Naga City
An Maogmang Lugar

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Naga City is a first class chartered city in the province of Camarines Sur, Philippines. It is an important commercial and cultural center in the region. Naga City is located in the Bicol Region, a peninsula on the southeastern tip of the island of Luzon. It is 377 kilometers southeast of Manila, the nation's capital, and about 380 kilometers north of Cebu City. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 137,810 with people in 26,317 households. Residents of Naga City are called Nagueños.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NAGA CITY: The Heart of Bicol

Even before the coming of the Spanish colonial government, Naga, which was then a flourishing village off the riverbanks of the storied Naga River, was already a thriving community. As pointed in the book of Prof. Danilo M. Gerona, a local historian, Naga was then a premier village with a comparatively sophisticated weaponry and surprisingly advanced technology. The name “Naga” derived its origin from the narra trees, which were then in abundance. Thus, in 1573, when the Spanish Troops arrived led by Capt. Juan de Salcedo, the colonizers were amazed to find a community with a fairly well advanced culture. In 1574, Captain Pedro de Chaves founded Ciudad de Nueva Caceres in honor of Don Francisco de Sande, then governor of the province and native of the City of Caceres in Spain. Naga, the premier native village and then a Spanish pueblo, formed part of the Spanish colonial city. Nueva Caceres remained the capital of Ambos Camarines provinces and later of the Camarines Sur province until the formal creation of the independent component city of Naga under the Philippine Republic. Naga’s birth as a chartered city formally took place on December 15, 1948 by virtue of Republic Act No. 305. Rep. Juan Q. Miranda sponsored this legislative act which put flesh into the city’s bid to become among the only few independent component cities in the country.

CIUDAD NIN NAGA has been for hundred of years a center of trade, education and culture, and the seat of governmental and ecclesiastical jurisdiction.

In 1573, on his second expedition to this region, the great conquestador, Juan de Salcedo, discovered here a flourishing Bikol Village called Naga, because it is said, of an abundance of Narra (naga in Bikol) trees about the place. In 1575 (200 years before the start of the American Revolution), Capt. Pedro de Chavez, the commander of the garrison left behind by Salcedo, founded on the site of the present business center (across the river from the original Naga) a Spanish city which he named Ciudad de Caceres, in honor of Francisco de Sande, the governor general and a native of the city of Caceres in Spain. It was still by this name that it was identified in the papal bull of August 14, 1595 that erected the See of Caceres (together with those of Cebu and Nueva Segobia) and made it the seat of the new bishopric.

In time, Spanish city and native village merged into one community and became popularly known as Nueva Caceres, obviously to distinguish it from its namesake in Spain. It had a city government as prescribed by Spanish law, with an ayuntamiento and cabildo of its own. At the beginning of the17th century, there were only five other ciudades in the Philippines.

With the advent of the American rule, it was reduced to a municipality. In 1919, it lost its Spanish name, when, by law, it became officially known as Naga. It acquired its present city charter in 1948, and its city government was inaugurated on December 15 of the same year.

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

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

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

In downtown Naga, just opposite Naga's tallest structure, the Holiday Hotel, you will see a park situated between Peñafrancia Ave. and Elias Angeles Street, and right in the middle of it the lofty monument to Bikol's Quince Martires. Actually, Bikol's martyrs of freedom number in the thousands but these fifteen have been specially singled out as symbols of the rest because on January 4, 1897, just five days after Dr. Rizal was executed, eleven of them were likewise shot at Bagumbayan field in Manila. The others died for country in exile or in prison.

They were avenged, however, at the Peñafrancia Fiesta, September 18, 1898 for corporals Elias Angeles and Felix Plazo convinced their fellow members of the guardia civil not to allow the same fate to befall them as had befallen the Daet patriots. So on the night of the fiesta they attacked the Spanish officers' quarters, routed them and then did battle with the rest of the Spanish community who had established themselves in the convento of the historic San Francisco Church (just opposite the Quince Martires monuments, its old bell tower can still be seen). When word of this startling defeat reached Partido, Legazpi, Sorsogon and Catanduanes, all Spanish forces and governmental men withdraw to Iloilo.

Sad to say, in January 1900, the American imperialistic forces invaded Camarines Sur and headed for Naga. However, Naga resident General Ludovico Arejola, organized a large guerilla army and fought the Americans at Agdangan, Baao. Afterwards he set up a camp in the mountains of Minalabac and held out for a full year and two and two months more, until rampant sickness forced the surrender of himself and his men in a formal ceremony in Naga on March 31, 1901. In late December 1941, Naga was again put under another foreign power, Japan, but once again on May 1 and 2, 1942; the combined guerilla forces of the province smashed their way into Naga. Their main purpose in doing so was to liberate the 30 American prisoners in the provincial jail. At the risk of their own lives and those of their relatives and neighbors not only freed, but also sheltered their former colonizers in the mountain.

On April 9, 1945, a large number of Major Juan Q. Miranda's guerillas again attacked the Japanese forces in Naga. American planes also heavily bombed the city. The American army arrived finally on April 27. Naga became a chartered city in 1948.

On the first decade of 1700's the first chapel to the Virgin Mary of Peñafrancia was constructed just above the city and along the banks of Naga River that is the avenue upon which the image is triumphantly borne from downtown Naga on the afternoon of Peñafrancia Saturday. This devotion is an authentic regional fiesta and the population of the city more than doubles on those days as pilgrims come from all over the six Bicol provinces as well as many from Manila and other distant places to share in this great religious experience and festival.

Three (3) of the most venerable institutions and structures in Naga are clustered together along the upper part of Elias Angeles Street. They are the Cathedral that begun in the year 1816, the Holy Rosary Seminary and the Colegio de Sta. Isabel. Founded in 1793 as both a college and a seminary, The Holy Rosary Seminary is one of the oldest schools in the republic. It educated literally thousands of the sons of all the leading families from as far north as Mauban, Quezon, and as far south as Leyte. In 1925, the laymen’s department was separated from the seminary and became the Camarines Sur Catholic Academy, which in turn, in 1940 became the Ateneo de Naga. Naga Parochial School took over the training of the elementary boys in 1948.

In 1868, the first normal school for women in the entire Orient was established in Naga as the Colegio de Sta. Isabel. Each parish in Bikol was required to send at least one pensionada to study there that they might be trained to run the parochial school in their own home place. The colegio’s present day population of more than 5,000 shows the appreciation of the Bikol people for its century of work for Bikol youth.

The University of Nueva Caceres, adjacent to Naga’s Centro, is the first university in southern Luzon. Over 9,000 students are being trained “non scholae ser vitae” in its halls. Students come from as far south as Zamboanga to attend its law, engineering, commerce, liberal arts courses. Its Bicol Museum is the best in the entire Peninsula.

Naga has a multitude of other fine schools: Naga College Foundation, Camarines Sur National High School, Bicol College of Arts and Trade, Naga City Science High School, St. Joseph School, Hope Christian School, Philippine Union College and many energetic business and fashion academies.

Naga City in Pictures


Naga City Public Market
What meets the eye when crossing the Tabuco bridge is the hubbub of traders and marketgoers at the Naga City Public Market, one of the largest supermarket in Southeast Asia.
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Bichara Mall
The Bichara Mall in General Luna street is a convenient haven of shoppers and on-lookers for today's latest fashion trends.
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Balogo Beach
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Peñafrancia Basilica Minore
In 1985, a new bigger house was built for Ina in barangay Balatas to accommodate the increasing number of devotees who come to thank and pay homage to the Virgin.
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Naga: A Rising Metropolis
The busy south entry point shows heavy volume of inward traffic cutting through a bustling commercial area along General Luna Street in Naga City.
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Milaor Church and Tower
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Walls of Colors
Gurit Bikol, a Naga-based group of artists recently launched a campaign to grace the vacant walls of the city through colorful paintings of varied subjects. This to counteract the growing fondness for vandalism and redirect the energy of the youth to more worthwhile activities.
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Plaza Quezon
The newly built Plaza Quezon standing proud at the heart of Naga's bustling commercial area treats constituents and visitors with various spectacles and cultural presentations.
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Yuletide Landmark
The giant christmas tree in the middle of the busy commercial strip at Plaza Quezon stands bright and beautiful to greet Nagueños with holiday cheers this season.
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Above and Beyond
Space adventure at the refurbished Bicol Science and Technology Centrum adds perk to curious visitors. Impressed by the life size wallpaper space shuttle, this space enthusiast takes a closer look at what goes above and beyond.
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Mt. Isarog at Sunrise
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Pedestrian Crossing
With the newly painted and more visible pedestrian lanes at the old business district, unruly drivers don't have any reason not to give way to the passersby especially during traffic clogged rush hours.
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Our Lady of Peñafrancia Fiesta
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EDUCATION

The city is a center of education in Bicol due to numerous schools, including three universities: Ateneo de Naga University,University of Nueva Caceres, and Universidad de Santa Isabel. A probable fourth university in the city is Naga College Foundation, one of the region's leading schools in Criminology. The Philippine Women's University has a Career Development and Continuing Education Center here. The University of the Philippines Open University was also set up in the city.

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University of Nueva Caceres
The very first university in Bicolandia

It was in 1948 that Dr. Jaime Hernandez founded the University as a fulfillment of a life long dream. From experience he knew the difficulties met by many a Bikolano who sought the opportunity of higher education in Manila. He built the University on the proposition that the education, comparable if not better than any offered in Manila, could be homegrown.

In February 1948 Dr. Jaime Hernandez invited prominent Bicolanos to join him as incorporators. May 9, 1948 among those who signed the incorporation papers in were: Dr Jaime Hernandez, Atty. Jaime Reyes, Ambassador Jose Fuentebella, Atty. Edmundo Cea, Atty. Buenaventura Blancaflor, Atty. Juan F. Trivino, Atty. Antonio M. Sison, Dr. Manuel Abella and Dr. Domingo Abella. The securities and Exchange Commission approved the incorporators on May 18, 1948.

Thus the school officially started its operation on July 1,1948 as the Nueva Caceres Colleges. The initial courses offered by the college were Liberal Arts, Commerce, Education and High School with a total enrolment of 958.

In the ensuing years, additional courses were opened: Elementary(1949), Graduate School (1953), Law (1951), Engineering(1949), Nursing (1955), Secretarial(1955) and kindergarten(1993).
The students of the newly opened Nueva Caceres Colleges in 1948 held their classes in the rented Flordeliza Building fronting the public kiosk (now Plaza Quezon) and the Governor Andres Hernandez residence along Burgos Street (now Grand Imperial Plaza).

In September 1951, the university administration headed by Dr. Jaime Hernandez took the first giant step since its foundation. It acquired the Rey property first across the old school site and transformed it from a marshland to its present site. By early 1952 almost half of the site was filled up and buildings began to rise. Most Rev. Pedro P. Santos blessed the new campus and the first two buildings, the original Dato hall and Alba Hall on July 11, 1952. Other buildings were soon built to address the needs of a growing student population. At present, under the leadership of University President, Dr. Dolores H. Sison, there is an on-going multi-million infrastructure program to further modernize the institution.

The success of a school can be always measured by the success of its alumni. The University is one of the very few schools outside Metro Manila whose graduates have not only hurdled various government examinations but have emerged as topnotchers in the bar and board examinations. Many of its alumni are now leaders in business, industry, education, politics, in the bar and bench and other fields. Many have chosen to contribute their share for the regions' progress and development. Many have likewise migrated to foreign lands and are doing just as well. Wherever these alumni are, they can always look back with pride at the University of Nueva Caceres, their Alma Mater.

Click here (http://www.unc.edu.ph) for more information.

new thread for naga city..click here (http://http://skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=9481530#post9481530) :)

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Ateneo de Naga University

In 1940, at the invitation of Bishop (later Archbishop) Pedro P. Santos of Caceres, the Ateneo de Naga was founded as a Jesuit school for boys, with Fr. Francis D. Burns, S.J. as the Rector. The classes were first held in the building formerly used by the Camarines Sur Catholic academy (now the Naga Parochial School). Meanwhile the construction of the new school building, dominated by the now well-known facade of four pillars, began. In December 1941 the small band of Jesuit moved to their new residence on campus and were preparing to transfer classes to the newly finished structures after the Christmas holidays, when suddenly on 8 December the Pacific War broke out.

When the Japanese Imperial Forces came to Naga, they imprisoned the Jesuits (except Bro. Sergio Adriatico, S.J., the lone Filipino among them), occupied the Ateneo de Naga, and converted it into the local Fort Santiago. As soon as Philippine independence was restored in 1946, the high school classes were resumed.

On 1 June 1947 the Ateneo de Naga was granted by the Department of Education full recognition as a standard four-year high school. On 5 June 1947 the College was opened with 87 male student. On 26 October 1953 the Ateneo College became coeducational with the admission of five women.

The steady growth of the Ateneo called for new structures for governance. Thus the 1940 Articles of Incorporation were amended and new By-laws adopted in 1979, transferring the school's highest governing authority to the Board of Trustees, majority of whom have been Jesuits.

Through its more than half a century of existence, the Ateneo has made significant breakthroughs and has suffered serious setbacks. Economic difficulties during the Martial Law years led to a dip in the college enrollment. But as the school marked its Golden Jubilee in 1990, there began a remarkable turn-around and recovery. The Graduate School, which had had a brief existence in the seventies, was revived in 1993.

In 1979, the College and the HIgh School were the first in Camarines Sur to be accredited by the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges, and Universities (PAASCU). They were accredited for the third time in 1992. In 1991 the Department of Education, Culture, and Sports placed the Ateneo in its list of 18 excellent universities and colleges in the country.

The 90s was a decade of development. The Ateneo implemented CORPLAN 2000. A vigorous faculty development program enabled faculty members to earn graduate degrees. An endownment Fund was establishment for scholarships and professorial chairs. Standards were upgraded. New courses were offered. Centers and institutes were established. New buildings were constructed. Enrollment increased. In 1997 the college was broken into four colleges: Arts and Sciences, Commerce, Education, and Information Technology and Engineering.

On February 20, 1999 the Commission on Higher Education conferred the Ateneo de Naga, with the late Fr. Raul J. Bonoan, S.J. as the first university president.

Last August 28, 1999 Fr. Joel E. Tabora, S.J. was installed as the second university president.

Click here (http://www.adnu.edu.ph) for more information.

Where is NAGA CITY?

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Universidad de Santa Isabel
The very first Normal School for girls in the Far East

Born and nurtured from the hearts of two great saints, Sts. Vincent de Paul and Louise de Marillac, the Universidad de Sta. Isabel (USI), formerly Colegio de Sta. Isabel (CSI) now on its fourth year as the only university of the Daughters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul in the world, has the distinct honor and claim to 137 years of educational service to Bicol.

A Royal Order from Queen Isabela II of Spain gave it its mission, and six Daughters of Charity: Sisters Francisca , Crisologo , Ignacia , Juana , Rita and Antonia sailed over rough seas and plodded through forest trails "to make a dream come true."

Founded on November 5, 1867 by Most Rev. Bishop Francisco C. Gainza, O.P. , then Bishop of Caceres, the school was opened to paying and non-paying students as the Royal Order specified. A Royal Decree signed on January 11, 1872, by Amadeo of Saboya, raised the Colegio de Sta. Isabel to "Escuela Normal de Maestras", thus making CSI the first teacher training institution in the Philippines and in the Far East.

At the turn of the 20 th century, the Colegio de Sta. Isabel received government recognition for its Primary Course (1913), its Intermediate Course (1916), its Secondary Course (1924), Secondary Home Economics Course (1932), Music Teachers Course in Piano (1939), and Junior Normal Course (1940).

For a brief moment (1940-41) and at the request of the Bishop, the Colegio admitted boys whose school was closed due to the war. When CSI was used as Japanese headquarters, classes were held in the convento of the Cathedral and the Archdiocesan Seminary. On January 12, 1946 , the first post liberation graduation was held with sixty students. Reconstruction of the war-torn campus began to accommodate more students.

Incarnating the Education, Health, Social and Pastoral Ministries of the Daughters of Charity through its time-tested instruction, extension and Catholic formation offerings, the century-old institution has preserved its Vincentian and Marian character as a quality center of learning in Bicolandia.

Click here (http://www.usi.edu.ph) for more information.

Interactive Naga City Map
Drag Map to View desired area,
right click and click "ZOOM IN" or "ZOOM OUT"

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To Be Continued..

Great start, Kevin and Sinjin! :applause:

kevinb edit mo link. habang pwede pa.

Anybody familiar with Balesin Island? It has supposedly some of the best beaches in Luzon area.

Hi Everybody,

I just saw the 5:00 pm local TV news sa PTV(aug 2.) about Landco Devt. group meeting with the Sanggunihaan and with Mayor Jess Robredo.

Landco and the City is now a making a "final" plan about their intention to establish in the Almeda area. There are "three" consideration that needs to agree upon, i think the last one was been considered by Landco. that is; they are the only Commercial establishment for 7 years and no other Big Commercial establishment to put up in Naga. But because they know that SM Naga will also put up in the CBD II sa may terminal. they will consider it. because of the distance of Almeda and CBD II is that far.

Landco ltold the Sanggunihaan and the Mayor about what happen to them in Lucena, wasn't that good, because they were so close together with SM lucena, and competition wasn't in their favor.

If they are going to start soon? I just hope it will be ASAP.

Well maybe you have seen the local news sa ABS-CBN Naga 6pm. you may have a different view. I just saw it sa PTV 5.

Please proceed to the New Naga City Thread:
Naga City: The Heart of Bicolandia II (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=380151) :)

ei where's that malaradis island?

i think caramoan..

beautiful places and native culture in camarines sur..
click the image to watch the video..
http://sjl-static5.sjl.youtube.com/vi/Fz-NdRipYMs/2.jpg (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fz-NdRipYMs)

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:nocrook: CONGRATULATION EVERYBODY
:nocrook:
:cheer: :cheer: LONG LIVE SKYSCRAPER METRO NAGA CITY :cheer: :cheer:

Thanks for this wonderful thread KEVIN and Sinjin. :) :cucumber:

Keep it up my friend :cheers: :okay:

HOPE TO SEE YOU IN E-MALL

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These are wonderful! :applause:

WOW!, I've been to some of those beaches along Pasacao and Minalabac. White PEBBLE beaches, clear water and sorroundings. :okay:

Nice photos. - Keep them coming.... some resorts have electricity? :lol: - I would prefer the lights and the smell of Coleman kerosene lamps at night. And the smell of carabao dungs have been replaced by Isuzu engine exhausts. :D

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Naga College Foundation


In 1947, Dr. Melchor Trinidad Villanueva founded the Naga Teachers College. Its primary concern was to train students for the teaching profession and to make quality education accessible to Bicolanos.

Housed in a rented residence along Peñafrancia Avenue, Naga City, the school initially offered a two-year Junior Normal Course leading to Elementary Teachers Certificate (ETC) for Elementary Teachers. Later, the school acquired its own site and continued to expand to where it now stands.

In 1950, Naga Teachers College became Naga College. Complete Elementary and High school education were established. Programs in the College, and Graduate levels, as well as, Technical non-degree courses were offered.

In 1987, Naga College was chartered by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as a non-stock, non-profit institution. Naga College was transformed to Naga College Foundation and continued to expand its course offerings. Since then, it has become one of the leading educational institutions in the Bicol Region serving as a major partner in regional, as well as, national development.

Click here (http://www.ncf.edu.ph) for more information.

Cam.Sur Tourism Music Video
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m279/ocinadnarim/screen.jpg (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sOBzJmaWpxI)

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Philippine Women's University - Career Development and Continuing Education Center
Ground Floor Dmg Bldg., Peñafrancia Ave., Naga City, Camarines Sur
Tel. Nos.: (054) 4735656 / 8116471 / 5454602
Email:cdcec_camarinessur@pwu.edu.ph

Course Offerings:
► International Student's Continuing Education Program
► Nursing Aide (1 year)
► Call Center Agent's Course (5 months)
► Certificate in Caregiver, National Certificate II (7 months)
► Tourism Management Course (2 years)
► Certificate in Computer Secretarial (2 years)
► Computer Program in Software Technology Course (2 years)
► Computer Program in Electronics Technology Course (2 years)
► Special Computer Courses
► Hotel and Restaurant Management Course (2 years)
► Medical Transcriptionist Course (1 year)
► Household Management Course (5 months)
► Nuclear Medicine Technology Course 1 year)
► Phlebotomy Course (1 month)

^ wow, phlebotomy course in a month!. whats phlebotomy? heehee :D

what up kevin. hi jhoms. i dont believe we've met. si matt pala ako :D
welcome, enjoy the forums.

