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CREATION OF TARLAC

May 28, 1873

Early in the dawn, of history,what come to be know as Tarlac today once a thickly-forested area, people by roving tribes of nomadic Aetas said to be the aboriginal settlers of the Philippines.The name 'Tarlac' was derived from a 'Talahib'like weed called by by the Aetas"Matarlac". Along the year, the word 'MALA' was removed and shotened to 'TARLAC'

Tarlac was the last province in Central Luzon created by Spanish Colonial Goverment.Tarlac started as a Spanish Commandancia Militar(establish in Tarlac town in 1860} which policed the towns of Mabalacat,Porac,Magalang, Florida Blanca, Bamban, Concepcion, Capas, Tarlac and Victoria, all town of Pampanga, In 1871, ny virtue of a royal decree,the above named town were grouped together to form newly created province of Tarlac. In 1873, further reorganization was made.Mabalacat, Porac, Magalang and Florida Blanca were separated from Tarlac Province and returned to mother provincce Pampanga.On the other hand,then the Pangasinan town of Anao, Gerona, Camiling and Paniqui were transferred to Tarlac.On May 28,1873, Tarlac was inaugurated as an 'ALCALDIA' or a regular province Philippines

In Beweeb the year 1874 and 1874 a margin of 23 years Sta Ignacia and Mayantoc and San Clemente, all barios of Camiling, became independent towns, O'Donnell and Murcia, from Capas, Moriones of the town of )'Donell, Pura of Gerona, Moncada of Paniqui, nad Lapaz of Tarlac.These added to the existing nine towns. The new set-up did not last long.On recommendation of the Philippines Commision 0f 1902 (American Administration{ the smaller town were turned barios to be made integral parts of town close to them.With this reconversion, important record and documnets of the respective towns were turned over to town they were attached.

In 1907 and 1922, San Manuel (bario of Moncada)and Ramos (of Paniqui) became towns, respectively. With the exception of O'Donell. Moriones, and Murcia, all towns reconverted into barios by the Philippines Commision of 1902 were to regain their township.

In January 05 1990, by the virtue of Republic Act. No. 6842 The Municipality of San Jose was created. The province was subsequently divided into three congressional district.

In April 1998, by virtue of R.A. No. 8593, the capital town of Tarlac was converted into a componnet City. Thus, the Province has the "Melting Pot of Central Luzon"

HISTORY

The terrain formerly belonging to Pangasinan and Pampanga makes the territory of what is now the Tarlac province. This Central Luzon province was the last to be organized under the Spanish Regime. In 1874, its nuclei were the towns of Concepcion, Capas, Bamban, Mabalacat, Magalang, Porac, Floridablanca, Victoria and Tarlac (now City) which constituted the military "Commandancia".

Some of these municipalities were returned to Pampanga but the rest were incorporated into the new province of Tarlac, together with municipalities from the province of Pangasinan.

Tarlac became briefly the seat of the Philippine Republic headed by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo when he abandoned Malolos, Bulacan in the face of the advancing American Forces. Pacification was considered complete when civil government was instituted by the Americans in the whole Archipelago on February 18, 1901.

It was in Tarlac that President Aguinaldo issued the now famous "Rosena Verdica de la Revolucion Fajardo. This was the first history of the revolution ever published, and it gained significance because it contained an indictment against the abuses of the American Expeditionary Forces in the country.

It was in this province that Apolinario Mabini was appointed Foreign Minister of the Philippines, and on the same year, Msgr. Gregorio Aglipay , protesting against the abuses of the Friar Church, established a local church that was to become the Philippine Independent Church.

Likewise, the first paper money and the first coins of the Independent regime were issued in Tarlac.

The province was again much in the public eye in 1942 when thousands of wounded, sick and starved American and Filipino soldiers marched on foot after their surrender in Bataan across rough, sun-drenched roads resulting in the death of hundreds on their way to Capas. Camp O’Donnell became so overcrowded that many Allied prisoners died of hunger and disease. The infamous "Death March" of World War II ranks high among the most inhuman acts committed by the Japanese Imperial Army.

Text source: DOT Website

ABOVE: Photo credits (L-R)
Flickr.com photos by remzamora (http://flickr.com/photos/remzamora/), webzer (http://flickr.com/photos/remzamora/), frs_111 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tarlac_province), & carolskie007 (http://flickr.com/photos/carolskie007/)

ECONOMY

The economy of Tarlac is dominantly agricultural. Principal crops are rice and sugarcane. Other major crops are corn and coconut; vegetables such as eggplant, garlic, and onion; and fruit trees like mango, banana, and calamansi.

Because the province is landlocked, its fish production is limited to fishponds. On the boundary with Zambales in the west, forestlands provide timber for the logging industry. Mineral reserves such as manganese and iron can also be found along the western section.

Tarlac has its own rice and corn mills as well as sawmills and logging outfits. It has three sugar centrals. Other firms service agricultural needs such as fertilizer. Among its cottage industries, ceramics making has become important because of the abundant supply of clay.

DEMOGRAPHICS

As of the 2000 census, Tarlac has a population of 1,068,783. Its population density is 350/km². Pampango or Kapampangan is spoken by more than half of the population followed by Ilocano spoken by 41%. Tagalog is widely understood. -Wikipedia

Map:
http://www.globalpinoy.com/images/newtravel/maps/tarlac_map_bg.jpg
Map courtesy of globalpinoy.com (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/www.globalpinoy.com/.../province/tarlac_map.htm)


City
Tarlac City (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tarlac_City)MUNICIPALITIES

Anao (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anao%2C_Tarlac)
Bamban (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bamban%2C_Tarlac)
Camiling (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camiling%2C_Tarlac)
Capas (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Capas%2C_Tarlac)
Concepcion (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concepcion%2C_Tarlac)
Gerona (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerona%2C_Tarlac)
La Paz (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/La_Paz%2C_Tarlac)
Mayantoc (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mayantoc%2C_Tarlac)
Moncada (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moncada%2C_Tarlac)
Paniqui (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paniqui%2C_Tarlac)
Pura (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pura%2C_Tarlac)
Ramos (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramos%2C_Tarlac)
San Clemente (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Clemente%2C_Tarlac)
San Jose (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Jose%2C_Tarlac)
San Manuel (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Manuel%2C_Tarlac)
Santa Ignacia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Ignacia%2C_Tarlac)
Victoria (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Victoria%2C_Tarlac)

The town of Tarlac has had a colorful and significant history. Its story may very well be story of Tarlac province itself, which came into being only in 1873-74, eighty six years after Tarlac town was formally founded in 1788.

From Bacolor, Pampanga came intrepid leaders, namely Don Carlos Miguel and Don Narciso Castañeda who, years before 1788, with their families and followers trekked through the forests and hills of Porac and Bamban before finally settling down in what is now known as the town of Tarlac. They cleared the forest and tilled the fertile soil until a settlement emerged along the bank of the river which flowed across the township.

The community grew rapidly with settlers coming from Zambales, Pampanga, Bataan, Pangasinan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija and elsewhere. The Pampanga dialect became the lingua franca in the community, as it was part of Pampanga province in those days. The two leaders, Miguel and Castañeda succeeded in carrying out their pioneering venture through benevolent leadership, which elicited the cooperation of their followers. Thus roads were built, barrios were established without monetary expenditure, only through the common efforts of everyone. It also marked the beginnings of Tarlac as a “melting pot” of Central Luzon, with a mixture of divergent people working mightily for the common good.

Peace, happiness and self-sufficiency reigned during those early days. Enough agricultural and fish products were supplied by a rich soil and a flowing river, waiting for the hands of its hardworking settlers.

Later, it was unanimously agreed by the growing populace to request the authorities in Manila to convert the community into a town. Don Carlos Miguel prepared the needed resolution and forwarded it to the Spanish authorities. In 1788, a decree was issued by Captain General Don Felix Berenguer de Marquina, proclaiming Tarlac as a town under territorial jurisdiction of Pampanga, whose capital then was Bacolor.

The first governadorcillo (later called municipal) was Don Carlos Miguel in 1788 who, together with Don Narciso Castañeda, established the foundation of Tarlac town. He was followed by Don Luis Briones 1789. It was during his term as the second governadorcillo that the “legend of San Sebastian” started. It is said that sometime that year, an armed band of tulisanes were stopped from marauding the town by a young boy who turned out to be no less than San Sebastian himself.

Tarlac is represented prominently in the eight rays of the Philippine flag because it was among the first provinces to join the revolution in 1896. The K.K.K. of Andres Bonifacio found early adherents among Tarlaqueños, headed by Don Francisco Tañedo, after whom the town’s principal thoroughfare is named. Don Francisco Tañedo was killed in an encounter with the Spanish guardia civil at the outset of the revolution. His early death inflamed the citizenry and his relatives and followers were bent on capturing the town by any means, but were dissuaded by Don Eusebio Tañedo Iro, who volunteered to see his friend, General Monet, former politico-military, governor of Tarlac and at the time the highest military official in Pampanga. Denying that Tarlaqueños were involved in the revolution, Don Eusebio was able to obtain orders from General Monet to stop military operations in Tarlac. However, peace did not reign long in Tarlac because Generals Francisco Macabulos and Jose Alejandrino already started their offensive against the Spanish forces. On June 25 1898, Spanish soldiers surrendered in Tarlac.

The Miguels, descendants of one of the pioneers of the town, Don Carlos Miguel, changed their family name to Tañedo in 1872 upon the promulgation of the Claveria decree on surnames. It is said that the Miguels preferred the masculine version of Castañeda, and Tañedo was also in compliance with the designated starting letter for all Tarlac surnames- it is therefore, not surprising that many Tarlaqueños to this day bear such surnames as Taala, Taar, Tabamo, Taban, Tabaquero, Tabasondra, Tamayo, Tamondong, to name a few.

President Emilio Aguinaldo proudly proclaimed the Philippine Republic on January 23, 1899 in Malolos, Bulacan. Assemblance of an independent government was formed, with a lawmaking body, the Malolos Congress, a cabinet headed by Apolinario Mabini ( who was foreign affairs minister), a judiciary, and of course, an army led by General Antonio Luna. A State University, the Universidad Literaria de Filipinas, was also opened.

By July 1899, however, with the tides of war turning against Aguinaldo, Tarlac became the last capital of the short-lived republic then on the run. Among the deputies who were in Tarlac to attend sessions of Congress were Fernando Ma. Guerrero of Manila, representing Leyte; Daniel Tirona of Cavite, representing Batanes; Tomas Mascarado of Batangas, representing Sorsogon; Servillano Aquino of Tarlac, representing Samar and Francisco Macabulos of Tarlac, representing Cebu.

The Aquinos, forebears of the late Benigno Aquino, Jr., came from lower Pampanga like most Tarlac settlers. The family of General Servillano Aquino settled in the town of Concepcion, still then a part of Pampanga. Present – day Aquinos trace their Tarlac, Tarlac connections to one of the “original” families of this capital town, the Tañedo’s General Aquino married Doña Lorensa Tañedo Quiambao and later, when he lost his wife in one of the tragic episodes of the revolution, married his wife’s widowed elder sister Doña Saturnina Tañedo-Quiambao de Estrada, grandmother of former Senator Eva Estrada-Kalaw. The latter’s bloodline is therefore not Aquino but Tañedo –Quiambao, which she shares with the late Ninoy Aquino, her second cousin.

It is said, “the past is a prologue to the future”. This brief account of the town’s colorful history is by no means complete. Since 1788, the town has progressed significantly, leading to its becoming the nucleus of Tarlac province. It has encountered countless hardships in the course of its existence, including those precipitated by earthquakes, cholera and other epidemics, great fires, devastating floods and similar calamities. Through the years, Tarlac’s ability to survive wars, economic difficulties and political turmoil among others, has been proven by its consistent re-emergence as a stronger and better town, eager to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

Tarlac upgrade to cityhood started way back in 1996, with the filing of a bill in Congress to convert the town into a component city. House Bill No. 6863 was passed on November 17, 1997, subsequently; Senate Bill No. 2340 was approved on February 23, 1998. Then, on April 18, 1998, through a plebiscite the citizenry overwhelmingly supported the conversion of Tarlac town into a component city with affirmative votes of 21,378 out of 26,020 votes. It was proclaimed as a component city on April 19, 1998 by virtue of Republic Act No. 8593 to be known as the City of Tarlac.

Its present leaders, led by the Honorable Mayor Genaro M. Mendoza, together with all his co-workers in the city government can stand tall and proud of Tarlac’s 2000 years of glorious history as a source of inspiration to aspire and work only for the best, because Tarlac City deserves no less than the best.

ATTRACTIONS

The chief festival of the city is the Festival of San Sebastian, in honor of the city's patron saint. This week long series of activities takes place during the third week in January and includes a beauty contest, a parade, balls, cultural presentations and sports competitions.

The newly created Rice Cake Festival commemorates the granting of city hood of Tarlac, with prizes awarded for the most delicious rice and sugar concoctions.

The Luisita Golf & Country Club is one of the finest in the country. It is an 18-hole championship course, it has magnificent slopes and lagoons, with a crystal clear water winding through manicured fairways. The Luisita Golf & Country Club holds the distinction of being the only one in the Philippines designed by the world-renowned golf course architect, Robert Trent Jones, Sr.

Aside from Las Haciendas de Luisita's clubhouse, another clubhouse specially catering to the golfers has been built. A two-storey structure of Spanish-Mexican architecture, it is perched on tree-laden knolls, offering a panoramic view of the gently-sloping golf course. The clubhouse has dining facilities, a function room, a golfer's lounge, a pro shop, lockers, shower rooms, and other service areas.

Year-round maintenance and recent renovations assure excellent playing conditions and a most enjoyable golf course of international standards.

The main natural attraction of the city is Dolores Spring Well, located seven kilometers away from the city center. The spring well is cemented, with grotto containing an image of the Virgin De Lorosa, which is said to have medicinal healing powers.

http://www.mymanila.net/gallery/001_01182004.jpg
Starbucks Tarlac courtesy of mymanila.net

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2015/2030611864_cc3523b1ae.jpg?v=0
Tarlac Ecotourism Park
Photo courtesy of DOT Region III

It's nice to know there's a Tarlac thread. I went to Baguio early this year and we had a stopover at Tarlac City. I was impressed! I checked the Wikipedia article about the city and was surprised to know Tarlac is a third class component city. I don't think so. With that population and the bustle at the city proper, the city is actually highly urbanized--and not third class.

^Yes, i have to agree you, Tarlac City's category should be elevated as Highly Urbanized. From what i remember, there were moves before to reclassify the city, however it wasn't that popular among the populace. According to NSCB (http://www.nscb.gov.ph/activestats/psgc/province.asp?provcode=036900000&regName=REGION%20III%20%28Central%20Luzon%29), Tarlac is already a 1st Class component city. It is also classified as a partially urban. This might be the case due to the huge land area of the city and is used mainly for agri-business or forest reserve.

Tarlac really is the ultimate pit stop when going to Baguio, Ilocandia, Pangasinan, Northern Zambales and Northwestern Nueva Ecija. I enjoy riding the bus going home whenever the bus stop would be at Siesta or TG. :)

boy.. I remember staying for four days there in Tarlac City with friends and we stayed in Gradma's Hotel and Restaurant there which is owned by my friend who invited us there for free.. hehehe...

:banana: When i went to Tarlac a few months ago people there were very friendly and hospitable.

Cojuangcos sell mall to Gokongwei firm
09/10/2007 | 10:16 PM


Gokongwei-led Robinsons Land Corp. has acquired the Cojuangco family’s Plaza Luisita Center in Tarlac City, Robinsons Land President and Chief Operating Officer Frederick D. Go told BusinessWorld.

The deal was signed by former president Corazon C. Aquino, Luisita Realty Corp. President and Chief Operating Officer Josephine C. Reyes, Luisita Realty Chairman Don Pedro Cojuangco, Mr. Go, and Robinsons Land Vice-Chairman and Deputy Chief Executive Lance Y. Gokongwei.

"It will be a redeveloped mall and become part of our chain of malls," Mr. Go said. He declined to disclose the purchase price and how much the company will spend to redevelop the Plaza Luisita mall.

BusinessWorld tried to reach the Cojuangcos for comment but they were not available as of press time.

The Plaza Luisita Center is a two-storey business and shopping complex. The first shopping complex in central Luzon, it has a multi- cinema complex, boutiques, fast food outlets, grocery stores, an appliance store, and other shops.

Robinsons Land said last month it would jointly develop with Federal Land, Inc., the property arm of the George S.K. Ty-led Metrobank group, a two-hectare prime property on EDSA corner Pioneer Street in Manda-luyong into a residential condominium complex.

The Links, which will be composed of five towers, is expected to churn P15 billion in sales.

Federal Land President Alfred V. Ty said the Tys’s property is right next to Robinsons Land’s Cybergate building.

"It is very natural to work as partners rather than develop it separately. We are both excited about this new venture," he said.

The commercial centers division of Robinsons Land accounted for 41% or P2.46 billion of the company’s gross revenues for the three quarters starting October 2006 to June 2007.

The increase in revenues was principally due to rental escalations and strong rental income from almost all Robinsons malls, particularly Robinsons Place Cainta, Robinsons Place Pioneer, Robinsons Metro Bacolod, Robinsons Place Lipa and the Galleria Mall in Ortigas Center.

Robinsons Land reported a nearly 50% increase in net income during the three quarters, at P1.82 billion from P1.23 billion.

Gross revenues for the nine-month period rose 23.4% to P5.96 billion from P4.83 billion.

The Robinsons Land group is 60.01% owned by JG Summit Holdings, Inc., one of the country’s largest conglomerates with interests in branded consumer foods, agro-industrial and commodity food products, telecommunications, petrochemicals, air transportation and financial services.

On Monday, Robinsons Land shares closed 2.78% weaker at P17.50. — Ruby Anne M. Rubio/BusinessWorld

New Tarlac City public market nears completion


Isaac R. Kliatchko Jr. (http://www.mb.com.ph/issues/2007/11/17/PROV20071117108882.html)


TARLAC CITY — The city’s public market on F. Tanedo St. is expected to be completed by the first quarter of next year, City Mayor Genaro "Aro" Malvar Mendoza announced here.

Construction of the new public market is being undertaken by a private contractor and is being supervised by the city government, Mendoza also said.

The capital city would now have two public markets, making it more convenient for market goers and shoppers.

This could be the most welcome development in recent years for both consumers and the trading sector here. The restoration of the public market at the heart of the commercial district will also distribute the traffic and pedestrian flow and likewise serve as a balancing factor for the proposed construction of an SM Mall at the capital city.

The years that preceded this development had been "problematic." The original public market had been burned by suspected arsonists at least twice during the term of Mendoza’s predecessor, Gelacio "Ace" Manalang.

Instead of constructing a new one on the same site, Manalang had transferred the site of the public market across the commercial district, near the Tarlac River dike apparently to provide "flavor" to the value of real estate in that area.

To provide a come-on for the transferred market, the former mayor spearheaded the construction of an adjacent "giant" store.

And because canals and sewers underneath the transferred public market had been perennially clogged by garbage, undrained rain water spawn flash floods which have become regular occurrences in the vicinity. This created chronic and big problems for commercial establishments along the prime commercial area here.

"Whenever it rains hard, undrained rain water floods the ground floor of establishments in the area, resulting to losses on our part. Konting ulan lang, baha na, mababasa mga appliances kung di namin ilipat. We are always forced to move our wares everytime it rains," said Juanito Que, owner of Northern Marketing and director of the Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce.

The public market’s transfer also caused an inconvenient re-routing, and the public had no choice but to adapt to the new setup -- to which the people had somehow gotten used to through the years.

The mayor is optimistic that with the new, restored public marketplace right at the heart of the city’s commercial district, "there will be many good changes that would be felt by every resident."

Residents here had waited too long for the construction of the public market at its original site. It was burned about two decades ago, and was leveled again after some years when suspected arsonists torched its back side.

"Its completion shall serve as a reminder to every concerned Tarlaqueno that under my administration, we always seek to find and deliver the best options for the city’s constituents," Mendoza said, adding that "the new public market is one example."

Every interested person or party may apply for a stall or stalls, which shall be designated to the lucky applicants through a supervised and open raffle.

Following standard procedures, old-time stall owners will be given priority.

Construction had started early this year on the request of stall owners. (With reports from CIO Jerry Hernandez)

^ Any photos?

Wala pa. I'll try to take a shot next time na madaan ako sa city center.

may mga kamag-anak kami dito sa tarlac. may kilala ba kayong castaneda surname?

I'm proud of my hometown of Paniqui, and my province of Tarlac.

http://www.paniqui.gov.ph/home/
I noticed that in the census, there is a very important dialect that was completely forgotten, Pangasinan. Yes, we speak the Pangasinan dialect in Tarlac too. There is a saying in our hometown, "Hinde nyo puedeng maloko ang mga tiga Tarlac, kasi marunong sila mg Kapangpangan, Ilocano, at mg Pangasinan." Which is true, my grandparents spoke all three dialects fluently, including Tagalog, and the majority of the people in the town are abled speakers of all three dialects.


Historical Places in Tarlac

Tarlac Provincial Capitol and Maria Cristina Park (Tarlac City)
An imposing historical landmark in the province is the seat of provincial government, the Capitol building, built in 1906. Giving more grandeur and beauty to the place is the Maria Cristina Park, fittingly named after a Tarlac beauty queen, Maria Cristina Galang, Ms. Philippines1952.

Capas National Shrine (Capas)
A concentration camp subsequently serving as the burial grounds for thousands of Filipino and American soldiers who perished during WW II. The site was the ultimate destination of the infamous Death March.

Capas Death March Monument (Capas)
The historical marker of the infamous concentration camp where nearly 30,000 Filipino and American soldiers who participated in the Death March perished in 1942.

Sto. Domingo Death March Marker (Capas)
The site where about 60,000 Filipino soldiers camped like sardines in closed boxcars were unloaded to start the second phase of the tragic Death March.

Maria Clara Museum (Camiling)
Preserved and displayed in this museum are the priceless mementos of Leonora Rivera, the sweetheart of Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal. Leonora Rivera is immortalized as the heroine Maria Clara in the novel of Rizal.

San Sebastian Cathedral (Tarlac City)
The site of the revolutionary congress. The demolished Tarlac Catholic Convert had once become the highest Filipino seat of learning when the Literario Sciantifico Universidad was transferred from Malolos, Bulacan to Tarlac on March 31, 1889.

Accolalao (Paniqui)
It was in this old townsite of Paniqui where Ali Madin, deposed Sultan of Sulu, formally embraced the Christian faith on April 29, 1750 and assumed the name, Don Fernando Ali Mudin I.

Camiling Church (Camiling)
Its convent was the place of death of General Pedro Pedroche and his men in the hands of General Francisco Makabalos and his revolutionary troops upon the order of General Antonio Luna on charges of rebellion.

Cultural

Aquino Center
(Tarlac, Tarlac) The Aquino Center offers modern conference facilities, spacious functions rooms, convention hall, library containing books and memorabilia of former President Corazon Aquino and the late Senator and patriot Benigno Aquino, Jr. The museum offers a vivid display of the life and works of the late Senator with a mini-theater depicting in visual drama his illustrious life. Tour of Tarlac is never complete without a memorial visit to the center.


Carlos P. Romulo Memorial Library
(Tarlac, Tarlac) Established on May 9, 1952 during the administration of Governor Antonio E. Lopez, this institution was originally named after the late President Manuel A. Roxas, and was later renamed in 1990 after the prominent statesman.


Tarlac Museum
(Tarlac, Tarlac) Tarlac Museum has an extensive collection of official documents of the different revolutionary personalities like the letters of Francisco Makabulos and Gen. Servillano Aquino. This museum stages exhibits every 45 days such as the National Costume of Luzon and many other themes that depict the history and life in the province of Tarlac.


Nature

Mt. Pinatubo
Made famous by its catastrophic eruption in 1991, now a source of travel and study among tourists and travelers visiting Central Luzon.

Bueno Hot Springs (Capas)
Located within the reservation area of Clark Air Base. The terrain is mountainous and the place can be reached only by trail.

Dolores Spring (Tarlac City)
Its water is believed to be medicinal.

Anao Quinabutok Creek (Anao)
Rich with aquatic resources and a favorite site of picnic goers and excursionists for fishing and swimming.

Religious
St. Rose of Lima Church
(Paniqui, Tarlac) Built during the Spanish colonization, and one of the oldest in the country. This structure underwent extensive reconstruction in the early 1970s.


San Sebastian Church
(Tarlac, Tarlac) Located in front of the Municipal Hall, the church was the site of the revolutionary congress. The demolished Tarlac Catholic convent had become the highest Filipino seat of learning when the Literario-Sientifico Universidad of Malolos, Bulacan was transferred to Tarlac on March 31, 1889. The first graduation ceremonies on Sept. 29, 1890 were held inside the Catholic Convent premises. Diplomas then were signed by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo.


Man-Made
Bamban Park
(Bamban, Tarlac) The park was carved along the hilly area near the national highway in Tarlac and is quite visible from the road with its imposing grotto of Virgin Mary pedestalled on a hill. One has to hurdle a 100-step stairway before reaching the grotto. The area is characterized by stretches of roadside mini-restaurants and bonsai farms - all catering to commuters bound for the north. People visit the place to pay homage to the Blessed Mother or do mountain trekking on the side.


Tinang Site Voice of America
(Concepcion, Tarlac) This radio transmitting facility was used by the Voice of America, the International Broadcasting Service and the U.S. Information Agency in communicating to the world for over 30 years.


Magsaysay Dam
(Mayantok, Tarlac) This dam, named after the late Pres. Ramon Magsaysay, boasts of crystal-clear water from the mountain and a scenic view of surrounding areas.


San Bartolome Treehouse
(Mayantok, Tarlac) Located in Brgy. San Bartolome, this treehouse, constructed through the initiative of the barangay council in 1973, is one of the most interesting attractions in the province.


Tarlac Sugar Mills
(Paniqui, Tarlac) The province of Tarlac takes pride in having two large sugar mills, namely CAT Sugar Mills in Tarlac City and Paniqui Sugar Mills in Paniqui town. These sugar mills help boost the economy of the province.


Diwa ng Tarlak
(Tarlac, Tarlac) A civic and convention center built during the time of Gov. Federico Peralta, it houses a convention hall, ballroom, trade exhibit hall and dining facilities. It is a favorite venue for special functions such as seminars and conferences.



Hacienda Luisita
(Tarlac, Tarlac) The Cojuangco-owned hacienda in Tarlac City houses the famous Tarlac Industrial Park where a growing lists of international export producing companies are located. It boasts of an 18-hole championship golf course, shopping malls, world-class restaurants, hotels, a Beverly Hill - type of residential estate and a vast sugar plantation. Also located in the complex is the Aquino Center and Museum.


Luisita Golf and Country Club
(Tarlac, Tarlac) Located within a sugar plantation owned by the Cojuangco Family. Designed by the world-renowned Robert Trent, this place is a magnificent landscape of verdant slopes and restful lagoons.


Plaza Luisita Center
(Tarlac, Tarlac) A modern and masterfully designed commercial and business complex for shopping malls, offices, retail shops, food establishments and recreational centers. It houses such retail food outlets like Max's Restaurant, McDonald's, Jollibee, Pancake House, Greenwich, Cindy's, Travieza and Chow King

Festivals
Mt. Pinatubo Trek (30 November 2004)
(Capas, Tarlac) An annual trekking event is held every November 30 to commemorate the world-famous eruption of Mt. Pinatubo. Hundreds of local and foreign visitors on board all-weather vehicles drive for one hour along the rocky and watery streambed in O' Donnell, Brgy. Sta. Juliana in Capas, Tarlac only to take on a 2-hour walk to the crater of the volcano to witness the tranquility and peacefulness of Mother Nature. Participants join the annual event to contribute part of their resources for the benefit of the conservation and local infrastructure development projects of the host community of Sta. Juliana. The event is participated in by the Angeles City Four Wheelers Club with support from other motoring groups. The project is organized by the Department of Tourism - Region III as part of their mission to "build better quality of lives thru travel and tourism."

