Ilocos Region - Compiled Threads [Archive] - Page 2

kiretoce

March 14th, 2006, 01:22 AM

Curimao port eyed as cruise ship hub
By Yul Malicse

Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) general manager Oscar M. Sevilla said yesterday the Port of Curimao is being eyed as a tourist cruise ship hub.

This developed during a recent consultation meeting conducted by officials of PPA-Port Management Office of San Fernando where stakeholders included board member Mariano V. Marcos II, Curimao Mayor Rosario C. Go, Col. William T. Fariñas, Richard O. Guerrero, Capt. Romeo Raquedan and Onofre T. Menor who attended the meeting.

Sevilla, a lawyer and a veteran hand in port management and shipping administration and former administrator of the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), explained that the port of Curimao is a "principal port of entry," and is open for both foreign and domestic trade. And since it is located southwest side of Ilocos Norte facing South China Sea, the proponents considered the project to be "viable" as the port is strategically nearer to other Asian countries, and Ilocos has a lot to offer as far as tourism is concerned.

The proposed construction of a cruise ship berth at the port will cost about R240 million.

At present, he said, cargoes handled at the port are mostly fertilizers, feldspar, petro products and cement.

Several investors already visited the port of Curimao and the private port of Ilocos Norte Mining Co., Inc. (INMCI), and manifested their interest to use these ports as alternate gateways for domestic and foreign shipments like iron ore, limestone, aggregates and manganese ore.

One of the mining firms that started its operations is the Rigid Aggregates and Mining Corporation (RAMC), which entered into a contract with NMCI for the joint utilization of the latter’s conveyor facilities in Gabut, Norte, Badoc, Ilocos Norte, and started the exportation of iron ore to China in August last year.

According to Sevilla, another factor that contributes to the viability of the port is the conferment of ISO 9001:2000 Certification of Quality Management System (CQMS) to Aurum Pacific Consolidated, Inc. (APCI) – the authorized cargo handling operator of the port of Curimao. ACPI is the first cargo handling operator outside Metro Manila to be ISO compliant. The award was conferred to APCI by TUV Nord Philippines, a subsidiary of TUV Germany.

JAMAICUS

March 14th, 2006, 10:51 AM

Wonderboy

March 15th, 2006, 05:08 AM

http://www.mymanila.net/gallery/001_04202004.jpg

Below is a text message from my friend based in Ilocos:

FYI: the reverend priest of Paoay started plastering the interior walls of the church with cement! Hello NCCA, NHI, UNESCO, your credibility is down the drain!

Wonderboy

March 15th, 2006, 12:15 PM

http://www2.hawaii.edu/~gaspar/paoay9.jpg

Below is a text message I received from my friend based in Ilocos:

FYI: the reverend priest of Paoay started plastering the interior walls of the church with cement! Hello NCCA, NHI, UNESCO, your credibility is down the drain!

I called NCCA today and they said that they will be going to Ilocos tomorrow to personally talk to the parish priest who spearheaded the plastering of cement on the interiors of Paoay church.

Actually, I called Paoay Church before I called NCCA, unfortunately, Fr. Victor Calma was not available to take my call but I was able to talk to one of the caretakers and she said that the 'cementing' started last January 24.

I heard that Fr. Calma is hardheaded and wouldn't cooperate with the gov't, UNESCO, and NCCA.

So is anyone here from Paoay? Perhaps a local/ Ilocano with cultural sensitivity can help convince Fr. Calma to protect Paoay Church. NCCA added that the priest had some other 'projects' that would be detrimental to the preservation of the church.

Below are the contact information for reference:

Paoay Church: (077)7932030
City of Paoay: (077) 6140191
NCCA: (02) 5272192

kiretoce

March 15th, 2006, 01:48 PM

^^ Some people have no sense of history and the significance of it. :rant:

BoNduRanT

March 15th, 2006, 02:20 PM

weirdo

March 16th, 2006, 06:47 AM

pari pa naman siya. sana mas alam niya yung halaga nung parokya niya.

mhe-ann

March 22nd, 2006, 05:50 AM

tinatamad akong hanapin un Vigan thread. suggest naman kau kung saan puede mag-rent ng bahay jan sa me Vigan. balak namin mag-bakasyon. mga 12 persons kami. kung walang bahay, kung saan na lan puede mag-stay for two nights (saka magkano per head). thanks!

kiretoce

April 13th, 2006, 04:40 AM

Government not giving up on rehab of Laoag airport
By Cristina Arzadon April 12, 2006

LAOAG CITY, ILOCOS NORTE -- Government planners are not giving up on improving the Laoag International Airport (LIA).

Hermenegildo Dumlao, executive director of the North Luzon Growth Quadrangle Area (NLGQA), said improving the airport is crucial in the government's efforts to promote tourism in Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union and Pangasinan.

Dumlao gathered tourism planners in the Ilocos region last week to consult with them on tourism development and to assess the capability of the tourism industry.

The consultation also provided an avenue for government planners to solicit the private sector's support in tailoring their action plans on tourism initiatives with the Laoag airport development in mind.

Dissatisfaction

Dumlao did not hide his dissatisfaction on the failure of Ilocos leaders to capitalize on the P2.8-billion fund intended for the airport's upgrading in 1998. The budget for the LIA was later diverted to the rehabilitation of Iloilo International Airport.

"We will give Laoag [a] last chance [to improve its facilities], otherwise, we will lose out to Cebu, Clark and Davao," Dumlao told the tourism industry stakeholders.

After the P2.8 billion was diverted, the NLGQA could only rely on sourcing additional funds for the LIA upgrading from government line agencies, primarily the Department of Transportation and Communications.

Dumlao, however, assured LIA officials that funds from Europe are being sought to augment the airport's development program.

In a letter to Dumlao, Robert Castañares, DOTC assistant secretary for planning and project development, said P8 million was allotted for the construction of the LIA's perimeter fence, improvement of its administration building and the rehabilitation of runway lights.

The DOTC has also proposed another P52 million for the improvement of airport facilities under the department's infrastructure program this year.

More funds

Ronald Estabillo, LIA manager, said the Laoag airport has yet to comply with the standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization.

He said authorities are working on upgrading the airport's level of protection from Category 4 to Category 9 so it can accommodate bigger planes.

The airport also lacks fire-fighting equipment and visual landing aid in times of bad weather.

During the forum, Tourism Undersecretary Oscar Palabyab said the LIA faces a reduced passenger load because of the smaller carrier that services the Laoag-Manila-Laoag route.

Cancelled

The 83-seater Asian Spirit has taken the route from Philippine Airlines before it decided to cancel its four-times weekly flights. PAL planes can accommodate 150 passengers.

Members of the Regional Development Council had promised to ask businessman Lucio Tan, PAL president, to resume the carrier's flights to Laoag because the LIA plays an important role in promoting trade and tourism in the Ilocos.

mhe-ann

April 17th, 2006, 06:54 AM

from Vigan City to Ilocos...

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/p06589d29d32c28fec6a64dfd3d620ad6/ef686cf4.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/pb0d1fe26cbf79ad389be0bbf66ac9ee7/ef686c6d.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/pbdefedd03955a0416069fed400b8da89/ef686bfc.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/p950ee570dabe02488188a0d7f367cf06/ef686b68.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/pab5672aeab85b8fa4dde96f778adf8c9/ef686ace.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/pc780c77840ce4b7320e20f39dc7b7ba0/ef6834da.jpg

mhe-ann

April 17th, 2006, 06:57 AM

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/p0976927f5d413bcaaec0f89097903d48/ef6833d4.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/pa4f35f2a34a59988342a540c6939bc39/ef6832e9.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/p54cce89a2d5f632d6b302987fe69a3a1/ef68322b.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/pb79fbae0e4fbef1917e49f1a0bafd262/ef68316b.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/pd27ade88be517466ed72949b14c7a8be/ef6830be.jpg

mhe-ann

April 17th, 2006, 06:59 AM

we're at the Pagudpud beach...

wind turbines...
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/pb9c8fd410e33206502080d39e8f41392/ef682fdb.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/p43a9121bee4fe8eabd6b7bb47c26e935/ef682f45.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/pe455c167c7f5322415d5fec70f5163ee/ef682e87.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/pa375040d865854065b9ae906912d88c7/ef682d92.jpg

mhe-ann

April 17th, 2006, 07:06 AM

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/pb6e9db70ad0bd1fff3f419a89ae540a2/ef682135.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/p8529d04516fd6c4c5dc4106f8de730e5/ef68201f.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/p28cbf290d8d7968c86726ce11db81baa/ef681ee6.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/pbedd4902f74d866d54c2ade7f17aaa78/ef681e06.jpg

kiretoce

April 17th, 2006, 01:43 PM

Very nice photos of Laoag and Ilocos Norte Mhe-ann! :okay:

mhe-ann

April 18th, 2006, 10:18 AM

thanks! pahabol...

Malacañang of the North... bed of Imelda according to the guide...

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/p3901cc2bfa74ae7da651911754dd8192/ef627932.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/p35e5105c3022c3bd12362500225f92d6/ef627920.jpg

overtureph

April 19th, 2006, 09:35 AM

A Spaniard In Ilocos
By Javier Galvan
The Philippine Star 04/16/2006

I don’t know if there really is any connection or if it is merely a coincidence which I somehow came up with so as not to leave my mind restless and without an explanation for the origin of the river’s name. Abra in Spanish means open. More exactly: abrir is to open and abra is the imperative form. "Abra la puerta: open the door."

To open entails something magical; to open is to give life to something that is alive but asleep. Aladdin was sleeping in his lamp until someone rubbed it. The cave remains closed until the magic words are pronounced: "Open Sesame." Beyond the door, beyond the mouth, is another world, another reality.

The Abra River really opens the mountains. She makes a breach on them to meet her destiny in the sea. She does not reach the lowlands of Ilocos by winding like a serpent along the mountains. Rather, she crosses them in a straightforward manner or, if you prefer, the mountains open themselves to allow the river to go to sea.

I did not plan it, it simply happened. It was my birthday and I woke up in Vigan–long, long before I was born. Traveling across time is a good way to fight birthdays. I woke up under the mosquito net of a huge bed. The first light of the morning started to filter across the shells of the capiz that were displayed in an original diagonal pattern, flooding my bedroom with a magical light, like in a movie by J.L. Garci.

Roosters had already crowed, and I had heard the toll of the bells, but I continued sleeping. Now, I heard distant whispers coming from the cathedral: the old doñas were praying the first angelus of the day. But it was definitely the sound of the hoofs of a horse pulling a calesa onto the cobblestones that made me remember that I was about to be fetched to cross a new frontier: to go to Abra.

I raised the mosquito net, jumped out of bed, felt on the soles of my feet the warm caress of the polished narra planks, and slid aside the capiz panes to open the window. I could not help looking out into the street which led to the cathedral. I was mesmerized. A procession of ladies marched solemnly towards the church. They were dressed in flamboyant gowns, wrapped in jewels, escorted by maids carrying umbrellas to protect the porcelain skin of their faces from the first rays of the sun. It was not even a Sunday or a holiday, but just a weekday!

My host had purchased the house some years ago and restored it–keeping the original materials, recovering its splendor and yet providing it with new facilities that make a house comfortable. I hope many people do the same in Vigan.

Breakfast was served in the upper level kucina. I could smell the coffee that a client of my host regularly sent him from Colombia, the longganizas, and the unmatchable Ilocano empanadas.

Vigan houses have two storeys. The stone-walled ground floor serves as a bodega and also as a shelter for the carriages of the house lord. The upper level is where the family lives. High ceilings, shining timber floors, sliding capiz panels that, when opened, make the façade disappear, thus converting the house into a breeze-catching box.

Time has stopped in the interior of these houses. The chairs, the cabinets, the Chinese porcelain, an old piano or a venerable harp, the photographs of ancestors, the old books on the shelves, or even gramophones with a Carlos Gardel record as if it was just played a while ago. One can imagine the balls held in these salas, gentlemen in their barongs or tuxedos, and ladies in maria claras or wearing the latest in Paris fashion. One can imagine the stories of romance that transpired within these walls.

The ancestral houses in Vigan, although somewhat similar, cannot be found in any Spanish region. They probably are more Chinese than Spanish or, if you prefer, a blend of Andalucian and Chinese architecture. In the end, they are very Filipino.

From Vigan, we have to look for the Abra River. She will help to cross the mountains and find the hidden valley where small towns have flourished, sheltered by the mountains. The Abra River will be our guide. She will introduce us to the towns of the valley. We first find the river under the Quirino Bridge. It is a superb landscape which is highlighted by the beauty of the bridge. Abra passes by, completely decided to go to sea: no more windings, no more doubts, straight to its destiny.

Before reaching Abra province we pass by the municipality of Santa. Among the towns in Ilocos Sur there is a Santa Maria, a Santa Lucia, and a Santa Cruz. It seems that Santa was named after Santa Catalina, but for some unknown reason it ended as just Santa. Was it laziness or just practical sense?

Well, Santeños may very well celebrate their fiestas on every Santa something day, which is practically every day of the year. I really regret not having stopped in Santa to visit its small but beautiful church, and to inquire about a long building by the road which seemed to be pretty old. It might have been one of the schools built during the Spanish Era in most of the towns of the Philippines, a long, long time before the Thomasites arrived.

Before heading towards the interior, we ride for a while along the coast, passing by a scenic islet landscape known as Paraiso ni Juan. I wonder who that lucky Juan could be, owner of such a picturesque paradise.

After leaving that paradise, we turn into a countryside of mild and green hills. Contrary to what I expected, not a big effort was needed to crown the mountains from Ilocos and reach Abra province. The road then gently slopes to meet the valley. We find again Abra River, but she is different from when we saw her under Quirino Bridge. Now she is a thread of water in a huge bed of sand flanked by mountains. More than a continuous river, she appears like a succession of pools. Quiet land. Few people, few houses. I guess the landscape has not changed very much during the last hundred years. For a moment I think that I’m traveling into the plot of Sionil Jose’s "Po-on" and at any moment, I can meet the caravan of the Rosales family in search of freedom.

My first goal is Tayum, a small tidy town that follows the classical urban pattern of almost all Filipino towns, founded during the Spanish Era. Father Floro Bautista the parish priest is waiting for me. He has a special interest in the history of his parish and is fully aware of the importance of the architectural heritage of Tayum.