^ wow, phlebotomy course in a month!. whats phlebotomy? heehee :D

what up kevin. hi jhoms. i dont believe we've met. si matt pala ako :D
welcome, enjoy the forums.

elo matt..
oo nageenjoy naman ako dito..

Hello everyone,

Hopefully, Lando will consider putting up its mall here in Naga city soon. Even if SM will construct its mall at CBD II, Landco should still consider the idea that it can't be the only mall to build in Naga since Naga city is becoming progressive & expanding into a metropolis, naturally, more malls will be coming in here.

@matt: ei matt. i'm fine. glad to make another naga thread. :D

@aries6210: I heard in the radio that Landco will put up a mall here in naga provided that SM will not put up business here within the next seven years!imagine?seven years!well, anyway, the city hall will decide what's best. ;)

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University of the Philippines - Open University

The UP Open University or UPOU is the fifth autonomous university of the UP System. It was established through a resolution of the Board of Regents in its 1084th meeting on 23 February 1995.

Because of the limited resources of the residential colleges, UP can only accommodate an equally limited proportion of applicants for admission. Through the distance education provided by the UPOU, the University will be able to respond better to the demand for quality higher education especially in areas which do not have a UP campus.

The UP Open University "seeks to provide wider access to quality higher education." It shall adhere to the highest standards of academic excellence and encourage social responsibility and nationalistic commitment among its faculty, staff and students.

Click here (http://www.upou.org) for more information.

Culture

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The city hosts the Feast of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, the patroness of the Bicol Region, every second week of September. The start of the feast, which is the largest Marian devotion in the country, is signalled by a procession (called Traslacion) which transfers the image of the Blessed Virgin Mary from its shrine in the Peñafrancia Basilica Minore to the Metropolitan Cathedral. Coinciding with nine-day prayer in the cathedral, the city celebrates with parades, pageants, parties, and other activities. Finally, on the third Saturday of September, the image is returned to the Basilica Minore via a fluvial procession on the Naga River.

Click here (http://www.penafrancia.net) for more information.

Metro Naga Map

http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/6814/metronagaot2.jpg

Naga City CBD I

http://img61.imageshack.us/img61/4881/nagacbdhu9.jpg

Reposted: Matteo in Naga City thread I

LandCo Business Park Naga City:

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

Pacific Mall Naga:

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

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

^^ Hmm, if Pacific Mall will open up in Naga, I'm sure the anchor store will once again be Metro (Gaisano)... And if that'll happen, watch out SM, for Metro Department Store and Supermarket in Ayala Center Cebu and Pacific Mall Lucena has higher sales than SM Department Store and Supermarket in SM City Cebu and SM City Lucena

congartulations to all forumers in this thread!!!

congrats for the second naga thread...hope this will be more successful, informative and fun than the previous one...:):):):):D


i jz observed that there is a parade of schools and universities going on here...and since im a blue blooded atenean...i would like to share some pics of my beloved school...hehehehehehe!!hope you all like it!!

ateneo gate..
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/31414085930251l1.jpg
the very famous four pillars...
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/3141417351141l1.jpg
<B>O'brien library, bicol region's finest...</B>
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/31414152019756l1.jpg

still some ateneo pics...

ateneo main campus...
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/012506_1858301.jpg
ateneo few years ago..
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/1555143852731m1.jpg
ateneo high school campus...
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/3273353634504m1.jpg
st. ignatius de loyola...founder of the society of Jesus..
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/3438705752006m1.jpg
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/3438718540800m1.jpg
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/3438712276400m1.jpg
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/3273361296633m1.jpg

<B>the garden situated at the middle of the building....this garden is really beautiful especiall if you'll look at it from above....</B>
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/3274517690008m1.jpg
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/3273318884897m1.jpg

Metropolitan Naga Development Council

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e344/kevinb_3410/metronaga.gif

Metro Naga located in the Province of Camarines Sur, Philippines is a harmonious grouping of Naga city and 14 neighboring municipalities which collaborate to share resources and promote the area as a singularly attractive investment alternative.

Situated at the center of the Bicol Peninsula and about 380 kilometers from Manila, it is surrounded on all sides by rich agricultural, forest and fishing areas. As such, Metro Naga has always been an active place for trade and a center for schools, church and government.

While most economic activities of its members remain predominantly agriculture dependent, the phenomenal growth of Naga City, the heart of Metro Naga, has resulted in greater economic opportunities for its neighbors, particularly in the services and processing industry sectors.

Metro Naga offers unlimited export opportunities for investors. For those wishing to venture into the manufacture of home furnishings, novelty items and food products, something for which Metro Naga is famous, excellent craftsmanship and an abundant supply of raw materials make these activities a most viable proposition.

The business environment is enhanced by a highly developed financial and business services sector and the presence of modern telecommunications facilities. Metro Naga’s modern telecommunication and support infrastructure efficiently links investors to their target markets within the region, the rest of the country and abroad.

Efficient and affordable public transport allows the population to freely move between the different municipalities and commute to and from Naga City for work and leisure. Travel time within Metro Naga is no more than 10 to 30 minutes drive from origin to destination.

Living in Metro Naga combines both a rich cultural and rustic rural life and access to modern urban amenities. Compared to Metro Manila and Metro Cebu, Metro Naga is regarded as more livable given its pristine ambiance. Certainly, it enjoys a much lower cost of living base.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e344/kevinb_3410/MNDC_logo.jpg
History

Elsewhere in the country, and perhaps the whole world, cities figure prominently than other local government units for one simple reason — they are where the action is. Cities generate and accumulate wealth and are the main centers for education, job creation, innovation, culture and greater economic opportunity.

Naga City is no different from other provincial cities. Over the past decade, it displayed phenomenal growth resulting in the expansion of its urban center to over thrice its size in the 1980s; the sprouting of subdivisions, commercial establishments and popular franchise outlets; the increase in the number financial institutions, public utilities, and service establishments; and the entry of developers in the tourism industry.

This growth however is without a challenge. For in the nearby municipalities, though richly endowed with natural resources, life hardly changed – and what later evolved into a partnership of local governments was a warm response to the cold isolation of being left out in the development process.

When there came a world oil crisis in 1991 as a result of the Gulf War, developmental planners in Naga City and its surrounding municipalities had to rethink their goal and direction. They had to address more of their commonality rather than their diversity, resource sharing rather than politicking.

Inasmuch as almost all of the gasoline stations in Metro Naga are located in Naga City, its then city mayor convened the mayors of the adjacent municipalities to map out their needs and priorities in setting the system and procedure for rationing available fuel supply. The resulting scheme kept vital services running and its success paved the way for other cooperative efforts and undertakings – all leading to the creation of an institution – the Metro Naga Development Council -- that would address these cross-boundary issues and problems.

Another impetus was the enactment of the Local Government Code (LGC) of 1991 which mandated the absorption of devolved personnel, creating chaos in the budgets of many LGUs. Again, the mayors of Naga and its neighboring municipalities held informal meetings to share experiences and formulate common strategies to overcome the initial difficulties that accompanied the implementation of the LGC.

Then the senior citizens of the neighboring municipalities clamored that they also be granted the same benefits enjoyed by their colleagues in Naga City. As early as 1989, Naga has in place a senior citizens program that granted the elderly various discounts from public institutions and private establishments. The mayors again met, "Metro Naga" was coined, and the Metro Naga Senior Citizens League was subsequently formed to facilitate the grant of discount privileges to Metro Naga elderly. This was the third event.

Soon after, requests for the use of the city's heavy equipment came from the municipal mayors bringing to the fore the need for a mechanism to facilitate such sharing of resources between the city and its neighbors. The new LGC gave the answer with its grant of expanded powers and prerogatives to LGUs allowing them to pool their efforts and resources for commonly beneficial projects and activities. A task force was formed to study the mechanics for the exercise of such powers. The rest, as they say, is history.

What was left was to forge a memorandum of agreement (MOA) formally detailing the covenants of roles and responsibilities of the different LGUs and have the MOA approved by their respective legislative councils. This MOA <link to scanned copy of MOA> was signed on April 23, 1993 in Naga City with then Secretary Rafael Alunan III of the Department of Interior and Local Government as principal witness.

Thus was born the Metro Naga Development Council, a cooperative effort necessitated by the backlash of the Gulf War that later evolved into a partnership for the joint development of 15 LGUs. This local initiative was affirmed by then President Ramos himself through Executive Order No. 102 (http://http://naga.gov.ph/mndc/mndc_index_files/Aboutus_MNDC_EO102.htm) issued on June 18, 1993.

Just downloaded a kml file for Google Earth that actually shows an extensive 3D version of Naga City. So far, this is the only LGU with a complete 3D...

http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4221/3205/1600/nagacity3d.0.jpg

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Naga is the undisputed trading and commercial center of Bicolandia. It boasts of two commercial business districts, malls and the biggest single-structure public market in the region.

Recognizing Naga's critical role in regional development, the current Regional Physical Framework Plan identified the city as the center for regional commerce, finance, trade and services. The Plan also distinguished Naga as the region's primary industrial hub and major service center to serve as conduit for development of the Metro Naga area and the Legaspi-Iriga-
Naga-Daet Growth Corridor. Along with Legaspi, Bicol shall also serve as the major link to the National Capital Region, Metro Cebu, Metro Davao and other regions of the country. Naga, therefore, is an indispensable factor in Bicol's movement towards development and progress.

Compared with the rest of the country, income of city residents measures favorably. In 1998, average household income stood at US $ 4,620 per annum, 42% higher than the Philippine average and 126% higher than the average Bicol household.

Between 1993 and 1998, the city's economy grew at the pace of 6.5% annually, significantly higher than rate of growth posted by the national economy. In 1998, the gross city product (GCP) stood at US $ 263.3 million, which translates to a per capita GCP of US $ 1,953, which is 115% higher than the national average. The city has the highest number of registered establishments in Bicol at 4,898. The 2001 investments of the city reached P777 million.

The service sector employs the bulk of the city's labor force, accounting for 66.52% of the total. The secondary and infrastructure sector manufacturing, utilities and construction at 16.14%) and others (agriculture and government at 17.34%) account for the rest.

URBAN DESIGN AND TRANSPORT

The old CBD, now comprising a contiguous area of around 300,000 square meters near the mouth of Naga River, has been the focal point of city life. Over the last 50 years, housing settlements grew around this urban core in a radiating fashion. Today, 88% of the population live in built-up areas on the western part of the city that account for only around 18% of its total land area. This translates to a population net density of 129.25 persons per hectare.

As a consequence of the city's spatial development, pockets of informal settlements sprouted along the periphery of the CBD. Together, they make up for 11% of the total population. An aggressive normalization program of the city government, however, enabled most of them to acquire tenure over their homelots.

Access into the city is possible by land, rail and air. Air travel to and from Manila is through the Naga Airport located in a neighboring town, where two commercial airlines combine for an average of 19 flights per week. Land transport passes through the Manila South Road, via the recently completed Quirino Highway Diversion. Rail service is being provided by the state-owned Philippine National Railways, whose trains make a daily run to Manila.

Within the city, the primary modes of transport are the jeepneys (39% of work trips), trimobiles, passenger cars and buses which contribute 18% each of work trips. Three-wheeled pedicabs, located mostly in subdivisions, account for the remaining 4%.

In 1999, a new central bus terminal began to facilitate transport exchange, particularly between jeepneys and tricycles serving the urban district and buses that connect Naga to various destinations within and outside Bicol region. Traffic flow was also eased by lanes added to portion of the Manila South Road within city limits, as well as Panganiban, Magsaysay, Peñafrancia and Bagumbayan avenues, the main arteries radiating from the old CBD.

Concreting of the Queborac-Abella road will also complete the city's first circumferential road that would ring the old and the new CBD.

Good day, Naga!!!

I just visited this city last July 29-30 at our LTS in Universidad de Nueva Caceres... I just found out how this city is super-rich in culture and business establishments that can be spotted almost everywhere in the city. We stayed at Plaza Imperial and ate our lunch, dinner and breakfast. At noon of July 30, we ate our lunch at Caby's Cabana. Whew... the meals were ecstatic at such low prices... :P!!! Definitely, I never enjoyed this much as compared to my former visits (in 1994, 2000, 2003 and 2005).

Some new things I've learned about Naga:

*There's plenty of business establishments that roads seemed too narrow and congested...

*Classical and Spanish-time infrastructures are found everywhere... I like Plaza Rizal and Plaza Quince Martires plus the churches...

*The city is so bustling and booming that it looks like the Mini-Manila of the region.

All my previous visits, I never really paid much attention. Up to now, I believe that Naga is still the premier business hub of the region. Legazpi, as it seems, still trails. But as per statistics, Legazpi is the richest city in the region... the revenue collections of this city surpasses Naga by more than 80 million in 2005. This is may be attributable to the fact that Legazpi has bigger land area and has more population. This serves as an answer to a previous dispute before.

However, Kudos to Naga city!!! I hope that I can visit you more in the future!!!

Mayor Jesse Robredo must be the superman behind all the progress and developments in this city... Hmmm... no wonder, Naga achieved more than a hundred awards in just 18 years... A miracle work, I say!!!

Some new facts I've learned:

As per a previous post, Naga and Legazpi are among the 20 most competitive cities in the Philippines as adjudged by Asian Institute of Management. And according to it, Bicol is the 2nd most depressed region in the country... I'm quite glad to announce to Y'ALL THAT: Ours is no longer the 2nd most depressed. Our standing as a region has elevated by 2 levels: WE'RE NOW THE 4TH MOST DEPRESSED. Waha... Hopefully, this would change over time...

sana nga...i hope the progress in the two cities (naga nd legaspi) will soon create the way for the development of the whole region....:)

sana nga...i hope the progress in the two cities (naga nd legaspi) will soon create the way for the development of the whole region....:)

Hopefully, progress would speed up in our beloved Bicolandia... We are good graciously lagging behind from our neighbors... The only regions that are poorer than us are all located in Mindanao...

^^Thanks for the appreciation mond. Kudos to Legazpi also. :)

@nikki: That will surely go through the right path. Plus the fact that the new cities are also flourishing and the fast-growing municipalities, specially in Albay and CamSur. :)

Nice thread, very informative

^^Thanks for the appreciation mond. Kudos to Legazpi also. :)

@nikki: That will surely go through the right path. Plus the fact that the new cities are also flourishing and the fast-growing municipalities, specially in Albay and CamSur. :)

Actually, panapanahon din lang talaga ang progress... As of now, I think Bicol, as a whole, is improving and developing. Yet, we need more gov't intervention and benefits... The mega-regions that GMA proposed might or might not help... Does any of you think that the mega-regions concept will help us Bicolanos? As of my humble opinion, it will only dislocate us! :(

Actually, panapanahon din lang talaga ang progress... As of now, I think Bicol, as a whole, is improving and developing. Yet, we need more gov't intervention and benefits... The mega-regions that GMA proposed might or might not help... Does any of you think that the mega-regions concept will help us Bicolanos? As of my humble opinion, it will only dislocate us! :(


if it will be handled properly and governed by people who think of the majority......then this mega regions is an excellent idea....but if only greedy politicians will take over, never mind!!!

if it will be handled properly and governed by people who think of the majority......then this mega regions is an excellent idea....but if only greedy politicians will take over, never mind!!!

Yes but ceteris paribus (assuming all else are the same), Bicol seemed too distant from Cebu (the apparent capital of Central Philippines)...

Actually, panapanahon din lang talaga ang progress... As of now, I think Bicol, as a whole, is improving and developing. Yet, we need more gov't intervention and benefits... The mega-regions that GMA proposed might or might not help... Does any of you think that the mega-regions concept will help us Bicolanos? As of my humble opinion, it will only dislocate us! :(

This mega-regions could help in many ways. But in Bicol, there are only two concrete projects that I know of. One is the South Luzon International Airport in Daraga and the road networks in CamSur leading from Naga City to the Caramoan peninsula. I hope the government would not only focus in Albay and CamSur only. As I said, there are other fast-growing cities and municipalities in the region that needs financing in order to grow faster. Long live Bicolandia! :D

This mega-regions could help in many ways. But in Bicol, there are only two concrete projects that I know of. One is the South Luzon International Airport in Daraga and the road networks in CamSur leading from Naga City to the Caramoan peninsula. I hope the government would not only focus in Albay and CamSur only. As I said, there are other fast-growing cities and municipalities in the region that needs financing in order to grow faster. Long live Bicolandia! :D

Daet is also very progressive... I've been there once... I think it's already very eligible for cityhood

^^ I also think so. It only lacks better infrasctructure. And other modes of transporation. Main mode of transpo is the tricycle. Very few or no jeepneys and buses at all. The only buses are the ones going to and from manila and other key areas in Luzon. BTW, pineapples from Daet are very sweet! :okay:

DoT partners with Coca-Cola

The Department of Tourism (DoT) yesterday signed a Memorandum of Agreement with Coca-Cola Bottlers Philippines Inc. in the goal of further boosting domestic tourism through specially designed Coca-Cola bottles to be distributed in all regions of the country.

These Limited Edition bottles will showcase the country’s various tourist attractions, major festivals, and products that make the Philippines a unique destination.

A first-of-its-kind in the country, the Coca-Cola 2006 Limited Edition Bottles are full-body wrap 8-oz glass bottles that bear the Department of Tourism’s "Biyahe Na!" seal and will feature one tourist destination every month. For January, the featured destination is the province of Cebu.

"These uniquely designed soft drink bottles make perfect souvenir items for travelers," said Tourism Secretary Ace Durano.

These will be made available in airports, hotels and resorts, Duty Free and other souvenir shops, pier and bus terminals, restaurants and food outlets, petrol stations, supermarkets and during fiestas for a limited period of time only. Each bottle will cost R20.

Other available designs include the Peñafrancia Festival, which illustrates the annual fluvial parade in Naga City; Masskara Festival, which captures a variety of colorful masks paraded in Bacolod City; and Christmas, which highlights the "parol" or lantern as the symbol of the Filipino Christmas spirit.

Coca-Cola Bottlers Philippines, Inc. president Roberto N. Huang said that "This tie-up with DoT reinforces the San Miguel Group’s vision through CCBPI to make everyday life a celebration by being part of every fiesta and major cultural celebration across the Philippines. It highlights our belief that the Philippines is among the world’s most beautiful places and should undoubtedly be a favorite travel destination not only of foreigners, but Filipinos likewise."

Meanwhile, Durano also announced that a campaign similar to what they did in London where Philippine destinations are featured on taxi cabs will be launched soon in Singapore and Taiwan.

The success of the promotional campaign resulted in the notable increase of inbound British tourists prompting the DoT to the same in Singapore and Taiwan. The advertisements will be carried by buses, which will be plying the major routes of the said cities. (Jaser A. Marasigan)

news (http://www.mb.com.ph/issues/2006/01/10/TOUR2006011053527.html)

^^ I also think so. It only lacks better infrasctructure. And other modes of transporation. Main mode of transpo is the tricycle. Very few or no jeepneys and buses at all. The only buses are the ones going to and from manila and other key areas in Luzon. BTW, pineapples from Daet are very sweet! :okay:

Hi Kevin,
I admire Daet because, it a busy and active capital town, If you compare Daet and Iriga city, Daet is as much alive and busy. But if you look at the over all economy of Camarines Norte, it is also one of the not-so-well province. It is because of the terrain or mountainous areas of Cam. Norte that "Farm to market road" are poorly supported by the govt.. Agri-products on the upland are not easy access to the market.

We just hope in the future, infrastructure will be on the way. I have so much confidence to our industrious tagalog migrants and local bicolanos in camarines norte and will work hard to meet its goal.

Masbate is said to be one of the poorest province in Bicol.

Unless this traditional political kingpins are still fighting. Masbate will remain poor or if not poorest in the Bicol region. and other thing, they are much closer to Cebu( doing business transaction ) than in mainland bicol or if not they bring their livestock in lucena and manila.

Masbate should have been the center of beef production for all Bicolandia. and contributed to our development as a whole.

Lets have more discussion about our region and Naga. :cheers:

INQUIRER SOUTHERN LUZON
A hundred proverbs reflect Bicol’s culture

By Juan Escandor Jr.
Inquirer
Last updated 03:26am (Mla time) 08/10/2006

Published on Page A15 of the August 10, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

WHAT makes the newly published “Balalong” unique is that it attempts to chronicle Bicol culture through proverbs.

