26,135 tons of fertilizers from Japan arrive (http://globalnation.inquirer.net/news/breakingnews/view/20091105-234346/26135-tons-of-fertilizers-from-Japan-arrive)


MANILA, Philippines—Japan officially turned over 26,135 metric tons of fertilizers to the government in a ceremony in Iloilo City Wednesday between Japanese Ambassador to the country Makoto Katsura and a senior official of the Department of Agriculture.

The donation forms part of the 26,135 metric tons of fertilizer worth 480 million yen (or about P253 million) procured by the Philippine government under the 31st Japan Grant Assistance for Underprivileged Farmers Program (formerly known as 2KR or Japan’s Increased Food Production Program).

These farm inputs will be distributed to target farmer-beneficiaries with landholdings of two hectares or below in selected 14 provinces by the DA through the National Agricultural and Fishery Council (NAFC).

The first shipment of 6,635 metric tons of fertilizers arrived in Davao on September 9, 2009. This initial batch of fertilizers was offered for bidding and distribution to selected marginalized farmers in Mindanao, particularly the provinces of Agusan Del Sur, Bukidnon, Davao Del Norte, and South Cotabato.

The second batch of 6,000 metric tons arrived in Iloilo City on October 2, 2009 and unloaded on October 16, 2007. These will be apportioned to underprivileged farmer-beneficiaries in Iloilo and Negros Occidental provinces.

The third shipment of 6,000 metric tons is expected to arrive at the Subic port in Zambales during the third week of November. These will be distributed to typhoon affected provinces in Northern Luzon namely, Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte, La Union, Isabela, and Cagayan Valley.

The fourth and final shipment of 7,500 metric tons is expected to arrive in the port of Subic, Zambales within the first and second week of December. These will be allocated to low-income farmers in provinces affected by typhoons such as Tarlac, Pangasinan, and Nueva Ecija.

The proceeds from these farm inputs are estimated at P161.77 million. The Philippines, in collaboration with the embassy of Japan, will monitor the distribution of the commodities and ensure that these agricultural inputs will reach the target farmer-beneficiaries in these selected provinces.

The Exchange of Notes for this Grant-Aid was signed between Katsura and Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo last March 30, 2009.

For the past 30 years, the Grant Assistance for Underprivileged Farmers Program (formerly known as the 2KR Program) has made a positive impact on the livelihood of Filipino farmers and this recent tranche reaffirms Japan’s commitment to support the efforts of the Philippines to alleviate poverty and achieve food self-sufficiency.

Cebu Pacific cuts fares for Laoag-Manila flights (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/227989/cebu-pacific-cuts-fares-laoagmanila-flights)


Cebu Pacific (CEB) has reduced its Laoag-Manila year-round “Go Lite” fare from P988 to P788.:banana::banana::banana: This is the lowest possible fare for this route, and is available upon early booking.

Passengers with check-in luggage will just add P100 to this fare. CEB also increased its Laoag-Manila frequency from five times weekly to daily flights starting last October 25.

This underscores CEB’s intra-Luzon flights as the most convenient way to travel to Manila and around the Philippines.

“CEB flights to Manila using its ATR and Airbus aircraft offer the fastest and more comfortable alternative to buses that usually take up hours of travel," said Cebu Pacific vice president for marketing Candice Iyog.

"Since CEB has the most routes and destinations in the country, business and leisure travel passengers can also connect to 31 domestic destinations from Manila like Cebu, Cagayan de Oro or Davao,” Iyog said.

“Passengers who wish to book online but don’t have credit cards may still do so and pay through our partner banks via ATM or over-the-counter transactions. This is one innovation that will benefit those looking for ease in booking and paying for their CEB flights,” she added.

Cebu Pacific has also started began daily flights from Ozamiz to Manila from its former four times weekly service.

This new daily frequency gives passengers more alternatives to travelers in the province of Misamis Occidental. It departs Ozamiz at 7:50 a.m. and its return flight leaves Manila at 5:55 a.m.

CEB also flies daily from Ozamiz to Cebu. The inter-island flight leaves Ozamiz at 12:40 p.m. and its return flight departs Cebu at 11:30 a.m.

The lowest possible year-round “Go Lite” fare for the Ozamiz-Manila route is P1,988. For the Ozamiz-Cebu route, it’s P1,188. Passengers with check-in luggage will just add P100 upon booking.

“Cebu Pacific offers the most routes and destinations in the Philippines. By increasing the frequencies of our Ozamiz flights, we hope to stimulate the market in the Northern Mindanao are, especially with our trademark low fares. Hopefully, the tourism and economy of Ozamiz and surrounding areas can be boosted with our new daily flights,” said Iyog. (EHL)

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Businessmen see economic recovery early next year (http://www.pia.gov.ph/default.asp?m=12&fi=p091105.htm&no=29)


Dagupan City (5 November) -- The county's economy may now be on its way to recovery judging from the positive assessment of international financial institutions, according to the head of the Employer's Confederation of the Philippines local chapter.
Businessman Salvador "Ed" Poserio however warned his fellow employers not to be complacent as the country's economy, he noted, was still at a critical level.
He said the economic recovery may already be felt in the first quarter of next year. "Medyo nag-slowdown yong pagbulosok sa recession kaya inaasahan natin na gumanda ang ekonomya next year," he said, noting the positive effect of election spending.
But the recent calamities, he said, had an impact on the country's economy. "Mas mabilis sanang recovery natin from the financial crisis kung di dahil sa sunod-sunod na kalamidad," he told newsmen after the KBP Forum Thursday at the Philippine Information Agency.
On the imposition of price ceiling for basic commodities and freezing of fuel prices during this time of calamities, Poserio said businessmen may sacrifice for a week or two but not for long. "Price caps are not good for business, baka magkaroon ng shortage of supply," he pointed out.
He noted that most businessmen have been reeling from the effects of the global financial crisis. "Ngayong nagkabaha at maraming nasirang stocks tapos may price control, double whammy na yan sa mga negosyante," he said, referring to the imposition of price control. "Maka-Diyos at may puso naman sila, hindi naman sila basta-basta magtataas ng presyo," he added.
About 60 percent of business in Pangasinan was affected by the recent massive flooding caused by Typhoon Pepeng, he disclosed. Not all of them, he bared, were covered by insurance.
The ECOP Pangasinan chapter president also said that local employers now could only grant non-wage benefits like calamity loans and medical assistance for their workers.
District officer Adonis Peralta of the Department of Labor and Employment agreed with Poserio that employers might not be able to grant any wage increase this time. "Mga non-wage benefits lang siguro ang puede nilang maibigay ngayong may financial crisis tapos tinamaan tayo ng sakuna," he said.
Peralta, who joined Poserio at the weekly media forum, said that his office granted about P9 million for livelihood assistance projects in 14 towns in Pangasinan in line with the government's comprehensive livelihood and emergency employment program (CLEEP).
DOLE, he also said, gave emergency jobs for one week to persons badly affected by the floods. For P200 a day, the beneficiaries performed such tasks as clearing waterways and cleaning schools and other public places.
Peralta also expressed confidence on the country's quick economic recovery next year given the positive effects of elections. "Kung sakin lang huwag nang ipagbawal yang mga ads, nakapagbibigay ng trabaho yan at nagpapalago ng ekonomya," he observed.
Poserio, for his part, said the country's future would heavily depend on the chosen leader next year. "Dapat servant-leader ang mapili natin," he said. (PIA Pangasinan)

Pangasinan mayor denies link to robbery group (http://www.pia.gov.ph/default.asp?m=12&fi=p091104.htm&no=79&r=&y=&mo=)


Dagupan City (4 November) -- The Pangasinan mayor being linked to a robbery group that recently ransacked a Rolex store in Greenbelt Makati denied any involvement.
Mayor Leoncio Saldivar III of San Nicolas town however did not deny that Dennis Serquina, one of the suspects, worked under him last year as a worker in his piggery farm. But since Serquina was not satisfied with his P100 a day salary, he only reported for three days, the mayor said.
The other suspect, Warlito Rodriquito alias 'Wallet', a resident of barangay San Rafael of that town was a contractual worker. Saldivar said Rodriquito had not been reporting for a long time and considered absent without leave (AWOL) for many months until, he said, he learned of his involvement in the Alvin Flores gang.
Saldivar explained that he had no knowledge of the group's illegal activities until he was visited by PNP Regional Director chief Supt. Ramon Gatan and Provincial Director Sr. Supt. Percival Barba. Because of this, he said, he wasted no time to look for the suspects especially when Rodriquito's wife went to him for help.
The mayor turned over Rodriquito to Gov. Amado Espino, Jr. and Barba last Sunday. (Venus/PIA-Pangasinan)

yup, maganda ang mga lugar na ito:) thanks for the compliment... so dapat isama ang mga ito in your travel itinerary:cheers:


naimbag met nga rabi-im underoath:banana:


yup, tama ang Ilocano mo:) pero medyo offensive siya:lol:

"mga lakay" means "OLD MEN" or "HUSBANDS":lol:


nice try though!:cheers:

sa summer if my work allows, punta ako dyan....

no offense meant ha...ganun tawagan ng mga ilokano sa office eh...pati kami nakiki-lakay na rin...and we're just yuppies....:)

^^sana summer na para makapunta ka na sa Ilocos!:cheers: isama mo na rin ang mga katrabaho mo para masaya:banana:


that's not a problem:) ah ganun ba... masaya pala sa office niyo;) once you get there... never say "lakay" ha:nono: if you don't want to be treated with such disdain:lol: Old men in Ilocandia might find it obnoxious;) anyway, have a safe and fun trip:cheers:

Recent registration in Ilocos region expected to surpass last election's number of voters - Comelec (http://www.pia.gov.ph/default.asp?m=12&fi=p091106.htm&no=14)
By Miriam P. Aquino


San Fernando City, La Union (6 November) -- The present number of voters who were able to register in the just concluded voter's registration which took about a year, starting from December 2, 2008 until October 31 this year, is expected to outnumber the list of voters during the past national and local elections in 2004 and Barangay elections in 2007.
This is according to Atty. Marino V. Salas, Provincial Election Supervisor II, Commission on Elections (Comelec) - Regional Office I (RO1).
In an interview during the "Ammuentayo" radio program over DZNL-Aksyon Radyo recently, Salas said that as of July 20, 2009, the approved number of registered voters by the Election Registration Board (ERB) which covers the registration period from April 1 to June 30 registration only, has already reached 2,530,000 voters.
This means, Salas explained, that there is a big possibility that this year's number of voters in the region can outnumber last 2007 election's number of voters with a total of 2.6 M for Region 1. "Napakarami pang mga botante ang nagpa rehistro from July 1 up to last date of registration which is on Oct 31 supposedly, kaya lang may mga iba kasing hindi na-accommodate especially on big areas like San Fernando City, so what we did is to extend the last registration day up to Nov. 03, except of course on Nov. 1 & 2 kasi holiday naman yun."
"We're also glad to announce na wala naman tayong masyadong mga naging problema dito sa rehiyon unlike sa ibang regions where various problems have occurred. Dito peaceful naman and it was successful", Salas added.
When asked on matters like the conduct of training for teachers and personnel who are going to man the various polling precincts and other preparations made by the commission, Salas said that the proposed October 12-31 training and sight survey for teachers in coordination with Comelec and Smartmatic on polling places and schools has been postponed and as of this time no further announcement regarding the schedule has yet been made.
He even mentioned that in choosing the polling areas certain things are to be considered like: the communication network, accessibility of the area, power/electrical supply, physical condition/structure, etc.
On cases like power interruptions or bogging down of the computers during the time of elections, the official assured that they with the help of Smartmatic, of course, are fully equipped with spare computers and generators as well as small satellite disks to be used as transmission device.
Voters should not also worry if they are not familiar with computer operation because all they have to do is to shade the corresponding oval-shaped spaces in the ballots using a specialized marker also to be provided by Smartmatic.
He also added that Clustering of precincts shall be observed in each Barangay with a maximum of 6 precincts and not exceeding 1,000 voters per precinct.
Technical facilities are all being provided by Smartmatic International and its local counterpart, the Total Information Management. (PIA RO-LU)

Fariñas highlights the road to P&Q in the bureaucracy (http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&r=&y=&mo=&fi=p091106.htm&no=38)
By Jennilyne C. Role


San Fernando City, La Union (6 November) -- Laoag City Mayor Michael V. Fariñas highlights the role of Productivity and Quality (P&Q) sharing in government operation to achieve high impact outputs during the 2009 National Quality and Productivity Improvement Month Closing Ceremony in the region.
Personally, Fariñas outlined the road to productivity and quality which he is undertaking that ultimately bring a satisfying life to everyone.
"The road that led the City of Laoag to the sunshiniest productivity and generous sharing is primordially rooted on my dedication and commitment to my vow of public service when I became the Mayor in 2004, hand-in-hand with my battlecry, my dictum…'MoVe Forward Laoag'," Farinas said.
Among the six gates mentioned by Fariñas that lead Laoag City to its way to the road to productivity and quality sharing includes the improvement of the City's efficiency in frontline services – coming up with its Citizen's Charter, the bible of every residents.
Second, is the massive dissemination of information on the status of implemented projects for transparency and accountability – with its 'Rang-ay ti Barangay' Program that serves as a perfect venue for barangay consultations and bringing the government's services closer to the people.
The city's official newsletter and website, and the regular press conferences conducted are good vehicles also for dissemination.
Third, is the setting up of complaint's desk and the establishment of Community Police Assistance Centers that are fully equip with communication facilities, with the existence of a CCTV system within the city hall and the city's major streets and intersections that serves as medium for any eventualities.
Fourth, is the boosting of agricultural produce, infrastructure projects and tourism.
Fifth, is the mayor's conviction of leading by example with clear distinctions of what is good and evil, hand in hand with the conduct of annual moral values formation program among employees and the posting of 'be honest' signages.
The last is the accessibility regardless of time and social and economic circumstances – with his personal hotline number where his constituents can communicate directly to him.
"The fruits of progressive leadership directed at achieving productivity and quality sharing have been truly rewarding and inspiring, and have really come in great harvests," Fariñas said. (PIA Region 1/La Union)

RDC-I awards exemplars in P&Q (http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&fi=p091106.htm&no=40)
By Jennilyne C. Role


San Fernando City, La Union (6 November) -- The Regional Development Council (RDC) of Region I recently awarded various stakeholders in different fields for signifying exemplary performances in terms of productivity and quality (P&Q) improvement for CY-2009 during the culminating ceremony of the National Quality and Productivity Improvement Month with the theme, 'Enhancing Quality and Productivity Towards Competitiveness'.
Special citations were given to the Department of Science and Technology – Region I, Lorma Colleges and Lorma Medical Center for being among the very few institutions in the region to have an International Standardization Organization (ISO) – certification.
Certificates of recognition as Star Productivity Performer were given to four district hospitals in La Union to include, Rosario District Hospital, Naguilian District Hospital, Bacnotan District Hospital and the Caba Medicare and Community Hospital.
Plaque of recognition as Star Plus (A+) Productivity Performer was given to Northern La Union Children and Maternity Hospital in Balaoan, La Union while the La Union Medical Center situated in Agoo, La Union received plaque of recognition as the Most Advanced in P&Q Scorecard among the district hospitals in La Union.
For the regional line agency category, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) – Region I garnered the most Advanced in P&Q with A- distinction.
NEDA-Region I Director Leonardo Quitos, Jr. said during his welcome remarks that there is a need to further the region's productivity and quality initiatives in the face of socio-economic and environmental adversities that seem to hinder the region's journey towards global competitiveness.
The event was simultaneously used for the signing of the Resolution approving the Updated Medium Term Regional Action Agenda on Productivity (MTRAAP) for CY 2010-2015, the region's action plan to achieve global competitiveness through higher productivity levels in the region's agriculture, industry, and services sectors which was earlier presented and approved by the Economic Development Sectoral Committee (EDSeCom) and Development and Finance Committee (DEVAD SeCom) of the RDC. (PIA Region 1/La Union)

Batch 2009 scores 100% passing in mechanical engineer exam (http://www.mmsu.edu.ph/)


ALL 12 members of MMSU Mechanical Engineering Class 2009 passed the licensure examination conducted by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) Oct. 14-15 in Manila.


With a graduate from Batch 2003 who took the exam but failed, MMSU recorded an actual passing rate of 92.3 percent, marking an improvement from last year’s 88.8 rating. The national average is 60.47 percent.


Ecstatic with their feat, the successful examinees, uniformly dressed in white shirts, visited their former mentors at the College of Engineering on Oct. 21.


Engineer Robert Martin, chair of the mechanical engineering department, attributes the impressive results to the hard work and discipline of the students and to the support of the university community.


:banana::banana::banana::banana:

Why presidents go local (http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/columns/view/20091107-234746/Why-presidents-go-local)


WHAT IS WRONG WITH PRESIDENT Macapagal-Arroyo’s frequent visits to her native town in Pampanga? Nothing—if they are the simple visits they are made out to be by her spokesmen: sentimental trips we all make to the communities of our childhood. Everything—if their purpose is to single out a hometown or province for special favors because of its personal or political importance to the incumbent head of state.

For, the president of a country is the president of all its citizens. Ms Arroyo’s sphere of authority, as president, covers the entire nation, not one town, or province, or region. She is expected to rise above all claims of kinship, ethno-linguistic, and religious affiliation. This is the same principle behind the modern rejection of all forms of particularism (like nepotism and regionalism) in government. Indeed, this is the same standard against which all corrupt practices are measured.

Yet many people who wield official positions in our society take for granted that they can use public power for private ends, so long as other people are benefited in the process. Thus, town mayors routinely prioritize the improvement of roads that pass through their private residences. Congressmen allocate their pork barrel to build roads and bridges that connect their vacation villas to the town proper. Senators use their clout to divert highways in order to raise the property value of their lands. Public works officials use government equipment and resources to create roads that go to the remotest ends of a jurisdiction because that is where their properties are.

This practice extends to the appointment of public officials. Although our laws demand that strict rules of eligibility must be universally enforced in the recruitment of individuals for government service, the observance of this rule seems to apply only to relatives.

We take it for granted that the appointment of people whose most important asset is that they belong to a president’s ethnic group is a prerogative of the appointing power. We view ethnic affiliation as having the same significance as political party affiliation.

This is, of course, hardly surprising in a society in which the political system has been unable to differentiate itself from family, ethnicity, religion and business. We saw this in full display during the Marcos regime, when the best roads were to be found in the Ilocos region, and when one had to be Ilocano to become a top general in the armed forces.:):):)

Ms Arroyo’s weekly visits to Pampanga in the last few months—in particular to the six towns of the second district—not only bring the country back to this dark era of pre-modern regionalism, they also recreate a vicious form of sultanic patronage that has no place in a modern society.

During these local visits, the President brings with her virtually the whole superstructure of government, notably the departments that deal with frontline services—social welfare, public works, health, education, etc. A full-service medical mission usually accompanies her on every visit. She distributes PhilHealth cards, scholarships, land titles, and microfinance checks. She hands out food, medicines, seeds and fertilizers. With the wave of a hand, she causes roads, bridges and dikes to be repaired. She orders, inspects or inaugurates the installation or upgrading of electric power lines, water systems, irrigation systems. She oversees the dredging of local rivers, the construction of classrooms, school fences, and multi-purpose sheds. It is not hard to believe it when her people say she is a hardworking president. But one has to ask whether she understands the work of a president.

When the President of the nation has to personally attend to the construction of barangay roads and dikes, there is every reason to think that the local officials and the public works agencies have miserably failed in their work. When the President has to bring a medical mission into a town, the message it conveys is that the health authorities have failed to do their job. When the President has to personally oversee the construction of barangay classrooms, one must ask what the Department of Education is doing. What does it say of the agencies of government when the President herself has to personally handle the distribution of PhilHealth cards, land titles and scholarships? Surely, one cannot fault a president who performs a symbolic gesture of inaugurating a barangay classroom in order to kick off a nationwide program to rehabilitate basic education. But Ms Arroyo’s recent patronage forays are not national in their import but unmistakably local. There is a motive behind them that we need not discuss here.

It is enough to say—here is a microcosm of everything that is wrong with our country’s system of governance. Our local communities—our neighborhoods, our towns and cities, our provinces—have been so stripped of their power and initiative that they can do very little for their constituencies. We have reduced them to mere outposts of a central government, surrogates of an imperial authority based in Manila, forever waiting for Malacañang’s caravan to visit their hapless towns.