I have visited hundreds of old churches in the Philippines. Priests are always extremely nice to me, and try their best to facilitate my research. My main problem is to deny their kind invitations to have lunch or merienda. Since I am always rushed, I simply cannot afford to spend hours of daylight in anything other than watching the buildings, taking photos and drawing them. No time for lunch during what my friends call "my church safaris". I instead accept some snacks so as not to disregard those who have treated me so well. Hospitality is an identity sign of the Filipino people.

Facing the big plaza are the main public buildings, the church and the town hall. Although the town was founded in 1626, the current church, devoted to Santa Catalina de Alejandría, was finished in 1829, after nine years of construction under Fr. Domingo de los Reyes. Initially a part of Ilocos, the evangelization of Abra was assigned to the Agustinian friars. Nevertheless, Tayum parish was managed not by the Augustinians as the others in Abra, but by the secular clergy.

The façade is an example of Filipino Baroque architecture with mixtilinear pediment and scrolls. It is articulated by single columns instead of a pair of columns as in most façades of Filipino churches, and crowned by giant jars. The side entrance doors are particularly interesting. Inside, the old retablos have been preserved, something not many churches in the Philippines can boast about.

A number of small chapels (probably fourteen) in the way of the Mexican capillas posas stand along the surroundings of the church, over spilling its territory towards the town. They are the stations of the Via Crucis, niches where the Holy Cross or the image of a saint is placed in each of the stops of Holy Week procession.

The original convent of Tayum was burned. A house belonging to the Cariño family built in 1850 served as the parish priest’s house first and then as a nuns’ convent. It is a two-storey structure from the Spanish Era about to be restored and converted into a museum.

One of the most amazing things one can find in Tayum is the Ambassador Cariño house-museum. An art collector, Mr. Cariño gathered a huge collection of objects from the countries where he was posted. Particularly important is the collection of European art, especially the Delft porcelains. A lover of contemporary art, Mr. Cariño commissioned several artists to reproduce in mosaics upon the fence of his property famous paintings of European masters.

The Bangued Cathedral is not as interesting as the Tayum Church because of the renovations it has suffered. The octagonal belltower and the façade are notorious.

The original convent has been preserved, now converted into a school. The bishop house shelters what might be considered as the Provincial Ecclesiastical Museum. One of the most interesting relics is the Tayum Church baptismal font made out of wood. I know this from my friend Eric Zerrudo, director of the GSIS Museum in Manila, because I could not enter the museum. The priest living now in the house told me that there are two keys to unlock the door of the museum: he had one but the other key was with a seminarian who at that particular moment was in Tagaytay.

Near the cathedral, the ruins of old buildings might be seen as well as an old bridge still in use. All of them are entirely made out of brick.

Fr. Floro had mentioned a Spanish Arch in Bucay. I had no plan to go to Bucay, but after that information, it became a must. And I was really astonished when I got to that small and very quiet town by the river and "discovered" a brick gate with a beautiful stone Lyon and Castile coat of arms on top. That was the entrance to the Casa Real, the Provincial Government building at a time when Bucay was the capital of the province. It was like finding a piece of Intramuros in a remote and lonely place.

My last town to visit was Pidigan, where the old church regarded as unsafe has been abandoned. Although not as monumental as the one in Tayum, its brick walls deserve to be preserved and restored. The church faces a huge plaza, a good example of Spanish colonial urban planning.

The night is falling. The one-day trip to Abra has been more than worthwhile. Only when I was in the back seat of the car did I realize that I was really tired. I must also be hungry.

The men who went ahead of the caravan were wet and they shivered but they, too, marched on, stopping only once in a while to ask from an isolated farmhouse the general direction of the ferry which they would have to board to cross the Agno. Shortly before daybreak, the rain finally lifted and the east was bathed with the mellow light of a new day.

I woke up when I was back in Vigan. My life opens (abre) a new year by the Abra river. It has been indeed a happy birthday.

The author is director of Instituto Cervantes, the Spanish cultural center.

http://philstar.com/philstar/SPECIA...00604194607.htm

Francis20

April 19th, 2006, 04:46 PM

ate mhe-ann, ang gagaling ng mga photos mo. Pagudpud is only few provinces from mine. Kaso hindi ba expensive dun? That's the Boracay of the north sabi nila.
Nice photos by the way.

lochinvar

April 19th, 2006, 07:18 PM

"Aladdin was sleeping in his lamp until someone rubbed it."

It was the giant genie who was sleeping or incarcerated inside his lamp. Aladdin was the one who rubbed the lamp whence the genie came out.

Animo

April 19th, 2006, 08:00 PM

^^ Jeje, yeah. But it was a lovely article. :)

mhe-ann

April 20th, 2006, 02:09 AM

ate mhe-ann, ang gagaling ng mga photos mo. Pagudpud is only few provinces from mine. Kaso hindi ba expensive dun? That's the Boracay of the north sabi nila.
Nice photos by the way.
kuya francis, 50 pesos lan po ang entrance. un cottage - 500 pesos. good for 12 hours. :)

KiBeN

April 20th, 2006, 05:24 PM

WOW!!! thanks for the pics! ganda pala dun, I like the wind turbines! diba mataas yun.

mhe-ann

April 21st, 2006, 07:17 AM

meron pa pala:

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/p2b69b5e216da72a80bb94a069022c934/ef681d55.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/p0eb633b186d85e1a2d3b7b20ef127f68/ef681cc1.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/p73111d91efed2b791e4d6f44a9ff98b0/ef681c1a.jpg

mhe-ann

April 21st, 2006, 07:19 AM

ito un labas ng malacañang (of the north) sa paoay.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/p8d4f6eec7096205097ab799b1e8201ae/ef681a99.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/p1914b9e7df26eac688f4ff04f40f2ada/ef681958.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/p903719f48bede8f692fb2de912340349/ef681829.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/p16c39e787263c2cc42e736e772f94247/ef681637.jpg

mhe-ann

April 21st, 2006, 07:27 AM

our group...

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/pdef2ae7eef1845c0e23ee4bf36533ae9/ef6813d7.jpg

kiretoce

April 21st, 2006, 02:07 PM

^^ Looks like you all had a great time in Ilocos Mhe-ann, and thanks for sharing the photos with us here on SSC. :colgate:

mhe-ann

April 24th, 2006, 06:14 AM

we had fun. though we're divided into two groups. I stayed with the older members (though I'm 4th to the youngest. but overall, excluding the children of one workmate, I'm the youngest. :D )

kiretoce

April 24th, 2006, 11:07 PM

Cebu Pacific flights to Laoag start June 15
By Aleli Aggasid-Batara 04/20/2006

LAOAG CITY (April 20) -- Cebu Pacific executives are set to meet with Mayor Michael Fariñas and Governor Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. on Tuesday and Wednesday respectively, to discuss the final details on the operation of the said airline company at the Laoag International Airport (LIA).

Milagros Gonzales, provincial tourism officer, announced on Wednesday that Edgardo Cruz, director for sales, and party, are expected to pay their courtesy call to the two chief executives early next week as the Gokongwei-owned carrier will take its maiden flight on June 15.

She reported that the airline’s human resources managers were in the city previously to recruit ground handling staff and scout locations for their ticketing office.

The airline management is also keen on doing business here because the city serves as an entry point to other northern provinces like Vigan and Cagayan, Gonzales said.

Rescue flights were fielded by the airline for a day after the sudden pull-out of PAL in February, while the city was in the thick of fiesta celebrations. Thereafter, Asian Spirit began servicing passengers of the Manila-Laoag-Manila route.

The provincial tourism officer relayed that there was a notable decrease of tourist arrivals after the country’s flag carrier cancelled its flight because of smaller aircrafts deployed by Asian Spirit.

She however assured the safety and comfort of the traveling public, saying that, Asian Spirit is currently using the newest and most modern 83-seater jet aircraft.

Relative to this, Gonzales has suggested that Asian Spirit deploy its airbuses so that they can capture a bigger market. “International flights coming from the United States usually arrive at around 3:00 o’clock in the afternoon in Manila, so it is best that they arrange their flight schedules based on this,” she said.

ramvingar

April 25th, 2006, 12:13 AM

^^ Asian Spirit has airbuses? :dunno:

kiretoce

April 26th, 2006, 10:32 PM

Economic boom seen in Cabugao, Ilocos Sur
By Freddie G. Lazaro

CABUGAO, Ilocos Sur (April 26) -- In aggressive promotion of investments potential of Salomague Free Port Zone located in Northern Ilocos Sur, dubbed as "Boracay of the North," is expected to take off in the next decade to prepare Cabugao as a trading center.

Mayor Dioceasar S. Suero said that Balikbayans who attended the 4th Global Reunion of Cabugenians were very much interested with the various investments potential that were presented in a forum held at Cabugao Beach Resort last Sunday.

The investment forum was one of the important highlights of the 5th Intayon Cabugao Festival featuring the Sakada Centennial Celebration and the 4th Global Homecoming of Cabugenians from April 17 to 27. Other significant events of the 10-day festival that drew thousands of tourists and visitors were the "Sala Sakada Street Dancing" presentations and the search for Mutya ng Cabugao 2006.

"The forum gained positive headway for our economic development because our townmates from abroad are signifying their willingness to invest some of their earnings here," Suero said.

For his part, Ilocos Sur Vice Governor Deogracias Victor B. Savellano explained that the local government of Cabugao already identified business opportunities wherein the Cabugenians would possibly venture on it.

These ventures will complement with the forthcoming operation of the Salomague Freeport Zone – a port project of the Arroyo administration that seen to create more job opportunities in Ilocos Sur.

Among the initial priority programs identified during the forum were the establishment of commercial banks, appliance center and motor center; the rehabilitation of ice plant; the construction and operations of a greenhouse; seaweeds farming, organic farming; founding of a Montessori – inspired school; and development of various town's places having tourism prospect.

Mayor Suero disclosed some of these business prospects were potentially establish at the center of the town particularly near the Northern Ilocos Sur and Trade Center (NISTC), at the beaches and farms.

kiretoce

April 26th, 2006, 10:34 PM

DOT questions Korean road work in Pinatubo
By Tonette Orejas April 25, 2006

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO — A Department of Tourism official on Monday has denounced a Korean company that he claimed carved a 20-km road leading to the crater of Mt. Pinatubo, a World Tourism Organization-recognized site, without a permit from any government agency.

In a travel advisory posted on Monday, Ronaldo Tiotuico, DOT Central Luzon director, said his office has “vigorously registered its strong and unequivocal objection” to the road project by the PDC Development Corp. (PDCDC). The road runs from Capas, Tarlac, to Botolan, Zambales.

The firm was the first private company to have invested in the area, running the Mt. Pinatubo Spa Town in Barangay Sta. Juliana, the nearest gateway to the volcano that last erupted in June 1991. The company also offers tours to the volcano, which the Aetas and the DOT began in 1994.

In a phone interview, Tiotuico said he learned of the new trail only through the Sta. Juliana tourism council.

“I would not have allowed it if I had learned of this project from the start,” he said.

Aside from not coordinating with the DOT, the company did not obtain an environmental compliance certificate (ECC) from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources or a free and prior informed consent certificate (FPIC) from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, Tiotuico said.

Cris Park, PDCDC president, said the project was approved by Mayor Reynaldo Catacutan and the Capas town council.

“We built the road to provide development in the area,” Park said when reached through his mobile phone.

Park, who said he was unaware of Tiotuico’s complaint, said he would coordinate with Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano to answer the allegations.

Park threatened to close shop because of Tiotuico’s non-cooperation.

“I cannot understand him. He was not helping us,” he said.

Francisco Villena Jr., the company’s operations chief, said the trail merely revived an old logging road in the area. Villena confirmed the “minimal side-cutting” of hills to restore the road but denied that the entire stretch or any portion of it was concreted or bulldozed.

According to Villena, this route allows tourists to reach the crater in just 30 or 40 minutes. He said the regular route via the O’Donnell River in Crow Valley takes about seven hours to hurdle.

Catacutan said he and other local officials initiated the road project to boost the town’s tourism program.

He said PDCDC did not need a DENR permit because what was rehabilitated was an old road built by the United States Air Force that maintained a radar and training station at Crow Valley.

“We just removed big boulders and [some] trees in the path. The soil is stable,” Catacutan said.

The mayor said local NCIP representatives and the heirs of Don Antonio Aquino, among them former vice presidential candidate Hermie Aquino, gave consent to the project. The Aquinos own the land traversed by the project.

The Philippine Air Force, which has jurisdiction over the area, has been consulted, Catacutan said.

Tourism-related activities, he said, have helped the Aetas and upland farmers in Capas cope with the effects of Mt. Pinatubo’s eruption

Rodel

May 21st, 2006, 03:00 PM

Photos I had taken in my trip to Pagudpud last Apr 30, 2006.
http://images.kodakgallery.com/photos1908/3/6/34/92/32/7/732923406305_0_ALB.jpg http://images.kodakgallery.com/photos1788/3/6/52/40/57/2/257405206305_0_ALB.jpg http://images.kodakgallery.com/photos1788/3/6/52/93/46/1/146935206305_0_ALB.jpg

Rodel

May 21st, 2006, 03:24 PM

Post here anything about the Ilocos Region.

I would like to start by posting some pictures of Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte when I visited the place last Apr. 30, 2006.
Pagudpud is the last town of Ilocos Norte going to Cagayan, and about 600kms north of Manila.
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h315/req2000/Ilocos/P3220108.jpg
[/IMG]
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h315/req2000/Ilocos/P3220111.jpg
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h315/req2000/Ilocos/P3220113.jpg

Rodel

May 21st, 2006, 03:29 PM

more pictures...the beach you are about to see is the "Blue Lagoon" of Pagudpud
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h315/req2000/Ilocos/P3220115.jpg
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h315/req2000/Ilocos/P3220117.jpg
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h315/req2000/Ilocos/P3220120.jpg

karirista

May 21st, 2006, 03:32 PM

Pare ndi gumagana ang links ng photos mo...

Rodel

May 21st, 2006, 03:33 PM

more pictures....enjoy the sights
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h315/req2000/Ilocos/P3220127.jpg
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h315/req2000/Ilocos/P3220133.jpg
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h315/req2000/Ilocos/P3220139.jpg

Rodel

May 21st, 2006, 03:34 PM

ganun ba? sayang naman..what could be the problem?