Special Interest
Conquer Mt. Pinatubo
Trek to the crater of the world-famous Mt. Pinatubo. Spectacular views, towering lahar canyons, cool mountain springs, and cascading waterfalls make the trip up the volcano an experience to remember. The tour may be taken via Brgy. Sta. Juliana, Capas, Tarlac.

I'm proud of my hometown of Paniqui, and my province of Tarlac.

http://www.paniqui.gov.ph/home/
I noticed that in the census, there is a very important dialect that was completely forgotten, Pangasinan. Yes, we speak the Pangasinan dialect in Tarlac too. There is a saying in our hometown, "Hinde nyo puedeng maloko ang mga tiga Tarlac, kasi marunong sila mg Kapangpangan, Ilocano, at mg Pangasinan." Which is true, my grandparents spoke all three dialects fluently, including Tagalog, and the majority of the people in the town are abled speakers of all three dialects.

True. Kaya tawag nila sa Tarlac: "Melting Pot of Central Luzon". :) Mga kamag anak namin sa Paniqui, Moncada and Camiling nakakapagsalita ng Pangasinense. Tama ba, dating part ng Pangasinan (Bayambang town) mga bayan na yan? Yun kasi sabi ng mga matatanda at nakasulat rin sa history ng town namin. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

Taga La Paz Tarlac ako bro, ung nagiisang Private high school duon ay pagaari ng mga Castaneda.


may mga kamag-anak kami dito sa tarlac. may kilala ba kayong castaneda surname?

Tarlac Hero

Francisco Macabulos
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Francisco Macabulos (September 17, 1871-April 30, 1922) was a Filipino patriot who led Katipunan revolutionary forces during the Philippine Revolution against Spain in 1896.

He was born in La Paz, Tarlac and organized the first Katipunan group there after he was inducted into the secret society by Ladislao Diwa in 1896. When the revolution broke out in 1898, he liberated Tarlac and established town councils in areas he liberted.

Macabulos refused to honor the Pact of Biak-na-Bato, which called for a truce with the Spanish colonial government, and continued operations in Central Luzon. But on January 14, 1898, he disbanded his troops and accepted amnesty after receiving P14,000 as part of Spanish reparations to Filipino revolutionaries. Macabulos distributed the money to his men.

However, he resumed operations against the Spanish and on April 17, 1898, an assembly of citizens representing the town councils Macabulos established, calling themselves representatives of Central Luzon, met and drafted a provisional constitution. They created a government that was to exist until a revolutionary government is established. Macabulos' government was headed by a general executive committee, consisting of a president, vice president, secretary of interior, secretary of war and a secretary of the treasury.

Macabulos dissolved his government after the First Philippine Republic was created by the Malolos Constitution, which he also signed. He also led his men to free nearby provinces, like Pangasinan where he led revolutionists in the Battle of Dagupan.

Well, to those who are involved and active in their hometown associations.... Mga tiga Paniqui, We just had our Paniqui USA Association Christmas Party here in Southern California. Wish we could be back home there in Tarlac and our hometowns to celebrate with relatives at mga kababayan, it's not the same kasi eh. Mas masaya kung nasa tahanan. :) To everyone in Paniqui and our wonderful Province of Tarlac... Maligayang Pasko at Bagong Taon sa inyong lahat! God Bless!

True. Kaya tawag nila sa Tarlac: "Melting Pot of Central Luzon". :) Mga kamag anak namin sa Paniqui, Moncada and Camiling nakakapagsalita ng Pangasinense. Tama ba, dating part ng Pangasinan (Bayambang town) mga bayan na yan? Yun kasi sabi ng mga matatanda at nakasulat rin sa history ng town namin. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

Yes, it's true. Natanong ko sa lolo ko kasi he lived most of his life sa Tarlac, tilled the soil of Tarlac till he retired, hangat ngayon nandito na kame sa States, umuuwi pa rin para lang makita ang bayan namin at mahawakan ang lupang pinagtataniman nya nung araw. hehe. True, at one point parts of it was Pangasinan province, but the boundary lines have been redrawn several times in the course of Tarlac's history and the history of our country itself. Names of places, such as Accolalao, derived ata sa Pangasinan dialect din ata yun eh. Acolao in the Pangasinan dialect means matanda (elders, elderly..mga lola at lolo). Not so sure, since nobody ever records local history properly and in detail, most of it is by word of mouth from our elders, who have been there all of their lives.

You know what's really shameful is, yung mga matatanda natin, marami silang alam, di lang natin pinapansin. Lalo na historya ng bayan natin. It should be written down. You'd be surprise how much they know. I'm surprised my lolo knows everyone in our hometown, and those who were originally there since his time. Kakilala nya pati yung mga tiga neighboring town... Moncada at Gerona. Believe talaga ako.

By Russell Arador (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/regions/view/20071225-108714/Tarlac_aims_to_become_Belen_capital_of_RP)
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 04:14:00 12/25/2007

TARLAC CITY -- The campaign to create an annual tourist attraction for Tarlac has gained ground with the launch this year of “Belenismo sa Tarlac,” a project that seeks to transform the province into the “Belen capital” of the Philippines.

Belenismo in Spanish means the art of making Belen, a representation of the Nativity scene in which the Holy Family (Joseph, Mary and the infant Jesus) is visited by the three wise men who came to the manger through the guidance of a star.

This year’s Belen Festival ran from September, when the first Belen-making workshop was conducted, to Dec. 16, the day the winning entries were chosen and awarded.

Organizers have intended the festival to become an annual event in the province.

Belen-making competition

“The competitions brought out the very best in Tarlaqueños,” said Isabel Cojuangco-Suntay, who led the project. “I am pleasantly surprised to discover how truly creative we are as a people.”

Suntay, sister of former Ambassador Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco Jr., is president of the Tarlac Heritage Foundation, a non-government organization.

Aside from Suntay, the organizers include Tarlac Gov. Victor Yap; businessman Jun Baron, president of the Tarlac Conventions and Visitors Bureau; and Fr. Alex Bautista, head of the Tarlac Diocese’s Commission for the Cultural Heritage of the Church.

About four months ago, the organizing committee of the “Belenismo sa Tarlac” started holding lectures and workshops where participants were taught to make Belen using various materials like styropor and carton.

“The project was conceptualized to help create an annual tourist attraction for Tarlac, develop a Belen-related cottage industry and, of course, preserve the religious importance of remembering the birth of Jesus Christ,” said Bautista.

On Dec. 16, Sen. Loren Legarda led the awarding of 16 winners in five categories -- personal, grand, monumental, municipal and diorama.

[B]Life-size

In the “personal” and “diorama” (closed Belen with three sides) categories, entries were transported to the judging site and submitted by individuals.

In the “monumental” category, entries were life-size, while entries in the “grand” category were at least three meters high.

In the “municipal” category, participated in exclusively by municipal governments, the entries were larger than life-size.

The Tarlac police office, led by Senior Supt. Nicanor Bartolome, won the first prize in the grand category with its Christmas lights-rich entry placed along the Barangay Salapungan portion of MacArthur Highway in Tarlac City.

Bartolome said their Belen was built by at least 24 policemen, “some of whom had been trained as architects, engineers, artists and carpenters before they joined the [police] service.”

The entry by Asiaten Hotel, located in Barangay San Sebastian in Tarlac City, placed second. It caught the judges’ eyes because it is made up entirely of abaniko (native hand fan). The entry by restaurant Coconut Grill was third.

In the municipal category, the top prize went to Victoria town while San Clemente town was second. The towns of Ramos and Capas tied for third place.

Personal category

In the personal category, Larni Castro of Barangay Padapada in Sta. Ignacia town tied with Roland Rigor of Tarlac City, for the top prize. They were followed by Ma. Rachelle Simon of Barangay Maliwalo, also in Tarlac City.

In the monumental category, the winners were St. Josemaria Escriva Parish, first place; Metrotown Mall, second; and Estipona High School in Pura town, third.

In the diorama-making contest, the first prize winner, Albert Dancel, placed the Holy Family inside a clay pot and seen through a crack shaped like the map of Tarlac.

Equally interesting is the second prize winner created by provincial government employee Ramon Espinosa, who set the birth of Jesus Christ in front of the lobby of the Tarlac capitol.

To house the collection of dioramas, the provincial government put up the Museo de Tarlac, located a few meters from the Diwa ng Tarlak Building in Tarlac City.

Bautista, who teaches liturgical arts at the University of Santo Tomas, said although Makati City is also holding Belen contests yearly, Tarlac’s activity is unique.

Tradition of Belen

“Ours is different because it’s not just a contest. We’re starting a tradition of Belen. For example, during Holy Week we can start visiting Belen sites, Visita Belen, and pray before them. There are prayers for Visita Belen, translated into different local languages like Ilokano, Kapampangan and Tagalog, meditating on the mystery of the incarnation of our Lord,” he said.

“Hindi lang siya mababaw na palabas (It’s not only for show). People are invited to pray. That’s why the Museo and the Belen exhibits were blessed because the principle is that they are objects for you to pray. So that you will remember the mystery of the birth of the Son of God.”

http://i168.photobucket.com/albums/u177/Jarenz_038/happynewyear.gif

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2193/2149006770_ccf53fd88c.jpg?v=0

Hi guys, I'm planning in advance for my summer vacation in Luzon (March 22nd to May x) and I'd like to ask a question: What are the "popular" tourist destinations in Tarlac (particularly old churches, heritage sites)? Thanks in advance for your help

Iba-Tarlac road now in offing

by Rebecca Grace S. David

Zambales -- A road network that would liberate Zambales from isolation from the rest of Central Luzon is now ready for construction.

The Iba-Tarlac Road starts from the Olongapo-Bugallon road in Botolan and connects to Capas at the foot of the Baracbac Bridge. It has a total length of 89 kilometers. The 52 kilometers portion is in Zambales while the remaining 39 kilometers belong to Tarlac.

This road will also link Zambales to Pampanga, Nueva Ecija and Aurora. It will serve as the secondary route to both Subic and Clark when one comes from the north. It will also be an alternative route to the already vulnerable and much traversed Gapan-San Fernando-Olongapo intersection.

Zambales District Engineer Domingo Mariano said the road network project also entails the construction of six concrete bridges with a total length of 2.5 kilometers. Needed to complete these bridges is P774 million. The DPWH is awaiting the release of funds for the construction of these bridges.

Initially, some P195 million has been released for the construction of the roads. Total amount needed for the completion of the roads is P696 million.

There is now a 6 kilometer gravel road. Also completed is an 8 kilometer concrete road. To be opened for construction is a 34 kilometer road network.

Engr. Domingo added that both Zambales and Tarlac have been clamoring for the completion of this link since it will reduce travel time to an hour and contribute to the economic growth of both provinces. (PIA (http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&fi=p080123.htm&no=12))

Aetas join 'biotech revolution'

By Amy R. Remo
Philippine Daily Inquirer (http://business.inquirer.net/money/features/view/20080224-120914/Aetas-join-biotech-revolution)


THANKS to some 3,000 AETA families, the once sleepy town of Bamban, Tarlac may soon grab a lucrative share of the booming $1-billion global natural ingredients industry.

According to the Department of Agriculture, these families have joined the 21st century "biotech revolution" through malunggay farming, allowing Bamban to possibly become a major supplier of raw materials to key international markets.

Through "Buklod-Serbisyo Para sa Katutubong Aeta," these families from 12 Aeta communities will be given a seminar on malunggay farming, enabling them to cultivate the malunggay seeds in their farms.

"The program aims to empower the indigenous peoples of the town who can tap their vast ancestral lands, to make them more productive," Alicia Ilaga, director of the Department of Agriculture Biotechnology Program Office, said in a statement.

Launched last week, the government program intends to promote the massive cultivation of the lowly malunggay to help fight poverty, hunger and malnutrition in rural areas.

Dubbed as the "miracle vegetable," malunggay has been found by biochemists and molecular anthropologists as rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, iron and high density lipoprotein (HDL) otherwise known as good cholesterol.

A combination of antitumor and hormonal properties can be reportedly found in the plant's root bark extracts.

As a green-leafy vegetable, malunggay is also found to contain phytochemicals that can prevent the development of cancer cells.

Aside from cancer, the onset of other chronic diseases like arthritis heart complications and kidney diseases can be prevented because of the potent antioxidants from malunggay.

It also helps maintain good eyesight, facilitates digestion and bowel movement, and can be used to clean wounds, cure stomach aches, scurvy, asthma, earache and headaches.

According to Tarlac 3rd District Rep. Jeci Lapus, the "program will indeed be a big help to the Aetas, who suffer from extreme poverty despite having a vast ancestral land, which they can [now] turn into an agro-forestry plantation for the supply of malunggay seeds."

Currently, Aetas in this town earn a meager P100 a day, said Barangay San Vicente chair Danilo Adrias, an Aeta leader.

"Farming for their everyday food or sustenance is a way of life among Aetas. Usually, Aetas plant root crops like kamoteng ugat or sweet potato, kamoteng kahoy or cassava, papaya and banana, which they sell in the market or the town proper," he explained.

The DA program, however, goes beyond teaching Aetas the basics of malunggay farming.

Aetas who cultivate malunggay seeds are now assured of a buyer, as Secura International Corp. signed a purchase agreement with the Maampat na Magbubukid ng Malunggay.

Secura is a local biotechnology firm which offers contracts to grow the backyard vegetable tree. It has also pioneered the extraction of oil from the seeds of malunggay, scientifically known as Moringa oleifera.

Secura is currently contracting farmers for the supply of malunggay seeds and leaves. It exports moringa oil to various companies that manufacture personal healthcare products and supplies powdered malunggay leaves to local food processors.

Under the purchasing agreement, Secura will buy malunggay seeds from the Aetas at P10 a kilo.

Secura then turns these seeds into pure oil, producing as much as one liter oil from less than three kilos of the seeds.

For its part, the Maampat na Magbubukid ng Malunggay will plant malunggay in their vast ancestral land, turning it into a malunggay plantation for the purpose of supplying the seeds to Secura alone.

Danilo Manayaga, president and chief executive officer of Secura said that already, a US biotechnology firm is willing to buy a particular volume of malunggay seed oil, which will require some 500,000 hectares of land planted to the vegetable tree.

During the launch, the DA, through the Bureau of Plant Industry, distributed malunggay seedlings to encourage farmers to join the program.

Other highlights of the program launch included the establishment of a Tarlac Bionet-Biocommerce Information Resource Center and provision of free dental and medical services.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Government of Tarlac led by Gov. Victor Yap had expressed support for the program and had vowed to help in the marketing aspect of malunggay products and byproducts.

La Paz, Tarlac

The Old La Paz Municipal Hall

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Under construction as of April 07, 2008

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Rendering

http://inlinethumb27.webshots.com/35546/2399302210041605593S500x500Q85.jpg (http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2399302210041605593gHQtBp)

Roadtrip to Ilocos | First Stop: Tarlac City

So as not to stress out our driver (my dad), we decided to go halfway our route and spend our night there so we chose the La Maja Rica Hotel and Restaurant in Tarlac City.


Name: La Maja Rica Hotel and Restaurant
Location: Mc. Arthur Highway, Ligtasan, Tarlac City
Contact # (+6345-6112051) / (+6345-6112053 to 55)

General Information
The La Maja Rica Hotel and Restaurant is a boutique Hotel situated along the National Highway, halfway between Manila and Baguio at the commercial and business centers of Tarlac City. The hotel offers a choice of 40 well-equipped guestrooms with deluxe amenities such as colored TV with cable channels, air-conditioned rooms, centralized solar heating system for hot water usage, IDD and NDD phone features, 24 hours stand-by generators asuring no power breakdown and a spacious and secured parking lots. For recreation, guests can enjoy free use of our swimming pool.

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Deym, I forgot to take photos of the rooms but it's okay. 2 rooms for P3,000++

More La Paz Tarlac Photo

Gen Macabulos Ancestral House

http://inlinethumb61.webshots.com/42364/2208490000041605593S600x600Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2208490000041605593LqWhSs)


La Paz Public Plaza
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Nuestra Senora De Lapaz Parish
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Public Market
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Victoria Tarlac

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Tarlac City

Tarlac Cathedral with Magic star Mall side view at the background
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Tarlac Cathedral
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Part of Tarlac Plaza
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Tarlac City Hall
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Uniwide Tarlac
http://inlinethumb62.webshots.com/41149/2661068030041605593S600x600Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2661068030041605593NiyVuT)

Victoria Tarlac

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My hometown! I miss this place! Ang bayan na walang ospital:lol: Anyone here from Victoria? Anyone here came from the Allarde clan? Haha!

Btw, what was the name of the new supermarket after the public market going to Nueva Ecija?

What?! Walang ospital sa bayan na iyan? Ano ba iyan?

^^ yah! clinic lang... kaya pag emergency pupunta ka pa sa Tarlac City para lang isugod sa ospitall... Isa sigurong dahilan kuing bakit namatay ang lola ko...Sumalangit Nawa

BCDA, Tarlac town to undertake dev’t, livelihood projects

Fred Roxas

CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga — The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) vowed yesterday (May 2) to pursue development and livelihood projects together with Concepcion, Tarlac, one of the municipalities traversed by the newly completed Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx).

BCDA chief legal counsel Arnel Casanova said that BCDA is now rushing the completion of eight overpasses on SCTEx and is also preparing livelihood programs to help Concepcion farmers and residents.

Tarlac Gov. Vic Yap commended BCDA for its development projects in Concepcion.

The Capas Regional Trial Court (RTC) conducted a hearing last Tuesday in connection with a case filed by the municipality of Concepcion for specific performance, asking the court to compel the BCDA to comply with its obligations under a memorandum agreement (MoA) and a supplemental MoA between the town and BCDA signed in 2005 and 2007, respectively.

"The BCDA is committed to pursue its partnership with the people of Concepcion. In fact, even before they filed the case, we are already in the process of completing the overpasses that will serve as farm crossings," Casanova said.

SCTEX Program Manager for Operational Support Robert Gervacio said that as of April 30, four of the eight overpasses that the BCDA committed to build in Concepcion had been finished, while the others are being rushed.

During hearing at the sala of Judge Alipio Yumul of Capas of RTC Branch 66 regarding Concepcion’s plea for a preliminary injunction against the commercial opening of the SCTEX, Casanova invoked Republic Act 8975 that prohibits the issuance of temporary restraining orders against government infrastructure projects.

He said the allegations of Concepcion that the commercial operation of the SCTEX will result in irreparable damage to the farmers has no basis because the BCDA has unilaterally decided not to open the Clark-Tarlac segment of the SCTEX until the construction of the overpasses is completed .

Last April 28, the BCDA formally opened the 50.5-kilometer Subic-Clark segment and only a portion of the ClarkTarlac segment of the SCTEX to commercial traffic. Of the total 94-kilometer toll road, only the 62-kilometer section was opened, leaving 32 kilometers of the Clark-Tarlac segment still closed.

The BCDA deferred the opening of the 32-kilometer portion of the Clark-Tarlac segment to give way to the completion of the final stages of the construction of the rice-farm crossings, aside from installation of steel posts, cables, and other accessories by the National Transmission Corp. (Transco).

http://www.mb.com.ph/PROV20080503123483.html

Tuesday, May 06, 2008
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/may/06/yehey/business/20080506bus9.html

Sutherland Global to expand in rural RP


A New York-based multinational company engaged in information technology and business process outsourcing in the Philippines plans to increase its call-center seats here by more than two-fold.

The firm, Sutherland Global Services, plans to open new offices in Davao City, Tarlac City and Iloilo and will be hiring more than 5,000 agents from those cities within this year to add to the current 5,500- strong workforce.

“The Philippines accounts for the 15 percent of Sutherland’s overall business…With [our] expansion plans, [we] also expect to double the capital expenditure this year,” Craig Bauwens, country manager and vice president for service delivery, said.

Bauwens said Sutherland will invest $3,500 per seat.

Further, the executive said that 80 percent of their market is the US and Canada, while the remaining 20 percent is being shared by Australia and Europe.

“Despite reports that a number of BPO companies in the Philippines are closing down due to the US recession, [we] believe that the slowdown is actually helping [our] business,” Bauwens said.

At present, Sutherland has BPO offices in Pampanga, Makati, Naga City, and Davao City.

The company specializes in integrated BPO solutions and employs over 21,000 professionals in India, the United States, Philippines, Canada and Mexico.

Bauwens said that once it has established its footprint in the Philippines, the firm will position its local offices to attract new markets such as Southeast Asia and other nearby countries.

“By integrating highly trained people with state-of-the-art technology and proven business methodologies, Sutherland in the countries will be competing head-on with other BPO giants,” Bauwens said.
--Katrina Mennen A. Valdez

kagagaling ko lang sa tarlac last week and all i can say is wow, progress has been on a "turbo" pace for the last 15 years! malaki ang iginanda ng Tarlac lately lalo na yung F. Tanedo St., parang Henson St., version siya of Angeles

Could this be Bali?

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Photos above by Hermie Gonzales (http://www.pbase.com/hermiegonzales/tarlac_october_2005)


Or Phuket?

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Photos above by MJ Felipe (http://www.pbase.com/mjfelipe/gerona)

They're taken from Isdaan Restaurant in Gerona, Tarlac...

Old Public Market
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Under Construction
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Now Open:
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Roadtrip to Ilocos | First Stop: Tarlac City
So as not to stress out our driver (my dad), we decided to go halfway our route and spend our night there so we chose the La Maja Rica Hotel and Restaurant in Tarlac City.
http://img177.imageshack.us/img177/4025/a5nq8.jpg
Deym, I forgot to take photos of the rooms but it's okay. 2 rooms for P3,000++

Wow, nice place hehe, been there last week with a girl who I've met @ Magic Mall hehe, for a measly 290 bucks short time

don't tell my wife

Under Construction
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Now Open:
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^^ Mula 1998 to 2008, ang laki ng pababago sa Sta Ignacia. :)

Central Park Hotel Philippines Launches Reservation System Best Rates & Instant Confirmation Online

Tarlac City, Philippines -- Central Park Hotel in Tarlac beefs up its customer service suite with an innovative online reservation system on their website http://www.centralparkhotel-tarlac.com/ , which offers instant confirmation and competitive room rates.

With a new online reservation system, booking a room at Central Park Hotel in Tarlac, Tarlac City, Philippines has never been this easy and convenient. Guests can now log on to at Central Park Hotel’s website at http://www.centralparkhotel-tarlac.com/ and select the room type with the best possible rate online. Booking guests will also receive a confirmation notification instantly.

Now, guests of Central Park Hotel in Tarlac have more time in their hands to plan their vacation or business trip without much fuss over their reservation details. This state-of-the-art service system displays 14 days of actual room availability matched with the lowest rates online. More so, guests can choose the accommodation type being offered by Central Park Hotel based on their budget. Modifications on the reservation arrangement can also be made without extra cost through a first-class guest relations unit that is available 24/7.

The 10% deposit payment that is deducted from room cost also serve as a guarantee on the availability of the room upon arrival to the hotel.

Central Park Hotel is strategically located right in the heart of cutting-edge Luisita Business Park in Tarlac City, Philippines. The Central Park Hotel is adjacent to one of the Top 100 Golf Courses in the World – the Luisita Golf and Country Club.

Aside from a great location, each hotel room in Tarlac Central Park Hotel reflects intimacy, individuality, and stylish creativity, providing guests with the perfect haven away from exciting Tarlac City. The hotel’s rooms were designed to pamper guests, whether they’re business executives, tourists, or conference delegates. Each accommodation is modestly furnished with matching contemporary amenities.

More information about Central Park Hotel’s world-class accommodations, facilities, location, and directions you can visit http://www.centralparkhotel-tarlac.com/

Central Park Hotel’s easy-to-use online reservation system was enabled by DirectWithHotels, an online reservation services provider. Through its cutting-edge technology, hotels worldwide are empowered to deliver instant confirmations coupled with the most viable rates online, allowing guests to book rooms directly through the hotel websites.

Kapag napadaan kayo sa Tarlac City, try relaxing at RIO MADERA SPA along McArthur Hi-way.

Marami na rin akong napuntahang spa but this for me is the best place to be, (for wholesome pure massage only).

Highly recommended and affordable pa!
By the way, I'm not connected whatsoever with this SPA.

^^ That's great! May ipagmamalaki nanaman ang Tarlac

Anyway sana idevelop ng husto ang Luisita Business Park. Just like in Cebu Business Park, pag nangyari yun siguradong napakagandang manirahan sa Tarlac.

Is the rumored SM Tarlac is just a rumor? or scrapped? or still planning?

Mayor says mall not yet approved

By Russell Arador
Inquirer
First Posted 09:47pm (Mla time) 09/18/2007

TARLAC CITY, Philippines -- Mayor Genaro Mendoza has denied reports the construction of a Shoemart mall on a 33,996-square meter lot in Barangay (village) San Roque here is already a "done deal."

The project is facing opposition from various sectors who claim the giant mall's entry would threaten local business establishments and its construction on the proposed site would cause floods and traffic problems.

"If you look at the records, there is no mayor's permit yet and the business application is not yet approved because we are still consulting with the people," Mendoza said.

He said the management of SM should first secure important requirements such as an environmental compliance certificate from the Environmental Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, before the mayor’s office could issue a business permit.

Mendoza said that so far they received an application from the owner of the proposed site for its reclassification from agricultural to commercial.

"But again the application will have to go through the legal process," he said.

Mendoza said he hoped the SM management would comply with the requirements.

"Given the stature of SM, it is unthinkable that its management would not follow the proper process. There are many SM branches all over the country and each had complied with the requirements before operating," he said.

The city government's role, the mayor said, would be "to give the permit after compliance."

He said after the SM management presented the project in two consultation meetings held last month, "almost all issues against it had been ventilated."

The more than 1,000 members of the United Tarlac Vendors Association (UTVA) said the organization was not against the establishment of a mall but opposed its construction at a site they claimed would cause flooding and worsen traffic problems in the city.

Local businessmen, on the other hand, say the entry of SM would drive local firms out of business.

However, hiring continues:

SM Supermalls

From its simple beginnings, SM is now a giant Group of Companies committed to the highest level of talent, service and expertise in the Retail, Merchandising and Shopping Center business. From a shoe store, SM ventured to other areas, focusing on complimentary business and creating a synergistic structure that will strengthen the different companies in various fields. SM has been named one of Asia’s Most Admired Companies in surveys undertaken by the prestigious Asian Business Review. It has been honoured as the Best Philippine Company for Strategy and Management by Asia Money as well as the Best Managed Company in the Philippines by the UK-based Euro Money Magazine.

SM Supermalls is the largest chain of shopping malls in the Philippines, and is the acknowledged trendsetter and innovator in the shopping center, leisure and entertainment scene in the country. Currently, SM Supermalls, has 29 malls located in strategic locations all over the country. In addition to the newly opened SM City Bacolod, 2 new malls will be opened this year: SM Taytay (October 2007) and SM Muntinlupa (November 2007). In 2008, there will be 5 more new malls: SM Marikina, SM Baliuag (Bulacan), SM Rosales (Pangasinan), SM Nagtahan (Manila) and SM Vito Cruz (Manila). Concomitant with our expansion and growth, is our need for dynamic and competitive professionals to take on the responsibility of running our malls, cinemas, bowling centers, ice skating rinks, food court, amusement centers, trade halls, convention center, IMAX, and Science Discovery Center.

We provide "ENDLESS OPPORTUNITIES" for our employees and make it possible to have "CAREERS NEAR HOME".


LEASING MANAGER - SM TARLAC



RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Leasing Manager shall be responsible in ensuring the maximum occupancy of the leasable spaces of the malls under his/her area of responsibility. This individual will orchestrate additional potential solicitation of retail tenants and new concepts. He/ she is expected to maintain positive tenant relationships to promote occupancy of the mall properties, and prepares forecasts and maintains budget to maximize mall value and profitability.


REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants must have at least 5 solid years of managerial experience in property/tenant management, sales and marketing, or brand management, with a minimum academic requirement of a Bachelors Degree preferably in Business Administration/Management, Marketing, Finance/Accountancy, or equivalent.

Ideal candidate must have excellent verbal and written communication skills; with strong negotiation and excellent interpersonal skills which, will be useful in dealing with associates, clients, and customers; he/she must possess a high level of organizational skills and the ability to plan effectively; must focused and very detail-oriented.

Strong background in customer service and a wide network of professional and business contacts are extremely helpful, experience in sales and brand marketing will be very helpful as well.

This position will be based in SM Tarlac.

We will only accept degree holders from reputable universities or colleges.

Should you wish to apply for this position, please send your updated resume and latest 2x2 colored photo to jdgg@smsupermalls.com and quote, TARLAC LEASING on the subject bar.
Required language(s): English, Filipino
Preferred language(s): Chinese.

Magkakaroon na rin pala ng SM sa Tarlac.... Congratz in advance!

wow! i hope this would be pushed through!

Hindi ba kayo natatakot... I mean SM has the capacity to kill local businesses. Look at what SM -Baguio is doing to the local businesses in the city. At saka, mahal ang bentahin sa SM... and they don't offer anything new.

^^Really, SM is killing small businesses there? How did it happen? I thought Baguio can support all the businesses there due to its main reason as a tourist destination. I wish it wouldn't happen here in Naga.

Slowly. And do you know where the tourists go? At SM. SM is even planning to compete will local hotels. They are really nuts, rather than cooperating with local businesses, they seem enjoy killing them. Our local bizmen don't do that to each other. And besides, ang SM, walang awa sa kalikasan. They chopped thousand of old pine trees when they put up their mall and made their hotel or condo ba yun.

If all tourists go to SM, then local businesses won't have revenue, lahat napunta sa SM. I pray that this won't happen to Tarlac.

Just think of SM as big bully corporation.

I'm happy that Dagupan and Urdaneta rejected SM's proposal to put up a mall there. Kaya napilitan sa may bukirin magtayo ng mall ang SM. Jejeje

Magkakaroon na rin pala ng SM sa Tarlac.... Congratz in advance!

Yeah, in fact, SM Tarlac was first proposed than SM Naga. :)

Attention Tarlakeno Forumers:

If you love the Philippines, use this as your avatar for the whole month of June or for as long as you want:

http://img123.imageshack.us/img123/3863/3dflagsphl00010002awu7.gif

Message from Kuya Sinjin P.

NFA, Tarlac LGUs tie up on sale of subsidized rice

Isaac Kliatchko Jr.

CONCEPCION, Tarlac — The National Food Authority (NFA) office here has forged a tie-up arrangement with local government units (LGUs) and congressional offices for its intensified distribution of subsidized rice to poor people in far-flung and depressed areas of the province’s 17 barangays and one city.

NFA Tarlac Manager Serafin Manalili said the NFA has released the initial rice purchase of the provincial government for its employees upon the representations of Gov. Victor Yap.

Also to be released were rice purchases for employees of Tarlac City government headed by Mayor Genaro Mendoza, Capas town through Mayor Rey Catacutan, and La Paz municipal government headed by Mayor Dionisio Manuel.

Zon Fronda, provincial information officer, said "our personnel are to receive today their allocations of NFA rice, their cash purchases of which had been facilitated by GovernorYap. Our personnel paid cash and the subsidized rice allocation – of 25 kilos per employee per month at R25 per kilo — will be delivered shortly by the NFA," Fronda said.

Mayor Mendoza, meanwhile, said city government personnel will likewise receive their allocations.

Provincial and city officials had earlier pledged and agreed to help in NFA rice distribution and, at the same time, help provide their employees with the government-subsidized grain.

Rep. Jeci Lapus said that while congressional offices are helping distribute rice, "we are also fulfilling our oversight duties and responsibilities to check if the NFA rice distribution is on target.

"We are continuing our coordination efforts as quickly as possible as arrangements are being undertaken on a continuing basis to make NFA rice accessible to the masses. Our personnel work overtime, if necessary. They are really busy working to ensure that the NFA-Tarlac achieves its targets," Manalili said during a meeting at the office here of Congressman Lapus.

So far, Manalili said, the LGUs have been cooperating to be able to purchase for their contituents the government subsidized rice priced at R18.25 a kilo for regular milled rice, and R25 a kilo for the commercial variety.

"We have adequate supply of the subsidized grain as we have beefed up stocks for distribution through our authorized NFA outlets, rolling stores (RS) , and Tindahan Natin (TN) , at the current selling volume of 60 bags and 35 bags daily, respectively, and 60 bags weekly for TN.

The government subsidy is intended to help poor people who cannot afford to buy commercial rice.

http://www.mb.com.ph/issues/2008/07/05/PROV20080705129055.html

GRAND PREMIERE
August 27, 2008
SM City Pampanga
FREE ADMISSION

http://img174.imageshack.us/img174/2404/kalamthumbnailsjv3.jpg

Me keni and make way for the 1st Kapampanganovela!

To the knowledge of most Filipinos, only Manila has the capability of producing teleseryes in the country, while all other dramas must have been produced by Koreans, Americans, Japanese, Mexicans, or Chinese.

But did you know that in other regions, Pinoy TV dramas are also being produced and are even employing the use of non-Tagalog languages like Cebuano? With the cultural fervor sweeping the regions, one could only be reminded that the Philippines—amidst the institutionalized belief that this archipelago only speaks Tagalog as its language while the rest are mere “dialects”—is, indeed, a diverse country, and that its diversity is bound to extend even to the field of TV dramas.

Take for example the Kapampangans, the latest Filipino ethnolinguistic group to enter the field of teleserye production. This August, which is considered the Language Month, a Kapampangan cable channel (Infomax-8) and a creative pool of Kapampangan youth (Kalalangan Kamaru) will be launching Kálam, the first ever Kapampanganovela—the term introduced to refer to kabalen-produced TV dramas—in Philippine broadcasting history.

Combining the Contemporary and Folklore

Like other Philippine regional communities, Kapampangans possess a rich and colorful collection of folklore. Apart from the usual laman labuad (“laman lupa” for the Tagalogs), Kapampangans have a diverse world of folk healers and sorcerers.

Aside from the popular mangkukulam and mambabarang, there is the magkukusim, who can project his soul from his body to bewitch people across distances; the katulunan, who can channel the spirits of various living creatures; the uple, illusion makers; the ustuang, powerful witches that can make their bodies explode and incinerate the surroundings, and many other strange, magical characters that continuously add color to our local culture, but are sadly being forgotten and replaced by foreign monsters like the Bogeyman, Big Foot, and the Loch Ness Monster.

However, in ‘Kálam’ (a Kapampangan word for “grace” or “gift”) instead of portraying these magical characters in their conventional barrio setting, they will be portrayed in the modern, urban world, dissolving the gap between science and superstition, technology and magic, and the traditional and the modern. Imagine mangkukulam, ustuang, and mangguguna (potion chemist and charms maker) living with us in the city as seemingly normal people who dress up like us, listen to the same songs we patronize, watch the latest concerts, keep Friendster accounts, occupy seats in the government, and occupy jobs in call centers and malls.

This is the universe of ‘Kálam,’ where contemporary drama meets folkloric fantasy.

More than a TV show

The producers stress that ‘Kálam’ is more than a TV show. It is also an advocacy project seeking to promote Kapampangan culture and language to the rest of the world while showcasing and enhancing the Kapampangan’s media-related skills. They dream of the day when various ethnolinguistic groups start exchanging teleseryes with one another instead of importing shows from abroad. Such cultural exchange through broadcast media will contribute to the long overdue realization of national unity for the Filipinos.

Starring an all-Kapampangan cast and written, produced, and directed by an all-Kapampangan staff and crew, ‘Kálam’ will air weeknights at Infomax-8 in Pampanga. For people outside Pampanga, keep visiting http://kalamtv.blogspot.com for updates.

Add yu kami friendster: http://profiles.friendster.com/kalamtv

Hello people of Tarlac, anyone of you guys care to post pics of Robinsons Place Tarlac (formerly Luisita Mall) & its rendering? The last time I went home to Urdaneta, I saw the rendering but it was too dark for me to make something out of it.

Also where exactly in San Roque will the proposed SM Tarlac be built? Assuming the city council approves its construction, of course.

Thanks!

ARROYO'S STATE OF THE NATION ADDRESS (Transcript) (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/109854/ARROYOS-STATE-OF-THE-NATION-ADDRESS-(Transcript))
07/28/2008 | 11:26 PM

Email this | Email the Editor | Print | Digg this | Add to del.icio.us State of the Nation Address of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
2nd Regular Session of the 14th Congress
Republic of the Philippines
28 July 2008

Thank you, Speaker Nograles. Senate President Villar. Senators and Representatives. Vice President de Castro, President Ramos, Chief Justice Puno, members of the diplomatic corps, ladies and gentlemen:

I address you today at a crucial moment in world history.

Just a few months ago, we ended 2007 with the strongest economic growth in a generation. Inflation was low, the peso strong and a million new jobs were created. We were all looking to a better, brighter future.

Because tough choices were made, kumikilos na ang bayan sa wakas. Malapit na sana tayo sa pagbalanse ng budget. We were retiring debts in great amounts, reducing the drag on our country’s development, habang namumuhunan sa taong bayan.

Biglang-bigla, nabaligtad ang ekonomiya ng mundo. Ang pagtalon ng presyo ng langis at pagkain ay nagbunsod ng pandaigdigan krisis, the worst since the Great Depression and the end of World War II. Some blame speculators moving billions of dollars from subprime mortgages to commodities like fuel and food. Others point of the very real surge in demand as millions of Chinese and Indians move up to the middle class.

Whatever the reasons, we are on a roller coaster ride of oil price hikes, high food prices and looming economic recession in the US and other markets. Uncertainty has moved like a terrible tsunami around the globe, wiping away gains, erasing progress.

This is a complex time that defies simple and easy solutions. For starters, it is hard to identify villains, unlike in the 1997 financial crisis. Everyone seems to be a victim, rich countries and poor, though certainly some can take more punishment than others.

To address these global challenges, we must go on building and buttressing bridges to allies around the world: to bring in the rice to feed our people, investments to create jobs; and to keep the peace and maintain stability in our country and the rest of the world. Yet even as we reach out to those who need, and who may need us, we strive for greater self-reliance.

Because tough choices were made, the global crisis did not catch us helpless and unprepared. Through foresight, grit and political will, we built a shield around our country that has slowed down and somewhat softened the worst effects of the global crisis. We have the money to care for our people and pay for food when there are shortages; for fuel despite price spikes.

Neither we nor anyone else in the world expected this day to come so soon but we prepared for it. For the guts not to flinch in the face of tough choices, I thank God. For the wisdom to recognize how needed you are, I thank, you Congress. For footing the bill, I thank the taxpayers.

The result has been, on the one hand, ito ang nakasalba sa bayan; and, on the other, more unpopularity for myself in the opinion polls. Yet, even unfriendly polls show self-rated poverty down to its 20-year low in 2007.

My responsibility as President is to take care to solve the problems we are facing now and to provide a vision and direction for how our nation should advance in the future.

Many in this great hall live privileged lives and exert great influence in public affairs. I am accessible to you, but I spend time every day with the underprivileged and under represented who cannot get a grip on their lives in the daily, all-consuming struggle to make ends meet.

Nag-aalala ako para sa naka-aawang maybahay na pasan ang pananagutan para sa buong pamilya. Nag-aalala ako para sa magsasakang nasa unang hanay ng pambansang produksyon ng pagkain ngunit nagsisikap pakanin ang pamilya. I care for hardworking students soon to graduate and wanting to see hope of good job and a career prospect here at home.

Nag-aalala ako para sa 41-year old na padre de pamilya na di araw-araw ang trabaho, at nag-aabala sa asawa at tatlong anak, at dapat bigyan ng higit pang pagkakakitaan at dangal. I care for our teachers who gave the greatest gift we ever received – a good education – still trying to pass on the same gift to succeeding generations. I care for our OFWs, famed for their skill, integrity and untiring labor, who send home their pay as the only way to touch loved ones so far away. Nagpupugay ako ngayon sa kanilang mga karaniwang Pilipino.

My critics say this is fiction, along with other facts and figures I cite today. I call it heroism though they don’t need our praise. Each is already a hero to those who matter most, their families.

I said this is a global crisis where everyone is a victim. But only few can afford to avoid, or pay to delay, the worst effects.

Many more have nothing to protect them from the immediate blunt force trauma of the global crisis. Tulad ninyo, nag-aalala ako para sa kanila. Ito ang mga taong bayan na dapat samahan natin. Not only because of their sacrifices for our country but because they are our countrymen.

How do we solve these many complex challenges?

Sa kanilang kalagayan, the answer must be special care and attention in this great hour of need.

First, we must have a targeted strategy with set of precise prescriptions to ease the price challenges we are facing.

Second, food self-sufficiency; less energy dependence; greater self-reliance in our attitude as a people and in our posture as a nation.

Third, short-term relief cannot be at the expense of long term reforms. These reforms will benefit not just the next generation of Filipinos, but the next President as well.

Napakahalaga ang Value Added Tax sa pagharap sa mga hamong ito.

Itong programa ang sagot sa mga problemang namana natin.

Una, mabawasan ang ating mga utang and shore up our fiscal independence.

Pangalawa, higit na pamumuhunan para mamamayan at imprastraktura.

Pangatlo, sapat na pondo para sa mga programang pangmasa.

Thus, the infrastructure links programmed for the our poorest provinces like Northern Samar: Lao-ang-Lapinig-Arteche, right now ay maputik, San Isidro-Lope de Vega; the rehabilitation of Maharlika in Samar.

Take VAT away and you and I abdicate our responsibility as leaders and pull the rug from under our present and future progress, which may be compromised by the global crisis.

Lalong lumakas ang tiwala ng mga investor dahil sa VAT. Mula P56.50 kada dolyar, lumakas ang piso hanggang P40.20 bago bumalik sa P44 dahil sa mga pabigat ng pangdaigdigang ekonomiya. Kung alisin ang VAT, hihina ang kumpiyansa ng negosyo, lalong tataas ang interes, lalong bababa ang piso, lalong mamahal ang bilihin.

Kapag ibinasura ang VAT sa langis at kuryente, ang mas makikinabang ay ang mga may kaya na kumukonsumo ng 84% ng langis at 90% ng kuryente habang mas masasaktan ang mahihirap na mawawalan ng P80 billion para sa mga programang pinopondohan ngayon ng VAT. Take away VAT and we strip our people of the means to ride out the world food and energy crisis.

We have come too far and made too many sacrifices to turn back now on fiscal reforms. Leadership is not about doing the first easy thing that comes to mind; it is about doing what is necessary, however hard.

The government has persevered, without flip-flops, in its much-criticized but irreplaceable policies, including oil and power VAT and oil deregulation.

Patuloy na gagamitin ng pamahalaan ang lumalago nating yaman upang tulungan ang mga pamilyang naghihirap sa taas ng bilihin at hampas ng bagyo, habang nagpupundar upang sanggahan ang bayan sa mga krisis sa hinaharap.

Para sa mga namamasada at namamasahe sa dyip, sinusugpo natin ang kotong at colorum upang mapataas ang kita ng mga tsuper. Si Federico Alvarez kumikita ng P200 a day sa kaniyang rutang Cubao-Rosario. Tinaas ito ng anti-kotong, anti-colorum ngayon P500 na ang kita niya. Iyan ang paraan kung paano napananatili ang dagdag-pasahe sa piso lamang. Halaga lang ng isang text.

Texting is a way of life. I asked the telecoms to cut the cost of messages between networks. They responded. It is now down to 50 centavos.

Noong Hunyo, nagpalabas tayo ng apat na bilyong piso mula sa VAT sa langis—dalawang bilyong pambayad ng koryente ng apat na milyong mahihirap, isang bilyon para college scholarship o pautang sa 70,000 na estudyanteng maralita; kalahating bilyong pautang upang palitan ng mas matipid na LPG, CNG o biofuel ang motor ng libu-libong jeepney; at kalahating bilyong pampalit sa fluorescent sa mga pampublikong lugar.

Kung mapapalitan ng fluorescent ang lahat ng bumbilya, makatitipid tayo ng lampas P2 billion.

Sa sunod na katas ng VAT, may P1 billion na pambayad ng kuryente ng mahihirap; kalahating bilyon para sa matatandang di sakop ng SSS o GSIS; kalahating bilyong kapital para sa pamilya ng mga namamasada; kalahating bilyon upang mapataas ang kakayahan at equipment ng mga munting ospital sa mga lalawigan. At para sa mga kalamidad, angkop na halaga.

We released P1 billion for the victims of typhoon Frank. We support a supplemental Western Visayas calamity budget from VAT proceeds, as a tribute to the likes of Rodney Berdin, age 13, of Barangay Rombang, Belison, Antique, who saved his mother, brother and sister from the raging waters of Sibalom River.

Mula sa buwang ito, wala nang income tax ang sumusweldo ng P200,000 o mas mababa sa isang taon – P12 billion na bawas-buwis para sa maralita at middle class. Maraming salamat, Congress.

Ngayong may P32 na commercial rice, natugunan na natin ang problema sa pagkain sa kasalukuyan. Nagtagumpay tayo dahil sa pagtutulungan ng buong bayan sa pagsasaka, bantay-presyo at paghihigpit sa price manipulation, sa masipag na pamumuno ni Artie Yap.

Sa mga LGU at religious groups na tumutulong dalhin ang NFA rice sa mahihirap, maraming salamat sa inyo.

Dahil sa subsidy, NFA rice is among the region’s cheapest. While we can take some comfort that our situation is better than many other nations, there is no substitute for solving the problem of rice and fuel here at home. In doing so, let us be honest and clear eyed – there has been a fundamental shift in global economics. The price of food and fuel will likely remain high. Nothing will be easy; the government cannot solve these problems over night. But, we can work to ease the near-term pain while investing in long-term solutions.

Since 2001, new irrigation systems for 146,000 hectares, including Malmar in Maguindanao and North Cotabato, Lower Agusan, Casecnan and Aulo in Nueva Ecija, Abulog-Apayao in Cagayan and Apayao, Addalam in Quirino and Isabela, among others, and the restoration of old systems on another 980,000 hectares have increased our nation’s irrigated land to a historic 1.5 million hectares.

Edwin Bandila, 48 years old, of Ugalingan, Carmen, North Cotabato, cultivated one hectare and harvested 35 cavans. Thirteen years na ginawa iyong Malmar. In my first State of the Nation Address, sabi ko kung hindi matapos iyon sa Setyembre ay kakanselahin ko ang kontrata, papapasukin ko ang engineering brigade, natapos nila. With Malamar, now he cultivates five hectares and produces 97 cavans per hectare. Mabuhay, Edwin! VAT will complete the San Roque-Agno River project.

The Land Bank has quadrupled loans for farmers and fisherfolk. That is fact not fiction. Check it. For more effective credit utilization, I instructed DA to revitalize farmers cooperatives.

We are providing seeds at subsidized prices to help our farmers.

Incremental Malampaya national revenues of P4 billion will go to our rice self-sufficiency program.

Rice production since 2000 increased an average of 4.07% a year, twice the population growth rate. By promoting natural planning and female education, we have curbed population growth to 2.04% during our administration, down from the 2.36 in the 1990’s, when artificial birth control was pushed. Our campaign spreads awareness of responsible parenthood regarding birth spacing. Long years of pushing contraceptives made it synonymous to family planning. Therefore informed choice should mean letting more couples, who are mostly Catholics, know about natural family planning.

From 1978 to 1981, nag-export tayo ng bigas. Hindi tumagal. But let’s not be too hard on ourselves. Panahon pa ng Kastila bumibili na tayo ng bigas sa labas. While we may know how to grow rice well, topography doesn’t always cooperate.

Nature did not gift us with a mighty Mekong like Thailand and Vietnam, with their vast and naturally fertile plains. Nature instead put our islands ahead of our neighbours in the path of typhoons from the Pacific. So, we import 10% of the rice we consume.

To meet the challenge of today, we will feed our people now, not later, and help them get through these hard times. To meet the challenges of tomorrow, we must become more self-reliant, self-sufficient and independent, relying on ourselves more than on the world.

Now we come to the future of agrarian reform.

There are those who say it is a failure, that our rice importations prove it. There are those who say it is a success—if only because anything is better than nothing. Indeed, people are happier owning the land they work, no matter what the difficulties.

Sa SONA noong 2001, sinabi ko, bawat taon, mamamahagi tayo ng dalawang daang libong ektarya sa reporma sa lupa: 100,000 hectares of private farmland and 100,000 of public farmland, including ancestral domains. Di hamak mahigit sa target ang naipamahagi natin sa nakaraang pitong taon: 854,000 hectares of private farmland, 797,000 of public farmland, and Certificates of Ancestral Domain for 525,000 hectares. Including, over a 100,000 hectares for Bugkalots in Quirino, Aurora, and Nueva Vizcaya. After the release of their CADT, Rosario Camma, Bugkalot chieftain, and now mayor of Nagtipunan, helped his 15,000-member tribe develop irrigation, plant vegetables and corn and achieve food sufficiency. Mabuhay, Chief!

Agrarian reform should not merely subdivide misery, it must raise living standards. Ownership raises the farmer from his but productivity will keep him on his feet.

Sinimula ng aking ama ang land reform noong 1963. Upang mabuo ito, the extension of CARP with reforms is top priority. I will continue to do all I can for the rural as well as urban poor. Ayaw natin na paglaya ng tenant sa landlord, mapapasa-ilalim naman sa usurero. Former tenants must be empowered to become agribusinessmen by allowing their land to be used as collateral.

Dapat mapalaya ng reporma sa lupa ang magsasaka sa pagiging alipin sa iba. Dapat bigyan ang magsasaka ng dangal bilang taong malaya at di hawak ninuman. We must curb the recklessness that gives land without the means to make it productive and bites off more than beneficiaries can chew.

At the same time, I want the rackets out of agrarian reform: the threats to take and therefore undervalue land, the conspiracies to overvalue it.

Be with me on this. There must be a path where justice and progress converge. Let us find it before Christmas. Dapat nating linisin ang landas para sa mga ibig magpursige sa pagsasaka, taglay ang pananalig na ang lupa ay sasagip sa atin sa huli kung gamitin natin ito nang maayos.

Along with massive rice production, we are cutting costs through more efficient transport. For our farm-to-market roads, we released P6 billion in 2007.

On our nautical highways. RORO boats carried 33 million metric tons of cargo and 31 million passengers in 2007. We have built 39 RORO ports during our administration, 12 more are slated to start within the next two years. In 2003, we inaugurated the Western Nautical Highway from Batangas through Mindoro, Panay and Negros to Mindanao. This year we launched the Central Nautical Highway from Bicol mainland, through Masbate, Cebu, Bohol and Camiguin to Mindanao mainland. These developments strengthen our competitiveness.

Leading multinational company Nestle cut transport costs and offset higher milk prices abroad. Salamat, RORO. Transport costs have become so reasonable for bakeries like Gardenia, a loaf of its bread in Iloilo is priced the same as in Laguna and Manila. Salamat muli sa RORO.

To the many LGUs who have stopped collecting fees from cargo vehicles, maraming, maraming salamat.

We are repaving airports that are useful for agriculture, like Zamboanga City Airport.

Producing rice and moving it cheaper addresses the supply side of our rice needs. On the demand side, we are boosting the people’s buying power.

Ginagawa nating labor-intensive ang paggawa at pag-ayos ng kalsada at patubig. Noong SONA ng 2001, naglunsad tayo sa NCR ng patrabaho para sa 20,000 na out of school youth, na tinawag OYSTER. Ngayon, mahigit 20,000 ang ineempleyo ng OYSTER sa buong bansa. In disaster-stricken areas, we have a cash-for-work program.

In training, 7.74 million took technical and vocational courses over the last seven years, double the number in the previous 14 years. In 2007 alone, 1.7 million graduated. Among them are Jessica Barlomento now in Hanjin as supply officer, Shenve Catana, Marie Grace Comendador, and Marlyn Tusi, lady welders, congratulations.

In microfinance, loans have reached P102 billion or 30 times more than the P3 billion we started with in 2001, with a 98% repayment record, congratulations! Major lenders include the Land Bank with P69 billion, the Peoples’ Credit and Finance Corporation P8 billion, the National Livelihood Support Fund P3 billion, DBP P1 billion and the DSWD’s SEA-K P800 million. For partnering with us to unleash the entrepreneurial spirit, thank you, Go Negosyo and Joey Concepcion.

Upland development benefits farmers through agro-forestry initiatives. Rubber is especially strong in Zamboanga Sibugay and North Cotabato. Victoria Mindoro, 56 years old, used to earn P5,000 a month as farmer and factory worker. Now she owns 10 hectares in the Goodyear Agrarian Reform Community in Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay, she earns P10,000 a week. With one hectare, Pedro and Concordia Faviolas of Makilala, North Cotabato, they sent their six children to college, bought two more hectares, and earn P15,000 a month. Congratulations!

Jatropha estates are starting in 900 hectares in and around Tamlang Valley in Negros Oriental; 200 in CamSur; 300 in GenSan, 500 in Fort Magsaysay near the Cordero Dam and 700 in Samar, among others.

In our 2006 SONA, our food baskets were identified as North Luzon and Mindanao.

The sad irony of Mindanao as food basket is that it has some of the highest hunger in our nation. It has large fields of high productivity, yet also six of our ten poorest provinces.

The prime reason is the endless Mindanao conflict. A comprehensive peace has eluded us for half a century. But last night, differences on the tough issue of ancestral domain were resolved. Yes, there are political dynamics among the people of Mindanao. Let us sort them out with the utmost sobriety, patience and restraint. I ask Congress to act on the legislative and political reforms that will lead to a just and lasting peace during our term of office.

The demands of decency and compassion urge dialogue. Better talk than fight, if nothing of sovereign value is anyway lost. Dialogue has achieved more than confrontation in many parts of the world. This was the message of the recent World Conference in Madrid organized by the King of Saudi Arabia, and the universal message of the Pope in Sydney.

Pope Benedict’s encyclical Deus Caritas Est reminds us: “There will always be situations of material need where help in the form of concrete love for neighbour is indispensable."

Pinagsasama-sama natin ang mga programa ng DSWD, DOH, GSIS, SSS at iba pang lumalaban sa kahirapan sa isang National Social Welfare Program para proteksyonan ang pinaka-mahihirap mula sa pandaigdigang krisis, and to help those whose earnings are limited by illness, disability, loss of job, age and so on—through livelihood projects, microfinance, skills and technology transfer, emergency and temporary employment, pension funds, food aid and cash subsidies, child nutrition and adult health care, medical missions, salary loans, insurance, housing programs, educational and other savings schemes, and now cheaper medicine—Thanks to Congress.

The World Bank says that in Brazil, the income of the poorest 10% has grown 9% per year versus the 3% for the higher income levels due in large part to their family stipend program linking welfare checks to school attendance. We have introduced a similar program, Pantawid Pamilya.

Employers have funded the two increases in SSS benefits since 2005. Thank you, employers for paying the premiums.

GSIS pensions have been indexed to inflation and have increased every year since 2001. Its salary loan availments have increased from two months equivalent to 10 months, the highest of any system public or private—while repayments have been stretched out.

Pag-Ibig housing loans increased from P3.82 billion in 2001 to P22.6 billion in 2007. This year it experienced an 84% increase in the first four months alone. Super heating na. Dapat dagdagan ng GSIS at buksan muli ng SSS ang pautang sa pabahay. I ask Congress to pass a bill allowing SSS to do housing loans beyond the present 10% limitation.

