20070630/06.jpg
Caramoan Port whose repair will reportedly need nearly P60 million

The repair of the damaged Caramoan Port at barangay Guijalo has been assured after bidding was held by the Philippine Port Authority (PPA) in Manila on March 28, 2007 for the rehabilitation work.

Welex Construction won in the bidding with a bid amount of P58,821,364.00.

Manolo Alvarez, a Caramoan who holds a sensitive post at the PPA as acting senior executive assistant, said funding was allocated for the project upon the request of Gov. L-Ray Villafuerte.

Built only in 2002 by the DOTC Special Reform Related Feeder Ports Project (SRRFPP) at the cost of P72 million, the Caramoan Port was funded through a loan from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC). Originally estimated to cost only P53.6 million, the project cost escalated by nearly P20 million and yet it was the only port in Camarines Sur which crumbled after two typhoons last year.

Three other ports were simultaneously built in Camarines Sur under the same program and same funding source – Pasacao Port, San Jose Port at Talisay and Tamban Port in Tinambac. All these three ports sustained no damage after the typhoons last year even if winds were stronger in all three areas, leading observers to conclude that the Caramoan Port was sub-standard and ill-supervised.

Observers however noted that the repair allocation appear to represent already about 83% of the original overall project cost of Caramoan port when the damaged portion is only about one fourth of the structure. Moreover, boulder materials are still on site.

source (http://www.crane-caramoan.org/news/20070630/11.php)

Matteo

November 4th, 2007, 09:14 AM

ganda pala sa cwc.
i like the interior architecture and design

fil07

November 4th, 2007, 09:52 AM

Kulang na lang kagan: "This is where your taxes go."

kevinb

November 4th, 2007, 01:15 PM

http://www.naga.gov.ph/ansel/images/smcity.jpg

sources:

http://www.naga.gov.ph/forum/index.php/topic,2812.msg22180/boardseen.html#msg22180
http://nagueno.blogspot.com/2007/10/work-on-sm-naga-set-to-start.html

Okay ung far right design. Mala-Gateway na Avenue Square. Hehe.

If Gainza and Camaligan choose to be merged with Naga, they should change the city's name. Nueva Caceres is not a bad choice.

I agree. Just don't use it with a "city" 'coz it won't sound very nice. :)

fil07

November 4th, 2007, 03:11 PM

fil07

November 4th, 2007, 03:19 PM

Ciudad de (Nueva) Nueva Caceres :nuts:

Mond87

November 5th, 2007, 10:29 AM

Russia and North Korea is to Tabaco and Ligao; Moscow and Pyongyang is to Tabaco and Ligao's CBD.

-

cool pics

so it's actually the cbds we're after and not the cities? heheh...

gurugeri

November 5th, 2007, 10:50 AM

Russia and North Korea is to Tabaco and Ligao; Moscow and Pyongyang is to Tabaco and Ligao's CBD.

Hahaha. I really find the prattles about whether or not Ligao and Tabaco are neighboring cities funny.

gurugeri

November 5th, 2007, 10:52 AM

Kulang na lang kagan: "This is where your taxes go."

Hahaha. I wish the money for that--okay, tourism-drawing complex--were used to build more roads here in Partido.

Mond87

November 5th, 2007, 11:20 AM

Mond87

November 5th, 2007, 11:36 AM

Southern Luzon International Airport ngani kaya kun Bicol sana an makikinabang, bako na yan Southern Luzon.

Right Mond?

Naga is only 8 hours away from Manila, and more than 8 hours away from Cebu and Tacloban.

wow... that was really clever! :cheers::cheers::cheers:

but i think two int'l airports w/in a distance of about 100 kms and w/ both provinces having only about 40,000 foreign visitors each year will not be of a success at all... i believe still that one of them will survive as the "one" and the other be reverted back to a "domestic" one or worse, none will stay as an "international" one... just a thought, eastern Quezon residents and Cam Norte are already way too close to Manila to make use of an airport. That myt be the reason why Pili airport is not as successful as its Visayan counterparts. Furthermore, Lucena city's airport and all other airports in Calabarzon are, if I'm not mistaken, are already left to waste... they're already close to Manila. Mimaropa? I don't think they'd use CamSur's airport. they're just way too far... Manila will still be their choice. Plus, I know someone who studies in an airline school wherein they will be flying somewhere in Mindoro so that means there's an airport there.

on the other hand, calaguas isles, caramoan beaches, and CWC seems promising altogether. there might be a possibility pa rin.

but, I agree w/ Mich... develop first Caramoan and the neighboring towns in Partido... I think that would serve as a better foundation towards better tourism... ;)

Mond87

November 5th, 2007, 11:46 AM

Nueva Caceres will remain as my second choice. Naga (bicol) doesn't need to change its name. It's pretty unfair if naga,bicol changes its name while naga,cebu benefits to the prestige of the name which has been built by the naguenos for many years.

i completely agree... i don't want to call this city as "Nueva-Caceres-formerly-known-as-Naga"!!! That would be too long!!! :) I remembered way back when I was still a kid. Just hearing the word "Naga" is already like a sweet nectar tingling in my ears. mismatch? wahahahah!!! heheh, actually, i was always elated then when I hear about Naga. Maybe, it was pure curiosity... In later years, I became in love w/ Sorsogon... My love for Albay (as a place) is mere affinity... Young as I was, way back in 1997, I was already dreaming of making the whole BIcol a better place. Perhaps, it starts w/ breaking the walls and everything... ;)

Mond87

November 5th, 2007, 11:49 AM

How about a provincehood for Partido district? High resolution na sa Google Earth an Caramoan a. You can see Gota beach (http://wikimapia.org/#lat=13.806221&lon=123.882501&z=16&l=0&m=a&v=2) and Shrine of Our Lady of Holy Rosary Mother of Peace (http://wikimapia.org/#lat=13.827225&lon=123.809953&z=16&l=0&m=a&v=2) there.

just hearing this made me remember about the case of quezon del norte and quezon del sur. Partido must not yet be a province! It cannot stand at its own yet! I believe so...

fil07

November 5th, 2007, 01:04 PM

If is not an issue to the people of Camaligan and Gainza why change the name. However, it wouldn't be a "merger" but "absorption". Was it an issue to the people of Bacon?

Mond87

November 5th, 2007, 01:05 PM

I heard it became an issue... but I don't know the details...

fil07

November 5th, 2007, 01:44 PM

fil07

November 5th, 2007, 01:48 PM

I guess the issue was the mayor did not favor the absorption. Na-demote siguro sya, barangay captain na sana.

marlon_ld

November 6th, 2007, 02:55 AM

gurugeri

November 6th, 2007, 05:20 AM

^^partido must be a beautiful place... I'm always in love with far-out a "little" secluded areas in the world. this must explain the reason why i love Sorsogon more than CamSur and Albay... Partido, I'll be there and traverse your beautiful sites!

Yes, it really is. And the people are very warm. Almost all tricycle drivers here know me and call me sir, to the detriment of the womanish instinct. Hehe! Goa is also very progressive. When I came here four years ago, it was only a fourth class town. Ngayon, second class na. The problem is infra. Ewan ko ba ang yabang-yabang ni Fuentebella when he comes to our school (he is the principal author of the Phil. Science - Bicol charter) pero gusto syang sigawan na ipaayos an mga tinampo. The hinterlands of Lagonoy, Goa, Presentacion, Garchitorena, Tinambac, Siruma, and Caramoan are way too unreachable and seemingly uninhabitable.

Mond87

November 6th, 2007, 09:00 AM

Here are pics of caramoan and some of its islands...

i also heard from d news that one island is being develop and construction of a number of cabanas similar to those found in cwc is on going...they are expecting a good number of tourists who will flock the area once the road and resort developments were all comlpeted...

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/skyscrapercity/_shp7926.jpg
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/skyscrapercity/_shp7779.jpg
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/skyscrapercity/_shp7889.jpg
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/skyscrapercity/_shp7916.jpg
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/skyscrapercity/_shp7923.jpg
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/skyscrapercity/_ll17893.jpg

fantastic... CARAMOAN is ASTOUNDING!!! I just love it... Maybe they better pave the roads better now... and I just hope politicians would not use it to promote their names as if Caramoan's their own... weheheh... I love Caramoan... I almost forgot, we have distant relatives from this town and other CamSur towns such as Ragay, Siruma, Calabanga, Canaman, etc.

Mond87

November 6th, 2007, 09:03 AM

Yes, it really is. And the people are very warm. Almost all tricycle drivers here know me and call me sir, to the detriment of the womanish instinct. Hehe! Goa is also very progressive. When I came here four years ago, it was only a fourth class town. Ngayon, second class na. The problem is infra. Ewan ko ba ang yabang-yabang ni Fuentebella when he comes to our school (he is the principal author of the Phil. Science - Bicol charter) pero gusto syang sigawan na ipaayos an mga tinampo. The hinterlands of Lagonoy, Goa, Presentacion, Garchitorena, Tinambac, Siruma, and Caramoan are way too unreachable and seemingly uninhabitable.

hmmm... at home na at home ka jan, Sir/Madam Jerry!!! Uy... bga naki-piyesta ka na jan ah!

Mond87

November 6th, 2007, 09:18 AM

^^some of the folks lost their jobs. w/c eventually affected their families and other dependents... I think Gainza, Camaligan, and Naga will have to come into agreement and consider making a feasibility study on this. Perhaps, they have to focus on the following aspects:

* Economic
* Political
* Financial
* Management
* Social

What will be the effects of the absorption? In creating a feasibility study, one must be neutral, realistic, and must look for reliable sources of information. Creating an FS is a very crucial stage in determining whether the "absorption" will be feasible or not. Mere conversations about this will not suffice an answer...