Balalong (stress on the second syllable) is a precolonial period instrument made of bamboo that is beaten by a stick and used by chieftains to summon the villagers. It is also the title of a 118-page book, which seeks to show that Bicol has its own set of proverbs that reveals strands of its unique culture.
The collection represents spoken Bicol in Naga City and most parts of Camarines Sur.

Witty

Sometimes witty and humorous, and at other times profound, the proverbs that author Fr. Philip Francis Reazon Bersabe compiled and classified provide windows to the wisdom and values of a section of Bicolanos through generations.

Classified into four categories—moral, psychological, religious and secular—the book tries to unravel the deeper meaning of each proverb as observed in daily life.

Explained and illustrated, the collection of 100 Bicol proverbs, like in any other cultures worldwide, expresses the perception of ideas and ideals that matter to people based on the norms and tradition in the localities.

For example, “Kun sa lubang ka mahayop, puling an saimong madadakop” (Blow into the mortar, and the dust will get into your eyes) conveys wisdom in simple terms.

Some proverbs are informal and hilarious, reflecting a contemporary outlook. “An tawong matorognon, naagawan nin agom (A sleeping husband loses his wife)” and “An babaeng mainikid-ikid, sa pungo nasasabit (A flirtatious woman gets caught in the protruding branch).”

Bersabe has more of this kind of proverbs that include Bicol’s version of machismo that, he says, originated from Caramoan, Camarines Sur. “An lugad nin lalaki, tinatahi nin nawi (The wound of a man is sutured by a large strand).”

Imagery

“Balalong” shows images that portray Bicolano values and wisdom. It is an addition to the growing list of Bicol literature that seeks to define the Bicolano identity.

But Bersabe, being a priest, tends to frame his discussion with biblical passages, which could narrow the readers’ appreciation of the entries.

It is not remote that several of these proverbs evolved from precolonial times when animism was the dominant worldview of the natives. Framing them from a Christian viewpoint alters their original context.

For example, in the proverb “An harayo sa gatong, dai matotong (One who is far from the burning wood will not get burned),” Bersabe explained this to mean that a person must avoid trouble by distancing oneself from quarrels, dissensions, misunderstanding and trouble.
But he concluded that this “may positively refer to a person who runs away from the love of God and needs to be closer to Him again, to get burned by His love.”

Although the book tries to provide a historical context to some of the proverbs, much work is needed to find their original meanings.

Language research can deconstruct the original meaning of the proverbs. Only thus can Bersabe unleash the universal meanings of the proverbs he has compiled.

Still, the author’s intention of documenting them before they are totally forgotten is laudable.

Bersabe has earned two summa cum laude honors, in 2000 when he finished his Bachelor in Sacred Theology and in 2002 when he obtained his Licentiate Masteral in Sacred Theology at the University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Sacred Theology and Graduate School, respectively.

“Balalong” came out from Goldprint Publishing House in Naga City only in June.


Copyright 2006 Inquirer. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

http://newsinfo.inq7.net/inquirerhe...rticle_id=14407

Hi Kevin,
I admire Daet because, it a busy and active capital town, If you compare Daet and Iriga city, Daet is as much alive and busy. But if you look at the over-all economy of Camarines Norte, it is also one of the not-so-well province. It is because of the terrain or mountainous areas of Cam. Norte that "Farm to market road" are poorly supported by the govt.. Agri-products on the upland are not easy access to the market.

That farm-to-market roads was what I was trying to point out a while ago. The whole of CamNorte, overall, has a very poor road network. I can say because I travel a lot when going to UP, and sometimes, the bus runs thru the Maharlika highway. Lubak-lubak ung kalsada. :ohno:

Masbate is said to be one of the poorest province in Bicol.

Unless this traditional political kingpins are still fighting, Masbate will remain poor or if not poorest in the Bicol region. and other thing, they are much closer to Cebu( doing business transaction ) than in mainland bicol or if not they bring their livestock in lucena and manila.

Masbate should have been the center of beef production for all Bicolandia. and contributed to our development as a whole.

I still believe that Masbate could alleviate its current status as one of the country's poorest provinces. Masbate is strategically located between the dynamic Visayas group and mainland Bicolandia, so it could be a good gateway for the two progressive parties.
Cattle farming in Masbate is also growing, and it is known for its Rodeo Masbate Festival.

Congrats to our thread 2.... I've gone for two weeks hehehe... Lots of changes here...

yes, garzland. :)

hahay. I just love Naga. :D :cheers:

Peeps...watch out for SM City Naga in 2009!!!!

2009?!
What's taking them so long and how'd you get that info?

PACIFIC MALL SA NAGA
Hagad na 7 taon na moratorium
binasura kan consejo local


BINASURA kan City Hall an ambicion kan Landco Pacific Corporation na mabugtak sinda nin mall na cantidad P1 billiones an proyecto alagad kaipuhan tawan sinda nin pitong taon na moratorium na dai magpalaog nin arin man na dakulang developer nin mga mall nganing dai sinda magka-igwa nin dakulang competencia asin maibitiran an dakulang pagkakalugi.

Sinabi ninda bise alcalde Gabriel H. Bordado, Jr. asin Consejal John Bongat nagbabalga sa economic provision kan constitution mapadapit sa free enterprises asin makakasapog sa alanganin an mga oficiales local sagcod na hahagopon nin caso sa graft and corrupt practices act.

Sa special meeting kasuodma kan mga miembros kan Sanggunian Panglunsod na presente si alcalde Jesse M. Robredo, si Alfred Xeres-Burgos presidente kan Landco pigpresentar na an proyecto na mamumugtak sa limang hectariang lote sa Almeda Highway asin naghagad nin suporta kan local na gobierno kan Ciudad nin Naga sa paagi kan tulong mga minasunod; 1. magka-igwa nin traffic re-routing plan, 2. tawan sinda nin fiscal incentives sa business asin property tax asin 3. an pitong taon na moratorium na dai na magtugot na magbugtak nin dakulang developer kaparejo kan saindang negocio.

Mayo na nin debate sa premiro asin ika-duwang kahagadan alagad sa ika-tulo an dai nag-uuyon an mga oficiales local mientras na dai man sinda nag-uulang sa paglaog kan mga darakulang investor.

Pigpaliwanag kan Landco Pacific na naghahagad sinda kan sinambit na moratorium huli ta habo na ninda mangyari si efecto sa Ciudad nin Lucena na nagbugtak sinda nin mall nagkarulugi huli ta tinugotan pa kan LGU na maglaog an iba pang mga darakulang developer na nagpaconstruir kan kaparejong negocio. Pinangenotan ni Bongat kun ta’no ta dai nagpapabor an City hall sa pighahagad na moratorium huli ta dai dapat maki-aram an gobierno kun mabugtak o dai an sarong negociantes.

Pighalimbawa kan consejal na dai pueding bawalan kun magbugtak nin MacDonald sa tungod kan Jolibee, malalaag sa alanganin an Sanggunian Panlungsod.

Mientras tanto, na enot naman kaini si Robredo an naghaman nin mga programa sa pagpakarhay kan central business district I sa paagi kan mga proyecto sa infrastructure, re-routing kan trafico asin nagkapera nang plano huli ta dai mahahaloy na mga panahon magraralaog an mga darakulang mall na ngonian nangyayari na ngani.

Pigtatawan man giraray nin proteccion kan City Hall an mga orihinal na negociantes kan ciudad sa CBD I dawa na ngani nagdadakul an numero kan pagbugtak nin mga mall sa CBD II, sabi man ni Bordado.

___________________
For those who cannot understand Bicol, I'll try my best to translate it for all of you.

@aries6210: I heard in the radio that Landco will put up a mall here in naga provided that SM will not put up business here within the next seven years!imagine?seven years!well, anyway, the city hall will decide what's best. ;)[/QUOTE]

That would not be good for Naga if you would limit yourselves to one player only...just try to remember that Landco does'nt come even 4th in this kind of business. Remember the value SM brings along with it when it develops a mall in the area...

I visited Naga City, year 1991 pa...that was the National Secondary Schools Press Conference, we actually stayed at Camarines Sur National High School. I don't know if MangDo is still there?...

Is there a direct flight from Cebu to Naga? I would love to visit the city soon!

Here is the Tagalog translation of the Bicolano news.

PACIFIC MALL SA NAGA
Hinihinging 7-taong moratorium
Binasura ng lokal na konseho

Binasura ng City Hall ang ambisyon ng Landco Pacific Corp. na maglagay sila ng mall sa halagang P1 bilyong ngunit kailangan silang bigyan ng pitong taong moratorium na hindi magpapasok ng alinmang malalaking mall developer upang hindi sila magkarron ng malaking kompitensya at maiwasan ang malaking pagkalugi.

Sinabi nila Bise Alkalde Gabriel H. Bordado, Jr. at Konsehal John Bongat na binabalga nito sa economic provision ng ating konstitusyon ang free enterprises at mailalagay sa alanganin ang lokal na opisyales na tatamaan ng kaso sa graft and corrupt practices act.

Sa special meeting kahapon ng mga myembro ng Sangguniang Panlunsod kung saan naroon si Alkalde Jesse Robredo, Alfred Xeres-Burgos ng Landco Pacific na nagprisinta na ang proyektong ilalagay sa limang hektaryang lote sa may Almeda Highway ay humingi ng suporta sa lokal na gobyerno ng Lunsod ng Naga sa tulong ng mga susunod: 1. magkaroon ng traffic re-routing plan, 2. bigyan sila ng fiscal incentives sa business at property tax at, 3. ang pitong taong moratorium na magbabawal sa ibang malalaking developer na may parehong uri ng negosyo.

Wala na sanang debate pa sa una at ikalawang mga hinihingi nila ngunit sa ikatlo hindi pumayag ang mga lokal na opisyal sa hindi sila pipigil sa pagpasok ng iba pang malalaking investor.

Ipinaliwanag ng Landco Pacific na humihingi sila ng nasabing moratorium dahil ayaw na nilang mangyaring muli ang nangyari sa Lunsod ng Lucena kung saan naglagay sila ng mall ngunit nalugi sapagkat pumayag pa ang LGU na pumasok ang ibang malalaking mall developer. Pinangunahan ni Bongat kung bakit hindi pumapayag ang City Hall sa hinihinging moratorium sapagkat hindi daw dapat nakikialam ang gobyerno kung maglagay o hindi ang isang negosyante sa kanilang lugar.

Ipinagbigay-halimbawa ng konsehal na hindi pwedeng pagbawalan ang McDonald’s na maglagay sa tapat ng Jollibee dahil malalagay umano sa alanganin ang Sangguniang Panlunsod.

Samantala, nauna na na si Mayor Robredo na nagpalabas ng mga programang aayos ng Central Business District I sa pamamagitan ng mga proyektong pang-imprastraktura, re-routing ng trapiko at mangilan-ilang plano dahil hindi raw magtatagal at papasok na ang mga malalaking mall na nagsisimula na.

Binibigyan pa rin ng proteksyon ng City Hall ang mga orihinal na negosyante ng lunsod sa CBD I kahit na dumadami na ang bilang ng mga mall sa CBD II, sabi pa ni Bordado.


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

I visited Naga City, year 1991 pa...that was the National Secondary Schools Press Conference, we actually stayed at Camarines Sur National High School. I don't know if MangDo is still there?...


MANGDO?? ano po yan? resto? wats interesting with that?? this was the first tym i heard of that word...i got a bit curious bout it...he6!

hope you can give more info bout that....:):)

I visited Naga City, year 1991 pa...that was the National Secondary Schools Press Conference, we actually stayed at Camarines Sur National High School. I don't know if MangDo is still there?...

Hey! That's my school! :lol:
MangDo has changed its name to Bigg's. McDo sued them due to Intellectual property rights violation.

Is there a direct flight from Cebu to Naga? I would love to visit the city soon!

Yes, I think so. I'll try to post the schedule of flights as soon as I get them. :)

@nikki: MangDonald's is now Bigg's. ;)

ei magbubukas pala ng Bigg's Ateneo Ave. ah! Meet kaya tayo dyan? :D

Naga Centro

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j99/simcity4_2006/Naga%20in%20Pictures/Centro/Image10.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j99/simcity4_2006/Naga%20in%20Pictures/Centro/Image08.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j99/simcity4_2006/Naga%20in%20Pictures/Centro/Image33.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j99/simcity4_2006/Naga%20in%20Pictures/Centro/Image26.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j99/simcity4_2006/Naga%20in%20Pictures/Centro/Image32.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j99/simcity4_2006/Naga%20in%20Pictures/Centro/Image24.jpg

Naga Centro (Peñafrancia Avenue)

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j99/simcity4_2006/Naga%20in%20Pictures/Centro/Image16.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j99/simcity4_2006/Naga%20in%20Pictures/Centro/Image17.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j99/simcity4_2006/Naga%20in%20Pictures/Centro/Image18.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j99/simcity4_2006/Naga%20in%20Pictures/Centro/Image21.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j99/simcity4_2006/Naga%20in%20Pictures/Centro/Image19.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j99/simcity4_2006/Naga%20in%20Pictures/Centro/Image22.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j99/simcity4_2006/Naga%20in%20Pictures/Centro/Image23.jpg

@nikki: MangDonald's is now Bigg's. ;)

ei magbubukas pala ng Bigg's Ateneo Ave. ah! Meet kaya tayo dyan? :D

actually nagopen na xa..and cute nman ang design...pati interior mganda rin..kaso parang may kulang..he6!!

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j99/simcity4_2006/Naga%20in%20Pictures/Centro/Image13.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j99/simcity4_2006/Naga%20in%20Pictures/Centro/Image15.jpg

actually nagopen na xa..and cute nman ang design...pati interior mganda rin..kaso parang may kulang..he6!!

Matry ko nga.... :)

garzland: thanks for them pics dude. keep em comin' :D hehehe
we love pics here.
hey you got shots of bichara mall? inside and outside, ive never seen it...

kevin: hey man, thanks for the tagalog version.
nabasa ko din yun sa bicolmail pero wala akong maintindihan dun sa bicol version hehehe

all: yup, long delayed na meet nyo. saan na ba si bobbymay

@Matt.... Ok Matt... You're welcome

kevin: hey man, thanks for the tagalog version.
nabasa ko din yun sa bicolmail pero wala akong maintindihan dun sa bicol version hehehe

all: yup, long delayed na meet nyo. saan na ba si bobbymay

you're welcome, matt. OT, is your pic of heart the one from penshoppe? I saw a poster at penshoppe yesterday very similar to your av. :D

@garzland: super thanks for the pics. :colgate:

@nikki: may kulang? What do you think is lacking?

Naga’s i-Governance picked for TV series


MAKATI CITY -- Naga’s award-winning i-Governance Program has been selected as one of the thirteen good governance practices that will soon be featured in a serialized docu-talk show to be hosted by TV anchorman Bam Aquino on the ISLA Channel, NBN 4, and other local cable stations throughout the country.

A project of CCI Asia and funded by the Philippine Center of Young Leaders in Governance, Inc (PCYLG), with the support of the Office of Senator Kiko Pangilinan, DSWD, and the Foundation for Governance and Convergence, the documentary series, entitled “CTZN” will bring the “good news” of how Filipinos are empowering themselves by being pro-active, creative, and innovative in handling their communities and the challenges that beset them.

The featured provinces/cities with their respective innovative programs on various areas of public administration include Marikina City, Angono (Rizal), Bohol, Agoo (La Union), Bulacan, Oriental Mindoro, Zambales, Negros Oriental, Calbayog City (Samar), Butuan City (Agusan del Norte), Maitum (Sarangani), Cebu City, and Naga City.

Naga’s i-Governance, 2004 UN Public Service and 2004 Galing Pook awardee, is the latest city mechanism meant to enhance citizen involvement in governance. Through information openness which is its main feature, the program seeks to improve transparency and accountability to open up wider avenues for dialogue and citizen participation. It also aims to sustain the city’s various award-winning programs and innovations in local governance.

During the formal launching of the program last August 3 at the Turf Room of the posh Manila Polo Club in Forbes Park here, guest of honor Senator Kiko Pangilinan said that the future of national governance, and thus the nation, rests on the packets of innovative programs being implemented and sustained by various local government units in their respective territories.

Australian Member of the Parliament Bernard Ripoll was on hand to deliver a message from the Australian Political Exchange Council (Auspol) stressing its support to the Filipinos’ common aspiration towards good governance.

Joe Perez of the Naga City Visitors Center and a member of Naga’s i-Governance team witnessed the launching rites. He was accompanied by Jason Neola of the Naga City Information Office.

@Kevin... You're welcome...

Congrats to Naga City!!!!!:cheers:

2009?!
What's taking them so long and how'd you get that info?

Yes 2009... But the construction will begin in 2007 and will be operational by 2009. Groundbreaking will be this September or end of this year... So 2 years of construction... I hope it would really look nice, with excellent exterior and interior design and facilities...

still some ateneo pics...

ateneo high school campus...
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/3273353634504m1.jpg
st. ignatius de loyola...founder of the society of Jesus..
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/3438705752006m1.jpg
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/3438718540800m1.jpg
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/3438712276400m1.jpg
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/3273361296633m1.jpg

<B>the garden situated at the middle of the building....this garden is really beautiful especiall if you'll look at it from above....</B>
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/3274517690008m1.jpg
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/3273318884897m1.jpg


Awesome!!! I've never been to Ateneo de Naga High School campus.... Looks llike a first world high school...:cheers: Very modern and huge....

^^ Can you give us more details? I'd love to hear more of that. Thanks. :D

Ateneo de Naga University Pictures

Xavier Hall

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j99/simcity4_2006/Naga%20in%20Pictures/Ateneo%20de%20Naga%20University/Image57.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j99/simcity4_2006/Naga%20in%20Pictures/Ateneo%20de%20Naga%20University/Image51.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j99/simcity4_2006/Naga%20in%20Pictures/Ateneo%20de%20Naga%20University/Image50.jpg

University Church

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j99/simcity4_2006/Naga%20in%20Pictures/Ateneo%20de%20Naga%20University/Image53.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j99/simcity4_2006/Naga%20in%20Pictures/Ateneo%20de%20Naga%20University/Image56.jpg

A newly-built building in the campus

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j99/simcity4_2006/Naga%20in%20Pictures/Ateneo%20de%20Naga%20University/Image54.jpg

Four Pillars

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j99/simcity4_2006/Naga%20in%20Pictures/Ateneo%20de%20Naga%20University/Image55.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j99/simcity4_2006/Naga%20in%20Pictures/Ateneo%20de%20Naga%20University/Image52.jpg

Dolan Building

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j99/simcity4_2006/Naga%20in%20Pictures/Ateneo%20de%20Naga%20University/Image49.jpg

Phelan Building

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j99/simcity4_2006/Naga%20in%20Pictures/Ateneo%20de%20Naga%20University/Image48.jpg

wonderful images,

Oooppps, I haven't edited the photos... Can somebody please edit them... Thanks in advance!

hello SkyscraperCity Forumers!
pa plug lang! try to see this video...
Visit Davao!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJJey5tbs-0

tnx

Here is the Tagalog translation of the Bicolano news.

PACIFIC MALL SA NAGA
Hinihinging 7-taong moratorium
Binasura ng lokal na konseho

Binasura ng City Hall ang ambisyon ng Landco Pacific Corp. na maglagay sila ng mall sa halagang P1 bilyong ngunit kailangan silang bigyan ng pitong taong moratorium na hindi magpapasok ng alinmang malalaking mall developer upang hindi sila magkarron ng malaking kompitensya at maiwasan ang malaking pagkalugi.

Sinabi nila Bise Alkalde Gabriel H. Bordado, Jr. at Konsehal John Bongat na binabalga nito sa economic provision ng ating konstitusyon ang free enterprises at mailalagay sa alanganin ang lokal na opisyales na tatamaan ng kaso sa graft and corrupt practices act.

Sa special meeting kahapon ng mga myembro ng Sangguniang Panlunsod kung saan naroon si Alkalde Jesse Robredo, Alfred Xeres-Burgos ng Landco Pacific na nagprisinta na ang proyektong ilalagay sa limang hektaryang lote sa may Almeda Highway ay humingi ng suporta sa lokal na gobyerno ng Lunsod ng Naga sa tulong ng mga susunod: 1. magkaroon ng traffic re-routing plan, 2. bigyan sila ng fiscal incentives sa business at property tax at, 3. ang pitong taong moratorium na magbabawal sa ibang malalaking developer na may parehong uri ng negosyo.

Wala na sanang debate pa sa una at ikalawang mga hinihingi nila ngunit sa ikatlo hindi pumayag ang mga lokal na opisyal sa hindi sila pipigil sa pagpasok ng iba pang malalaking investor.