Bago ako naging Pangulo, isa’t kalahating milyong maralita lamang ang may health insurance. Noong 2001, sabi natin, dadagdagan pa ng kalahating milyon. Sa taong iyon, mahigit isang milyon ang nabigyan natin. Ngayon, 65 milyong Pilipino na ang may health insurance, mahigit doble ng 2000, kasama ang labinlimang milyong maralita. Philhealth has paid P100 billion for hospitalization. The indigent beneficiaries largely come from West and Central Visayas, Central Luzon, and Ilocos. Patuloy nating palalawakin itong napaka-importanted programa, lalo na sa Tawi-Tawi, Zambo Norte, Maguindanao, Apayao, Dinagat, Lanao Sur, Northern Samar, Masbate, Abra and Misamis Occidental. Lalo na sa kanilang mga magsasaka at mangingisda.

In these provinces and in Agusan Sur, Kalinga, Surigao Sur and calamity-stricken areas, we will launch a massive school feeding program at P10 per child every school day.

Bukod sa libreng edukasyon sa elementarya at high school, nadoble ang pondo para sa mga college scholarships, while private high school scholarship funds from the government have quadrupled.

I have started reforming and clustering the programs of the DepEd, CHED and TESDA.

As with fiscal and food challenges, the global energy crunch demands better and more focused resource mobilization, conservation and management.

Government agencies are reducing their energy and fuel bills by 10%, emulating Texas Instruments and Philippine Stock Exchange who did it last year. Congratulations, Justice Vitug and Francis Lim.

To reduce power system losses, we count on government regulators and also on EPIRA amendments.

We are successful in increasing energy self-sufficiency—56%, the highest in our history. We promote natural gas and biofuel; geothermal fields, among the world’s largest; windmills like those in Ilocos and Batanes; and the solar cells lighting many communities in Mindanao. The new Galoc oil field can produce 17,000-22,000 barrels per day, 1/12 of our crude consumption.

The Renewable Energy Bill has passed the House. Thank you, Congressmen.

Our costly commodity imports like oil and rice should be offset by hard commodities exports like primary products, and soft ones like tourism and cyberservices, at which only India beats us.

Our P 350 million training partnership with the private sector should qualify 60,000 for call centers, medical transcription, animation and software development, which have a projected demand of one million workers generating $13 billion by 2010.

International finance agrees with our progress. Credit rating agencies have kept their positive or stable outlook on the country. Our world competitiveness ranking rose five notches. Congratulations to us.

We are sticking to, and widening, the fiscal reforms that have earned us their respect.

To our investors, thank you for your valuable role in our development. I invite you to invest not only in factories and services, but in profitable infrastructure, following the formula for the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway.

I ask business and civil society to continue to work for a socially equitable, economically viable balance of interests. Mining companies should ensure that host communities benefit substantively from their investments, and with no environmental damage from operations.

Our administration enacted the Solid Waste Management Act, Wildlife Act, Protection of Plant Varieties, Clean Water Act, Biofuels Act and various laws declaring protected areas.

For reforestation, for next year we have budgeted P2 billion. Not only do forests enhance the beauty of the land, they mitigate climate change, a key factor in increasing the frequency and intensity of typhoons and costing the country 0.5% of the GDP.

We have set up over 100 marine and fish sanctuaries since 2001. In the whaleshark sanctuary of Donsol, Sorsogon, Alan Amanse, 40-year-old college undergraduate and father of two, was earning P100 a day from fishing and driving a tricycle. Now as whaleshark-watching officer, he is earns P1,000 a day, ten times his former income.

For clean water, so important to health, there is P500 million this year and P1.5 billion for next year.

From just one sanitary landfill in 2001, we now have 21, with another 18 in the works.

We launched the Zero Basura Olympics to clear our communities of trash. Rather than more money, all that is needed is for each citizen to keep home and workplace clean, and for garbage officials to stop squabbling.

Our investments also include essential ways to strengthen our institutions of governance in order to fight the decades-old scourge of corruption. I will continue to fight this battle every single day. While others are happy with headlines through accusation without evidence and privilege speeches without accountability, we have allocated more than P3 billion – the largest anti-graft fund in our history – for real evidence gathering and vigorous prosecution.

From its dismal past record, the Ombudsman’s conviction rate has increased 500%. Lifestyle checks, never seriously implemented before our time, have led to the dismissal and/or criminal prosecution of dozens of corrupt officials.

I recently met with the Millennium Challenge Corporation, a US agency that provides grants to countries based on governance. They have commended our gains, contributed P1 billion to our fight against graft, and declared us eligible for more grants. Thank you!

Last September, we created the Procurement Transparency Group in the DBM and linked it with business, academe, and the Church, to deter or catch anomalies in government contracts.

On my instruction, the BIR and Customs established similar government-civil society tie-ups for information gathering and tax evasion and smuggling monitoring.

More advanced corruption practices require a commensurate advances in legislative responses. Colleagues in Congress, we need a more stringent Anti-Graft Act.

Sa pagmahal ng bilihin, hirap na ang mamimili – tapos, dadayain pa. Dapat itong mahinto. Hinihiling ko sa Kongreso na magpasa ng Consumer Bill of Rights laban sa price gouging, false advertising at iba pang gawain kontra sa mamimili.

I call on all our government workers at the national and local levels to be more responsive and accountable to the people. Panahon ito ng pagsubok. Kung saan kayang tumulong at dapat tumulong ang pamahalaan, we must be there with a helping hand. Where government can contribute nothing useful, stay away. Let’s be more helpful, more courteous, more quick.

Kaakibat ng ating mga adhikain ang tuloy na pagkalinga sa kapakanan ng bawat Pilipino. Iisa ang ating pangarap – maunlad at mapayapang lipunan, kung saan ang magandang kinabukasan ay hindi pangarap lamang, bagkus natutupad.

Sama-sama tayo sa tungkuling ito. May papel na gagampanan ang bawat mamamayan, negosyante, pinunong bayan at simbahan, sampu ng mga nasa lalawigan.

We are three branches but one government. We have our disagreements; we each have hopes, and ambitions that drive and divide us, be they personal, ethnic, religious and cultural. But we are one nation with one fate.

As your President, I care too much about this nation to let anyone stand in the way of our people’s wellbeing. Hindi ko papayagang humadlang ang sinuman sa pag-unlad at pagsagana ng taong bayan. I will let no one – and no one’s political plans – threaten our nation’s survival.

Our country and our people have never failed to be there for us. We must be there for them now.

Maraming salamat. Magandang hapon sa inyong lahat.

BCDA prepares to bid out SCTEX operation & maintenance contract (http://www.philstar.com/archives.php?aid=2008081451&type=2)

By Ma. Elisa P. Osorio
Friday, August 15, 2008
The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) announced yesterday it is preparing to bid out the long term operations and maintenance (O&M) contract for the country’s longest tollroad, the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX).

Last year, BCDA held two failed biddings for the O&M contract. It then negotiated a procurement process for the temporary management of the tollroad with the Lopez led joint venture.

First Philippine Holdings Corp., Egis Road Operation and Tollways Management Corp. served as interim service provider for six months. Their contract was renewable for another six months.

Meanwhile, SCTEX spokesperson Roberto Gervacio said that the term period for the SCTEX O&M is yet to be determined, but it is likely that it will be good for 10 years.

The O&M contract bidding is scheduled before the end of the year.

Gervacio said that the SCTEX now serves as the new economic backbone for Central Luzon and adjoining regions, creating wider opportunities for investment, trade and employment.

Potential operators must have an approved budget for the contract in the amount equal to 12.2 percent of the 10-year projected toll revenues.

The contract involves the provision of the following support services

Like toll collection, traffic management, roadway maintenance, general admission and greening and landscaping.

BCDA financed the construction of the 93.77-kilometer tollroad through a P21-billion loan from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC).

The road is a four-lane divided tollway consisting of two parts; the 50.5-km., four-lane Subic-Clark section; and the 43.27-km., four-lane Clark-Tarlac portion.

The Subic-Clark segment was opened last April 28, 2008 while the Clark-Tarlac segment was opened last July 25, 2008.

With the opening of the entire SCTEX, motorists from Manila can now travel straight to Subic Bay via a seamless connection from the NLEX and the Subic Freeport Expressway in Tipo. Likewise, motorists can also exit at SCTEX interchanges in Dinalupihan, Bataan; Mabalalcat, Pampanga; and the municipalities of Concepcion, San Miguel and Tarlac City in Tarlac.

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BOI grants tax perks to 2 power plant projects (http://www.philstar.com/archives.php?aid=2008090414&type=2)
By Ma. Elisa P. Osorio
Friday, September 5, 2008


Two power generation projects with a combined investment of over P37 billion has received tax breaks from the Board of Investments (BOI).

Documents released by BOI show that it has approved the P36.82 billion power generation project of Emerald Energy Corp. (EEC) and the P385.86-million waste water power generation project of Hacienda Bio-energy Corp.

EEC, formerly known as the Calaca Holdco Inc. is in the business of managing energy generating projects. It has bought the 600-megawatt Calaca Coal-fired Thermal Power Plant in 2007 from the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM).

The government has given EEC a pioneer status for being the operator of assets acquired from the government.

According to the BOI, this project is consistent with the government’s policy to encourage private investments on power generation activities to support wide industrial development.

The plant will be operational in October and is expected to employ 479 people at full capacity.

Once in place, the plant will ensure stable and affordable power in the Calabarzon area or Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon.

The Calaca plant is on a 167-hectare power complex in Barangay San Rafael Calaca Batangas It spans the shorelines of Balayan Bay.

According to EEC, most of the power produced from the plant will be traded in the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM). The remaining will be offered for bilateral contracts with electric cooperatives and other electricity off takers whose power supply agreements have been attached to EEC by PSALM under the power supply contracts.

Meanwhile, the Bioenergy project of Hacienda Bio-Energy Corp. has likewise been given pioneer status by BOI as it is expected to turn waste into energy.

The company is an example of the heightened level if ecological consciousness among private businesses in the country as it manages waste to energy activities and applies biogas technologies for energy utilization.

The project is aligned with the thrust of the government to increase energy self-sufficiency through the use of inexpensive, renewable and indigenous resources. Te project is expected to decrease dependence on imported fossil fuel.

Hacienda Corp. will build a power plant that will collect and convert manure from 25 different farm sites to biogas through “Anaerobic Digestion Swine Wastewater Treatment.”

Participating farms are in Tarlac, Pampanga, Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite, Cebu and Davao.

The electricity produced will be distributed to the farms in the area.

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wla bang forumer's na galing ng TarlAc? any one?

^^ Iyong ginagawa sa Luisita Mall, RLC(Robinsons Land) na ba ang dumidiskarte dun?

Nakita ko rin ang mall na ginagawa sa Bamban. Pati ang Filinvest ay may project din duon.

RP eyes huge spending for infra program (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/121007/RP-eyes-huge-spending-for-infra-program)
09/17/2008 | 07:45 PM

Email this | Email the Editor | Print | Digg this | Add to del.icio.us MANILA, Philippines - The government is looking to invest trillions of pesos for infrastructure projects in a bid to perk up the economy amid global uncertainties.

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ralph Recto on Wednesday said that under the updated 2008 to 2010 Comprehensive and Integrated Infrastructure Program (CIIP), the government is seeking P2 trillion from this year to 2010 to finance these projects.

He noted that for the first half of the year, the Philippine economy posted a 4.6-percent expansion, a far cry from its above 7-percent improvement in the same period in 2007, at a time when public construction also slowed.

"What if public construction posted the same growth as in 2007, at 43.4 percent? Our GDP growth in the first half of 2008 would have been 6.9 percent. Our GDP growth targets are achievable so long as our infrastructure programs deliver," he said.

The government’s official economic target for this year is a growth between 5.5 percent and 6.4 percent and 6.1 percent to 6.7 percent in 2009.

Of the total fund requirements, the transportation sector has the highest share at 38 percent or P755 billion, and followed by power electrification, P611 million.

Water resources will get P347.53 million; social infrastructure, P167.91 million; communication, P56.49 million and relending program, P36.69 million.

Recto added that the government is eyeing to finance P1.5 trillion of the total amount, while the private sector is seen to shoulder P613 billion of the investment requirement.

The P94 billion will be funded by the government owned and controlled corporations; P26 billion from government Financial Institutions; P10 billion from local government units and P118 billion through other sources.

Of the whole transport sector, Recto said roads and bridges and rail transport with shares of 44 percent and 39 percent respectively, comprise the biggest investment requirement

"Road and bridge projects are being pursued in support of the government’s thrust of linking the entire country through an effective transport network that would open up new economic opportunities, reduce logistic costs and increase access to social services. Roads are being linked to RORO ports," Recto said.

He said that owing to the huge investments needed for transport projects, the government will continue to tap the private sector in the development of priority projects under the BOT law.

The Tarlac-La Union Toll Expressway, Panguil Bay Bridge, Manila-Cavite Toll Expressway Extension, Daang Hari- SLEX Link Road, South Luzon Expressway Extension Project, and Southern Tagalog Arterial Road Project, among others, are being proposed for private sector financing.

Recto added that the government plans to implement an integrated urban rail-based mass
transport system through projects such as the LRT Line 1 North Extension (Closing the Loop).

To further provide efficient mass transportation, the capacities of existing railway lines will be increased through projects like MRT3 Capacity Expansion, and existing rail facilities will be extended through LRT Line 2 East Extension to Masinag and Line 1 South Extension Project.

"Metro Manila is already crowded. It will be more congested in a decade, as more people flow in from the provinces. Clearly, we don’t want to see EDSA turned into a giant parking lot," Recto said.

In line with decongesting Metro Manila and spreading development in the countryside, other projects lined up are the Northrail-Southrail Linkage Project, Phase 1 (Caloocan to Alabang) and Phase 2 (Alabang – Calamba), North Rail Project Phase 1, Section 1 (Caloocan-Malolos) & Section 2 (Malolos-Clark), Mainline South Railway Project (Southrail) Phase IA (Calamba- Lucena), Phase 1B (Lucena-Legaspi) & Phase II (Extension to Sorsogon). GMANews.TV

Tarlac has Massage Parlors...:lol:

Kuha mula lang sa loob ng Victory Liner bus pauwi mula Baguio City noong Oct. 25, kaya malabo, pagpasensiyahan niyo na lang, hehehe^_^

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Kelan kaya matatapos itong Robinsons Luisita?
Naalala ko ang huling punta ko sa Luisita mga 8-9 years old pa lang ako, nag-stop-over kami dito dati papuntang San Fabian, Pangasinan, tapos ngayon magkakaroon na pala ng Robinsons dito^_^

guyz tapos naba ung High na inaayus dyan sa Tarlac?...nung last october ng papunta kami dyan halos wlang madaanan ang Five star Bus puros one way at putol putol pa ang trabaho...

Kuha mula lang sa loob ng Victory Liner bus pauwi mula Baguio City noong Oct. 25, kaya malabo, pagpasensiyahan niyo na lang, hehehe^_^

http://i382.photobucket.com/albums/oo261/hirolionheart/DSCF2283.jpg


http://i382.photobucket.com/albums/oo261/hirolionheart/DSCF2284.jpg


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http://i382.photobucket.com/albums/oo261/hirolionheart/DSCF2286.jpg
Kelan kaya matatapos itong Robinsons Luisita?
Naalala ko ang huling punta ko sa Luisita mga 8-9 years old pa lang ako, nag-stop-over kami dito dati papuntang San Fabian, Pangasinan, tapos ngayon magkakaroon na pala ng Robinsons dito^_^


ok na din may robinsons na sa luisita........paano ang sm tarlac?

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u116/cq7cc2/monasterio2.jpg
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u116/cq7cc2/monasterio.jpg
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Mount Paniknol, Sta. Ignacia, Tarlac

Akala ko bukas na yung Robinsons Luisita. Sabi ng wife ng pinsan ko na nagtatrabaho dun sa Luisita giniba na daw ang lumang building ng Luisita at nagpagawa ng bagong building ang Robinsons? Nung huli ko syang nakita on the way kami galing Victoria nuong Nov 1 hindi na sya tulad ng dati. Ewan ko lang dahil mahigit 1 year na din ako hindi nakauwi ng Tarlac.

ok na... maganda na ang daan ng Tarlac passing through McArthur Hiway to Rosales Pangasinan...
Dati nga staggered din ang repair sa Tarlac-Sta. Ignacia-Camiling segments ng Romulo Highway pero ok na ngayon.

guyz tapos naba ung High na inaayus dyan sa Tarlac?...nung last october ng papunta kami dyan halos wlang madaanan ang Five star Bus puros one way at putol putol pa ang trabaho...

Ang bukas pa lang ang Robinson's Supermarket. Nag-open ito last October 30, 2008...

Akala ko bukas na yung Robinsons Luisita. Sabi ng wife ng pinsan ko na nagtatrabaho dun sa Luisita giniba na daw ang lumang building ng Luisita at nagpagawa ng bagong building ang Robinsons? Nung huli ko syang nakita on the way kami galing Victoria nuong Nov 1 hindi na sya tulad ng dati. Ewan ko lang dahil mahigit 1 year na din ako hindi nakauwi ng Tarlac.

^^ Giniba ba ang lumang building or nirenovate?

^^ Giniba ba ang lumang building or nirenovate?

Renovation lang...

Ang bukas pa lang ang Robinson's Supermarket. Nag-open ito last October 30, 2008...

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Road Widening Projects along McArthur Highway as of November 20, 2008:

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Alvindia-Aguso segments, from Shell, Salapungan to NFA and Honda Cars, Tarlac

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San Manuel, Tarlac near the boundary with Rosales, Pangasinan

^^
Naks, nakita ko rin ang road widening project na ito nung papunta at pabalik kami ng Baguio City last October:)

Medyo, natrapik pa nga kami banda diyan, hehehe:colgate:

May Robinson's Luisita na pala :cheers:

Ano na nangyari dun sa Luisita mall? existing pa ba yun?

Binili ni Gokongwei sa mga Aquinos ang Luisita Mall at pina-renovate niya para mag-mukhang
world-class. At maganda naman ang kinalabasan gaya ng ibang Robinson's!
Picture 1 used to be the main entrance na pagpasok mo ay escalator na at Greenwich ang nasa kaliwa...
Picture 2 ay 'yung entrance to the supermarket dati ng Luisita Mall, in front of Starbucks...

This used to be the New Tarlac City Public Market
(Bagong Pamilihang Lungsod ng Tarlac)
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u116/cq7cc2/DSCN5481.jpg

Come December 8 this will be the Newest Tarlac City Public Market
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Construction now in its final week! Opening already delayed by one year!
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Intersection, McArthur Highway/Tarlac Sta. Rosa Road
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Tarlac City (San Sebastian) Cathedral
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Tarlac City Plazuela
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u116/cq7cc2/DSCN5470.jpg

This used to be the New Tarlac City Public Market
(Bagong Pamilihang Lungsod ng Tarlac)
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u116/cq7cc2/DSCN5481.jpg

Come December 8 this will be the Newest Tarlac City Public Market
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2nd picture di ba yan ung dating Public market na matapos masunog ay pinagawa nga yung nasa 1st picture na nasa tabi ng uniwide.

So ano na dapat itawag dyan sa old public market na ni reconstruct lang.

The New old Tarlac public market? Wahehe confusing.

@ cq7 bro maganda rin kuhanan ng photo ung Diwa ng tarlac saka ung Tarlac capitol na kita ung Maria Christina Park. I remember yan ung mga favorate naming background for picture taking during College day. Bro Magic star Mall request bro. Tagal na ko di nakakauwi ng Tarlac.

2nd picture di ba yan ung dating Public market na matapos masunog ay pinagawa nga yung nasa 1st picture na nasa tabi ng uniwide.

So ano na dapat itawag dyan sa old public market na ni reconstruct lang.

The New old Tarlac public market? Wahehe confusing.

Oo nga eh! Marami na ang markets dito sa Tarlac... Lumang Palengke, Bayung Palengke, Bayung Luma, Lumang Bayu etc... hehehe...

Belenismo in full bloom
SPORTING CHANCE By Joaquin Henson Updated December 04, 2008 12:00 AM



For the second straight year, Tarlac is showing the way in promoting the real Christian spirit of Christmas with the province-wide Belenismo project, now a Department of Tourism calendared event.

The Tarlac Heritage Foundation, led by founding chairperson Isabel Cojuangco Suntay, is spearheading the campaign to not only establish the province as the country’s Belen capital but also - and more importantly - to spread the good news of Christ’s birth to save mankind.

Assisting Mrs. Suntay are foundation treasurer Dr. Isa Cojuangco Suntay, Rev. Fr. Alex Bautista (head of the Commission for the Cultural Heritage of the Church, Tarlac diocese), Jun Baron (head of the Tarlac Convention and Visitors Bureau) and Gov. Victor Yap.

Last year’s first Belenismo was a huge success. There were four categories in the Belenismo contest - diorama (Albert Dancel, winner), monumental (Jose Maria Escriva parish, winner), grand municipal (Victoria town) and grand non-municipal (Tarlac Police Provincial Office, Camp Macabulos. Belens were mounted all over the province, creating a festive mood and rekindling the essence of the Yuletide spirit.

“Belenismo isn’t just a contest,” said Asenso Pinoy TV host Francis Cardona of Paniqui. “It’s a reminder for all of us to live Jesus in our hearts. The real meaning of Christmas is Christ’s love. Through the Belen, we relive His birth in the manger and deliver the message of peace on earth and goodwill to men.”

* * *

The organizing committee welcomed 55 entries in the four categories - diorama (10 entries), monumental (21), grand municipal (16) and grand non-municipal (eight).

Additionally, a special category was introduced, open to all Tarlac high school graduates to build a 3x3 foot Belen depicting three main figures, namely, the Infant Jesus, the Blessed Mother and St. Joseph. The Belen should be made of at least two of seven of the following product packages - Purefoods Hot Dog wrappers, Eaji Snacks, Cali, Magnolia Pure Water, Magnolia Fruit Drinks, Star Margarine and San Mig Coffee.

Comprising this year’s organizing committee are Mrs. Suntay, Dr. Suntay, board member Amado Go, Mrs. Chit de Ocampo, Mrs. Becky Tan, Mrs. Alice de Vera, Mrs. Lita Ilagan, Mrs. Anne Ilagan Belmonte, Jun Baron, Mrs. Milit Baron, Dr. Ric Ramos, Col. Rudy Lacadin, Col. Florante Torres and Gov. Yap’s support staff headed by Engineer Elmer Bulaon. San Miguel Corp. is once again the event sponsor.

Last Nov. 22, five well-known judges were in Tarlac to view all the entries. They were La Salle Dasmariñas museum curator Joey Panlilio, TV broadcaster Ces Drilon and STAR columnists Michelle Dayrit-Soliven, Christine Dayrit and Cito Beltran.

Cardona said the judges had a difficult time choosing the winners.

“The Belens were much-improved from last year,” said Cardona. “As you drive along the highway, you’ll see beautiful Belens in San Manuel, Moncada, Capas and Tarlac City. There are also excellent Belens in San Clemente and Pura, among many others. Danny Asiaten took second place in the grand non-municipal category last year and put up another exceptional Belen this year to challenge the PNP. Some groups built Belens not for the contest but to share in the Christmas spirit.”

Dr. Suntay said just as San Fernando, Pampanga, is known as the country’s “parol” or Christmas lantern capital, Tarlac is now reputed as the national Belen capital.

“As soon as you enter the provincial boundary and you see Belens along the way, you’ll immediately know you’re in Tarlac,” said Dr. Suntay. “We, Tarlaqueños, are proud of this. If other provinces want to start their own Belenismo campaign, we’ll support and encourage it. The spirit of Christmas is for all.”

Big prizes await the winners. In the diorama category, the first prize is P25,000, the second P15,000 and the third, P10,000. In the monumental category, the first prize is P50,000, the second P40,000, the third P30,000, the fourth P20,000 and the fifth, P10,000. There will be seven awards of recognition at a consolation prize of P5,000 each.

In the grand municipal category, the first prize is P50,000, the second P40,000, the third P30,000, the fourth P20,000, the fifth P15,000 and the sixth, P10,000. There will be seven awards of recognition at a consolation prize of P5,000 each. In the grand non-municipal category, the first prize is P50,000, the second P40,000 and the third, P30,000.

In the special category using San Miguel products, the first prize consists of P15,000 worth of San Miguel products and a P5,000 gift certificate, the second prize is P10,000 worth of San Miguel products plus a P3,000 gift certificate, the third prize is P5,000 worth of San Miguel products plus a P2,000 gift certificate and a consolation prize of a P1,000 gift certificate will be given each to the fourth to 10th placers.

The awards night will be held at the Maria Cristina Park in front of the provincial capitol on Romulo Boulevard, Tarlac City, at 5 p.m. this Saturday. Guest of honor is Sen. Francis (Chiz) Escudero. A street party will be held to climax the affair. Tarlac food items, crafts and delicacies will be on sale during the event.

By the way, Tarlac has spawned several outstanding athletes, including billiards’ Django Bustamante, former WBF featherweight champion Joselito Rivera, pro cagers Niño Canaleta and Banjo Calpito, amateur cagers Arnel Rosagas and Jun Canono, equestriennes Mikee Cojuangco-Jaworski, Danielle and Paola Cojuangco and Michelle Cojuangco Barrera, cyclist Loreto Mandi and archer Kit Cojuangco.

Source:philstar.com

Most Business-Friendly LGU award, muling nakopo ng pamahalaang lungsod

MANILA CITY (CIO)– Muling kinilala ng mga malalaking negosyante sa bansa ang lungsod ng Tarlac bilang isa sa pinakamahusay na local government units na nagpamalas ng angking kagalingan sa larangan ng pagpapalakas ng aspeto ng kalakalan.

Ang pagkilala ay iginawad mismo ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo kasama ang Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry kay Mayor Genaro Mendoza at Business Permit Licensing Chief Lorina Ledesma sa kanilang 34th Philippine Business Conference and Expo sa Manila Hotel.

Ang lungsod ay muling napili base sa nagkaisang positibong ebalwasyong isinagawa ng iba’t-ibang ahensiya matapos madama ng sektor ng kalakalan ang kanilang lugod sa suportang patuloy na ipinatutupad ng pamahalaang lungsod.

Kabilang sa nabanggit na ahensiya ay ang Tarlac Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Department of Trade and Industry, Tarlac Consumer Council, at mga naglalakihang lokal na kalakalan sa lungsod.

Ilan sa tinutukang anggulo ng nabanggit na paggawad ay ang mahusay na sigwada ng serbisyo sa pagpapatupad ng Business One Stop Shop.

Ito ang nagbunsod ng halos hindi na mabilang na pagtangi at paghanga ng mga negosyante na nagpuno ng inspirasyon sa kanila upang sumulong sa kanilang kalakalan.

Sa panayam ay positibong sinabi ni TCCI President Danilo Asiaten na ang pag-unlad ng lungsod ay maiuugnay sa impresibong implementasyon ng mga programang pangkalakalan na patuloy na binalikat ni Mayor Mendoza sa loob ng maraming taon.

“Napakasarap maging isang Tarlakenyo sapagkat tayo ngayon ay kinikilala na sa buong bansa bilang isa sa pinakamahusay na pamahalaang lokal na nagsusulong ng kaunlaran sa ating pinakamamahal na lungsod,” aniya.

Ang nabanggit na parangal ay pinatunayan naman ni DTI representative Danilo Capulong bilang aniya’y isang kahayagan ng pag-unlad na patuloy na dinaranas ng kalakalan sa kabuuan ng lungsod.

“Dapat lamang natin itong ipagmalaki at ipagpasalamat sa ating butihing alkalde,” aniya.

Samantala, buong kababaang-loob namang pinasalamatan nina Mendoza, Ledesma, at City Councilor Vladimir Rodriguez ang TCCI at iba pang mga organisasyon at establisimento upang makamit ng lungsod ang nabanggit na parangal.

“The glory belongs to them and the entire Tarlakenyo people,” anila.

Sa kaniyang talumpati ay pinuri ni Arroyo ang PCCI kasama ng iba’t-ibang LGUs, kalakalan gaya ng small-medium enterprises at mga micro businesses at mga paaralang pinarangalan sa nabanggit na pagtitipon.

Sila aniya ang patuloy na bumabalikat bilang katuwang ng kaniyang pamahalaan sa pagsugpo sa kahirapang dinaranas ng mundo kagaya ng napipintong US recession.