Rodel

May 21st, 2006, 03:52 PM

The Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR)

The Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) of the Philippines consists of the provinces of Abra, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, Mountain Province and Apayao. Baguio City is the regional center. The Cordillera region encompasses most of the areas within the Cordillera Central mountain range of Luzon, the largest range in the country. This region is home to numerous indigenous tribes collectively called the Igorot.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/8/83/Ph_locator_car.png
Tourist attractions
Tourist attractions in the region include the world famous Banaue Rice Terraces in the province of Ifugao. This is supposedly considered as the "Eighth Wonder of the World". Natural attractions of the region include the Sumaguing Cave in Sagada and the mummy caves of Benguet and Mt. Province. There are four National Parks: Cassamata Hill, Mount Pulag (the second highest mountain in the Philippines with an elevation of 2,922 meters above sea level), Mt. Data and Balbalasang-Balbalan, located in the province of Kalinga.

Featuring the Banaue Rice Terraces. (This photo was taken in Aug 2004)
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h315/req2000/Banaue/banaue_rt.jpg

diego

May 21st, 2006, 03:53 PM

Karirista, I can see the pictures posted by Rodel. So far no problem.

mhe-ann

May 22nd, 2006, 06:42 AM

^^ can't see your photos. :(

BoNduRanT

May 22nd, 2006, 04:29 PM

thats weird, blue lagoon looks dirty from the pics.

cheersmate

May 23rd, 2006, 12:25 PM

Just want to share an interesting article on Vigan written in 1937:

VIGAN CIRCA 1937

VIGAN FOUND TO BE IDEAL AS A VACATION; REST RESORT
By Herminio Figueras

It is the most enjoyable vacation that which I spent last Christmas season in Vigan.* I shall always treasure in my memory the happy days I spent in that quaint little “Intramuros” of the North, proudly captioned, but with enough justification, the Capital of Ilocandia.

Vigan, once euphoniously called, La Villa Fernandina, has that “something” which makes anyone who sees her likes her. There is some charm in her antiquated modernity, to coin a phrase, that magnetizes her beholder.* It is Vigan’s conservatism that makes her distinct from all the other places in the Ilocos region.

Vigan is 425 kilometers away from Manila.* It could be reached by plane, by train-bus connection, by steamship, by auto, or by any other available means of transportation. By airplane, Vigan is one and one-half hours near Manila; by automobile, it is seven hours ride from the Metropolis; and by train-bus transportation, Vigan is ten to twelve hours away from the city.

It was evening when I was ushered into Vigan.* I boarded the 8:30 A.M. train from the Tutuban station, disembarked at San Fernando, La Union in the afternoon, and rode from here in a Norlutran bus to Vigan.* Entering Vigan was just like going through P. Burgos drive to Intramuros, passing through a wide, asphalted and modern illuminated boulevard-the Govantes Dike drive.* This boulevard reclaimed the bed of a river which, when overflowed, many times caused the destruction of life and property. I took the government tens of thousands of pesos to deviate the rivers course to the benefit of the populace.

As we drive into this quaint little city, my eyes were greeted by the magnificence of the provincial capitol, facing the beautiful provincial park, consecrated by the blood of those Ilocano heroes who fell defending their town from the occupation of the Americans in 1898.* This park, named Plaza Salcedo, in honor of the discoverer of Vigan and the first Spanish Encomendero, is surrounded by the most important public and private buildings in the community.

On the east is the Catholic Cathedral of Vigan, the seat of the bishopric of Nueva Segovia.* Here, one will surely be deceived if one is to judge only by exterior appearances.* For the Vigan Cathedral is unattractive from the outside, but, when admired from the interior, it is one of the landmarks of Philippines Catholicism, and the pride of Northern Luzon.

Close to the right of the Cathedral is the episcopal palace where the bishop resides.* West of this building is the Rosary Academy, the school where the daughters of the Vigan aristocrats study.

Across the street, left of the Cathedral is the Vigan Diocesan Seminary where the cream of Ilocano manhood prepare for the priesthood.* The building of this more than a century old institution was once the headquarters of the revolutionists.* The museum of Natural History of the Seminary is one place any Vigan visitor should not miss seeing.
*Not far to the left of the Seminary is the Periculture Center, and the Vigan Municipal Hall.* Across the street, on the west is the Northern Luzon Junior College of* the University of the Philippines.

There is an attractive beautification project under construction at Plaza Salcedo.* When finished it will be one of the subjects of admiration for Vigan visitors.* This is a big relief map of the Philippine patterned in a dug-out which will at the same time be an aquarium at the plaza.* In Dapitan, it is only a Mindanao map that Rizal made.* Down there at Leyte, it is only a Leyte map that they fashioned in a pond, but up there in Vigan, they have the Philippines at a glance.

There is another beautiful plaza south of the Cathedral.* It is the Plaza Burgos where a monument stands to the memory of Vigan’s noblest hero, Padre Jose Apolonio Burgos, the martyr of Bagumbayan. If one from Manila is to take a walk along Vigan’s narrow streets, one will feel as if he is walking on the streets in Intramuros.* The atmosphere of the place has a close similarity to Manila’s walled city.* They have plenty of buildings there in Vigan built during Spanish era.* Massive walls, latticed windows, through which devout maids peeped are common with the houses.* Oh, yes, the Vigan Señoritas are not fond of “nightlife”.* They pay more attention to their religious obligations that they have little time to think of gay society.

Vigan is small place.* It is so small that the cemetery is even in the town proper.* It was so constructed to remind the people of the belief that life is just a short journey from the cradle to the grave.* The Catholic cemetery is only a short walk from the cathedral.* One coming to Vigan could see the cemetery on the south as one enters the town from the Govantes Dike.

There is a beautiful spot of Vigan which is the favorite rendezvous of the town Romeos and Juliets.* This is the famous Mira Hill Park where the huge towering reservoir of the Singson Waterworks system was built on a hill lording the town and the surrounding communities.* Visitors are always shown this park by the people there who point to the spot with pride as their distinguished landmark.

The water supply of Vigan comes from Cañao, another place where any Vigan visitor should always strive to see.* Cañao Springs are ten kilometers from Vigan.* These Springs are on the mountains of Bantay, a suburban town north of Vigan.* There is seldom a day in which a picnic is not held in the mountains at Cañao.

Going back to Vigan to see the sights, we had to drop into the Vigan market and buy things.* Our eyes feasted on various Ilocano textiles.* It was joy for us to select from the many different designs of cloths; to buy a saya for mother, a barong for father, and a vestida for sister.* It is more costly to buy foods in Vigan than in Manila.* Undoubtedly Vigan has a high standard of living.

Driving through four kilometers of acasia covered road, named Quirino Boulevard, in honor of Secretary Quirino, we visited the Philippine Army barracks and Training Cadres, the Vigan Golf Club links, the Silang Hill, the Provincial Hospital, and the port of Pandan, Caoayan.* After San Ildefonso, and Sulvec, shall have been opened, Pandan will become only an insignificant port, I was told.

Returning from Pandan we rushed to Mindoro beach where we spent the late afternoon swimming in the clear water of the sea.* Mindoro is a barrio west of Vigan.* Four kilometers of first class road connects it with the town, the provincial airfield is situated on this place near the beach.

Vigan is humming with commerce and industry. There are plenty of furniture factories in the town, mostly run by Chinese. One section of Vigan is called Pagburnayan, because it is here that earthen jars are manufactured for exportation to other provinces. Again, the Chinese monopolize this kind of business.* Another district is called Pagpandayan, where blacksmiths ply their trade.* Pagpartian is another section of the town from where the town’s unceasing meat supply comes. There is no meat strike in Vigan.

The surrounding barrios, besides engaging in vegetable farming, also have their own distinct industries. Mindoro is the home of fishermen; Salindeg, Bulala, and Paratong export pottery.* Capangpangan thrives on tannery, and slipper making; Bongtolan on making tabuñao and nito helmet. The rest of the barrios weave the famous Ilocano textiles.

In our visits to the barrios, I observed the genuine hospitality and kindheartedness of the people.* There was not a home we visited wherein we were not offered something for our palate.* It is an unforgivable insult to the host for any visitor to refuse what is offered him.* If the home-prepared delicacy offered is not consumed, the visitor is punished by carrying home some orchard puduce of his host.* The visitor must have at least an elephant’s stomach when going places in Vigan barrios so that he could please everybody he goes to by taking in everything offered him.

As I said in the beginning of this writing, I enjoyed much my short vacation in Vigan.* My only regrets is that I have only one body to please my friends there.
*

Reprinted from Philippine Herald, Jan.22, 1937
charming..

cheersmate

May 23rd, 2006, 12:40 PM

[QUOTE=Francis20]waw! tarung. mabisinak tuloy. kayat ko ti tarong nga isawsaw ti bagoong ken kalamansi.

naim-imas ti torta ket.. :cheers:

cheersmate

May 23rd, 2006, 12:54 PM

Rodel

May 28th, 2006, 11:39 AM

guys, i changed the link of my photos (from ofoto.com to photobucket.com) i hope this time you will be able to view them.

Rodel

May 28th, 2006, 11:41 AM

the last photo with a banca and "the lump" is actually not a part of the blue lagoon beach. this one was taken on the way to the blue lagoon.

Rodel

May 28th, 2006, 11:49 AM

This photo was taken in Ifugao on the way to Banaue.
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h315/req2000/Banaue/ifugaobridge.jpg

Sinjin P.

May 28th, 2006, 11:55 AM

Wonderful and breathtaking photos! :applause:

Rodel

May 28th, 2006, 01:20 PM

Wonderful and breathtaking photos! :applause:

Yes, indeed, I love the 2nd photo..this was actually taken on our way to Banaue, I forgot the exact town where this is, but this is before we reach Lagawe town.

diego

May 28th, 2006, 02:08 PM

Very nice photos!

diego

May 28th, 2006, 02:11 PM

Do you have more pictures? Post some more....

Kaiser

May 28th, 2006, 04:24 PM

maravilloso!...:colgate:

Rodel

May 28th, 2006, 11:02 PM

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h315/req2000/Ilocos/P3220140.jpg

BoNduRanT

May 29th, 2006, 07:24 AM

The Shire :LOL: Those are the hills leading up to blue lagoon. Im glad you enjoyed your stay in Ilocos Rodel. Thanks for visiting my province :okay:

Rodel

May 29th, 2006, 02:32 PM

The Shire :LOL: Those are the hills leading up to blue lagoon. Im glad you enjoyed your stay in Ilocos Rodel. Thanks for visiting my province :okay:

Yes I did enjoy my stay. We also visited some historical churches in Ilocos Norte. I will try to post them in the next days.

Rodel

May 29th, 2006, 02:39 PM

still on the Banaue Rice Terraces. This is the view from our hotel.
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h315/req2000/Banaue/P1010037.jpg

JAMAICUS

May 29th, 2006, 03:06 PM

Question : Is Banaue Rice Ter. really dying???

diego

May 29th, 2006, 04:10 PM

i'm waiting for more pictures...i am enjoying this thread.

diego

May 29th, 2006, 04:23 PM

That last picture is great!

Rodel

May 29th, 2006, 04:37 PM

i'm waiting for more pictures...i am enjoying this thread.
more pictures coming...i still need to upload them in photobucket.com

Rodel

May 29th, 2006, 11:04 PM

another shot of the Banaue Rice Terraces.
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h315/req2000/Banaue/P1010030.jpg

Rodel

May 30th, 2006, 03:04 PM

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h315/req2000/Ilocos/P3220137.jpg

KiBeN

May 30th, 2006, 03:43 PM

wow! ang ganda! I like the one with clouds!

KiBeN

May 30th, 2006, 03:53 PM

wow! ang ganda sa Pagudpud! thanks for the pics Rodel!

Rodel

May 30th, 2006, 04:04 PM

wow! ang ganda! I like the one with clouds!

Here's another picture with the clouds.
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h315/req2000/Banaue/P1010044.jpg

BoNduRanT

May 30th, 2006, 04:11 PM

Whoa! Paved na pala yung dating dirt road to Blue Lagoon. Nice! :okay:

Rodel

May 30th, 2006, 04:33 PM

Whoa! Paved na pala yung dating dirt road to Blue Lagoon. Nice! :okay:

Yes, mukhang bago lang. Anyway, the roads in Ilocos Norte are good and looks clean!
I had seen also the "windmill" by the sea that generates energy. Unfortunately, don't have pictures. They look great! :)

Rodel

May 30th, 2006, 11:12 PM

This is the Patapat Bridge along the coast of Pagudpud going to Cagayan.
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h315/req2000/Ilocos/P3220142.jpg

Rodel

May 31st, 2006, 03:56 PM

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h315/req2000/Ilocos/P3220143.jpg

Francis20

May 31st, 2006, 06:05 PM

hi guys! i'm ilocano. 100%, but it's a shame for me not to have gone to Pagudpud. After seeing those photos, I suddenly would like to go there. the arc-shaped beach looks awesome and i would like to see how massive those windmills are!
thanks rodel for sharing the photos. by the way, i'm from isabela now living in Pangasinan.
would you mind telling me how to get there at Pagudpud, including the accomodations, approximate cost, etc...assuming i will have my whole family along with me.

shadow_can2003

June 1st, 2006, 02:15 AM

This is the Patapat Bridge along the coast of Pagudpud going to Cagayan.
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h315/req2000/Ilocos/P3220142.jpg

Sa totoo lang, napabayaan na tong lugar na ito. Parang kinalimutan na ng ating gobyerno. Sana maayos nila ulit tong lugar na ito.

shadow_can2003

June 1st, 2006, 02:18 AM

allan_dude

June 1st, 2006, 03:19 AM

mhe-ann

June 1st, 2006, 04:52 AM

repost ko na rin itong pics na kuha ko sa pagudpud nitong april..

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/pb79fbae0e4fbef1917e49f1a0bafd262/ef68316b.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/pd27ade88be517466ed72949b14c7a8be/ef6830be.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/pb9c8fd410e33206502080d39e8f41392/ef682fdb.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/p43a9121bee4fe8eabd6b7bb47c26e935/ef682f45.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/pe455c167c7f5322415d5fec70f5163ee/ef682e87.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/pa375040d865854065b9ae906912d88c7/ef682d92.jpg

wala sa itinerary namin ang pagpunta ng Pagudpud... naisipan lan nun nagsawa sa vigan... buti na lan di kami naligaw kahit lahat first timers. buti na lan at anjan ang EZ map. :D

allan_dude

June 1st, 2006, 05:30 AM

http://terrarika.filipinaheart.net/map.jpg

found this pic. ang kulit!