Ipinaliwanag ng Landco Pacific na humihingi sila ng nasabing moratorium dahil ayaw na nilang mangyaring muli ang nangyari sa Lunsod ng Lucena kung saan naglagay sila ng mall ngunit nalugi sapagkat pumayag pa ang LGU na pumasok ang ibang malalaking mall developer

Pinangunahan ni Bongat kung bakit hindi pumapayag ang City Hall sa hinihinging moratorium sapagkat hindi daw dapat nakikialam ang gobyerno kung maglagay o hindi ang isang negosyante sa kanilang lugar.

It's monopoly. Pag me monopoly sino ang talo?...Di ang consumers din...
Just imagine ,thousand jobs will be made available to the locals if SM will build a mall there...It is time na rin for Naga and Bicol to have something that could set trends and improve the living standards of the populace
Ipinagbigay-halimbawa ng konsehal na hindi pwedeng pagbawalan ang McDonald’s na maglagay sa tapat ng Jollibee dahil malalagay umano sa alanganin ang Sangguniang Panlunsod.

That's correct...alangan namang Jollibee lang... di wala ng mangyayari sa buhay natin...

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

please see comments in italics blue

@garzland: ang ganda ng pics! kakahilo nga lang! :lol: ikaw lang and mods makaka-edit nyan. Pero ikaw na lang. ;)

@van: honga eh. But I really do think both malls will benefit from Metro Naga's huge market. It's just that SM has already built its niche and Pacific Mall is just a newbie. And more people are patronizing SM because of that built niche. I'm not insinuating any negatives here huh? Those are just my humble opinions. :)

@kevin... Yeah... Ako nga lang makakaedit kaso medyo tinatamad ako :laugh:

Both malls will really benefit from the metro's market... Kahit nga my emall na medyo hindi affected ang LCC or any other businesses here.

^^ Yeah. The market is already mature for this kind of business trend that's why no business is turning out bankrupt.

Some Churches of Naga:(taken from the internet)

Metropolitan Cathedral(Old Photo)
http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j99/simcity4_2006/Naga%20in%20Pictures/Churches%20and%20Seminaries/Cathedral.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j99/simcity4_2006/Naga%20in%20Pictures/Churches%20and%20Seminaries/Cathedral1.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j99/simcity4_2006/Naga%20in%20Pictures/Churches%20and%20Seminaries/Cathedral2.jpg\

Basilica

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j99/simcity4_2006/Naga%20in%20Pictures/Churches%20and%20Seminaries/Basilica.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j99/simcity4_2006/Naga%20in%20Pictures/Churches%20and%20Seminaries/02basilica2002.jpg

Centro

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j99/simcity4_2006/Naga%20in%20Pictures/Centro/CityCenter.jpg

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j99/simcity4_2006/Naga%20in%20Pictures/Centro/CityCenter2.jpg

Jeepney terminal

http://i78.photobucket.com/albums/j99/simcity4_2006/Naga%20in%20Pictures/Extras/Jeepneyterminal.jpg

Three Television Crew Killed In Vehicular Accident

August 13, 2006 1:00 p.m. EST
Komfie Manalo - All Headline News Foreign Correspondent

Naga City, Philippines (AHN) - Three television crews on their way to Manila, Philippines after covering the eruption in Mayon Volcano in Legazpi City, Albay also in the Philippines, died Sunday afternoon when the vehicle they were riding was bumped by a speeding bus in Naga City.

Officials of the ABC - 5 television network, the employer of those killed, identified the victims as Smile Cabugayan, 38, driver; Analiza "Hazel" Richeta, reporter, and Arnel Guiao, cameraman. Rescuers said three were killed on the spot when their service vehicle was hit by a Raymond Bus at about 5:45 p.m. along Barangay del Rosario, Pamplona, Camarines Sur.

As of press time, rescuers were still retrieving the bodies of the fatalities. Kabalikat Civicom, a civilian-volunteer radio communications group, said the bus was on top of the media vehicle, making retrieval operations difficult.

Jun Alege, who reports for DzRH in Legazpi City, Albay where Mayon volcano is located, said the ABC staff left the city at lunch time and were on their way to Manila after their mother station told them to go back.

The three were ordered relieved from their current assignment after covering the eruption for several days and provide them some rest. It was to be their last assignment.

Alegre said, "We even had a dinner last night where Hazel introduced to me the group that would relieve them."

He said he gave the television crew some pili nut candies and red wine as present back home.

source (http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7004522949)

I hope that the two malls will successfully open soon... w/o any adverse effects on Bicol's economy...

I hope that the two malls will successfully open soon... w/o any adverse effects on Bicol's economy...
Yes, I hope so too. :)

Hi everybody! Am a newcomer here, but a proud Nagueño as well. May I add my own pls. =
1. Comparison with Legaspi City is old news. But people seem to fail to see the real reasons. The reason Legaspi is richer is because it has a bigger land area, almost two-and-one-half times that of Naga, hence a bigger population. Legaspi also has 2 1/2 times the number of barangays compared to Naga. Naga is even smaller in area than some towns in Camarines Sur! However, if you expand Naga's area to approximate Legaspi's, which includes some areas in Metro Naga, then undoubtedly you have a much, much bigger population. Metro Naga alone has 4x as many people as Legaspi's.
2. Naga is the only chartered city in the region, the rest of them including Legaspi are component cities. That is why Nagueños dont vote for provincial officials like Governor. Naga is also the most-awarded Bicolano city, not to mention the fact that Mayor Robredo is the only Ramon Magsaysay Awardee among Bicolano mayors.
3. The Pacific Mall in Legaspi was originally planned for Naga. However, when the plan was presented, it was "people-powered" away by irate local businessmen as Pacific Mall wanted to buy a portion of the Naga Public Market, a government property. Left with no other viable option, it shied away to Legaspi.
4. SM Naga is already a done deal. As matter of fact, SM has already been paying lease for its leased property at CBD II since January, 2006. Construction would start next January, 2007 daw.
5. The reason why SM wont affect much the local small businesses in Naga is because these local businesses do not do business like SM = they are small and price low. In Lucena, SM killed competition because they were lots of supermarkets in Lucena. Now SM is dying there, too. In Naga, what SM would surely affect would be the existing malls like Robertson & LCC.
6. Hands down, Naga has the best and active nightlife anywhere in Bicol. One just has to drive through Magsaysay avenue to affirm this. It also has the most number of 24/7 establishments in the region.
7. Having said all these, Naga is undeniably the most progressive city in the region or as Garzland puts it, the premier city of Bicol. Last year alone, investments topped P1.0 Billion pesos!
8. Dagos po kamo sa Naga!!!

Hi everybody! Am a newcomer here, but a proud Nagueño as well. May I add my own pls. =
1. Comparison with Legaspi City is old news. But people seem to fail to see the real reasons. The reason Legaspi is richer is because it has a bigger land area, almost two-and-one-half times that of Naga, hence a bigger population. Legaspi also has 2 1/2 times the number of barangays compared to Naga. Naga is even smaller in area than some towns in Camarines Sur! However, if you expand Naga's area to approximate Legaspi's, which includes some areas in Metro Naga, then undoubtedly you have a much, much bigger population. Metro Naga alone has 4x as many people as Legaspi's.
2. Naga is the only chartered city in the region, the rest of them including Legaspi are component cities. That is why Nagueños dont vote for provincial officials like Governor. Naga is also the most-awarded Bicolano city, not to mention the fact that Mayor Robredo is the only Ramon Magsaysay Awardee among Bicolano mayors.
3. The Pacific Mall in Legaspi was originally planned for Naga. However, when the plan was presented, it was "people-powered" away by irate local businessmen as Pacific Mall wanted to buy a portion of the Naga Public Market, a government property. Left with no other viable option, it shied away to Legaspi.
4. SM Naga is already a done deal. As matter of fact, SM has already been paying lease for its leased property at CBD II since January, 2006. Construction would start next January, 2007 daw.
5. The reason why SM wont affect much the local small businesses in Naga is because these local businesses do not do business like SM = they are small and price low. In Lucena, SM killed competition because they were lots of supermarkets in Lucena. Now SM is dying there, too. In Naga, what SM would surely affect would be the existing malls like Robertson & LCC.
6. Hands down, Naga has the best and active nightlife anywhere in Bicol. One just has to drive through Magsaysay avenue to affirm this. It also has the most number of 24/7 establishments in the region.
7. Having said all these, Naga is undeniably the most progressive city in the region or as Garzland puts it, the premier city of Bicol. Last year alone, investments topped P1.0 Billion pesos!
8. Dagos po kamo sa Naga!!!

koltuvtbm, both cities are great... but if never-ending comparisons b/w these stops, I bet we're all at a more peaceful state... I suppose Naga n Legazpi have an uncanny resemblance in some ways:

#3 was similar to the case in Legazpi... In fact, SM Mall had planned to put up a branch here as early as in 1991. However, like what ypu've said, it was "people-powered" by LCC during those days. Then again, in the earlier years of this decade, the same company wants to do the same. they've got proposals and many residents in this locality were shrieking w/ excitement. However, the same thing occurred as of the last decade, SM was banned once more. That's why, I guess it's putting up a branch in Naga. Of course, I was saddened by such fact that SM was denied. I could've been a potential customer... Legazpi could've been home to SM... Shocks! I guess I have to visit Naga more often...

@koltuvtbm: Hi there! :hi: I hope you'll enjoy it here in SSC. :) With regards to your, err, observations, I hope we could tone it down, right? I don't want to make a battle ground out of this thread. :nocrook:

@mond: I didn't know that there was a similar case in Legazpi with SM Prime. Could you discuus it further? :D

@koltuvtbm: Hi there! :hi: I hope you'll enjoy it here in SSC. :) With regards to your, err, observations, I hope we could tone it down, right? I don't want to make a battle ground out of this thread. :nocrook:

@mond: I didn't know that there was a similar case in Legazpi with SM Prime. Could you discuus it further? :D

There was... And such gossips did interest us till late last year when news spread that it wasn't going to pursue its plans w/ Legazpi anymore... It banged us w/ frustration... Shocks... As for its proposals way back in 1991, I didn't even know that until my mom told us several years ago (I was only a toddler in '91). These facts were based on hearsays though, but since everybody, I mean, EVERYBODY talked about it (since 2002), I assume that it is true... In fact, an area in Daraga town (close to Legazpi) had been offered but it was plain too small for SM... Anyways, the problem had always been the area or location. Legazpi may be big in size but there wasn't just any space 'feasible' enough for SM. Now, there are news that the present airport site of Legazpi would later be sold to SM or Ayala only when the new airport is finally finished in Daraga in 2009.

I was pondering about the SM and other malls to come. And what Mayor Jesse Robredo was telling the Businessmen about the challenges ahead.
Actually "reflecting" about the consequence. I came to write this statement.

Whether we like it or not, SM mall and many more malls will follow. We really can't control it from right to left, the young generation of Enrile family , the Tan's of LCC, to the Sy family of SM and many more.

The sprouting of Malls is an indication of changing market place of the 21'st century. from low tech to high tech; from "sari-sari store" medium scale business to a well or highly organize corporation.

I was thinking of the local small and medium businessmen:
The directly affected here in Naga are the businessman who sells products that came from manila. Specifically the retailed stores like boutiques which includes the RTW and many more.

But if we tried to be more specific, businessmen can buy products in Divisoria or any factory in manila. which they can get it cheaper. If they buy high -end products in manila, there is a greater risk that they will be competed by SM malls and others.
In malls you can choose products as many as you can. not like other department stores has limted number.
This are the possible risk our retailed businessmen will encounter. When the Malls starts to operate in our locality.


Challenges for the 21's century business.
So Long Traditional businesses:
The old- family business style ( which the father or mother has a dominant say or decision)will be questionable. The very rich businessmen which they look at their business as "sari-sari store" will compete with the highly organize corporation. As we go alone, this Malls will trived or stay, old business will possibly close and still existing luckily.

Bicolano Businessmen Unite, Create and Innovate:
New business will open and will meet new challenges. Bicolano Businessmen not only here in Naga but also in other Bicol area, will have to create new approaches to compete, survive and succeed in business.

Our Bicolano businessmen will compete with the manila and cebu based stores, face to face inside the malls. They will arm themselves with all the tools need; " Creativity/ Innovation" either from prices to services.

Our bicolano businessmen will need to be equipt with all the necessary skills. not only they finished from Business Schools but also they are well- rounded in business experiences. Bicolanos should create new products that will be much cheaper and saleable to the new market.

Bicolano businessmen will work hard to change the mentality of the Bicolano Customer. The mentality of buying manila product, will hopefully be a thing of the past, this will be a challenge to our bicolano businessess. The commitment to revert the old notion " buy manila product to a buy bicolano product."

It's better to be prepared earlier than be late. I know we can do it here in our home- Metro Naga.

Good Luck to all of our Bicolano businessmen meet the challenges


Welcome koltuvtbm sa skycraper Metro-Naga

May CBD pala ang Naga. I'm so ignorant with my mom's hometown. I guess I really have to visit this place again since my last visit was like 4-5 years ago?! Please post some pics of the Sta. Cruz area. It is where my mom used to live.

@XP: :lol: Syempre merong CBD ang Naga no. Dalawa pa. :D Lahat naman ng city meron. :colgate:

@mond: The Legazpi Airport site will be bought by Ayala or SM? Maybe SM could do that for its mall, but Ayala mall in Bicol? That'd be great, but it's impossible at the moment. Bigger cities than Legazpi or Naga, like Davao, don't even have an Ayala mall, and putting up a mall in Bicol is really quite impossible. Maybe Avida Communities, an ALI subsidiary, could be the one buying the land, if that's true.

@bobby: I've always believed in the businessmen of Bicol. DTI does too. That's why DTI pushed through its program called OTOP (One Town, One Priduct) here in our dear region. This program aims to promote our cities' and towns' primary products and/or services. Examples are Magarao town in Camarines Sur which is best known in the region for its reflexology services; Daet in CamNorte, pineapple; Sorsogon City, Pili; Masbate City, cattle products and services; etc. :)

I found this at Home Radio 97.9
Just wanna share. :)

Home Radio 95.1 Naga (10, 000 watts)
Address: Eternal Gardens Compound, Brgy. Balatas, Balatas Rd., Naga City
Station Format: Adult Contemporary
Area Coverage (Primary): Naga City
Area Coverage (Secondary): Quezon province, Bicol, Catanduanes, Masbate, Northern Samar, Romblon

source (http://www.home979.com.ph/profile2.jpg)

@XP: :lol: Syempre merong CBD ang Naga no. Dalawa pa. :D Lahat naman ng city meron. :colgate:

Oo nga eh ang tanga ko. Pero actually may city na walang CBD, ex. Parañaque, I believe it has no CBDs. Kaya ko nasabing wala ang Naga kasi wala akong makitang skyscraper. Haaay ang jologs ko talaga, nakalimutan kong hindi lang skyscrapers ang basehan ng pagkakroon ng CBD. Anyway, thanks for the infos. I would surely love to go there if I have time. Wasn't able to roam around when I was there 4-5 years ago. And I was really innocent at that time.

1. I dont think the old small businesses such as RTW located in the Naga market will be eased out of business by SM. So long as consumers desire to economize for a variety of reasons (low income, etc.), there will always be a place for them in the local economy. That is why "ukay-ukay" is patronized. But small businesses will really have to become more efficient, be more quality concious to somehow get the attention of consumers with the advent of these malls.
2. I've talked to many grocery owners who are my friends. Their stores are all located either in front or at the back of the public market, and not one of them expressed fear of SM's entry. Guys, they've survived 2 malls already = LCC & Robertson. No reason they cant survive SM or Pacific Mall or both. Why?
These malls are virtual one-stop shops with foodcourt, theater, supermarket, dept. stores, etc.. And they're clean. But all these modern conveniences come with a price --- a high price which most people already burdened with vat, rvat, and other taxes can no longer afford. So they still go to the public market to buy basic food items and other necessities which are priced at least 10% cheaper on average than found in the malls. These people are THE majority, no doubt about it, the common tao. They dont mind the stench, pickpockets, etc. in the public market so long as products there come cheaper.
3. As I've said before, SM will largely affect not the small businesses but the big ones like the malls. Hope not because huge investments also accompanied the existing malls. But I know for a fact that one mall owner is now considering a fallback plan in case he actually gets obliterated from the local business map by SM by saving enough to return to and make a bigger mall in his original place in Sorsogon. (Btw, the Ocean Palace Mall in Lucena was a very happy progressive place until SM Lucena came. Now it's a foreclosed property.)
4. In Naga, the problem for SM was not that it ran out of big spaces to buy. It wanted to buy at least 10 hectares land at least 3 kms. from the centro. It's problem was that it couldnt find any space at all, big or small, because the rich Chinoy businessmen bought everything near the centro precisely to prevent SM from getting in at least in the CBD's. But as the Mayor says nobody can prevent SM from coming because we adhere to free enterprise; we can just regulate. The thinking was that if SM was to enter Naga, it would be allowed to just locate itself too far, far enough to pose any problem. So the wise guy with the big pocket that SM really is, it just decided to lease to be near. Everything has a price, as they say. The rest is history, we woke up one morning to hear the radio blurting out SM is IN. (The advance lease money paid by SM was used to buy that property beside Regent Hotel where an expansion construction project is ongoing.)
5. Hi XP, bisita ka sa Naga, your mom's home city. You'll be pleased to know Naga has not only one central business district (CBD-I is the original "centro"), but 3 CBD's in all as of this writing. SM will be in CBD-II.

Oo nga eh ang tanga ko. Pero actually may city na walang CBD, ex. Parañaque, I believe it has no CBDs.
I think Parañaque has a CBD. It's in Sucat, if I'm not mistsaken. :)

@koltuvtbm: I thought LCC already bought the land between Regent Hotels I and II? :?

That's what I thought also....

Honga eh. Nalito tuloy ako. Maybe if I hear it directly from RMN Naga, I'll believe it.

hey guys when is exactly the groundbreaking of SM naga, i read that it will be this coming september or last quarter of 2006? hope SM will start constructing its mall in CBD 2. Any response from Landco if they agree or not w/ the response of cityhall w/ regards to its 3rd conditions? Hopefully both will construct its mall soon

Also hope to see more of naga's skycraper. It is high time for Naga & bicol to accept reality that it is expanding & sprawling into a bigger Naga city. So naturally, malls will be coming like SM, Pacific mall or even other malls in the future. We are in a capitalist environment, everything is getting globalized & branching out.

5. Hi XP, bisita ka sa Naga, your mom's home city. You'll be pleased to know Naga has not only one central business district (CBD-I is the original "centro"), but 3 CBD's in all as of this writing. SM will be in CBD-II.

Yup... Glad to go there. I'm actually persuading her to visit Naga but we're quite busy right now. I really want to go there especially that the fiesta(Peñafrancia, right?) would be on September already. Whew! Never experienced a fiesta ever or not as grand as that in Naga, I guess. hehehe...

I think Parañaque has a CBD. It's in Sucat, if I'm not mistsaken. :)

@koltuvtbm: I thought LCC already bought the land between Regent Hotels I and II? :?

Iiiw! CBD in Sucat? Goodness! Honestly, that one in Sucat is not a CBD for there are no businesses to speak of, really. Just a bunch of old factories with small food chains like Jollibee and Greenwich. And not all of Sucat is in Parañaque, half of it belongs to Muntinlupa. I hope the mayor would put the CBD somewhere in Baclaran including the reclaimed lands in Manila bay. Since Joey became mayor, Parañaque stagnated and businesses declined. :bash: :bash: :bash: Not to mention the debts that the city has incurred during his term.

Sorry I'm getting out of topic. Anyway, when would you celebrate the feast of Peñafrancia?

This 3rd week of September.... Visit our city with this religious festival..

There was... And such gossips did interest us till late last year when news spread that it wasn't going to pursue its plans w/ Legazpi anymore... It banged us w/ frustration... Shocks... As for its proposals way back in 1991, I didn't even know that until my mom told us several years ago (I was only a toddler in '91). These facts were based on hearsays though, but since everybody, I mean, EVERYBODY talked about it (since 2002), I assume that it is true... In fact, an area in Daraga town (close to Legazpi) had been offered but it was plain too small for SM... Anyways, the problem had always been the area or location. Legazpi may be big in size but there wasn't just any space 'feasible' enough for SM. Now, there are news that the present airport site of Legazpi would later be sold to SM or Ayala only when the new airport is finally finished in Daraga in 2009.