Dahil dito ay positibo niyang tinanggap ang alok ng PCCI na magkaroon P100 bilyong pondo na magmumula sa pamahalaan at pribadong sektor upang tuwirang bumalikat sa iba’t-ibang proyekto gaya ng human capital formation.

“We hope the private banking sector will join in this to put our money in human capital formation which will provide direct income and services to the poor,” aniya.

“This proposed P100 billion is just a portion of the two trillion pesos total investment that we would want to put up in case of a recession in the US economy,” dagdag niya.

Ang PCCI ay binubuo ng mga kilala at naglalakihang negosyante sa buong bansa gaya ng kanilang presidenteng si Edgardo Lacson, 34th PBC Chairman Alfredo Yao, Chairman Emeritus Donald Dee, Chairman Miguel Varela, Vice President Francis Chua, at iba pa.

Bukod sa nabanggit na parangal ay nauna na ring ginawaran ang lungsod bilang pinakamahusay sa larangan sa pagtaas ng kita o net income sa buong Central Luzon, Top Taxpayer, Top Manager, Most Business-Friendly LGU on Cooperative at iba pa.

Karagdagan sa mga nabanggit na Tarlakenyo ay sumaksi rin sa nabanggit na pagtitipon sina City Budget Officer Romeo De Leon, City Accountant Nathaniel Lugtu, at City Planning and Development Officer Janet Pineda.

Halos hindi na mabilang ang mga karangalang natamo ng lungsod sa taon pa lamang na ito. Itinuturing ang mga ito bilang patunay ng maayos na pamamahala sa ilalim ng administrasyong Mendoza na siya namang nais ng alkalde mula pa nang maupo sa posisyon.
http://www.tarlaccity.gov.ph/Most%20Business-Friendly%20LGU%20award,%20muling%20nakopo%20ng%20pamahalaang%20lungsod.htm

Sunday, 14 December 2008

The third week of December is going to be a weeklong festivity as the entire TCA community celebrates the College’s 63rd founding anniversary. Activities, sure to be making every TCAians proud of being a part of the College, are in store on December 16, 18 and 19.

Hon. Nenalyn P. Defensor, Commissioner of the Higher Education and chairman of the TCA Board of Trustees will be coming over to unveil the marker of the Chemistry Laboratory on December 16. Said laboratory boasts of its being equipped with the latest tools and devices that will surely aid the TCA students in understanding the ABC’s of chemistry. Supervised by Prof. Fe R. Araño, said laboratory was constructed thru the funds allocated by CHED.

In commemoration of the invaluable support extended by the renowned family of public servants, the Teodoro’s, the TCA Multi-Purpose Hall is renamed Gilberto Teodoro Multi-Purpose Center. The marker will be unveiled by former Assemblywoman of Tarlac Province, Mrs. Mercedes C. Teodoro. This will be followed by a Mass to be officiated by Rev. Fr. Jimmy Campo. TCA staff who have rendered exact 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 years of service to the College will be honored in a convocation program. Hon. Emmanuel Y. Angeles, CHED Chairman will be spearheading the awarding rites on December 18..

The afternoon of December 18 will be a convention of intellectuals, crooners and chanteuses, instrumental virtuosos, modern-day silver tongues and Francis Bacon-like essayists as the following competitions will be laid out: quiz bowl, vocal solo, instrumental playing, declamation (English and Filipino), extemporaneous speech (English and Filipino), storytelling (English and Filipino) and essay writing (English and Filipino). The clashes will be done simultaneously in the main library’s audio-visual rooms and in the Multi-purpose Center. Winners in the said contests will be representing TCA in the Regional CIRPS next year.

The evening of December 18 will be unusually brighter as the loveliest and most gorgeous student representatives of every institute gather and vie for the most coveted title, Mr. and Ms. TCA 2008. The candidates will set the stage on fire as they showcase their talents and display their fashion senses in their casual wears, evening wears and swimsuits. The selection will also identify the College’s contenders for the regional Mr. and Ms. CIRPS 2009.

The joint Christmas party of the teaching and non-teaching staff of the College will be the main event on December 19. The affair will be highlighted by the presentation of production numbers of the different institutes and administrative units. The fun will extend until nighttime as the College’s Supreme Student Council, Institute Student Councils and Student Organizations will spearhead the Christmas Ball and program.

These activities were planned and prepared thru the Office of the Vice President for Academic, Cultural and Sports Affairs .

@ cq7 bro maganda rin kuhanan ng photo ung Diwa ng tarlac saka ung Tarlac capitol na kita ung Maria Christina Park. I remember yan ung mga favorate naming background for picture taking during College day. Bro Magic star Mall request bro. Tagal na ko di nakakauwi ng Tarlac.

Belenismo sa Tarlac Stage
Ma. Cristina Park
The Capitol
Francisco Macabulos Shrine
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u116/cq7cc2/DSCN6714.jpg
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u116/cq7cc2/DSCN6715.jpg
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u116/cq7cc2/DSCN6716.jpg
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u116/cq7cc2/DSCN6717.jpg

Just an ordinary Tarlac City street taken at dawn while jogging... This is one of the more common streets in the Philippines, Rizal Street!
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u116/cq7cc2/DSCN6713.jpg
What caught my attention is this building with a blue historical marking...
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u116/cq7cc2/DSCN6710-1.jpg
Yes that Blue one!
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u116/cq7cc2/DSCN6709.jpg
It says:DR. JOSE P. RIZAL: WHERE HE STAYED...whenever he was on the city or on his way to Camiling to visit Leonor Rivera...
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u116/cq7cc2/DSCN6708-1.jpg
So where are the heritage conservation people?

^^
Kung taga-Tarlac City pala ako may irereport na ako sa P.I. 100 namin, hehehe:colgate:

Pambansang bayani ba naman si Jose Rizal eh kaya maraming street/building/lugar ang nakapangalan sa kanya:okay:

Francisco Macabulos Shrine
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u116/cq7cc2/DSCN6717.jpg

Ah si Francisco Macabulos pala ung monument na yun.

He was born in La Paz Tarlac, where I was born also.

Thanxs Bro Sa mga Picture.

Belenismo in full bloom
SPORTING CHANCE By Joaquin Henson Updated December 04, 2008 12:00 AM



For the second straight year, Tarlac is showing the way in promoting the real Christian spirit of Christmas with the province-wide Belenismo project, now a Department of Tourism calendared event.

The Tarlac Heritage Foundation, led by founding chairperson Isabel Cojuangco Suntay, is spearheading the campaign to not only establish the province as the country’s Belen capital but also - and more importantly - to spread the good news of Christ’s birth to save mankind.

Assisting Mrs. Suntay are foundation treasurer Dr. Isa Cojuangco Suntay, Rev. Fr. Alex Bautista (head of the Commission for the Cultural Heritage of the Church, Tarlac diocese), Jun Baron (head of the Tarlac Convention and Visitors Bureau) and Gov. Victor Yap.

Last year’s first Belenismo was a huge success. There were four categories in the Belenismo contest - diorama (Albert Dancel, winner), monumental (Jose Maria Escriva parish, winner), grand municipal (Victoria town) and grand non-municipal (Tarlac Police Provincial Office, Camp Macabulos. Belens were mounted all over the province, creating a festive mood and rekindling the essence of the Yuletide spirit.

“Belenismo isn’t just a contest,” said Asenso Pinoy TV host Francis Cardona of Paniqui. “It’s a reminder for all of us to live Jesus in our hearts. The real meaning of Christmas is Christ’s love. Through the Belen, we relive His birth in the manger and deliver the message of peace on earth and goodwill to men.”

* * *

The organizing committee welcomed 55 entries in the four categories - diorama (10 entries), monumental (21), grand municipal (16) and grand non-municipal (eight).

Additionally, a special category was introduced, open to all Tarlac high school graduates to build a 3x3 foot Belen depicting three main figures, namely, the Infant Jesus, the Blessed Mother and St. Joseph. The Belen should be made of at least two of seven of the following product packages - Purefoods Hot Dog wrappers, Eaji Snacks, Cali, Magnolia Pure Water, Magnolia Fruit Drinks, Star Margarine and San Mig Coffee.

Comprising this year’s organizing committee are Mrs. Suntay, Dr. Suntay, board member Amado Go, Mrs. Chit de Ocampo, Mrs. Becky Tan, Mrs. Alice de Vera, Mrs. Lita Ilagan, Mrs. Anne Ilagan Belmonte, Jun Baron, Mrs. Milit Baron, Dr. Ric Ramos, Col. Rudy Lacadin, Col. Florante Torres and Gov. Yap’s support staff headed by Engineer Elmer Bulaon. San Miguel Corp. is once again the event sponsor.

Last Nov. 22, five well-known judges were in Tarlac to view all the entries. They were La Salle Dasmariñas museum curator Joey Panlilio, TV broadcaster Ces Drilon and STAR columnists Michelle Dayrit-Soliven, Christine Dayrit and Cito Beltran.

Cardona said the judges had a difficult time choosing the winners.

“The Belens were much-improved from last year,” said Cardona. “As you drive along the highway, you’ll see beautiful Belens in San Manuel, Moncada, Capas and Tarlac City. There are also excellent Belens in San Clemente and Pura, among many others. Danny Asiaten took second place in the grand non-municipal category last year and put up another exceptional Belen this year to challenge the PNP. Some groups built Belens not for the contest but to share in the Christmas spirit.”

Dr. Suntay said just as San Fernando, Pampanga, is known as the country’s “parol” or Christmas lantern capital, Tarlac is now reputed as the national Belen capital.

“As soon as you enter the provincial boundary and you see Belens along the way, you’ll immediately know you’re in Tarlac,” said Dr. Suntay. “We, Tarlaqueños, are proud of this. If other provinces want to start their own Belenismo campaign, we’ll support and encourage it. The spirit of Christmas is for all.”

Big prizes await the winners. In the diorama category, the first prize is P25,000, the second P15,000 and the third, P10,000. In the monumental category, the first prize is P50,000, the second P40,000, the third P30,000, the fourth P20,000 and the fifth, P10,000. There will be seven awards of recognition at a consolation prize of P5,000 each.

In the grand municipal category This was featured last night in gma7 manny paquiao pinoy record

http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll54/marsofalltimes/Untitled-1copy.png

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3241/3127250745_198508c960.jpg?v=0

http://img001.picture2life.net/2996375/Merry_Christmas_Greeting_web-large_highest.jpg

http://i373.photobucket.com/albums/oo174/erwintheater/SSC.jpg

http://heart-2-heart-online.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/12/313202446503_0_alb.jpghttp://heart-2-heart-online.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/12/lantern.jpg


See Last year entry of Belenismo sa Tarlac

http://heart-2-heart-online.com/2007/12/12/belenismo-sa-tarlac/

http://heart-2-heart-online.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/12/313202446503_0_alb.jpghttp://heart-2-heart-online.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/12/lantern.jpg


See Last year entry of Belenismo sa Tarlac

http://heart-2-heart-online.com/2007/12/12/belenismo-sa-tarlac/

I like the icon of Belenismo, Map of Province of Tarlac
http://www.bar.gov.ph/finalweb/Provinces/1images/TarlacMap.gif

http://img68.imageshack.us/img68/1831/bulacanssccb6.jpg

You know what to do with this picture people. Paki-spread na lang sa ibang regional threads ng SSC... salamat po..

http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/391/nesscpd7.jpg

http://img68.imageshack.us/img68/9648/pampangasscki0.jpg

http://img294.imageshack.us/img294/5738/mapofnagave1.png

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!

http://img242.imageshack.us/img242/8075/legazpixmasat3.jpg
Photo by when milko shoots (http://flickr.com/photos/when_milko_shoots/)

:banana::banana::banana:Merry Christmas to everyone!!!:banana::banana::banana:

http://www.veterinaria.org/imagenes/tarjeta03.gif

From SSC-Zamboanga Family

http://img26.picoodle.com/img/img26/3/12/24/f_christmasatm_a8eb058.jpg

maligayang pasko at bagong taon sa inyong lahat mga kababayan kung mga tiga paniqui, tarlac at mga ka probinsya ko mga tiga tarlac! =)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3076/3150592470_2e4fd21564_b.jpg

ALL AROUND THE WORLD CELEBRATES TONIGHT


http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll149/glittergn/newyear/newyear075.gif

http://i287.photobucket.com/albums/ll149/glittergn/happy%20new%20year%202009/15.gif


From SSC-Iligan City

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE!!!

From SSC Naga

http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n250/bobtaz08/SSC.jpg?t=1230790298

I spent my holiday season in my own town La paz Tarlac. Napansin ko lang higit pa sa doble ang dumadaan na sasakyan sa Tarlac Sta Rosa Road,

Tarlac Sta Rosa Road (Lapaz Tarlac - Zaragosa Nueva Ecija Boundary, Chico river on the back ground)
http://inlinethumb56.webshots.com/30199/2254068650041605593S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2254068650041605593idAqKM)
Ito ay dahil sa pagbubukas ng SCTEx and even some provincial bus from Cagayan Isabela ay dumadaan na din dito via SCTEx, and when I was going back to Manila nasakyan ko ang five star bus Tarlac to Cubao Bound ay duon dumaan sa SCTEx Luisita Exit. From Luisita to NLEX exit it takes only 20 minutes.


Inside Luisita Techno park, taken from speeding bus sobrang bilis ng bus kaya yan lang nakuhanan
http://inlinethumb03.webshots.com/43842/2125354700041605593S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2125354700041605593AjBfQy)

http://inlinethumb20.webshots.com/42515/2621906120041605593S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2621906120041605593QGjzjB)
Inside Techno park I saw also Phelps dodge, Universal Robina sabi ng katabi ko duon daw sa loob ung IWS International Wiring system pinakamalaking company sa loob na nagiimport ng harness ng mga sasakyan sa ibat ibang bansa. at maraming pang industrial company na hindi ko na matandaan. and of course nadaanaan din yung Central de asucarera de Tarlac( sugar mills)

The Old La Paz Municipal Hall

http://inlinethumb47.webshots.com/1838/2175546080041605593S500x500Q85.jpg (http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2175546080041605593yoHdBI)

Under construction as of January 17, 2009
http://www.geocities.com/igi_master/Lapaz22.jpg

http://www.geocities.com/igi_master/lapaz11.jpg


Rendering

http://inlinethumb27.webshots.com/35546/2399302210041605593S500x500Q85.jpg (http://outdoors.webshots.com/photo/2399302210041605593gHQtBp)

igi_master, pics naman dyan sa future site ng SM Tarlac. Last week nakita ko nabakuran na at may SM logo na. Sa May brgy. San Roque lapit sa Tessie's Grill :)

magkakaroon na ng sm sa tarlac.. galing naman

igi_master, pics naman dyan sa future site ng SM Tarlac. Last week nakita ko nabakuran na at may SM logo na. Sa May brgy. San Roque lapit sa Tessie's Grill :)

Ganun ba? akala ko gagawin ng subdivision yun. nauwi nga ako last weekend pero sctex ang daan ng bus kaya di ko na nadaanan yung area na yun. Mas nauna pa nga pnropose ung SM tarlac na yan sa SM Pampanga un din yung location ng plan nung una pa man.

March na uli ako makakauwi, kay kabayan cq7cc2 tayo magrequest taga Tarlac City yata sya.

Location plan of SM Tarlac

http://wikimapia.org/#lat=15.4785487&lon=120.5919993&z=17&l=0&m=a&v=2&gz=1;1205896068;154757053;56326;20369;42593;17784;18775;25229;13518;27193;7617;29571;0;32467;2682;28538;3218;17577;20384;0;59223;9719

http://wikimapia.org/beta/#lat=15.477463&lon=120.5917526&z=15&l=0&m=w&v=1&search=sm%20tarlac

8th Mala-Tarlac Festival
January 13-20, 2009
F. Tanedo Street Party, January 16
Heto na lang nahabol ko the morning after:
Sobrang dami kasi ng tao during the party proper...
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u116/cq7cc2/P1050185.jpg
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u116/cq7cc2/P1050191.jpg

igi_master, pics naman dyan sa future site ng SM Tarlac. Last week nakita ko nabakuran na at may SM logo na. Sa May brgy. San Roque lapit sa Tessie's Grill :)

May pics ka ba ng mga bakod? Haha

ayon sa press release ng sm prime wlng mgbu2kas n sm tarlac dis 2009

sm naga, rosario at pamplona lng ang mga mag bubukas......

bka naman real state lng yun n pgmamay ari din ng sm ang ipatatayo.

at tska meron ng SM pampanga, SM clark at SM city rosales n kung saan malapit sa tarlac!

ayon sa press release ng sm prime wlng mgbu2kas n sm tarlac dis 2009

sm naga, rosario at pamplona lng ang mga mag bubukas......

bka naman real state lng yun n pgmamay ari din ng sm ang ipatatayo.

at tska meron ng SM pampanga, SM clark at SM city rosales n kung saan malapit sa tarlac!

Ayon sa mga press people dito sa Tarlac, February 2010 ang opening ng SM Tarlac.
Two hectares lang ang available doon sa San Roque na nagustuhan nilang site, at dahil maliit nga 'yung area, initial design nila is an SM Mall na anim ang palapag!!!
Pictures ng bakod? Meron na ako... Gusto niyo ba? hehehe!!!

^^ Patingin naman! Haha!

Bakit hindi nalang sana bilhin yung Uniwide Tarlac. Iniisip ko pa naman dati nung bata ako itatayo ang SM Tarlac dito. Haha!

Heto na ang pinaka-aabangang bakod ng SM Tarlac:
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u116/cq7cc2/P1060127.jpg
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u116/cq7cc2/P1060126.jpg
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u116/cq7cc2/P1060125.jpghttp://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u116/cq7cc2/P1060123.jpg
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u116/cq7cc2/P1060122.jpg
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u116/cq7cc2/P1060121.jpg
manok: swerte natin SM ang harap natin ano?
piggy: oo nga! di naman kaya tayo maluma sa mga multinationals? pupuntahan pa kaya tayo ng mga tao pag may SM na?

^^ ah malapit pala sa Siesta kala ko sa loob pa ng Tanedo.

Thanks kabayan cq7cc2 sa mga pictures, kailan kaya and start ng construction nito, Base sa last picture may mga container van na duoon sa site ibig sabihin kaya start na construction dito?

Thanks kabayan cq7cc2 sa mga pictures, kailan kaya and start ng construction nito, Base sa last picture may mga container van na duoon sa site ibig sabihin kaya start na construction dito?

yes igi_master, may mga container vans na sa loob and ongoing na ang construction... excavation and diaphragm works na sila as you see the backhoes inside the famous SM fences!!! Target opening? February 2010...
500 meters away from this site, also in San Roque may nabili rin silang squatters' colony (2 hectares) at dito sila gagawa ng housing for their employees....

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u116/cq7cc2/P1060208.jpg
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u116/cq7cc2/P1060209.jpg

[yes igi_master, may mga container vans na sa loob and ongoing na ang construction... excavation and diaphragm works na sila as you see the backhoes inside the famous SM fences!!! Target opening? February 2010...
500 meters away from this site, also in San Roque may nabili rin silang squatters' colony (2 hectares) at dito sila gagawa ng housing for their employees....

Ah ok Thanks. hopefully makita ko yang construction site na yan paguwi ko ng lenten season.

GEI Lapaz Alumni (http://geialumni.bravehost.com)

Thanks for the pictures kabayan.
Ganda pala ng junction sa Tarlac City sa picture, especially the building ng Mercury Drug. Lalong magiging busy ang portion na eto pag bukas na ang SM City Tarlac. Di kaya magiging parang SM Bacoor eto kasi maliit lang ang lot area? Im sure maraming mag sstop over dito, lalo na yung mga magtratravel papunta Baguio. Sana magtayo ng magandang hotel sa katapat na malaking vacant commercial lot. he he.

Thanks for the pictures kabayan.
Ganda pala ng junction sa Tarlac City sa picture, especially the building ng Mercury Drug. Lalong magiging busy ang portion na eto pag bukas na ang SM City Tarlac. Di kaya magiging parang SM Bacoor eto kasi maliit lang ang lot area? Im sure maraming mag sstop over dito, lalo na yung mga magtratravel papunta Baguio. Sana magtayo ng magandang hotel sa katapat na malaking vacant commercial lot. he he.

Welcome to Skyscraper City and to Tarlac Thread Tarlaqueno-ako.
Another Kabayan?

Welcome to Skyscraper City and to Tarlac Thread Tarlaqueno-ako.
Another Kabayan?

Thank you igi-master. Im from Camiling. I like to reside someday in Tarlac City when i retire. That's why i'm happy pag may development sa Tarlac City.
Sana magdevelop pa ang Zamora street na parang Perez Bvd. ng Dagupan City.

yes igi_master, may mga container vans na sa loob and ongoing na ang construction... excavation and diaphragm works na sila as you see the backhoes inside the famous SM fences!!! Target opening? February 2010...
500 meters away from this site, also in San Roque may nabili rin silang squatters' colony (2 hectares) at dito sila gagawa ng housing for their employees....

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u116/cq7cc2/P1060208.jpg
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u116/cq7cc2/P1060209.jpg

wow magkaka SM na ang Tarlac soon?...^^:banana::banana::banana:

^^
marami na ang SM City sa bansa

Haiz! nakita ko na rin ung site, marami na heavy equipment sa loob, nasa clearing stage pa lang

OUT OF THREAD.. SORRY!

SM SOUTH ROAD PROPERTIES (SRP)
South Road Properties, Cebu City, Cebu, Philippines

A shopping complex with a total floor area of 393,694.71, on a 3.48-hectare site, to include:

• department store
• supermarket
• foodcourt
• fast food outlets and restaurants
• business center
• administration office
• retail shops and boutiques
• amusement center
• parking facility

BCI estimated costs: (US$209.30 mn).

SM CITY TAGUIG
FORT BONIFACIO GLOBAL CITY, Taguig City MM, Philippines

A shopping complex with a total floor area of 131,224.71 square metres, on a 35,359.6-square-metre site, to include:

• retail stores
• food outlets
• foodcourt
• administration office
• storage warehouse
• sanitary facilities
• parking facility

BCI estimated costs: (US$69.77 mn).

SM ROSARIO
Barangay Tejero, Rosario, Cavite, Philippines

A shopping complex with a total floor area of 57,329.74, on a 5.488-hectare site, to include:

• department store
• supermarket
• foodcourt
• fast food outlets and restaurants
• business center
• administration office
• retail shops and boutiques
• amusement center
• parking facility

BCI estimated costs: (US$32.56 mn).

SM NOVALICHES
San Bartolome, Novaliches, Quezon City, Philippines

A shopping center with a total floor area of 57,329.74 square metres, on a 7.722-hectare site, to include:

• department store and supermarket
• restaurants and fast food outlets
• shoppes and boutiques
• movie theatres
• arcades
• offices and storage units
• parking facility

BCI estimated costs: (US$34.88 mn).

SM CITY - TARLAC
Barrio San Roque, Tarlac City, Tarlac, Philippines

A three-storey shopping mall with roofdeck, basement, four-level parking facility and a total floor area of 128,828.64 square metres, on a 33,990.84-square-metre site, to include:

• department store
• supermarket
• food court
• fastfood outlets
• restaurants
• movie theaters
• shops and boutiques
• amusement centers
• sanitary facilities
• sewerage treatent plant

BCI estimated costs: (US$69.77 mn).

:bash:

From metro manila malls thread

Wow, ka level pala ng future sm tarlac ang SM Taguig in terms of total cost.

I hope the Kapampangans of Tarlac do not forget their Kapampangan heritage.

---------

DAVAO... CEBU... ILOILO... BICOL... BACOLOD... CENTRAL AND WESTERN MINDANAO... BAGUIO... they have all been making films that depict their lives and imaginations.

It is time for the Kapampangan region to participate in this next wave of Philippine Cinema by holding its first ever Kapampangan Film Festival not only in Pampanga but also in surrounding Kapampangan-speaking regions!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v48/lagsh/cinekabalen.jpg"]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v48/lagsh/cinekabalen.jpg

Rules and mechanics of competition

- everyone is allowed to join (no age limit), except members of the core organizing committee
- animated entries are also allowed
- no music videos, only narratives
- no limit of number of entries
- dialogues must mainly be in Kapampangan
- setting of the story does not necessarily have to be in Pampanga or other Kapampangan-speaking regions like Tarlac and Bataan
- film must have English subtitles
- strictly 10-20 minutes in length
- in digital format (submit final work in playable DVD)
- any topic is allowed
- extreme violence and obscenity and unnecessary abuse of foul language are discouraged
- use of copyrighted music is not allowed
- deadline of entries (final DVD, registration form) will be on July 31; they must be shipped or submitted in person to the Juan D. Nepomuceno Center for Kapampangan Studies, Holy Angel University, Angeles City
- 8 to 10 finalists will be chosen (depending on the quantity of submissions) to compete in the festival; prizes are at stake for the top three best short films; special awards (best male performer, best editing, best screenplay, etc.) will also be given

watch example of Kapampangan short films:

BALANGINGI (Nosebleed):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FzPrUBQW4ms

PUPUL (Harvest):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wiH9-y_-DkY

ING BANGKERU (The Boatman)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQSeOb9X18M

MISTERYO NG HAPIS (Sorrowful Mystery)
Search the title @ video.google.com


O NANU PANG PANAYAN MU?? TIPUNAN MU NO DENG CREW AT ARTISTA MU AT DAKLUTAN ING KEKANG CAMERA AT SABIAN: LIGHTS (NUNG ATIN MAN), CAMERA, HAKSYON!

Mekeni and take part in this historical event!

questions:
text: 0918 699 2459
email: sisig_man@yahoo.com.ph
cinekabalen.multiply.com

Luzon beltway projects 22% complete (http://http://www.inquirer.net/propertyguide/buildingblocks/view.php?db=1&article=20090224-190818)
February 24, 2009 20:02:00
Joel Guinto
INQUIRER.net

CLARK FIELD, Pampanga—Thirteen government projects have been completed in the Luzon Urban Beltway worth P39.3 billion, or 22 percent of the total P180 billion allotted to develop the "super region" in the north, a Malacañang official said.

Secretary Eduardo Pamintuan, who heads the development in the region, on Tuesday said that of the 38 projects in the beltway, the 13 completed projects are:

• Subic-Clark Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX)
• Panday Pira Aacess Road
• Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA)
• DMIA passenger terminal expansion
• Subic port development
• Southern Tagalog Arterial Road
• Phase two of the Batangas Port Development Project
• Three projects for the roll-on, roll-off ferry link between Lucena town, Quezon province, and Boac town, Marinduque province
• Rehabilitation of EDSA (Epifanio delos Santos Avenue)
• Upgrading of hospitals
• Opening of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3.

"Let us develop the Luzon Urban Beltway a seamless priority infrastructure project," President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said in a speech during a Cabinet meeting here.

San Miguel to enter toll business (http://http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2009/march/04/yehey/business/20090304bus2.html)

By Darwin G. Amojelar, Reporter

SAN Miguel Corp. (SMC) plans to venture into tollway business by acquiring the interest of Lopez group’s share in the Tarlac-La Union Toll Expressway (TLUTEx) project, which Metro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) is also eyeing, a government source said.

The source said the SMC has expressed interest to take over MPIC’s role in infusing capital into the consortium to raise P12 billion for the construction the 88-kilometer highway project that would link Metro Manila to northern parts of Luzon.

The same source said that the consortium is still waiting if the local unit of Hong Kong-listed First Pacific Co. Ltd. is still interested in joining the group after they conducted an equity call.

He added that all the members of the consortium have already injected capital into the project except for MPIC.

Last year, the government awarded the contract to construct the highway to a group of contractors called Private Infra Dev. Corp. This is composed of Lopez-led First Balfour, D.M. Consunji Inc. (DMCI), EEI Corp., C.M. Pancho Construction, R.D. Policarpio

& Co. Inc., D.M. Wenceslao & Associates, J.V. Angeles Construction, J.E. Manalo & Co. Inc., New Kanlaon Construction Inc. and Rockford Development.