Francis20

June 1st, 2006, 12:23 PM

@ shadow and allan, sa me Cauayan kami dati, but we moved to Pozorrubio, Pangasinan. We might go back to Isabela within the year or next. Depende sa situasyon.

ate mhe-ann, nice photos.
that photo with bridge sa gilid ng bundok, my tatay/nanay have been telling me about that. kaso 24 na ako, di ko pa nakikita. :D

O29

June 1st, 2006, 06:52 PM

Hi! naimbag nga aldaw kadagiti gagayem ko nga Ilocano! I would like to share a few photos from my beloved Ilocos Norte. hehehe taken last April on my vacation.

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h117/O29/DSC07643.jpg
My hometown, Bacarra. The ruins of Bacarra Leaning Bell tower. Destroyed by strong
earthquakes.

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h117/O29/Bangui-Bay.jpg
The Windmills at Bangui Bay. Tourists stopover here just to take pictures of these
15 giant structures along Bangui bay.

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h117/O29/DSC07361.jpg
Ilocos Norte's hidden paradise.

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h117/O29/Pagudpud1.jpg
Ilocos Norte's Tropical Heaven

tyronne

June 1st, 2006, 08:59 PM

yeheyyy! umad-ado tayu nga ilokano ditoy SSC! :cheers: thanks for the beautiful photos :okay:

mhe-ann

June 2nd, 2006, 11:23 AM

some more photos (repost lang po...)

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/p01f5671f8e1f263b635cb2b3f51496c6/ef62835c.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/pc7ba7cdd4fb32f75935d1f3c3fdb30d5/ef56ff90.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/pb6e9db70ad0bd1fff3f419a89ae540a2/ef682135.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/p28cbf290d8d7968c86726ce11db81baa/ef681ee6.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/pb0d1fe26cbf79ad389be0bbf66ac9ee7/ef686c6d.jpg

taken while inside Malacañang of the North...
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid204/p903719f48bede8f692fb2de912340349/ef681829.jpg

Francis20

June 2nd, 2006, 11:31 AM

awan pay met nagsungbat kanyak nu kasanu mapan pagudpud. anya metten. :D
those are nice photos! looks like boracay.

tyronne

June 2nd, 2006, 06:51 PM

ka kiko, haan ko sigurado no kasnu mapan diay pagudpod. ngem siguro makadanun ka diay nu diretsuem lang diay marcos highway. ni manong Bondurant, taga-ilocos norte, ammo na siguro :D

Rodel

June 3rd, 2006, 07:35 AM

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h315/req2000/Banaue/P1010019.jpg

Rodel

June 3rd, 2006, 07:44 AM

another picture of the patapat bridge
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h315/req2000/Ilocos/P3220149.jpg

cheersmate

June 3rd, 2006, 12:22 PM

awan pay met nagsungbat kanyak nu kasanu mapan pagudpud. anya metten. :D
those are nice photos! looks like boracay.
sus apo..hire ka na lang sasakyan ah..kung dala mo buong family.
kase papasok pa ung sa me beach from highway.
mga 3-4 yata mga resorts don eh,
hire ka one room w/ 3 beds, mga 1500 yata non un eh.
madale lang go don..madame signs,di kayo mawawala.

BoNduRanT

June 3rd, 2006, 03:02 PM

Reposting some photos too :)

Ilocos Norte Capitol
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c3/abercromb24/ilocosnortecapitolcopy.jpg

Museo Ilocos Norte
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c3/abercromb24/museoilocosnortecopy.jpg

Rodel

June 4th, 2006, 11:35 AM

Reposting some photos too :)

Ilocos Norte Capitol
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c3/abercromb24/ilocosnortecapitolcopy.jpg

I like this photo...thanks. I had a shot of the Ilocos Norte Capitol at night but my shot was not that nice...

Rodel

June 4th, 2006, 12:14 PM

Central Luzon region contains the largest plain of the Philippines and produces most of the country's rice supply. Its provinces are: Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales.

There are twelve cities which include: Balanga from Bataan; Cabanatuan, Gapan, Muñoz, Palayan and San Jose from Nueva Ecija; Olongapo from Zambales; Angeles and San Fernando from Pampanga; San Jose del Monte and Malolos from Bulacan; and Tarlac from Tarlac.
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/2/22/Ph_locator_region_3.png

Rodel

June 4th, 2006, 12:15 PM

Let me start by posting a photo of Nueva Ecija - Nueva Viscaya boundary

Rodel

June 4th, 2006, 12:16 PM

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h315/req2000/misc/P1020007.jpg

Sinjin P.

June 4th, 2006, 12:18 PM

We already have the Central Luzon thread here:
http://skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=276465

Next time, before creating any thread, use our thread directory so that you'll be guided. ;)

Rodel

June 4th, 2006, 12:21 PM

ok...sorry about that. thanks...i will just post my pictures there.

Rodel

June 4th, 2006, 12:21 PM

This is a picture of the trail from the Banaue Hotel to the ricefields...
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h315/req2000/Banaue/P1010042.jpg

Rodel

June 4th, 2006, 12:54 PM

a picture of the Nueva Ecija - Nueva Vizcaya boundary.
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h315/req2000/misc/P1020007.jpg

BoNduRanT

June 4th, 2006, 01:19 PM

ka kiko, haan ko sigurado no kasnu mapan diay pagudpod. ngem siguro makadanun ka diay nu diretsuem lang diay marcos highway. ni manong Bondurant, taga-ilocos norte, ammo na siguro :D

hehehe @ tyronne

Dami Ilocano!

Francis20: Surutem latta ti National Highway. Addu met lattat direction signs nga mangitodo ti dalan mapan Pagudpud. Ill be in Ilocos Norte this weekend! YEY! :)

Rodel

June 4th, 2006, 02:22 PM

subic bay, this photo was taken at ocean adventure.
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h315/req2000/Subic/P1010049.jpg

Rodel

June 4th, 2006, 02:59 PM

this picture was taken after the patapat bridge going to cagayan.
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h315/req2000/Ilocos/P3220150.jpg

BoNduRanT

June 4th, 2006, 03:05 PM

I think they call this area Agua Grande, its where the fresh water from the mountains meets the sea. Sarap ng tubig! :okay: malamig! Delikado nga lang mga bato, slippery! :)

Rodel

June 4th, 2006, 03:13 PM

oh yes...you are correct. thanks. opposite this a stream or a waterfalls coming from the mountain. i'll try to post a picture...

Rodel

June 4th, 2006, 03:17 PM

here's the picture i'm talking about.
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h315/req2000/Ilocos/P3220153.jpg

BoNduRanT

June 4th, 2006, 03:24 PM

The last time andun ako. We went up to that fenced hill, all the way sa may dulo. Walang tao. Solo mo place, tapos bundok, trees, sound ng tubig at mga chirps ng bird lang makikita at maririnig mo. Really nice :)

Johnston

June 4th, 2006, 03:35 PM

Wow, nice photo above.

Mods, just please merge this to the existing one. :)

Sinjin P.

June 4th, 2006, 04:13 PM

Please utilize the existing thread

JAMAICUS

June 4th, 2006, 05:49 PM

Any pics of Expo Filipino???

sugbuanon

June 4th, 2006, 07:36 PM

nice pic rodel keep it up..

Rodel

June 4th, 2006, 11:03 PM

We already have the Central Luzon thread here:
http://skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=276465

guys, i will post my central luzon pictures on the thread mentioned above. just go there. thanks.

Rodel

June 4th, 2006, 11:04 PM

another view of the same area.
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h315/req2000/Ilocos/P3220152.jpg

Rodel

June 4th, 2006, 11:11 PM

dusk: still at patapat bridge, on our way back to laoag city.
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h315/req2000/Ilocos/P3220156.jpg

Sinjin P.

June 5th, 2006, 04:14 AM

-edit-

kevinb

June 5th, 2006, 04:25 AM

ang ganda ng pics!
go rodel! :D

Sinjin P.

June 5th, 2006, 04:27 AM

Wow, Nature's Wonders. :applause:

mhe-ann

June 5th, 2006, 12:42 PM

hehehe @ tyronne

Dami Ilocano!

Francis20: Surutem latta ti National Highway. Addu met lattat direction signs nga mangitodo ti dalan mapan Pagudpud. Ill be in Ilocos Norte this weekend! YEY! :)
kuha ka ng pics ha, pls. thanks! :)

shadow_can2003

June 5th, 2006, 01:14 PM

Nung last time na dumaan kami dyan. Ive noticed some white tourist :D. Kailangan sigurong ipromote din yung lugar nayan.

mhe-ann

June 5th, 2006, 01:57 PM

wow! nothing compares with God's creation. sobra!!! :master:

mhe-ann

June 5th, 2006, 01:59 PM

teka pala, bakit parang andami ng bahay? dati pa bang ganun? :dunno:

Sinjin P.

June 5th, 2006, 02:22 PM

^^ I think sila ang bumubuhay sa mga tanim. :D

Rodel

June 5th, 2006, 03:23 PM

Nung last time na dumaan kami dyan. Ive noticed some white tourist :D. Kailangan sigurong ipromote din yung lugar nayan.

yes, i agree with you. the place is really nice and deserves to be promoted as one top destination in the philippines. i never knew that ilocos have such a very beautiful place until i had visited the area. one thing more, i had an impression that it is quite peaceful in ilocos. am i right?

Rodel

June 5th, 2006, 03:25 PM

sunset at pagudpud...
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h315/req2000/Ilocos/P3220157.jpg

Rodel

June 5th, 2006, 03:33 PM

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v298/rv_estardo/pinoyexpopampanga.jpg

this is the picture of expo filipino as posted by animo...

Rodel

June 5th, 2006, 03:35 PM

the mountains of carranglan, nueva ecija, near the nueva vizcaya boundary.
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h315/req2000/misc/P1020006.jpg

Rodel

June 5th, 2006, 03:43 PM

^^ I think sila ang bumubuhay sa mga tanim. :D
you're right...the houses that you see are actually near the banaue town proper, farther away, there are no houses at all.

Rodel

June 5th, 2006, 03:44 PM

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h315/req2000/Banaue/P1010043.jpg
i hope you enjoy the pics. i will try to post some more.

JAMAICUS

June 6th, 2006, 06:20 AM

^^ I mean interiors.... the active side... please....

ritche

June 6th, 2006, 07:14 AM

http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/206/1956/1600/balloons4.5.jpg
This was taken during the last hot air balloon fiesta in clark.

Here's my ticket:
http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/206/1956/1600/hot%20air.0.jpg

manileño

June 6th, 2006, 07:27 AM

DAMBANA NG KAGITINGAN
http://www.bataan.gov.ph/Home/images/zoom/ECUQYK/viewsize/dambana_ng_kagitingan,_mt._samat.jpg

doesnt this tower cross have an observation deck? has anyone been up there? i wonder what you can see from on top. this in bataan facing manila and manila bay right? anyone got pics from up there?

Rodel

June 6th, 2006, 02:00 PM

Before I continue posting more pics, let me give you some info about Ilocos (courtesy of Wikipedia).

Ilocos Region

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Region I – Ilocos Region
Regional center San Fernando City, La Union
Population 4,200,478
– Density 327 per km²
Area 12,840 km²
Divisions
– Provinces 4
– Cities 9
– Municipalities 116
– Barangays 3,265
– Cong. districts 12
Languages Ilokano, Pangasinense, Filipino, English
The Ilocos Region of the Philippines, designated as Region I is located in the northwestern part of Luzon. It is bounded by Cordillera Administrative Region and Cagayan Valley to the east, Central Luzon to the south and by the South China Sea to the west.

The region is composed of four provinces, namely: Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union and Pangasinan. Its regional center is San Fernando City, La Union. The region is occupied mostly by Ilocanos.

Rodel

June 6th, 2006, 02:02 PM

map:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/9e/Ph_locator_region_1.png
Physical
Ilocos Region occupies the narrow plain between the Cordillera Central mountain range and the South China Sea. It also occupies the northern portion of the Central Luzon plain, to the northeast of the Zambales Mountains.

Lingayen Gulf is the most notable body of water in the region and it contains a number of islands, including the Hundred Islands National Park. To the north of the region is Luzon Strait.

The Agno river runs through Pangasinan and empties into Lingayen Gulf. The river flow into a broad delta in the vicinity of Lingayen and Dagupan City.

Rodel

June 6th, 2006, 02:12 PM

Let me start with the province of Ilocos Norte. The pictures that I had posted so far are those of Pagudpud in Ilocos Norte.

Ilocos Norte

Ilocos Norte is a province of the Philippines located in the Ilocos Region in Luzon. Its capital is Laoag City and is located at the northwest corner of Luzon island, bordering Cagayan and Apayao to the east, and Abra and Ilocos Sur to the south. Ilocos Norte faces the South China Sea to the west and the Luzon Strait to the north.

Ilocos Norte is subdivided into 22 municipalities and 1 city.

Laoag City

Municipalities
Adams
Bacarra
Badoc
Bangui
Banna (Espiritu)
Batac
Burgos
Carasi
Currimao
Dingras
Dumalneg
Marcos
Nueva Era
Pagudpud
Paoay
Pasuquin
Piddig
Pinili
San Nicolas
Sarrat
Solsona
Vintar

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/1/12/Ph_seal_ilocos_norte.png

Rodel

June 6th, 2006, 02:15 PM

The town of Pagudpud

Pagudpud is a coastal resort town on the northernmost tip of Ilocos Norte in the Philippines. It is bounded to the south by the town of Bangui and to the east by the Cordillera Mountain Range, the town of Adams and the province of Cagayan. The South China Sea lies to the west and north. The town rolls over mountains, hills, valleys and flat coastal land. It lies 45 miles north of Laoag City, the provincial capital, and about 350 miles north of Manila.

Pagudpud is about an hour's drive from Laoag City International Airport.