Just because we hold periodic elections does not mean we are a modern democracy. In fact, we are not; we are trying to be. Still, our ideas and aspirations are far ahead of the system of dependence and patronage in which the majority of our people remain stuck because of their poverty and powerlessness. Elections can bring nothing new unless this system is first overturned.

Good evening Ilocandia! :D

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(I hope I'm not being overly spammy here. I'm just bored. :tongue2:)

Logistics Cluster Philippines Crisis Situation Report - 05 Nov 2009 (http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900SID/AZHU-7XJ9TE?OpenDocument)


1. Highlights

- The Logistics Cluster, UNHAS and government representatives undertook a two-day mission to northern Luzon to assess requirements and cut-off locations, leading to a reinforced program for deliveries.

- Due to a clear need for assistance in locations that remain inaccessible, helicopter support will be extended until the end of November.

2. Logistics Coordination

- Accessibility in northern Luzon remains an issue, notably in areas above Baguio. Representatives of the Logistics Cluster and UNHAS in conjunction with government representatives undertook a two-day assessment mission to the area to establish a better overview of cut-off areas and requirements.

- Underserved locations were identified with assistance from the DSWD. A reinforced program has been put in place to supply these areas over the coming period.

- Three staging areas will be established in Laoag, San Fernando La Union, and Baguio. The Logistics Cluster will set up mobile warehouses and provide pallets for each location over the weekend. These will be open for interagency cargo, and Cluster users are encouraged to register CMR for regions in CAR.

- A Logistics Cluster staff member will be deployed to each base of activities in conjunction with a government counterpart. Warehouses will be staffed by the DSWD.

- The army will provide small tactical support trucks (4 mt) to provide surface transport out of Baguio for isolated communities which are not reachable by larger vehicles, as well as to ferry cargo from warehouses for airlift at Wallace and Laoag. Labour will also be provided by the army at each location to assist with loading.

3. Air Operations

- For the next week, one helicopter will be positioned at Laoag to fly cargo into Apayao province.

- Following mandatory maintenance over the weekend, the other helicopter will be positioned at Wallace for rotations into Benguet, Kalinga, Abra and Mountain provinces.

- Fuel has been arranged at Laoag and is being arranged at Wallace. Some flights may also take place out of Baguio as per requirements.

- In Apayao, the cut-off municipalities with the highest priority are Calanasan and Kabugao.

- International organizations with cargo destined for cut-off locations in the north should file a CMR for helicopter delivery as soon as possible while these flights are ongoing.

- As of October 4, 183 rotations have taken place to carry 197.1 mt of food and 6.3 mt of NFI as well as assessment and medical teams to inaccessible areas in both northern and southern Luzon. Due to a clear continued need to ensure that relief goods reach cut-off locations, contracts for the two Mi-171 helicopters managed by UNHAS have been extended until the end of November.

- Cargo and passenger movement request forms are available on the Logs Cluster website at http://www.logcluster.org/phl09a.

4. Infrastructure/Warehousing

- LET warehousing support, which currently includes interagency storage locations and staff assistance to NROC (the National Resource Operations Center), is due to end on November 10.

5. Transport

- The monsoon in north-east Luzon is causing further infrastructural damage to the provinces of Cagayan and Isabela in Region II and the north of Region III. 8 overflow bridges are currently impassable.

- LET (TNT-Agility-UPS) trucks will remain available for deliveries within Metro Manila and to Rizal and Laguna in southern Luzon until November 10.

- Logistics Cluster support to the government in terms of surface transport to northern and southern Luzon and provision of labour to NROC will continue for the coming period, in particular to preposition goods at the Baguio, San Fernando La Union and Laoag staging areas for onward delivery by road or air.
6. Mapping

- A map of the infrastructural damage caused by the north-east monsoon has been produced and is available at: http://www.logcluster.org/phl09a/map-centre.

- Road condition maps are now available in A0 format for download and hard copies can be obtained at NDCC and the Logistics Cluster.

Noynoy Aquino gets warm reception in Pangasinan (http://politics.inquirer.net/view.php?db=1&article=20091105-234431)



DAGUPAN CITY, Philippines—If a presidential election can be won on the basis of the people's warmth in receiving a candidate, then Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III, Liberal Party standard bearer, seems to have taken Pangasinan.

At the St. John the Evangelist Cathedral here on Wednesday, church goers gave him a rousing applause as he walked to the altar to greet newly installed Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas. He received the same applause as he went back to his seat.

"I did not know how to react," Aquino said in a radio interview here on Thursday. "Because if I acknowledged [the applause], I might ruin the solemnity of the affair. And if I did not acknowledge it, people might say I'm a braggart."

At least 3,000 people, including his sisters, Ballsy Cruz, Pinky Abellada, Viel Dee and Kris Yap attended the installation of Villegas, a close friend of their late mother, former president Corazon Aquino.

But as he walked down the altar, Aquino hesitantly bowed his head and briefly waved to the church goers.

It was Aquino's first public appearance here as presidential candidate, although he and his running mate, Senator Manuel Roxas II, visited the province at the height of the flooding caused by rains dumped by tropical depression "Pepeng" and excess water released by the San Roque Dam. They assessed the devastation and distributed relief goods to flood victims.

"Talagang napakainit po ng mga pagtanggap sa atin ng ating mga kababayan dito sa Pangasinan, partikular dito sa Dagupan, Lingayen at Binmaley. Talagang nakakawala ng pagod at nagapasalamat po ako (I am overwhelmed by the warm reception from the people of Pangasinan, especially in Dagupan, Lingayen and Binmaley. This takes all the stress away. I am very thankful)," Aquino said.

He spent the night in this city after meeting with the province's political leaders at the house of Pangasinan Representative Victor Agbayani in Lingayen town and with a lawyers' group here.

Agbayani, a former governor who ran for representative under the administration Lakas-CMD in 2007, has thrown his support to Aquino. He said he has not yet joined the LP but it was "an option."

On Wednesday, Aquino attended a multisectoral dialogue at the University of Luzon here participated in by some 3,000 representatives from nongovernment organizations.

"When I came here, I was really surprised that there are many volunteers helping us," Aquino said. "It's now the people who are pushing for change."

On Thursday, Aquino was scheduled to meet with multisectoral groups in San Carlos and Urdaneta cities.

"Let us do what is right. If we can do it, then opportunities in education, peace and order, health and justice will have relevance," he said.

WORLD TREASURES
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The Church of Nuestra Senora de la Asuncion - STA. MARIA, ILOCOS SUR
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Photo credit: elyzel (http://www.flickr.com/photos/38079609@N07/)


ST. AUGUSTINE CHURCH - PAOAY, ILOCOS NORTE
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Photo credit: hi_jamir57 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/36468156@N04/)

BANGUI, ILOCOS NORTE
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Photo credit: gandanna14 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/43081926@N00/)

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^^ yey you made it!:) thanks for visiting the province again hugodiekonig! the sky looks clear! parang di bumagyo hehe!

Get a kayak and go (http://beta.bworldonline.com/weekender/content.php?id=957)


SINGAPOREAN MOTIVATIONAL speaker and explorer Khoo Swee Chiow aims to go on one big adventure every year.

KAYAKERS KHOO SWEE Chiow (front) and Buzzy Budlong in a traditional dug-out canoe in Sohoton.
To that end, he has summited Mount Everest twice, skied to the North and South Pole, climbed the highest mountains in each of the seven continents, and swam the Malacca Strait.

Look through the Guinness World Records and you’ll see his name listed under longest scuba dive and longest journey on in-line skates.
This year, Mr. Khoo and Filipino paddler Buzzy Budlong are attempting to become the first men to traverse the Philippine archipelago on kayaks.

Dubbed "The Friendship Kayak Expedition," the journey will take an estimated 100 days and cover some 3,000 kilometers. They pushed off from Glan, Sarangani last Aug. 31 and expect to reach Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte by the end of November.After covering more than two-thirds of the said distance, the team made a pit stop in Manila earlier this week to report that they were on track despite experiencing setbacks due to storms Ondoy, Pepeng, and Santi.

"Other than a freak squall on day two that smashed the support boat against some rocks, we’ve been safe," said expedition manager Toby Martin.
Aside from fulfilling Mr. Khoo’s annual big-adventure quota, the expedition serves to promote kayaking as a viable sport.

"We want to break barriers and open up possibilities," Mr. Martin said, adding that the Sarangani-Ilocos Norte route will eventually become part of a Pan-Philippine kayak trail.

The 45-year-old Mr. Khoo, who took up paddling in earnest only eight months ago, wondered why it has taken so long for the country to capitalize on its archipelagic geography.

"You have a beautiful coastal landscape," he said. "There’s so much potential in the isolated and remote coves and beaches here."
The Singaporean singled out Sohoton Cove in Surigao as one of the trip’s highlights thus far.

"It was like heaven. The water was a mirror and everything was perfect," he said. "It doesn’t take much to experience it; you just have to get a kayak and go."
Of course, the Friendship Kayak Expedition is somewhat more complicated than "getting a kayak and going." The team has encountered rough seas, treacherous currents, and logistical difficulties from the beginning.

When they pushed off, for example, they only had enough funds to reach Boracay, the halfway-point on their plotted route. Support from communities they passed through allowed them to continue.
"The hospitality and warmth of the people here really stands out," Mr. Khoo said. "I never felt any danger and I feel really at home."
Since he started in 1998, 37-year-old Mr. Budlong observed that kayaking has grown in popularity. With further support from the Department of Tourism, the sport might finally progress beyond resort kayaking into point-to-point kayaking between islands and provinces.

"There’s more to explore," Mr. Budlong said.

"When you’re paddling and you see the horizon, you feel that there’s something out there waiting for you," he added.

Manila's San Miguel says reviewing Petron buy-in option (http://www.reuters.com/article/rbssConsumerGoodsAndRetailNews/idUSMAN19562720091104)


MANILA, Nov 4 (Reuters) - Conglomerate San Miguel Corp (SMCB.PS) said on Wednesday it may ditch its plan to buy a majority stake in Philippines' largest oil refiner Petron Corp (PCOR.PS), after the government imposed a cap on oil prices.

San Miguel paid $10 million to gain an exclusive option to buy a 50.1 percent stake in Petron from Britain's Ashmore Group (ASHM.L). It has until Dec. 2010 to take up that option.

"The company is evaluating the viability of exercising the option to acquire a 50.1 percent stake in Petron Corp in the light of the restrictions imposed on petroleum firms," Ferdinand Constantino, San Miguel corporate information officer said in a disclosure.

Petron said last week it expects to incur a net loss of 1.5 billion pesos ($31 million) in the fourth quarter partly due to a government order for oil companies in the Philippines to cut oil prices to Oct. 15 levels after typhoons ravaged the country killing more than 900 people in recent weeks. [ID:nMAN472784]

The presidential order, issued on on Oct. 23, was meant to alleviate the impact of high oil costs on Filipinos after the typhoons caused massive damages on property and crops.

The country's business sector has asked the presidential palace to lift the price cap, saying the move may deter investors.

Petron had a net income of 1.81 billion pesos in the first half, down 22 percent from a year ago.

The oil refiner is expected to post a net income of 4 billion pesos this year, a reversal of last year's net loss of nearly 4 billion pesos, according to Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S.

On Tuesday, San Miguel said it was eyeing more investments in the power sector and may bid at a government auction for the right to acquire the output of three hydropower plants.

It is looking to grab a contract to manage the output of the 345-MW plant in San Roque, Pangasinan, a 70-MW facility in Ilocos Sur province and a 30-MW plant in Benguet, all in northern Philippines.

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Photo credit: Maynilabelle (http://www.localyte.com/services/24731--Philippines--Laoag--Laoag+City--Maynilabelles-travel-port?svcPriceID=250624&gwoconv=&PHPSESSID=28cd29f5dcce1672e3a742b6c08d2afe)

Going Java
A relatively young northern gem is proving its worth (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/228485/going-java)
By EUGENE Y. SANTOS


It was a friendly suggestion from a relative that prompted businessman Eric Fariñas to invest in a hotel back in 2005. His nephew, Michael V. Fariñas (the current mayor of Laoag City) told him that it would be nice if Laoag City could add to its roster of hotels a place not only fit for discerning businessmen and tourists but also one that fits global standards.

It sparked Eric’s interest and two things sealed the deal: his inclination for the construction business, and the budding tourism market he personally observed to be booming. He gave it a shot and gathered a team of professionals. Two and a half years later, Java Hotel was born in 2007.

Unlike most hotels that are situated in Laoag City’s main town proper, Eric chose to deviate from the norm and built his hotel on a spacious vacant lot adjacent to an existing gasoline station along the national highway. The area is just a mere five to 10 minutes away from the town. The reason for this, he said, is decongestion. He added that the town proper is already congested and that other factors also have to be considered such as parking and noise, among others.

The result is a hotel nestled conveniently in the city while providing a relaxing respite for travelers. Visitors and guests may park their cars at the roomy parking area with valet service.

Java Hotel earned praises for its Balinese Moroccan atmosphere combined with Spanish design and enhanced with the warm Ilocano way of service. Guests, upon check-in, are encouraged to take a dip in the swimming pool, stay trim at the fitness gym, or practice their sports skills at the hotel’s tennis and basketball courts. Urbanites who need to stay online while on vacation may take advantage of the free WiFi service in the hotel. Group events may also be staged in the different function halls.

The hotel has 50 rooms designed to fit any crowd, couple, or even singles. Food aficionados may also get their delectable fill of Japanese, American, and Filipino dishes at the Eagle’s Nest Bar and Restaurant.

Tour and event packages may also be arranged with the management.

According to Eric, who now also acts as the hotel’s General Manager, the Java Hotel is now rated as four-star but still offers reasonable rates.

:cheers:

^^sana summer na para makapunta ka na sa Ilocos!:cheers: isama mo na rin ang mga katrabaho mo para masaya:banana:


that's not a problem:) ah ganun ba... masaya pala sa office niyo;) once you get there... never say "lakay" ha:nono: if you don't want to be treated with such disdain:lol: Old men in Ilocandia might find it obnoxious;) anyway, have a safe and fun trip:cheers:

wen! hehehe...thanks sa tip... :)

naimbag nga aldaw! :)

^^wow you're good! magaling ka ng mag-Ilocano hehe! I'm impressed really! :applause::rock::cheers1: keep it up!:cheers:


kasta met kenka!:) (the same to you)

Pangasinan bags outstanding accounting award (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=521274&publicationSubCategoryId=67)


LINGAYEN , Philippines – The provincial accounting office of Pangasinan was recently adjudged one of the most outstanding accounting offices in the country.:cheers:

The award was conferred by the Association of Government Accountants of the Philippines Inc. (AGAP) during ceremonies at L’Fisher Hotel in Bacolod City.

Marilou Utanes, officer-in-charge of the Pangasinan accounting office, said the award was “primarily a product of the unified effort of the entire accounting office as proven by timeliness of reports, accuracy and quality financial statements.”

“The leadership of Gov. Amado Espino Jr. is, of course, another major factor,” Utanes said, adding that the governor has institutionalized major reforms in fiscal management assuming the post in July 2007.

“With a very hardworking and dedicated leader like him who wants nothing but to provide excellent public service to Pangasinenses, everyone is inspired to follow and giving their respective duties their best shot,” Utanes said.


This year’s awarding ceremonies coincided with the yearly convention seminar of the AGAP with the theme, “The Global Financial Crisis: An Opportunity to Examine What We Are Doing Right.”

Other awardees include: Presidential Legislative and Liaison Office; Industrial Technology Development Institute; Government Arsenal; House Electoral Tribunal; Foreign Service Institute; Office of the Solicitor General and the Career Executive Services Board, for the Small National Government Sector.

Under the big national government sector category, the awardees were Nueva Viscaya State University, Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University:cheers:, Cebu Normal University, and the Mariano Marcos State University.:banana::banana::banana:

Aside from Pangasinan, the province of Saranggani and Rizal were also cited as outstanding LGUs under the provincial level category.

The cities of Lipa and Laoag won under the city category,:banana::banana::banana: while the municipal level awardees include Midsayap, North Cotabato, Alicia, Bohol, Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental, Tobias Fornier, Antique and San Jose (Batangas).

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UN humanitarian group extends rice ration to Laoag victims (http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&r=&y=&mo=&fi=p091109.htm&no=24)


Laoag City (9 November) -- The United Nations World Food Program has continued extending food relief to victims of storm Pepeng that devastated northern provinces last month.

The humanitarian group provided 400 sacks of rice to Laoag residents whose homes were either totally or partially lost to the violent storm that lingered in Ilocos Norte for days.

Aurora Corpuz, city social welfare officer, immediately distributed the rice donation to more than 140 families who were given half-cavan ration each. The food relief also benefited poor families who were given a quarter-cavan ratio each.

Hundreds of families lined up at the city basketball court on November 4 and got their rice assistance in the presence of DSWD staff and WFP representatives.

The WFP is the world's largest humanitarian agency that fights hunger, brings food to where it is needed and saves the lives of victims of war, civil conflict and natural disasters. It is part of the UN system and is voluntarily funded.

As part of the UN's humanitarian response, the WFP provides food relief and logistics support with helicopters, trucks, boats and telecommunications equipment to reach and connect to isolated areas.

The group has been providing support to the Philippine government in dealing with the effects of devastating storms Ondoy and Pepeng that hit most of the country last month.

Josette Sheeran, WFP executive director, said the agency will continue working with the Philippine government in helping victims of calamities which led to more than 500 deaths, displaced thousands of families and caused crop damages.

Wanted: Saluyot for health, long life and beauty (http://www.pia.gov.ph/default.asp?m=12&r=&y=&mo=&fi=p091109.htm&no=08)


Tacloban City (November 9) -- Saluyot or jute mallow or Jew's mallow or simply Jute in English, ever-present in the dining tables of the Ilocanos and the Tagalogs in Northern Luzon and other Luzon provinces, appears not to be known by people of Eastern Visayas.

Jute mallow, jew's mallow or jute is famous for its sturdy natural fiber but there are cultivars that are cultivated as a leafy vegetable. The leaves are used fresh or dried. They can be stored after drying and used later on during periods of scarcity. The leaves become mucilaginous when cooked, a trait of this crop, which is highly appreciated.

One of the best vegetables that health experts recommend to be part of dietary foods is Saluyot which can commonly be found at the backyard of the Filipinos in the Philippines.

Saluyot is one of the nutritious vegetables in the Philippines, according to a recent study conducted by the Department of Science and Technology. Saluyot is the secret behind the long life, good health and youthful looks among Ilokanos or Ilokanas in Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte in the Philippines.

History reveals that Saluyot originated from Egypt which was wildly believed as the source of health and beauty among Egyptian royalties, including the famous Cleopatra.

The leaves of saluyot are rich source of iron, protein, calcium, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, phosphorous, potassium, Vitamin A, and folate.

Eating saluyot regularly helps control blood pressure & cholesterol, and lowers the risk of asthma, cancer, diabetes and heart disease. Dried saluyot leaves can be made into a tea believed to cure headaches, dysentery, stomach aches and ulcers.

Saluyot can be added to any soup one makes, chicken, beans, pumpkin and so on. It could also be stir-fried and eaten with rice or noodles. The longer it is boiled or fried, the stickier it gets, so the advice is not to let it stew for too long.

Interestingly, saluyot is known to for its anti-aging benefits. Jute leaves contain almost all of the nutrients needed by humans but the most important benefit of the leaves is their high antioxidant property, primarily in the form of Vitamin E.

These antioxidants combine with free radicals that cause problems like arthritis, hardening of arteries, heart and kidney ailments.

Saluyot contains Vitamin A which aids in repairing the body's cells and improves eyesight. It also contains Vitamin C or ascorbic acid which improves circulation and helps lower the risk of cataracts and other eye disorders.

Saluyot also contains Vitamin E which slows down the aches and pains associated with aging, hold infertility at bay, and increase the stamina. It also contains a high percentage of calcium which contributes to strong teeth and bones.

After discovering the values of the saluyot leaves, the question is whether or not there is saluyot in Eastern Visayas. Paging Director Leo Caneda of the Department of Agriculture in Region 8, please answer.