I found a website of SM which puts Legazpi as its future site also... Good for Legazpi if this plans will be pushed thru... Both cities of Bicol will have its own dynamic SM as well as vibrant Pacific Mall.

hey guys when is exactly the groundbreaking of SM naga, i read that it will be this coming september or last quarter of 2006? hope SM will start constructing its mall in CBD 2. Any response from Landco if they agree or not w/ the response of cityhall w/ regards to its 3rd conditions? Hopefully both will construct its mall soon

These malls are unstoppable..... They will push themselves to enter the city...

I just wonder how this SM will look like... Its site is quite smaller compared to the Pacific mall site.... I bet Pacific MAll has beautiful gardens around it when it is built....... SM will just be a big box in the CBD like the others are saying about ... I hope SM will come up with a beautiful design suited and unique to Naga City... A Peñafrancia-related design would definitely be excellent......

@garzland: I really hope SM would not have a box-structured mall here in Naga. I love SM, excpet its design concepts. :bash:

@aries: There's a probability that Landco will not pursue its Pacific Mall Naga because of city's disapproval of its 3rd condition. But I'm still hoping of its biggest mall here.

@XP: Yeah, kulitin mo nanay mo na pumunta dito during the fiesta. It's fun here during the fiesta. Parties here and there. Mardi gras and all! :D

I love SM too.... It's just that the design really sucks... I hope they could change their design to something futuristic...

I found a website of SM which puts Legazpi as its future site also... Good for Legazpi if this plans will be pushed thru... Both cities of Bicol will have its own dynamic SM as well as vibrant Pacific Mall.


SM may not be considering Legaspi...but for sure its Naga.

^^ How'd you say SM is not considering Legazpi?

DOT: Naga outclasses Legazpi's tourist count

NAGA CITY – This city’s aggressive campaign to step up tourism promotions finally paid off when it registered the highest number of tourism arrivals in Bicol, outclassing for the first time perennial frontrunner Legazpi City for the period January to June, this year.

Based on the latest preliminary report on the regional distribution of travelers in Bicol prepared by the regional office of the Department of Tourism based in Legazpi City, tourist arrivals for Naga and Camarines Sur reached 115,728 compared to Legazpi and Albay’s 81,041, or a difference of 34,687 during the first six months of the year which included the peak summer months.

Naga City/Camarines Sur’s increase in tourist arrivals is a remarkable 88.50% from last year’s 6-month performance which stood at only 61,361. During the same period last year, Legazpi/Albay posted a total of 90,809 tourists, both domestic and foreign.

On this year’s performance, Legazpi/Albay’s performance went down to 81,041, or a dip of approximately 6%.

Naga’s tourist arrival performance, on the other hand, has been consistently going upward during the last 5 years, DOT records show. Eight years ago, in 1998, visitor arrival in Naga was reported at only 50,406. It leap frogged to 135,599 in 2004 and to 144,252 in 2005. Comparatively, Albay/Legazpi was on top with 152,557 in 2004, and 160,185 in 2005.

Data on visitor arrivals are distributed by provinces with their prime cities as billeting hubs where hotels and inns are concentrated. Interestingly, for this year’s first six months report, Iriga was treated separately from Naga/Camarines Sur. From January to June 2006, Iriga City posted a total number of 9,970 tourists, 6,308 of them foreign. Iriga during that period hosted a congress for homecoming Rinconada-born Fil-Am nurses and OFW medical practitioners, hence the bigger number of tourist arrivals.

Tourist arrivals in each city and province are based on the registry books of the different hotels, resorts, inns, lodging houses and accredited billeting centers. This means that visitors who go directly to private homes of friends and relatives are not considered or inputted in the monitoring of arrivals, except when reported officially by the respective local government units.

Tourism officials attributed Naga’s consistent upward performance to the city government’s active intervention to host various regional, national and even international conventions and events and bring in delegates and participants to at least a 2-day stay in the city’s hotels. The city’s determined bid to bring in quality bulk visitors has become in a way the lifeblood of the city’s burgeoning hotel industry, a member of the Metro Naga Chamber of Commerce and Industry conceded. He said this is an ideal set-up for an LGU-private sector partnership in the advancement of commerce and trade with tourism as the stimulating force.

There are now 16 standard hotels in the city whose amenities and services are comparable with those in bigger cities, with one more along the storied Naga River expected to open next month.

Last May 7-13, Naga City was host to some 8,465 athletes and delegates in the 2006 Palarong Pambansa. It was estimated that these athletes, delegates and other guests spent a total of P50M to P60M during their weeklong stay in Naga. Moreover, Naga has been a favorite destination for Lakbay-Aral (study tours) by both LGUs and academic institutions that come to study and observe up-close Naga’s award-winning governance programs and practices. For this purpose, participants, especially local government officials and department heads from as far as Ilocos to Surigao stay in the local hotels for at least a night and two days.

Meanwhile, the province with the third highest number of tourist arrivals, according to the same report during the period covered for this year, is Camarines Norte with 39,089. It is closely followed by Sorsogon with 38,054, thanks to its foreign-tourist-drawing Butanding, or whale shark eco-tourism interaction.

Observers say that Legazpi/Albay may catch up to regain its top honor in the second half of the year due mainly to the influx of tourists, foreign and domestic, who continue to come in droves to watch the spectacle of impending Mt. Mayon eruption.

__________________
Uy walang CvC dito ha? Pinost ko lang 'to.

what makes a CBD a CBD ba? I'm from Paranaque, and I think wala nga ata kami CBD..

22 from Asian countries in Naga for governance internship study

NAGA CITY – Twenty-two participants from eleven Asian countries, including the Philippines, will be in town for internship, lectures, and immersion activities for the JICA Third Country Training Program that will examine up close and experience hands on Naga’s initiatives in participatory governance for rural development.

A project of the Asian NGO Coalition for Agrarian Reform and Rural Development (ANGOC), in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the third country training program will be conducted in Naga City on Sept. 3-9, 2006, in cooperation with the city government of Naga.

During the weeklong training program, participants from various Asian countries will be attending the internship program to gain technical knowledge and practice in participatory local governance for which Naga City is widely known for.

Basically, the internship program aims to enhance the capacities of the participants in participatory research and documentation, community development planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, as well as policy advocacy, Fr. Francis B. Lucas, ANGOC chairperson said.

During the participants’ arrival in Manila on August 29, former DAR Secretary Ernesto Garilao who is now a professor at the Asian Institute of Management, and Naga City Mayor Jesse M. Robredo will welcome them with lectures on current perspectives on good governance and policy issues and challenges in local governance, respectively.

While in Naga, the participants will take a closer look on the different local government programs and practices, their processes and outcomes and interact with ordinary citizens. They would be dispatched for community immersion, field visits and dialogues with community leaders and members and conduct informal interviews with ordinary folks for data gathering.

Joe Perez of the Naga City Visitors Center said the participants’ visit will be capped by witnessing the colorful “Traslacion” on Sept. 8 which traditionally signals the start of the religious activities of the world-renowned Peñafrancia festivities.

CSur mariculture park targets world market

RAGAY, Camarines Sur — Launched on Wednesday, the 100-hectare Camarines Sur Mariculture Park Project (CSMPP) in barangay Lower Omon here that the provincial government operates targets to supply the world market once in full operation.

Gov. LRay Villafuerte said that aside from the target to produce world-class quality bangus and lapu-lapu, the CSMPP is also projected to generate jobs and livelihood in this town that will impact on the economy of the province.

Akin to an industrial estate on land, a mariculture park is a production facility located in a marine area with land-based facilities on shore devoted to the culture and processing of fish, shellfish, seaweeds and other marine resources for human consumption.

Villafuerte said the CSMPP is a food security-livelihood-investment initiative of the provincial government that the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) closely supported.

“It is the first of its kind in Luzon and the only such LGU-operated facility in the country,” the governor revealed.

The mariculture park here has been built with a mooring system, fresh-freezing plant, wharves, warehouse, laboratory and water treatment plant.

The operation of the CSMPP is at a pilot stage in which the provincial government and the BFAR undertake demo production of bangus and lapu-lapu in a 10m x 10m x 5m floating cages. It is targeted that each floating cage will produce 8 to 10 tons of fish and a 24-cage mooring to produce cultured fish equivalent to the potential output of 12 to 16 hectares of land-based fishponds.

“We have post-harvest and marketing support systems at the complex to increase production value, including a European Union quality standard of fish processing to ensure export quality products from the CSMPP,” Villafuerte explained.

The governor said that the use of the European Union quality standard of processing would improve the value of bangus from P100 to P800 a kilo when exported to the United States market.

He said that the target markets of the fish produced at the CSMPP include Japan, Hongkong and Singapore where bangus and lapu-lapu are gourmet delicacies.

Villafuerte said that the CSMPP is only the beginning of the long-term modernization plan of the provincial government that would include the establishment of specialized fishery school and development center.

what makes a CBD a CBD ba? I'm from Paranaque, and I think wala nga ata kami CBD..

What makes a CBD is the concentration of business in a particular part of a city or town. Look at Makati CBD. The businesses are concentrated there making it a big CBD for the whole of Metro MAnila. Another is the North and East Triangles of Quezon City. Ortigas Center is also a CBD but it is shared by three or more cities.
As for Paranaque's not having a CBD, Metro Manila is considered a big city that's why not all cities and/or municipalities in MM have CBDs. And the whole Metro is easily accessible, making it easier for people to go to a CBD of another city/municipality.

BTW, those articles above are from www.bicolmail.com (http://www.bicolmail.com).

SM may not be considering Legaspi...but for sure its Naga.

At this moment, Naga is their preferred site.... But in the near future they will put up another branch in other cities in Bicol most likely in Legazpi.

^^But I must say that Bicol is not their prefered region at this moment. I also think that SM might not really be venturing in Legazpi because of the huge success of Pacific Mall Legazpi. But SM is SM so we don't really have the right to preempt what the plans are.

Well, what's important is that they will be putting up their first branch in Bicol here in Naga.:happy:

^^ :lol:
Anyway, any new news about Landco?

Nothing new development about it... Seemed quiet right now...

^^ So I've heard.
I also noticed that there are still very few concerts and gigs being booked here during the fiesta. Nakakapanibago. Before when the fiesta is coming, even last year, kabi-kabila ang concerts na naririnig ko sa radyo. Ngayon, parang almost ten gigs lang or something. Pero sana madagdagan pa.

Depository bank also ordered to
‘freeze’ city cash deposits
Court orders city hall vacated within 5 days

NAGA CITY – Dark clouds hanged over city hall last Wednesday (Aug. 23) when sheriffs afternoon served notice for the city government of Naga and other offices located thereat to vacate the premises within five days upon receipt of the court’s writ of execution.

The writ of execution pending appeal was issued by the sala of Regional Trial Court Judge Felimon B. Montenegro following final resolution of the ejectment case with money claims filed by the heirs of the late Jose and Helen Mariano against city hall.

The writ was accordingly accompanied with a notice to vacate and a copy of the notice of garnishment addressed to the Manager of the Naga branch of the Land Bank of the Philippines, the city government’s depository bank.

The notices, signed by Sheriff Jorge B. Lopez, were issued while City Mayor Jesse M. Robredo was on a speaking engagement in Manila.

The notice of garnishment specifically directed the Land Bank “not to deliver, transfer or otherwise dispose of such property (i.e. goods, effects, interest in stocks and shares, and any other personal properties) in your possession or under your control belonging to the herein defendant, City of Naga, sufficient to cover the amount mentioned in the writ.”

It further states that “(i)n case sufficient personal property of the defendant cannot be found to satisfy the amount of the said judgment, you (the sheriff) are hereby directed to levy the real property of said defendant and to sell the same or so much thereof in the manner provided for by law for the satisfaction of said judgment.”

Reached in Manila through the phone, City Mayor Robredo Wednesday night said he was very sad about the development.

He said he has been fighting the battle not for himself but for the people of Naga City who suffer the loss beyond imagination.

Once ejected, Nagueños will be deprived of a city government office and its services, aside from being dissipated with huge amount of taxpayers’ money to pay off the cost of eviction and rental as demanded, he said. “Naga will bleed even more if we are left with no other option but to build at the quickest time possible a new city hall so that frontline services may not be prejudiced any further”, the mayor added.

In that case, other priorities should be set aside for an indefinite period and more services will remain paralyzed, concerned department heads at city hall expressed their sentiments.

The mayor, however, advised Nagueños to stay calm as city hall is doing everything to protect the interest of the city and its residents.

Vice Mayor Gabriel H. Bordado volunteered a positive note saying that after the dark clouds will come the rain to make the grass outside even greener. He said that the war is not yet over for there is a higher court that will resolve what seems to be an insurmountable problem.

Meanwhile, the Marianos, led by Danilo, the eldest of the heirs, reportedly sponsored a mass of thanksgiving on the same moment that the writ of execution was being served.

He was quoted as saying that their winning the ejectment case was an act of God for which they are grateful.

The case

Last July 20, 2005, Judge Montenegro favorably acted on the ejectment case filed by the heirs of Jose and Helen Mariano. The Marianos claim that the 5-hectare land on which city hall and other government offices stand since 1954 remain to be theirs in the absence of a clear proof of a deed of donation or sale.

Montenegro thereon ordered city hall and other offices such as the LTO, Philippine Postal Office, Bureau of Fire, DOLE, and the IBP, among others, “to peacefully surrender and deliver its physical possession to the plaintiffs-appellants (Mariano heirs), including all the improvements and structures erected thereon… and for the City of Naga to pay (the Marianos) the amount of P2,500,000.00 per month by way of reasonable compensation for the use and occupancy of the property in question reckoned from November 30, 2003 until such time that defendant-appelle (City of Naga) shall have actually vacated the subject property.”

Further the court ordered city hall to pay the plaintiff-appellants Attorney’s fees amounting to P587,159.60, and for city hall to pay the cost of the suit.

The Appeal

City hall appealed the case before the Court of Appeals and sought for a temporary restraining order which was granted.

Montenegro then noted that the lapse of more than ten months from the expiration of the Temporary Restraining Order last Oct. 5, 2005 is an indication that the Court of Appeals was no longer inclined to issue any Injunctive Writ, hence his order for a writ of execution pending appeal for which the lower court is empowered to do so under the circumstances.

City Mayor Robredo said that as the incumbent mayor, it behooves upon him to protect the interest of the city and its properties. “The errors or imperfections that may have been committed in the past, as alleged, was something that our incumbent administration inherited from past administration since the 22-year old city was erected, but whose interest we should protect with all the legal measures at our disposal, for the greater welfare of our people,” he explained.

City officials, including the mayor, come and go, but it is the people who would be left with a local government unit that has been stripped of its symbol of authority, basic structures and facilities, frontline services and dissipated funds, including money obligations which should have otherwise been appropriated for public services and facilities,” the mayor stressed.

He pointed out that city hall was already there, after the supposed intent or deed of donation, even before he was born.

Meanwhile, other affected offices within the contested property expressed strong apprehension over their fate following the court’s order.

Many of these offices would have to temporarily shelve their regular transactions, while others would hastily transfer to their regional offices in Legazpi City or elsewhere so as not to impede any longer their mandate to deliver services.

Meanwhile, the Hall of Justice that is also situated on the city hall compound will conduct its business as usual as it has been manifested by the Marianos that such building and its properties would be exempted from ejection.

Bicol Mail noted, however, that in that same manifestation as quoted by the same writ of execution, the buildings and lots occupied by city hall and the National Bureau of Investigation have been intended to be exempted from possession by the Marianos pending appeal before the Court of Appeals. Until now, city hall is still awaiting resolution by the Court of Appeals.

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e344/kevinb_3410/missbicol2006.gif

20 candidates vie for Miss Bicolandia crown

NAGA CITY – Twenty lovely maidens from Sorsogon, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Masbate, Albay and this city were formally presented to the public as official candidates for the 2006 Miss Bicolandia beauty pageant.

The final list came after the pre-screening held last Saturday afternoon (Aug. 19) at the poolside of the Naga City Youth Center which requires them to walk the ramp in casual wear and swim suits before the board of judges and the huge crowd that attended the colorful event prepared by S Events and Style, this year’s event organizer.

Naga City Mayor Jesse M. Robredo, City Councilors Nene de Asis, John Bongat and Lourdes Asence and other city officials led the list of guests during the program.

Pageant Chair City Councilor Nene de Asis said twenty-two candidates were actually pre-qualified where only 20 have to make it to the final list. She said three others came late to beat the deadline at 1:00 pm last Saturday, August 19, which gave them no choice but to kindly turn them away.

The worthy ones who were finally declared as this year’s official candidates are:

Karen Mae T. Dometita, 16, of Sorsogon City; Ma. Casna Joan E. Jacob, 17, Gubat, Sorsogon; Socorro Angeline T. Ravanilla, 17, Sorsogon City; Kathleen P. Darigan, 17, Ligao City; Katherine Dominique C. Lagrimas, 17, Iriga City; Chara D. Montecalvo, 19, Magallanes, Sorsogon; Penelope G. Jacinto, 19, Naga City; Yuzilyn C. Shimiza, 20, San Pascual, Masbate;

Jennie D. Narra, 22, Talisay, Camarines Norte; Kharlyn Gayle T. Caroche, 19, Iriga City; Thea B. Villaluz, 17, Daet, Camarines Norte; Jessica H. Quibral, 20, Daet, Camarines Norte; April-Lyn A. Bartilet, 18, Daet, Camarines Norte; Glaiza Anne B. Bilas, 22, Baao, Camarines Sur; Diane G. Pelagio, Naga City; Maria Beatriz I. Saw, 20, Baao, Camarines Sur; Rio Honnie B. Belmis, 20, Milaor, Camarines Sur; Zarahlyn C. Esplana, 21, Iriga City; Janessa Augustia A. Martinez, 24, Iriga City, and; Gloriane C. Solina, 17, Iriga City.

De Asis said she was glad that except for Catanduanes, all the provinces in Bicol were duly represented in this year’s biggest regional beauty pageant.

Proclamation and pageant night will be held in the evening of September 13, 2006 at the UNC Sports Palace with TV celebrities Iya Villana and JC Cuadrado as hosts.

Sinjin told me that Landco Pacific said in an interview in Cebu that Pacific mall Naga will start construction next year. Any news about this?

EMALL
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m279/ocinadnarim/5.jpg
OLD BICHARA1
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m279/ocinadnarim/4.jpg
Renovation of old Mcdonald
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m279/ocinadnarim/3.jpg
Ave. Square
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m279/ocinadnarim/2.jpg
Old Metro Mall..
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m279/ocinadnarim/1.jpg

^^But I must say that Bicol is not their prefered region at this moment. I also think that SM might not really be venturing in Legazpi because of the huge success of Pacific Mall Legazpi. But SM is SM so we don't really have the right to preempt what the plans are.

Actually, when SM tried to put up a branch here in Legazpi, that was the year 2002, barely a year after Pacific Mall's opening. After years of frustration, they might have found out that there's a good alternative location, which is Naga...

^^ a very good alternative location, I must say. :D

The lot where Metro Mall used to stand is now owned by Romar and Sons Estates Devt Corp. and that project being constructed there is a 4-level edifice. i just don't know if it will be leased to LCC or it will be wholly-owned by the said company.

Yehey! pupunta ako diyan sa September 15-17. ang iksi ng lang pero ok na rin. Oi guys mini-meet tayo ok ba?

^^ Yehey! :D At last, may mami-meet na akong SSCer. :lol:

I also want to visit Naga sa Penafrancia Fest... Kaso wala kaming relative jan... :(!

I also want to visit Naga sa Penafrancia Fest... Kaso wala kaming relative jan... :(!
You can thoroughly enjoy a place even without relatives. Sometimes it is even more enjoyable without them. Just be adventurous and street smart.

DOT: Naga outclasses Legazpi's tourist count

NAGA CITY – This city’s aggressive campaign to step up tourism promotions finally paid off when it registered the highest number of tourism arrivals in Bicol, outclassing for the first time perennial frontrunner Legazpi City for the period January to June, this year.

Based on the latest preliminary report on the regional distribution of travelers in Bicol prepared by the regional office of the Department of Tourism based in Legazpi City, tourist arrivals for Naga and Camarines Sur reached 115,728 compared to Legazpi and Albay’s 81,041, or a difference of 34,687 during the first six months of the year which included the peak summer months.

Naga City/Camarines Sur’s increase in tourist arrivals is a remarkable 88.50% from last year’s 6-month performance which stood at only 61,361. During the same period last year, Legazpi/Albay posted a total of 90,809 tourists, both domestic and foreign.