Saud is by far the town's most popular attraction, with its white-sand beaches and crystal-blue water. Maira-Ira Point is also an emerging attraction with its secluded beach popularly called Blue Lagoon. Access to this public beach is from a secondary concrete road on the left side of the Maharlika Highway just before approaching the Patapat Bridge or Patapat Viaduct. On the way to the Blue Lagoon, a sea arch can be seen. Coconut trees line much of the town's coast. On a good day, you can see the Batanes Islands from Patapat National Park, which includes a starkly beautiful viaduct that rises along the town's sheer coastal mountains, which is the starting place for the Cordillera Mountain Range that snakes through Northern Luzon. The Patapat Viaduct, elevated 31 meters from the sea level, is an approximately 1,200-meter long concrete coastal bridge that connects the Maharlika Highway from Laoag, Ilocos Norte to the Cagayan Valley Region. Driving through the bridge, which is more than 16 kilometers from the town proper, one can have a scenic view of the Pasaleng Bay. It is also the 4th longest bridge in the Philippines.

Pagudpud was decreed a municipality on Feb. 5, 1954. Unlike Laoag, Ilocos Norte's only autonomous city, Pagudpud derives its authority from the provincial government. It had previously been a part of the neighboring town of Bangui.

According to the 2000 census, Pagudpud has a population of 19,315 people. They reside in 3,804 homes that are spread across 83 square miles. Most make their living through farming, fishing and subsistence retailing. Tourism is a growing part of the economy.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/a/a9/Ph_locator_ilocos_norte_pagudpud.png

Rodel

June 6th, 2006, 02:29 PM

still some photos of pagudpud (before i post other ilocos norte pics).
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h315/req2000/Ilocos/PIC_0129.jpg

Rodel

June 6th, 2006, 02:41 PM

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/30/Banaue_rice_terraces_1.jpg

Rodel

June 6th, 2006, 03:21 PM

ocean adventure
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h315/req2000/Subic/P1010054.jpg

demented_pigeon

June 6th, 2006, 03:24 PM

my professor encourages us to call the banaue rice terraces by its indigenous and local name: payo, payao, or payew

overtureph

June 7th, 2006, 06:59 AM

Inquirer Northern Luzon : Old-timers slam ‘uglification’ of Baguio

First posted 11:36pm (Mla time) June 06, 2006
By Shayne Anne Basco, Beverly Castillo, Jahzeel Abihail Cruz
Inquirer

Editor's Note: Published on Page A21 of the June 7, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

THEY grew up smelling the familiar scent of pine, experiencing foggy afternoons, and finding comfort in Baguio City’s verdant carpet.

Cecile Afable, Leonora San Agustin and Virginia de Guia, now in their 80s and 90s, practically grew up with Baguio and witnessed how its pristine environment was slowly ruined by creeping development.

They are now fighting for a cause that will restore their beloved city, their home, to its glory. Their latest challenge? To stop a flyover project at Baguio’s gateway.

This battle, they believe, is worth fighting for, even to their last breath.

The educator

Leonora Paraan San Agustin, 91, recalls her memories of Baguio like they happened only yesterday.

“The smell of pine and the sight of Benguet lilies along Kennon [Road] used to make us excited to go home to Baguio,” says San Agustin, curator of the Baguio-Benguet Museum.

San Agustin graduated valedictorian at the Baguio City National High School
and finished chemical engineering at the old Adamson School of Engineering in Manila to become the first woman chemical engineer in the country.

She found herself going back to her roots in Baguio. She taught English, Chemistry and Geology for 45 years at the Baguio Colleges Foundation (now the University of the Cordilleras).

“I had to go home to Baguio, and I literally became the labandera (laundrywoman) of my family,” says San Agustin.

She never forgot to give back to her city. Aside from founding various women’s organizations, such as the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) and the Lioness Club, she pursued projects to preserve Baguio’s natural beauty.

“I’ve been fighting for the city for 15 years on a crusade to safeguard Baguio’s ambiance and allure,” she says.

The proposed flyover stretching over the Baguio General Hospital and Medical Center rotunda, she says, will “uglify” Baguio, one of the top tourist destinations in the country.

She is puzzled why the Department of Public Works and Highways insists on a project that many people are opposing.

Should the construction push through, the felled trees, disrupted aquifer and pollution would make Baguio deteriorate further, she says.

“I will still work [to protect Baguio] until I cannot breathe anymore,” said San Agustin.

The public servant

De Guia, Baguio’s first woman councilor and acting mayor, now leads a quiet life at 90. Yet her role as a public servant has not ended.

“Baguio was a dream city created, formed and planned by the Americans,” she says.

But she says that like her old photographs, good governance is stuck in time.

De Guia comes from a prominent family in the city. She says she is a natural environmentalist since her father was among the pioneer foresters in the country.

After graduating from the University of the Philippines with a degree in philosophy, De Guia took up law and earned her degree in 1940.

She returned to Baguio and found herself running for office that same year.

“I don’t regret taking up law because it was fun and I learned a lot,” De Guia says.

Knowledge of the law, she says, helped her make Baguio a well-administered city during her term. “Baguio had a good government, [it was] a very disciplined city,” she says.

But Baguio, once a model city in the country, has deteriorated due to politicking and lax law enforcement.

She blames politicians for pushing through with unnecessary projects such as the proposed flyover.

“We are in favor of development, but development must have direction,” De Guia says. The project, she believes, may end up unfinished due to lack of funds.

The writer

Afable’s house is a museum in its own right. Decorating it are Sung Dynasty jars and one of National Artist Benedicto Cabrera’s early paintings. But its most prized possession is still its owner, a small woman bound to big responsibilities.

“When they ask me what organization I belong to, I say I only belong to one, ‘Cecile Afable,’” she says.

Afable, 83, is editor in chief of the Baguio Midland Courier, the oldest community newspaper in the city.

Though her four children, now all professionals, chose to settle elsewhere, Afable is happy to stay in Baguio. She adores the blue sky and open space.

But like San Agustin and De Guia, Afable thinks that Baguio has changed for the worse. “There are too many houses, more than enough to be supported by the water system,” she says.

Among the causes she is advocating are the regreening and the protection of the water system of the city. But what occupies most of her time now is opposing another flyover in Baguio.

Issues

These women believe that people who do not care about Baguio have not experienced it the way they have.

“We’re fighting because we experienced the beauty, ambiance and good life of Baguio,” says San Agustin.

They say the flyover will ruin Baguio’s small town appeal and result in the cutting of century-old trees.

“The city does not have the funding. The Commission on Audit now will not give certification that the money is there,” says Afable.

Afable said if traffic at the BGHMC rotunda was the problem, a traffic light would be the cheaper and more environment-friendly solution.

San Agustin, De Guia and Afable agree that apathy is their worst enemy.

“If you don’t demonstrate against [the flyover], nothing will happen,” says Afable.

“The worst crime is not doing anything,” San Agustin says.

But the DPWH is determined to push through with the project despite the opposition of some sectors.

Mariano Alquiza, DPWH regional director, says he is planning to issue another suspension order on the project following the agency’s failure to obtain a permit to cut trees from the city government.

“We are studying the possibility of going directly to the DENR [for the permit],” he says.

Mayor Braulio Yaranon has opposed the flyover and says he will not issue the permit to cut trees for the project.

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

http://news.inq7.net/regions/index....id=78302&col=36

Rodel

June 7th, 2006, 11:52 PM

Paoay Church, included in the UNESCO Heritage List.
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h315/req2000/Ilocos/Ilocos%20Norte/P3220092.jpg
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h315/req2000/Ilocos/Ilocos%20Norte/P3220085.jpg

mhe-ann

June 8th, 2006, 08:16 AM

bump... nice photos @rodel. I love that sunset photo. :)

Rodel

June 8th, 2006, 01:13 PM

This is Sarrat Church....
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h315/req2000/Ilocos/Ilocos%20Norte/P3220097.jpg

Rodel

June 8th, 2006, 01:35 PM

back to banaue...
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h315/req2000/Banaue/P1010041.jpg

Rodel

June 8th, 2006, 02:39 PM

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h315/req2000/Ilocos/Ilocos%20Norte/P3220104.jpg

cheersmate

June 8th, 2006, 04:07 PM

yes, i agree with you. the place is really nice and deserves to be promoted as one top destination in the philippines. i never knew that ilocos have such a very beautiful place until i had visited the area. one thing more, i had an impression that it is quite peaceful in ilocos. am i right?
it's peaceful to the locals n tourists..
as long as people dont drink too much and have a fight..
also..as long as ure not into politics,
anyone is safe. :cheers:

Rodel

June 11th, 2006, 09:11 AM

beside the Sarrat Church (Sta. Monica Church)
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h315/req2000/Ilocos/Ilocos%20Norte/P3220102.jpg

JAMAICUS

June 11th, 2006, 10:19 AM

Nice pics!!! Love those centuries old churches!!!

Rodel

June 11th, 2006, 10:26 AM

the inside of the Sta Monica Church...
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h315/req2000/Ilocos/Ilocos%20Norte/PIC_0117.jpg

sorry for the blurred picture, this was taken by my friend...he he he.

Rodel

June 11th, 2006, 10:54 AM

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h315/req2000/Subic/P1010063.jpg

diego

June 11th, 2006, 11:12 AM

I like those photos of the churches. Thanks Rodel for sharing them.

JAMAICUS

June 11th, 2006, 11:17 AM

^^ Love those seals... anymore Ocean Park pics???

diego

June 11th, 2006, 11:38 AM

Nice photos! Thanks.

Rodel

June 11th, 2006, 11:50 AM

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h315/req2000/Subic/P1010082.jpg

Rodel

June 12th, 2006, 01:01 PM

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h315/req2000/Ilocos/Ilocos%20Norte/PIC_0113.jpg

house where ferdinand marcos was born, this is in sarrat.

Rodel

June 12th, 2006, 01:18 PM

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h315/req2000/Banaue/banauert1.jpg

mhe-ann

June 13th, 2006, 07:48 AM

you're right...the houses that you see are actually near the banaue town proper, farther away, there are no houses at all.
ok. thanks. gusto kong makarating jan. kami ng mga workmates ko. next year cguro (tagal pa).

Nabartek

June 13th, 2006, 04:26 PM

Honestly speaking SM City baguio also uglified Baguio. :(

Rodel

June 15th, 2006, 03:47 PM

Let's now go to Ilocos Sur. Before I post pictures, let me give you some info of Ilocos Sur courtesy of wikipedia....

Rodel

June 15th, 2006, 03:51 PM

Ilocos Sur is a province of the Philippines located in the Ilocos Region in Luzon. Its capital is Vigan City and borders Ilocos Norte and Abra to the north, Mountain Province to the east, and La Union and Benguet to the south. To the west of Ilocos Sur is the South China Sea.

Ilocos Sur is located along the western coast of Northern Luzon. It is bounded by Ilocos Norte on the north, Abra on the northeast, Mountain Province on the east, Benguet on the southeast, La Union on the south, and the China Sea on the west. Its area of 2,579.58 square kilometers occupies about 20.11% of the total land area of Region 1.

The topography of Ilocos Sur is undulating to rolling with elevations ranging from 10 to 1,700 meters above sea level.

Capital: Vigan City
Founded: 1572
Population:
2000 census—594,206 (41st largest)
Density—230 per km² (34th highest)
Area: 2,579.6 km² (27th smallest)
Divisions:
Highly urbanized cities—0
Component cities—2
Municipalities—32
Barangays—768
Congressional districts—2
Languages: Ilocano
Governor: Luis Chavit C. Singson (2004-2007)

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/d5/Ph_locator_map_ilocos_sur.png

Rodel

June 15th, 2006, 03:55 PM

on the way to Vigan...
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h315/req2000/Ilocos/Ilocos%20Norte/Ilocos%20Sur/DSCF2365.jpg

BoNduRanT

June 15th, 2006, 05:21 PM

tyronne

June 15th, 2006, 07:56 PM

hi rodel:hi: i'm guessing, your next posts will be those of La Union and eventually Pangasinan. I can't wait to see your photos of my province :D

mhe-ann

June 16th, 2006, 11:10 AM

hehe. excited na si ty. sorry ah, di ko man lan nakunan ng pics ang Pangasinan nun dumaan kami. next time po. :)

tyronne

June 16th, 2006, 05:45 PM

^^okie lang po. ganyan naman kayo eh hmmmp! hehehe joke:D

mhe-ann

June 17th, 2006, 02:58 AM

nge? hehehe. o cya, promise na talaga. magbabaon ako ng extra battery para kahit lowbat un cam, me reserba na.

Rodel

June 19th, 2006, 01:46 AM

I love this particular area especially the bridge-Quirino Bridge. Too bad a span broke off during a typhoon a few years ago. I was hoping for them to replace it with the same thing but they didnt :( The view is still magnificent though. The town is called Bantay, Ilocos Sur if Im not mistaken :)

Yes, I noticed that a sector of the bridge is different from the others, too bad that they did not restore the original design.
Here are more pictures of the area:
http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h315/req2000/Ilocos/Ilocos%20Sur/P3210078.jpg

Rodel

June 19th, 2006, 01:56 AM

ok. thanks. gusto kong makarating jan. kami ng mga workmates ko. next year cguro (tagal pa).
We stayed at the Banaue Hotel, managed by PTA. We made our booking here in Manila. It's the biggest hotel in Banaue and just overlooking the terraces.

MarcoMarco

June 19th, 2006, 11:55 AM

wow nice pictures ! I must agree to that, we must bring more trees to baguio

kevinb

June 19th, 2006, 12:59 PM

Honestly speaking SM City baguio also uglified Baguio. :(

bakit naman?IMHO, i like the archi of SM baguio..

Rodel

June 19th, 2006, 02:03 PM

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h315/req2000/Ilocos/Ilocos%20Sur/P3210079.jpg

Rodel

June 19th, 2006, 03:12 PM

The Quirino Bridge...

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h315/req2000/Ilocos/Ilocos%20Sur/P3210080.jpg

BYAHILO

June 19th, 2006, 11:51 PM

Happy charter day Laoag kahapon!!!

Im posting some pics i took during the 108th Independence Day Celebration at the Quirino Grandstand, featuring the Pamulinawen festival Dancers of Laoag.