Late last year, the Lopez group allowed MPIC to step in the project by contributing funds to the consortium. DMCI and First Balfour each has a 34-percent interest in the consortium while the rest hold 2-percent to 6-percent stakes in the group.

The TLUTEx is estimated to cost P15 billion, including the government’s share of up to P3.7 billion to acquire land and right of way (ROW).

The DMCI’s Jorge Consunji and his team went to the National Economic and Development Authority on Monday to ask the government to advance the counterpart funds to pay for the ROW acquisition.

The company also asked National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) how to tap the P50-billion infrastructure fund created by the government to pump prime the economy.

The highway will be built over a five-year period and will be connected to the National Capital Region through the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), which MPIC operates through the Manila North Tollways Corp (MNTC). The company bought MNTC’s parent from two Lopez holding firms, Benpres Holdings Corp. and First Philippine Holdings Corp. last year.

The first leg of the project, which is expected to open to motorists by 2010, will cover 48.7 kilometers and start from Tarlac and end in Carmen, Pangasinan. This will be followed by the 9.5-kilometer Carmen to Urdaneta road in 2011, and the 30.4-kilometer

Urdaneta, Pangasinan to Rosario, La Union road by 2013.

State-of-art Tarlac venue to hold CLRAA meet (http://http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=447202&publicationSubCategoryId=69)
Updated March 10, 2009 12:00 AM


SAN JOSE, Tarlac , Philippines – Tarlac Gov. Victor Areno Yap, said yesterday the province is ready to host the Central Luzon Regional Athletic Association (CLRAA) athletic meet on March 15-21 at the P250-million Tarlac Recreational Park (TRP), considered as one of the biggest sports venues in the country.

TRP has 60 hectares of land wherein 35 hectares has been developed for the holding of the various athletic events. The rest of the site will be used for motor cross field, BMX events, jogging, trekking, mountain climbing and other outdoor activities.

Yap said that the structures being constructed in the place include a grandstand with a view of the whole sports park, a track oval, three volleyball courts, basketball court, baseball and softball fields and dormitories for the athletes.

Yap added that the complex is being built not only for athletic competition but also as an eco-friendly recreation area.

“Eco-friendly sports complex is what we are building,” he said.

He added that the said sports and recreational park was conceived by his father, then governor Jose V. Yap, now a second district representative, after the former Tarlac athletic field was converted into a commercial area leaving the province with no sports facilities for years. In fact, it will be the first time the province will host the CLRAA meet after 20 years. – Ric Sapnu

Top 10 PMA graduating cadets share humble beginnings
Manila Times
12 March 2009 | 1:10 AM

FORT DEL Pilar, Baguio City: Majority of this year’s top 10 graduating members of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Masiglahi Class 2009 were raised by middle-income parents but they have proven their worth in the premier military institution in Asia.

A check on the profile of the top 10 class members revealed that their fathers were plain farmer in their respective provinces while their mothers were plain housewives.

Another distinction they shared with one another was having graduated valedictorians or with honors in their secondary education.

Topping this year’s PMA graduation is 23-year-old Air Force cadet Karl Winston Cacanindin of Aurora province whose father is a draftsman while his mother is a high school teacher.

Cacanindin, who will graduate magna cum laude, will receive the Presidential Saber and PGMA Achievement Award for academic excellence from President Gloria Arroyo, who will be the guest of honor and speaker during the graduation rites at the Borromeo Fields on March 16.

The valedictorian will also receive the Philippine Air Force Saber, Athletic Saber, Mathematics and Natural Sciences plaques besides the Joint United States Military Assistance Group or Jusmag award.

This year’s salutatorian is Army Cadet Leemuel Manicdo, 22, from Moncada, Tarlac, whose father is a mechanic and mother, another simple housewife.

Manicdo, who graduated as high school salutatorian, will receive the Vice Presidential Saber, Philippine Army Saber, Academics Group award, Humanities, Management, Social Sciences and Army Professional courses plaques, Jusmag award, Association of Generals and Flag Officers award and for the Australian Defense best over all performance award.

Navy Cadet Roger Flores, 25, of Iloilo City, who was raised by an accountant father and housewife mother, ranked number three in the class. He will receive the Secretary of National Defense Saber, Philippine Navy Saber and Jusmag award.

Fourth is Navy Cadet Nelson Liwanag, 24, of Tanauan, Batangas, whose father is a farmer while his mother is a vendor. He will receive the Navy Professional Courses plaque, Australian Defense Best Over all performance in the Navy and Jusmag award.

Army Cadet Larry Longe Mayao, 25, of Mainit, Bontoc, Mountain Province is ranked fifth and the only Cordillerans to be in the elite rank of topnotch cadets this year.

Mayao, who graduated from Pines City National High School and Pinsao Elementary School, was 10 years old when his mother passed on. His father was once a laborer who had to raise him along with nine other siblings.

Assistant PMA Supt. Brig. Gen. Rommel Martin of Bontoc, Mountain Province and member of PMA Class 1978 congratulated Mayao for proving that a cadet from the minority group was in equal footing with the other cadets.

Another Army cadet, Erick Ryan Mabborang at age 23 is among the younger graduating cadets is the son of farmers from Enrile, Cagayan, ranked sixth over all.

Army Cadet Carlito Santiago, 24, of Isabela, whose parents are farmers and traders, ranked 7th and he will receive the PGMA Achievement Award for Excellence, Chief of Staff Saber and Tactics Group award.

Army Cadet Glenn de Ramos, 22, of Pasay City whose parents are farmer and housewife ranked 8th and one of the brigade commanders of the class.

Just as Filipino women are celebrating the Women’s Month, Air Force Cadet Cynthia Forteza, 22, of Urbiztondo, Pangasinan landed ninth place in the overall roll of merits.

Forteza is also the recipient of the Computing and Info Sciences plaque, Leadership plaque, Air Force Professional Courses plaque and Australian Defense Best Overall Performance award.

Completing the topnotch list is Air Force Cadet Christopher Ian Dupalco, 22, of Bohol, whose father had died and raised by his mother, a teacher.

PMA Supt. Vice Admiral Leo-nardo Calderon Jr. told reporters that the topnotch graduating cadets have good academic records during their elementary and high school days, even with parents from low and middle-income earners.

There are 161 male and 23 female members of the Masiglahi Class 2009. One hundred of them will join the Army, 37 in the Air Force and 47 in the Navy.-- Harley F. Palangchao

SM Tarlac . cool!

Monestario de Tarlac
San Jose, Tarlac

March 22, 2009 Photos by allan_dude :)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3330/3429141470_7ac7859656_b.jpg


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3538/3429145558_364eebff6f.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3576/3428356681_30ca83ff36.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3644/3428341855_e24dde652e.jpg?v=0


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3571/3429160788_b741e8f97f.jpg?v=0

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u116/cq7cc2/P1110432.jpg
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u116/cq7cc2/P1110440.jpg
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u116/cq7cc2/P1110441.jpg

Thanks sa update.

Madalas ako mauwi ng La paz pero di na ako nadadaan dyan madami na kasing Bus bumibyahe ng Cabanatuan Via SCTEX and La Paz.

Here's the update with our LaPaz Municipal hall as of May 03, 2009

http://inlinethumb47.webshots.com/45614/2339207680041605593S600x600Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2339207680041605593QRyVmc)

http://inlinethumb37.webshots.com/18340/2677822360041605593S600x600Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2677822360041605593IjtVQp)

Inaugurated last May 11, 2009

Due to the continous increased of vehicle using Tarlac Sta Road since the opening of SCTEX, The road is under construction, they added one lane in each side . I dont if they add one lane each yung buong Tarlac sta Rosa Road.

http://inlinethumb62.webshots.com/41277/2692070720041605593S600x600Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2692070720041605593KjUbNQ)

http://inlinethumb32.webshots.com/41311/2819003310041605593S600x600Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2819003310041605593aNOHjz)


Lapaz Tarlac area
Widening, 2 lanes to be added to complement motorist using SCTEX

soon in Tarlac

YzE7ug9VG2E

http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/7707/35887427.jpg

^^ wow ang ganda ng sm nyo!!! dapat ganyan din sana yung sa sm naga...

^ Ang bilis ng construction ng SM dyan sa Tarlac. Sigurado early 2010 ang opening.

Hi! I went to Baguio last week, of course, passed by Tarlac. I was tremendous impressed with how your city has developed over time! I love its cleanliness, the organized zoning, not to mention the widening of the major thoroughfare. The city blew me away! I hope traffic does not get worse. Tarlac seems to me a quiet city--not many people talk about it but it is simply surprising, with all those structures and pace of development.

;37068116']http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/7707/35887427.jpg

Tarlac City and surrounding environs can very well sustain an SM there. I hope SM does not cause literal desolation of the city proper when SM starts its operations there.

ganda naman ng sm nyo, d kagaya sa sm pampanga

..kailan kya matatapos??

Any SM city Tarlac Updates

^Gawa na 50% ng support columns para sa second floor.

^Gawa na 50% ng support columns para sa second floor.

PICS......

PICS......

SORRY WALA! [may pagka demanding to ah] :lol:

Btw, here's a road improvement along McArthur Highway, Tarlac City.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3608/3678149164_33c7cd631c.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2440/3678144964_596a7cd37a.jpg?v=0

Just asking to present Internet subscribers, which telco provides the fastest and most reliable connection in Tarlac City?

I'm a home-based professional doing offshore work and I could be moving there soon so I'm asking.

Thanks in advance for your replies!

PLDT DSL still...

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u116/cq7cc2/P1120239.jpg
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u116/cq7cc2/P1110440.jpg

;37068116']http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/7707/35887427.jpg

SM TARLAC UPDATE JULY 19, 2009

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3464/3734586383_52e9a27ba1.jpg?v=0
Pouring concrete for the mall's 3rd level parking building, with circular ramp.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3495/3734598813_638ee4f890.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2446/3735407226_94db83f78c.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2461/3734622221_525285f985.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2626/3735371998_7f1c9d6b80.jpg?v=0
View from the junction of McArthur Highway and Romulo Highway.

May on-going construction ang Robinson sa may Capas

May on-going construction ang Robinson sa may Capas

Akala ko Supermarket lang. May mga tarpaulins sa McArthur Highway Robinsons Capas :)

^^SM TARLAC UPDATE JULY 19, 2009

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3464/3734586383_52e9a27ba1.jpg?v=0
Pouring concrete for the mall's 3rd level parking building, with circular ramp.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3495/3734598813_638ee4f890.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2446/3735407226_94db83f78c.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2461/3734622221_525285f985.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2626/3735371998_7f1c9d6b80.jpg?v=0
View from the junction of McArthur Highway and Romulo Highway.

^^I'm sure lalong titindi ang trapik dyan. Mga tricycle pa naman jan halos walang disiplina. Sana magawan na nang paraan kaagad

^ Kapag nagbukas na to, mas darami ang gagamit ng SCTEx. Maiipit naman sa traffic mga papuntang western and central Pangasinan at Zambales.

Yap gets Sandugo award for second straight year (http://positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Inspirational_25/Yap_gets_Sandugo_award_for_second_straight_year.shtml)

TARLAC CITY, July 24 (PNA) -- For the second straight year, Governor Victor Yap will be one of the awardees for this year’s National Sandugo Awards for Outstanding Local Government Executives.

Yap will receive the award in a ceremony to be held at the Grand Ballroom of the Diamond Hotel in Manila on July 29.

The “Sandugo” award is given by the Department of Health (DoH) to local government executives who have shown support and commitment to the National Voluntary Blood Service Program (NVBSP).

In a statement, Yap thanked the Sandugo awards committee for recognizing his valuable contribution.

“With this award, I will further extend my support and commitment to the NVBSP,” Yap said.

Other Central Luzon governor who will receive the prestigious award is Bulacan Govenor Joselito Mendoza.

Last year, Yap was the lone Central Luzon governor to be named as one of the Sandugo awardees.

Other Tarlaquenos to be awarded this year are Mayors Dennis Norman Go of Gerona, Edgardo Felipe of Anao and Genaro Mendoza of this city.

In a related development, Yap will award on July 28 certificates of recognition to advocates, stakeholders and benefactors of the Voluntary Blood Donation Program in the province with DoH Region III Director Dr. Rio Magpantay as guest of honor.
“The provincial government has to recognize also our local heroes of this Voluntary Blood Donation Program…we consider this activity a very important one in order to create peoples’ awareness to the realization of our them Towards a 100% Voluntary Blood Donation Program,” Yap said. (PNA)

^^

^^I'm sure lalong titindi ang trapik dyan. Mga tricycle pa naman jan halos walang disiplina. Sana magawan na nang paraan kaagad
Di talaga pahuhuli Tarlac...and dami na rin mall dyan...komusta naman tourist arrivals?

As far as I know, high-end Subdivision ang idi-develope ng Robinsons sa Capas at hindi mall. Check nyo pa!


RLC allots P10 billion for current, future projects
By Zinnia B. Dela Peña (The Philippine Star) Updated July 27, 2009 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Robinsons Land Corp., the property development arm of Gokongwei flagship firm JG Summit Holdings Inc., is spending a combined P10 billion in 2010 and 2011 to complete the construction of ongoing and future high-rise residential projects.

In a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), RLC said its residential buildings division would need approximately P5 billion per year to fund the development of the first tower of its joint venture with Security Land located on Ayala Ave., the second tower of Sonata Private Residences in Ortigas Center, the second tower of Trion towers in Bonifacio Global City, an additional building in Woodsville and the first tower of the Magnolia Residences.

“RLC believes that the potential for growth is in the affordable mid-to high-rise condominium developments and in the middle to high-end horizontal residential segments of the market and the company intends to take advantage of these opportunities,” the company said.

Magnolia Residences is envisioned to be a self-contained community located in a five-hectare property in New Manila.

For fiscal year 2009, RLC has allotted P8.7 billion for its total capital expenditures, with 38 percent going to residential buildings, 37.7 percent for commercial centers, 14.4 percent for office buildings, six percent for housing and land development, and 3.9 percent for hotels.

The capex will be funded from existing cash, cash generated from operations, pre-selling and additional borrowings.

RLC is building three more new malls located in Davao, Tacloban, and General Santos, which will increase net leasable area by 71,000 square meters or 10 percent from previous year.

RLC’s shopping mall network will increase to 26 by the end of September this year from 21 the previous year.

For next year, the company intends to complete another three malls located in Cebu, Dumaguete and Laoag which will provide an additional net leasable area by another seven percent.

As for its housing and land division, RLC plans to begin development of at least three new and expansion projects per year with a focus on affordable subdivision lots with housing options in seven regional capitals and select low-rise projects in highly urbanized centers.

To be launched this year include The Wellington Courtyard — phase 2 in Tagaytay City, the 15-hectare project in Capas, Tarlac; re-launching of the Vimana Private Villas in Pasig

By September this year, RLC’s [/B]shopping mall network will increase to 26 from only 21 the previous year.

Aside from this, RLC will continue to take advantage of the resilient demand for office space by allotting leasable area for BPOs as needed in its malls. It started construction of Robinsons Cybergate Plaza, which will have 20,000 square meters of net leasable office area.

To cater to a wider section of potential clients, RLC launched a new concept in the hospitality business with its budget Go Hotels, offering affordable and value-for money accommodation. These hotels will rise in RLC’s malls and 24-hour convenience stores.

The first site of the Go Hotel is in Robinsons Pioneer Cybergate complex, which is expected to be completed in the next fiscal year. RLC is also looking at three other sites in key cities in the provinces.

im just curious kung taga saan ka coz you seem to know a lot. Ang dami mo ring post sa ibang thread lalo sa Pangasinan at dun sa forum na "SM Urdaneta or SM Rosales". And then you had a nice intro about Tarlac Province in this thread. You seem so socially aware. I for one is amazed on how you gather all these info. And I also think you are intelligent.

RLC taps partner for Tarlac venture
First Posted 21:39:00 08/02/2009

ROBINSONS LAND CORP. HAS formed a joint venture with the Zarate-Coronel family, a prominent clan in Tarlac, for its first residential project in the province.

Through the joint venture, RLC will develop a 16-hectare property into a full-scale residential subdivision, along the national highway at the junction of Concepcion-Magalang road.

Less than a kilometer away from the town proper, the residential project will be in proximity to major commercial establishments and key landmarks. It targets primarily OFW families, locals, investors and businessmen in the area.

RLC is the first among the country’s leading and biggest property developers to initiate a large-scale real estate development in Capas - a first-class municipality in the province of Tarlac.

Robinsons Land’s housing and land development division have five other ongoing and existing projects in Central Luzon. Three of these residential subdivisions are in Angeles, Pampanga namely Forest Parkhomes, Rosewood Parkhomes and Forest Parkhomes North.

There is one project in Mabalacat, Pampanga—Fernwood Parkhomes, and one ongoing in San Fernando, Pampanga named Mirada Dos.

http://business.inquirer.net/money/topstories/view/20090802-218447/RLC-taps-partner-for-Tarlac-venture

meron bang tourist spot sa Tarlac?

meron bang tourist spot sa Tarlac?

meron yung Camp O'Donell....:)

of course may tourist spot sa Tarlac. Eco-tourism Park sa San Jose, Death March Memorial sa Capas, San Sebastian Cathedral sa Tarlac City, Ancestral House ni Leonor Rivera sa Camiling, Isdaan Floating Restaurant sa Gerona. Madami pa I just cant enumerate them especially sa may bandang Mayantoc, San Clemente at way North sa Paniqui, Anao, Ramos etc. Hey fellow tarlaqueno baka gusto nyo ako tulungan sa list.

of course may tourist spot sa Tarlac. Eco-tourism Park sa San Jose, Death March Memorial sa Capas, San Sebastian Cathedral sa Tarlac City, Ancestral House ni Leonor Rivera sa Camiling, Isdaan Floating Restaurant sa Gerona. Madami pa I just cant enumerate them especially sa may bandang Mayantoc, San Clemente at way North sa Paniqui, Anao, Ramos etc. Hey fellow tarlaqueno baka gusto nyo ako tulungan sa list.

oh okay.thanks..medyo di lang siguro ako pamilyar sa lugar. :)

of course may tourist spot sa Tarlac. Eco-tourism Park sa San Jose, Death March Memorial sa Capas, San Sebastian Cathedral sa Tarlac City, Ancestral House ni Leonor Rivera sa Camiling, Isdaan Floating Restaurant sa Gerona. Madami pa I just cant enumerate them especially sa may bandang Mayantoc, San Clemente at way North sa Paniqui, Anao, Ramos etc. Hey fellow tarlaqueno baka gusto nyo ako tulungan sa list.The latest generation of Philippine heroes Ninoy and Cory, Aquinos House in Concepcion and Aquino Center In San Miguel, Hacienda Luisita and Luisita Golf Club in San Miguel, Wonderland resort in Bamban, Dolores and Buenos Hot Spring in Capas, and there so many Resort along Lapaz Concepcion Road and in San Jose, Kalaw Forest Falls in san Clemente, Diwa ng Tarlac a Museum in Tarlac City, The sacobia River in Bamban try to stop if you passed there.
Festvities; Anao's Ilang ilang Festival, MalaTarlac Festival, Belenismo Sa Tarlac, also visit the celebration of Gen Francisco Macabulos Day every September 17 in Lapaz Tarlac.

im just curious kung taga saan ka coz you seem to know a lot. Ang dami mo ring post sa ibang thread lalo sa Pangasinan at dun sa forum na "SM Urdaneta or SM Rosales". And then you had a nice intro about Tarlac Province in this thread. You seem so socially aware. I for one is amazed on how you gather all these info. And I also think you are intelligent. Balbaleg ya salamat ed sikayo Dustin! Thanks a lot! I'm from Bayambang, Pangasinan, just north of Camiling and Moncada, Tarlac. Hope to see you posting here. Enjoy SSC! :cheers1:

its high time na magkaroon na ng sm ang tarlac, mukhang matagal pa bago matapos, lalong bumagal ang construction dahil sa tag ulan, :ohno: can't wait to see my hometown pretty soon:cheers:

its high time na magkaroon na ng sm ang tarlac, mukhang matagal pa bago matapos, lalong bumagal ang construction dahil sa tag ulan, :ohno: can't wait to see my hometown pretty soon:cheers:

^^Welcome to SSC Sampukid :banana:

dakal a salamat patlite boy! thanks for the sm pics update as well..

magandang umaga, Tarlac....Is Tarlac an HUC?

Is Tarlac an HUC?

Tarlac City is a 1st class city in the province of Tarlac. It is also the capital of Tarlac Province.

Due to its unprecedented economic growth, the city has been declared Highly-Urbanized city in the Philippines under the power of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

Is Tarlac an HUC?

Tarlac City is a 1st class city in the province of Tarlac. It is also the capital of Tarlac Province.

Due to its unprecedented economic growth, the city has been declared Highly-Urbanized city in the Philippines under the power of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

But the residents rejected its conversion through a plebiscite in 2006 or 2007(?). The provincial government, then under Gov. Apeng Yap, campaigned hard for its rejection.

But the residents rejected its conversion through a plebiscite in 2006 or 2007(?). The provincial government, then under Gov. Apeng Yap, campaigned hard for its rejection.

Thank you for the supplemental info. I was about to add that information but i'm not sure about the year when the plebiscite was held.

Aeta families to benefit from CDC project in Tarlac, Pampanga

by Joel P. Mapiles


CLARK FREE PORT—The Clark Development Corp. (CDC) is awaiting the approval of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of a joint-management agreement (JMA) it signed in December 2007 with the Tribung Ayta and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) to develop more than 2,000 hectares of forested area in the Sacobia Valley, the northern portion of this free port.

CDC president Benigno Ricafort cited the JMA as the prime ingredient of the state-owned firm’s Next Frontier investment project that seeks to give the indigenous Aeta families in the area more decent shelters, livelihood and a “complete” community providing a better economic environment and livelihood opportunities. The Aetas are presumed to be residing along the area of special economic zone.

Ricafort said the Next Frontier project is in consonance with the JMA signed on December 6, 2007, by CDC, NCIP and leaders of the Tribung Ayta, who have inherent rights over certain areas of the Sacobia Valley under the ancestral-domain claims.

The Tribung Ayta is composed of 13 tribes or about 3,000 families from the towns of Bamban, Tarlac and Mabalacat, Pampanga.

“The most important role of the JMA is that it ensures the recognition and promotion of the overall welfare of the Aeta tribes in the area, aside from enabling the CDC to generate investment potentials in tourism, housing, commercial, institutional and light industry projects in the Sacobia Valley through the Next Frontier project,” Ricafort said.

He said the JMA “is a breakthrough in the long-standing negotiation between the government through the CDC and the Aetas for the development of vast idle lands whose potential could be maximized for the benefit of the cultural minorities and the surrounding communities in Pampanga and Tarlac.”

“We look at this agreement as the beginning of a brighter future for our Aeta brothers in terms of a better economic environment and livelihood opportunities,” Ricafort said.

Ricafort noted that the JMA covers 10,684 hectares of forested Aeta ancestral lands and allows the CDC to manage the area for a 75-year period under a revenue-sharing scheme where 20 percent of the revenue or rental will go directly to the Aetas.

The CDC president said the draft IRR has been formulated by the tripartite body comprising NCIP, Tribung Ayta and CDC. It is now being presented in various consultations for its eventual approval.

In the draft, the IRR states that it will “recognize and promote the rights of the members of the Tribung Ayta toward economic development consistent with the program of the national government as provided for under Republic Act 8371 [RA 8371], otherwise known as the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act of 1997, and other relevant laws and regulations.”

It also “provided for an ancestral- domain sustainable-development and protection plan and management of the area subject of [this JMA], consistent with the agenda of the government for national and cooperative development in consonance with the CDC master development plan for the Clark Special Economic Zone and the Bases Conversion Development Act of 1992 [RA 7227], as amended.”

The draft IRR will also “ensure the immediate, effective and continuing economic and social improvement such as employment and other income-generating activities for the Aeta tribes.”

The IRR, which was written in both English and Pilipino, also ensures the protection, preservation and advancement of “self-sufficiency of the members of the indigenous tribes using the guiding principles of community consultation, cooperative development and transparency.”

Earlier, President Arroyo lauded the Next Frontier project, citing its positive effects like employment generation “not only for the Aetas, but also its contribution to the local and national economy.”

http://businessmirror.com.ph/home/regions/14702-aeta-families-to-benefit-from-cdc-project-in-tarlac-pampanga.html

PSE sets road shows in Tarlac, Baguio

Doris C. Dumlao
Philippine Daily Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Stock Exchange will conduct road shows in Tarlac and Baguio next month to drum up interest among provincial retail investors on the equities market.

After the Tarlac-Baguio road show, the PSE will visit the cities of Dumaguete and Davao in October and December, respectively.

The next free stock market investing seminars will be held on Sept. 1 at the La Majarica Hotel in Tarlac and on Sept. 3 at the Baguio Country Club in Baguio City from 1 to 5 p.m., the exchange announced yesterday.

“This activity forms part of PSE’s intensified investor education program to increase local participation in the stock market. Through this financial literacy campaign, the exchange also hopes to promote the stock market as an effective venue for mobilizing capital for business enterprises outside Metro Manila,” PSE president and chief executive officer Francis Lim said.

The PSE will be joined by experts who will talk about the basics of stock market investing, online stock trading, investing in mutual funds and listing on the PSE.

The new road shows followed a successful provincial briefing in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, last March and in Cebu last June.

The PSE financial literacy campaigns in Laguna and Cebu were well received by the participants who were mostly individuals with high net worth, including corporate executives, professionals and entrepreneurs.

The road shows also gathered participants from the government, the academe and the various business clubs in the nearby provinces.

http://business.inquirer.net/money/topstories/view/20090826-222181/PSE-sets-road-shows-in-Tarlac-Baguio

Sm Urdaneta was first proposed than SM Tarlac.

guys no pictures so that we can see about tarlac...

Sm Urdaneta was first proposed than SM Tarlac.

What happened to the proposal?

Sm Urdaneta was first proposed than SM Tarlac.

Ayun hangga ngayon "proposal" pa rin. Samantalang yung SM Tarlac mga 3 months na lang operational na. At tsaka bakit bigla naman nasingit yung topic about sm urdaneta. Ang alam ko noon pa nga yun. Pero alam nyo na ba na mas nauna naiproposed ang sm tarlac kaysa sm pampanga. SO ibig sabihin matagal na nakaplano yung sm tarlac. Kung mas nauna sya sa pampanga, eh di mas nauna sya lalo kaysa urdaneta.

And about yung di matuloytuloy na Sm Urdaneta. Alam nyo, it takes a lot of planning, studies and considerations bago magtayo ng isang SM Branch. I am from Tarlac City. Siguro ung case ng SM Tarlac at SM Urdaneta ay halos parehas lang. Take Note... Sm Urdaneta was first proposed than SM Tarlac... yet SM Tarlac is now 8 months in its full construction phase pero ung SM Urdaneta kahit bakod wala pa (or wala na). SM Tarlac was planned way ahead of SM Naga pero SM Naga already opened last May 01, 2009. Kc maraming political at social factors dyan. (Lalo cguro political). Settled nga lang ciguro ung sa SM Tarlac. Sabi nga ng mayor namin to quote 'If SM Management complies with all the legal requirements then our job is to give them permit". Sensible naman dba? I am one of those na natutuwa sa SM City Tarlac kc i wont have to go sa pampanga para lang makabili ng mga branded na items. Lets face it... wala namang Folded and Hung sa ibang malls. Wala rin Hang-Ten, walang Mango, Walang Hush Puppies, walang Mossimo, walang Celine, wang Giordano, walang Go Nuts Donuts, walang Toy Kingdom, walang Oxygen, walang Karate Kid, walang Let's Face It Facial Center, walang Flawless, and the list goes on. And most of all, walang Payment Centers para sa mga utilities at mga credit cards. Kaya naiintindihan ko ung mga taga Urdaneta na naghihintay at umaasa na sana one day, ay may nakabakod ng blue fence na may nakasulat ng SM kung saan ay itatayo ang SM Urdaneta. Pero habang wala pa, just try to go way north sa SM Baguio, or down ahead come year end sa SM Tarlac. Or ung neighbor nyong SM Rosales. Kung gusto nyo nman mas malayo at new... try Sm Clark or San Fernando. Or punta na kaung Metro Manila. Then the choices would be endless.