Ilocos Sur, Grand Slam kas Best PRP Implementer iti Rehion I (http://www.tawidnewsmag.com/archives/9120)


VIGAN CITY – Maisaad ti gobierno probinsial ti Ilocos Sur iti Hall of Fame gapu iti tallo a tawen a nagsasaganad a pannakapilina kas Best Poverty Alleviation Program Implementer iti sibubukel a Rehion I.

Sakbayna, inawat ti gobierno probinsial ti Ilocos Sur babaen ken ni Gov. Deogracias Victor “DV” Savellano ti pammadayaw kas Best PRP Implementer bayat ti naangay a seremonia iti CAP building ditoy siudad ti Vigan itay Oktubre 30, 2009.

Iti panagsarita ni Gov. Savellano, kinunana a naisangsangayan ti nadakamat a pammadayaw ta narekognisarda kabayatan ti panagserbida kadagiti napanglaw a kaprobinsiaan.

“Daytoy ti mangipakita iti panagkaykaysa ti grupo ti probinsia ken dagiti kaprobinsiaan iti pannakapugipog ti kinapanglaw ditoy,” kinuna ti gobernador.

Kangrunaan a programa ni Savellano kontra kinapanglaw ti Kakailian nga Agnaed iti Barangay Sangsangkamaysa nga Aagrang-ay Tayo (KABSAT) Outreach Program, SAlun-at ken RANg-ay AYuda ti panagkaykaysa (SARANAY), panagiwaras iti piek a Sasso kadagiti organisasion, ti pannakaiyestablisar ti libre a Home for the Aged a naawagan iti BALAY TARIPATO iti Magsingal, panagiwaras iti agduduma nga exotic fruit trees kas iti lansones, marang ken rambutan kadagiti upland municipalities, ti pannakaipasdek ti BaRang-ay Demofarm, ti TAGIBIKA a nakaipalaonan ti amin a programana iti pannakatagiben ti aglawlaw, panagited iti agduduma a makinaria para iti pannakapadakkel dagiti Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), ti agtultuloy a pannakaited iti allowances kadagiti provincial scholars, agtultuloy a pannakapasayaat dagiti pasilidade iti Ilocos Sur Community College, pannakaipasdek ti School of Living Traditions ken Special High School for Culture and the Arts ken dadduma pay.

Dinawat pay ni Savellano iti anti-poverty team ti probinsia a saan koma nga agpatingga ti panagtrabahoda kalpasan ti pannakapadayaw ti probinsia no di ket agbalin koma daytoy nga inspirasion tapno lalo pay nga igaedda ti mangpasayaat iti kasasaad dagiti awanan.

Kabayatanna, kiniddaw ni National Anti Poverty Commission (NAPC) Asst. Sec. Catherine Mae Santos nga agtultuloy koma latta dagiti proyekto dagiti LGUs para kadagiti napanglaw a pampamilia kagiddan ti panangdakamatna iti tema ti programa a “Stand United, Fight Poverty”.

“Masapul a tuladentayo dagiti best practices ti tunggal LGU tapno ipadastayo met iti luglugartayo,” kinuna ni Santos.

Napili kas 1st runner up ti Pangasinan, 2nd runner up ti Ilocos Norte ken 3rd runner up ti La Union iti provincial level.

Iti benneg ti municipal level inyalat ti Pinili, Ilocos Norte ti pammadayaw iti maikaduan a daras, 1st runner up ti Suyo, Ilocos Sur ken 2nd runner up ti San Gabriel, La Union.





CONGRATS VIGAN & ILOCOS SUR!:cheers::cheers::cheers:

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TAIWANESE SINGING ILOCANO SONGS (TAIWAN INT'L CHORALE ENSEMBLE FESTIVAL)
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wonderful and good job!:banana::cheers:

nakakatawa yung second song:lol::lol::lol: di na yata Ilocano iyon:lol::lol::lol:


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well, i'm sorting through almost 3,000 pics and some videos from my trip to the philippines. this does NOT include anything from my canon xsi. sis needed my camera asap so i wasnt able to download anything from it yet.

Video taken from our Calesa trot. We just left the tiendaan heading to family home area.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JlbGoAB_J0

i'm having trouble embedding this. but there is the link.

^^share your photos with us as soon as you get your camera back manang!:cheers:

btw, here's your video:):cheers:

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thanks for sharing:) I really miss the place!

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Again, Congrats TEAM ILOCOS NORTE!:cheers:
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@ Saud Municipal Beach Park, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte

in the water

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on the rocks

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^^the video quality is awesome! thanks for sharing manang! ;)

Saud Beach is beautiful... no wonder it topped the list of the best beaches in Asia:)

Tobacco firms extend help to Ilocos Norte farmers (http://www.pia.gov.ph/default.asp?m=12&fi=p091111.htm&no=19)


Laoag City (11 November) -- IT was off-season for tobacco planting when typhoon Pepeng hit Ilocos Norte but tobacco growers did not escape its wrath as their homes were among those hit by floods.
Tobacco farmers from at least 13 towns were reported to have been severely hit by Pepeng prompting tobacco firms Philip Morris Philippines Manufacturing Inc., Universal Leaf Philippines and the Philippine National Red Cross to send relief packs to affected families.
Michee de la Cruz, ULP corporate manager, said nearly 10,000 food packs were distributed to farmers in Ilocos Norte in response to calls for relief and rehabilitation efforts for typhoon victims.
"While there were no crop losses as a result of the typhoon, farmers' homes were among those badly hit," de la Cruz said in an e-mail message.
"As part of the tobacco industry's continuous support to local tobacco farmers, relief goods were given at the ULP warehouse in Currimao town," she added.
Food packs were given to 3,500 farmers in the towns of Currimao, Pinili, Batac, Badoc, Banna, Vintar, and Pasuquin while another set of 5,000 food packs were sent to farmers in Dingras town including Bacarra, Marcos, Nueva era, San Nicolas and Solsona.
Both the PMPMI and ULP have joined relief efforts for the benefit of typhoon victims in Northern Luzon. The companies also shared their resources to landslide victims in Baguio City and Benguet province.

MBC launches search for top choristers (http://www.malaya.com.ph/11112009/liv3.html)


Time and again, Filipino choirs have proven that our country produces some of the finest choristers around the globe. With the world-renowned Philippine Madrigal Singers setting the pace in the field, a Hall-of-Fame stature for the UP Concert Chorus at the Aberdeen Music Festival in Scotland, annual wins for Filipino choirs at the European Grand Prix in Italy or at the annual Eisteddfodd in Wales, and young Filipino choristers winning gold medals at the World Choir Games in Austria, South Korea, Germany, and China, there is no longer any doubt that our choral ensembles are truly world-class.

Known for its grasp of grassroots entertainment, Manila Broadcasting Company now scours the countryside to invite the best choirs around the country to take part in the MBC National Choral Competitions set on December 15-19.

The search features competitions for children’s choirs and an open category for schools, churches, residential communities, companies, government agencies, and special interest groups who may want to take part. The grand prize winners for each category will receive P100,000 plus a trophy and other gifts courtesy of Star City.

Auditions were held in Laoag, Baguio, Metro Manila (Aliw Theater), and in Cagayan de Oro (November 12), Cebu (November 14), Iloilo (November 16), and Davao (November 18).

Interested participants may contact the project secretariat via mobile numbers 0906 309 9595 or 0910 414 1663, or email siouxstar@gmail.com to secure detailed contest mechanics and registration forms.

^^

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galing ng mga taga-INNHS! sana nag-audition kayo! ;)

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from friendster

:cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers:

INCAT ... sali na kayo hehehe!

Filipino-Hawaiian investors put up first macadamia-tree plantation in Ilocos Norte (http://businessmirror.com.ph/component/content/article/53-agri-commodities/18407-filipino-hawaiian-investors-put-up-first-macadamia-tree-plantation-in-ilocos-norte.html)


BADOC, Ilocos Norte—About 400 saplings of Hawaiian macadamia trees found a new habitat on a sprawling idle land in sitio Paratong, Saud, Badoc, Ilocos Norte, with the launching of the first macadamia demonstration farm in the country.

Attended by Filipino-Hawaiian investors, together with Mayor Mufi Hannemann of the city and county of Honolulu, Hawaii, and party on November 9, the first macadamia tree plantation in the country will serve as a demonstration farm for the production of macadamia nuts, a high-valued commercial crop in the United States and some parts of Europe.

Valued at P2,000 per seedling, the Filipino-Hawaiian investors, led by Mito Ablan, brought some seeds three years ago and started propagating macadamia in a nursery farm in Tarlac. About 200,000 macadamia seedlings are ready for planting.

Study shows that macadamia can be grown in the Ilocos region, which has a tropical climate like Hawaii.

Like mango trees that abundantly thrive in the Ilocos region, Ablan said macadamia could be harvested from six to eight years depending on the variety.

Ablan, who is also the president of the Ilocos Norte Association of Hawaii, has encouraged fellow Filipinos in Hawaii who have idle land in Ilocos to develop their vacant lots and invest in macadamia farming.

In Hawaii, he said about 19,000 acres is planted to macadamia, and it is bringing almost $700 million in income.

Macadamia nuts grown in Brazil, Australia and Hawaii consist of only 2 percent of the world consumption, Ablan added.

According to Badoc Mayor Thomas Torralba, they have identified more than 3 hectares of private lots which they initially developed as a demonstration farm. Ablan said the first Philippine macadamia demo farm in his town has been established in cooperation with Mac Nut (Phils.) Inc. and the government of Ilocos Norte under the administration of Gov. Michael Keon.

To sustain the project, Torralba said the local government of Badoc would be coordinating with technical experts from the Mariano Marcos State University and the Department of Agriculture for the proper care and maintenance of the project.

Unlike other fruit-bearing trees in Ilocos, Ablan said macadamia nuts could be harvested from June to December as it assures an all-year-round supply of quality nuts. The seeds are not perishable because it is hard.

In an earlier interview, Governor Keon said the provincial government is looking forward to the success of the macadamia plantation in Ilocos province, as he encouraged other municipalities to do the same.

He said farmers would ultimately benefit from the project by giving them other alternative source of income with its global demand.

In his speech, Mayor Hannemann told local officials and Ilocanos here that his government hopes to establish stronger ties and better cooperation with Ilocos provinces geared toward the promotion of cultural exchanges and to solidify economic ties.

Most of the Filipinos in Hawaii are Ilocanos who trace their roots in Ilocos Norte and other neighboring provinces in northern Philippines.


:cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers:

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shot in La Union ;)

NNC awards nutrition exemplars in Ilocos Region (http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&r=&y=&mo=&fi=p091111.htm&no=36)


San Fernando City, La Union (11 November) -- The National Nutrition Council - Department of Health - Center for Health Development Regional Office 1 (NNC-DOH-CHD 1) recognizes the efforts of all nutrition scholars and action officers in the different barangays, municipalities, provinces in the region, who in one way or the other have excelled in implementing the various nutrition / hunger mitigation programs, in the 2009 Regional Nutrition Awarding Ceremony recently held at the Department of Budget and Management - Regional Office1 Conference Hall, Sevilla, City of San Fernando this province.

Nutrition, as described by the DOH-CHD- RO1 Chief Administrative Officer Gustavion Onias, is considered as an "Order of Battle" for the DOH people as they are really pushing to battle malnutrition not just in the region but for the country as a whole.

Onias said that Nutrition, just like Health is a basic human right.

Gracing the event is the newly-retired Philippine National Police (PNP) Director and Directorate for Police Community Relations, who has been very active in the public service for 33 years, non other than General Leopoldo Nalupa Bataoil, as the guest of honor and speaker.

Bataoil described nutrition as the primary concern of all agencies, not just the NNC and the DOH but also of the PNP. Thus, they have been actively implementing their own feeding program as well as the "Pulis ko, Titser Ko" which is his own flagship project when he was then PNP-RO1 Director, in support to the Anti-Hunger Mitigation and Anti-Poverty programs of the government.

"A child must have a quality stomach to be able to have a quality mind and perform better in school", Bataoil said.

The Monitoring and Evaluation of Local Level Plan Implementation (MELLPI) at the provincial, city and municipal levels aims to assess the efficiency of local level plan implementation, as indicated by the outreach of activities undertaken relative to the local nutrition action plan, funds expended as well as the management and support given by local executives and other implementing agencies; measure changes in weight status of preschool and school children during the evaluation year and the immediate past three years; determine the extent to which nutrition is integrated into local development plans and programs; and advocate for the continuing support for local nutrition programs.

For a particular municipality/ city / province to qualify for an award, there is a corresponding minimum final rating to which they should satisfy. For the provincial level, the outstanding municipality should have satisfied an average rating of 85 %; for the Regional level, an outstanding municipality must satisfy an average of 88%; and for the outstanding province / city in the region, it must satisfy an average rating of 90%.

For Barangay Nutrition Scholars, the city / municipal evaluation team assess all the BNS who have served for at least two consecutive years. The provincial evaluation team then validates the performance of those BNS's who obtained a rating of 85% or higher to qualify for the outstanding provincial BNS. For the regional level, the regional evaluation team validates performance of those BNSs who garnered an average rating of 88% or higher to be awarded the outstanding regional BNS.

As a result, the 2009 Regional Nutrition awardees are presented as follows:

The Regional Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholar who received a plaque and a cheque amounting to P8,000.00 is Mrs. Eusebia E. Roxas of Barangay Garcia, Tubao, La Union.

The Municipality of Cabugao in Ilocos Sur bagged the Regional Green Banner Award for the Municipal level Category. Mayor Diocesar S. Suero received the Green Banner and Trophy for the municipality.

For the City level, the City of San Fernando grabbed the Green Banner Award for the Outstanding City. Vice-Mayor Pancrasio "Panding" Nisce received the Green Banner and Trophy Award in behalf of Mayor Pablo C. Ortega.

For consistently holding the title as the Outstanding Province for three (3) consecutive years now, the Province of Ilocos Sur was given the Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition (CROWN) Award being the Hall of Famer. Ferdinand Concepcion, the Provincial Social Welfare Officer received the Green Banner and Trophy in behalf of Governor Deogracias Victor B. Savellano.

The Province of La Union also received a Plaque of Recognition for the Nutrition Honor Maintenance Award.

Meanwhile, Special Recognition is given to Provincial / City Nutrition Action Officers, Municipal Nutrition Action Retirees, and to the members of the Regional Nutrition Evaluation Team from the different-line agencies.

Victoria N. Mañez, NNC's Nutrition Program Coordinator in the region expressed her heartfelt thanks to all the participants and guests, and challenged all the agencies and LGUs to be more active in implementing various programs in support to the Hunger Mitigation and Anti-Poverty programs and win the battle against malnutrition. (PIA RO-LU)

Fil-Hawaiian chamber pushes US "Green Visa Program" to Pinoys (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=522776&publicationSubCategoryId=108)


CEBU, Philippines - Members of the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii urged Filipinos to take advantage of the “Green Visa” program to be offered by the United States by investing in real estate.

The “Green Visa” program that will be launched on April 2010, will give an automatic “Green Card” to investors who will buy properties in the United States, including in the paradise Island of Hawaii for at least US$550,000 investments or P24 million.

According to Rosemarie V. Mendoza, the president of the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii, the minimum US$550,000 investment, one can already own a house and lot property in Hawaii.

“It’s the best time to buy properties now in the United States,” said Mendoza in an interview during the group’s presentation of business opportunities in Hawaii to Cebuano businessmen.

The 50-men delegation trade mission to the Philippines is also joined by Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann and members of his cabinet.

It’s the 21st trade mission to the Philippines, jointly done by the Filipino Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii and the local government of Honolulu.

Hannemann said there are a lot of opportunities that both businessmen in Hawaii and the Philippines could take advantage of.

The Mayor said the Philippines, specifically Cebu could learn from Hawaii’s successful tourism strategies, more so, that both countries have the same attraction and climate.

Sugar importation to Hawaii is one of the opportunities that will be ventured by Filipinos, as the sugar plantation industry in Hawaii is now considered as “dead industry.”

The two-week trade mission to the Philippines, started on November 6 and will culminate on November 19, also included in the goals of the Hawaiian chamber of Filipino businessmen is to forge a formal linkage with the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and also the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI).

Cebu City and the Municipality of Honolulu had forged sisterhood partnership for over a decade now. Mendoza said its time also that the Filipino businessmen in Hawaii will forge stronger linkages via chamber sisterhood agreement.

Mendoza said Cebu businessmen can also increase their market penetration in Hawaii specifically furniture, processed food, home decors/Christmas ornaments, clothing, and fashion accessories.

The group also visited other cities in the Philippines, such as Manila, Baguio, Laoag, and Vigan.

For his part, Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) chairman for Trade Missions Nelson Bascones, he said that CCCI hopes to fully strengthen its linkage with the Hawaii business community through the chamber sisterhood agreement.

One of the priorities that will be of most interest to learn tourism policies and strategies with Hawaii industry stakeholders, while CCCI is focusing on tourism developing tourism related advocacies for Cebu.

Region I lepto cases rise to 428 (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/229250/region-i-lepto-cases-rise-428)


SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union — The Region I office of the Center for Health Development (CHD) here has recorded 428 leptospirosis cases in the whole region from October to the present.

The provinces of La Union and Pangasinan account for over 90 percent of the leptospirosis cases in the whole region after the onslaught of typhoon “Pepeng.”

Dr. Eduardo Janairo, CHD I regional director, said the leptospirosis cases realized a tremendous surge from October to the present because of the nearly four weeks incubation period of the leptospira bacteria in the human body.

Out of the 428 cases, 405 individuals were able to survive the bacterial infection while 23 others died due to serious complications as a result of the invasion of the bacteria to the vital organs of the body.

La Union topped the list with 242 leptospirosis cases, including 15 fatalities while Pangasinan had 173 cases with seven recorded deaths.

In La Union, Bawang recorded 73 cases with 5 deaths; Aringay, 54 cases with 2 deaths; Naguilian, 41 cases with 2 deaths, San Fernando City, 22 cases with no deaths and San Jaun, 20 cases with 2 deaths.

In Pangasinan, Dagupan City had 27 leptospirosis cases with no deaths; Binmaley, 21 cases with two deaths, Mangaldan, 20 cases and Rosales with 14 cases with 1 fatality.

Janairo said all local health units in the region were authorized to distribute prophylaxis antibiotics to possible leptospirosis cases in their respective areas of jurisdiction to prevent whatever serious implications of the infection to human beings.

From January to October this year, the CHD I recorded only 38 leptospirosis cases in the different parts of the Ilocos Region with 10 fatalities but the figures suddenly surged due to the effects of Pepeng.

The leptospira bacteria breeds on flood waters which are contaminated by animal urine and it enters the human body when an individual with an open wound is exposed to the contaminated waters.

Health experts disclosed the incubation period of the bacteria is from 2 to 26 days depending on the immune system of the person.

Because of the continuous increase in the number of leptospirosis cases, Jainaro advised individuals having flu-like symptoms to immediately seek medical consultation so that they could be given appropriate medication at the early stages of the infection to prevent complications that could result to one’s eventual death.

If a person infected with leptospirosis fails to seek early medical attention, the bacteria attacks his kidneys that could result to one undergoing the expensive dialysis treatment. The most dangerous complication that could happen to a person is the infection of their liver which makes the infection dreaded.

Gardening for a better environment (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=523035&publicationSubCategoryId=85)


The recent on-slaught of typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng caused devastation of properties, the environment, and even death for some of our kababayans. We can only surmised that these may just be the initial ill-effects of climate change due to man’s lack of concern or maybe education on environmental protection.

Hence, to create awareness of environmental care through gardening and in celebration of the 31st anniversary of the Cactus and Succulent Society of the Philippines (CSSP), we will be holding a garden show with the theme “Gardening for a Better Environment” from Nov. 20 to 30 at the Quezon Memorial Circle, Elliptical Rd., Quezon City.

The show will be held in cooperation and through the kind support of the Quezon Memorial Circle Administration under the leadership of engineer Zaldy dela Rosa. On top of this event and in full support of our endeavor is our chairman and over-all chairperson Kevin G. Belmonte, co-chaired by our indefatigable president Dorie S. Bernabe.