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i149/ericd001/50efa197.jpg

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i149/ericd001/e1f8a05e.jpg

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i149/ericd001/8cb93703.jpg

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i149/ericd001/64b2afa2.jpg

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i149/ericd001/8ddbdba9.jpg

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i149/ericd001/b1977538.jpg

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i149/ericd001/029332a7.jpg

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i149/ericd001/d8b84718.jpg

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i149/ericd001/21170005.jpg

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i149/ericd001/21170003.jpg

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i149/ericd001/21170002.jpg

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i149/ericd001/21170001.jpg

Rodel

June 22nd, 2006, 02:53 PM

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h315/req2000/Ilocos/Ilocos%20Sur/P3210082.jpg

Rodel

June 22nd, 2006, 02:57 PM

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h315/req2000/Banaue/banauert5.jpg

BoNduRanT

June 22nd, 2006, 03:35 PM

ericd001: Nice photos. I love my home city :okay:

mhe-ann

June 23rd, 2006, 06:39 AM

We stayed at the Banaue Hotel, managed by PTA. We made our booking here in Manila. It's the biggest hotel in Banaue and just overlooking the terraces.
ok. thanks. magkano pala bayad para may idea naman kami. thanks ulit!

mhe-ann

June 23rd, 2006, 06:42 AM

mukhang 'most pictured spot' un tulay na yan ah. :D Quirino bridge nga ba?

Rodel

June 23rd, 2006, 03:25 PM

ok. thanks. magkano pala bayad para may idea naman kami. thanks ulit!

we stayed there in aug 2004, we pay then less than 1000 pesos, i think mga 850 per night for double room (w/o breakfast). not bad. ok na rin.

Rodel

June 25th, 2006, 12:10 PM

passing the Quirino Bridge

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h315/req2000/Ilocos/Ilocos%20Sur/P3210083.jpg

tyronne

June 25th, 2006, 05:41 PM

parang naka-tricycle lang si rodel ah, hanggang ngayon hindi pa rin nalalagpasan ang Quirino bridge hehehe joke:D

ergit222

June 27th, 2006, 05:08 AM

San Fernando City, La Union -- Business and tourism industry leaders have expressed their optimism and approval over the planned development of the Poro Point Tourism, Recreation and Commercial Complex within the Poro Point Special Economic and Freeport Zone dubbed as Fiesta Poro.

In two separate resolutions of support, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCILU) and the La Union Hotel Resort and Restaurant Association (LUHRRA) cited the numerous socio-economic benefits to be derived from the Php 1.5Billion Fiesta Poro project, which includes the development of the San Fernando Airport.

“The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of La Union (CCILU), the organization of businessmen in La Union, recognizes that the Poro Point Tourism, Recreation and Commercial Complex and the San Fernando Airport will redound to enhance socio-economic benefits for the people of La Union as it will create investment, employment and development opportunities as well as encourage local entrepreneurship in the communities and adjacent environs of the Poro Point Special Economic and Freeport Zone”, the Resolution of the 60-Member strong CCILU stated.

The officers of LUHRRA, with 52-member hotel, resort and restaurant owners vouched their unequivocal support to the project saying that the development of the tourism industry not only in La Union but in the entire region.

“We need a mega-project such as the Fiesta Poro to boost the tourism industry in La Union. We also anticipate that Poro Point will be the staging area for tourism in Northern Luzon”, said LUHRRA President Rodolfo N. Navarro. “We are optimistic that Fiesta Poro will spur tourism expansion not only in La Union, but in the entire region”, he continued.

Daniel Bolong, Jr., LUHRRA Executive Vice President said that the airport development is a critical factor for a sustained business confidence in the PPSEFZ. Bolong added, “The Poro Point development will play a big role in enhancing the tourism industry in the province as it will encourage tourism-oriented establishments to upgrade their facilities. The project will also generate the much needed employment opportunities for our people and will have a multiplier effect, which will benefit various sectors in our community.”

Fiesta Poro is a Php 1.5 Billion tourism estate, which will be undertaken by Thunderbird Resorts, Inc. (TRI), a 100% foreign-owned and publicly listed company based in San Diego, California, USA. TRI operates 16 resort and leisure destinations throughout Latin America and Asia.

The development plan of Fiesta Poro includes the conversion of the former VOA facilities into restaurants, entertainment and a casino complex; the upgrading of the San Fernando Airport into an International Airport with hangar facilities; design and construction of championship and public golf courses; renovation of the Historical Poro lighthouse; new recreational facilities; unique retail and restaurant establishments; passenger cruise vessel facilities; aquatic theme park and surf pool; gun and skeet shooting club; golf and beach villas; resort hotel and condominiums; meeting and convention facilities; and tourist, vacation and retirement village housing. (PIA Ilocos)

ergit222

June 27th, 2006, 05:47 AM

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h319/ergit222/PoroPoint.jpg

Asian Spirit Flights in La Union to Boost Regional Economy

By Freddie G. Lazaro

The Poro Point Management Corporation (PPMC) has enhanced its business activities in the Poro Point Special Economic and Freeport Zone (PPSEFZ) after the Asian Spirit chartered airline started last week its flight in San Fernando Airport in La Union, it was learned on Tuesday here.

Antonio Manguiat, Vice President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the PPMC that manages the 260 – hectare Poro Point - a former American baseland, told that the presence of flights of the Asian Spirit chartered airline in San Fernando Airport has created more investment and boost the tourism industries in Ilocos Region. Also, job opportunities were created which is still in line with the agenda of the President.

The Asian Spirit airline is scheduled to have flights twice a week (Mondays and Fridays) to accommodate passengers from Manila to San Fernando City, La Union and vice versa.

According to Manguiat, the 19 – seater chartered plane (LET 410) will leave Manila Domestic Airport to San Fernando Airport at 8:00 am Monday and will fly back at 9:30 in the morning; while on Fridays, the plane will take – off in Manila at 1:00pm and it will return back at 4:00pm.

“The one way plane cost P1,700.00 per passenger,” he said adding that the flight time from Manila to San Fernando City, La Union would take 50 minutes.

“Aside from the airline’s manpower, PPMC, with its airport crew and security will assist in handling the flight operation, “he disclosed.

Both La Union Governor Victor Ortega and his wife, San Fernando City Mayor Mary Jane Ortega, welcomed the commercial flights of the Asian Spirit airline. “This will boost tourism arrival, hotel occupancy and opening of new business not only in La Union but also in the entire Ilocos Region,” the couple said.

Rodel

July 1st, 2006, 06:08 AM

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h315/req2000/Ilocos/Ilocos%20Sur/PIC_0008.jpg

mhe-ann

July 1st, 2006, 09:55 AM

I like that ^ pic. parang andun talaga ako sa place. :)

Rodel

July 3rd, 2006, 04:08 PM

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h315/req2000/Ilocos/Ilocos%20Sur/PIC_0001.jpg

Rodel

July 3rd, 2006, 11:04 PM

these photos were taken beside the highway on our way to vigan...

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h315/req2000/Ilocos/Ilocos%20Sur/PIC_0003.jpg

Rodel

July 13th, 2006, 03:29 PM

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h315/req2000/Ilocos/Ilocos%20Sur/PIC_0004.jpg

Sinjin P.

July 13th, 2006, 03:34 PM

Is that a recent pic? Diba binabagyo ngayon ang Ilocos? :D

BoNduRanT

July 13th, 2006, 03:42 PM

Yeah, I think La Union suffered-may places na binaha. Wala naman nababalita about Ilocos Sur and Norte. Brownout lang daw sa amin (Norte). Its ok, Ilocanos are resilient, maybe because most of us are "kuripot", may resources na nata-tap when is it really needed. Despite political vendettas, disasters etc, Ilocos region continues to strive and progress :)

Sinjin P.

July 13th, 2006, 03:48 PM

^^ Nothing really, I was just wondering if the photo was taken recently considering the current weather condition... Anyway, nice sceneries. I've been hoping to go to Ilocos last summer but we weren't able to. :(

BoNduRanT

July 13th, 2006, 03:54 PM

I edited yung last message ko. Baka magkagyera pa :laugh: That pic taken by Rodel is in Santa Ilocos Sur, grotto yung nakikita mo na nasa taas. :)

http://www.santa.gov.ph

Sinjin P.

July 13th, 2006, 04:00 PM

^^ Hehe, lol. I'm trying to avoid giyeras... :lol:

lochinvar

July 13th, 2006, 05:22 PM

I could see a cow at the top.

BoNduRanT

July 13th, 2006, 05:40 PM

Im talking about that small hill in the middle of the photo.

Rodel

July 14th, 2006, 03:12 PM

guys, all the pictures that i am posting here about ilocos was taken last april and may 2006...

jadebench

July 16th, 2006, 12:19 AM

Photos of town of Agoo in La Union
La Union is the gateway to the rich Ilocano heritage.
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL252/1891404/11414419/166523555.jpg

Museo Iloko in Agoo
Once a Presidencia
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL252/1891404/11414419/166523549.jpg
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL252/1891404/11414419/165936955.jpg

The Famous Arko
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL252/1891404/11414419/165936953.jpg
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1371/5299666/10891316/164526417.jpg

jadebench

July 16th, 2006, 12:21 AM

Agoo Town in year 80s
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL252/1891404/11414419/165936950.jpg
the fountain is part of the famous Imelda Garden dedicated to the ofrmer First Lady

jadebench

July 16th, 2006, 12:23 AM

The beautiful Basilica of Our Lady of Charity of Agoo

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1371/5299666/10891316/164524099.jpg
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1371/5299666/10891316/164524105.jpg
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1371/5299666/10891316/164524092.jpg
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1371/5299666/10891316/164524087.jpg
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1371/5299666/10891316/164524084.jpg
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1371/5299666/10891316/164524075.jpg

jadebench

July 16th, 2006, 12:25 AM

Agoo Christmas
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1371/5299666/10891316/164524073.jpg

jadebench

July 16th, 2006, 12:26 AM

Eagle of The North, Agoo
a famous landmark in Jose Aspiras Highway/formerly Marcos Highway
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1371/5299666/10891316/164524081.jpg
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1371/5299666/10891316/164524079.jpg

jadebench

July 16th, 2006, 12:28 AM

Agoo postcard
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1371/5299666/10891316/164524083.jpg

Agoo Civic Center/Jose Aspiras Civic Center
taken from the church patio
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1371/5299666/10891316/164524078.jpg

jadebench

July 16th, 2006, 12:29 AM

Marcos Bust in the hill of Pugo, La Union
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL252/1891404/11467429/166104684.jpg
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL252/1891404/11467429/166104686.jpg
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL252/1891404/11467429/166104691.jpg

tigidig14

July 16th, 2006, 12:33 AM

mga papa't lolo ko maka-marcos nde naman kami ilocano :lol:

lochinvar

July 16th, 2006, 01:17 AM

There are still lots of Marcos loyalist and people who are curious about Marcos that might be tempted to go to Pugo thinking that the bust is still there. Sa pagkakaintindi ko, pinasabog ito ng mga NPA sometime back.

Francis20

July 16th, 2006, 01:43 PM

If you're an Ilocano, it's already a given fact na Marcos loyalist ka...or maka Marcos at the least. Pero mukhang me mga hindi Ilocanos nga na maka Marcos din. Well, he's done a lot for the country...more than Aquino had. So let's give him a credit for that.

By the way, Marcos' face...according to someone I know from Baguio ...ay pinasabog daw, kasi iniisip nila na nandun ang mga kayamanan ni Mcoy. Speculations lang. They found nothing. Sayang yung mukha. :D

Sinjin P.

July 22nd, 2006, 11:38 AM

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/6/68/Ph_locator_region_2.png

Cagayan Valley (Lambak ng Cagayan in Filipino) is a region of the Philippines, also designated as Region II or Region 02. It is composed of five provinces, namely: Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, and Quirino. Its regional center is Tuguegarao City.

Most of the region lies in a large valley in northeastern Luzon, between the Cordilleras and the Sierra Madre mountain ranges. Cagayan River, the country's longest river runs through its center and flows out to Luzon Strait in the north, in the town of Aparri, Cagayan. The Babuyan and Batanes island groups that lie in the Luzon Strait also belong to the region.

Sinjin P.

July 22nd, 2006, 11:40 AM

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/5e/Ph_seal_cagayan.png

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c8/Ph_locator_map_cagayan.png

Cagayan is a province of the Philippines in the Cagayan Valley region in Luzon. Its capital is Tuguegarao City and is located at the northeastern corner of the island of Luzon. Cagayan also includes the Babuyan Islands to the north. The province borders Ilocos Norte and Apayao to the west, and Kalinga and Isabela to the south. Cagayán province is distinct from the city in Mindanao named Cagayán de Oro, and is far away from Cagayan Islands of Palawan Province.

Known as the spelunker’s, trekker’s, and gamefisher’s paradise rolled into one, Cagayan provides a never-ending adventure with ecotourism in the forefront of its offering. Both foreign and local tourists continue to explore its caves, engage in gamefishing expeditions, trek its mighty mountains and retreat to its centuries-old churches.

Present day chroniclers say that the name was derived from the word “tagay,” a kind of plant that grows abundantly in the northern part of the province. Thus, “Catagayan” which means a place where the tagay grows abundantly was shortened to “Cagayan,” the present name of the province.

Sinjin P.

July 22nd, 2006, 11:41 AM

http://wowphilippines.com.ph/images/Explore/province/5.jpg

Cagayan - A True Spelunker's Paradise

Brief Description

Cagayan is the Regional Seat of the Cagayan Valley Region.

Tuguegarao City, the capital, is the seat of commerce and trade and center for learning. The province has 73 percent of the region’s potential fishing area.

Known as the spelunker’s, trekker’s, and gamefisher’s paradise rolled into one, Cagayan provides a never-ending adventure with ecotourism in the forefront of its offering. Both foreign and local tourists continue to explore its caves, engage in gamefishing expeditions, trek its mighty mountains and retreat to its centuries-old churches.

Present day chroniclers say that the name was derived from the word “tagay,” a kind of plant that grows abundantly in the northern part of the province. Thus, “Catagayan” which means a place where the tagay grows abundantly was shortened to “Cagayan,” the present name of the province.

Geography

The province is bounded by the Pacific Ocean on the east, on the south is Isabela province, on the west is the Cordillera Mountain, and on the north by the Balintang Channel and the Babuyan Group of Islands. About two kilometers from the northeastern tip of the province is the island of Palaui, a few kilometers to the west is Fuga Island. The Babuyan Group of Islands, which includes Calayan, Dalupiri, Camiguin, and Babuyan Claro, is about 60 nautical miles north of Luzon mainland.

The province comprises an aggregate land area of 9,002.70 square kilometers, which constitutes three percent of the total land area of the country, making it the second largest province in the region.
spacer spacerPolitical Subdivision
Cagayan has 28 municipalities and one city divided into three congressional districts. It has 816 barangays. Tuguegarao City (as of December 18, 1999) is the provincial capital, regional seat, and center of business, trade, and education. It has a land area of 144.80 square kilometers and a population of 120,645 as of 2000.