Mond87

November 6th, 2007, 09:28 AM

Pili Airport should be modernized at least. If I were to visit Bagasbas, CWC or Caramoan and I am from Baguio or Cebu, flying to Daraga or Legazpi would be long (say 1 hour flight and 3-5 hours ride) and costly. Kun pa-Mayon, Misibis or Donsol man (maski may airport sa Libmanan), mayong problema for there is Legazpi Airport.

if some people from Naga are using Legazpi's airport, then I would believe that CamSur needs a larger one... But if there are none and if visiting planes have not reached their full capacities or near full capacities, I think just improving the airport will already be sufficient... ;)

gurugeri

November 6th, 2007, 09:33 AM

hmmm... at home na at home ka jan, Sir/Madam Jerry!!! Uy... bga naki-piyesta ka na jan ah!

Goa is where I find reprieve. I am at peace whenever I am here. Pyesta? Digdi lang sa Goa. Haha!

josh2

November 6th, 2007, 02:57 PM

^^Change to Caceres City? Hmmm...Doesn't sound good to me maybe because I'm not used to it...

better not to change it!!!
heehehhhehehe
NAGA nlng
dba para hndi confusing kung ano ipapangalan?
wala nmn atang balita na papalitan yan eh???:cheers::cheers:

marlon_ld

November 6th, 2007, 05:35 PM

if some people from Naga are using Legazpi's airport, then I would believe that CamSur needs a larger one... But if there are none and if visiting planes have not reached their full capacities or near full capacities, I think just improving the airport will already be sufficient... ;)

i think naga is in desperate need for a better airport...i also think that there are also a good number of naguenos who really choose to take d plane so that they can save more time, since most of this people are really busy. ..1 proof i think was wen my parents went to manila for reasons that i do not knw, when they are about to go home all flights going to naga was fully booked..so they end up taking the plane which was bound to legaspi city which of course is more expensive and tymn consuming since it will be a longer commute...

iamjomar

November 7th, 2007, 03:57 AM

i thought they were planning to upgrade the existing Naga Airport in Pili?

josh2

November 7th, 2007, 04:02 AM

maray na aga

Mond87

November 7th, 2007, 04:27 AM

How many flights are there in a week?

josh2

November 7th, 2007, 04:27 AM

iamjomar

November 7th, 2007, 04:33 AM

^^ maray na aga man.
gusto ko yung design ng SM Naga kahit pinalitan ung logo though mas maganda ata ung luma. Yung design ng Taytay hindi ganon kaganda.

josh2

November 7th, 2007, 04:51 AM

^^ maray na aga man.
gusto ko yung design ng SM Naga kahit pinalitan ung logo though mas maganda ata ung luma. Yung design ng Taytay hindi ganon kaganda.

pano mag post ng face pic sa acct q d2?

iamjomar

November 7th, 2007, 05:00 AM

avatar mo ba? sa profile mo dun ka mag upload basta gamitin mo ung pic mo na naka save sa computer. hehehe:)

josh2

November 7th, 2007, 05:54 AM

avatar mo ba? sa profile mo dun ka mag upload basta gamitin mo ung pic mo na naka save sa computer. hehehe:)

thanks nga pala.:nuts::nuts:

demented_pigeon

November 8th, 2007, 06:49 AM

Hi everyone. Im a cebuano but my parents are both from the Bicol region. They have shared plans of moving to Naga city in order to settle down. I was ecstatic because i knew that participative democracy works in Naga. Also, my parents wanted to move to a place where we can be in contact with our relatives.

marlon_ld

November 8th, 2007, 05:25 PM

^^ i hope u'll like it here!!

as early as now allow me to welcome u the "maogmang lugar"..hehehe

mich07

November 9th, 2007, 02:09 PM

i think naga is in desperate need for a better airport...i also think that there are also a good number of naguenos who really choose to take d plane so that they can save more time, since most of this people are really busy. ..1 proof i think was wen my parents went to manila for reasons that i do not knw, when they are about to go home all flights going to naga was fully booked..so they end up taking the plane which was bound to legaspi city which of course is more expensive and tymn consuming since it will be a longer commute...

I strongly agree with you. Most of my relatives are always preferring to have their flights going to legazpi because their reason is that the airport in pili is in a not so good condition unlike in legazpi which they think is safer than pili's airport. A new airport is really badly needed.

garzland

November 11th, 2007, 04:27 AM

garzland

November 11th, 2007, 04:28 AM

maray na aga

Hi, josh! u seem so speechless! Hahaha

garzland

November 11th, 2007, 04:32 AM

NAGA CITY – Journalists from Southern Luzon and Bicol will be coming to this city this week for a three-day seminar-workshop on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), their status and trends, as well as issues and challenges in achieving the goals.

The seminar-workshop, to be conducted by the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ), in partnership with the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), will be held at Villa Caceres Hotel here, from Nov. 7-10, 2007.

The MDG is a declaration passed by the United Nations General Assembly, which reaffirms each member-nation’s commitment toward a world in which sustaining development and eliminating poverty would have the highest priority. It seeks to bring together the efforts of the world community in the attainment of eight specific goals: eradicate poverty, achieve universal education, promote gender equity, reduce child mortality, improve maternal health, combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases, ensure environmental sustainability, and develop a global partnership for development.

Among the speakers and resource persons to the workshop-seminar are: Benjamin Turiano, NEDA Director for Development Information; Prof. Leonor M. Briones of Social Watch Philippines; Malou Mangahas of the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism; Alecks P. Pabico, Head of the Multimedia Desk of PCIJ, and; Candido Astrologo, Jr., OIC Director of the National Statistics Coordination Board.

Among other activities, participant-journalists are expected to discuss how to develop a framework for scrutinizing MDG achievements, by going beyond government reports and statistics, to help them write meaningful stories on the MDGs.

source (www.naga.gov.ph)

demented_pigeon

November 11th, 2007, 06:04 AM

matanong ko lang, kelan ho ba matatapos yung SM?

garzland

November 11th, 2007, 10:26 AM

^^I guess, by the end of next year...

josh2

November 12th, 2007, 02:32 PM

Hi, josh! u seem so speechless! Hahaha

bkit nmn po? what do u mean pano u nasabi speechless ako?

blueguy

November 14th, 2007, 03:50 PM

mukhang me ligawan dito a...:lol:

yoh_1

November 15th, 2007, 03:28 AM

Cumulative 3-quarter revenue collections in Bicol up 19.5%
By RM Palmiano, PIA

Legazpi City (9 November) -- Internal revenue collection in Bicol for the month of September amounted to P260.44 million to push the first to third quarters cumulative collection (January to September) to P2.79 billion overshooting the regional revenue target collection for the period of P2.33 billion by P455.7 million or 19.5 per cent.

BIR Bicol OIC-regional director Edgar P. Claveria commended all the revenue district offices in the Bicol region for surpassing their respective collection targets during the regular monthly staff conference held here, last October 25 and urged them to sustain their good performance until the year-end.

The September revenue collection of P260.4 million is higher by P26.27 million or 11.22 per cent over the P234.1 million target. It is also higher by some P34.1 million or 15.07 per cent compared to last year's collection of P226.3 million for the same month.

Among the seven revenue district offices in Bicol, the Revenue District Office in Sorsogon City (RDO 68) headed by Arturo Abenoja, Jr. topped the collection effort with P22.06 million for a 43.98 per cent increase over the P15.32 million target, followed by RDO 69 (Catanduanes) led by Ramon T. King for achieving a total collection of P14.402 million which is higher by P3.6 million over its P10.73 million goal.

The third collection performer is RDO 67 (Legazpi City) under the supervision of Ma. Luisa I. Belen which exceeded its P74.87 million goal by P20.65 million or 27.59 per cent.

The other two district offices that surpassed their respective collection goals are RDO 65 (Naga City) under the helm of Socorro R. Lafuente, which collected P69.99 million for an increase of P4.75 million or 7.29 per cent over the P65.236 million target, and RDO 66 (Iriga City) led by Monib M. Dimakuta, collected P16.88 million against P16.50 million goal for a 2.32 per cent increase.

Director Claveria is optimistic for more achievements for this year's last quarter, working together as a team with the newly installed Assistant Regional director Diosdado R. Mendoza both of whom have committed to pursue and uphold the thrusts of the Bureau.

garzland

November 17th, 2007, 05:44 AM

NAGA CITY – Paying homage to the birthplace of “Operation Smile”, founder Dr. Bill Magee and his team of surgeons and other medical and health experts are now at the Bicol Medical Center in this city to perform medical operations on indigent patients that will kick off the 40 simultaneous medical missions in 25 countries.

With Naga as host city, this means that the Philippines will be the launch pad for the “World Journey of Smiles”, the world’s biggest-ever surgical mission.

Naga City Mayor Jesse M. Robredo has welcomed Dr. Magee’s surgical team as he does every year during their medical missions here.

He dispatches the City Health Office, thru Dr. Butch Borja, and the Bicol Medical Center, thru Dr. Ronnie Ursua, to closely coordinate with the volunteers and provide the assistance they need while receiving indigent patients for the free operation and medical treatment.

Since the first medical mission conducted by the Magees in this city in 1982, more than 20,000 Filipino children have already undergone life-changing surgery through Operation Smile Philippines’ missions in 35 cities and municipalities all over the country.

During this year’s World Journey of Smiles, around 165 volunteers – ranging from plastic surgeons, anesthesiologists, pedestrians, dentists, nurses to biomeds, speech pathologists and child life specialists – are participating in multi-site missions in other cities, apart from Naga, such as Makati and Davao from Nov. 5 to 12.

It is estimated that here in the Philippines, one in every 500 babies are born every year with a cleft lip, a cleft palate, or both. This translates roughly to 4,004 Filipinos out of 2.064 born every year having this deformity.