The various heads of the standing committees are Boyet Ganigan and Rap Eugenio, landscape and physical arrangement; Tess Baldonado and Sally Obien, commercial lease; Kevin Belmonte, judging; Mely Sibayan, finance, awards and invitations, Nanding Aurigue and Peter Bangayan, plant registration and awards; Serapion Metilla, education and publicity; Becky Buenaventura, opening ceremony, programs and secretariat; Elisa Montecastro, souvenir programs; Norma Villanueva, secretariat, raffle and marketing; Botchie Canicula, invitations; Jeff Patiag and Nolie Perez, security; Aireen Bernal and Lita Meneses, cleanliness; Lettie Ligon and Linda Khitri, ways and means; and Mameng Florento, reception.


The exhibit will include the following activities: A xerophytic (cacti and succulents) landscape from five exhibitors, and 14 dish garden landscape exhibit, a showcase of 15 ornamental plants exhibit, a table exhibit of the rarest cacti and succulents, and a special booth for the collection of our avid succulent enthusiast, president Dorie Bernabe. Another feature for plant lovers is our commercial section for plants and other garden products together with a Christmas bazaar. Expect to see products from Ilocos Norte, Baguio and Rizal. There are still a few commercial spaces available for those who are interested.

On a daily basis, two lectures and demonstrations will be conducted at 2 p.m. The topics on cacti and succulents cover lectures on “Basic Care of Cacti and Succulents, Caudiciforms and Other Unusual Succulents,” “Growing Cacti and Succulents in the Tropics,” “Care and Propagation of Hoya, and Indoor Plantscaping.” Other topics include “Money Making Opportunities in Farming and Gardening,” “Causes and Effects of Climate Change,” “Zero Waste Management,” “Penging, the Art of Bonsai,” “Urban Agriculture,” etc. ( Please refer to the complete schedule below).

The opening day ceremony on Nov. 20, at 3:30 p.m. will be graced by Quezon City Mayor Feliciano “Sonny” Belmonte, Vice Mayor Herbert Bautista and Joy Belmonte.

We invite you to come and visit our exhibit. Attend and participate in our daily lectures and demonstrations. Raffle prizes of plants and plant- related items await the lucky participant.

Taiwanese visitors decrease (http://www.bworldonline.com/main/content.php?id=1494)


Taiwanese arrivals in the Philippines in the first three quarters dropped by more than a tenth, mirroring a similar contraction seen in other Asian destinations, data from a state agency show. January-September arrivals from the Chinese territory into the Philippines fell 14% to 77,126 from yearago levels due to the economic downturn, the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) said on Friday. The drop in Taiwanese arrivals, however, was not as severe as those seen in other Asian countries. The figure fell 35% in Thailand to 119,995, 17.39% in Japan to 849,702, and 15.89% in Singapore to 111,704. Other Chinese territories saw a slump in arrivals from Taiwan as well: 21.57% in Hongkong to 1,737,806 and 23.76% in Macao to 555,993. MECO, the country’s representative office in Taiwan, reiterated that programs are being rolled out to arrest the contraction. These include the launching of charter flights from Taiwan to tourist sites Laoag, Cebu and Kalibo, the creation of package tours, and partcipation in travel fairs in Taiwan. Taiwanese and other Chinese arrivals accounted for 5.21% of the total 3.14 million foreign arrivals into the Philippines in 2008, earlier reports show. The Tourism department expects total arrivals to increase slightly by 1.8% to 3.198 million this year.

DTI recognizes consumer-friendly stores in Pangasinan (http://www.pia.gov.ph/default.asp?m=12&fi=p091111.htm&no=27&r=&y=&mo=)


Dagupan City (11 November) -- The Department of Trade and Industry has awarded Silver Seal recognition to 14 consumer-friendly stores for 2009.
DTI Provincial Director Peter O. Mangabat said the DTI Certified Establishments (DTI-CE) program which started in 2006 aimed to encourage business establishments to adopt self-policing mechanism that promotes and fosters the highest level of business ethics and uphold a fair and honest market place.
The Silver Seal certification were issued to the Addessa Corporation branches in Mangaldan, Manaoag, Tayug and Dagupan, Guanzon Merchandizing Corporation -Motorcycle, Cellphone Sales and Service Center, QSL Electronics Sales and Service Center, BHF Family Plaza, Inc., CJ. Fernandez Enterprises, Inc., E-Locandia Electronics, Airconditioning & Refrigeration Services and Electromen Electronics Service Center, AikonTech Corporation-Dagupan.
The accredited firms were trained to handle complaints thru their Consumer Welfare desk. They are required to display the DTI-CE at the entrance of or any conspicuous place within the store premises.
Establishments eligible for the program are department stores, appliance centers, hardware stores, repair/service shops and specialty stores. Establishments with the DTI-CE seal sell products that are Products Standards certified and therefore assure consumers of quality and reliable products, he said.

share ko lang ang laban ni Pacquiao! mabuhay Manny!

nood na Ilocandia;)

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ROBINSONS ILOCOS NORTE will open its doors in December;)
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Tobacco-growing provinces to receive P6.37 billion (http://www.bworldonline.com/main/content.php?id=1531)


...as their share of accumulated excise taxes since 1997

TOBACCO-GROWING provinces in the country stand to benefit from a Palace directive that ordered the release of some P6.37 billion meant to fund projects aimed at improving the capacity of tobacco farmers to earn.

Executive Order (EO) 843, signed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Nov. 5, has ordered the release of the funds to provinces, cities and municipalities that produce barley and native tobacco.

The amount is 15% of excise taxes that accumulated between 1997-2007, the EO read.

Local government units (LGUs) that grow tobacco were entitled to 15% of the incremental revenue collected from the excise tax on tobacco products, as was provided in Republic Act 8240, or the act that amended portions of the National Internal Revenue Code.

The law provided that the amount would be divided among LGUs in accordance to the volume of tobacco leaf that they produce.

The funds should be directed to projects such as those aimed at increasing the income and productivity of farmers, and livelihood projects particularly the development of alternative farming systems, among others, the law stated.

But the Palace said the LGUs have not received any amount since the law was enacted on Jan. 1, 1997 due to the absence of implementing rules and regulations.

The EO has ordered the Department of Finance, Department of Budget and Management (DBM), the Bureau of Internal Revenue and the National Tobacco Administration (NTA) to release the amount in installments over a period of seven years starting next year up to 2016.

The Palace has tasked the DBM to determine the shares of the LGUs as well as provide an annual appropriation cover.

LGUs may also opt to avail of their shares in advance upon enrollment to a monetization program.

Tobacco is grown in provinces such as Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Abra, La Union, Pangasinan, Cagayan, Isabela, Capiz, Iloilo, Cebu, Negros, Zamboanga del Sur, North Cotabato, and Maguindanao, the NTA said in its Web site.

Tobacco cornered 0.15% in total agricultural production of the country in 2008. -- Gerard S. dela Peña



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

Nursing board exam center to open in La Union (http://www.inquirer.net/specialfeatures/nursingmatters/view.php?db=1&article=20091116-236546)


MANILA, Philippines—In a move to decongest the testing centers in Baguio, the Professional Regulation Commission-Board of Nursing (PRC-BoN) is planning to set up additional testing centers in La Union for the scheduled November 29-30 nursing licensure examination, PRC-BoN member Marco Sto. Tomas said.

“To decongest Baguio and for the safety of the growing number of NLE examinees, arrangements have been made to add La Union as the newest addition of NLE Test Centers for examinees coming from La Union, Pangasinan, Ilocos Norte, and Ilocos Sur,” Sto. Tomas said.:cheers::cheers::cheers:

This, as the number of examinees who will take the “complete” examinations has increased to an all-time high of 95,282.

The biggest number of examinees will come from Metro Manila (40,621 first-timers, 33 conditioned); Baguio (14,102 first-timers, 7 conditioned); Cebu (8,899 first-timers, 5 conditioned); Cagayan De Oro (3,045 first-timers, 2 conditioned); Davao (8,143 first-timers, 2 conditioned); Iloilo (6,020); Legaspi (3,070 first-timers, 1 conditioned); Lucena (3,444); Tacloban (1,145); Tuguegarao (2,322 first-timers, 1 conditioned); Zamboanga (1,609); Jolo (166); Pagadian (1,568); Angeles (179); and Butuan (898).

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Ground Breaking for the Upgrading of the Laoag City General Hospital Pushed Through (http://www.laoagcity.gov.ph/)

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The Laoag City Government finally held last Sunday, November 08, the ground breaking ceremony for the upgrading of the Laoag City General Hospital. Amid a lot of controversy and hullabaloo, the 10:00 A.M. ceremony, officiated by Monsignor Policarpio Albano of the Diocese of Laoag, was well attended by City Officials, Department Heads and some employees, Barangay Chairmen and their Kagawads, including some Officials of the Provincial and National Governments.

In his emotional but very relevant message, the Hon. Michael Fariñas pointed out the disparity in ratio between hospital beds versus population, stating that the national standard is 9.5 per 10,000 population while that of Ilocos Norte is only 5.3 beds per 10,000 population.

It was a very significant and historic event for all Ilocanos, as the need for a modern medical facility that would not only cater to Laoagueños and Ilocos Nortenians, should be underscored.


Laoag ang nagwagi! :banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:


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from Laoag City website



Laoag Officials, THANK YOU for making this possible!:cheers:

Ilocos Norte Officials, sana huwag niyo ng contrahin ang mga plano ng Laoag government! total lahat naman ay makikinabang kaya tigilan na ang away-away:)
sumakay na lang kayo:lol:


Thank God at wagi ang Laoag! :banana:

Laoag City Gets New Equipment for Peace and Order Campaign Rescue and Disaster Operation
(www.laoagcity.gov.ph)

The Laoag City Government acquired new equipment that will further bolster its Disaster and Rescue preparedness, and the peace and order campaign. In the flag raising ceremony last Tuesday, Monsignor Policarpio Albano of the Diocese of Laoag, officiated the blessing of these equipment together with Acting Mayor Hon. Eddie Domingo , some Members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, Department Heads and City Employees.

The two new life boats , four generator sets, two tower lights, life vests and buoys, first aid kits and flashing batons were donated by the Fort Ilocandia Resort and casino , while the two new E-taxis, one Swat Van and a mini fire truck were purchased by the City.

These new equipment are an addition to the already existing fleet of vehicles being used of the Laoag City PNP , and the various equipment available in the City during times of disaster.

It is the resolve of the Honorable Michael V. Fariñas that in times of crisis and disaster, all Laoagueños are safe and well protected.



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:cheers::cheers::cheers:

City to Establish Zero-Waste Material Recovery Facility (http://www.laoagcity.gov.ph/)


The Laoag City Government (LCG) in partnership with the Luzon Green Art Technology will soon establish a Zero Waste Material Recovery Facility (ZWMRF) to be known as Sunshine City Technology Facility.

The first of its kind in Northern Luzon, the Facility will transform residual wastes to concrete-by-products and its biodegradable wastes to organic fertilizer. The memorandum of agreement for this project was signed during the celebration of Laoag City Day on June 19, 2009.
The Zero-Waste Material Recovery Facility (ZWMRF) is a special type of Material Recovery Facility (MRF) that collects, extracts or recovers recyclable materials from the waste stream for the purpose of recycling, and producing products suitable for beneficial use with no residual waste. It will be located at Barangay Lagui-Sail , Laoag City, within the existing landfill site. The project will include the following components: construction of building and structures, purchase and installation of MRF equipment, development of computer based systems and procedures, manpower training, odor control, waste segregation and production of compost materials and aggregates.

The City of Laoag shall enforce segregation of solid wastes and separately collect residual and biodegradable wastes and collect and dispose of non-recyclable materials and hazardous waste. Moreover, the City of Laoag will be constructing the structure that will house the equipment that will be needed in the operation of the ZWMRF.

The Luzon Green Art Technology, Inc. will provide the necessary technology to transform the City’s residual wastes to concrete-by-products and its biodegradable wastes to organic fertilizer. Likewise, they will also be providing the necessary equipment and tools.

The project will also generate employment to our locals . It is expected to employ 75 locals with different job descriptions and tasks.

In observance of R.A. 9003 and to express its commitment to environmental protection, the City Government of Laoag under Mayor MVF adopts a systematic, comprehensive and ecological solid waste management program that utilizes environmentally-sound methods that maximize the utilization of valuable resources and encourage resources conservation and recovery with the establishment of ZWMRF in Laoag City.


:cheers::banana:

Top 3 COPS Named in Region 1 (http://www.laoagcity.gov.ph/)


CAMP BGEN OSCAR M FLORENDO, La Union- The Police Regional Office 1 (PRO1) Regional Screening Committee (RSC) on the nationwide Search for the 1st Lead PNP Award for Chiefs of Police/Station Commanders named yesterday the top three Chiefs of Police from among the eight (8) regional nominees for the said award.
Supt. Manuel H. Cachero, PRO1 deputy chief for administration and chair of the screening committee, reported to Region 1 police head PCSupt. Ramon V. Gatan that PSupt. Sterling Raymund P. Blanco, police chief of Laoag City, garnered the highest rating of 100%;:banana: Supt. Harris R. Fama, Lingayen police chief, placed second with 93.4%; and Supt. Pedro U. Obaldo, chief of the San Fernando City police, was third with a rating of 91.4%.:cheers:

Supt. Cachero said that PRO1 shall be giving out awards to the three. “Moreover, Superintendent Blanco, as the top regional winner, shall be endorsed as PRO1’s nominee for the award in the national level,” he added.

Col. Blanco and Col. Fama were dubbed as “Darling of the Press” for being accessible to newsmen, providing access on news and other news-related issues.

A graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in US, Fama was credited for the series of seminars/workshop undertaken by the US police to the selected policemen ion Lingayen who came all the way to the province. Blanco was also regarded in high esteem not only by newsmen by also his peers for his being a professional policeman.

The search was launched on January 26, 2009 during the 18th PNP anniversary purposely to promote the PNP Integrated Transformation Program and to develop and recognize PNP leaders at the station level.

Aside from Cachero, the PRO1 RSC was composed of Reverend Conrado P. Lumahan, Vice-Chairman, and three members, namely, Dr. Josephine Flores, Dr. Nora Peñaflor and Mr. Gualberto Elias, Jr.

The screening committee evaluated the nominees through perusal of submitted documents and actual interview using four criteria, namely: ability to identify critical issues, having the courage to accept the truth about the critical issues, ability to plan and implement strategic intervention to institute change, and ability to mobilize the community and resources to support the strategic intervention. They also visited the police stations of the top nominees for validation purposes.

General Gatan said the national winner of the search will receive the following: Lead PNP Award Trophy, cash incentive; post-graduate scholarship grant (AIM, UP or UA&P); additional patrol car/communication equipment/investigative kit for the Police Station; college scholarship for a maximum of two (2) legitimate dependents, laptop computer with printer, and other incentives such as priority in UN Mission deployment and in mandatory schooling.

Mufi Hanemann, Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu, Hawaii, Visits Laoag City (http://www.laoagcity.gov.ph/)


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The Mayor of the City and County of Honolulu, Hawaii, Hon. Mufi Hanemann attended the Monday flag-raising ceremony of Laoag City yesterday. In his message, the Honolulu Mayor thanked all Ilocanos, especially Laoagueños, for their support and love for him. He also stressed the significance of the sisterhood relationship of Laoag and Honolulu, and his personal friendship with Mayor and Mrs. Michael Fariñas that dates back since December of 2005.

Happy 10th Year Anniversary!


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Photo credit: Mr. Cholo Arellano (http://cholo79.multiply.com/)

kCIw0xqmBYo

6 groups vying for deal to run SCTEX (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/229967/6-groups-vying-deal-run-sctex)


Six tollways operators have expressed keen interest to manage, operate and maintain the country’s longest expressway Subic-Clark Tarlac Expressway for a period of 33 and half years.

The interested parties include: Metro Pacific Tollways Development Corporation, STAR Tollways Corporation, Atty. Alvin B. Bugtas representing the Citra Group, San Miguel Corporation, Amicus Holdings Inc., and IL&FS Transportation Networks Ltd.

Bases Conversion and Development Authority vice president for finance and chairperson of the asset disposition program committee, Victor Zablan said the six purchased the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the Selection of the BCDA's Private Partner for the Privatization of the SCTEX. All the six firms attended the pre-bid conference held last November 10, 2009 at the BCDA Corporate Center in Bonifacio Global City.

Zablan said the lease/concession agreement for the privatization of the SCTEX will be for a period of thirty three and a half years or from April 28, 2010 to October 30, 2043.

The interim service provider for the Operations and Maintenance (O&M) of the SCTEX is being handled by the consortium of Manila North Tollways Corporation, Egis Road Inc., and Tollways Management Corporation.

Diversifying food and beverage giant San Miguel Corp. has solidified its entry into the infrastructure sector by acquiring 35 percent stake in the Private Infrastructure Development Corp. that will build the 88-kilometer Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union expressway project through its subsidiary Rapid Thoroughfares Inc. Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services Limited (IL&FS) is one of India's leading infrastructure development and finance companies.

The focus of ITNL is to develop and build a pan-India Surface Transport business.

ITNL has been involved in the development and implementation of projects related to Highways, Flyovers, Bridges and Roads across the country.

These projects, both at cash generation stage and/or at construction stage, have been benchmarked to meet international standards in terms of technology and facilities.

ITNL has over the years acquired a position of leadership in the roads sector and has expanded its scope of activities to Ports, Railways and Urban Transport Sectors.

Back-to-back win for ABS-CBN, DZMM at Golden Dove (http://www.malaya.com.ph/11192009/ent4.html)


ABS-CBN Broadcasting Corp. dominated the annual Golden Dove Awards organized by the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster sa Pilipinas (KBP), bagging a total of 24 recognitions including two major awards – Best TV station for ABS-CBN and Best AM station for DZMM.

Both ABS-CBN and DZMM also won Best TV and Best AM radio station last year at the award-giving body organized by the KBP.

Top rating primetime drama series "May Bukas Pa" starring child star Zaijian "Santino" Jaranilla won Best Drama Program and classic children’s show "Sineskwela" won Best Children’s Program.

ABS-CBN’s News and Current Affairs programs "TV Patrol World" won Best Newscast, "Umagang Kay Ganda" for Best Public Affairs Program, "The Correspondents" for Best Documentary Program, "Matanglawin" for Best Science and Technology Program and "Salamat Dok" for Best Public Service Program.

Meanwhile, ABS-CBN won Best Television Public Service Announcements for Universal Children’s Day "Taguan" and Best Television Station Promotional Material for its Branding Campaign. Its subsidiary Studio 23 bagged the Best Magazine Program award for its show "Us Girls" hosted by Angel Aquino, Chesca Garcia, and Iya Villania. ABS-CBN’s TV 7 Laoag also earned the Best Culture and Arts Program for the show "Pamulinawen.":banana::cheers:

For radio categories, DZMM’s "7AM Radyo Patrol Balita" won Best Newscast; "Tambalang Failon at Sanchez" for Best Public Affairs Program, "Maalaala Mo Kaya sa DZMM" for Best Drama Program, "Sa Kabukiran" for Best Science and Technology Program, "Konsumer at Iba Pa" for Best Public Service Program, and DZMM’s One Hand campaign for Best Television Station Promotional Material.

DZMM anchors Ted Failon took home the Best Public Affairs Program Host; Carl Balita as Best Public Service Program Host, Winnie Cordero as Best Games/Variety Program Host and Angelo Palmones as Best Science and Technology Journalist. ABS-CBN’s regional AM station DYTC in Tacloban also bagged the Best Specials for MOR Local Vocal.

Split-up of Hundred Islands nixed (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/230403/splitup-hundred-islands-nixed)


An organization expressed opposition to a bill in Congress that would divide and reclassify the Hundred Islands National Park (HINP), saying that such a move is “a grave threat to the country’s eco-biodiversity and an assault to our cultural heritage.”

Authored by Pangasinan 1st District Rep. Arthur Celeste, House Bill No. 4995 proposes to divide and declare one of the biggest islands within the HINP as alienable and disposable land and allow it to be used for residential, commercial, and industrial purposes.

Once approved, the bill will effectively supersede the 69-year-old Presidential Proclamation No. 667 which designates Hundred Islands as a reservation site and makes it a protected area.