Population

Cagayan has a total population of 993,580 as of the year 2000 census of population, or 110.36 persons per square kilometer.

Language

Languages in the province are Ybanag, Ytawit, Malaweg, and Ilocano. Other ethnic groups that migrated to the province speak their own dialects. People in places where literacy is high speak and understand English and Pilipino.

Climate

Seasons in the province are not very pronounced. Relatively dry season occurs during the months of March to June and rainy season from July to October, although it is relatively cold during the months of November to February.

Industries

Agricultural products are rice, corn, peanut, beans, and fruits. Livestock products include cattle, hogs, carabaos, and poultry. Fishing various species of fish from the coastal towns is also undertaken. Woodcraft furniture made of hardwood, rattan, bamboo, and other indigenous materials are also available in the province.

Sinjin P.

July 22nd, 2006, 11:43 AM

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/9/90/Ph_seal_batanes.png

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/6e/Ph_locator_map_batanes.png

Batanes is the northernmost and the smallest province of the Philippines, both in terms of population and land area. The province lies on a group of islands (called the Batanes Islands) in the Luzon Strait and is part of the Cagayan Valley region in Luzon. Its capital is Basco and is separated from the Babuyan Islands of Cagayan Province by the Balintang Channel and from Taiwan by the Bashi Channel. The northenmost island is Mavudis Island. The other islands are Misanga, Ditarem, Siayan, Itbayat, Dinem, Batan, Sabtang, Ivuhos, and Diadekey. Only Itbayat, Batan, and Sabtang are inhabited. Batanes is about 190 kilometers south of Taiwan.

Sinjin P.

July 22nd, 2006, 11:44 AM

http://wowphilippines.com.ph/images/Explore/province/9.jpg

Batanes - Land Of The True Insulars

Brief Description

The island-province of Batanes was created by a series of volcanic activities and other geologic forces millions of years ago.

The province is home to the famous Ivatans who are nationally acclaimed as the “True Insulares.” The Ivatans are of Malay stock, tracing their roots to early immigrants from Formosa, Taiwan as well as Spaniards who came to the island in the 16th century. Being an insular people, the Ivatans have kept the purity of their gene pool through time.

Batanes lies at the northernmost tip of the Philippines, where the Pacific Ocean merges with the South China Sea. It is composed of three major islands, namely: Batan which contains the capital town of Basco, Sabtang, and Itbayat. Close by are seven islets including Amianan, which is the closest to Formosa. Thus, Batanes has been identified as the country’s potential gateway to East China.

Geography

"The island-province is strewn on a 4,500 square kilometer expanse of territorial waters, the Luzon Strait and Balintang Channel, where the Pacific Ocean merges with the South China Sea, a sealane between the Philippines and the southern parts of Japan, China, Hongkong, and Taiwan. It is bounded on the north by the Bashi Channel, on the east by the Pacific Ocean, on the west by the South China Sea, and on the south by the Balintang Channel. It is characterized by gently rolling hills, cliffs, and black and white sand beaches.

Batanes is about 860 kilometers (approx. 525 miles) from Manila. Basco, the capital town, is about 280 kilometers north of Aparri and about 190 kilometers south of Taiwan.

Political Subdivision

Batanes has six municipalities, 29 barangays, and one congressional district. The six municipalities are Ivana, Uyugan, Mahatao, Basco (the capital), and the island municipalities of Sabtang and Itbayat.

Climate

The Batanes weather is rather pleasant. Compared to the rest of the country, Batanes is blessed with a cooler, balmier climate. It enjoys practically four seasons, the best one being summer which is from March to June. Average monthly rainfall is 450 mm.

Population

The 2002 census of population for Batanes registered a population total of 16,467 distributed over a land area of 230 square kilometers.

Language / Dialect

The mother tongue of Batanes is Ivatan, spoken by 93.94 percent of all households. The Ilocano dialect is also spoken while Filipino and English are generally spoken and understood.

Major Industries

The province has a total agricultural land area of 5,438 hectares and has a wide area open for agricultural expansion. Due to its terrain, it is a major livestock producer with cattle as its main stock. Carabaos and goats are also popularly raised. Another major industry is fishing which reaches its peak during the summer months, from March to June, when the seawater is relatively calm.

Sinjin P.

July 22nd, 2006, 11:45 AM

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/f/fe/Ph_seal_quirino.png

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/a/aa/Ph_locator_map_quirino.png

Quirino is a province of the Philippines located in the Cagayan Valley region in Luzon. Its capital is Cabarroguis and was named after Elpidio Quirino, the sixth President of the Philippines. The province borders Aurora to the southeast, Nueva Vizcaya to the west, and Isabela to the north. Quirino used to be part of the province of Nueva Vizcaya, until it was separated in 1966.

Sinjin P.

July 22nd, 2006, 11:47 AM

http://wowphilippines.com.ph/images/Explore/province/8.jpg

Quirino - Forest Heartland Of Cagayan

Brief Description

Long before its formal creation as an independent province, Quirino was the forest region of the province of Nueva Vizcaya, inhabited by tribal groups known as the Negritos. They roamed the hinterlands and built their huts at the heart of the jungle.

Quirino lies in the southeastern portion of Cagayan Valley. It is situated within the upper portion of the Cagayan River basin and bounded by Isabela on the north, Aurora on the east and southeast, and Nueva Vizcaya on the west and southwest.

The Ilocano dialect is used widely in the lowlands of the province’s various municipalities while Ifugao is predominant in the uplands.

Geography

The Sierra Madre Mountain Range provides a natural barrier on the eastern and southern border of the province and the Mamparang Range on the western part. The province is generally mountainous, with about 80 percent of the total land area covered by mountains and highlands. A part of the province’s comparative advantage is its accessibility to the town of Aurora.

Political Subdivision

Quirino has six municipalities: Cabarroguis, the capital town, Saguday, Diffun, Maddela, Nagtipunan, and Aglipay. The province has one congressional district and 110 barangays.

Population

The population of the province as of the year 2000 census of population was 148,575, with a density of roughly 49 persons per square kilometer of land.

Language/ Dialect

The major dialect is Ilocano, spoken by 71.46 percent of the total populace. Other dialects are Ifugao, Bugkalot, Pangasinense, and Kankanai.

Climate

The province has a mean annual temperature of 26.6 degree Celsius. Warmest month is May and the least dry months are March to August while the rest of the year is neither too dry nor too wet. Rainy days occur from September to November.

Industries

Agriculture is the main industry with rice and corn as major crops. These supply the demand of neighboring provinces and the metropolis. Banana as well as banana chips are major products sold in Metro Manila and Pampanga. Small scale industries like furniture making, basketry, rattan craft, and dried flower production are prevalent.

Sinjin P.

July 22nd, 2006, 11:48 AM

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/c/c0/Ph_seal_isabela.png

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d0/Ph_locator_map_isabela.png

Isabela is a province of the Philippines located in the Cagayan Valley region in Luzon. Its capital is Ilagan and borders, clockwise from the south, Aurora, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Ifugao, Mountain Province, Kalinga, and Cagayan. This primarily agricultural province is the second largest in the Philippines, and the largest on the island of Luzon.

Sinjin P.

July 22nd, 2006, 11:49 AM

http://wowphilippines.com.ph/images/Explore/province/6.jpg

Isabela - Rice Granary Of The North

Brief Description

Isabela, the biggest province in the Cagayan Valley Region, is now one of the premier provinces of the north. It has been dubbed as the “Rice Granary of the North” having been adjudged as the Most Outstanding Province in Food Security in the Gawad Sapat Ani Awards 2000 conducted by the Department of Agriculture. It is also home to the famous Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park, a protected seascape and landscape of exceptional biodiversity.

Santiago City, the commercial center of Region 2, has been declared an independent-component city through a plebiscite on July 3, 1994 under Republic Act 7720.

Cauayan City, the trading center in Isabela, is also a component city ratified in a majority vote on March 30, 2001.

Geography

The province is divided into three physiographic areas. The eastern area, straddled by the Sierra Madre Mountain Range, is rugged and thickly forested. A substantial portion is uncharted and the unexplored hinterlands are home to a rich variety of flora and fauna while others are government reservations. The western area is a sprawling fertile valley hemmed by the Central Cordillera and is criss-crossed by the mighty Cagayan, Siffu, and Magat Rivers. Its mountains rise to a peak of about 8,000 feet and is home to one of the world’s largest remaining low-altitude rainforests with numerous unknown endemic species of flora and fauna and exceptional biological diversity. The area is popularly known as the Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park.

Isabela comprises an aggregate land area of 10,665 square kilometers, representing almost 40 percent of the regional territory. It is the largest province in the region and the second largest province in the country in terms of land area.

Political Subdivision

The province has 35 municipalities and 1,055 barangays and is divided into four congressional districts. Santiago is an independent-component city while Cauayan is a component city. Ilagan is the capital town while Cauayan is the industrial center.

Population

Based on the year 2000 census of population, the province has a population of 1,287,575 with a population density of approximately 120.73 persons per square kilometer.

Language/Dialect

The major dialect in Isabela is Ilocano followed by Ibanag, Yogad, and Gaddang. People, especially in the capital and commercial centers, speak and understand English and Pilipino.

Climate

Generally, the province has two types of climate. The eastern and coastal areas experience moderate rainfall more or less distributed throughout the year while western Isabela has more pronounced wet and dry seasons. The average temperature is recorded at 27.1 degrees Celsius.

Industries

Agriculture is the major industry of the people of Isabela. Farming is highly mechanized as most of the agricultural lands are irrigated. With the presence of the Isabela State University, joint ventures and other foreign assisted projects are viable while the Magat Dam Tourism Complex contributes to the high productivity in agriculture. Isabela is acknowledged as the hub of trade and commercial activities in the region due to its central location in the region. Furniture making using narra and other indigenous forest materials/products like Gmelina continue to exist. Potential investments are in fisheries and tourism. The reservoir of the Magat Dam is utilized for fishcage operations, particularly tilapia production. Tourism is relatively a new industry being developed in the province especially in the coastal areas. Support services and accommodation facilities are likewise being developed.

Sinjin P.

July 22nd, 2006, 11:50 AM

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/4/43/Ph_seal_nueva_vizcaya.png

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/3/3a/Ph_locator_map_nueva_vizcaya.png

Nueva Vizcaya is a province of the Philippines located in the Cagayan Valley region in Luzon. Its capital is Bayombong and borders, clockwise from the north, Ifugao, Isabela, Quirino, Aurora, Nueva Ecija, Pangasinan, and Benguet.

Sinjin P.

July 22nd, 2006, 11:52 AM

http://wowphilippines.com.ph/images/Explore/province/7.jpg

Nueva Vizcaya - Watershed Haven Of The Valley

Brief Description

The history of Nueva Vizcaya could still be reflected from the culture and customs of its early settlers, which included the Ilongots (now called Bugkalots), Igorots, Ifugaos, Isinais, and Gaddangs. The influx of civilization and the infusion of modern technology to the lifestream of the province induced many immigrants from the adjacent provinces, primarily Ilocanos, Tagalogs, Pangasinenses, Kapampangans, among others.

Located about 268 north of Metro Manila, the province is tagged to be the new alternative destination for outdoor and environment enthusiasts. Considered a watershed haven, it is 70 percent forestland. It is strategically bounded by the Sierra Madre Mountain Ranges, Caraballo Mountains, and Cordillera Mountains. It is also the gateway to the Cagayan Valley Region and the Banaue Rice Terraces, eighth Wonder of the World.

Geography

Home of the Isinais, Nueva Vizcaya is located in the northcentral part of Luzon in Region 2. It is surrounded by notable mountain ranges such as the Sierra Madre on the east, Caraballo on the south, and Cordillera on the west. The province has several principal rivers: Magat, Matuno, Marang, Sta. Fe, and Sta. Cruz. All these rivers are tributaries of the Magat River which flows into the Cagayan River. The province is bounded on the north and northeast by the province of Ifugao and Isabela, on the east and southeast by Qurino and Aurora, on the south by Nueva Ecija, and on the west by Benguet and Pangasinan.

Political Subdivision

The province is considered as one congressional district and has 15 municipalities and 274 barangays. Bayombong is the provincial capital while Solano and Kayapa are its commercial and summer capital, respectively

Population

The year 2000 census of population for Nueva Vizcaya was registered at 366,692.

Language/Dialect

The majority of the people speak Ilocano, comprising 66.9 percent of households.

Climate

Nueva Vizcaya is relatively dry from November to April and relatively wet during the rest of the year. Maximum temperature ranges from 22-25 degrees Celsius. December and January are the coldest months when temperature falls to about 20 degrees Celsius while the warmest months are April and May. Nueva Vizcaya is often referred to as lowland Baguio because of its pleasant climate.

Industries

The province has basically an agricultural economy with commerce, trade, and industry contributing to its growth and development. Among other major economic activities are farming and cattle and swine raising. Primary crops are palay and corn. Minor crops are rootcrops, vegetables, and fruits. The province produces quality onions and vegetables often sold in Metro Manila. Oranges and mangoes are now major crops being exported fresh to Asian countries.

Sinjin P.

July 22nd, 2006, 11:52 AM

Articles and Photos courtesy of:
Wow Philippines!
Wikipedia

Rodel

July 22nd, 2006, 02:27 PM

Subic....(SBMA)

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h315/req2000/Subic/subic3.jpg

Rodel

July 22nd, 2006, 02:38 PM

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h315/req2000/Banaue/banauert2.jpg

Sinjin P.

July 22nd, 2006, 02:51 PM

^^ Wow, nice view. :cool:

habagatcentral1

July 22nd, 2006, 04:12 PM

Hey...nice.
Medyo matagal na rin ako nakakatungtong ng Zambales and Subic. Wazzup?

The last time I went there, ash-colored pa ang mga bundok.
Wazzup din sa mga Kapampangan, Novo Ecijanos, Tarlaceños, Bulakenyos and Bataan pips~!

ikra

July 23rd, 2006, 01:54 AM

they should organize the housing around the terraces.. its a a bit dirty to look at as it looks like shanties... XD

but for me the govt shud create a national park somewhere.. and this could be it

Rodel

July 24th, 2006, 03:58 PM

Back to Ilocos Sur....

This is Pug-os Beach in Cabugao town, dubbed as Boracay of the North because of its fine white sand.....