The congenital deformity could have been corrected easily but the cost of the procedure remains prohibitive, especially among low-income groups where the condition is most prevalent.

In 25 years, Operation Smile’s volunteers, which include surgeons from the Philippines, USA, and other countries, have provided free reconstructive surgery to over 100,000 children and young adults in 15 countries while thousands of health care professionals have been trained globally.

Dr. Magee, a plastic surgeon, and wife, Kathleen, a nurse and clinical social worker, founded operation Smile in 1982 after a medical mission in this city.

Back home in Norfolk, Virginia, the couple solicited donations of surgical equipment and supplies, raised funds, and assembled a volunteer group of doctors, nurses and technicians for another medical mission to the Philippines. The rest is now history.

source (www.naga.gov.ph)

garzland

November 17th, 2007, 09:55 AM

An under-construction in front of Avenue Square.

http://img91.imageshack.us/img91/3462/picture32uw0.jpg

garzland

November 17th, 2007, 09:57 AM

This year's Penafrancia

http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/7497/picture31ak6.jpg

Matteo

November 17th, 2007, 07:12 PM

yay pics! hehe
musta na garzland. what happened to naga peeps

garzland

November 17th, 2007, 08:47 PM

^^At last, another pics.. hehehe

I don't know, Mat... Maybe they're busy...

Mond87

November 18th, 2007, 04:35 AM

This year's Penafrancia

http://img211.imageshack.us/img211/7497/picture31ak6.jpg

aristocrat hotel?

garzland

November 18th, 2007, 05:02 AM

^^Nope, Avenue plaza Hotel....

garzland

November 18th, 2007, 05:42 AM

The Naga College Foundation (NCF) joins the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in the celebration of the Clean Air Month this November through the “Bantay Tambutso sa Eskwela Program” – which is a nationwide ban on the entry of smoke-belching vehicles in school campuses on the 16th of November 2007.

As part of the advocacy, suggestions were circulated on what the schools can do under the Bantay Tambutso sa Eskwela Program, i.e., (1) inclusion of clean air messages in the curriculum at all levels, (2) conduct of smoke-free school campaign, (3) turning off of vehicle engines when parked, (4) bike for clean air, (5) bantay sunog basura, (6) tree planting, (7) film showing, (8) research projects for clean air, (9) carpooling, among others.

The protection of the environment is one of the advocacies being consistently supported by NCF, through its Community Extension Services (CES) office. For more information, you may contact the CES office at 8117525 loc. 120.

source (http://www.bicolmail.com/issue/2007/nov15/ncf.html)

garzland

November 18th, 2007, 05:45 AM

The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) announced that 2,887 out of 9,424 passed the Criminologist Licensure Examination given by the Board of Criminology in the cities of Manila, Baguio, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Legazpi, Lucena, Tacloban, Tuguegarao and Zamboanga last October 2007.

Fifty (50) of the new batch of criminologists came from the Naga College Foundation (NCF), which is considered one of the pioneer centers for criminal justice education in the Bicol region.

They are as follows: Irene AGUITO, Andro GOMEZ, Andrian PARON, Mary Joan ANCHETA, Joselito HUERTO, Ely PARZA, Jorgelito ALFORTE, Joseph INAY, Joenilo PONTEJOS, Noe BALANTES, Salvador IMPERIAL Jr., Liezl RAMIREZ, Edelbor BOREBOR, Archie IRAULA, Mark Christian RETRETA, Jessa BORROMEO, Rodel LIMBO, Cyril RIVERA, Francisco BOHAYO, Jr., Ervin LOQUIAS,Froilan Roy ROJANO, Tristan CALLAO, Eddie MADREGALIJOS, Ronald ROJO, Ronald Farrel CAMBARE, Domingo MARCO, Jr., Ryan SABATER, Gemma CEPE, Julieto MONDIGO, Joel SABUCO, Christopher CLEDERA, Mary Ann MONTES, Jomar SIRUMA, Vincent Joe DATOON, Edgar Butch MORALEDA, Randy SOLA, Diomar DE LEON, Vanessa Alma NAVARRO, Edgardo STO DOMINGO, Ericson DELA VEGA, Fernando OLITOQUIT, Christian TIPONES, Jerico DESPUIG, Noly OLITOQUIT, Dan Richard TIPAY, Estefani ELOPRE, Jamal OMAL, Mary Grace VILLAMORA, Joseph ENGUERO, and Dave Jhun PAPA.

NCF registered a 34 percent passing percentage, which is above the national passing percentage of 30.63 percent. The oath taking ceremony of the successful examinees will be held on the 17th of December 2007 in Manila.

source (www.bicolmail.com)

garzland

November 18th, 2007, 05:53 AM

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/skyscrapercity/_shp7926.jpg
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/skyscrapercity/_shp7779.jpg
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/skyscrapercity/_shp7889.jpg
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/skyscrapercity/_shp7916.jpg
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/skyscrapercity/_shp7923.jpg
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/skyscrapercity/_ll17893.jpg

I've been to Caramoan once back in 2002 when the 3rd COngressional Meet was held there... After the Meet, the host toured us to Gota Beach... Well, what else can I say..... Great!!!

But mind you, the roads are HELL!!! Thank God, there are some works going on to pave those bumpy roads....

garzland

November 18th, 2007, 05:56 AM

By Stephen Nieves

The prompt delivery of basic health services to the constituents has always been high in the list of priority concerns under the administration of Governor LRay Villafuerte because of his firm belief that it is crucial to development and growth of the province.

A concrete proof of this is when typhoon Reming visited the Bicol region particularly the province of Camarines Sur and in the process severely battered most of the province’s health centers, and even the concrete structures of provincially–administered hospitals were not spared from the wrath of the said calamity.

In the aftermath of the typhoon, most Rural Health Units (RHUs) and Barangay Health Centers (BHCs) provincewide were without adequate roofing and walls with its electrical wirings and plugs inoperable, thus, gravely hampering the delivery of prompt and faster basic services to the constituents particularly those living and needing immediate assistance in far-flung and remote areas of the province.

Acutely aware of the prevailing situation involving these health centers, the governor did not lose time to act and ordered for the immediate rehabilitation and repair of about 20 RHUs and 57 BHCs and the 11 provincially-administered hospitals so that the smooth flow of basic health services will be maintained or even be upgraded.

The funding requirement for this massive rehabilitation effort was sourced from the Calamity Assistance and Rehab Efforts (CARE) provided under the 2007 General Appropriations Act (GAA) through the initiative and relentless pursuit of Governor Villafuerte for its release.

The allotted fund for said projects is presently being utilized for the repairs of dilapidated roofing, ceilings, walls and windows, mend faulty electrical wirings and outdated plumbing systems of these affected hospitals and health centers.

The 11 provincially-managed hospitals that benefited from the windfall include the Libmanan District Hospital, Ragay District Hospital, Sipocot District Hospital, Ocampo Municipal Hospital, Caramoan Municipal Hospital, Garchitorena Municipal Hospital, Partido District Hospital, Siruma Municipal Hospital, Tinambac Medicare Hospital, Buhi Community Hospital and San Ramon Municipal Hospital.

The Provincial Health Office (PHO) located at Banasi, Bula where the water testing facility and an animal bite center are headquartered, is also included in the ongoing rehabilitation work.

Simultaneous with these, some 20 Rural Health Units (RHUs) and 57 Barangay Health Centers (BHCs) provincewide that were also severely affected by past typhoons have also been given focus of the ongoing renovation and rehabilitation by the provincial government of Camarines Sur so as to meet the growing demand from the constituency for the swift and unhampered delivery of basic health services especially in the remote areas and isolated barangays in Camarines Sur.

Camarines Sur constituents may have heard of the many major projects of the governor in tourism, information technology, education, agriculture, environment, and manpower development, nevertheless, the prompt, consistent, and timely delivery of basic health services remains among his top priorities as proven by his quick action in the rehabilitation and repair of the province’s health centers as well as in all other health based programs he had already initiated and institutionalized.

source (www.bicolmail.com)

garzland

November 18th, 2007, 06:11 AM

Francis Richard D. Villar, a Senior nursing student of the University of Northeastern Philippines will be leaving this weekend as his prize for winning a Bayer Young Environmental Envoy Competition held last April 6, 2007 at the EDSA Shangrila Hotel in Metro Manila.

Besting other contestants from other leading educational institutions all over the Philippines, Francis emerged as no. 2 in a short list of four qualifiers or top choices in the grueling competition. The contest started with the submission of a one thousand word essay detailing the proponent’s idea or proposal for a simple and do-able environmental project in one’s community or school that addresses a specific environmental problem. The proposal must state the objectives of the project, resource requirements like budget, man power, facilities as well as institution/groups/organizations involved, making sure that the resources for supporting the project are realistic and within reason. It must likewise specify the deliverables and target date for completion.

The short listed candidates are subjected to a panel interview to determine their intelligence and understanding of environmental issues, their communication and people skills, as well as the feasibility of their project proposals. Successful applicants who qualify for the final round are required to attend an environmental live-in workshop called the BYEE Eco Camp. All charges for travel, accommodation and upkeep are shouldered by Bayer Philippines Inc.

At the end of the Eco Camp, the finalists are asked to make a presentation before another panel of judges. They are then given the formal title of Bayer Young Environmental Envoy at the awarding ceremony and four of the finalists are named the Top Four Bayer Environmental Envoys.

Two of the four winners or finalists came from the University of the Philippines Campus in Diliman, Quezon City and Los Baños, Laguna while the fourth finalist came from Northern Luzon. Francis Villar from UNEP who integrated the Filipino’s craze for basketball in his project proposal, is the only representative from Southern Luzon who made it, earning a berth as one of the four. The Top Four Envoys will join youth delegates from sixteen other countries around the world on a week long, all expense trip to Germany on November 17-24, 2007. It will be an opportunity to gain more insights in the broad spectrum of environmental protection measures employed by industry, municipalities, and the state environmental authorities in Germany.