On this year’s performance, Legazpi/Albay’s performance went down to 81,041, or a dip of approximately 6%.

Naga’s tourist arrival performance, on the other hand, has been consistently going upward during the last 5 years, DOT records show. Eight years ago, in 1998, visitor arrival in Naga was reported at only 50,406. It leap frogged to 135,599 in 2004 and to 144,252 in 2005. Comparatively, Albay/Legazpi was on top with 152,557 in 2004, and 160,185 in 2005.

Data on visitor arrivals are distributed by provinces with their prime cities as billeting hubs where hotels and inns are concentrated. Interestingly, for this year’s first six months report, Iriga was treated separately from Naga/Camarines Sur. From January to June 2006, Iriga City posted a total number of 9,970 tourists, 6,308 of them foreign. Iriga during that period hosted a congress for homecoming Rinconada-born Fil-Am nurses and OFW medical practitioners, hence the bigger number of tourist arrivals.

Tourist arrivals in each city and province are based on the registry books of the different hotels, resorts, inns, lodging houses and accredited billeting centers. This means that visitors who go directly to private homes of friends and relatives are not considered or inputted in the monitoring of arrivals, except when reported officially by the respective local government units.

Tourism officials attributed Naga’s consistent upward performance to the city government’s active intervention to host various regional, national and even international conventions and events and bring in delegates and participants to at least a 2-day stay in the city’s hotels. The city’s determined bid to bring in quality bulk visitors has become in a way the lifeblood of the city’s burgeoning hotel industry, a member of the Metro Naga Chamber of Commerce and Industry conceded. He said this is an ideal set-up for an LGU-private sector partnership in the advancement of commerce and trade with tourism as the stimulating force.

There are now 16 standard hotels in the city whose amenities and services are comparable with those in bigger cities, with one more along the storied Naga River expected to open next month.

Last May 7-13, Naga City was host to some 8,465 athletes and delegates in the 2006 Palarong Pambansa. It was estimated that these athletes, delegates and other guests spent a total of P50M to P60M during their weeklong stay in Naga. Moreover, Naga has been a favorite destination for Lakbay-Aral (study tours) by both LGUs and academic institutions that come to study and observe up-close Naga’s award-winning governance programs and practices. For this purpose, participants, especially local government officials and department heads from as far as Ilocos to Surigao stay in the local hotels for at least a night and two days.

Meanwhile, the province with the third highest number of tourist arrivals, according to the same report during the period covered for this year, is Camarines Norte with 39,089. It is closely followed by Sorsogon with 38,054, thanks to its foreign-tourist-drawing Butanding, or whale shark eco-tourism interaction.

Observers say that Legazpi/Albay may catch up to regain its top honor in the second half of the year due mainly to the influx of tourists, foreign and domestic, who continue to come in droves to watch the spectacle of impending Mt. Mayon eruption.

__________________
Uy walang CvC dito ha? Pinost ko lang 'to.

If it is, then I shouldn't wonder why the headline sounds as though there is a competition among cities as regards tourist arrivals. The paper, "observers say", has been very partial for Naga. I remember one column atrociously detracting plans for the Southern Luzon International Airport in Daraga, where, according to the writer, there is no business activity. I wonder if he had been there.

Well then, Naga/Camsur has to do that by leaps and bounds since Naga is the "Premiere City of the Region" and Camarines Sur, the "Premiere Province". The tourist arrivals should help both places live up their titles. But correct to say that Albay/Legazpi will catch up because of Mayon's eruption. But the writer could have also pointed out that Naga/Cam Sur will catch up too during the Penafrancia Fest, and LEgazpi/Albay, again, during the Ibalong Fest--and the story will never end. Hahaha!

Wala pa bang gustong sumama sa meet namin ni kevin? Wala na bang taga-Naga dito or nearby municipality or town?

If it is, then I shouldn't wonder why the headline sounds as though there is a competition among cities as regards tourist arrivals. The paper, "observers say", has been very partial for Naga. I remember one column atrociously detracting plans for the Southern Luzon International Airport in Daraga, where, according to the writer, there is no business activity. I wonder if he had been there.

Well then, Naga/Camsur has to do that by leaps and bounds since Naga is the "Premiere City of the Region" and Camarines Sur, the "Premiere Province". The tourist arrivals should help both places live up their titles. But correct to say that Albay/Legazpi will catch up because of Mayon's eruption. But the writer could have also pointed out that Naga/Cam Sur will catch up too during the Penafrancia Fest, and LEgazpi/Albay, again, during the Ibalong Fest--and the story will never end. Hahaha!

It really sounds that there's a competition between the cities. But for me, who studied Journalism during HS, there's no big deal. And reading the whole article, it really sounded neutral.
Well anyway, I already stated in the original post that there's no starting a CvC with this article. I hope no replies will trail this one.

@XP: Nag-bi-busy-busy-han mga tao dito. :lol:

@toledonhon: I agree. You can do almost anything you want when you don't have anyone with you. Yun nga lang, mag-isa ka. Malungkot. :(

@mond: pwede ka ring sumama samin ni XP sa sept16. :D

kevin, isama nyo rin si nikki_18 saka si bobby may, saka sina dex, at six and them.
dont forget to take pics! walang kwentang meet yan pag walang pics na ipo-post dito sa saka dun sa Samahan heheheh :lol:

balita ko cute daw si nikki, picturan mo nga at ayaw mag post ng pic nya dito hehehe

And the word "outclass" doesn't fit the story. I'm sorry that I had to reply even if you hoped nothing would ensue your post. Anyway, we shall discuss erroneous headlines today in class and that would be a good example.

Sinjin told me that Landco Pacific said in an interview in Cebu that Pacific mall Naga will start construction next year. Any news about this?

That means it will coincide with the construction of SM next year?

kevin, isama nyo rin si nikki_18 saka si bobby may, saka sina dex, at six and them.
dont forget to take pics! walang kwentang meet yan pag walang pics na ipo-post dito sa saka dun sa Samahan heheheh :lol:

balita ko cute daw si nikki, picturan mo nga at ayaw mag post ng pic nya dito hehehe

nagPM na sakin si bobby na gusto nya daw sumama. i dunno with nikki and dex and six and everybody else from bicol. hehe. but i'll try to ask them if they want to come. :)

feeling ko ako si Wonderboy ng Bicol meet. :lol:

wrong post

Pwede ba sumama sa meeting? :happy:

That means it will coincide with the construction of SM next year?

If the said construction pushes through, there is a probability. But from previous plans, Pacific Mall will probably open first because its target completion is only one year, while that of SM is two years. Therefore, SMs opening date will be on 2009, as said by reports and credible sources.

Pwede ba sumama sa meeting? :happy:

Of course you may. :)
I'll PM all of you after the plans are done. :)

Oki doki... Thanks

Ayan, good thing the number poeple who would join are starting to "swell." Ahaha...

hey isama nyo si Matt.
masaya kasama yung si matt! :lol:

http://www.angelfire.com/journal2/gems/images/penafrancia_11.jpg

Virgin of Peñafrancia ~ The festival usually starts on the second week of September if I can remember it right.

Originally Posted by kevinb
But I must say that Bicol is not their prefered region at this moment. I also think that SM might not really be venturing in Legazpi because of the huge success of Pacific Mall Legazpi. But SM is SM so we don't really have the right to preempt what the plans are. []
I think it's not because Pacific Mall was a huge success that SM is not venturing immediately into Legaspi. On the contrary, if it really was such a huge success there, the big wise businessman that SM is, it would rush head-on into Legaspi!

On the other hand, the reason why President/ CEO Alfred Xerez-Burgos, Jr. of Landco, in his recent presentation before Naga City officials, wanted to extract a 7-year moratorium on mall development in Naga after it locates its Pacific Mall in Naga is that Landco largely feared, as it officially admitted, a repeat of its huge mistake in Lucena where its Pacific Mall opened 3 months before SM Lucena opened.

These malls are undeniably big investments, wherever they are. Pre-empting each other is just part of their business strategy. But it is certainly not good for any place where mall businesses incur losses and eventually close shop.

So it is not all heaven when these malls come in. Please consider local Ocean Palace Mall (OPM) in Lucena which closed shop, was foreclosed, after both Pacific Mall and SM came in.

In Naga, there are already 3 existing malls = LCC Central Mall, Robertson Mall, & E-Mall, all Bicolano-owned. I fervently hope they survive the onslaught of these bigger malls whose entry into the local scene is inevitable.

The entry of these bigger malls will test the mettle of the vaunted political leadership of our city officials like Mayor Robredo and Vice Mayor Bordado who time and again have shown heart for Naga City's homegrown businesses like Bigg's chain (vs. Jollibee/ McDo), New South Star Drugstore chain (vs. Mercury Drugstore), not to mention the 3 malls earlier named.

At the end of the day, we as consumers should be the ultimate satisfied winners whether served by homegrown businesses or otherwise. For the homegrown businesses, hopefully they would have developed product quality at par if not better than those found in SM because that is the only way for them to survive.

The entry of these malls should spur further growth and development of local industries and businesses, not smother them.

Originally posted by tsinoy
Virgin of Peñafrancia ~ The festival usually starts on the second week of September if I can remember it right.
For your information, following are highlights of the world-renowned Peñafrancia festivities:
1. Peñafrancia festivities always officially start on the 2nd Friday of September each year (Sept. 8 this year) when the "Traslacion" is done. This is when "Ina" is transported, shoulder-borne, by voyadores from her Basilica Minore to the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral.
2. Peñafrancia festivities always officially end on the 3rd Sunday of September each year (Sept. 17 this year) when Barangay Peñafrancia, Naga City celebrates its local fiesta.
3. The fluvial procession is always held on the 3rd Saturday of September each year (Sept. 16 this year), which signifies Peñafrancia fiesta for the entire Bicol region. By tradition only male persons are allowed to ride with the "Ina" in her pagoda along the Naga River.

All the above-mentioned 3 festive days above cannot be moved as they are already part of Bicolano tradition since time immemorial.

Of course it's fiesta atmosphere throughout the duration of the festivities not just in Barangay Peñafrancia, but everywhere in Naga City and nearby places, and theoretically in the entire Bicol since "Ina" is acknowledged as the Patroness of Bicolandia.

4. Civic Parade, usually every 3rd Thursday of September (Sept. 14 this year)
5. Military Parade, usually every 3rd Friday of September (Sept. 15 this year)
All other highlights of the festivities like the Miss Peñafrancia/ Miss Bicolandia pageants, etc. revolve around these 5 major activities during the festivities.
There is a late report that the civic parade will be held earlier this year on Sept. 13, Wed., to give way to Gayon Bikol.

hey isama nyo si Matt.
masaya kasama yung si matt! :lol:

Onga! Oi Matt! Paramdam ka dito! Isasama ka namin sa meet! Gusto ka daw ma-meet ni XP eh. :lol:

Oi tsinoy, sama ka rin. :lol:

___
Medyo kinakabahan ako ah. Baka I'll make wrong decisions in our meet and I'll make it not enjoyable. :(

@koltuvtbm: you're from Naga, too right? :D You want to join our meet?

^haaay...Goodluck kevin sa pagiging organizer ng meet. Hingi ka ng tips kay Jeff.

At ano na naman yang tsismis na pinapakalat mo? Kay Matt naman ang IA ngayon.

^^ Para maiba naman since aalis ata si Manding. :D
Anyway, ung makakapunta sa Sept16, paki-PM na lang ako. This is for everyone. Kahit malayo. :D Just PM me. :)

Originally posted by kevinb
DOT: Naga outclasses Legazpi's tourist count . . . Based on the latest preliminary report on the regional distribution of travelers in Bicol prepared by the regional office of the Department of Tourism based in Legazpi City, tourist arrivals for Naga and Camarines Sur reached 115,728 compared to Legazpi and Albay’s 81,041, or a difference of 34,687 during the first six months of the year which included the peak summer months. . .

This really illustrates the CvC thing which I think is oftentimes unavoidable. 35,000 is a big difference if it pertains to tourist arrivals.

But I hasten to add this is just one part of the story. The more important aspect should have been a better discussion of how much revenues were generated, whether in Naga or Legaspi to amplify that indeed the increase in tourist arrivals was a boon to the local economies, or otherwise.

Meaning to say Naga may have experienced a horde of tourists this year from the many activities and gimmicks in Naga exemplified by the recent Palaro, but if these were not really the spending type of tourists but plain backpackers, then for all we know Legaspi's foreign tourists who continue to come in droves every year to admire the beauty of Mayon Volcano, fewer though they may have been this year, may have brought in more income for Legaspi.

In short, quantity does not necessarily mean quality. But just the same the increased number of tourists should be sustained by Naga as much as the fewer number of tourists in Legaspi should be cause for official alarm.

Originally posted by kevinb
@koltuvtbm: you're from Naga, too right? You want to join our meet?
Dios mabalos po for the invitation, kevinb! Please just post the meeting place & time, who knows baad makakoa nin tiempo from a tight sked. :)

I hope this meet will be pushed thru....

^^You seem to be a bit skeptical about our meet, huh?! :D
I now have some plans, but still unpolished. Very few have confirmed attendance but still this will be pushed through, kahit kami na lang ni XP ang mag-meet. :lol:
Basta, tuloy un. :)

@koltuvtbm: So you're from Legazpi? Garo harayo ang hahalian mo ay! :D But anyway, come if your schedule permits you. :)

This really illustrates the CvC thing which I think is oftentimes unavoidable. 35,000 is a big difference if it pertains to tourist arrivals.

But I hasten to add this is just one part of the story. The more important aspect should have been a better discussion of how much revenues were generated, whether in Naga or Legaspi to amplify that indeed the increase in tourist arrivals was a boon to the local economies, or otherwise.

Meaning to say Naga may have experienced a horde of tourists this year from the many activities and gimmicks in Naga exemplified by the recent Palaro, but if these were not really the spending type of tourists but plain backpackers, then for all we know Legaspi's foreign tourists who continue to come in droves every year to admire the beauty of Mayon Volcano, fewer though they may have been this year, may have brought in more income for Legaspi.

In short, quantity does not necessarily mean quality. But just the same the increased number of tourists should be sustained by Naga as much as the fewer number of tourists in Legaspi should be cause for official alarm.

Very good point. Well taken. I hope nobody in this forum thinks that I want to wage war against Naga people. In my three years of stay here in Camarines Sur, I have come to love Naga. I have gone to Naga more often than to Legazpi since I don't want to spend a lot just for some city strolling. On weekend, I was in Naga while texting --XP--. :)

Kevin, I actually want to join you in the meet, but sadly, I have to be in Manila for my related studies. Wala kaming pasok from Sept. 15-18 so I'll take time to work on my thesis proposal (I grunt every time I mention this).

Advance happy fiesta sa mga taga-Naga!

hey! Naga represented by Inkay in Pinoy Dream Academy! :cheer:

hey! Naga represented by Inkay in Pinoy Dream Academy! :cheer:

Hehe. So you watch it, too? Too bad, she didn't make it. But I was happy to see a Bicolana there. Nevertheless, I enjoy watching PDA.

@jerry: Ay sayang man. :( Nabawasan na an pwedeng mag-iriba sa meet.

@matt: Sayang na naman. Dai nakalaog si Inkay. :(

Anyway, to those who are interested in coming to the SSC Naga meet, please proceed to the Samahan forum. I think we're already spamming the Naga thread. :D

Originally Posted by kevinb
@koltuvtbm: So you're from Legazpi? Garo harayo ang hahalian mo ay! But anyway, come if your schedule permits you.
Dios mabalos po for the compliment, for considering me a native of Legaspi. Legaspi is certainly a beautiful city, no doubt about it. In my frequent travels for business or for leisure, Legaspi and Albay never fail to mesmerize me because they are clean and green. Their natural beauty and laid-back atmosphere, not to forget hospitality of Albayanos in general are to me almost unparalleled anywhere else. But I am an admirer from afar. For I am a Nagueño, as fiercely proud of my home city as I think any Nagueño can possibly be.

Hope the meet you are organizing pushes thru. It is now increasingly fiesta atmosphere in Naga, with Traslacion this coming Fri., Sept. 8 indicating start of this year's Peñafrancia festivities. :hi:

Dios mabalos po for the compliment, for considering me a native of Legaspi. Legaspi is certainly a beautiful city, no doubt about it. In my frequent travels for business or for leisure, Legaspi and Albay never fail to mesmerize me because they are clean and green. Their natural beauty and laid-back atmosphere, not to forget hospitality of Albayanos in general are to me almost unparalleled anywhere else. But I am an admirer from afar. For I am a Nagueño, as fiercely proud of my home city as I think any Nagueño can possibly be.

Hope the meet you are organizing pushes thru. It is now increasingly fiesta atmosphere in Naga, with Traslacion this coming Fri., Sept. 8 indicating start of this year's Peñafrancia festivities. :hi:

Love what you said.

Dios mabalos po for the compliment, for considering me a native of Legaspi. Legaspi is certainly a beautiful city, no doubt about it. In my frequent travels for business or for leisure, Legaspi and Albay never fail to mesmerize me because they are clean and green. Their natural beauty and laid-back atmosphere, not to forget hospitality of Albayanos in general are to me almost unparalleled anywhere else. But I am an admirer from afar. For I am a Nagueño, as fiercely proud of my home city as I think any Nagueño can possibly be.

Hope the meet you are organizing pushes thru. It is now increasingly fiesta atmosphere in Naga, with Traslacion this coming Fri., Sept. 8 indicating start of this year's Peñafrancia festivities. :hi:

Hopefully, Legazpi stays as an adorable city and improve further... It's beautiful and lovely. In fact, it is the most expensive city in Bicol region for the year 2005 due to its beautiful streetlights, lampposts, parks, etc. More tourist infrastructures are now being constructed to further facilitate tourism... With Mt. Mayon by its side, one thing that this city have that most others don't (aside from Mayon) ----> it's the abundance of sand... Volcanic sand... It's everywhere in the city. At first impression, it's an annoyance. But actually, it's a blessing. It provided assistance to infrastructures in the city...

Now I wonder why I am telling this in Naga city's forum... Maybe, it's bcoz Legazpi has been compared over and over again with Naga not only in this site but in others as well...

Hopefully, Legazpi stays as an adorable city and improve further... It's beautiful and lovely. In fact, it is the most expensive city in Bicol region for the year 2005 due to its beautiful streetlights, lampposts, parks, etc. More tourist infrastructures are now being constructed to further facilitate tourism... With Mt. Mayon by its side, one thing that this city have that most others don't (aside from Mayon) ----> it's the abundance of sand... Volcanic sand... It's everywhere in the city. At first impression, it's an annoyance. But actually, it's a blessing. It provided assistance to infrastructures in the city...

Now I wonder why I am telling this in Naga city's forum... Maybe, it's bcoz Legazpi has been compared over and over again with Naga not only in this site but in others as well...

Di ka naman galit. Ahehe! Tumpak, the comparison is pointless. Peace!

^^ I've heard and read such pointless comparison. Sometimes I get annoyed, but most of the time I just laugh it off. We can see that both cities are rich in whatever aspect that we could think of and having them compared just makes it almost impossible to have peace between shallow-thinking Nagueños and Legazpeños.

Maybe the best thing that could stop this is having another 1st class city that can be at par with Naga's and Legazpi's standing. :lol:

Hi there all bicolanos,

Happy Fiesta....

Have you tried using Google Earth and look for the map of the area where the image of the virgin of Pena De Francia located?
If not, you can type "Pena De francia , Spain" or Caceres, Spain.

Actually it's near the city of Caceres ( what a co- incedence) at the upper or northern part of the city and at the south eastern of Salamanca, Spain under the region of Extremadura.

If you take a bus ride from barcelona to Madrid, it will take you 7 hours ride jusy like Naga to Manila.and from Madrid to Caceres will be less than 7 hours too.

You can see the city of Caceres very well in the GoogleEarth.
Reflecting on it, some of the Spanish Immigrants in Naga( Nueva Caceres), came from Caceres.


Pena De francia is a mountainous area, same with the story Virgin of Pena De Francia was told.

^^ I wonder how Caceres looks like. hmm.