Excited na ako sa opening ng SM City Tarlac. Dito na lang ako mamimili pag uuwi ako galing Manila.I hope this would give jobs for our kababayan in the whole province of Tarlac. At sana mag boom din ang call center agents jobs sa city proper.

Magkakaroon ba ng Cory Aquino Monument sa Tarlac City?Saan kaya eto ilalagay?

Kumusta na ang Robinsons Luisita?May nag ooperate na kayang call center doon?Parang wala yatang Cinema doon unlike noong Luisita Center pa sya?

My residential project na rin ang Fil-invest sa Aguso, sana mag-invest ang mga OFW's dito. Malapit lang sa McArthur hi-way eto kaya puedeng gawing rest-house dahil half-way eto between Manila and Baguio.Maganda na rin Tumira sa Tarlac City, lalo na kung nag-open na ang SM. Mukhang magaganda ang house models ng Fil-invest, visit www.filinvest.com.ph
Pag maganda ang real estate sales dito, hope susunod na ang ibang developers like what is happening now sa Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, Bulacan, Pampanga.

Mahal na kasi ang houses sa Metro Manila, lalo na kung mga single attached ang hanap mo. Kaya uso na ngayon ang mga townhouses sa Mega Manila and Condominiums naman sa loob ng NCR.

My residential project na rin ang Fil-invest sa Aguso, sana mag-invest ang mga OFW's dito. Malapit lang sa McArthur hi-way eto kaya puedeng gawing rest-house dahil half-way eto between Manila and Baguio.Maganda na rin Tumira sa Tarlac City, lalo na kung nag-open na ang SM. Mukhang magaganda ang house models ng Fil-invest, visit www.filinvest.com.ph
Pag maganda ang real estate sales dito, hope susunod na ang ibang developers like what is happening now sa Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, Bulacan, Pampanga.

May ongoing development para sa isang residential subdivision ang Robinsons Land sa Capas. Akalain mo nga naman, isipin mo may SM na sa Tarlac, ang saya diba? Kahit ako excited rin kasi paunlad nang paunlad ang city natin. Sa Tarlac kasi ako ipinanganak hanggang mag-high school so proud talaga ako

http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u116/cq7cc2/08182009.jpg
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http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u116/cq7cc2/081820093.jpg

And about yung di matuloytuloy na Sm Urdaneta. Alam nyo, it takes a lot of planning, studies and considerations bago magtayo ng isang SM Branch. I am from Tarlac City. Siguro ung case ng SM Tarlac at SM Urdaneta ay halos parehas lang. Take Note... Sm Urdaneta was first proposed than SM Tarlac... yet SM Tarlac is now 8 months in its full construction phase pero ung SM Urdaneta kahit bakod wala pa (or wala na). SM Tarlac was planned way ahead of SM Naga pero SM Naga already opened last May 01, 2009. Kc maraming political at social factors dyan. (Lalo cguro political). Settled nga lang ciguro ung sa SM Tarlac. Sabi nga ng mayor namin to quote 'If SM Management complies with all the legal requirements then our job is to give them permit". Sensible naman dba? I am one of those na natutuwa sa SM City Tarlac kc i wont have to go sa pampanga para lang makabili ng mga branded na items. Lets face it... wala namang Folded and Hung sa ibang malls. Wala rin Hang-Ten, walang Mango, Walang Hush Puppies, walang Mossimo, walang Celine, wang Giordano, walang Go Nuts Donuts, walang Toy Kingdom, walang Oxygen, walang Karate Kid, walang Let's Face It Facial Center, walang Flawless, and the list goes on. And most of all, walang Payment Centers para sa mga utilities at mga credit cards. Kaya naiintindihan ko ung mga taga Urdaneta na naghihintay at umaasa na sana one day, ay may nakabakod ng blue fence na may nakasulat ng SM kung saan ay itatayo ang SM Urdaneta. Pero habang wala pa, just try to go way north sa SM Baguio, or down ahead come year end sa SM Tarlac. Or ung neighbor nyong SM Rosales. Kung gusto nyo nman mas malayo at new... try Sm Clark or San Fernando. Or punta na kaung Metro Manila. Then the choices would be endless.



politics daw ung issue kaya ayaw pagtayuan ng sm sa urdaneta, dapat 2004 p lng meron ng sm urdaneta, nabasa q rin 2 sa annual report ng sm nung 2002 pa, kya yan 2loy napunta sa sm sa rosales,


PROPERTIES OF SM IN PANGASINAN

1. ROSALES - 12.1 HECTARE
2. URDANETA - 15 HECTARE (AYUN WALA P RING BAKOD NG SM PERO OWNED P RIN ITO.
3. DAGUPAN - 14 HECTARE( MALAYO NANG PAGTAYUAN KASI UNG VICE MAYOR AY EXECUTIVE NG CSI GROUP, KAYA
EITHER MANGALDAN OR CALASIAO N LANG which COMPRISES
METRO CAMADA/DAGUPAN

Ano ba namang sm construction photos yan? Update? Bakit hindi nyo subukang kumuha na aerial shots. kc theres nothing new sa mga pictures (as of august 18 ba)at doon sa mga naunang naipost dito. TRy nyong kumuha ng shots at least sa 3rd floor ng katapat na building. Doon sa may Philhealth office at siguradong kuha nyo ang lahat ng views from the 6-level parking at yung buong main mall. Kung 4 floors ang sm tarlac, isa na lang... kcthe last time i passed by sa site, nasa 3rd level na sila.

^^:ohno:

Ano ba namang sm construction photos yan? Update? Bakit hindi nyo subukang kumuha na aerial shots. kc theres nothing new sa mga pictures (as of august 18 ba)at doon sa mga naunang naipost dito. TRy nyong kumuha ng shots at least sa 3rd floor ng katapat na building. Doon sa may Philhealth office at siguradong kuha nyo ang lahat ng views from the 6-level parking at yung buong main mall. Kung 4 floors ang sm tarlac, isa na lang... kcthe last time i passed by sa site, nasa 3rd level na sila.


You should be thankful kung ano man update ang naipost. :bash:

^^
Kaya gna. At least siya may na ipost na pictures..:)

Ano ba namang sm construction photos yan? Update? Bakit hindi nyo subukang kumuha na aerial shots. kc theres nothing new sa mga pictures (as of august 18 ba)at doon sa mga naunang naipost dito. TRy nyong kumuha ng shots at least sa 3rd floor ng katapat na building. Doon sa may Philhealth office at siguradong kuha nyo ang lahat ng views from the 6-level parking at yung buong main mall. Kung 4 floors ang sm tarlac, isa na lang... kcthe last time i passed by sa site, nasa 3rd level na sila.

Nag-uutos ka ba o nakikiusap po? :?

Ano ba namang sm construction photos yan? Update? Bakit hindi nyo subukang kumuha na aerial shots. kc theres nothing new sa mga pictures (as of august 18 ba)at doon sa mga naunang naipost dito. TRy nyong kumuha ng shots at least sa 3rd floor ng katapat na building. Doon sa may Philhealth office at siguradong kuha nyo ang lahat ng views from the 6-level parking at yung buong main mall. Kung 4 floors ang sm tarlac, isa na lang... kcthe last time i passed by sa site, nasa 3rd level na sila.

:ohno::ohno::ohno:

TO cq7cc2 ... I am sorry! I really meant well but i have chosen the wrong words. I know this is not the proper venue for sentiments but nonetheless i have triggered a "word war". My apology.

I think cq7cc2 is also from Tarlac City kaya kabalen natin yan Dustin. I appreciate the photos.

Mukhang kakaunti ang nagpopost dito sa Tarlac Thread, unlike sa ibang Thread like Cavite Province and Tagaytay City.

So palagay nyo mga 1st quarter ang opening ng SM Tarlac City?

Mukhang kakaunti ang nagpopost dito sa Tarlac Thread, unlike sa ibang Thread like Cavite Province and Tagaytay City.

So palagay nyo mga 1st quarter ang opening ng SM Tarlac City?

Napansin ko nga rin. Wala yata masyado. Hindi yata masipag ang mga ibang tarlaqueno na magpost dito sa thread. Ung sa Naga nga may seperate forum pa sila para dun sa SM Naga. O kaya pwede ring hindi aware ang ilan na may ganitong forum sa internet. Anyway, Oo, palagay ko mga January to February 2010 ang opening ng SM Tarlac. Kasi may 3 months pang natitira sa 2009. Ang sabi sa akin ng mga ilang tao sa construction, double time daw sila as in 24 hours ang trabaho. At tsaka ayon sa SM Prime, first quarter ang opening ng SM Tarlac.

And then if somebody has the means...why not post yung iba nating landmark dito sa Tarlac gaya sa ibang thread. For example yung aesthetic shot ng San Sebastian Cathedral (in and out). Tarlac Capitol including the Park. Diwa ng Tarlac (though it has lost its old glory but still for me maganda pa rin), The stretch of F.Tanedo (shot taken from the 2nd KFC level,that would include a partial shot of the Plaza.., WoW), Ung GSIS Building (why not!!?), Ninoy Aquino Bridge and Boulevard (during sunset), etc. Para naman makita ng mga taga ibang thread kung gaano kaganda ang kabisera natin. ANyone?

And then yung mga ka province mate natin who lives in other towns, post nyo din yung mga landmarks sa mga bayan nyo... like sa Panique, Moncada, Gerona, Victoria, Anao, Ramos, Pura, Victoria, Bamban, Capas, Sta. Ignacia. San Jose, Mayantoc, San Clemente, Camiling, San Manuel, and Lapaz. After all, all about Tarlac City and Tarlac Province naman ang thread na ito.

And really... if somebody has the means again... why not take a shot of the entire SM City Tarlac ground from the 3rd floor of the Philhealth Building just right across the street in front of the construction site. Last week I was there at the Philhealth office and i saw it. A view from the top. The mall is taking shape already and i think is more than half-way through.

^^Paging all Tarlac bloggers / forumers. It's time to shine! :)

Thanks for the info Dustin, noong April 2009 pa ako umuwi ng Tarlac, holy week. Favorite ko kumain ng pancit sa Tessie's Grill, tapat ng ginagawang SM. Masarap luto nila doon.Even before pa noong nasa tapat pa sila ng Metrotown, pagbalik ko ng Manila galing Camiling dumadaan ako dun sa kanila. Kaya try nyo rin.

Nagagandahan din ako sa GSIS Building, sana ma- maintain yung park sa harap ng Capitol at yung sorroundings dun, maganda pa naman.

Yes, maganda rin ang F. Tanedo St. eto ang downtown area ng City, parang A.B. Fernandez Ave. ng Dagupan City. While Romulo Bvd. is the Government Center, yung Aquino Avenue naman papunta Camiling sa North, sana mag develop na parang University belt, nandun na ang USST, Interworld, TSU San Isidro Campus and I think doon din yata yung Tarlac Province I.T park.

And then, sa Western part naman, nandun yung CLDH Educational Institution, Ednor Colleges at Tarlac Colleges Inc. Believe ako sa performance ng TSU at CLDH EI, nag top na sa CPA Board Exam ang TSU at ang EI naman sa Nursing.

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^^galing ah under construction na pala ang SM tarlac...kailan ba to matatapos? sigurado apple of the eye yung tarlac this coming election.:)

Any news how much is the price of lots in Robinson Land in Capas?

UK bioenergy firm pledges P6-billion investments in RP

September 19, 2009

Recognizing the Philippines’ viability for renewable energy sources, British bioenergy developer Bronzeoak has committed to peg additional P6 billion in investments here in the country, following a business meeting with President Arroyo in London, United Kingdom.

Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said Bronzeoak has committed to put in additional P6-billion worth of investments here, including the establishment of its second bioethanol plant.

The bioethanol plant, with sugar as its raw material, will be established in Capas, Tarlac, said Remonde.

The expansion (plan) of Bronzeoak in the Philippines to create another bioethanol plant in Tarlac has reinforced its leadership in bioethanol and renewable energy (development),” Remonde said.

Bronzeoak is also responsible for the bioenergy project in San Carlos, Negros Occidental, which is the first bioethanol project here by a British firm using “cutting- edge” technology.

Bronzeoak started its international operations, particularly in Southeast Asia in 1995 and has started the development of its bioethanol project here in the country in 2004.

Its bioethanol project in San Carlos, Negros Occidental, now operational, is the first stand-alone full-grade bioethanol distillery fed by sugarcane juice in Southeast Asia.

The British government had since been interested in investing in renewable energy and other alternative energy sources here in the Philippines due to its aggressive stance to combat climate change.

Meanwhile, British mining companies have expressed further interest in doing business in the Philippines, following a business meeting with President Arroyo in London.

Remonde said multinational mining company Rio Tinto has expressed its interest to conduct mining projects here as it recognized the Philippines’ potential in mining.

“The head of exploration of Rio Tinto has conveyed interest to mine copper, gold and nickel in the Philippines,” Remonde said in Saturday's press briefing simulcast over government-run Radyo ng Bayan.

Remonde said it is a welcome development as Rio Tinto used to have mining explorations here in 1995 but had to stop its operation due to the conflict in Mindanao.

“But now after the visit of the President, they want to (invest),” he said.

Rio Tinto’s mining projects include the extraction of aluminum, copper, diamond, individual minerals and iron ore.

Likewise, Remonde said the President met with officials of UK’s Metals Exploration PLC.

Metals Exploration PLC led by its director, Jonathan Beardsworth, has already invested P175 million in the country, said Remonde. The P175-million bond posted by the mining firm is for the expansion of its 200-hectare Runruno gold – molybdenum project in Nueva Vizcaya.

Its other projects here in the country include Masapalid and Puray projects, reports said.

Local scientists earlier disclosed the potential of extracting minerals and mineral products from the country’s near-coast and off-shore resources aside from mountainous resources. Aggregate resources like sand and gravel may also be found in offshore areas of the country, they said.

Most of the potential mining areas and deposits are in Luzon, followed by Mindanao and the Visayas, sources said.

In 2007, gross production value from the mining sector reached P97.4 billion or an estimated US$2.1 billion. Mining’s contribution to the gross domestic product (GDP) reached P81.5-billion while total exports of mineral and mineral products were placed at $2.55 billion, officials said.

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/221395/uk-bioenergy-firm-pledges-p6billion-investments-rp

Noynoy vs Gibo: Tough call for Tarlac

By Jo Martinez-Clemente
Inquirer Northern Luzon
First Posted 23:54:00 09/22/2009


LONG DESCRIBED AS THE BACKROOM OF Philippine politics, Tarlac once again moves up front with two of its sons running for the 2010 presidential election.

While the impending battle between second cousins, administration candidate Gilbert “Gibo” Cojuangco Teodoro Jr. and Liberal Party’s Benigno “Noynoy” Cojuangco Aquino III, is seen as a first in Philippine politics, the clash between the two factions of the Cojuangco clan has been a regular fare in the province.

But the newest battle will be made more interesting with the return to the local scene of tycoon Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco Jr., a move seen by Tarlaqueños as another crack that could further decimate what could have been Teodoro’s solid home ground.

After his defeat in the 1992 presidential elections, Danding moved to Negros Occidental, his wife’s home province, leaving the political leadership of this side of the Cojuangco clan in the hands of Teodoro, a 1989 bar topnotcher and perceived to be his favorite nephew.

But during the 2007 elections, talk was rife about a growing rift between Gibo and his uncle, Danding. While neither side would talk about it, their actions lend credence to political gossip.

The perceived rift between them became evident when Danding returned to Tarlac this year to transfer his voter’s registration from Negros Occidental. The election officer of Paniqui town confirmed this transfer.

This created uneasiness among the followers of Gibo and Danding.

Board Member Amado de Leon said: “Incumbent officials close to Gibo are now being challenged by old trusted men of Boss Danding.”

Danding’s younger brother, Henry, who lost to Margarita “Tingting” Cojuangco in the 1992 gubernatorial race, is believed to be preparing to run for representative of the first district next year against Gibo’s wife, Rep. Nikki Prieto Teodoro, should she opt to seek reelection.

Victory for Tarlac

In all this, Cinense looks positive to the candidacies of Aquino and Teodoro.

“Once again, Tarlac is given an opportunity to lead and effect change. The challenge for us is to rise above ourselves and think of what is best for the country as a whole,” he said.

Like most Tarlaqueños, Cinense said he was proud that two of the province’s sons had been called upon to serve.

“They are both young and have good academic and professional backgrounds. They both advocate change to improve the lives of Filipinos … But in the end, a choice has to be made,” he said.

“Whoever between them wins, Tarlac wins,” Cinense said.

Tarlac museum offers view into Ninoy’s life

By Tonette Orejas
Central Luzon Desk
First Posted 01:03:00 08/22/2008

Filed Under: Heroism, Regional authorities

LUISITA INDUSTRIAL PARK, Tarlac City – There’s so much of Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. around – two airports named after him, his image on P500 bills, statues and streets.

But a museum in this industrial park beats all in giving an authentic and intimate view into the life of the icon of democracy whose murder 25 years ago inspired Filipinos to oust dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

The museum, which is the centerpiece of the Aquino Center, is easily accessible from Metro Manila. From the Manila-North Road (MacArthur Highway), it is only 30 meters from the entrance of the Luisita Industrial Park in Tarlac City.

Opened daily since its inauguration on Aug. 21, 2001, the 18th anniversary of Ninoy’s assassination, public viewing has been scaled down recently on a special appointment basis.

Guest book

But the guest book showed it is a favorite destination, with many guests, mostly students from various parts of the country, including foreigners, trooping here.

Architect Dan Lichauco, a nephew of Ninoy’s widow, former President Corazon “Cory” Aquino, designed the building and the museum.

More than an assembly of personal memorabilia, the museum helps the visitor discover the real Ninoy.

The museum’s door opens to a corner with old photographs of the families of Ninoy and Cory, who were both born into wealthy families.

The next section focuses on Ninoy’s life during the pre-martial law years, from 1950 to 1971. Only 17 but already a journalist, he displayed courage by covering the war in Korea for the Manila Times in 1950.

A set of black and white photographs showed him negotiating the surrender of Huk leader Luis Taruc in the hinterlands of Mt. Pinatubo in 1954, doing that task as assistant to President Ramon Magsaysay and getting two medals for brokering peace.

The year 1955 saw his political star starting to shine, when he became the youngest mayor of his hometown Concepcion at 22. He became vice governor at 26 and governor of Tarlac at 30. As a politician, he was hands-on, always mingling with his constituents. The Ten Outstanding Young Men Award in 1960 confirmed his work in public service.

By 1967, Ninoy was already a senator but not after hurdling efforts to ban him from the race due to his age. He did not only win a seat but also rose to become secretary general of the Liberal Party.

He was saved when he arrived late in Plaza Miranda where a bomb exploded in the middle of an opposition rally on Aug. 21, 1971.

Oplan Sagittarius

Days after he exposed the “Oplan Sagittarius,” a plan by then President Ferdinand Marcos to stay longer in power and two days after Marcos declared martial rule on Sept. 21, 1972, Ninoy was arrested.

He spoke of that episode through his letter, dated Nov. 6, 1972, and written from his cell in Fort Bonifacio. His arrest in Suite 1707 at Hilton Hotel in Manila a few minutes after midnight “while in the actual performance of duties as senator of the Republic,” was, he said, on the orders of then defense secretary Juan Ponce Enrile.

The other letters revealed his anguish and unvanquished hope during solitary confinement.

That he underwent religious conversion while jailed in what is now Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija was expressed in a letter on June 19, 1973, and which he typed starting at 10 p.m.

When he was sentenced to die by firing squad, he wrote to lawyer Sedfrey Ordoñez on April 7, 1975, at 6:45 a.m.: “Death after all is not a calamity to the one who dies. It is a calamity only to those who he leaves behind, for death is a deliverance, joy, eternal peace and bliss.”

Hunger strike

Ninoy fought within the confines of his cell, launching a 40-day hunger strike from April 4 to May 13 in 1975 to protest the kangaroo court trying him for subversion and other crimes.

Sounding prophetic on Oct. 11, 1979, he wrote Jaime Cardinal Sin, who officiated his 25th wedding anniversary with Cory: “Your Eminence, only you can lead our exodus through the desert.”

It was Sin who called for People Power when troops loyal to Marcos began attacking troops who sided with Enrile and Philippine Constabulary chief Fidel Ramos in February 1986.

A section of the museum features a replica of Ninoy’s three meters by three meters cell in Fort Bonifacio.

“Living tomb” is how he called this space in a poem written on Easter Sunday, April 22, 1973. Home to him from 1972 to 1980, it contained basic amenities given him after the release of Sen. Jose W. Diokno in 1974.

How a man, so bright and with a great political career ahead of him, survived being confined in this little space invites pity and awe.

A piece of a wall panel in the original cell, scratched by Ninoy through a nail to keep track of the days, is hung in the replica cell. Writing, apparently, kept him sane throughout the ordeal. His Torpedo typewriter sat on the kitchen table-cum-office.

From jail, Ninoy led the Lakas ng Bayan (Laban) ticket in Metro Manila for the Batasang Pambansa elections in 1978. He made only one request to Marcos in a letter Feb. 16, 1978: That his freedom of speech be not impaired.

The life in exile from 1980 to 1983 proved to be a short, sweet time for his family in Boston. In between, he refused to be silenced, leading the anti-Marcos dictatorship campaign overseas. His return on Aug. 21, 1983, as “Marcial Bonifacio,” ended with a single fatal shot to the head.

The brutality of his enemies is kept intact in Ninoy’s bloodied jacket and undershirt. These were in the custody of Dr. and Mrs. Fer Bague in their house in Boston from 1983 until these were brought to the museum in 2001.

His undelivered homecoming speech went: “I return from exile and to an uncertain future with only determination and faith to offer – faith in our people and faith in God.”
By Tonette Orejas
Central Luzon Desk
First Posted 01:03:00 08/22/2008

Filed Under: Heroism, Regional authorities

LUISITA INDUSTRIAL PARK, Tarlac City – There’s so much of Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. around – two airports named after him, his image on P500 bills, statues and streets.

But a museum in this industrial park beats all in giving an authentic and intimate view into the life of the icon of democracy whose murder 25 years ago inspired Filipinos to oust dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

The museum, which is the centerpiece of the Aquino Center, is easily accessible from Metro Manila. From the Manila-North Road (MacArthur Highway), it is only 30 meters from the entrance of the Luisita Industrial Park in Tarlac City.

Opened daily since its inauguration on Aug. 21, 2001, the 18th anniversary of Ninoy’s assassination, public viewing has been scaled down recently on a special appointment basis.

Guest book

But the guest book showed it is a favorite destination, with many guests, mostly students from various parts of the country, including foreigners, trooping here.

Architect Dan Lichauco, a nephew of Ninoy’s widow, former President Corazon “Cory” Aquino, designed the building and the museum.

More than an assembly of personal memorabilia, the museum helps the visitor discover the real Ninoy.

The museum’s door opens to a corner with old photographs of the families of Ninoy and Cory, who were both born into wealthy families.

The next section focuses on Ninoy’s life during the pre-martial law years, from 1950 to 1971. Only 17 but already a journalist, he displayed courage by covering the war in Korea for the Manila Times in 1950.

A set of black and white photographs showed him negotiating the surrender of Huk leader Luis Taruc in the hinterlands of Mt. Pinatubo in 1954, doing that task as assistant to President Ramon Magsaysay and getting two medals for brokering peace.

The year 1955 saw his political star starting to shine, when he became the youngest mayor of his hometown Concepcion at 22. He became vice governor at 26 and governor of Tarlac at 30. As a politician, he was hands-on, always mingling with his constituents. The Ten Outstanding Young Men Award in 1960 confirmed his work in public service.

By 1967, Ninoy was already a senator but not after hurdling efforts to ban him from the race due to his age. He did not only win a seat but also rose to become secretary general of the Liberal Party.

He was saved when he arrived late in Plaza Miranda where a bomb exploded in the middle of an opposition rally on Aug. 21, 1971.

Oplan Sagittarius

Days after he exposed the “Oplan Sagittarius,” a plan by then President Ferdinand Marcos to stay longer in power and two days after Marcos declared martial rule on Sept. 21, 1972, Ninoy was arrested.

He spoke of that episode through his letter, dated Nov. 6, 1972, and written from his cell in Fort Bonifacio. His arrest in Suite 1707 at Hilton Hotel in Manila a few minutes after midnight “while in the actual performance of duties as senator of the Republic,” was, he said, on the orders of then defense secretary Juan Ponce Enrile.

The other letters revealed his anguish and unvanquished hope during solitary confinement.

That he underwent religious conversion while jailed in what is now Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija was expressed in a letter on June 19, 1973, and which he typed starting at 10 p.m.

When he was sentenced to die by firing squad, he wrote to lawyer Sedfrey Ordoñez on April 7, 1975, at 6:45 a.m.: “Death after all is not a calamity to the one who dies. It is a calamity only to those who he leaves behind, for death is a deliverance, joy, eternal peace and bliss.”

Hunger strike

Ninoy fought within the confines of his cell, launching a 40-day hunger strike from April 4 to May 13 in 1975 to protest the kangaroo court trying him for subversion and other crimes.

Sounding prophetic on Oct. 11, 1979, he wrote Jaime Cardinal Sin, who officiated his 25th wedding anniversary with Cory: “Your Eminence, only you can lead our exodus through the desert.”

It was Sin who called for People Power when troops loyal to Marcos began attacking troops who sided with Enrile and Philippine Constabulary chief Fidel Ramos in February 1986.

A section of the museum features a replica of Ninoy’s three meters by three meters cell in Fort Bonifacio.

“Living tomb” is how he called this space in a poem written on Easter Sunday, April 22, 1973. Home to him from 1972 to 1980, it contained basic amenities given him after the release of Sen. Jose W. Diokno in 1974.

How a man, so bright and with a great political career ahead of him, survived being confined in this little space invites pity and awe.

A piece of a wall panel in the original cell, scratched by Ninoy through a nail to keep track of the days, is hung in the replica cell. Writing, apparently, kept him sane throughout the ordeal. His Torpedo typewriter sat on the kitchen table-cum-office.

From jail, Ninoy led the Lakas ng Bayan (Laban) ticket in Metro Manila for the Batasang Pambansa elections in 1978. He made only one request to Marcos in a letter Feb. 16, 1978: That his freedom of speech be not impaired.

The life in exile from 1980 to 1983 proved to be a short, sweet time for his family in Boston. In between, he refused to be silenced, leading the anti-Marcos dictatorship campaign overseas. His return on Aug. 21, 1983, as “Marcial Bonifacio,” ended with a single fatal shot to the head.

The brutality of his enemies is kept intact in Ninoy’s bloodied jacket and undershirt. These were in the custody of Dr. and Mrs. Fer Bague in their house in Boston from 1983 until these were brought to the museum in 2001.

His undelivered homecoming speech went: “I return from exile and to an uncertain future with only determination and faith to offer – faith in our people and faith in God.”

May MARIAN Exhibit din sa may MUSEO de Tarlac along Romulo Blvd. I think it will run until the end of September.

Tarlac's smallest town a big dot in global perfumery industry map
By Rudy A. Fernandez (The Philippine Star) Updated October 01, 2009 12:00 AM

ANAO, Tarlac, Philippines – This town is Tarlac’s – and perhaps the Philippines’ – smallest, but it is a big dot on the map of the global perfumery industry.

The product that has placed it in the international scent market: Ilang-ilang, (scientific name: Oanaga odorata).

We once got detoured to this Central Luzon town on our way to the far Ilocos Norte town of Batac when an oil tanker fell on its side on MacArthur Highway, causing one of the worst traffic jams hereabouts in recent years.

We passed by Anao on to the north in a breeze. But what we did not miss were the thousands of ilang-ilang trees that mantled the town’s landscape.