“Hundred Islands was declared as a reservation for a reason. It is a wildlife sanctuary and breeding ground for a variety of marine species. It likewise makes possible eco-tourism that benefits not only the local government and the communities, but also local and foreign tourists who are able to enjoy the white beaches, dive spots and caves,” said Jonathan Ronquillo, environment campaigner of La Liga Policy Institute.

Ronquillo further explained that the HINP is part of a network of protected areas all over the country that helps preserve the Philippines’ bio-diversity.

“As it is, government is already providing very minimal support to the many protected areas in the country. The Celeste proposal to ‘chop-chop’ Hundred Islands is a great disservice to the citizens of Alaminos City and Pangasinan and to the environment as well,” he said.

He added that even the local government of Alaminos City and Executive Director Constancio Arciaga of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in the Ilocos Region do not agree with the Celeste bill.:banana::banana::banana:

Ronquillo hailed local government initiatives which resulted to increased tourist arrivals from 92,000 in 2004 to 200,000 in 2009.

DTI-accredited GFI opens North Luzon Office in Baguio (http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&r=&y=&mo=&fi=p091121.htm&no=32)


Baguio City (21 November) -- Small Business Corporation (SB Corp), a government financial institution (GFI) attached to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), launched its North Luzon Area Office in Baguio City, Thursday.

SB Corp.'s NL Area Office, its tenth branch in the country, is located at Unit 17, Manongdo Building, Private Road, Magsaysay Avenue, Baguio City.

SB Corp, the third largest provider of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSMEs) among GFIs, aims to serve the financial needs of MSMEs of provinces in Northern Luzon such as Benguet, La Union, Pangasinan, Mountain province, Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte, Abra, Tarlac, Bataan, Zambales, Nueva Ecija, Cagayan, Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Viscaya, Kalinga, Ifugao Apayao and Batanes.

Up to the third quarter of 2009 alone, SB Corp has already released P2.7 billion in loans to different MSMEs nationwide. In 2008, it has released more than P4 billion in loans to the country's MSMEs, which is 8 percent higher than the P3.7 billion released in 2007.

SB Corp Chairman and CEO Virgilio Angelo said that the increasing microfinance loans are indications of the corporation's commitment to the government's anti-poverty initiatives. "We want to create a more enabling environment for entrepreneurship by making loans readily available most especially to the country's poorest areas.

SB Corp's President and Corporate Operation Officer Benel Lagua, also assured MSMEs in the region, as well as the other North Luzon provinces that they intend to cater, that their corporation is ever willing to think and find ways on how to help finance business endeavors.

SB Corp provides direct financing for small enterprises in need of additional capital for expansion, equipment acquisition, factory renovation, working capital as well as local and international receivables.

SB Corporation's NL Area Office launching activities, included a thanksgiving mass, blessing and ribbon cutting activities in their new office area, and a press conference and launching ceremony or program at the Baguio Convention Center.

In the press conference, both DTI Cordillera Director Myrna Pablo and DTI Region I Director Florante Leal, stressed the importance of the establishment of the said SB Corp Office in Baguio for the development of MSMEs in Cordillera and Region I.

Other SB Corp MSME clients like Mr. and Mrs Ferdinand Geronimo of Reyes Haircutters and Ms Lalaine Fronda of Gems and Stars Cycle Parts, also graced the event to share entrepreneurial experiences to the MSMEs that participated in the program.

videos were taken on our bus trip (Farinas) from Manila to Laoag on October 17.

i believe this video was taken when we just entered ilocos norte. not sure if its badoc or pinili. i cant remember when i started to record. but video should be in order. first video entering ilocos norte...following videos are next towns passing through til we arrive in laoag.

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sorry, the quality for this video isn't as good as the others. always got an error when uploading file at youtube. so i just converted and compressed it which degraded the quality. but it finally went through. oh well...

slowly getting things together.

next 2 videos were taken in laoag city.

this video was on our way to the market.

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this video was from the market back to the house

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^^ thanks manang for sharing! it's good to see Laoag and the southern part of Ilocos Norte:) can easily tell that commercialism is alive in the province! the province is actively embracing it! and am so amazed that laoag is still clean, green and beautiful!;)

that Robinsons mall looks huge!

btw, nice music, and the quality is great;) your videos fill me with nostalgia! thank you again!

Gov’t to award 25 energy deals (http://business.inquirer.net/money/topstories/view/20091122-237776/Govt-to-award-25-energy-deals)


AFTER awarding close to a hundred contracts over the last two months, the Department of Energy plans to give another batch of renewable energy contracts within the week to fast-track the development of the sector.

In a phone interview, Assistant Energy Secretary Mario Marasigan said the government’s target was to award a minimum of 25 contracts by Nov. 26. He noted, however, that this figure was still preliminary since some of the applications were still being evaluated.

The final number of contracts to be awarded will be known early this week, he said.

Among the companies being evaluated for a service contract for wind included NorthPoint Wind Power Development Corp. with its proposed project in Aparri, Cagayan; First MaxPower International Corp. for three projects in Cagayan (Claveria, Sanchez Mira, Gonzaga) and one in Pulupandan, Negros Occidental, and Northern Luzon UPC Asia Corp. for a 30-MW project in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte.:cheers:

The Lopez-led Energy Development Corp. has six applications for its proposed wind power projects in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte:banana:; Taytay, Palawan; Mahinog, Camiguin, and three in Surigao del Norte (Dinagat Island, Siargao Parcel 1, and Siargao Parcel 2).

However, a government source said that EDC has yet to complete the requirements for five of its applications.

For biomass, three firms are awaiting the approval from the DOE, namely Asea One Power Corp., Biscom Inc. and Hacienda Bioenergy Inc.

MISS EARTH 2009 IN ILOCOS NORTE (http://www.missearth.info/)

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Vigan airport reopens (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=523986&publicationSubCategoryId=67)


VIGAN CITY , Philippines – The Vigan airport is set to partially reopen tomorrow after it was closed to air traffic last year for upgrading work.

This was learned from first district Rep. Ronald Singson who was responsible for the airport’s upgrade by sponsoring along with Deputy Speaker Eric Singson an appropriation measure for P350 million in the national budget.

He said that P250 million was initially released for the airport project while the P100 million balance is being awaited from Malacañang.

Upon completion of the project, the airport will be able to accommodate commercial and international flights, it was learned.

The airport’s partial reopening tomorrow will enable light planes to land, Singson, son of deputy National Security adviser Luis “Chavit” Singson, said.



:cheers::cheers::cheers:

UPDATE: Robinsons Mall will open on the 3rd of December. celebrity guests include Sarah Geronimo and two other artisits :banana:

Guys may alam ba kayong affordable na hotel sa Vigan?

UPDATE: Robinsons Mall will open on the 3rd of December. celebrity guests include Sarah Geronimo and two other artisits :banana:

"save the best for last" hehe! yup, that's what my cousin told me. he'll open the movieworld btw:cheers: can't wait to see the photos!:banana:

Guys may alam ba kayong affordable na hotel sa Vigan?

i'll search the cheapest one for you!:)

@nayki


VIGAN HOTELS (http://www.virtualtourist.com/hotels/Asia/Philippines/Province_of_Ilocos_Sur/Vigan-1376509/Hotels_and_Accommodations-Vigan-BR-1.html)

sorry, I really don't know which is the cheapest!:)

ILOCOS NORTE REP. FERDINAND "BONGBONG' MARCOS JR. TVC
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:banana::banana::banana::banana: Mabuhay Cong. Bongbong!!!:)

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Go Cong. Bongbong Marcos!:banana: sana manalo po kayo dahil napakaganda ng ginawa niyo sa Ilocos Norte!:cheers: we truly wish you all the best! ;)

walang Bangui windmills kung di dahil sa inyo po! we love you po!:cheers:

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Laoag eyes more electric vehicles
(http://businessmirror.com.ph/home/regions/18958-laoag-eyes-more-electric-vehicles.html)

LAOAG City, Ilocos Norte—Imagine the city proper of Laoag with battery-powered vehicles or electric taxis transporting passengers from one place to another. No gas emissions equal fresher air to breath.

This is what the Laoag City government wants the city to become as the administration of Mayor Michael Fariñas wants to purchase more electronic taxis to service commuters, especially tourists and senior citizens around the city proper.

To date, Laoag has purchased at least two e-taxis painted with light green and pink, operating along the major thoroughfares of the city. It is the newest city next to Puerto Princesa in Palawan, Taguig and Marikina that acquired battery-operated taxis aimed to promote the use of environment-friendly electric vehicles.:cheers:

A unit of e-taxi like the two units displayed in Laoag proper costs about P160,000. To entice more passengers to use the e-taxis, Fariñas said the city government has allotted more funds to buy larger electric vehicles that could accommodate at least nine passengers.

“It may be expensive, but in the long run, it comes out cheaper because you don’t need to buy oil and fuel to operate it,” said Fariñas in an interview.

Records show that there are some 2.2 million tricycles in the country. Most of these are powered by diesel-guzzling engines that do not have any real emissions equipment. The national government recognizes this is a major problem. To help remedy the situation, the Philippines has entered into an agreement with Leo Motors to create a joint venture to build new electric taxis. 

The government made an initial counterpart of $5-million contribution to get it started, and Leo Motors is to provide at least 2,500 electric-vehicle (EV) kits, including batteries that will be assembled by the newly formed company. Each unit will be powered by a lithium polymer battery that can either be recharged in the vehicle or swapped out at designated “Fresh Battery Stations” to be built by the joint venture. The first city to get the EVs was Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

The Puerto Princesa city government seeks to eliminate the pollution emitted by numerous tricycles, which emit carbon and pollution 15 times more than a typical passenger car. The city decided to create a tricycle that would make the air more breathable.

The EVs produced by Leo Motors are 100-percent battery powered, and fueled by recharging, rather than refueling, at a petrol station. In the Leo Motors program in Puerto Princesa, to lower the initial e-taxi purchasing cost, Leo Motors, together with the city in a joint venture, operates a Fresh Battery Station, which is a battery-swap center. When completed, drivers will not need to buy expensive batteries.




^^ Good job Mayor Farinas! ;) sana dagdagan din po ang mga traffic lights and cctv security cameras sa Laoag

Robinsons Ilocos Norte Update

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Robinsons supermarket will open on December 3, 2009. Mang Inasal and KFC are some of the tenants na nakita ko.

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LAOAG goes GREEN

The Department of Public Safety (DPS) traffic division used battery operated SMART Bikes and E-Taxis to patrol the city proper.


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1. SMART BIKES

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2.E-TAXI'S

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guitarrose thanks for the update on robinsons. wished it was opened or partially opened when i was there last month. do you know what other shops/stores is going to be in robinsons?

and damn, wished the e-taxi's was available also when i was there. or was it already there and i just didnt see it. kind of hard not to see it when its that colorful :lol: do you know how much it cost to ride the e-taxi? i would have loved to ride that.

i'm glad the mayor is moving and pushing forward with environmental friendly projects like this. now they have to address the sewage/drainage problems.

@guitarose thank you for the update! the mall is indeed beautiful! wow Robinsons is now ready to open its first mall in ilocandia...I'm so happy! dec. 3 is the day we've all been waiting for!:banana: get ready Ilocandia;) ilang tulog na lang:cheers:


grabe na ang Laoag ngayon, may e-taxis and smart bikes na!:banana: perhaps the first city north of manila to acquire such:banana: love it!:cheers:
thanks mayor! Laoag is moving forward talaga!:banana:

the province has truly moved up to a new and higher level!:cheers:

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Photo credit: Hon. Kris Ablan (http://ablaners.multiply.com/)

Development of an 86-MW wind farm in Ilocos Norte (Philippines) (http://www.evwind.es/noticias.php?id_not=2467)


Lopez-owned Energy Development Corporation (EDC) (PSE:EDC) has raised P12 billion (US$257 million) from its maiden retail bond offering.

The offering is to P2 billion more than originally planned, due to substantial demand from both retail and institutional investors. LOPEZ-LED Energy Development Corp. (EDC) said it would commission the first phase of its 86-megawatt (MW) wind farm in Burgos, Ilocos Norte by the third quarter of next year. :cheers:

"We have to commission the first phase by 2010, hopefully... in the third quarter," Paul A. Aquino, EDC vice-chairman, president and chief executive officer, told reporters last week. Mr. Aquino, however, said the commissioning of the first unit would depend on the terms of the winning contractor for the facility.

Mr. Aquino added that the commissioning would also "depend on the weather, and plenty of logistics. And the winning contractor will say how much he can put up based on the logistics." Wind and tide patterns will also be factored in, Mr. Aquino added. Once operational, the 86-MW wind facility in Ilocos Norte will make the country the biggest developer of commercial wind energy.

At present, the only wind power facility in the country is Northwind Development Corp.’s 33-MW wind farm in Bangui Bay, Ilocos Norte. While the wind farm supplies about 40% of Ilocos Norte’s needs, it only accounts for 0.33% and 0.25% of the Luzon and national grids, respectively.

The Department of Energy (DoE) recently awarded EDC a service contract for the 86-MW wind project covering 1,296 hectares in Burgos. The government is aiming to ensure energy security by encouraging investments in indigenous energy sources, especially with the passage of the Renewable Energy Law. The DoE is looking at doubling the country’s renewable energy capacity to 9,000 MW in the next 10 years.

Mr. Aquino, however, said EDC’s focus remains on developing its geothermal capacity. EDC is buying the Palinpinon and Tongonan geothermal complex, with capacities of 92.5 MW and 112.5 MW, respectively.

EDC is the country’s leading developer of geothermal energy, accounting for over 62% or 1,199 MW of total installed capacity prior to the Palinpinon-Tongonan purchase.

EDC had said the Palinpinon-Tongonan acquisition would turn the company into the world’s top geothermal producer, overtaking American energy firm Chevron Corp.’s yearly output of 1,273 MW. EDC won the Palinpinon-Tongonan geothermal facilities on Sept. 2 in bidding conducted by the state-led Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp.

With the overwhelming market reception to EDCs bond issuance, the bonds have been fully taken up ahead of the original closing date of November 26. The SEC had approved the Lopez-led geothermal energy firms registration application to issue up to P10 billion in retail bonds, with an oversubscription option of up to P2 billion in case of strong investor demand.

The retail bonds carry a yield of 8.6418 per cent per annum for a tenor of five and a half years and 9.3327 per cent for the seven year tenor. This marked the first retail bond issuance of EDC, the Philippines largest producer of geothermal energy, the company said in a statement.

The EDC bonds, which were offered to the public starting November 18, will be issued on December 4. "Proceeds from the issuance shall be used to (i) partially refinance and/or re-denominate EDCs outstanding foreign currency denominated loans, and (ii) for general corporate purposes," the company added.

EDC earlier issued P9 billion fixed rate corporate notes which elicited strong investor take-up. In fact, EDCs maiden debt issue in the domestic capital markets was 2.5 times oversubscribed and was upsized from its original issue size of P3 billion.

The EDC bonds was rated PRS Aaa by the Philippine Ratings Services Corporation, the highest credit rating, which reflects the issuing companys very strong capacity to meet its financial commitments.

BDO Capital & Investment Corp. acted as the Issue Manager and Sole Bookrunner for the bond issue. The Joint Lead Underwriters are BDO Capital, RCBC Capital Corporation, BPI Capital Corporation and SB Capital Investment Corporation.

EDC remains the countrys leading producer of geothermal energy accounting for 62 per cent or 1,199 MW of the 1,980 MW total installed capacity. It is now positioning itself as the premier pure renewable energy player in the Philippines with its acquisition of 60 per cent equity in the Pantabangan-Masiway hydroelectric project and the development of an 86-MW wind farm in Burgos, Ilocos Norte.

Alternergy Philippines is to develop six wind power projects in the Southeast Asian nation according to the Department of Energy. Based on documents submitted to the agency, Alternergy's wind farms will be located in Kalayaan, Laguna; Pilillia, Rizal; Aparri, Cagayan; Santa Ana, Cagayan; Pagudpod, Ilocos Norte; and Abra de Ilog, Occidental Mindoro.

The facilities will entail investments of $14.1m each for a total of $84.6m. Two of the company's proposed wind farms will carry a 40 MW capacity each while the capacities of the other four have yet to be determined. The Energy department has already given Alternergy the green light to pursue the projects as part of more than $300m worth of wind service contracts the government approved recently. The government is banking on the development of indigenous renewable energy sources such as wind power to secure the country's supply.

Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes earlier said that "studies by the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory shows that the Philippines has a total wind resource of 76 600 MW." Alternergy is a renewable energy firm headed by former Secretary Vince Perez. The company has investments in the 33-megawatt Bangui Bay wind farm in Ilocos, along with NorthWind Power Development Corp.

In September, Alternergy tied up with Eurus Energy Japan Corp. and Korea East West Power Co. (EWP) for a $100m investment to develop renewable energy projects in the Philippines. EWP is a subsidiary of Korea Electric Power Corp. (Kepco) while Eurus Energy Japan is a subsidiary of Eurus Energy Holdings Corp. of Japan. The latter is a joint venture between by Tokyo Electric Power Co. Inc. and Toyota Tsusho Corp.

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Ricky travels to Laoag (http://www.malaya.com.ph/11272009/ent3.html)


Q Channel 11’s "Life and Style with Gandang Ricky Reyes" takes a trip to historical Laoag City this Sunday at 10 a.m.

Host-producer Ricky Reyes and friends visit the old churches the Northern city is famous for. The group also samples the various Ilocano delicasies and goes to scenic and picturesque Laoag tourist spots.

"Glitters" segment host Linabelle Villarica gets interviewed by Ricky regarding her experience as a host as well as her plans for Bulacan.

Alaminos waste program lauded (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/231291/alaminos-waste-program-lauded)


A visiting Indian expert on zero-waste programs in rural tourist destinations lauded the efforts of Alaminos City in Pangasinan due to the significant drop in the city’s solid waste generation from 25 tons to 18 tons per day.

Speaking at a forum convened by Alaminos City Mayor Hernani Braganza and environment group Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA), Shibu Nair noted how waste problem can become an opportunity to change behavior, clean up the environment, and invigorate the local economy.

He cited Alaminos City’s 10-year plan for managing its solid waste that saw significant result with the drop in solid waste generation from 25 tons per day in 2004 to 18 tons per day at present.

It is where tourist destination Hundred Islands is located.

“The application of zero-waste helps change prevailing perception and attitude on waste, an evidence of inefficiency, by enhancing personal, institutional, social and environmental relationships,” Nair said.

Nair is a member of the civil society group Thanal based in Kerala, India. He is also co-author of “A Handbook on Waste Management in Rural Tourism Areas: A Zero Waste Approach” published in 2008 by the Ministry of Tourism of the Government of India and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as part of a project that seeks to provide sustainable livelihood in selected villages in 20 states across India.

PUBLIC MARKET BUILT WITHOUT DEBT (http://ilocostimes.com/)


Mayor Alfredo Valdez of San Nicolas town shows the way how local government units could build a multi-million public market without any single cent of debt. Built through the municipality's savings and fund raising activities for this new building of the San Nicolas public market stands tall as it serves as a monument of government spending anchored on honesty, transparency and away from controversy.

Ilocos Norte Gov. Michael M. Keon and Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann lead the ribbon cutting of the inaugural openning of the San Nicolas market built for five years without debt.


:banana:AMAZING! GO SAN NICOLAS!:cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers:

Ilocos Norte tourism opens doors to Europe (http://ilocostimes.com/)


Just time for the opening of the Ilocos Norte Hotel and Convention Center (INHC), the province’s heritage sites and other historical landmarks get a glimpse from French tour wholesalers as these have been included in their regular travel destinations.

On November 16-18, about 47 travel agents from Europe, namely Jetours and Visiteurs en Asie groups, arrived in Laoag City where Ilocos Norte Gov. Michael M. Keon and the provincial tourism office led by provincial tourism officer Angel Lao hosted their stay.

Marie Venus Q. Tan, tourism attaché of the Western, Central and Eastern Europe informed the governor in her recent letter addressed to Keon that at least four major French Tour wholesalers representing a total of 100 French travel agents are geared up for the first ever French mega-familiarization tour to the Philippines.

The invitational familiarization tour where the province of Ilocos Norte has been chosen by the organizers will surely boost our tourism industry, said assistant provincial tourism officer Jogie Jimenez who accompanied the group during their visit in this province.