News and Events

http://www.adnu.edu.ph/NewsAndEvents/08282006a.asp

Ateneo de Naga and World Bank Launch
New Knowledge for Development Center

Naga City, Philippines – Ateneo de Naga University (AdNU) partners with the World Bank to open a Knowledge for Development Center (KDC) in Bikol. This KDC, the tenth in the country and the first in Southern Luzon, is housed in the Ground Floor of AdNU’s James O’Brien Library. Its launching shall be on September 7, 2006 at 9 a.m. Nine (9) distinguished World Bank Representatives are arriving in Naga to grace the occasion. Governor L-Ray Villafuerte, Hon. Jesse Robredo, and the Most Rev. Msgr. Leonardo Legazpi head the list of guests expected to attend this event.

At 2 p.m. of the same day, the Ateneo de Naga KDC shall hold its Inaugural Knowledge-Sharing Session on the topic Poverty Alleviation in Bikol: Quo Vadis? Speakers in this symposium are World Bank representatives, Hon. Jesse Robredo, Dr. Cristina Lim, Director of the Ateneo Social Science Research Center, Mr. Elmer Sto. Domingo, Director of AdNU’s Center for Community Development, Mr. Eduardo Plopenio, Director of the Community Development Foundation, Inc., and Dean Manuel Diaz of the College of Computer Sciences. This will be at the Arrupe Convention Center.

Knowledge Development Centers (KDC) are proactive and dynamic resource centers committed to creating, sharing, and applying knowledge for development. KDC’s serve as centers for stimulating discussion and dialogue on development issues. They are user-friendly and easily accessible learning centers that are open to the public. Through them, government policy makers, the private sector, NGO’s, donors, students, journalists, and the academe shall have access to a wealth of resources and information. These shall aid them in the creation and implementation of more effective programs for the development of the region. In the KDC, books and documents from other academic and development institutions as well as over 3,000 World Bank publications and special books shall be made available to them.

The AdNU-KDC shall be open to the greater community immediately after the launching. This tenth KDC to be established in the country shall offer the following services for free:

1. Participation in forums, discussions, and programs on development issues;
2. Access to development-related publications by well-known academic and development institutions;
3. Room use and on-line access to WB project documents, publications, and reports;
4. Internet access to development and research sites;
5. Room use of special collection of CD’s and videotapes on development issues;
6. On-line access to the Global Jolis catalogue system that allows users to see the collection of around 60 World Bank Public Information Centers around the world;
7. On-line access to the World Bank’s e-Library, a subscriptive-based portal of over 3,000 World Bank publications and research papers;
8. Copies of selected World Bank publications in the Philippines.

Aside from this new KDC in the Bikol Region, there are also three other KDC’s in Mindanao (partnerships with the University of Southeastern Philippines in Davao, the Western Mindanao State University in Zamboanga, and the Notre Dame University in Cotabato), two in the Visayas (partnerships with Silliman University in Dumaguete City and University of San Carlos in Cebu City), and three in Luzon (partnership with the Saint Paul University in Tuguegarao, Asian Institute of Management in Makati, and at the World Bank Office in Pasig).

ateneo library..

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/3141417351141l1.jpg
<B>O'brien library, bicol region's finest...</B>
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/31414152019756l1.jpg[/QUOTE]

^^ Another feat for Naga City. :D

Sa mga sasama sa meet, meron na akong ginawang thread sa samahan. :)

The much-awaited Peñafrancia Festival, the biggest Marian event in the Philippines, is just around the corner. Here are some pics of the Basilica in Naga.

http://usera.imagecave.com/mayonpics/308377600BcAoba_ph.jpg

http://usera.imagecave.com/mayonpics/308377730Fghmeg_ph.jpg

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Source (http://good-times.webshots.com/album/308367593phHcrG)

uy Dex mag-iba ka sa meet ha? :D

sama nyo si matt. masaya kasama yung si matt na yan.
treat nya raw kayong lahat sa mcdonalds heeehee :D

Peñafrancia Fiesta
September Lineup Gigsss

September 7, 2006 - FHM models @ Avenue Square (sayang late na!! T_T)
September 8, 2006 - Brownman Revival @ Avenue Square
September 8, 2006 - Kamikazee feat. BlackGulaman @ UNC
September 14, 2006 - Rivermaya @ UNC
September 15, 2006 - SMB Grand St. Party feat. Imago, prizm and Fushion band @
avenue square
September 29, 2006 - Parokya ni Edgar @ Avenue Square

click http://www.naga.gov.ph/pf/2006/index.php?page=2 (here for the complete schedule!!

this picture was taken awhile ago..
sorry blurred..

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m279/ocinadnarim/Bastypic005.jpg

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m279/ocinadnarim/Bastypic006.jpg

Kapagod ung Traslacion kanina. Kakauwi ko lang at sobrang pagod ako. Hahay.

bakit naglakad ka lang @ kevin? hehehehe..

last night sa avenue square.. feat. brownman revival..
dami tao.. pero mas marami dumalo sa kamikazee.. :D
http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m279/ocinadnarim/Bastypic007.jpg

Peñafrancia Fiesta
September Lineup Gigsss

September 7, 2006 - FHM models @ Avenue Square (sayang late na!! T_T)
September 8, 2006 - Brownman Revival @ Avenue Square
September 8, 2006 - Kamikazee feat. BlackGulaman @ UNC
September 14, 2006 - Rivermaya @ UNC
September 15, 2006 - SMB Grand St. Party feat. Imago, prizm and Fushion band @
avenue square
September 29, 2006 - Parokya ni Edgar @ Avenue Square

FHM models? para madaming buracherong pumunta? :lol: - iba na pala motif ng Peñafrancia. Sabagay, dati me isang artista lang kahit laos na, dami pang tao.

^^Ang gaganda daw ng kotse and big bikes. Hindi lang un. Meron daw nag topless na FHM model sabi ng friend ng ate ko. :naughty:

Happy Fiesta to all!!!

to all guest and devotees, welcome to naga city..

im sure you'll gonna enjoy it here..whether you're looking for parties and fun or just a religious pilgrim who wanted to see pray to our beloved INA!!

i hope everyone have the chance to attend and enjoy any of the parties and activities inline for the penafrancia fiesta...
<B>VIVA LA VIRGEN</B>

"First things first"

The best way your visit in Naga is meaning and worthwhile is always through our Virgin Of Penafrancia or for short our "Ina".

You attend a Holy Mass after that have a little sacfrice standing a long line, and pray a rosary or a number of hail mary's and then kiss her mantle, ask her for your intention.

There are so many miracle stories, i hope you do experience it. coz staying here in Naga will never be meaningful at all. " Miracles" of Virgin of Penafrancia was so Popular instantly in the whole bicol region as early as it arrives.

Have a happy Fiesta and enjoy your stay..

Specially that our Ina is easily accessible this time of year, one could have all the opportunity to see Her vis-a-vis. So come one, come all to the country's largest Marian devotion! :D

BTW, sumama ka nga pala nikki sa meet. Tignan mo na lang sa Samahan. And wala kang reason para hindi sumama ha? Sumama ka, okay? :D :lol:

Divino Rostro: The other icon in Peñafrancia festival

THE GRANDEST Marian festival in the country originally drew its vitality from the unique Bicolano piety which centers on the devotion to the Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia (Our Lady of Peñafrancia).

But for some 200 years since the devotion was started in 1690, religiosity has been overwhelmed by a spiritual matriarchy, with the more virile, masculine figure of spiritual power receding into the background.

In his paper, Bicolano historian Danilo M. Gerona said tales of miraculous healings and rescue from accidents, calamities and other injurious circumstances were attributed to the intercession of the Virgin of Peñafrancia.

"But events in the late nineteenth century Kabikolan opened a new devotional path for the Bikolanos which further added color and solemnity to the feast with the devotion to the Divino Rostro," he said.

Gerona, a specialist in the history of the early Spanish colonial years in Bicol, noted that accounts of the Peñafrancia procession never mentioned what was now regarded as the other important icon, the image of the Divino Rostro (Spanish for "Holy Face"), which became a feature of the event during the last few years of the Spanish regime.

Father de la Torre

Its devotion to the Bikolanos, according to Gerona, was introduced by a Spanish secular priest assigned in Nueva Caceres (now Naga City), Licenciado Don Pedro de la Torre y del Pozo, who became famous in Bicol history as Fr. Pedro de la Torre.

"Fr. Pedro de la Torre was the provisor of the diocese during the incumbency of Bishop (Casimiro) Herrero. He was from the town of Osa de la Vega in the Diocese of Cuenca in Spain, the place where this devotion originated," said the former seminarian-historian.

He said the chapel of the parish of Osa de la Vega was one of the most significant pilgrimage sites in the Diocese of Cuenca because of a copy of the handkerchief of St. Veronica, on which the image of the Holy Face was supposedly imprinted. The original was believed to have been deposited as an invaluable sacred relic in Rome, he said.

"This image in Osa de la Vega was inherited by Isabel del Corral Matilla, wife of Gregorio de la Torre, from her priest-cousin named Don Juan Matilla. It is not known, however, whether Fr. Pedro de la Torre was in any way related to Gregorio de la Torre," he added.

Deep reverence

Gerona said the inhabitants' profound reverence showed the importance they attached to this image. A curtain was placed in front of its altar and could not be lifted by anyone, except priests who must don the prescribed sacerdotal garb, such as the sobrepelliz and the stole, and only after having lighted two candles on the altar, he said.

Anyone who opened the curtain without the prescribed ritual faced excommunication, he said.

"The image caused enormous wonder when it was reported as having perspired blood and water three times in the presence of a crowd. Many of them who allegedly witnessed these miracles executed formal testimonies. It was even said that some material evidence were preserved and these were kept in the sacristy of the chapel where the bishop used to bless the crowd whenever he made his Episcopal visitation to his parish," Gerona said.

Priests' vow

Many miracles were attributed to the image, but the inhabitants regarded as the greatest when the town was spared from the ravages of a series of cholera morbo epidemic that struck the town in 1834, 1854, 1855 and 1865, he said.

Remarkably, they claimed, nobody was afflicted even as the other towns suffered enormous numbers of casualties, said Gerona.

"Since then, the fame of this miraculous image spread, and one of those who have developed a strong devotion to the image was Don Pedro de la Torre," he said.

Upon Don Pedro's assignment to the Diocese of Caceres, Gerona said, a copy was made for the Cathedral of Nueva Caceres from the picture that he possessed from the image in Cuenca.

In the morning of Aug. 26, 1882, upon hearing the news that the cholera morbo had already reached Manila, Bishop Herrero, in his desire to seek divine assistance in sparing the city from this dreaded epidemic, ordered that the image of Peñafrancia be brought to the cathedral, Gerona said.

"The order was promptly complied with that same morning. But the provisor, Father De la Torre, who fervently wished to promote the devotion to the image, asked the bishop to include the Divino Rostro which was also placed on the altar of the cathedral," he said.

When the epidemic reached Nueva Caceres, Gerona said the priests made a vow that if it subsided, its feast day, the Sunday after the birth of Mary, would be regularly celebrated in the diocese. This covenant was written on a sello tercero signed by the clergy and by the bishop and placed on the image, he said.

"It was said that God heard the petition of the priests and the epidemic quickly subsided," he said.

Covenant papers

Complying with the vow, Gerona said, a procession was held from the patio of the cathedral during the feast day, with the signatories bearing the image on their shoulders. He said the covenant papers, together with the collected alms, were sent to Osa de la Vega.

When the image of the Peñafrancia was brought back to the shrine in the barrio of Francia on Sept. 29, the Holy Face was also brought along, he said.

The image, which was 61 centimeters high and 47 cm wide, that was framed by Marco Dorado had already been donated and was placed in the altar of the shrine, according to Gerona.

Every Friday, a novena was held in its honor, while the Sunday after the birth of Mary was celebrated as its feast day simultaneously with that in Osa de la Vega.

Since then, Gerona said, the image of the Divino Rostro had become the other main feature of the Peñafrancia festivities.

Hmmm... Sorsogon??? Based on Financial Reports in 2005, Sorsogon is the closest in terms of total income... However, it is still considered a 4th-class city...

^^ I've heard and read such pointless comparison. Sometimes I get annoyed, but most of the time I just laugh it off. We can see that both cities are rich in whatever aspect that we could think of and having them compared just makes it almost impossible to have peace between shallow-thinking Nagueños and Legazpeños.

Maybe the best thing that could stop this is having another 1st class city that can be at par with Naga's and Legazpi's standing. :lol:

Yup! Comparisons are pointless! Well, except if it is for the reason that TWO TIME PERIODS are the subjects or if the main focus is not COMPETITION, comparisons are healthy and helpful. :)

To peeps who keep comparing Naga and Legazpi: "Well, how can you compare an orange and an apple?" I've seen these two being pitted w/ each other several times on the net. The last time was, well, here in this site! Naga and legazpi are two different cities of different characteristics...

Well, anyways, HAPPY FIESTA TO NUEVA CACERES!!! Seriously, I like the old name. It somehow gives Naga a bit more of a Hispanic touch... :)

Happy fiesta to all!!! Enjoy your stay in Naga....... :happy:

I've never been to avenue square's lolo's bar..... What's new in there?

Well, anyways, HAPPY FIESTA TO NUEVA CACERES!!! Seriously, I like the old name. It somehow gives Naga a bit more of a Hispanic touch... :)

I also like the old name. I wonder why its name was changed to present-day Naga. Anyway, nangyari na eh. :D

I've never been to avenue square's lolo's bar..... What's new in there?

Me, neither. Kahit isang beses, hindi pa talaga. :lol: But I think it's cool there. Tapos meron pang bands. Hehe. :)

I also like the old name. I wonder why its name was changed to present-day Naga. Anyway, nangyari na eh. :D

I guess, it was because the city was then full of narra which made it possible for the Spaniards to call this city Naga, named after the narra tree, instead of Nueva Caceres...



Me, neither. Kahit isang beses, hindi pa talaga. :lol: But I think it's cool there. Tapos meron pang bands. Hehe. :)

When shall we be there kaya....? Maybe we can include that place in our itineraries for this coming meet.

Yup! Comparisons are pointless! Well, except if it is for the reason that TWO TIME PERIODS are the subjects or if the main focus is not COMPETITION, comparisons are healthy and helpful. :)

To peeps who keep comparing Naga and Legazpi: "Well, how can you compare an orange and an apple?" I've seen these two being pitted w/ each other several times on the net. The last time was, well, here in this site! Naga and legazpi are two different cities of different characteristics...


Well, if it's for a healthy discussion, why not? But i think no need to argue because this topic has been over-discussed....:cheers:

BTW, have all you guys seen the beautification being done along Panganiban Drive? The sidewalks there are being repaired.... making it uniformed.

^^Not yet. But since I'm going there, syempre I'm gonna see it. :lol:
Na-feel ko kayang mahiling ang skyline kaya maduman ako sa taas ng St. John Hospital. :lol:

When shall we be there kaya....? Maybe we can include that place in our itineraries for this coming meet.

Pwede man. Tapos duman na man kaya dinner ta?

I guess, it was because the city was then full of narra which made it possible for the Spaniards to call this city Naga, named after the narra tree, instead of Nueva Caceres...


"Naga" is shorter w/ only 2 syllables compared to NC's 5 syllables... I think this is probably the reason why Naga's name was changed... Good thing, UNC retained its name...

I guess, it was because the city was then full of narra which made it possible for the Spaniards to call this city Naga, named after the narra tree, instead of Nueva Caceres...


"Naga" is shorter w/ only 2 syllables compared to NC's 5 syllables... I think this is probably the reason why Naga's name was changed... Good thing, UNC retained its name coz I really like the term "Nueva Caceres"

"Naga" is shorter w/ only 2 syllables compared to NC's 5 syllables... I think this is probably the reason why Naga's name was changed... Good thing, UNC retained its name coz I really like the term "Nueva Caceres"

Tama si garzland. But I thought the Spaniards already named this ancient city Nueva Caceres, so how come they further changed it to Naga? That's what I'm pondering on. :?

Gayon Bicol Showcase in Naga during Fiesta

THIRTEEN contingents and over 2,080 dancers and band members representing the 6 provinces and 7 cities of Bicol will be swaying and shouting to the beat of drums during the Gayon Bicol streetdancing competition that the Department of Tourism and the City Government of Naga are co-sponsoring as one of the highlights of this year’s Peñafrancia festival.

A festival showdown, as it was last year, will be held on September 14, at Plaza Quezon after the street dance and parade of colorful indigenous costumes by the participating contingents. Streetdancing will start at 2:00 p.m. at CBD2 along the jeepney terminal. It will move towards Panganiban Avenue and the old Business District along Elias Angeles, towards Caceres and Gen. Luna Streets into Plaza Quezon.

DOT Regional Director Nini Ravanilla said all the LGUs have confirmed their participation in the regional streetdancing competition, as in fact these contingents are now in the thick of their practices and rehearsals for the Sept. 14 showdown here.

Naga City Mayor Jesse M. Robredo, will welcome all the guests and participants during a brief program as the whole street dance contingents approach the stage.

Tourism Secretary Ace Durano has been invited as guest of honor and speaker during the opening program. More top officers of the DOT and other national offices and tourism regional directors from all over the country have been invited to grace the affair.

Both Robredo and Ravanilla said that Gayon Bicol shall henceforth be institutionalized to be the region’s socio-cultural festival that will rival Cebu’s Sinulog, Bacolod’s Masskara, Iloilo’s Dinagyang, or Davao’s Kadayawan.
Each participating province and city will present and showcase their respective festival for the streetdance showdown: Paroy Festival (Albay); Ibalong Festival (Legazpi City); Tabak Festival (Tabaco City); Sunflower Festival (Ligao City); Pili Festival (Sorsogon City); Kasanggayahan (Sorsogon Province); Kaogma Festival (Camarines Sur); Tinagba Festival (Iriga City); Lapay Bantigue (Masbate City); Himag-Ulaw Festival (Masbate Province, last year’s champion); Katandungan Festival (Catanduanes); Palong Festival (Camarines Norte), and Peñafrancia Festival (Naga City).

Criteria for the street dance competition are choreography (25%); performance (20%); theme/concept (15%); props (15%); costume (15%), and dance consistency (10%).
Grand prize winner will receive P300,000 in cash prize, while second and third runners-up wil each receive P200,000 and P100,000 respectively. An additional P20,000 will be given as special award for the best in street dance.

Festival queens

An added feature of the regional street dancing competition is the Search for the Bicol Festival Queen which was won by Yen Zaragosa, an 18-year old tourism student of the Ateneo de Naga University. She represented Naga City’s Peñafrancia Festival in terno and festival costume designed by Naga couturier Ariel Alvarez during the pageant night.

Contestants to this event, picked by the respective participating LGUs or festival contingent, must be at least 16 but not more than 23 years of age, single and with pleasing personality.

The Bicol Festival Queen Pageant will be held at the Plaza Quezon thirty minutes after the last Festival street dance contingent has been through.
The winning Queen will receive P30,000; the 1st Princess and the 2nd Princess to receive P20,000 and P15,000, respectively, plus trophies. Other prizes are Best in Costume, Best in Philippine Terno, and Best Designer.
Contestants will only wear dresses made of Bicol or indigenous materials to be designed by local couturiers and dressmakers.

Source (http://www.naga.gov.ph)

Tama si garzland. But I thought the Spaniards already named this ancient city Nueva Caceres, so how come they further changed it to Naga? That's what I'm pondering on. :?

Mas alipot pano ang "Naga" kaysa "Nueva Caceres." Weheheh... theory lang...

^^ :lol: So mas gusto palan ning mga Kastila ang haralipot? :naughty: :rofl:

Hi Guys,

Where is Danny Gerona? ....

Well as far as i know, when the spaniards first saw bicol region and found that there was already a civilization here, and because it's heavily forested by Narra, they ask the native people about the name of the TREE and the native people told the spaniards it's NARRA.. then the spaniards mis-pronounced the word "NAGA" knowingly they heard the word NARRA. Narra even today is a common tree in Naga.

If the Spanish were not defeated by the americans, during the Spanish-American War of the late 19th century. Probably we are still using the name of the Ciudad De Nueva Caceres, the political and religious map of Bicol peninsula will cover tayabas area in the north until masbate in the south.
And nuetral during World War II because Spain didn't join the war then and a close friend of the facist.

It's the Americans how change some of the political system and geographic borders and the name of Nueva Caceres to Naga .

We are probably still one of the riches peninsula in the phils. because of Abaca and coconut production.
Events was probably in our favor.

^^ And pili, of course. And speaking of pili, there's a particular region in the country wherein pili production will be enhanced. Sana lang wag nilang matalo and Bicol. :D

Sad to say, Bicol's production of Pili is slowly declining.