Since the Bayer Young Environmental Program started in 1985, some six thousand young people have applied for a place in the program and almost three hundred have been invited to visit Germany. In the Philippines, since the program started in 2001, more than seven hundred young college students have applied, eighty seven have become Bayer Young Environmental Envoys and twenty nine have been given the chance to visit Germany.

The Bayer Young Environmental Envoys of the Philippines have the chance to participate in an Eco Camp which takes them to places of environmental significance like Subic, Baguio, Mount Pinatubo and Taal Volcano. All BY Envoys become a member of the BYEE Club, an alumni organization of past and present young envoys. They use networking synergy techniques to further their environmental involvement. OSS/OP

source (www.bicolmail.com)

iamjomar

November 18th, 2007, 06:31 AM

^^good thing CamSur is now rehabilatating it's hospitals. similar to Legazpi's

garzland

November 18th, 2007, 06:36 AM

The Basketball Association of the Philippines-Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (BAP-SBP) recently held the National Coaches Accreditation and Licensing Program (NCALP) for Region 5 last November 10 and 11 at the Ateneo de Naga University. Coach Bernie Atienza, Director of the BAP-SBP Coaches’ Commission, and Coach Eric Altamirano, Director of the BAP-SBP National Youth Commission, were the main lecturers.

A total of sixty-five participants took part in the 2-day event. It was divided into two parts – the lecture part during the first day and the hands-on/ actual drills part on the second-day. In the morning of Day One, Coach Atienza explained to the participants the role of NCALP in the national program of BAP-SBP. He stressed the importance of molding and producing good coaches to be able to produce excellent players. In the afternoon of the same day, Coach Altamirano took his turn and lectured on the value of coaching philosophies to a basketball team. He also guided the coaches present in coming up with a structured basketball program to enable their teams to achieve maximum potential.

Day Two focused on various basketball drills that coaches can use to improve the skills of their players. Coach Altamirano demonstrated various ball handling, passing, shooting and footwork drills. He also explained various defensive and offensive plays that coaches can apply to their game. To close the workshop, all the coaches underwent the licensing examination before the end of Day Two. All participants received certificates of completion from BAP-SBP.

Coach Noli Ayo, BAP-SBP Regional Coordinator and head coach of the Ateneo men’s basketball team, spearheaded the team that organized the event. He was assisted by Coaches Jec Claro, Dante Pascual and Dave Salvador of the Ateneo Golden Knights, Coach Benz Quilang of the CCDI Panthers, and Ms. Rocel Grijalbo of the Ateneo Athletics Office. Sponsors of the event were Asian United Bank, Chili Peppers Restaurant, Nagaland Hotel, E-Mall, Jelatto Restaurant, Little A.Sia Restaurant, Coko Cafe, and the Ateneo Athletics Program.

All aspiring basketball coaches in Bicol are encouraged to be a member of BAP-SBP Coaches’ Commission Region 5. It will help them to gain access to the various activities that the group will stage in the future. The coaches workshop is being planned for early next year either in Albay or in Sorsogon.

For inquiries, you may contact Coach Noli Ayo at 0920-9134216 or e-mail him at ilon_oya@yahoo.com.

source (www.bicolmail.com)

garzland

November 18th, 2007, 06:42 AM

The Department of Tourism lauded Camarines Sur as a model local government unit in the thrust to develop tourism as a major national industry.

This was the very complimentary assessment made by DOT undersecretary for tourism services and regional offices Oscar P. Palabyab before some 400 participants and guests at the opening ceremonies of the 8th National Convention of the Association the Philippines (ATOP) Wednesday evening, October 3 at the Camarines Sur Convention Center, crediting the tourism development initiatives launched by Governor LRay Villafuerte as largely responsible for the dramatic 27% jump in the growth of tourism in Bicol Region.

Camarines Sur with its internationally acknowledged Camarines Sur Watersports Complex at the forefront has lately emerged as the leading destination in the Bikol Region, dislodging the province of Albay with its fabulous Mayon Volcano as the primary tourism attraction in this part of Luzon in terms of arrivals.

Largely due to local initiatives, overall tourism growth has likewise reflected commendable growth, and if all local government with tourism potentials would follow the lead of Camarines Sur and more so if local efforts are organized as the ATOP presently headed by national president Jennylind Demerre-Cordero of Negros Occidental is striving to realize, tourism can very easily overtake foreign currency revenues from remittances of overseas Filipinos workers (OFWs), Palabyab said.

And this will be at much less social cost like broken families, children getting addicted to drugs and Filipino nationals getting abused abroad or even coming home in a box, Usec. Palabyab who came as guest speaker in lieu of Sec. Ace Durano who is abroad, added.

One positive note that would boost tourism development in the country was the explicit assurance of opening day keynote speaker Mandaluyong Mayor Benjamin DC. Abalos, Jr. that the League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) of which he is president, as well as his wife Menchie who has the clout of the recently organized League of Mayors’ Spouses behind her, are fully supportive of House Bill 202 filed by Cong. Edgar Chatto of Bohol.

Among others, House Bill 202 seeks the creation of tourism officer position in all first class municipalities and cities in the country or municipalities and cities where tourism is considered a major local industry.

LCP will also work for the improvement of infrastructures like roads and transportation and the adoption of a coherent and comprehensive tourism plan that are essential elements to the industry’s growth and development.

Mayor Abalos was equally effusive with his appreciation of Camarines Sur’s leadership in the tourism thrusts in Bicol Region that translated last year into over 200,000 tourist arrivals in the province accounting over P100 Million or close to half of the entire tourism revenues in the region.

Second day of the convention will feature the inputs of a battery of expert resource speakers including Director Rene Romulo de los Reyes of the DOT Bureau of International Tourism Promotions who will expound on “Developing Cultural Products in the Regions for Tourism Philippines, Negros Navigation executive vice president Jose Manuel Mapa who will talk on “Negros Navigation Ties the Knot with Tourism Officers’, noted film director and USLS artist in resident Maurice “Peque” Gallaga who will tackle “The Business of Showbiz in Tourism”, and DOT consultant on special projects and SBMA tourism consultant Nilo Agustin who will orchestrate “Synthesis: Turismo sa Negosyo, Unlad and Bayan Ko.” (GBClaveria)

source (www.camarinessur.gov.ph)

iamjomar

November 18th, 2007, 06:50 AM

i see., i guess it's CamSur's time.

garzland

November 18th, 2007, 06:57 AM

^^I guess so, after so many years of being stagnant in this kind of industry, it finally went up and made a surprise... Give the credit to Gov. L-Ray, had it not been to him the province would still be lagging behind in terms of tourist arrivals....

iamjomar

November 18th, 2007, 07:03 AM

i must say, he's really a good governor.

garzland

November 18th, 2007, 07:05 AM

^^Yeah, and very personable...

le Reine

November 18th, 2007, 02:00 PM

^^saw him once sa CWC. Nahiya nga lang ako magpa-pic. He's cute. :D

kevinb

November 19th, 2007, 03:44 AM

Plus, I know someone who studies in an airline school wherein they will be flying somewhere in Mindoro so that means there's an airport there.

on the other hand, calaguas isles, caramoan beaches, and CWC seems promising altogether. there might be a possibility pa rin.

There's one in Calapan City, I mean the airport. :)

I'm in love with Calaguas! :D

Yap, I agree na parang hndi lng 2-storey building.
I'm sure hndi nga lng 2-storey bka pagOPENING lng muna 2nd floor ung bukas then saka na ung upper floors pa.
:banana::banana::banana:

Not really. SM City Clark looks more than two floors, but it's just with the exterior. But don't worry 'coz SM City Naga has is providing space for another floor, which I'm very much positive on. Months from it's opening, construction will be going on the proposed floor 'coz SM Naga will be a success. Hehehehehe. :D

Hi, josh! u seem so speechless! Hahaha

bkit nmn po? what do u mean pano u nasabi speechless ako?

Uuuuy!!! I smell...

fish, not romance. :lol:

yay pics! hehe
musta na garzland. what happened to naga peeps

Bakit? Miss mo na ako Matt? :D

le Reine

November 19th, 2007, 03:46 AM

^^aaay, assuming ka. :lol:

kevinb

November 19th, 2007, 03:50 AM

^^ Hindi noh!! :lol:

-----

Oist! Tagal na nating hindi nagkita! Wala lang. HEhe. :)

le Reine

November 19th, 2007, 03:51 AM

^^onga, asan ka ba kasi?

kevinb

November 19th, 2007, 03:54 AM

^^ Sa Clark. I was in Manila last last weekend. Kaya lang hindi kita natext. :D

kevinb

November 19th, 2007, 03:55 AM

Bicol bags DOST Youth Excellence in Science Award (http://www.pia.gov.ph/default.asp?m=12&fi=p071115.htm&no=30)

by PO Lucena

Legazpi City (15 November) -- This year, Bicol made it as a national awardee in the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Youth Excellence in Science (YES) in consonance with the Science Education (SEI-DOST) thrust to develop science culture among the citizenry.

Brian James Masaluñga, a first year high school student of Naga Hope Christian School in Naga City, was the winner (Silver Medal) in the 2007 International Mathematics Competition held in Singapore, with Ms. Eden Señires as adviser.

Mr. Tomas B. Briñas of DOST V awarded the Youth Excellence in Science (YES) medal and a Certificate of Recognition to Mr. Masaluñga in a simple ceremony held last October 23 at the DOST Bicol regional office here.

The award is a way of institutionalizing a recognition system for international young achievers in Science and Mathematics competitions at the elementary, secondary and collegiate levels.