Aside from Laoag City and Ilocos Norte where they visited the St. Augustine Church in Paoay, Ilocos Norte, a UNESCO world heritage site, the Sta. Monica Church in Sarrat, Museo Iloco and Pagudpud beach, the same group also went to the island of Bohol and Boracay.

IN tourism opens doors... According to Jimenez, the group of travel agents from France, Paris and other parts of Europe who were first-time visitors in this province were quite impressed by Ilocos Norte’s heritage sites as a showcase window of the Ilocanos’ rich history and cultural traditions. The visitors were likewise treated with Ilocano’s popular gastronomic delights.

Jimenez hopes that after the familiarization tour, more European tourists will be charmed to visit this northern gateway of the country.


:banana::banana::banana:

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Imelda Marcos eyeing congressional seat, says gov (http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/11/24/09/imelda-marcos-eyeing-congressional-seat-says-gov)


Former First Lady Imelda Marcos is eyeing a return to politics by running for the congressional seat of the 2nd District of Ilocos Norte, Gov. Michael Keon said Tuesday.

Keon told ABS-CBN that Marcos is "90 percent sure" of running next year for the position to be vacated by her son, Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. The younger Marcos is running for senator under the Kilusang Bagong Lipunan party as well as a guest candidate of the Nacionalista Party.

Keon said the former first lady may run unopposed in next year's polls. Sources interviewed by ABS-CBN said the former first lady considered running for the post so that the Marcos family need not endorse anyone in next year's election.

The former first lady was elected congresswoman of Ilocos Norte's 1st District in 1995. She previously placed fifth in the 1992 presidential election.

Marcos is a registered voter of Batac, Ilocos Norte.



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

Pangasinan barangays get communication gadgets (http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&fi=p091127.htm&no=17)


Dagupan City (27 November) -- Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. turned over Tuesday brand new hand-held radios and wireless telephone units to barangays in a ceremony at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center (NRSCC) gym.
The Governor said the communication tools are part of the provincial government's effort in beefing up peace and order, disaster preparedness and health services in the province.
The first batch of recipients were barangay captains from the towns of Aguilar, Basista, Bugallon, Labrador, Binmaley, Mangatarem, Lingayen and Urbiztondo, the Liga ng mga Barangay presidents and chiefs of police.
All 1,333 barangays will each receive one handheld radio and one wireless telephone with interlink to the offices of the mayor, police stations, hospitals, provincial Capitol and fire stations.
"Pag may emergency, tatawag kayo sa hospital at ipi-pick-up kayo ng ambulance mismo sa inyong bahay," the governor said.
Earlier, Espino recently turned over five brand new and six reconditioned ambulances to the various government-owned hospitals in Pangasinan. "Nine more brand new ambulances are set to arrive to be distributed to other government hospitals," the governor said.
All hospitals will have a minimum of two ambulances to encourage pregnant mothers to deliver their babies at the hospital, he said.
The communication equipment is packed with various features that provide faster and better exchange of communication during emergency and disaster situations.
Rowlyndon Julian, RAJ Technologies electronics engineer, said that the company has strategically installed a repeater system at Mount Sto. Tomas, Tuba, Benguet to amplify radio signal, thereby increasing the coverage area. "Maswerte po kayo dahil binigyan kayo ng inyong Gobernador ng pinakamalakas na two-way radio sa market na may 5.5 watts," Julian said.
Meanwhile, Board Member Amadeo Espino bared that the provincial government already paid Digitel the initial down payment for the wireless telephone which allows unlimited local calls and text.
He also announced that the governor and the provincial board already approved the release of P500 financial assistance to Barangay Health Workers (BHW) this December. "For the first time in the history of the province in Pangasinan, mabibigyan yung ating mga BHWs ng P500 financial assistance," he said.
Likewise, Police Provincial Director Percival Barba revealed that the governor already approved the life insurance for Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams (BPATs) worth P20,000. "Last Monday, BM Espino, myself and the insurer in the person of Manny Santos signed the Memorandum of Agreement allotting P20,000 life insurance for each BPATs member," Barba said.

New Baguio teachers to take oath December 9 (http://www.pia.gov.ph/default.asp?m=12&r=&y=&mo=&fi=p091127.htm&no=54)


Baguio City (27 November) -- Two examinees in Baguio City landed in the Top 10 in the October 2009 Licensure Examination for Teachers recently released by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) and the Board for Professional Teachers.
Peter John Delos Santos Magana from Mariano Marcos State University -Laoag- College of Education ranked No. 4 in the LET for elementary with a rating of 87.20.:cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers:
In the secondary level, Arvin Sammy De Vera Rivo from University Of Pangasinan was No. 10 with a rating of 88.60.
Out of 6,786 examinees in Baguio City, 1,838 or 27.09% successfully hurdled the test. Nationwide, 18, 863 out of 81,571 examinees or 23.12% passed the examination.
The oath-taking ceremonies of the successful examinees in Baguio City will be on Wednesday, December 9, 2009, 9:00 AM at the University of the Cordilleras Gym, Gov. Pack Road, Baguio City. Oath-taking tickets are available at the PRC Baguio Regional Office.
According to PRC Regional Director TEOFILO GAIUS M. SISON, JR, initial mass registration is ongoing.
Successful examinees should personally register and sign in the Roster of Registered Professionals. Requirements for the initial registration are: duly accomplished Oath Form or Panunumpa ng Propesyonal; 2009 Community Tax (Cedula);Photocopy of NSO Birth Certificate; Two pieces passport size pictures (colored with white background and complete name tag); One piece 1"x1" picture (colored with white background and complete name tag); One Short Brown Envelope; One metered documentary stamp for the Oath Form; and Initial Registration Fee of P600 and Annual Registration Fee of P450 for 2009-2012.
The Professional Identification Card (PIC) and Certificate of Registration are issued by PRC Central Office after registration.

P200-M rice processing complex to rise soon in Pangasinan (http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&r=&y=&mo=&fi=p091127.htm&no=42)


Dagupan City (27 November) -- Thousands of Pangasinan farmers yesterday witnessed the lowering of the time capsule that signals the start of the construction of the Modern Rice Processing Complex in Pangasinan.
The multi-million project grant by the Korean government, will be built at the provincial nursery in barangay Tebag, Sta. Barbara.
At the ground breaking ceremony, the Korean government led by Korea International Cooperating Agency (KOICA) President Kim In, together with Secretary Arthur Yap of the Department of Agriculture and Pangasinan government officials led by Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr signed the memorandum of agreement (MOA) which contains the responsibilities of the signatories for the project.
The state-of-the-art post harvest facilities will serve as a one-stop shop for milling, drying and storing, thus, helping reduce post-harvest losses. It will also enhance higher production and increase the income of farmers.
The construction starts in November and is expected to finish on May 2010.
Governor Espino, in his speech, has expressed gratitude to the Korean Government for making the province of Pangasinan one of the project recipients for the construction of Modern Integrated Rice Complexes (RPC) in the Philippines.
He also thanked Sec. Yap for endorsing Pangasinan to become the site of the modern RPC even as he expressed optimism that the Modern Integrated Rice Processing Complex will boost the province' agricultural development thrusts.
"With the rise of RPC in our province, we hope the province will be able to attain 95 percent increase of rice production in the coming years. More so, it will help not only the farmers in Pangasinan but also those from the nearby provinces of Tarlac and Nueva Ecija increase their income," he added.
Gov. Espino said the construction of RPC costs around P196 million with a counterpart from the province.
The province's counterpart includes the provision of a one-hectare lot for the construction site. The province through its engineering office has facilitated the site improvements which started in October.



:cheers::cheers::cheers:

Tagalog News: Halos 4,000 ang job applicants sa Jobs Bridging Program sa Region 1
(http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&r=&y=&mo=&fi=p091125.htm&no=84)

Laoag City, Ilocos Norte (25 November) -- Nagging matagumpay ang ginanap ng Regional Jobs Bridging Program sa Ilocos Norte Centennial Arena, sa Laoag City noong Nobyembre 12-13, 2009. Umabot sa 3,912 na karamihan ay kabataan ang dumalo at nag-apply ng trabaho.

Ang nasabing jobs fair ay isa sa mga programa ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal Arroyo na nagsisilbing "tulay" upang mabigyan o mahanapan ng trabaho ang taong-bayan. Ito ay pinangangasiwaan ng Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) sa pakikipagtulungan ng Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), provincial government sa pangunguna ni Gobernador Michael Marcos Keon, iba pang ahensiya ng pamahalaan at mga private enterprises.

Sa mga nasabing aplikante, 45 ay'hired-on-the-spot' at 2,833 naman ay'near-hires.' Ang iba sa kanila ay mga trabaho sa ibayong dagat. Mayroon mga 60 lokal at overseas employers ang nagbigay ng trabaho sa mga aplikante.
Upang madagdagan pa ang skills ng mga naghahanap ng trabaho, nagsagawa ang ilang paaralan sa probinsiya na naka-rehistro sa TESDA ng "technodemo" ng iba't-ibang kaalaman. Ang ilan sa mga skills ay table skirting, table napkin folding at bartending ng ipinamalas ng Marcos Agro-Industrial School; Massage Therapy na ipinakita ng Bacarra Institute of Technology at Data College Center of the Philippiines; Cake decoration na na hatid ng Ilocos Norte College of Arts & Trades; Adult CPR at bedmaking mula sa Takuat; at Adult Care na itinuro naman ng Primacare at SICES.



:banana::banana::banana:

http://i45.tinypic.com/14j7wvk.jpg


Philippines: Marcos Jr files candidacy for Philippine Senate (http://www.groundreport.com/Politics/Philippines-Marcos-Jr-files-candidacy-for-Philippi/2912767)


Manila - Philippine Congressman Ferdinand Marcos Jr formally filed his certificate for candidacy in the 2010 Senate line-up of the Nationalista Party. Bong-Bong Marcos, a popular congressman from his fathers bailiwick of Ilocos Norte where he also served as governor for several terms has perhaps one of the most recognized names in Philippine Politics and huge base of supporters to count of from his fathers and mothers terms in office.

But in the same light Marcos also bears the baggage of allegations of the years of abuse suffered b man Filipinos under his fathers rule. Some of which includes his role and that of his sisters who were active during his fathers 26 years in power both as a elected leader and later US - backed strongman.

However to these detractors, Marcos's Jr says, "I am proud to be a Marcos, I am proud to be my fathers son." making no attempt to downplay or manage what is fact of history and his parents years.

Who in spite of numerous allegations Marcos Sr. is regarded by many as one of the Philippines most popular if controversial presidents of the 20th century. Critics who have for decades pounded away at Marcos's role in history have not failed to dim the level support he enjoys from what many in Philippine politics view as the 'solid north', of the vote rich Ilocos Provinces.Marcos Jr, can count on support and also a strong level of voter turnout from his region and other parts of the country. But in the same light most surveys show 2 in 3 Filipinos surveyed have a positive reaction or memory of his fathers years in power. But, those are those over the age of 35 - most younger voters - many born in decades after the Marcos years have no memories of the those years other than the dictator label pegged on his father and conjugal nature of those years in power.

Ilocos as a model: Green energy, Agriculture, and Greenback's from tourism Marcos's plans to replicate nationwide

Marcos Jr. is quick to show off Windmills along the beaches of Pagupud town in the Ilocos province. Where he was governor as his model for how the Philippines can use alternative energy to lessen dependence on imported foreign oil. His Agricultural programs of heavy local government support per 100 hectare (220 acres) of farms in cooperative owned post harvest facilities- rice milling, drying and compost facilities is award winning model that has been copied though out Southeast Asia. The food supply of Ilocos itself is often seen as one of the most stable of the northern luzon areas of the Philippines. The same efforts which allows farmers to process rice and other crops and sell them through cooperative has established a steady supply for the strong local tourism industry of Ilocos. Nearly 200 small to medium scale resorts operate in the region most offering affordable vacation destinations for families and has been a large influx of investment and jobs in the region.

Lastly, Marcos jr has also been successful as a governor and congressman in implementing the national government PHILHEALTH program which provides for free medical care for residents who earn less than 10,000 pesos a year and subsidized cooperative health care for all members in a particular area. Marcos Jr's program has roughly 95% coverage one of the highest on the Philippines insuring health care for local resident and farmers who now can 'get sick' without fear in a province where productivity has increased because of this and other health care reforms introduced including subsidized or no cost medical care in the area. Similar programs exist in other provinces and Philippine cities including Makati in Metro Manila and Bukidnon province in Mindanao,

Leftist line-up pulls out from NP over Marcos inclusion:

Success aside as Governor - history and his other old foes still haunt his candidacy Marcos also has problems from within his own party where a senate slate made up of former communist rebels, now elected members of congress who were imprisoned during his fathers tenure have pulled out from the NP ticket and chosen to run as independents.Other political parties also have been keen to focus attention of Marcos in the line-up of the rival NP party of Billionaire property developer Mannuel Villar. Whose lineup for the senate - all voted for the same time as the President Vice President and local city, town, and local posts on the same day in the May 14, 2010 polls. As a indication of Villar's unique line-up of left wing and right wing candidates who make up his reconciliation ticket to tr and heal decades of division in Philippine politics.



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

http://i49.tinypic.com/zwcp5l.jpg


Imelda Marcos eyeing congressional seat, says gov (http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/11/24/09/imelda-marcos-eyeing-congressional-seat-says-gov)


Former First Lady Imelda Marcos is eyeing a return to politics by running for the congressional seat of the 2nd District of Ilocos Norte, Gov. Michael Keon said Tuesday.

Keon told ABS-CBN that Marcos is "90 percent sure" of running next year for the position to be vacated by her son, Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. The younger Marcos is running for senator under the Kilusang Bagong Lipunan party as well as a guest candidate of the Nacionalista Party.

Keon said the former first lady may run unopposed in next year's polls. Sources interviewed by ABS-CBN said the former first lady considered running for the post so that the Marcos family need not endorse anyone in next year's election.

The former first lady was elected congresswoman of Ilocos Norte's 1st District in 1995. She previously placed fifth in the 1992 presidential election.

Marcos is a registered voter of Batac, Ilocos Norte.



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

^^from Ilocos to Leyte...:):):)

^^from Ilocos to Leyte...:):):)

i think it's the other way:) from Leyte to Ilocos Norte:cheers: the Ilocanos love her by the way!:)

^^:lol:...pwede rin...

^^ Mommy Imelda is ours now hehehe!:colgate:

http://i46.tinypic.com/2rnzhbk.jpg

http://i49.tinypic.com/wufhmp.jpg

http://i46.tinypic.com/2clisp.jpg
Photos by: Hon. Kris Ablan (http://ablaners.multiply.com/)

http://i45.tinypic.com/2u7ptzr.jpg VS http://i46.tinypic.com/4judn6.jpg

Imee Marcos to run vs cousin in Ilocos Norte gubernatorial race (http://politics.inquirer.net/view.php?db=1&article=20091201-239553)


LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte, Philippines—Imee Marcos, the eldest child of the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos, filed on Tuesday her certificate of candidacy for governor, challenging the reelection bid of her cousin, Governor Michael Keon.

Marcos, a former representative of the province’s second district, filed her CoC as candidate of the Kilusang Bagong Lipunan at 10 a.m. Tuesday through a representative, lawyer Joel Garcia.

Keon filed his CoC on Monday under the administration Lakas-Kampi-CMD.

Marcos’ candidacy came as a surprise among political observers here but local leaders believed her move was a ploy to derail the bid of her cousin’s possible opponents.

Ilocanos are keeping watch as to who will the Marcoses field in the race in the second congressional district, which will be vacated by Marcos’ brother, Representative Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

Marcos Jr., a former Ilocos Norte governor, is running for senator as a guest candidate of the Nacionalista Party, which has Senator Manuel Villar Jr. as its standard bearer.

Reports have been going around in Ilocos Norte that the Marcoses’ mother, former First Lady Imelda Marcos, may run in the second congressional district race. Mrs. Marcos was in the province last week but as of Tuesday afternoon, no CoC had been filed on her behalf.



:cheers:Go Go Go Marcoses!:banana:

^^ Mommy Imelda is ours now hehehe!:colgate:

http://i46.tinypic.com/2rnzhbk.jpg

http://i49.tinypic.com/wufhmp.jpg

http://i46.tinypic.com/2clisp.jpg
Photos by: Hon. Kris Ablan (http://ablaners.multiply.com/)

^^nice mall...more pix pa...:D


http://i45.tinypic.com/2u7ptzr.jpg VS http://i46.tinypic.com/4judn6.jpg

Imee Marcos to run vs cousin in Ilocos Norte gubernatorial race (http://politics.inquirer.net/view.php?db=1&article=20091201-239553)


LAOAG CITY, Ilocos Norte, Philippines—Imee Marcos, the eldest child of the late strongman Ferdinand Marcos, filed on Tuesday her certificate of candidacy for governor, challenging the reelection bid of her cousin, Governor Michael Keon.

Marcos, a former representative of the province’s second district, filed her CoC as candidate of the Kilusang Bagong Lipunan at 10 a.m. Tuesday through a representative, lawyer Joel Garcia.

Keon filed his CoC on Monday under the administration Lakas-Kampi-CMD.

Marcos’ candidacy came as a surprise among political observers here but local leaders believed her move was a ploy to derail the bid of her cousin’s possible opponents.

Ilocanos are keeping watch as to who will the Marcoses field in the race in the second congressional district, which will be vacated by Marcos’ brother, Representative Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

Marcos Jr., a former Ilocos Norte governor, is running for senator as a guest candidate of the Nacionalista Party, which has Senator Manuel Villar Jr. as its standard bearer.

Reports have been going around in Ilocos Norte that the Marcoses’ mother, former First Lady Imelda Marcos, may run in the second congressional district race. Mrs. Marcos was in the province last week but as of Tuesday afternoon, no CoC had been filed on her behalf.



:cheers:Go Go Go Marcoses!:banana:

^^panu yan mag pinsan sila...

^^ thanks mao rong;)


get ready Ilocandia and let's celebrate! :banana:

http://i47.tinypic.com/dr2ka8.gif

Dawn Zulueta
Jay R
Carla Abellana
Karylle


^^ these are the celebrities to show up for the grand opening day of Robinsons Ilocos Norte:):cheers:

here are the tenants to open(maybe) their shops on the opening day:)

Robinsons Department Store,
Robinsons Supermarket,
Handyman Do-It Best Home Center,
Robinsons Appliances and
Robinsons Movieworld
Bench,
Guess,
Res-Toe-Run,
Travel Club,
Penshoppe,
For Me,
Oxygen,
Rusty Lopez,
Converse,
Sport’s Fit,
Mendrez,
Sun Shop,
Bench Body,
Silicon Valley,
Picture City,
Gamer’s Station,
Tom’s World,
Gadgets Plus,
David’s Salon,
Mercury Drug,
Expressions,
RS Bank,
LBC,
CDRKing,
KFC,
Pizza Hut,
Mister Donut
Mang Inasal
Timex,
Argentee,
Aficionado,
Candy Mix,
Lighter’s Galore,
Time Concept,
Broadway Gems,
Ibay’s Silver,
XChange,
Phyla Herb,
Kiddie Kart,
Lee Hua’s Charms,
Coffe and Crepes by Cafe Laoag,
Pinoy Blend Takoyaki,
Siomai House,
Authentic Japanese Corn,
Hongkong Noodle House,
Burger Factory,
Belgian Waffle,
Mr. Softy and Leylam Shawarma.


at syempre di papatalo ang local players natin:

Hi Factor,
Vertext Handy Phone,
La Preciosa,
Kookee House,
Jogan’s More on Toppings and Grills,
Alvin’s Super Sizzling,
Everything’s Chinese Food Hauz,
C & E,
and M.I.W. Food House. :)

^^ thanks mao rong;)


get ready Ilocandia and let's celebrate! :banana:

http://i47.tinypic.com/dr2ka8.gif

Dawn Zulueta
Jay R
Carla Abellana
Karylle


^^ these are the celebrities to show up for the grand opening day of Robinsons Ilocos Norte:):cheers:

^^lapit na ah...pix ha?...:)

^^ sure mao!:)


HAPPY ROBINSONS GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION ILOCANDIA!
:dance:
:cheer::cheer::cheer::cheer::cheer::cheer::cheer::cheer::cheer::cheer::cheer::cheer::cheer::cheer::cheer::cheer::cheer::cheer::cheer::cheer::cheer::cheer::cheer:

DA tests hybrid cotton variety from India (http://pia.gov.ph/?m=12&fi=p091202.htm&no=43)

Koronadal City (2 December) -- Agriculture Undersecretary for Policy and Planning Segfredo Serrano reported that the Cotton Development Administration (CDA) has started actual trial of Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) cotton by planting the transgenic-hybrid variety in one of its screen houses at the cotton farm in Batac City, Ilocos Norte.