“Here, the ilang-ilang essential oil business is everybody’s business,” the Los Baños-based Department of Science and Technology-Forest Products Research and developed Institute (DOST-FPRDI) once attested.

Records of this “Lilliputian” town show that Anao is home to about 10,000 ilang-ilang trees planted in its land area (public and private) of only 2,500 hectares.

“The Anao ilang-ilang oil is now accepted in the world market, having received a satisfactory rating from the Second Technical Mission of the CBI Export Development Programme for Natural Ingredients for Pharmaceutical and cosmetics,” FPRDI’s engineer Belen B. Disans once reported.

CBI, which is based in The Netherlands, stands for Centre for the Promotion of Imports for Developing Countries.

Anao’s ilang-ilang oil quality has also passed standards set by the Malaysian-based Plant Resources of Southeast Asia (PROSEA) and CBI.

“Passing the CBI standards smells sweet to the people of Anao. It brings them a step closer to their dream of conquering foreign markets with the fragrance of their home-grown oil,” FPRDI’s Rick Araral likewise continued.

To date, Anao has won three prestigious awards, two of which were for environmental protection and sustainable development, reported FPRDI officer-in-charge Felix B. Tamolang.

The town’s ilang-ilang industry took shape in 1989 when the local government unit (LGU) donated plantation lands and solicited help from various groups who gave technical and logistical support for its development.

The people, including many schoolchildren, planted and cared for the trees, harvested the flowers, and sold them to the LGU, which ran the essential oil extraction and distillation technology (EOEDT), a mchine developed by FPRDI using an old design.

The LGU, in turn, sold the oil to clients in Manila who used it in the becoming aromatherapy and personal care products industries.

FPRDI upgraded the EOEDT design in 2004, resulting in increase in the Anao LGU’s net profit by P1,300 per batch of flowers processed. The technology also improved the oil’s quality and yield, reduced the machine’s fuel and water consumption, and made the loading of flowers easier and safe.

The facility costs P437,000 (for building, equipment, and working capital) and can extract as much as 1.62 liters of oil per day. Depending on the grade, a liter sells from P5,000 to P10,000 each.

“The residents themselves say their lives have made a turn for the better – thanks to the town’s ilang-ilang Livelihood Program,” FPRDI researcher Petrito Q. Lontok noted.

As part of his thesis for his Master of Community Development which he completed in school year 2008-2009 at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), Lontok studied how Anao folk regarded the EOEDT. He interviewed 78 residents in two barangays as rate four aspects of the technology to check if, from their point of view, it really helped develop their community.

“In general,” Lontok observed, “the people see that the EOEDT brings them a wide range of benefits – it uses local skills and raw materials, is ecology-friendly, gives them equal opportunity to earn added income, promotes unity among them, and pushes their LGU to partner with relevant donor groups.”

He concluded: “although far from perfect, the ilang-ilang project has made Anao one inspiring municipality. It has been blest with a strong team of leaders, residents, and supporters who have succeeded in putting their hearts and hands together to maximize the researches of the land. The exciting thing is, this small town’s success can be replicated in other towns across the country, especially where other essential oil-producing plants – such as sampaguita, citronella, lemon grass, and pathceuli – grew.”

RLC expands Luisita BPO leasing operations

Robinsons Land Corporation (RLC) continues to expand the geographical reach of its business process outsourcing segment in Central Luzon with the opening of its mall-based office spaces in Robinsons Luisita, Tarlac.

The only commercial center with BPO space in Tarlac is now ready for leasing. The BPO space has a total floor area of 5,310 square meters and is located in Levels 1 and 2 of Robinsons Luisita, along McArthur Highway, San Miguel, Tarlac.

Since Robinsons Luisita is PEZA accredited and ready to support a facility operating 24/7, the space is ideal for a call center or BPO locator, whether it is in the voice or non-voice segment. RLC Luisita can also provide 100 percent back-up power to ensure uninterrupted operations.

Robinsons Luisita’s strategic location within Hacienda Luisita, a famous landmark in Tarlac City, makes it unique as it can be reached from the South and North via the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx) and the McArthur Highway.

Tarlac is known as the melting pot of Central Luzon and Robinsons Luisita is one of its main attractions as it offers many restaurants, fastfoods and coffee shops amids large shade trees. The mall also offers conveniences such as a supermarket, pharmacy, ATMs, banks, courier services and 234 parking slots.

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/225795/rlc-expands-luisita-bpo-leasing-operations

Farmers mark ‘Luisita massacre’ anniversary

November 06, 2009
Tonette Orejas
Central Luzon Desk

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Philippines—Farm workers in Hacienda Luisita in Tarlac commemorated on Friday the strike they mounted in 2004, renewing calls for the government to give to over 5,000 tillers all the 6,453 hectares in the estate owned by the Cojuangcos.

Farm workers gathered at the first gate of the Central Azucarera de Tarlac (CAT) where, five years ago, they and some 3,000 sugar mill workers staged an agrarian and labor strike after negotiations with the Hacienda Luisita Inc. (HLI) over distribution of lands and increase in wages and benefits had bogged down.

On November 16 that year, seven strikers died in a violent confrontation with soldiers and policemen who were sent to enforce the labor secretary's order to assume jurisdiction of the strike.

"We don't intend to cause trouble. We're just here to remember those who died during and after the Luisita massacre," said Lito Bais, chair of the United Luisita Workers Union. "We just want to pray for their souls and hail their sacrifices."

"For as long as the assembly is peaceful, we won't mind them," said Herman Gregorio, HLI assistant estate manager, by phone.

A temporary restraining order by the Supreme Court last year stopped the Department of Agrarian Reform from proceeding with the revocation of the stock distribution option and from giving out lands to the farm workers.

Gregorio said the HLI was "not out to evict the farm workers."

"There's a TRO to respect. What we are doing is to protect the estate from illegal occupants and illegal farmers," he said.

Various groups have sprouted, representing the interests of farm workers. The DAR said it would distribute lands not based on affiliations but on the criteria set under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law, which was passed during the term of the late President Corazon Aquino.

Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III said he wanted the Luisita lands to be given to farmers but added that the matter was mainly for the Cojuangco clan to decide on.

While past commemorative events were simple and low-keyed, the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas and the partylist Anakpawis wanted a 50-vehicle caravan on November 16 to "mark a political statement that will oblige the Cojuangcos and their presidential frontrunner, Noynoy, to squarely face the issues involving Hacienda Luisita."

The two groups also sought the prosecution of government officials and state security forces implicated in the violent dispersal.

The November 16 commemoration will also take an international scope as labor organizations in the Unites States, Canada, Europe, Asia, Japan and Australia will hold solidarity activities, according to KMP secretary-general Danilo Ramos.

KMP chapters in other regions will hold protests in support of the clamor of Luisita farm workers to get lands.

"Hacienda Luisita belongs to Hacienda Luisita farm workers. Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III and the Cojuangcos have no option but to relinquish the hacienda to the collective ownership and effective control of agricultural workers," Ramos said.

http://politics.inquirer.net/view.php?db=1&article=20091106-234654

Good evening Tarlac! :D

I hope you don't mind if I do a little OT plug. If you're between 18 and 35 and you want to be a driver of change in Southeast Asia, then join SEAchange, Southeast Asia's largest youth movement for personal change! Also, you may win one of 500 trips to Kuala Lumpur to attend the 2009 Youth Engagement Summit (YES2009). Hurry, there are only 200 slots left!

Visit http://philippines.youthsays.com/seachange/go/Fcw to find out more and join. Membership is free! It's time we become true agents of change, in Tarlac, the Philippines and throughout Southeast Asia! Don't forget to spread the word! :D

(I hope I'm not being overly spammy here. I'm just bored. :tongue2:)

TOP 10 RICHEST PROVINCES

Provinces with highest income for 2007 are as follows:


1. Bulacan (P1.807 billion),
2. Negros Occidental ((P1.674 billion),
3. Cebu (P1.657 billion),
4. Cavite (P 1.542 billion),
5. Laguna (P1.487 billion),
6. Pangasinan (P1.482 billion),
7. Batangas (P1.386 billion),
8. Quezon (P 1.36 billion),
9. Rizal (P1.361 billion)
10. Bukidnon (P1.295 billion).

SOURCE: COA

sana nilagay mo where you got the data. Hindi yung basta COA lang. Im sure nung ilabas ng COA yan, thru media (print or broadcast). at 2007 pa, wala ba latest?

pinost mo pa naman sa lahat halos ng thread

SM Tarlac, November 14, 2009
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u116/cq7cc2/sm1.jpg
http://i166.photobucket.com/albums/u116/cq7cc2/sm.jpg

ilang floors po ang sm tarlac??

Wow malapit na, so tama lang sa schedule ng opening February 2010, sayang kasi di nako nadadaan ng mcArthur highway, weekly pa naman ako umuuwi ng lapaz via SCTEX

mukhang three floors lang. dati kasi six ang balita...

Parang Metrotown lang ata ang laki ng SM City Tarlac.May basement kaya yan.Pero kung 108,000.00 sqm ang floor area malaki.Parang maliit lang siguro kasi di pa tapos.Ang laki na rin ipinagbago ng Tarlac City, operational na ang call center sa may Ninoy Aquino Ave., sa IT Park ng Tarlac province malapit sa USST. Napansin ko rin ang inilagay nilang lightings sa gitna ng hi-way.At I hope magkaroon din ng call center occupants sa Robinsons Luisita. Maganda rin yung EZ City Center katapat ng La Maja Rica Hotel sa Mc Arthur Hi-way, dun ako nagdinner sa reyes Barbecue, binigyan pa ako ng free fried rice, kaya try nyo rin.he he.Malapit lang yan sa Philippine Rabbit Bus Terminal.Meron din ATM booth doon, Tokyo Tokyo at Coffee shop, with ample parking space bukod dun sa EZ Supermart.

And then if somebody has the means...why not post yung iba nating landmark dito sa Tarlac gaya sa ibang thread. For example yung aesthetic shot ng San Sebastian Cathedral (in and out). Tarlac Capitol including the Park. Diwa ng Tarlac (though it has lost its old glory but still for me maganda pa rin), The stretch of F.Tanedo (shot taken from the 2nd KFC level,that would include a partial shot of the Plaza.., WoW), Ung GSIS Building (why not!!?), Ninoy Aquino Bridge and Boulevard (during sunset), etc. Para naman makita ng mga taga ibang thread kung gaano kaganda ang kabisera natin. ANyone?

May shots ako ng Tarlac Capitol with Ma. Christina Park, TSU Gym, Ninoy Aquino Monument with the sun set backround, Magic Star Mall. at EZ City Center sa Mc Arthur Hi-way kaya lang ipapa scan ko pa medyo magastos he he.

ilang floors po ang sm tarlac??

4 storey ang SM Tarlac...I should know kc yung isang nagwowork duon as Engineer sa apartment namin nakatira. Malaki sya... pero yung buong size nya medyo delay ang construction gaya ng nangyari sa SM pampanga. NAsa 4th floor ang mga cinema. Una yata magbubukas ang hypermarket at Department store then susunod yung buong mall... sabi 90% nang tapos ang hypermarket.

katagal ding walang nagpost dito noh. Thank you din pala tarlaqueno-ako.

Parang Metrotown lang ata ang laki ng SM City Tarlac.May basement kaya yan.Pero kung 108,000.00 sqm ang floor area malaki.Parang maliit lang siguro kasi di pa tapos.Ang laki na rin ipinagbago ng Tarlac City, operational na ang call center sa may Ninoy Aquino Ave., sa IT Park ng Tarlac province malapit sa USST. Napansin ko rin ang inilagay nilang lightings sa gitna ng hi-way.At I hope magkaroon din ng call center occupants sa Robinsons Luisita. Maganda rin yung EZ City Center katapat ng La Maja Rica Hotel sa Mc Arthur Hi-way, dun ako nagdinner sa reyes Barbecue, binigyan pa ako ng free fried rice, kaya try nyo rin.he he.Malapit lang yan sa Philippine Rabbit Bus Terminal.Meron din ATM booth doon, Tokyo Tokyo at Coffee shop, with ample parking space bukod dun sa EZ Supermart.

AKO DIN NAPASYAL SA MAY MC ARTHUR HI-WAY AT AROUND 7PM. ANG DAMI NA PALA ESTABLISHMENTS SA HIWAY NOH? MAY PAN DE MANILA PALA, AT YUNG HINAHANAP KONG RED RIBBON NASA HIWAY PALA. MAGANDA RIN YUNG EZ SUPER CENTER. OO DIN OPERATIONAL NA YUNG IT CENTER SA SAN ISIDRO. YUNG SA SM YUNG BANDANG LIKOD DAW MAHUHULI KC HINAHABOL YATA NILANG MAKAPAG OPEN EARLY NEXT YEAR

Di ko nakita ang Red Ribbon, next time hahanapin ko rin. Yes napansin ko rin yung Pan De Manila sana suportahan ng mga taga Tarlac ang mga establishments na yan. Kasi yung Seven Eleven sa may malapit ng Metro town sarado na yata. Ang ganda ng ambiance sa EZ Super Center at yung area na yun sa may Max, La Maja Rica, lalo na pag gabi na, para kang nasa Makati.

Di ko nakita ang Red Ribbon, next time hahanapin ko rin. Yes napansin ko rin yung Pan De Manila sana suportahan ng mga taga Tarlac ang mga establishments na yan. Kasi yung Seven Eleven sa may malapit ng Metro town sarado na yata. Ang ganda ng ambiance sa EZ Super Center at yung area na yun sa may Max, La Maja Rica, lalo na pag gabi na, para kang nasa Makati.

YUNG RED RIBBON NASA TAPAT NG SILAYAN CENTRE THEN STRETCH KA PA NG KONTI MALAPIT SA JECSON NANDUN NAMAN ANG YELLOW CAB PIZZA. YUNG 7-ELEVEN SA HI-WAY NAGKAROON YATA NG LEGAL DISPUTE REGARDING DUN SA LAND NA NILEASE NILA KAYA NAGSARA. PERO LUMIPAT ANG 7-ELEVEN SA TAPAT NG MAIN CAMPUS NG TARLAC STATE UNIVERSITY SA MAY ROMULO BLVD. NAPANSIN KO NGA RIN YUNG GANDA NG MAX'S AT MAY CHINESE RESTO PA YATA. oo noh... ang laki ng improvement ng Tarlac. Noong high school ako cervantes lang ang sikat at yung jollibee sa F. Tanedo nagsara pa. PERO IN CASE LANG YOU DONT KNOW PA... MAY CHOWKING NA SA NEW PUBLIC MARKET SA F. TANEDO AT YUNG DATING BUILDING NG BANK OF THE PHIL. ISLANDS AY JOLLIBEE NA NGAYON AT MAG OOPEN SA DEC. 04, 09. AT LEAST NGAYON BUHAY NA ULIT ANG F.TANEDO. DATI KC PARANG PUPUNTA KA LANG DOON PAG MAMAMALENGKE KA.

INFLUX OF GIANT BUSINESS INDUSTRIES IN TARLAC NOTED

BY: Mar T Supnad
Central Luzon Daily


The rise in demand for job opportunities has been seen, following the economic managerial program of the city government as evidenced by the copious awards it received from the Asian Institute of Management and the Philippine Business Conference.

Their judgment, according to Mayor Genaro Mendoza, was clearly translated with the arrival of giant industries like Wilcon Depot, Robinsons Mall, and the imminent Shoe Mart (SM).“Majority of their hired personnel are Tarlaqueños who are now making a living for their own families,” he explained.
Mendoza also said that while Tarlaqueños live mainly on agricultural businesses, opportunities brought by the completion of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway and the New Tarlac City Public Market had made them more comfortable.
“Their products are now gaining access not only to our own public market but also to other markets nationwide by using our airports and seaport in the region via the SCTEX,” he said.
“Market value of our lands has also increased proving that soaring of developments are coming in without impediment aside of course from early politicking made by other individuals,” he said.
However, due to the looming effect of the global economic crisis, local companies hit by global recession are also suffering big loss of productivity.
Employees from the International Wiring System who mainly feed from the automotive industries in the United States has also tighten up their belts due to the cuts of their work days.
“There are things that we could not prevent but in this time of ordeals we need to think positively. Yes, there are imminent threats of global recession but we could make things better if we could think alternative ways to survive,” he pointed out.
Among those things he said are the benefits of technical trainings brought by the city government which for years have become the stronghold of Tarlaqueños.


http://centralluzondaily.com/index.php?action=article&n_id=1192

TARLAC PREPARES FOR 2010 'PALARONG PAMBANSA'

(PNA) -- It’s all systems go for next year’s Tarlac hosting of the "Palarong Pambansa", one of the biggest sports spectacle in the country.

The Department of Education (DepEd) Region 3, together with some concerned government agencies, held a two-day workshop recently in preparation for this sporting event slated on April 2010.

DepEd Region III Director Mario Ramirez, DepEd Tarlac Superintendent Victoria Aguas, Tarlac DepEd Sports Coordinator Cecilia Reyes, the Philippine National Police, other DepEd-Tarlac officials and concerned capitol and city hall department heads attended the workshop and came up with a “Tarlac Province Management Guide” that will lead to the next year’s Palaro games.

Different committees were created for a smooth preparation of this biggest sporting event.

The ceremonial/social and cultural as well as billeting and technical support will be supervised directly by the DepEd.

The Tarlac provincial government, on the other hand, will take charge of the logistics and other services; publicity, marketing and special events; civic participation and infrastructure and engineering

Volunteers will also be tapped for the civic preparation committee which will oversee the welcome arches, food production, hosting of delegations, agro-industrial fair and participation in other socio-cultural activities.

Tarlac provincial sports coordinator Rolando Brillantes said that the preparation for next year’s national games will kick-off this month with a press conference to be held in Manila and will last up to the day of the Palaro’s opening.

A secretariat was also created to act as the liaison, provide general information and to coordinate with all working committees and all regional delegations.

Officials of the DepEd said that they expect around 10,000 delegates from the 17 regions that will participate in the Palarong Pambansa.

“This will be a gargantuan task but with Governor Victor Yap and our DepEd officials around, we could accomplish this with flying colors,” Brillantes said.

The Palarong Pambansa is an annual national scholastic sports competition conducted by the DepEd.

Participants are student athletes from elementary and secondary levels, public and private educational institutions. (PNA)

http://positivenewsmedia.com/am2/publish/Sports_28/Tarlac_prepares_for_2010_Palarong_Pambansa.shtml

Thanks for the info Dustin. Malakas dati yung Jollibee sa Tanedo. Isinara siguro dahil meron na sila sa Magic Star. Pero mabuti naman kung meron ulit bubuksan sa Dec. 9. Yap, nakita ko na rin yung Chowking sa Tanedo, ok din kasi may parking space sa harap. You mean nagsara rin yung BPI? Bakit wala sa list ng SM ang Jollibee, Chowking sa mga magiging tenant nila? Very strategic ang location ng SM kasi yung mga papuntang Baguio dito na sila mag stop over, half way kasi ang Tarlac City between Manila and Baguio. Unless iiwas sila ng Traffic pag nag SCTEX sila at dederetso sila sa Lapaz exit. What do you think?

May by-pass road naman bago mag SM papunta San Vicente if going sila Western Pangasinan like Lingayen Beach and Hundred Islands. Pag going sila Ilocos or Baguio, may bypass road naman going East sa may Bgy Binauganan tapos lulusot sila sa Market View then Lugay Ave. bago Mc Arthur Hi-way.

Thanks sa update.

Madalas ako mauwi ng La paz pero di na ako nadadaan dyan madami na kasing Bus bumibyahe ng Cabanatuan Via SCTEX and La Paz.

Here's the update with our LaPaz Municipal hall as of May 03, 2009

http://inlinethumb47.webshots.com/45614/2339207680041605593S600x600Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2339207680041605593QRyVmc)

http://inlinethumb37.webshots.com/18340/2677822360041605593S600x600Q85.jpg (http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2677822360041605593IjtVQp)

Inaugurated last May 11, 2009

ang ganda ng design ng bago new Municipal Blg.

Monestario de Tarlac
San Jose, Tarlac

March 22, 2009 Photos by allan_dude :)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3330/3429141470_7ac7859656_b.jpg


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3538/3429145558_364eebff6f.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3576/3428356681_30ca83ff36.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3644/3428341855_e24dde652e.jpg?v=0


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3571/3429160788_b741e8f97f.jpg?v=0

Thanks Allan for these pics.
Ang ganda ng view, Monasterio de Tarlac is one of the Tourist Spots of Tarlac.How about the 60 hectares Tarlac Recreational Park, may pictures ba kayo?

Thanks for the info Dustin. Malakas dati yung Jollibee sa Tanedo. Isinara siguro dahil meron na sila sa Magic Star. Pero mabuti naman kung meron ulit bubuksan sa Dec. 9. Yap, nakita ko na rin yung Chowking sa Tanedo, ok din kasi may parking space sa harap. You mean nagsara rin yung BPI? Bakit wala sa list ng SM ang Jollibee, Chowking sa mga magiging tenant nila? Very strategic ang location ng SM kasi yung mga papuntang Baguio dito na sila mag stop over, half way kasi ang Tarlac City between Manila and Baguio. Unless iiwas sila ng Traffic pag nag SCTEX sila at dederetso sila sa Lapaz exit. What do you think?

I dont really know kung wala talaga chowking or jollibee ang SM City Tarlac. May I ask where u got that information? For me kasi that is quite imposible. Kung ang source mo ay yung sa wikipedia, hindi kasi reliable yun. Wikipedia is a freestanding source na pwedeng i edit ng kahit sino. Yung jolibee sa magic alam ko franchize yata sila pero yung sa F. Tanedo, company-owned. May I ask din pala kung taga saan ka kc ako taga san vicente ako. At meron pa...yung metrotown mall pala nabili yata ng PWU para gawing hospital at yung former rapid transit which is just accross the street ay gagawing PWU, school naman. I just dont know kung totoo ang balita ko hintayin lang daw ata magbukas ang SM then go na sila sa project. Feeling ko naman totoo yung project na to.

May by-pass road naman bago mag SM papunta San Vicente if going sila Western Pangasinan like Lingayen Beach and Hundred Islands. Pag going sila Ilocos or Baguio, may bypass road naman going East sa may Bgy Binauganan tapos lulusot sila sa Market View then Lugay Ave. bago Mc Arthur Hi-way.

The reason why I asked you kung taga saan ka is because alam mo ang mga bagay na ito. Taga san vicente kc ako. Yung by-pass road yata will be extended pag tapos na ang sm. Di ba SM has 2 adjascent buildings. the other one will be right accross the street so ang plano yata ilu-loop yung road para makapasok yung mga vehicles sa SM Parking. Parang yung sa SM Megamall.

May balita ka ba sa Camiling Church buhat nung nasunog. Kaganda pa naman ng simbahan na yun. Di na kasi ako nakakapunta ng Camiling baka may kakilala ka na may update.

may napansin lang ako talaga. Bakit 2 lang yata tayong nagpopost dito. Does it mean walang masyadong internet user sa tarlac na socially aware? Kumpara mo kc sa ibang thread naka ilang thread na ang ilan tayo ni hindi pa nangangalahati. Or maybe hindi lang nila alam na may ganitong site? What do you think?

Sa urdaneta nga may forum pasila about sm urdaneta na hindi naman natuloy. Same thing sa SM Rosales and SM naga. Nag aaway pa nga sila sila. Tayo, hayun at malapit nang matapos ang SM Tarlac deadma lang ang ilan... or silent lang talaga tayo... siguro nga ganun lang. Kasi lahat ng nakakausap ko excited sa opening ng SM Tarlac.

Yap, sa Wikipedia ko lang yata nakita yung list. Pero meron naman siguro yan, Jollibee or Chowking.

I dont really know kung wala talaga chowking or jollibee ang SM City Tarlac. May I ask where u got that information? For me kasi that is quite imposible. Kung ang source mo ay yung sa wikipedia, hindi kasi reliable yun. Wikipedia is a freestanding source na pwedeng i edit ng kahit sino. Yung jolibee sa magic alam ko franchize yata sila pero yung sa F. Tanedo, company-owned. May I ask din pala kung taga saan ka kc ako taga san vicente ako. At meron pa...yung metrotown mall pala nabili yata ng PWU para gawing hospital at yung former rapid transit which is just accross the street ay gagawing PWU, school naman. I just dont know kung totoo ang balita ko hintayin lang daw ata magbukas ang SM then go na sila sa project. Feeling ko naman totoo yung project na to.

Im from Camiling. Pero dito na ako sa Manila based. Bihira lang ako umuwi pero I used to read articles here in the Internet about Tarlac City. Sayang naman ang Metrotown. Dahil sa Mall na yan, buhay na buhay yung lugar na yun sa may Mc Arthur Hi-way. Saka dami rin pumupunta doon dahil along the hi-way din.

The reason why I asked you kung taga saan ka is because alam mo ang mga bagay na ito. Taga san vicente kc ako. Yung by-pass road yata will be extended pag tapos na ang sm. Di ba SM has 2 adjascent buildings. the other one will be right accross the street so ang plano yata ilu-loop yung road para makapasok yung mga vehicles sa SM Parking. Parang yung sa SM Megamall.

May balita ka ba sa Camiling Church buhat nung nasunog. Kaganda pa naman ng simbahan na yun. Di na kasi ako nakakapunta ng Camiling baka may kakilala ka na may update.

Noong last na uwi ko ay existing pa rin yung remains ng nasunog na Camiling Church, pero di na raw itutuloy eto. May ginagawa ngayong bago sa tabi, maganda rin ang design. At on going din ang ginagawang new Public Market ng Camiling, mas modernized ang dating.

may napansin lang ako talaga. Bakit 2 lang yata tayong nagpopost dito. Does it mean walang masyadong internet user sa tarlac na socially aware? Kumpara mo kc sa ibang thread naka ilang thread na ang ilan tayo ni hindi pa nangangalahati. Or maybe hindi lang nila alam na may ganitong site? What do you think?

Oo nga siguro busy sila o di aware sa ganitong forum., yung Cavite and Tagaytay, grabe, ang daming pages.

The reason why I asked you kung taga saan ka is because alam mo ang mga bagay na ito. Taga san vicente kc ako. Yung by-pass road yata will be extended pag tapos na ang sm. Di ba SM has 2 adjascent buildings. the other one will be right accross the street so ang plano yata ilu-loop yung road para makapasok yung mga vehicles sa SM Parking. Parang yung sa SM Megamall.

May balita ka ba sa Camiling Church buhat nung nasunog. Kaganda pa naman ng simbahan na yun. Di na kasi ako nakakapunta ng Camiling baka may kakilala ka na may update.

Oo, maganda talaga yung dating Camiling Church, malaki, isa sa mga historical Landmarks ng Tarlac Province. Eto na yung nakagisnan naming simbahan since nung maliit pa kami. Ang daming tao dito lalo na pag fiesta o kaya prosisyon tuwing Holy Week. Pero ngayon wala na, yung harapan na lang ang natira dahil sa sunog.

Yung Maria Clara Museum ay sa tabi lang ng Plaza, eto yung Kipping Residence pero di ko alam kung puede pumasok doon anytime.

Dalawa na rin ang private hospitals namin sa Camiling, dati yung Sto Nino General Hospital lang, ngayon meron na ring Salvador General Hospital. Iba pa yung Camiling Emergency Hospital na public, pero renamed na siya na Gilbert Teodoro Memorial Hospital.

Sa fastfoods naman, ay okey pa rin ang Cindy's, tapos may Jollibbee na rin at Chowking along the stretch of Quezon Avenue. I hope in the future, magkaroon din ng Mc Donalds.
Lalo pang gaganda ang town namin especially kung bukas na yung bagong Public Market.

Unlike before, very convenient na rin para sa amin na taga barrio, kasi 24 hours ang tricycle, tapos concrete na rin ang ibang barangay roads. Tapos ilang ATM's na rin ang meron sa bayan, like PSBank, PNB, Metrobank, BPI.