The Youth Excellence in Science (YES), a national award is undertaken by the Science Education Institute (SEI-DOST). (DOST/PIA)

fil07

November 19th, 2007, 06:34 AM

Mond87

November 19th, 2007, 07:41 AM

^^That'd bring Quezon's east closer to Bicol! Nyay!!!

Mond87

November 19th, 2007, 07:51 AM

^^Okay, w/ XP's presence, topic drastically changed... :lol:

fil07

November 19th, 2007, 10:36 AM

There is an advantage kun 2 or 1 district lang an sakop kan governor. Mas natututukan. One reason kaya inisplit an Quezon dahil sa utang kan province, seguro na maipapasa sa Del Norte once Del Sur becomes independent. There are plans to divide Cebu into 4, Negros Occidental into 2, Isabela into 2. Palawan (having large land area) and Pangasinan (having 6 districts and 2 ethnolinguistic group) should consider division. Pabor yan sa mga politico.

Trivia: Guess how many times Camarines was divided and merged?

gurugeri

November 20th, 2007, 06:19 AM

As far as I know, there once was Ambos Camarines, which included both "Camarineses". But originally, the province included Albay's Libon, Polangui, Ligao, Oas, and Guinobatan. The eastern part of Camarines Sur--Sangay, Lagonoy, San Jose, Goa, up to Camaramoan--was part of Albay. I think the reason why the third district is called Partido because it was once part of a bigger province called Partido de Ibalon. In other words, I did not answer your question. Hahaha.

bobbymay74

November 20th, 2007, 08:54 AM

Creation and Exploration

In 1569, Luis Enriquez de Guzman, with Augustinian friar Alonzo Jimenez, reached the present town of Camalig, then a thriving village or rancheria. They found the natives living in thatched sheds called “kamalig”, which translates to ""rice granary."" Andrez de Ibarra, while in search of provisions, followed the route taken by de Guzman and reached Kalilingo and Bua (the present towns of Bato and Nabua) in 1570.

In 1573, Miguel Lopez de Legaspi dispatched Juan de Salcedo, grandson of Miguel Lopez de Legaspi, to explore the region as far as Paracale in search of gold and other precious stones. A year later, Salcedo cruised the Bicol River and reached Bato Lake. Hence, the first recorded account of the discovery of the place.

In 1574, at the height of the Spanish colonization of the islands, Guido de Lavizares mentioned in his letter to the King of Spain the land of ""Los Camarines"" – apparently referring to the area of what is now Camalig, Albay, where rice storehouses and granaries or “camarin” abound. Thus, the name “Camarines” was coined and somehow stuck. Spanish colonizers later denominated the area into two distinct aggrupations.

Later, a Spanish garrison under Captain Pedro de Chavez was set up in Naga, a prosperous native rancheria. In 1575, de Guzman founded the Naga City, calling it Nueva Caceres after the birthplace of Governor General Francisco de Sande in Caceres, Spain.

On May 27, 1579, Governor General de Sande issued a decree which led to the establishment of a settlement in Camarines where Spanish colonists were urged to reside.

In 1636, Ibalon was split into two: Partido de Ibalon (comprising what is now Albay, Catanduanes, Sorsogon, Masbate, and the islands of Ticao and Burias) and Partido de Camarines (all towns north of present-day Camalig, Albay).

Ambos Camarines

Partido de Camarines was further divided into Camarines Sur and Norte in 1829. From 1864 until 1893, Camarines Norte and Sur (collectively called Ambos Camarines) underwent a series of confusing geo-political division, fusion, re-division, and re-fusion, until in 1919 when the first Philippine Legislature finally separated Norte and Sur into two provinces. Its capital town then was Naga, the city once called ""Nueva Caceres"" – namesake of a province in Spain and among the original five royal cities of the colony.

The Philippine Revolution started in Ambos Camarines on September 17, 1898 when Elias Angeles and Felix Plazo, Filipino corporals in the Spanish Army, sided with revolutionists and fought the local Spanish forces. With the arrival of General Vicente Lukban, the revolutionary government in the Bicol region was established.

The American forces occupied the Bicol peninsula in January 1900. In March of the same year, General John M. Bell was made the military governor of Southern Luzon. Civil government was finally established in Ambos Camarines in April 1901.

In March 1919, the Philippine Legislature issued an Act authorizing the Governor General to divide the province into Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur.

During the outbreak of World War II, Wenceslao Q. Vinzons waged underground operations and organized guerilla units against the Japanese troops stationed in Camarines Sur. After the capture of Vinzons on July 8, 1942, Lieutenant Francisco Boayes carried on with the guerilla movement. In April 1945, Camarines Sur was finally liberated from the Japanese invaders.

josh2

November 20th, 2007, 09:01 AM

musta. marhay na hapon ????:lol::lol:

bobbymay74

November 20th, 2007, 09:11 AM

I just remember my great grand uncle Rev. Father Ras from Oas, Albay was assigned in Goa, Camarines Sur, under one diocese in Bicol during the Post-Spanish Period, which is the Diocese of Caceres til 1951, which make the Bicolano as ONE..

josh2

November 20th, 2007, 09:35 AM

Ex!lE

November 20th, 2007, 12:24 PM

CamSur Watersports Complex
by: Recks

http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p82/Exile_NDC/cwc3.jpg http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p82/Exile_NDC/cwc2.jpg
http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p82/Exile_NDC/cwc1.jpg http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p82/Exile_NDC/cwc.jpg

le Reine

November 21st, 2007, 12:45 PM

^^Okay, w/ XP's presence, topic drastically changed... :lol:

sama nito. nagkukuwento lang naman ng masayang experience. :lol:

Mond87

November 22nd, 2007, 04:00 AM

^^aba... ano kayang "masayang experience" ang nasa utak nito???... :lol:

gurugeri

November 22nd, 2007, 06:28 AM

^^aba... ano kayang "masayang experience" ang nasa utak nito???... :lol:

Hahahaha!

mich07

November 22nd, 2007, 06:31 AM

http://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/bag-ing%20beach.jpg
Bag-ing Beach (Brgy. Haponan)
http://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/lahos%20island1.jpghttp://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/lahos%20island2.jpghttp://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/lahos%20island4.jpghttp://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/lahos%20island5.jpg
Bichara / Lahos Island
http://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/kutibas%20beach1.JPGhttp://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/kutibas%20beach2.jpg
Cotivas Island (Brgy. Daraga)
http://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/ginahoan%20beach1.jpghttp://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/ginahoan%20beach2.jpg
Ginahoan Beach
http://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/gota%20big%20beach1.jpghttp://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/gota%20big%20beach2.jpghttp://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/gota%20big%20beach3.jpghttp://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/gota%20big%20beach4.jpghttp://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/gota%20big%20beach5.jpghttp://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/gota%20big%20beach6.JPGhttp://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/gota%20big%20cottages.jpghttp://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/gota%20cave.jpghttp://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/gota%20entrance.jpg
Gota Beach - Big (Brgy. Ilawod)
http://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/gota-beach.jpg
Gota Beach (Brgy. Ilawod)
http://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/honongan%20beach1.jpghttp://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/honongan%20beach2.JPG
Honongan Beach
http://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/horangdayan1.jpg
Hurandayan Beach
http://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/kalagikhik%20beach1.jpghttp://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/kalagikhik%20beach2.jpg
Kalagikhik Beach
http://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/lahuy-island.jpg
Lahuy Island
http://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/lambawan%20falls1.JPG
Lambawan Falls
http://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/langkipaw%20tablet%20rock1.jpg
Langkipaw Tablet Rock
http://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/lantanganan%20beach1.JPG
Lantangan Beach
http://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/lipata%20beach1.jpg
Lipata Beach
http://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/lucsuhin%20islands1.jpg
http://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/lucsuhin%20islands2.jpg
Lucsuhin Islands
http://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/malarad%20group%20of%20islands1.jpg
http://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/malarad%20group%20of%20islands2.jpg
Malarad Group of Islands

source (http://www.crane-caramoan.org/caramoan/tourism.php)

gurugeri

November 22nd, 2007, 06:48 AM

Wowww!

mich07

November 22nd, 2007, 06:51 AM

http://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/manapot%20river1.jpghttp://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/manapot%20river2.jpghttp://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/manapot%20river3.jpghttp://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/manapot%20river4.jpghttp://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/manapot%20river5.jpghttp://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/manapot%20river6.jpghttp://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/manapot%20river8.jpghttp://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/manapot%20river7.jpg
Manapot River
http://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/matukad%20island1.jpghttp://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/matukad%20island3.jpghttp://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/matukad%20island4.jpghttp://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/matukad%20island5.jpghttp://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/matukad%20island6.jpg
Matukad Beach
http://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/matukad%20lagoon1.jpghttp://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/matukad%20lagoon3.jpghttp://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/matukad%20lagoon4.jpg
Matukad Lagoon
http://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/mt%20caglago2.jpghttp://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/our%20lady%20of%20peace5.jpghttp://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/our%20lady%20of%20peace.jpghttp://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/our%20lady%20of%20peace8.jpghttp://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/our%20lady%20of%20peace10.JPG
Our Lady of Peace (Brgy. Tabgon)
http://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/pitogo%20bay1.jpghttp://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/pitogo%20bay2.jpghttp://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/pitogo%20bay3.jpg
Pitogo Bay
http://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/puting%20baybay.JPG
Puting Baybay
http://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/sabitan-laya6.jpghttp://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/sabitan-laya1.jpghttp://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/sabitan-laya2.jpghttp://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/sabitan-laya4.jpghttp://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/sabitan-laya5.jpghttp://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/sabitan-laya7.jpg
Sabitan-laya Beach
http://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/st%20michael%20church1.jpghttp://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/st%20michael%20church3.jpghttp://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/st%20michael%20church4.jpg
St. Michael the Archangel Church
http://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/sula%20at%20caputatan.jpg
Sula at Captutan
http://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/talib%20lagoon4.jpghttp://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/talib%20lagoon5.jpghttp://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/talib%20lagoon6.jpghttp://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/talib%20lagoon1.jpghttp://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/talib%20lagoon2.jpg
Talib Lagoon
http://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/tayak%20beach3.jpghttp://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/tayak%20beach1.jpghttp://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/tayak%20beach4.jpghttp://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/tayak%20beach5.jpghttp://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/tayak%20beach6.jpghttp://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/tayak%20beach2.jpg
Tayak Beach
http://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/tayak%20lagoon1.jpghttp://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/tayak%20lagoon2.jpghttp://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/tayak%20lagoon3.jpghttp://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/tayak%20lagoon4.jpghttp://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/tayak%20lagoon5.JPGhttp://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/tayak%20limestones1.jpg
Tayak Lagoon
http://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/tinago%20beach.jpg
Tinago Lagoon
http://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/umang%20cave%20entrance.jpghttp://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/umang%20cave1.jpghttp://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/umang%20cave2.jpghttp://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/umang%20cave%20inside1.jpghttp://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/umang%20cave%20inside2.jpghttp://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/umang%20cave%20inside3.jpghttp://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/umang%20cave%20mites2.jpghttp://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/umang%20cave%20mites.jpghttp://www.crane-caramoan.org/images/tourism/touristspot/umang%20cave.jpg
Umang Cave