Planting in screen houses is the first step in testing the viability of Bt cotton in the country.

The Bt cotton used for testing by CDA was supplied by Indian firm Nath Biogene (India) Ltd.

Testing of the Bt cotton seeds from would take three seasons or around three years, revealed an official of the CDA.

After the greenhouse trial, the CDA would accordingly proceed with the field testing.

DA-Biotechnology Program Office director Alicia Ilaga also said that the Philippine cotton industry is severely affected by bollworm infestation in cotton plantations.

"Our biotech solution to this problem is the introduction of a superior variety that resists pests," said Ilaga in a statement.

Under the strict supervision of the Biosafety Committee of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the Bureau of Plant Industry-Quarantine Service, together with CDA Institutional Biosafety Committee (IBC), six commercial transgenic cotton varieties imported from Nath Biogene were planted side by side with three locally developed commercial non-Bt cotton varieties.

Specifically, the contained experiment will evaluate the efficacy of the six Indian transgenic-hybrid cotton varieties that contains the China-developed fused Bt genes in controlling bollworm under local environments. Limited field trials will be conducted in CDA's experiment stations and select farms in Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao within the next one or two cotton seasons.

Ilaga noted that the transgenic-hybrid cotton, or Bt cotton, in the trial contains the fused Bt-genes cry 1Ab/cry 1Ac that provides the plant a high degree of protection against cotton bollworm. In Asia, Bt cotton is already planted largely in China and India.

The Philippines hopes to replicate the success of India, not just in the commercial propagation of Bt cotton, but also in the export of the genetically modified product, Ilaga said. (PIA12/aca)

Pangasinan barangays get communication gadgets (http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&fi=p091127.htm&no=17)


Dagupan City (27 November) -- Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr. turned over Tuesday brand new hand-held radios and wireless telephone units to barangays in a ceremony at the Narciso Ramos Sports and Civic Center (NRSCC) gym.
The Governor said the communication tools are part of the provincial government's effort in beefing up peace and order, disaster preparedness and health services in the province.
The first batch of recipients were barangay captains from the towns of Aguilar, Basista, Bugallon, Labrador, Binmaley, Mangatarem, Lingayen and Urbiztondo, the Liga ng mga Barangay presidents and chiefs of police.
All 1,333 barangays will each receive one handheld radio and one wireless telephone with interlink to the offices of the mayor, police stations, hospitals, provincial Capitol and fire stations.
"Pag may emergency, tatawag kayo sa hospital at ipi-pick-up kayo ng ambulance mismo sa inyong bahay," the governor said.
Earlier, Espino recently turned over five brand new and six reconditioned ambulances to the various government-owned hospitals in Pangasinan. "Nine more brand new ambulances are set to arrive to be distributed to other government hospitals," the governor said.
All hospitals will have a minimum of two ambulances to encourage pregnant mothers to deliver their babies at the hospital, he said.
The communication equipment is packed with various features that provide faster and better exchange of communication during emergency and disaster situations.
Rowlyndon Julian, RAJ Technologies electronics engineer, said that the company has strategically installed a repeater system at Mount Sto. Tomas, Tuba, Benguet to amplify radio signal, thereby increasing the coverage area. "Maswerte po kayo dahil binigyan kayo ng inyong Gobernador ng pinakamalakas na two-way radio sa market na may 5.5 watts," Julian said.
Meanwhile, Board Member Amadeo Espino bared that the provincial government already paid Digitel the initial down payment for the wireless telephone which allows unlimited local calls and text.
He also announced that the governor and the provincial board already approved the release of P500 financial assistance to Barangay Health Workers (BHW) this December. "For the first time in the history of the province in Pangasinan, mabibigyan yung ating mga BHWs ng P500 financial assistance," he said.
Likewise, Police Provincial Director Percival Barba revealed that the governor already approved the life insurance for Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams (BPATs) worth P20,000. "Last Monday, BM Espino, myself and the insurer in the person of Manny Santos signed the Memorandum of Agreement allotting P20,000 life insurance for each BPATs member," Barba said.

naku sa election lang yan gagamitin di ba?para mabantayan ang kanilang boto at para ma update ung bilang ng boto nila,pero sa totoo lang lumalabas yang mga ganyang propaganda tuwing eleksyon dito sa pangasinan.:ohno::ohno:

P200-M rice processing complex to rise soon in Pangasinan (http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&r=&y=&mo=&fi=p091127.htm&no=42)


Dagupan City (27 November) -- Thousands of Pangasinan farmers yesterday witnessed the lowering of the time capsule that signals the start of the construction of the Modern Rice Processing Complex in Pangasinan.
The multi-million project grant by the Korean government, will be built at the provincial nursery in barangay Tebag, Sta. Barbara.
At the ground breaking ceremony, the Korean government led by Korea International Cooperating Agency (KOICA) President Kim In, together with Secretary Arthur Yap of the Department of Agriculture and Pangasinan government officials led by Gov. Amado T. Espino, Jr signed the memorandum of agreement (MOA) which contains the responsibilities of the signatories for the project.
The state-of-the-art post harvest facilities will serve as a one-stop shop for milling, drying and storing, thus, helping reduce post-harvest losses. It will also enhance higher production and increase the income of farmers.
The construction starts in November and is expected to finish on May 2010.
Governor Espino, in his speech, has expressed gratitude to the Korean Government for making the province of Pangasinan one of the project recipients for the construction of Modern Integrated Rice Complexes (RPC) in the Philippines.
He also thanked Sec. Yap for endorsing Pangasinan to become the site of the modern RPC even as he expressed optimism that the Modern Integrated Rice Processing Complex will boost the province' agricultural development thrusts.
"With the rise of RPC in our province, we hope the province will be able to attain 95 percent increase of rice production in the coming years. More so, it will help not only the farmers in Pangasinan but also those from the nearby provinces of Tarlac and Nueva Ecija increase their income," he added.
Gov. Espino said the construction of RPC costs around P196 million with a counterpart from the province.
The province's counterpart includes the provision of a one-hectare lot for the construction site. The province through its engineering office has facilitated the site improvements which started in October.



:cheers::cheers::cheers:
hello,,,,808 ayan nakapag post na rin me dito sa thread na ito,salamat!
ayan sakaling matapaos yan,makakbawi na ulit ang probinsya sa nawalang palay last bagyong ondoy ,sa totoo lang malaking kawalan asng nasalantang palayan sa pangasinan dahil ang pangasinan ang pangatlong (3) rice producer sa buong bansa.

Hope to pose pics here doon sa baging bukas na Robinsons Ilocos Norte :)

^^Congrats Ilocos!!!:banana::banana::banana:...pix naman dyan...:D

http://photos-p.friendster.com/photos/61/39/51529316/2_604692205l.jpg

http://photos-p.friendster.com/photos/61/39/51529316/2_564172921l.jpg

http://photos-p.friendster.com/photos/61/39/51529316/2_441267227l.jpg

http://photos-p.friendster.com/photos/61/39/51529316/2_622462586l.jpg

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http://photos-p.friendster.com/photos/61/39/51529316/2_999999681l.jpg

http://photos-p.friendster.com/photos/61/39/51529316/2_517637499l.jpg

http://photos-p.friendster.com/photos/61/39/51529316/2_817360574l.jpg

http://photos-p.friendster.com/photos/61/39/51529316/2_602276531l.jpg

http://photos-p.friendster.com/photos/61/39/51529316/2_340533574l.jpg

http://photos-p.friendster.com/photos/61/39/51529316/2_462570147l.jpg

http://photos-p.friendster.com/photos/61/39/51529316/2_850153482l.jpg

Great set of Photos true_north!

The Opening Day was so successful, even had a traffic jam all the way from north bound of Gilbert bridge through South, a lot of people just stepped outside on the PUV at the middle of the bridge and started to walk heading towards Robinsons Ilocos Norte.

I will have a chance to visit tomorrow (Dec. 5) together with my family, and I might be able to share also some Photos of mine.

Kasla arig na di kalman, nu padaya kuma ket alisto ti tao! Hehe:):)

^^great shots...:banana:...luv the tiles...:):):)

migail: talaga! i experienced that horrible sight. haha, i was on my way home to laoag then, bwala! a manila-like traffic jam. i was stuck along robinsons for about 30 minutes. laoag and san nicolas should really do something about the traffic. kumbaga, help each other :)

the mall isn't a big one. a half day stay is enough :lol:
but still, robinsons is still robinsons. there are still a lot of spaces. indeed, this mall is the talk of the town, and also the whole province for that matter :)

mao rong: thanks! :banana:

^^Lagyan ng traffic lights tapos pedestrian lane and then more cops around the area. Magiging busy district na yan in the future. :)

migail: talaga! i experienced that horrible sight. haha, i was on my way home to laoag then, bwala! a manila-like traffic jam. i was stuck along robinsons for about 30 minutes. laoag and san nicolas should really do something about the traffic. kumbaga, help each other :)

the mall isn't a big one. a half day stay is enough :lol:
but still, robinsons is still robinsons. there are still a lot of spaces. indeed, this mall is the talk of the town, and also the whole province for that matter :)

mao rong: thanks! :banana:

^^i posted your pix pala sa LVM thread..hope you dont mind po...:D...btw, ano area nang Rob Ilocos?

http://photos-p.friendster.com/photos/61/39/51529316/2_604692205l.jpg

http://photos-p.friendster.com/photos/61/39/51529316/2_564172921l.jpg

http://photos-p.friendster.com/photos/61/39/51529316/2_441267227l.jpg

http://photos-p.friendster.com/photos/61/39/51529316/2_622462586l.jpg

http://photos-p.friendster.com/photos/61/39/51529316/2_618121447l.jpg

http://photos-p.friendster.com/photos/61/39/51529316/2_999999681l.jpg

http://photos-p.friendster.com/photos/61/39/51529316/2_517637499l.jpg

http://photos-p.friendster.com/photos/61/39/51529316/2_817360574l.jpg

http://photos-p.friendster.com/photos/61/39/51529316/2_602276531l.jpg

http://photos-p.friendster.com/photos/61/39/51529316/2_340533574l.jpg

http://photos-p.friendster.com/photos/61/39/51529316/2_462570147l.jpg

http://photos-p.friendster.com/photos/61/39/51529316/2_850153482l.jpg


WOW! nice interior shots true_north!:banana: thank you so much for sharing!:cheers: love it! so beautiful! finally, a Robinsons mall in our province!:banana: I want to see more please hehehe!

Great set of Photos true_north!

The Opening Day was so successful, even had a traffic jam all the way from north bound of Gilbert bridge through South, a lot of people just stepped outside on the PUV at the middle of the bridge and started to walk heading towards Robinsons Ilocos Norte.

I will have a chance to visit tomorrow (Dec. 5) together with my family, and I might be able to share also some Photos of mine.

Kasla arig na di kalman, nu padaya kuma ket alisto ti tao! Hehe:):)

OH MY!:nuts: Oo, sobrang traffic nga daw diyan! kwento ka pa migail!:) hope to see your pics too!:banana:

migail: talaga! i experienced that horrible sight. haha, i was on my way home to laoag then, bwala! a manila-like traffic jam. i was stuck along robinsons for about 30 minutes. laoag and san nicolas should really do something about the traffic. kumbaga, help each other :)

the mall isn't a big one. a half day stay is enough :lol:
but still, robinsons is still robinsons. there are still a lot of spaces. indeed, this mall is the talk of the town, and also the whole province for that matter :)

whooaaa 30 minutes?:nuts: it's ok if it isn't big, at least it's Robinsons hehe:lol: thanks again true_north! swerte niyo at nandon kayo sa opening day! I'm so jealous:)



^^great shots...:banana:...luv the tiles...:):):)

love it too!:cheers:

808 state: you're very much welcome. i went to the mall with friends and i thought why not take some shots for sc city :lol:

i actually went on the 2nd day, not the first. i had night class during the opening then here comes the traffic. :lol:

mao rong: no harm done :)
it's located along the laoag-san nicolas boundary though jurisdiction falls already to the latter.

Fraulein: exactly! robinsons should donate a stop light :nuts:

more pix pa po...:D

^^ maybe next week. i'll be there again :)

thats awesome. it finally opened. exactly 32 days since i left laoag. wished it opened before or during my stay there. they would have loved me. i would have done some damage to my wallet if it was opened. shopping and buying food. and i told my mom too bad it wasnt opened...because i was willing to bring all my nieces and nephews to the movies (that's about 15 kids...lol).

oh well, next time. maybe in several years again. philippines is to expensive of a trip to go every year. dont know how my coworkers can do that....take off one month a year. my coworkers should be happy to know that its opened up and that they have a mall to shop at.

well, maybe next time SM will be built when i come up.

^^ maybe next week. i'll be there again :)

please do! can't really wait to see the rest!:cheers:

808 state: you're very much welcome. i went to the mall with friends and i thought why not take some shots for sc city :lol:

i actually went on the 2nd day, not the first. i had night class during the opening then here comes the traffic. :lol:



I'm glad that you didn't forget about SSC! that's a great attitude to have!:okay: ahhh no wonder there were a few people walking around!:lol:

^^Lagyan ng traffic lights tapos pedestrian lane and then more cops around the area. Magiging busy district na yan in the future. :)

I agree!:) Venvi's key goal should be installing traffic lights(required talaga) or even footbridges to avoid future gridlock and congestion:cheers:

http://i50.tinypic.com/2hg448i.jpg
^^pwede na kaya ito?:banana:

next year, IRAA will be held in the province in february I think, meaning, delegates from the region might want to shop at Robinsons, tsaka Pamulinawen Festival pa... baka mangyari ulit ang nangyari sa opening day:)

so laoag, san nicolas, venvi and robinsons must tackle this issue:cheers:

Let's get ready again Ilocandia! ;)

Coming Soon!
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net find

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Photo credit: guitarose

Ilocos Norte's most exciting and ambitious project to date;)

hello,,,,808 ayan nakapag post na rin me dito sa thread na ito,salamat!
ayan sakaling matapaos yan,makakbawi na ulit ang probinsya sa nawalang palay last bagyong ondoy ,sa totoo lang malaking kawalan asng nasalantang palayan sa pangasinan dahil ang pangasinan ang pangatlong (3) rice producer sa buong bansa.


hi Ramil! thank you!:) mabuti at nagawi ka dito sa thread...btw, you're welcome here! :cheers: oo nga grabe ang nangyari sa pangasinan:ohno: I'm happy at unti-unti ng nakakabangon ang pangasinan:banana: mabuhay ang rehiyon!:cheers:

Let's get ready again Ilocandia! ;)

Coming Soon!
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net find

http://img39.imagefra.me/img/img39/2/9/9/f_1m_35fc5cf.jpg
Photo credit: guitarose

Ilocos Norte's most exciting and ambitious project to date;)

^^ang ganda!...sana ganun din kataas yung itatayo nilang hotel dito sa Tacloban...:D

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great idea 808 state! where did you get this?

SM update: according to my friend's cousin, who works with DPWH, SM will really build their newest mall along the airport ave. near the dike. it's a huge vacant lot with some homes and they said SM bought their properties already. let's hope it becomes into reality! :banana:

but for now, it's just a rumor.

^^ thanks true_north! here's the link (http://subicbaynews.blogspot.com/2006_10_01_archive.html)

about sa SM, sana magkatotoo na!:cheers: para mas lalo pang dumami ang ating mga bisita from other provinces! :banana: and matuloy na rin sana ang PUREGOLD hehehe:banana: and pretty soon Laoag-San Nicolas will be the shopping capital of the north:cheers:



Manila gets a taste of Iluko Christmas (http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/fashionandbeauty/fashionandbeauty/view/20091128-238819/Manila_gets_a_taste_of_Iluko_Christmas)


MUSEO ILOCOS NORTE WILL be staging Ray-Aw: Christmas in Ilocos at the Rockwell Tent on Dec. 4, 6 p.m.

“Ray-Aw” is Ilocano for “celebrate.” It is the Museum’s first fundraiser in Manila and promises to take guests through a virtual and entertaining tour of Ilocos.

The experience starts with guests entering a huge antique door typical of age-old Ilocano cathedrals. They are then transported to a virtual town plaza, the center of all activity, as the town goes through the hustle and bustle of Christmas preparations.

Once at the plaza, the show starts with the dawn Mass. Following it are a typical Market Day and a tour of the best Ilocano tourist spots. Everything culminates back at the town plaza for the Lantern Parade. Throughout the virtual day tour, a band, choral performances, dances and a fashion show featuring Abel Iloco will entertain the guests.

And what tour of Ilocos would be complete without an Ilocano feast, now called “Ilocanew cuisine,” consisting of traditional Ilocano dishes interpreted in the way that only Glenda Barretto (of Via Mare) and Claude Tayag can.

The food trip promises to be an incomparable experience, featuring dishes such as Tupig (Ilocano Suman), Baradibud, Oyster Shooters in Basi, Bagnet wrapped in young mustard leaves and rice wrappers, Jellied Dinuguan Skewerettes, Chicken Miki Soup in Demitasse Cups, and Poque Poque in Profiteroles, to name a few.

To bring home the experience, a bazaar featuring Ilocano crafts and delicacies will be open to the public from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. The bazaar will feature the famous Abel Iloco handwoven fabrics, intricate Ilocano baskets, and delicacies such as Empanadang Iloko, Sukang Iloco, Cornick and Bagnet.

The proceeds of Ray-Aw and the bazaar will benefit outreach programs of the Museo Ilocos Norte. The museum was primarily designed to instill a sense of pride for the roots of the young Ilocanos, Yapayaos, Itnegs and other citizens of the province. It aims to create, among both the young and old, a feeling of belonging for their ancient homeland.




ngek... huli na pala ako:lol:

^^ang ganda!...sana ganun din kataas yung itatayo nilang hotel dito sa Tacloban...:D

thanks mao rong! yup, maganda talaga ang Balai Condominiums!:banana: and 3 towers siya:)
naku sana nga at ganyang kataas ang itatayong hotel sa tabi ng RPT:cheers:

migail: talaga! i experienced that horrible sight. haha, i was on my way home to laoag then, bwala! a manila-like traffic jam. i was stuck along robinsons for about 30 minutes. laoag and san nicolas should really do something about the traffic. kumbaga, help each other :)

the mall isn't a big one. a half day stay is enough :lol:
but still, robinsons is still robinsons. there are still a lot of spaces. indeed, this mall is the talk of the town, and also the whole province for that matter :)

Yeah, pero nakakapagod ding maglakad bitbit ko pa si baby.:lol:

OH MY!:nuts: Oo, sobrang traffic nga daw diyan! kwento ka pa migail!:) hope to see your pics too!:banana:

Oo, sobrang traffic daw, even Ambulance couldn't pass through.

We went yesterday, upon reaching at the south bridge at about 3:00 P.M., there is already a moderate traffic all the way to The Center.

They should put a pedestrian lane in the highway as well as a traffic light. More security should be roving around at the parking lot most especially at night, did they put a CCTV cameras outside the mall?

Sana gagawa pa sila ng isang daan doon sa east part nito, para ma-divert yung ibang pupunta sa Robinsons.

Inside Robinsons, mas maraming mapagpipiliang tao kesa ung mabibili doon!:lol:, I even saw a TRIO of Lolo's roaming inside..:lol:, I even saw my former classmates working at the mall. Well okay naman ung security sa loob may designated post sila, but still they are roaming.

May pa-promo sana ang Robinsons Ilocos, Dec. pa naman ngaun.