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h315/req2000/Ilocos/Ilocos%20Sur/P5010200.jpg

mhe-ann

July 25th, 2006, 10:36 AM

wow! madami palang magagandang beaches jan sa ilocos. :)

ergit222

July 26th, 2006, 04:42 AM

mhe-ann

July 26th, 2006, 08:46 AM

sayang talaga un mukha.

zelrich82

July 28th, 2006, 07:15 PM

ok's tong thread mo sinjin, i'm learning more about central luzon than i ever did before. andaming magagandang puntahan sa bulakan and subic, meron pa ba kayong mga pics sa pampanga? (tubong angeles ako) when i'm there 2 days lang - kasi wala na akong alam sa area, been away from there for many years na.

overtureph

July 30th, 2006, 03:51 AM

COMMENTARY
Saving Ilocos’ cultural heritage

By Belinda A. Aquino
Inquirer
Last updated 06:14am (Mla time) 07/30/2006

Published on page A11 of the July 30, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur—Jean Miralao, executive director of the Philippine Social Science Council, and I are at present in the Ilocos region in connection with a lecture series on the Filipino Centennial in Hawaii, which is sponsored by the Commission on Filipinos Overseas. Being native Ilocanas (Jean from Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur, and I from La Union), we feel very much at home here.

But there is also much in Ilocano culture that we are just discovering—probably, things we took for granted in the distant past. We both agree this is no longer the Ilocos of our youth. The landscape has changed dramatically, both socially and environmentally. The most jarring change is the endless whirr and drone of motorized pedicabs, now the most common form of transportation in most towns.

We stopped in Badoc, the southernmost town of the province, to visit the Juan Luna Shrine, a sturdy and imposing colonial brick house which features the works and memorabilia of the country’s greatest painter. The Luna ancestral home was destroyed in a fire in 1862, but it wasn’t until 1977 that the Philippine government restored and transformed it into a museum containing reproductions of the celebrated artist’s most famous works, including his masterpiece, “Spoliarium.”

I have a more than passing interest in Juan Luna y Novicio. My home province, La Union, is also claiming him—at least half of him—as a native son. Luna’s mother was Laureana Novicio y Ancheta, who belonged to the landed gentry of the town of Namacpaan, now Luna, La Union. Though by no means related, my mother was an Ancheta.

Juan Luna had equally famous brothers, among whom was the fiery revolutionary general Antonio, whose tragic assassination remains one of the unsolved mysteries of the Philippine Revolution. And there was Joaquin Jr., who survived the Revolution and became one of the early provincial governors of La Union. Jose, was less well-known but he was also highly educated. The Luna Shrine should be the focus of a national and local effort to revitalize not only Ilocano but Philippine culture.

The mini-library adjoining the shrine, to our disappointment, had only a few reference materials on Philippine culture, and even less on the world-class Luna clan. In fact, there were only two books on Juan Luna, whose original works are still in Manila or European museums.

The scarcity of written material on Juan Luna could be attributed in part to the fact that he spent most of his life in Europe. And probably, the tragedy that overtook his brilliant career, which involved the murder of his wife Paz Pardo de Tavera, must have made it even harder to write about the man.

An English-Ilocano Magazine published by the Tawid Foundation, entitled Samtoy, contains a brief article on Luna’s “triumphs and tragedies” in its July-December 2004 issue. His greatest triumph was winning his first gold medal for “Spoliarium” at the Madrid Art Exposition of 1884. Earlier he had won a silver medal at the Madrid Art Exhibition for his “Death of Cleopatra.” In 1880, his painting “Daphne and Chloe” won a silver “palette” from the Centro Artistico Literario de Manila.

Moving to Paris later in his career, he painted “Parisienne Life” and many happy summers he spent with his family in France. There are many reproductions of his Paris paintings in the shrine.

His life in Paris would have its share of tragedy as well. He met his wife Paz in Paris, got married in December 1886 and had two sons. According to a published report that Samtoy reproduced, on Sept. 23, 1892, the artist fatally shot his wife and mother-in-law, and wounded his brother-in-law Felix Pardo de Tavera. He had suspected his wife of infidelity. Luna was tried and acquitted by a French court on Feb. 7, 1893. He was fined only 40 francs for a “misdemeanor.” Did his fame influence his acquittal?

Obviously, it was a crime of passion. A longer, more detailed account of Luna’s life, based on years of research, was published by historian Ruby Paredes of the University of Wisconsin at Madison, in a book titled “Anarchy of Families.” I had promised the librarian in Badoc to secure a copy of the book to augment the meager holdings in the Luna Shrine. Ruby went all the way to Paris and pored over archives and other documents trying to get substantial research material on the Luna tragedy. To date, Ruby’s work is the most extensively researched article on this unfortunate episode in the artist’s life.

Another museum in Vigan, the Padre Burgos House, has definitely seen better days. When I first visited it in 1992, it was still tolerable, although it was beginning to disintegrate even then. Some 13 years later, it is ready to collapse. One slight tremor and this historic house, where one of Ilocos Sur’s great heroes was born and raised, will come tumbling down.

The museum has become an eyesore, possibly a fire hazard as well. Many of the artifacts are not securely fastened and are bound to be ruined if they fell. The walls are decayed and the floors are creaking. You want to tread lightly for fear of making much noise. Parts of the house, including the once-lovely azotea, are in a state of disrepair. The National Museum, which manages it, should work with local authorities and institutions and do something quick before this historic landmark completely deteriorates.

Jean called my attention to the possibility that the 14 or so panels of paintings by Esteban Villanueva, depicting the story of the Basi Revolt in Piddig, Ilocos Norte, might deteriorate as well, given the inhospitable onslaughts of heat and moisture in the run-down museum. The Basi rebellion was triggered by the monopoly of the production of basi (sugar cane wine), by the Spanish authorities. The Ilocano producers rose up in arms in 1806, burning the houses of the rich. The 1806 uprising escalated the following year, spreading to Laoag, Sarrat, Batac, Paoay and all the way south to Vigan.

We do not have time to visit the other museums in Vigan, like the Museo de San Pablo and the Syquia memorial house. Vigan itself, as observed by Samtoy, is a “living museum,” rich in historical lore and cultural assets. It could be the most charming city in the Philippines once it’s fully restored. The city is the site of two Unesco heritage projects—Vigan’s “walled city” restoration and Santa Maria Church.

But nothing is more urgent than saving the Burgos House. It would be shameful for the national government and local authorities to let it go to waste. To complement the Unesco heritage initiatives, a combination of national and local efforts is needed to preserve the centerpiece of Ilocano indigenous and contemporary culture in the heart of one of the region’s most historical sites.

Belinda A. Aquino is professor of Political Science and Asian Studies at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, where she is also director of Philippine Studies.

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

http://opinion.inq7.net/inquireropi...rticle_id=12502

overtureph

August 1st, 2006, 08:38 AM

INQUIRER NORTHERN LUZON
Friars’ files yield cultural treasures

By Tonette Orejas
Inquirer
Last updated 00:49am (Mla time) 07/19/2006

Published on Page A20 of the July 19, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer

ANCIENT Kampampangan language and culture have not actually been lost. Pioneer Augustinian missionaries secured these in perpetuity through the arte (grammar), vocabulario (dictionary) and doctrina (catechism) they wrote and published decades after the Spaniards established the country’s first province, Pampanga, in 1571.

But here’s why from the ranks of friars sprung the first Kapampangan writers. Explains Fr. Policarpio Hernandez, OSA: “The work of the missionaries to evangelize the Philippines was from the outset very laudable though difficult, as the linguistic panorama in the islands was a veritable mosaic of languages and dialects. This multiplicity of languages was a great obstacle for the missionaries in the first years of evangelization of the Filipinos.”

Because there were too many languages, a royal decree in 1594 divided the territories among the five religious orders: Augustinians, Franciscan, Jesuits, Dominicans and Augustinian Recollects.

The Augustinians, Hernandez says, worked among people who spoke Tagalog, Kapampangan, Ilocano, Hiligaynon and Cebuano.

Their writings, adds Hernandez, “were a must or necessary means for the missionary to learn the languages more easily and to transmit in a more accurate and effective way, the message of the Gospel.”

But before using the languages to relate with the people, the friar-writers had to first teach their fellow missionaries. For them, the arte and the vocabulario served as crash courses in language and culture.

They had mastered the languages to the point that they found no need to teach the Christian doctrine in Spanish, disobeying even a royal decree that required them to do so, says Fray Francis Musni, OSA.

How did the early Kapampangan react to this approach at a time when they were learned in the prehistoric writing system of the baybayin or kulitan?

“When the conquistadores first arrived in Luzon in 1571, they observed that ‘every man, woman and child could read and write.’ However, by imposing their own writing system, the colonizers in effect turned already literate natives into illiterates once again,” says Robby Tantingco, executive director of the Holy Angel University’s Juan D. Nepomuceno Center for Kapampangan Studies.

“Our ancestors had to unlearn the ancient orthography to get used to the new, imported one,” he says.

The friars’ legacy has been preserved in Fray Francisco Coronel’s “Arte y Reglas de la Lengua Pampanga” (1621), Fray Diego Bergaño’s “Vocabulario en la Lengua Pampanga” (1732) and “Arte de la Lengua Pampanga” (1729), and Fray Alvaro de Benavente’s “Arte y Diccionario Pampango” (1700).

The center got hold of a copy of Coronel’s manuscripts through the late Bro. Andrew Gonzalez, FSC.

Under the center’s auspices, Fr. Edilberto Santos, a former Benedictine monk, translated the works of Coronel, Benavente and Bergaño’s arte, deciphering the “linguistics and anthropological treasure troves” there.

“We want the present and next generations of Kapampangan to have access to these works and in the process, learn and use the language to prevent its demise. They can also reaffirm the Kapampangan identity in those works,” Tantingco says.

Adverbs of time, circa 1621

HOUR
Galingaldo mababo - just before (or near) daybreak
Abac (or cayabacan) - morning
Ogtong aldo (or ogto yang aldo or caogtoan ning aldo) - high noon
Gatpanapon - afternoon
Silim (or silimsilim) - nightfall
Bengi - night
Capitngan bengi - midnight

DAY
Ing aldo ngeni - today
Ngening bengi - tonight
Bucas - tomorrow
Cabucas - the whole night (tonight until tomorrow)
Quebucas - the whole night (last night until today)
Bucas bengi - tomorrow night
Macadua - day after tomorrow (two days from now)
Macatlu - three days from now

(Compiled by Robby Tantingco from Coronel’s “Arte y Reglas de la Lengua Pampanga” and Bergaño’s “Arte de la Lengua Pampanga” [1729], translated by Fr. Edilberto Santos.)

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

http://newsinfo.inq7.net/inquirerheadlines/regions/view_article.php?article_id=10522

ergit222

August 2nd, 2006, 06:37 AM

Friday, July 07 2006 @ 05:31 PM BST

Setback by the early rains in January this year that destroyed their still growing tobacco crops, the Ilocanos here led by their indefatigable governor, Luis Chavit Singson, were undaunted and instead hoped for the best.

Help did come, not by a spoonful but literally by the bucket when President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo arrived here June 21 to attend the birthday party of Gov. Singson at Baluarte in Vigan, an occasion she had not missed any since she came to power in 2001.

She did not only preside over the re-opening of the mothballed Multi-line Processing Plant located in Santa town, but also launched several billion peso projects that could turn Ilocos Sur, the rest of the Ilocos region and the Cordilleras around in a few years.

Mothballed for a few years after it was built and operated by the Ilocos Sur provincial government, Multiline was revived through the initiative of Gov. Singson who signed a memorandum of agreement with and turning over the same to the National Tobacco Administration (NTA).

Approved by Agriculture Secretary Domingo Panganiban, the turn-over of the plant to the NTA was sought by tobacco farmers themselves who vowed to supply the needed farm products that they produce in their farms, aside from tobacco, for processing by the plant.

The re-opening of Multiline that used to supply processed foods even to supermarkets in Baguio and Metro Manila was sought by the farmers themselves to provide them a ready market for their products, without them going through middlemen that corner most of their profits.

Singson said Multiline, under the management of NTA, will absorb all the farm products of Ilocos Sur farmers, such as rice, corn, soya beans, cassava, vegetables, poultry, hogs and beef.

Also launched by the President was the Ilocos Sur Special Economic and Freeport Zone in Port Salomague, Cabugao town; the construction of the multi-billion peso Suyo-Cervantes road section that will finally link Ilocos Sur with Benguet and the rest of the Cordilleras; the Multi-line's Productivity and Growth Program through Marketing Assistance; and the Ilocos Sur Banaoang Pump Irrigation System.

With such big projects costing billions of pesos now ongoing, there is no doubt anymore that Ilocos Sur would be on top of the ladder among all other provinces in the region in terms economic activities and in providing better life to its people in a few years.

Gov. Singson said all these projects were launched in support of the 10-point agenda of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo that seeks to create six to 10 million jobs up to 2010 and provide better health, education and standard of living to the Filipinos.

All these projects, he said, will create a chain-reaction effect primarily benefiting millions of people not only from Ilocos Sur but also the entire Ilocos region, the Cordilleras and even Region 3.

President Arroyo herself admitted that these projects were parts of the program of her administration for the Northern Luzon Agribusiness Quadrangle Area covering Regions 1, 2 and 3.

For the Salomague Port, a Chinese construction firm, China Shenyang International Economic and Technical Cooperation Corp. (CSIETCC) signed recently a memorandum of understanding with Gov. Singson for its conversion into a Freeport at a cost of US$ 100 million.

With an imaginative mind, Singson proposed the project because, if finally realized, the Freeport zone would become the gateway for economic progress in the north because of Ilocos region's proximity to the People's Republic of China.

"Whether we like it or not, the People's Republic of China is a superpower and with our proximity to it, we will be the first ones to benefit when their business and development will overflow," Singson stressed.

The governor said that the Freeport zone will soon be the best economic zone in the country in a few years due to its potentials and strategic location as well as the rich culture and history of the province.

On the other hand, the construction of the 54-kilometer Suyo-Cervantes road section, across mountains separating Ilocos Sur and Benguet, has already started.

Funding for the project at P1.164 billion is coming from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation, a deal which President Arroyo and Singson earlier closed with the Japananese government. (PNAFeatures)

Source (http://news.balita.ph/html/article.php/20060707173110210)