source (http://www.crane-caramoan.org/caramoan/tourism.php)

mich07

November 22nd, 2007, 10:38 AM

Avenue Plaza Hotel: Bicol’s newest posh landmark beacons

NAGA CITY -- The city’s fun-loving crowd, trendsetters, connoisseurs, business executives, and young professionals will be toasting champagnes at 5:00 p.m. today to celebrate the much-awaited formal launch and opening of the Avenue Plaza Hotel along the vibrant Magsaysay Avenue here.

Businessman Fidel ‘Totoy’ Cu, president of FLC Group of Companies that owns the hotel, said that time has come for a 5-star quality hotel in Naga, Bicol’s premier city, due to the influx of tourists who want full satisfaction as far as accommodation and billeting services are concerned.

He said that the new Avenue Plaza Hotel is more than luxury and comfort. “The core of our strength is a philosophy focused and dedicated to service and satisfaction,” his son, Allan, who acts as CEO, explained.

No less than President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo sent her congratulatory message where she stressed that “the inauguration of your hotel with five-star amenities is indeed timely since it will meet the demands for additional hotels to accommodate the ever-increasing number of tourists visiting the scenic Bicol Region.”

Securities and Exchange Commission Chairperson Fe B. Barin also sent in her message: “As it joins the roster of Asia’s fine hotels, we wish to extend to the owners and staff of the hotel the best of luck and success in its efforts to make Naga in particular, and the Bicol Peninsula in general, a choice of destination.”

Naga City Mayor Jesse M. Robredo, who is on official travel abroad, made sure that his congratulatory message reached the Cu family and the management of Avenue Plaza Hotel on the date of the big event: “The birth of this newest landmark is a reaffirmation of the city’s dynamic growth articulated by burgeoning trade and commerce, where the private sector plays a key role in raising the bar of excellence towards making our city a hospitable and warm destination for visitors, tourists, pilgrims, and traveling investors.”

Aside from its excellent 65 well-appointed rooms and suites that feature Dew Foam Posture Pedic beds for weary travelers; the hotel prides itself with a lot more plush amenities, such as its Café Piazuela; world-class Olympia Gym and Sauna; the Umbria Infinity Pool; the first of its kind in Bicol; The Board Room for business executives, and; a hassle-free banquet and convention facilities with state-of-the-art Bose sound system.

Cocktails will start at 5:00 p.m. at Umbria poolside, and the program and dinner to follow at 7:00 p.m. at La Piazza Ballroom.

As the hotel’s chief receptionist would greet an incoming guest: Make Avenue Plaza Hotel your chez-soi in Naga.

source (http://www.naga.gov.ph/journal2/?module=journal#)

bobbymay74

November 22nd, 2007, 10:55 AM

Avenue Plaza Hotel: Bicol’s newest posh landmark beacons

Thursday November 22, 2007

NAGA CITY -- The city’s fun-loving crowd, trendsetters, connoisseurs, business executives, and young professionals will be toasting champagnes at 5:00 p.m. today to celebrate the much-awaited formal launch and opening of the Avenue Plaza Hotel along the vibrant Magsaysay Avenue here.

Businessman Fidel ‘Totoy’ Cu, president of FLC Group of Companies that owns the hotel, said that time has come for a 5-star quality hotel in Naga, Bicol’s premier city, due to the influx of tourists who want full satisfaction as far as accommodation and billeting services are concerned.

He said that the new Avenue Plaza Hotel is more than luxury and comfort. “The core of our strength is a philosophy focused and dedicated to service and satisfaction,” his son, Allan, who acts as CEO, explained.

No less than President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo sent her congratulatory message where she stressed that “the inauguration of your hotel with five-star amenities is indeed timely since it will meet the demands for additional hotels to accommodate the ever-increasing number of tourists visiting the scenic Bicol Region.”

Securities and Exchange Commission Chairperson Fe B. Barin also sent in her message: “As it joins the roster of Asia’s fine hotels, we wish to extend to the owners and staff of the hotel the best of luck and success in its efforts to make Naga in particular, and the Bicol Peninsula in general, a choice of destination.”

Naga City Mayor Jesse M. Robredo, who is on official travel abroad, made sure that his congratulatory message reached the Cu family and the management of Avenue Plaza Hotel on the date of the big event: “The birth of this newest landmark is a reaffirmation of the city’s dynamic growth articulated by burgeoning trade and commerce, where the private sector plays a key role in raising the bar of excellence towards making our city a hospitable and warm destination for visitors, tourists, pilgrims, and traveling investors.”

Aside from its excellent 65 well-appointed rooms and suites that feature Dew Foam Posture Pedic beds for weary travelers; the hotel prides itself with a lot more plush amenities, such as its Café Piazuela; world-class Olympia Gym and Sauna; the Umbria Infinity Pool; the first of its kind in Bicol; The Board Room for business executives, and; a hassle-free banquet and convention facilities with state-of-the-art Bose sound system.

Cocktails will start at 5:00 p.m. at Umbria poolside, and the program and dinner to follow at 7:00 p.m. at La Piazza Ballroom.

As the hotel’s chief receptionist would greet an incoming guest: Make Avenue Plaza Hotel your chez-soi in Naga.

mich07

November 22nd, 2007, 10:57 AM

An under-construction in front of Avenue Square.

http://img91.imageshack.us/img91/3462/picture32uw0.jpg

Is it going to follow the trend in Magsaysay? Another Avenue Square or West Park?

The Magsaysay Avenue has also been installed with those decorated lamps similar to the ones in the Panganiban Drive, I hope the Old Centro comes next including the LGU's promising project about the green river walk on the river banks of the the naga river.

marlon_ld

November 22nd, 2007, 02:24 PM

ganda!

OtAkAw

November 22nd, 2007, 04:16 PM

^^Ang sarap sigurong mawala dyan.

aries6210

November 23rd, 2007, 05:27 AM

What a superb place! It's perfect, so virgin. I think it can be compared to Boracay and Palawan

kevinb

November 23rd, 2007, 07:34 AM

^^ I'm hoping for that. :)

josh2

November 23rd, 2007, 02:48 PM

ganda talaga ng CAM SUR.
saludo aq kay GOVERNOR!!!!:banana::banana:

garzland

November 24th, 2007, 03:31 AM

The planned airport in Libmanan doesn't have to be an international AP, mas marhay lang kesa sa Naga AP. It will serve Naga, Libmanan, Daet and Lopez cities, Camarines provinces and Quezon del Sur. (Ay nabuhay)

I heard over the radio that the planned airport in LIbmanan has already been cancelled. After all the inspections made, it came into waste....

garzland

November 24th, 2007, 03:32 AM

Is it going to follow the trend in Magsaysay? Another Avenue Square or West Park?

The Magsaysay Avenue has also been installed with those decorated lamps similar to the ones in the Panganiban Drive, I hope the Old Centro comes next including the LGU's promising project about the green river walk on the river banks of the the naga river.

Green River Walk seems to be really a very promising project of the LGU...I hope it will soon be realized....

garzland

November 24th, 2007, 03:33 AM

NAGA CITY -- The city government and Gawad Kalinga Foundation will be building fifty units of duplex houses in Bgy. Balatas, this city, according to city hall’s Urban Poor Affairs Office Chief Rolando S. Campillos.

The duplex units, once completed will benefit 100 poorest of the poor families.

City Mayor Jesse M. Robredo will spearhead the Build Team where city hall employees who are members of Couples for Christ will spend time for three consecutive Fridays and half day on Saturday to build the houses.Team.