My econ teacher in HS also told me that. Baka nga daw ung sinasabing kong region, na hindi ko maalala kung ano, matalo pa tayo sa pili production. :ohno:

^^ :lol: So mas gusto palan ning mga Kastila ang haralipot? :naughty: :rofl:

like what BobbyMay said, it was during the American times when Naga's name was changed probably because:

1. Nueva Caceres is obviously hispanic...

2. The natives of this city wanted to change the name due to their 'hatred' towards Spaniards. Recall the 15 martyrs and Naga's active assistance to Tagalog revolutionaries during those times...

^^ :lol: So mas gusto palan ning mga Kastila ang haralipot? :naughty: :rofl:

like what BobbyMay said, it was during the American times when Naga's name was changed probably because:

1. Nueva Caceres is obviously hispanic...

2. The natives of this city wanted to change the name due to their 'hatred' towards Spaniards. Recall the 15 martyrs and Naga's active assistance to Tagalog revolutionaries during those times...


I think that region must be somewhere in Mindanao... Probably the Davao region... "guess" lang...

Originally posted by kevinb My econ teacher in HS also told me that. Baka nga daw ung sinasabing kong region, na hindi ko maalala kung ano, matalo pa tayo sa pili production.
Originally posted by garzland
Sad to say, Bicol's production of Pili is slowly declining.
There is really no cause for alarm as regards other regions overtaking us in pili production in immediate future. Our region is runaway leader in pili production nationwide accounting for over 70% of total area planted to pili and over 50% of production volume. It will take decades and a huge amount of Bicolano indifference before any other region really gets to overtake us in pili production.
What we should perhaps be concerned about is that pili production has not only stagnated in recent years, it is actually declining.
Pili is considered the flagship crop of Bicol. It has survived countless typhoons over time. As a matter of fact, in a contest sponsored by the DA to identify the oldest living pili tree in Bicol, the winner was somebody who owned a 200-year old female pili tree, considered 4 generations old!

Happy Fiesta

I know DA is really encouraging Bicolano farmers to plant Pili, and the plantation is rapidly growing, but i think the real issue is not much if it's slowing down or growing. But to focus more on marketing it locally and aboard.

I know Danding Cojuangco started planting Pili and Mango trees combine in Negroes for export purpose, as many as hundreds of hectares, which is the largest competitor for Bicol region. But we have to understand that ...

The quality of Pilinut that they harvest in Negroes is not the same quality we have here in the Bicol region, Why? because commonly we have to consider the "soil" and "climate" of that place. It's just like Lanzones in Southern Tagalog( it's origin) compare to the one in Davao and in Carolina, Naga, it is still much sweeter in the Tagalog region than the one in Davao and Carolina little bit sour eventhough the size of Lazones in Davao and Carolina is bigger too.

Now, it really depends to our Government officials " HOW" they are going to market our Pili -Bicol aboard, coz Danding Cojuangco may have his own marketing strategies for his Pili aboard, eventhough our Pili is much superior from them.

I can say, Pili can compete with Macademia worlwide, coz the quality of Pili is really high. In Europe, Australia and New zealand , they use Macademia nuts for a topping/ingredient on their cakes and muffins (cup cakes as we called here) they have a machine that slice very thin as it looks like crisp chips and top it on the cakes.

If our Government promote Pilinut very well aboard, there can be a huge market for it. Pili can be a good alternative for Macademia , If the Government we can formulate better price compare to Macademia our Pilinut will be a good source of income.

As far as i know, Sorsogon is having a headway exporting Pili, hopefully other provinces will follow.

^^ You got it bobby! It was started by Danding Cojuangco in Negros. There you have it. Pili production in Negros to overtake pili production in Bicol. But you know what? I still doubt it if the pili produced in Negros will be at par with Bicol's pili products. As bobby said, many factors are to be considered in culturing different pili. And Bicolandia has most of these factors, hence, producing a high standard kind of pili.

Sorsogon is up for its pili industry, even naming its major festival Pili Festival. :)

The pilis in Negros are inferior in quality coz these nuts are not indigenous to that island. In fact, there are only two places where pili nuts naturally live and grow, one is our very own peninsula (Bicol) and the other one is an island in Indonesia. Now, why do these nuts grow in Bicol and this particular island? There's one thing in common with them and that's the presence of volcanoes and frequent typhoons. In Negros, however, there's one volcano and that is Mt. Kanlaon but here in Bicol, we have more... Mayon, Bulusan, Isarog, and others... Plus, while in Bicol, we are frequently visitted by typhoons, Negros are less affected by them. That's why fields and fields of sugarcane are grown in this island.

voyadores festival
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habang nasa trabaho ako.. nagpipicture din ako para mailagay dito.. :D
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Dear SSC Forumers, please take note on our guideline on posting news articles: http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=9944541&postcount=8
Do not mind what you have posted before for it will be very tedious if you will edit all of those. It'd be appreciated if you follow the guideline immediately upon your next posting of news articles. Thank You :)

@joms: Nanood ka rin kanina ng voyadores fest? Andun din ako sa troupe ng Ateneo. :) Sayang 'di tayo nagkita.

@kevin that time nasa work ako.. kung mapapansin mo ung pwesto ko dyan lng ang work ko kac nde ako pede lumayo..

^^Ah yes. Isa nga lang background mo.

http://i106.photobucket.com/albums/m279/ocinadnarim/Bastypic022.jpg

This guy in green kept an eye on me while the parade was going on. It almost annoyed me.

Originally posted by Mond87
The pilis in Negros are inferior in quality coz these nuts are not indigenous to that island. In fact, there are only two places where pili nuts naturally live and grow, one is our very own peninsula (Bicol) and the other one is an island in Indonesia. I agree. As I've said it will take decades and a huge amount of Bicolano indifference before any other region really gets to overtake us in pili production. 70% is a huge share of market to overhaul.
Originally posted by bobbymay74
I know DA is really encouraging Bicolano farmers to plant Pili, and the plantation is rapidly growing, but i think the real issue is not much if it's slowing down or growing. But to focus more on marketing it locally and aboard. The proposition that we attend first to or focus more on marketing is only half the solution. What is there to market if there is no supply volume in the 1st place? For one, the export market is a very competitive market. If you cannot supply to the buyers' specs and required volume, you'll certainly lose the purchase order.
But so long as the product is unique and available, marketing should be no problem. But how to make available our pilis in the required export volume is THE question since production is, as I've said, not only stagnating but declining in fact. So we Bicolanos led by our local Bicolano government leaders have to do something with regard to the declining pili production, which is the other half of the solution.

Hey kevinb, if you're saying you were with the Ateneo troupe during the voyadores festival, that group reportedly won 1st place. :applause:

But so long as the product is unique and available, marketing should be no problem. But how to make available our pilis in the required export volume is THE question since production is, as I've said, not only stagnating but declining in fact. So we Bicolanos led by our local Bicolano government leaders have to do something with regard to the declining pili production, which is the other half of the solution.

Are there any available statistics supporting the decline of Bicolano production of pili nuts? As of my observation kasi, there are many innovations in pili production in recent years...

it's military parade today buit can't watch it live.... I feel sad... I have many things to do.... I cannot even attend in the scheduled meet.... Sorry guys, there's an emergecy going on right now and it just happened that i still have the time to login and post here.

incomplete post

^^ @koltuvtbm: Yes, I know that they won first place. :) They also won the best in streetdance and best in music special awards. Ang ganda ng ginawa nila. But I'm sad kasi hindi ko mapakita dito sa SSC? :cry:

The CSNHS CAT-1 unit (girls) bagged the first place in best marching unit! The boys only got 6th place. But that's alright. They also placed 4th in the most disciplined unit award. Go Hayskulanos!! :cheer:

I'm very sorry guys. The meet is cancelled. Things have gone out of hand. I'm very sorry.

MORE IN STORE FOR PBA FANS THIS COMING SEASON -- EALA

Friday, 15 September 2006
An even more fan-friendly atmosphere is what the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) is aiming for come its 2006-07 season.

Several novel schemes, including the lowering of ticket prices, has been lined up by the league when it formally opens shop on Oct. 1, its way of expressing gratitude to its multitude of fans responsible for giving the PBA its most successful season in a decade last year.

“For the coming season, we want to present a league that is a leader in the industry, a brand icon where it is beside the fans everywhere and anywhere,” a beaming PBA commissioner Noli Eala announced in Friday’s SCOOP sa Kamayan in Padre Faura, Manila.

The league enjoyed one of its finest seasons last season when it enjoyed major turnarounds in gate receipts, attendance and television ratings, an improvement it never had since 1996.

Now on his fourth year at the helm of the country’s top sports entertainment show, Eala credited the fans for making it possible, reason why the PBA is now looking to intensify more its fan base.

High on the list of the league’s planned innovations is the implementation of discounted ticket prices in the upper levels and the availability of more ticket outlets other than the popular TicketNet.

“Lahat ngayon tumataas, pero sa amin ay bumababa,” said Eala in the weekly session sponsored by ACCEL.

“We’re giving away as much as a 20 percent discount on upper level tickets while the general admission still remains at P5 under our High Five promo.”

Nine provincial games are also on tap, including stops in Naga City, La Union, Isabela and Dumaguete.

Aside from the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, Ynares Center in Antipolo City and the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City, games will also be held in non-traditional venues such as the new San Juan Arena, Rizal Memorial Coliseum and Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

“This way, we’ll make the league even more accessible and more affordable for the fans,” added the league commissioner.

Eala also said the overseas game in Guam between Red Bull and Alaska originally scheduled on Sept. 22 has been moved to Sept. 28.

But he stressed there’s nothing to worry about since everything is already in place. The promoter of the match also assured the league that a packed crowd is expected at the University of Guam come game time. (GR)

Source (http://www.pba.com.ph/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1181&Itemid=59)

I'm very sorry guys. The meet is cancelled. Things have gone out of hand. I'm very sorry.

I understand very much Christian. I hope your mom will be fine soon. :)

Hi to all!!!

the penafrancia fiesta had passed already..but we really had fun and until now i can still feel the fiesta athmosphere in the city...

this year's fiesta was full of activities and fun..truly, our INA's festivity is one of the biggest and brightest festival in the country..

here are some pics!!!

TRASLACION
this transfer of INA frm the Basilica Minore to the Metropolitan Cathedral starts the celebration of the penafrancia fiesta...thousands of devotees and bicolanos join INA in her transfer...she's carried from Her andas by hundreds of Voyadores...
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/1_200609200927411.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/1_200609200926441.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/1_200609200926331.jpg

GAYON FESTIVAL!!

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/1_200609200925201.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/1_200609200927491.jpg

FLUVIAL PROCESSION
this is INA's coming home to Basilica Minore..she will be return to her home through the naga river...Ina will be place in a barge pulled by many colorful bangkas...while people crowd in the riverbanks waiting for Ina to pass...
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/1_200609200926551.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/1_200609200927131.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/1_200609200927041.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/1_200609200927261.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/1_200609200927201.jpg

Those are fantastic pics, nikki_18, Dios mabalos!!!
Indeed the last fiesta was something. There were shows everyday, you wont get bored. The Peñafrancia is really getting bigger and bigger every year.
Well, I think it was kevinb who reported the Peñafrancia is the biggest Marian festival in RP. That's true.
Peñafrancia is also celebrated outside Naga, abroad or in local towns like in Gumaca, Quezon where there is even a fluvial procession. Indeed the Peñafrancia following is everywhere, where there is a Bicolano, invariably one would find a devotee of Ina. Originally posted by kevinb The CSNHS CAT-1 unit (girls) bagged the first place in best marching unit! The boys only got 6th place. But that's alright. They also placed 4th in the most disciplined unit award. Go Hayskulanos!! Admittedly the CSNHS or more popularly referred to as Cam-High is a heavyweight as far as the regional military parade is concerned. But you see, even if a school placed 10th, it is still something to crow about having beaten scores of other contingents from all over Bicol. This year's military parade drew a total of 434 participating school contingents spread over several categories. Kaya dawa 10th placer kamo, you can imagine kon gaano kadakul an nadaog nindo! Congratulations!

I was in Naga during the Peñafrancia festival. Laugh trip 'yung beauty pageant sa plaza! Hehehe...

I recommend Star Mark and Red Platter. Yum-yum! =)

Nikki, thanks for the photos, the festival looks great :okay:

I was in Naga during the Peñafrancia festival. Laugh trip 'yung beauty pageant sa plaza! Hehehe...

I recommend Star Mark and Red Platter. Yum-yum! =)

Beauty pageant? Un ba ung Festival Queen or Miss Gay Bicolandia? :D
Yeah, StarMark and Red Platter offer good food. :D

@Nikki: Galing. :D

^ 'Yung Festival Queen! Haha! The best yung Q&A/Interview portion! Tawa kami ng tawa! Na-televise pa nga ito sa local Sky Channel. Sayang, hindi ko napanood 'yung Miss Gay Bicolandia.

Okay din pala 'yung food sa Geewan. Parang Goldilocks ng Naga. Affordable pa. Anghang nung Bicol Express nila. Hindi ko nga lang natikman 'yung special halo-halo at pinangat.

I took some photos of the town. Post ko next time. ;)

^^ Sayang. Hindi ko napanood ung Festival Queen eh. :D Patawa ba mga kasali? :colgate:

Masarap talaga ung Bicol Express sa Geewan. Panalo. Ung pinangat, okay lang. Pero sayang ka kasi hindi mo natikman halu-halo nila. Parang halu-halo ng Chowking. :eat:

Originally posted by kevinb
Masarap talaga ung Bicol Express sa Geewan. Panalo. Ung pinangat, okay lang. Pero sayang ka kasi hindi mo natikman halu-halo nila. Parang halu-halo ng Chowking. Speaking of halo-halo, an halo-halo kan Geewan is, to my taste, better than Chowking. Darakulaon man an manga yelo kan Chowking halo-halo, it's as if you are actually eating ice already. You should try Ice Blinker's halo-halo in any of its 2 branch outlets in Naga. It's halo-halo is eater-friendly, so-to-speak, the best in the city. Ice Blinker's main or original store is located in Tabaco City, Albay. I think they also already branched out into Metro Manila with an outlet in Greenhills.
But the best halo-halo is found in Tiwi, Albay --- DJC Halo-halo. It is so good, droves of halo-halo customers from Legaspi, Albay to as far as Naga go to Tiwi just to eat DJC's halo-halo. I may even hasten to say it may be the best halo-halo in the entire Philippines! It's halo-halo was already featured in Panorama Magazine. Having tasted Digman's of Cavite, Sandosenang Halo-halo of Manila, and Ice Berg, I can say DJC's halo-halo should really be another Bicolano pride, so eater-friendly! I heard DJC was offered by some of the big fastfood names to franchise the DJC halo-halo secret, but DJC declined. Try this halo-halo when you happen to be in Tiwi, Albay.

^^ Masarap nga ung halu-halo sa Ice Blinker's. Pero dai pa ako nakakanamit ng DJC halu-halo. Bakong na-feature na 'yan sa TV Patrol Bicol?

Speaking of halo-halo, an halo-halo kan Geewan is, to my taste, better than Chowking. Darakulaon man an manga yelo kan Chowking halo-halo, it's as if you are actually eating ice already. You should try Ice Blinker's halo-halo in any of its 2 branch outlets in Naga. It's halo-halo is eater-friendly, so-to-speak, the best in the city. Ice Blinker's main or original store is located in Tabaco City, Albay. I think they also already branched out into Metro Manila with an outlet in Greenhills.
But the best halo-halo is found in Tiwi, Albay --- DJC Halo-halo. It is so good, droves of halo-halo customers from Legaspi, Albay to as far as Naga go to Tiwi just to eat DJC's halo-halo. I may even hasten to say it may be the best halo-halo in the entire Philippines! It's halo-halo was already featured in Panorama Magazine. Having tasted Digman's of Cavite, Sandosenang Halo-halo of Manila, and Ice Berg, I can say DJC's halo-halo should really be another Bicolano pride, so eater-friendly! I heard DJC was offered by some of the big fastfood names to franchise the DJC halo-halo secret, but DJC declined. Try this halo-halo when you happen to be in Tiwi, Albay.

That halo-halo in DJC Tiwi was only 25 pesos when I last visited there a few months ago. I am amazed by DJC's existence... Almost everybody who visits Tiwi and Joroan stops over there to taste their delicious halo-halo. They've been operating since 1958!

To get to Tiwi from Naga, one must traverse the dangerous Sagnay-Tiwi road. It fluctuates both horizontally and vertically on top of mountains separating Albay from Camarines Sur. The scenes are breath-taking with the Pacific Ocean, Maqueda Channel and Catanduanes at sight... The only time our family went through this road was in 2004 when a typhoon struck our region. Ever since then, we were too scared to take that road again... :runaway: :runaway: Anyways, I still want to take that road some time, the views are ecstatic. No wonder, it was dubbed as "The Hanging Road to Joroan."

The DJC in Legazpi (close to Pacific Mall) offers halo-halo for 60 pesos (I wonder why they sell it for higher price)...

Hi to all!!!

the penafrancia fiesta had passed already..but we really had fun and until now i can still feel the fiesta athmosphere in the city...

this year's fiesta was full of activities and fun..truly, our INA's festivity is one of the biggest and brightest festival in the country..

here are some pics!!!

TRASLACION
this transfer of INA frm the Basilica Minore to the Metropolitan Cathedral starts the celebration of the penafrancia fiesta...thousands of devotees and bicolanos join INA in her transfer...she's carried from Her andas by hundreds of Voyadores...
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/1_200609200927411.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/1_200609200926441.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/1_200609200926331.jpg

GAYON FESTIVAL!!

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/1_200609200925201.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/1_200609200927491.jpg

FLUVIAL PROCESSION
this is INA's coming home to Basilica Minore..she will be return to her home through the naga river...Ina will be place in a barge pulled by many colorful bangkas...while people crowd in the riverbanks waiting for Ina to pass...
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/1_200609200926551.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/1_200609200927131.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/1_200609200927041.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/1_200609200927261.jpg

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g70/marlon_ld/1_200609200927201.jpg

Best pictures of Naga I've seen so far... :D

Very nice pics and now I really missed Naga and the festival.

Voyadores - I'm always facinated by that term. It's been a while since I heard that word. :D

And until now, some people will steal the scene and swim on the river by the float.

Keep those photos coming. :okay:

Originally posted by mond87
To get to Tiwi from Naga, one must traverse the dangerous Sagnay-Tiwi road. It fluctuates both horizontally and vertically on top of mountains separating Albay from Camarines Sur. The scenes are breath-taking with the Pacific Ocean, Maqueda Channel and Catanduanes at sight... The only time our family went through this road was in 2004 when a typhoon struck our region. Ever since then, we were too scared to take that road again... Anyways, I still want to take that road some time, the views are ecstatic. No wonder, it was dubbed as "The Hanging Road to Joroan." I agree. That Sagnay-Tiwi road really takes your breath away. 1st time I passed thru it, I never thought such jaw-dropping view ever existed in RP. May I encourage everybody reading this to find time and pass thru that way, you'll never regret it.
just hope people living there wont destroy the beauty of the Sangay-Tiwi road scenery. Already inhabitants there are chopping away at those araal mountains as source of income. Although am sure they are aware they are contributing to its erosion, the reason why lots of rocks fall especially during inclement weather like kon igwang bagyo. The reason they won't stop is because it's their only source of livelihood daw.
Dont worry, mond87, chances that rocks would fall on you on a good weather day may be nil. They only fall after each typhoon, making the entire road impassable to vehicles for weeks or months.
The "Hanging Road to Joroan" monicker is correct. It has been considered among the 7 wonders of RP.

Originally posted by Mond87
The DJC in Legazpi (close to Pacific Mall) offers halo-halo for 60 pesos (I wonder why they sell it for higher price)... Good to know there's a DJC outlet in Legaspi. 60 pesos?! Wow, expensive! I think Ice Blinker's halo-halo is priced lower.
Anyway, too much for halo-halo, malipot naman an panahon w/ Typhoon Melenio approaching the region, so perhaps not the time to eat halo-halo.
I think it's time to talk about our hot and spicy regional favorite. No Bicolano worth his sili would have no say about our world-famous dish, and I'm talking about none other than our very own BICOL EXPRESS.

^^ Bicol express. :eat: I want to eat Geewan's Bicol EXpress! :drool:

BTW, I heard over RMN Naga that a weather bulletin by the Japanese Meteorological Agency says that Typhoon Milenyo will directly pass Naga City. But the American gTWC (?) that the typhoon will be nearest to Naga when it passes Calabanga. I wonder which of the two is more credible. But anyhow, it's almost the same. CamSur will still be greatly affected.