Actual construction works, according to Campillos, will start this Friday, Nov. 23, in GK Maogma Village, Bgy. Balatas, a few meters away from Penafrancia Basilica.

source (www.naga.gov.ph)

bobbymay74

November 24th, 2007, 03:46 AM

THANK YOU SO MUCH..... MICHAEL "MIKE" PADUA FOR YOUR ACCURATE FORECASTING. WE ARE PROUD OF YOU.:banana:

VISIT THIS SITE; IT IS THE OFFICIAL WEBSITE FOR TYPHOON FORECAST IN NAGA CITY.

http://www.maybagyo.com/

MIKE YOUR THE TALK OF THE TOWN, YOUR GREATEST SUCCESS IS TO GIVE AS ACCURATE INFORMATION ABOUT THE TYPHOON.:)

THANK YOU AGAIN... MIKE :okay::applause:

PAGASA DAW,WALA ATA PAGASA:down::

garzland

November 24th, 2007, 03:52 AM

Yeah, he's a genius man!

garzland

November 24th, 2007, 04:00 AM

Wow, Caramoan is really nice... I last visited the Our Lady of Peace in Brgy. Tabgon in 1992 and in the picture it changed a lot. It becomes very clean and green.

garzland

November 24th, 2007, 04:17 AM

mich07

November 24th, 2007, 10:41 AM

AVENUE PLAZA HOTEL
Bicol’s newest posh landmark beacons (http://www.bicolmail.com/issue/2007/nov22/newest-posh.html)
http://www.bicolmail.com/issue/2007/nov22/pictures/avenue.gif (http://www.bicolmail.com/issue/2007/nov22/newest-posh.html)

MTV Hall, NCF’s newest building to be unveiled (http://www.bicolmail.com/issue/2007/nov22/mtv-hall.html)
http://www.bicolmail.com/issue/2007/nov22/pictures/mtv-hall.gif (http://www.bicolmail.com/issue/2007/nov22/mtv-hall.html)

Pixar artist in Naga leg of animation festival (http://www.bicolmail.com/issue/2007/nov22/pixar.html)

Naga to host national conference of Eagles (http://www.bicolmail.com/issue/2007/nov22/eagles.html)

Study of burial urn confirms Bicol's Ibalon Epic (http://www.bicolmail.com/issue/2007/nov22/features.html)
http://www.bicolmail.com/issue/2007/nov22/pictures/handiong.gif (http://www.bicolmail.com/issue/2007/nov22/features.html)

SkinSystems celebrates its first year anniversary (http://www.bicolmail.com/issue/2007/nov22/skinsystems.html)

THE HAVAIANAS LIMITED EDITION (http://www.bicolmail.com/issue/2007/nov22/havaianas.html)

source (http://www.bicolmail.com/issue/2007/nov22/index.html)

habagatcentral1

November 24th, 2007, 10:43 AM

Hope you invite Mike Padua to join us here.

mich07

November 24th, 2007, 11:10 AM

I heard over the radio that the planned airport in LIbmanan has already been cancelled. After all the inspections made, it came into waste....

Daraga international airport’s construction in full steam (http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=regions3_nov14_2007)

By Mar Arguelles

LEGAZPI CITY—The construction of the Southern Luzon International Airport in Daraga town is in full steam despite attempts by some local leaders to move the project to Camarines Sur, Albay Gov. Joey Salceda said yesterday.

Salceda said the pre-construction activities and other preparations for P3.5-billion airport, including the feasibility study and site development plan, have been completed and the construction contract has been bidden out.

The airport will be built at a 200-hectare plateau in Barangay Alobo, which is easily accessible to other provinces of Bicol, such as Sorsogon, Masbate and Catanduanes as well as provinces in Eastern Visayas through the Matnog port in Sorsogon.

Salceda said the completion of the airport will boost investments in the Bicol region and several foreign investors have already expressed their intent to set up businesses here.

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, in a Cabinet meeting held at the Albay capitol recently, reiterated the urgency of the Alobo airport and ordered officials of the Department of Transportation and Communications to complete the detailed engineering design within three months.

Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano earlier assured that the government has alloted P250 million for the purchase of land for the airport.

Durano, who was designated development champion for the Central Philippines super region, said the Bicol International Airport is just one of the big infrastructure projects under the President’s super region program.

But some local officials in Camarines Sur said the project should be transfered to Libmanan town, a move initiated by Libmanan Mayor Rodolfo Jimenez.

Jimenez had earlier claimed that Japanese investors have expressed willingness to finance the construction of the international airport at Libmanan, which they claim is more viable for an airport because it will not be under the threat of eruptions of Mayon Volcano.

Jimenez claimed that the transfer of international airport to Libmanan was supported by Camarines Sur Gov. Luis Raymund Villafuerte, the head of the regional development council. But the council denied reports that the P3.5-billion international airport will be transferred in Libmanan.

------------------------------------------
^^
The national government should at least upgrade the structure and facilities (specially the runway) of the naga airport. Camarines sur badly needs a good airport that could suffice the number of passengers coming to and from it.

On the other hand, I've read an article from CRANE-caramoan that the governor is now trying to acquire some lands in Caramoan for the construction of an airstrip and tourism facilities which will serve the tourists in Caramoan.

garzland

November 25th, 2007, 03:54 AM

^^So it's not yet still dead, huh...I would agree to that suggestion to build an airstrip in Caramoan... Caramoan is fast-becoming a tourist haven...

garzland

November 25th, 2007, 03:57 AM

NAGA CITY -- Reaffirming its reputation as an emerging powerhouse in the field of national sports competitions, this premier city in Bicol reaped a total of 21 gold medals to place 6th in the 2007 Philippine Olympic Festival national championships held in various sports venues in Metro Manila from Nov. 12 to 18.

As expected, Manila took the general championship crown, followed by Quezon City, Laguna, Cavite, and Iloilo Province.

The Naga athletes, who placed second behind Laguna during the Southern Luzon-Bicol qualifying games held in this city last October 24-28, 2007, showed excellent performances in gymnastics, aquatics, taekwondo, archery and chess to snatch 21 golds, 20 silvers and 25 bronzes in the national championship games, making it the only contingent from Bicol to land in the top 10 list of winning contingents nationwide.

Among the city’s gold medalists are Romelyn Miranda (in rhythmic gynastics); John Bryle Zapanta (swimming, boy’s 50 and 100 lc meter freestyle); Ezraline Alvarez (girls open chess); Joseph Xavier Pili (mid-junior men light to welter taekwondo), and; Meriam Artiaga (archery, girls cub).

The second best Bicol athletic contingent, Camarines Sur, placed 34th at the end of the highly-competitive 7-day national championships. It garnered 1 gold, 1 silver and 4 bronzes.

The best athletes from over 50 cities and provinces, as well as top contingents from various national athletic associations vied for top honors in this year’s Olympic festival.

Philippine Olympic Committee Chairman Robert N. Aventajado said the Philippine Olympic Festival aimed to identify and help train young athletes to qualify to compete in various international sports events, such as the 2012 London Olympic Games.

City Mayor Jesse M. Robredo commended the Naga City contingents shining performance as he hoped for more triumphs in future athletic competitions.

source (www.naga.gov.ph)

garzland

November 25th, 2007, 04:02 AM

Thank God, Bicol is spared from typhoon...

garzland

November 25th, 2007, 04:05 AM

[B]AVENUE PLAZA HOTEL

[URL="http://www.bicolmail.com/issue/2007/nov22/mtv-hall.html"]MTV Hall, NCF’s newest building to be unveiled (http://www.bicolmail.com/issue/2007/nov22/newest-posh.html)
http://www.bicolmail.com/issue/2007/nov22/pictures/mtv-hall.gif (http://www.bicolmail.com/issue/2007/nov22/mtv-hall.html)

This building is really gorgeous and very modern... I guess, it's one of the most few modern architectural buildings in the city.

bonixx

November 25th, 2007, 04:49 AM

^^nice indeed...also the hotel looks classy and very modern

garzland

November 26th, 2007, 08:09 AM

The Naga College Foundation (NCF) has partnered with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the Samba-Likhaan Foundation for the intensive training of young musicians in the Bicol Region held November 10-11, 2007, at the NCF compound.

Fifty-nine young artists from the Nabua National High School, Pasacao Academy, University of Nueva Caceres, Universidad de Sta. Isabel, Camarines Sur Polytechnic College-Naga Campus, and Naga College Foundation participated in the training.

The musical tutors are composed of the following:

* Mr. Roberto Abadines, Director of Trinity University of Asia Band and Resident Conductor of Lumban, Laguna Concert Band. He is a former member of the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra, the Metro Manila Symphony Orchestra, as well as the Philippine Youth Orchestra, UP Band and the Philippine Army Band. He is a graduate of the University of the Philippines College of Music, Major in Clarinet.

* Mr. Ricson Poonin, member of the UST Wind Ensemble, UST Symphony Orchestra, Philippine Youth Symphonic Band, and South East Asia Youth Orchestra and Wind Ensemble 2005-06 (Thailand). He participated in several national music camps and has been recognized for Excellence in Performance and Outstanding Ensemble Performance.

* Mr. Arnel Feliciano, director of Banda Morriz of Morong, Rizal and the UST Symphony Band. He is also the coordinator of the Percussion department of the UST Conservatory of Music. He teaches in and directs various youth summer music camps nationwide. He is the former Assistant Conductor of the San Miguel Philharmonic Orchestra and a former faculty member of the Asian Institute for Liturgy and Music. He attended international conducting workshops, the latest ones being in France and in the USA. He performed as a percussionist of important groups, notably the Jeunesses Musicales World Orchestra (Germany and Denmark), the Jeunesses Musicales World Orchestra (Malaysia, South Korea and Philippines), the Asean Music Workshop (Thailand and Singapore) and the Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra. He holds a Bachelor of Music degree from the UST Conservatory of Music.

A mini concert capped the activity -- featuring the woodwind, percussion and brass ensembles. Mr. Benjamin Villanueva and Ms. Ann Hidalgo of NCF, respectable and talented musicians in their own right, were among those who organized and graced the activity.

source (www.bicolmail.com)

gurugeri

November 26th, 2007, 11:47 AM

I've read an article from CRANE-caramoan that the governor is now trying to acquire some lands in Caramoan for the construction of an airstrip and tourism facilities which will serve the tourists in Caramoan.

Wow. I really hope the plan materializes. I am partly a Partidonian since I work here in Goa. I honestly think LRay should take on improving the place. Among the four congressional districts, I think that Partido is the most beautiful.

aries6210

November 29th, 2007, 06:34 AM

mich07

November 29th, 2007, 11:31 AM

Thursday, November 29, 2007
GMA7 bares increase in income (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/man/2007/11/29/bus/gma7.bares.increase.in.income.html)

TELEVISION network GMA7 on Wednesday reported a net income of P306 million for the month of October.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE), GMA7 said year-to-date, their net income were up by 22 percent to P2.06 billion, higher than recorded last year.

The company said its airtime revenue closed at P8.95 billion or an increase of seven percent than last year while revenue of its subsidiary QTV Channel 11 and international operations were higher by 63 percent and 48 percent, respectively.

“GMA network is quickly zeroing in on the nationwide ratings lead with momentum clearly shifting to the Kapuso channel,” added the broadcasting firm.

Quoting the data from the AGB Nielsen’s NUTAM survey, its rival network ABS-CBN is only leading by 1.3 percent in people ratings for the month of October.

In terms of audience shares, the lead of ABS-CBN nationwide for the month of October was trimmed down to 6.4 percent from 11.6 percent in August.

GMA7 meantime said its expansion projects are still ongoing as they quest for the supremacy in the Philippines television viewing.

The Batangas and Naga transmission upgrades are also expected to be completed by end of January 2008 while the construction of the studio complex in Dagupan is expected to be finished by end of January and the Davao and Naga would be completed next year.

Aside from the studio upgrade, GMA7 is also building a state-of-the art studios within its compound in Quezon City complete with the most modern equipment and facilities in the country. (MSN/Sunnex)

kevinb

November 30th, 2007, 01:19 AM

^^ Antagal niyan. Naiinip na ako. Hmp.

:colgate:

kevinb

November 30th, 2007, 01:21 AM

Bicol tourism summit reset Dec. 3 (http://http://www.pia.gov.ph/default.asp?m=12&r=&y=&mo=&fi=p071129.htm&no=45)

by LS Macatangay

NAGA CITY (29 November) -- The Bicol Regional Tourism Summit, spearheaded by the Bicol Regional Tourism Council (BRTC), the Department of Tourism and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Bicol chapter will push through on Monday, December 3, at the Avenue Convention Center along Magsaysay Avenue, here.

Originally scheduled November 23, the organizers was prompted to reset the schedule after Typhoon Mina threatened Bicol since early last week.

BRTC chair Daniel A. de Leon said the Summit seeks to foster unity and cooperation among stakeholders in Bicol. "It will serve as venue facility for bit experiences and help create an improved-informed network for stakeholders working better to reinvent Bicol as a "must" destination for domestic and international tourists.

DOT Bicol regional director Maria O. Ravanilla said the Summit is part of the multi-faceted agenda of the government in partnership with the private sectors to come up with a creative approach to generate more jobs and earnings especially for barangay residents.

Tourism stakeholders like operators and owners of restaurants, travel companies, hotels, resorts and the transport service providers including school owners offering tourism courses are welcome to participate in the summit., De Leon said. (PIA)

-----

Ano kaya mga bagong projects ang ise-set nila? I'm curious and excited at the same time. :D

garzland

November 30th, 2007, 03:50 AM

Garzland, please post ka naman ng developments in Naga city. It seems that naga thread is very slow in terms of posting replies/responses and photos as compared to other philippine cities like legaspi, davao, cebu, etc.

Yeah, in fact I've already taken photos... It's just so unfortunate that my PC has to be changed its motherboard... So, for now I'm only surfing internet in cafes which means I can't post the photos....

garzland

November 30th, 2007, 03:52 AM

^^ Antagal niyan. Naiinip na ako. Hmp.

:colgate:

Likewise :colgate:

mich07

November 30th, 2007, 10:38 AM

Belgian group: Business dynamic in Naga (http://www.bicolmail.com/issue/2007/nov29/belgian.html)
By Juan Escandor Jr.

NAGA CITY -- Representatives of a group of independent entrepreneurs from Belgium who came here to see for themselves the actual situation have been impressed by the dynamic business climate in this city.

Erwin Van Der Kelen, regional president of Belgian entrepreneurs’ group Unizo, said he was convinced there is “high potential of economic development” in this city with the presence of 50-60 banks.

Kelen said the presence of several banks in this city indicated that the business and economic potentials of the place have drawn banking institutions to establish operations here.

He enthused that they have gone around the city and were impressed by the vibrancy of economic activities and the tourism facilities and establishments.

Kelen observed that based on interaction with the members of the Metro Naga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) and Mayor Jesse Robredo they have the impression that the business sector is truly independent from the influence of politicians.

Complimenting the members of the MCCI who hosted the visiting Belgian entrepreneurs, he said they asked direct questions and “knew what they were talking about”.

Kelen was further impressed by the visions Robredo shared regarding policies which he said were similar to that of their organization like building independence of the small and middle-sized entrepreneurs.

“The mayor told us that he does not intervene too much but is more of a great listener,” he said.

Kelen noted that he observed that the people in Naga City are busy which indicates that economic situation would go better in the long-term.

He added that they enjoyed the very warm reception they were given since their arrival.

Kelen revealed that Unizo has some 85,000 members comprising independent entrepreneurs organized geographically into 11 regions in Belgium.

He said that their organization was organized 75 years ago to defend the interests of independent entrepreneurs that he defined as those entrepreneurs directly operating their businesses and in contact with their customers.

Kelen said that individual member does not give assistance to entrepreneurial development in other countries but through the Unizo they channel their contribution for development to a Brussel based non-government organization called Trias.

Herminia C. Lagdamen, local economic development officer of Trias in the Philippines, explained they provide technical support and financial assistance to the development of entrepreneurship through microfinance program.

Lagdamen said that the MNCCI has been given the unique role in their microfinance program in Bicol as the coordinating body in partnership with the Bicol Microfinance Council and Pecuaria Development Cooperative.

She said the selection of the MNCCI came “probably providential” because she said she was already in her last day here last year when she decided to try to tap the business group to become their partner in development here.

“Even though the MNCCI does not perfectly fit with the organization I am looking for sought them out because I have not found an organization that qualified to become our new partners after searching for several days in December last year,” she recalled how she came about with the business group.

Alberto Bercasio, AXA manager and incoming MNCCI president, said they have committed to provide capability-building program for the beneficiaries of the microfinance program of the Trias here.

mich07

December 1st, 2007, 05:37 AM

Island Fever (http://www.mysinchew.com/node/3232)

Northern Philippines’ Bicol region offers relaxing waterfalls shower, exhilarating beach trips and spiritual church visits.

Waking up at 4am nursing a hangover and being expected to ride a rocky boat isn’t how you normally like to spend your Sundays.

But when that boat takes you to Caramoan and leads you to beautiful islands like Matukad, Lahos and Kagbalingag, where you can swim, snorkel, take countless pictures and eat lunch on the sand, it really is worth it.

The islands were so beautiful I almost forgot my ordeal with motion sickness and the barf bags. On the way back, the water was more peaceful, leaving me with enough energy to bond with my new best friend, Bonamine.

It’s not just wakeboarding. There are many ways to get wet in Camarines Sur in northern Philippines.

You can visit different waterfalls—Tumaguiti, Kawa Kawa and Bulalacao. To get there, there’s a trek of sorts, which came as a surprise, especially to those of us wearing jeans and leather shoes. There are tree trunks to climb over and giant rocks to balance on but once you reach the falls, you realise the view is totally worth all the slipping and stumbling.

If you want total relaxation and no physical exertion visit the hot springs.

There are pools with varying depths and temperature from which to choose. We went for the hottest one, 29 degree C.

"The islands were so beautiful I almost forgot my ordeal with motion sickness and the barf bags."

Bambi Territory

There are hundreds and hundreds of deer at the deer farm. They are mostly Australian deer: Blackbuck Antelope, Fallow Deer, Chital Deer, Red Deer and Elk.

You are fascinated, you want to get close to them. You chase after them but they are elusive. They run away from you and you can never catch up. You rack your brain for ways to tell them that you mean them no harm, that you just want to take their photo. But because you don’t speak deer, you soon admit defeat.

But you admit that even the deer-chasing part was fun. There’s nothing like running and trying to avoid stepping on deer poop on your way to make you feel like a kid again.

Visit the Deer Farm in Santa Cruz, Ocampo.

Holy ground

Camarines Sur is home to a number of beautiful churches. We spent one morning visiting Bombon Church, Simbahang Quipayo, Our Lady of Penafrancia Basilica Minore, Saint Joseph Church and Pe?afrancia Cathedral, saying silent prayers, marveling at the beautiful stained-glass windows and capturing moments both holy and not a nervous bride getting ready for her vows, old women sitting quietly, children lighting candles, people queuing up for blessings.

Fiesta Forecast

Every trip throws surprises your way.
As we made our way from one church to another, a colourful sight greeted us near Bombon Church. Children in different costumes, parents and teachers bustling about, vendors peddling their wares. It wasn’t the fiesta yet, they were only preparing, but it was already eye candy overload. (By PAM PASTOR in Camarines Sur/ Philippine Daily Inquirer/ AsiaNews)

http://www.mysinchew.com/files/preview/292x300.4_9.jpg
HISTORIC: Bombon Church is one of Bicol’s oldest churches.

http://www.mysinchew.com/files/5_6.jpg
CHRISTIAN FAITH: The Our Lady of Peñafrancia Basilica Minore in Bicol’s Naga City

http://www.mysinchew.com/files/preview/292x300.1_39.jpg
POWDERY WHITE: One of Matukad beach’s allure is its fine, white sand.

http://www.mysinchew.com/files/preview/292x300.2_17.jpg

http://www.mysinchew.com/files/preview/292x300.3_10.jpg
LOST: Lahos island’s beauty is still undiscovered.

source:http://www.mysinchew.com/node/3232