I just took a few shots outside before leaving Robinsons yesterday, anyway babalik ulit kami next Sat... That's all for the meantime, guys, just update the thread nalang.

thanks mao rong! yup, maganda talaga ang Balai Condominiums!:banana: and 3 towers siya:)
naku sana nga at ganyang kataas ang itatayong hotel sa tabi ng RPT:cheers:

^^fingers crossed...:D

"Rimat ti Amianan" opens 8th annual exhibit (http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&r=&y=&mo=&fi=p091207.htm&no=34)


San Fernando City, La Union (7 December) -- The "Rimat ti Amianan", an annual activity / exhibit showcasing the various products and designs of different exhibitors coming from the provinces of La Union, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, and Pangasinan as well as in the Cordilleras, opens recently at the City Plaza grounds.

Now on its eight year, the activity caters at least 159 exhibitors, with various products like the bagnet, empanada, kalamay, chichacorn, and bibingka, from Ilocos Norte and Ilocos Sur; basi, wooden furnitures, pure honey, daing, Natomo super kalan, and inabel from La Union; puto–kutsinta, bagoong, native sweets from Pangasinan; woven sweaters, blouse and jackets from the Cordilleras; flowering and ornamental plants, toys, leather goods and a lot more are sold at affordable prices.

Highlights during the activity which starts from Dec 4-20 are Inter-School Dancesports Competition, Inter-school Sportsfest 2009, Search for Mr. and Ms. SBO Sportsfest, Search for Mr. and Ms. Rimat Ti Amianan, Inter-School Cheerdance Competition, Search for Mutya ng Kabataan 2009, Food Festival, Folkloriko, Ginoong Filipinas La Union Pageant and a lot more surprises.

Technology Demonstrations like Massage & Reflexology, Manicure & Pedicure, Empanada Making, Seawood Processing, Integrated Goat Management, Mango Processing, Abalone Culture and Fish Tapa, and Plasti awaits interested would be entrepreneurs.

Congressman Victor F. Ortega together with the City's first lady Madam Mariquita P. Ortega cut the ceremonial ribbon and led the tour of exhibits during the opening ceremony.

According to Congressman Ortega, the Rimat ti Amianan is a very nice project which needs to be fully sustained as it helps a lot of micro, small and medium enterprises market their products.

City Mayor Pablo C. Ortega defines this annual trade fair as a potential event and a very effective promotional medium where one can market and buy high quality products being locally produced in the region.

Board Member and Trade & Industry Committee Chairman Henry Balbin said that the Provincial Government can ensure its full support to this annual activity, and for the benefit of the SME's – being the "backbone of our economy", the Provincial Government has revisited the La Union Investment Incentive Code to enhance a more effectively way of doing business here in the province.

Rimat Ti Amianan is a joint project of the Department of Trade and Industry, Provincial Government of La Union and the City Government of San Fernando, in cooperation with the Philippine Chamber Commerce and Industry – La Union Chapter, La Union Hotel and Restaurant Association, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Department of Agrarian Reform, Department of Agriculture, Department of Science and Technology, Department of Tourism, Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University and Technical Education Skills Development Authority.



:cheers::cheers::cheers:

Oo, sobrang traffic daw, even Ambulance couldn't pass through.

We went yesterday, upon reaching at the south bridge at about 3:00 P.M., there is already a moderate traffic all the way to The Center.

They should put a pedestrian lane in the highway as well as a traffic light. More security should be roving around at the parking lot most especially at night, did they put a CCTV cameras outside the mall?

Sana gagawa pa sila ng isang daan doon sa east part nito, para ma-divert yung ibang pupunta sa Robinsons.

Inside Robinsons, mas maraming mapagpipiliang tao kesa ung mabibili doon!:lol:, I even saw a TRIO of Lolo's roaming inside..:lol:, I even saw my former classmates working at the mall. Well okay naman ung security sa loob may designated post sila, but still they are roaming.

May pa-promo sana ang Robinsons Ilocos, Dec. pa naman ngaun.

I just took a few shots outside before leaving Robinsons yesterday, anyway babalik ulit kami next Sat... That's all for the meantime, guys, just update the thread nalang.


please share mo those pics you took:banana: I can really imagine how the shoppers flocked to the mall on the opening day!:cheers: wow and even the lolos didn't miss it:lol: yup sabi ng friend ko, madami pa raw ang hindi open... ito na yata ang simula ng maunlad na Ilocos Norte:cheers: hayaan mo't baka may promo before/after Christmas;)

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Photos by: Hon. Kris Ablan (http://ablaners.multiply.com/)

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Photos by: Hon. Kris Ablan (http://ablaners.multiply.com/)

i-SbcYsGjbk&featureGgnNsk5sPNg

2 Pinoy students get perfect scores in int’l math tilt (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20091206-240494/2-Pinoy-students-get-perfect-scores-in-intl-math-tilt)


MANILA, Philippines -- Two young Filipino math wizards won gold medals in the just concluded 2009 Philippine International Mathematics Competition (PIMC) for elementary and high school students.

The two and a Thai student were the only competitors who got perfect scores in the 20-nation contest.

Mikaela Angela Uy and Justin Edric Yturzaeta, students of St. Jude Catholic School in Manila and Jubilee Christian Academy in Quezon City, respectively, shared the honors with Theemathas Chirananthavat from Thailand.

Uy, Yturzaeta and Theemathas took first, second and third place, respectively, in the PIMC’s individual contest for elementary students, according to Dr. Simon Chua, president and co-founder of Mathematics Trainers’ Guild-Phils. which hosted the competition.

“They were the toast of the PIMC,” Chua told the Philippine Daily Inquirer on Sunday.

Uy and Yturzaeta were among the 24 gold medalists from the Philippines who topped the PIMC with a 100-medal haul.

The Philippine team also bagged 32 silver and 44 bronze medals in the competition, held last week at the Grand Iloilo Hotel in Iloilo City.

Thailand came in second with 48 medals, including 20 golds, while Taiwan was third with 46, including 14 golds.

Defending champion China could only place fifth. It was edged out of fourth place by Hong Kong, which took home three gold medals, one more than the Chinese team.

More than 800 students competed in the PIMC, which the Philippines last hosted in 2005.

Members of the MTG-trained Philippine team will be feted by the Department of Science and Technology during this week’s DOST Youth Excellence in Science Awards.

This year, MTG wards garnered more than 240 medals, including 18 golds, from various foreign math contests, including the 5th Singapore International Math Contest, 8th China Girls’ Math Olympiad, China Junior High School Math Olympiad, China Primary Math Olympiad, 10th World Youth Invitational Math Intercities Competition in South Africa, and the 2009 International Math League Contest in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Meanwhile, seven students won gold medals in the individual contest of the PIMC’s Parallel National Math Competition for elementary students: Clyde Wesley Ang from Chiang Kai Shek College; Nathaniel Joshua Balete from St. Stephen’s High School; Magin Benedict Ferrer from St. Joseph School (Iloilo); Philip Lizarda from San Beda College-Alabang; Hans Bryan Geremy Ong and Kaye Janelle Yao from Grace Christian College; and Rachel Rojo from Zamboanga Chong Hua High School.

The silver medalists were Lorenzo Jose Baquiran from Jaro I Elementary School; Vincent Jaime Benitez from Solomon Integrated School de Iloilo; and Marc Patrick Celon and Leiko Armand Ravelo, both from Philippine Science High School.

The bronze medalists were Mark Davidson Cua from Pangasinan Universal Institute:cheers::cheers::cheers:; Cary Albert Chan and Geline Isabel Cua, both from St. Jude Catholic School.

The gold medal winners in the event’s high school division were Shaun Wesley Que and Jeremy Vance Yap, both from Grace Christian College, and Bianca Lorraine Sing from Chiang Kai Shek College.

The silver medal winners were Eril Lance Astillero and Richard Milante, both from Chiang Kai Shek College; Sean Timothy Cheng from Grace Christian College; Jayhan Regner from Xavier University; and Jon Rubert Yap and Mario Juvenal Onglao III, both from Xavier School.

The bronze medalists were Alexis del Castillo, Adrian Jude Jumangit and Ludhovik Luiz Madrid, all from PSHS; Keefe Colin Tan and Janssen Lawrence Chan from St. Jude Catholic School; Michelin Ang from Philippine Institute of Quezon City; and Paula Micah Chua from Dee Hwa Liong Academy.

In the Sharp-MTG Whiz Kid Challenge, the gold medalists were Janina Erica Damian from Colegio San Agustin-Biñan; Nicholas Timothy Ang from Chiang Kai Shek College; Francis Concepcion from Philippine Cultural College; and Vince Say, Isabella Tan and Stuart Sy, all from St. Jude College.

In the Sharp-MTG Math Problem Solving Competition, only Immanuel Concepcion from Philippine Science High School-Main Campus (in Quezon City) won a gold medal.

PSHS also topped the Sharp-MTG Math Trail and Problem Solving Competition. Makati Science High School placed second while PSHS-West Visayas was third.

O7pEJM1s35M

nice...tnx for the pix of RPI...:D

post nyo sa LVM thread pix nang Robi Ilocos Norte po...:D

nice...tnx for the pix of RPI...:D

you're welcome mao! the credit goes to Hon. Kris Ablan:cheers:

post nyo sa LVM thread pix nang Robi Ilocos Norte po...:D

I would love to but not now hehe!:) ikaw na lang ang mag-post mao!:banana:

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The Laoag City Government procured additional vehicle for the Laoag City PNP and the DPS Traffic Section to be utilized in maintaining the peace and order and in the conduct smooth flow of traffic in the City’s Central Business District.
PSUPT BLANCO said that aside from the usefulness of the E-TAXI in congested areas, it is also an environment and user friendly because it uses chargeable batteries and it emits no gas at all.


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The Chief of Police, PSUPT STERLING RAYMUND P BLANCO received the Police SWAT VAN from the Laoag City Government.
The SWAT VAN is an added mobility that will enhance our campaign against criminality.


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PSUPT STERLING RAYMUND P BLANCO, COP Laoag City is receiving the key of a brand-new Hi-Lux patrol vehicle from Hon Michael V Fariñas, City Mayor, Laoag City for police operations


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The City Government of Laoag under the leadership of Hon. Michael V Fariñas, City Mayor donated of one (1) unit brand-new computer machine for use of Admin Branch, Laoag City PS.


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Ten (10) units Smart Bikes were donated to Traffic Division, Laoag City Police Station, by the City Government of Laoag headed by City Mayor, Hon. Michael V Fariñas.
Source: LAOAG CITY PNP (http://www.laoagcitypnp.com/MainPage.html)



MABUHAY AND THANK YOU LAOAG CITY GOVERNMENT!:banana::banana::banana:

^^ WoW kitang-kita talaga kung saan napupunta ang tax money ng mga Laoagenos ;)

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Photo credit: ramonlopez (http://www.flickr.com/photos/starcatch/)


Imelda, Imee not withdrawing from congressional, gubernatorial races (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=530245&publicationSubCategoryId=63)


LAOAG CITY, Philippines – Former first lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos vowed yesterday that she and her daughter Imee will not withdraw from the Ilocos Norte congressional and gubernatorial races respectively despite a tiff with a relative who is running against Imee.

“We will not withdraw,” Mrs. Marcos told newsmen after a meeting between feuding reelectionist Governor Michael Marcos Keon and former congresswoman Imee.

Imee is running against her cousin Keon for the gubernatorial post in Ilocos Norte.

Imee was accompanied by her brother Rep. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in the closed-door meeting with Keon.

Sources present at the meeting but who requested anonymity told The STAR that common political allies tried to persuade Imee and Keon to agree on one candidate only. But neither one was willing to give way, they said.

The Marcos family led by Imelda had solidly supported Keon in his bid for governor in 2007, which he won against former governor and first district congressman Rodolfo Fariñas. The feud, which reportedly erupted only recently, was triggered by Keon’s declaration in the media that Ilocanos will back his cousin Bongbong for senator but not Sen. Manny Villar for president.

The Marcoses, who are aligned with Villar, were reportedly angered by Keon’s declaration, which led to Imee running as the Nacionalista Party bet against Keon, who is supporting Lakas-Kampi-CMD standard-bearer Gilbert Teodoro.

“Bongbong, Imee and Mrs. Marcos felt humiliated by what Keon said to the media. They felt ashamed to Sen. Villar whom they promised to solidly support. The Marcoses promised Villar that they would get the votes of Ilocos because it is their bailiwick,” the sources added.

Mrs. Marcos, on the other hand, is pitted against former Vice Governor and Rep. Mariano Nalupta Jr. in the second district congressional race.

In another twist, Fariñas filed his certificate of candidacy for first district congressman on the last day of filing.

He told newsmen that Bongbong and Imee convinced him to join the 2010 political fray.

“After the last elections, I had decided to hang my political gloves. But how can I refuse the Marcoses?” he said.

It is publicly known here that Bongbong and Fariñas used to be at loggerheads.

In another move, the Marcoses also did not field a candidate against Fariñas’s younger brother Michael who is running for reelection as Laoag city mayor.

The twin moves are seen as “reconciliation and political healing” efforts but observers say it is an attempt by the Marcos family to mend political fences with the Fariñases and solidify the province’s support behind Bongbong and Villar.

Partial List of Candidates in Ilocos Norte for the 2010 Elections (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20091203-239844/Marcoses-back-Imee-runs-vs-cousin)


CONGRESSIONAL RACE (1st district):

Board Member Kris Ablan (Lakas-Kampi-CMD)
former Cong. Rudy Fariñas (NP)
Atty. Alfonso Ruiz
former Pagudpud Mayor Reynolan Sales
Board Member Renato Peralta


CONGRESSIONAL RACE (2nd district):

former First Lady Imelda Marcos
former Governor Mariano Nalupta Jr.



GUBERNATORIAL RACE:

Gov. Michael Keon
former Cong. Imee Marcos
Cong. Roque Ablan Jr.


VICE GUBERNATORIAL RACE:

Board Member Yvonne Ranada (KBL)
Board Member Angelo Marcos Barba (Lakas-Kampi-CMD)

Ortega, Dumpit slug it out anew for La Union governor (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=530365&publicationSubCategoryId=67)


MANILA, Philippines - It’s a return bout between incumbent Gov. Manuel “Manoling” Ortega and former second district representative Tomas “Tom” Dumpit Sr. for the May 2010 gubernatorial post in La Union.

Dumpit filed his certificate of candidacy for the governorship early Dec. 1 while Ortega filed 15 minutes before the Comelec provincial office closed.

Dumpit is running under the Lakas-Kampi-CMD while Ortega is under the banner of Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC).

The two political roosters of La Union first fought in the gubernatorial race in 2007 but Ortega knocked down Dumpit with tens of thousands of votes based on election results.

But the former congressman, a retired general, never gave up and filed a protest nullifying the proclamation of Ortega due to alleged irregularities.


Meanwhile, incumbent second district Rep. Tomas “Butch” Dumpit Jr. and former Agoo mayor Dr. Eufranio “Frannie” Eriguel are also slugging it out this time one-on-one unlike in 2007 where there was a third candidate.

Butch is with his father’s party while Eriguel is under NPC.

Eriguel is being supported by nine of the 11 incumbent mayors in the second district.  

In the first district, incumbent Rep. Victor Ortega of Lakas-Kampi-CMD is already sure of getting another term in Congress because he is being challenged by an independent and unfamiliar opponent James Paul Orros, who claimed to be a relative of the Ortegas.

Tandems

Moreover, in Pangasinan, it’s either father and son, father and daughter, or husband and wife tandems vying for the mayoralty and vice mayoralty posts in the 2010 elections.

Mayor Roy Macanlalay of Calasiao town who is now on his third term is sliding down to the position of vice mayor while his son, Councilor Mark Roy Macanlalay is eyeing the mayoralty post in the 2010 polls. Both are running under Lakas-Kampi-CMD-Biskeg na Pangasinan ticket.

In the capital town of Lingayen, re-electionist Mayor Ernesto “Jonas” Castañeda Jr. has his daughter Sheila Castañeda-Gonzales as his running mate, both under Lakas-Kampi-CMD-Biskeg na Pangasinan party.

In Basista town, Orlando de Guzman, running for mayor under Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino (PMP) has his brother Ferdinand de Guzman as his running mate.

In San Manuel town, graduating Ma-yor Salvador Perez is also going one post lower as vice mayor while his son, Vice Mayor Alain Jerico Perez is going one notch higher as mayor. Both are under the Nationalist People’s Coalition ticket.

In Labrador, George Vinoya, the incumbent vice mayor, is trying his luck for the next higher post as mayor under the NPC with his father-in-law, incumbent Mayor Ernesto Acain, sliding down as his vice mayor under Lakas-Kampi-CMD.

San Carlos City has brothers Mayor Julier Resuello and Vice Mayor Joseres Resuello seeking re-election under Lakas-Kampi-CMD-Biskeg na Pangasinan.

In Aguilar town, Clarita Evangelista of the NPC is eyeing the mayoralty post while her husband, Mayor Ricardo Evangelista under Lakas-Kampi-CMD who is now in his third term, is her tandem for vice mayor.

In San Fabian, Irene Libunao is running for mayor while her husband, graduating Mayor Mojamito Libunao Jr. is eyeing the post of board member of Pangasinan’s fourth district. Both are under NPC-Biskeg na Pangasinan.

First district board member Alicia Pulido (PMP) is bent on returning to her post as mayor of Anda while her daughter, Maki Pulido is eyeing the congressional seat under PMP-Biskeg na Pangasinan.

First district Rep. Arthur Celeste who is now on his third term is seeking the mayoralty post in Alaminos City while his two brothers, Bolinao Mayor Alfonso Celeste is seeking re-election and former Bolinao mayor Jesus Celeste is hoping to inherit his brother’s throne as congressman. All are running under Lakas-Kampi-CMD.

Meanwhile, Gov. Amado Espino Jr. is seeking re-election while his son, Bautista Mayor Amado Espino III is running unopposed in his re-election bid. Both are candidates of Lakas-Kampi-CMD-Biskeg na Pangasinan.

Second district Rep. Victor Agbayani who is making a comeback bid as governor has his wife, Dr. Jamie Eloise Agba-yani as congressional candidate, both under the Liberal Party.

Independent

Agbayani’s brother, Luis Agbayani, is also trying his luck again to regain his old post as mayor of Sual town as an independent candidate. 

Re-electionist Rosales Mayor Ricardo Revita (Lakas) has also his wife, Patricia Revita running also as mayor of Balungao town under Biskeg na Pangasinan.

Fifth district board member Danilo Uy (NPC-Biskeg) is seeking re-election while his wife, Myrna Bell Uy is running for vice mayor of Binalonan under NPC while their son Dennis Uy is running for vice mayor of Pozorrubio town.

In related developments, Gov. Victor Areno Yap said yesterday that “he still has a lot of things to do as governor of Tarlac.”

This was Yap’s reason why he ran again for re-election after he and his NPC team filed their COC at the provincial Commission on Elections office here.

Yap, who will be seeking his second term of office will have Pura Mayor Wilfredo “Boying” Sawit as his running mate with board member bets Mayantoc Mayor Tito Razalan, former Pura mayor Mario Maddela and former ABC Federation president Noel dela Cruz of the first district Legal Officer Godofredo Sabado Jr., former board member Bienvenido Buan, former Gerona mayor Harmes Sembrano and former San Isidro barangay captain Virgilio Garcia of the second district and incumbent board member Danilo David, and former board member Rolando Pineda and Joseph Da-vid of the third district.

The young governor has conceptualized landmark projects and programs such as the “Natural Tarlac,” a project about the natural way of farming and the “Four First” a program that addresses the four basic necessities of a community the education first, food first, jobs first and the health first. – With Ric Sapnu

REGIONAL JOBS BRIDGING PROGRAM
(ILOCOS NORTE CENTENNIAL ARENA)


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by GI66 (ilocano.org)

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(http://www.laoagcity.gov.ph/)

Laoag City Bags National Award – AGAIN! (http://www.laoagcity.gov.ph)


Laoag City's entry in the Local Government Units Category of the Gawad Sa Kampeon ng Kabataang Pilipino 2009 passed the judging process of the National Youth Commisssion.

This is another reason for Laoagueños to be proud of, for in the recent past, Laoag has been the beneficiary of countless awards, local and international, under the very able leadership of Mayor Michael V. Fariñas.

Awarding ceremonies will be held in Malacañang Palace, Manila on December 10, 2009 at 9:00 A.M.

Mayor Michael V. Fariñas will personally receive the award.



Mabuhay Mayor Fariñas!:banana::banana::banana::banana:

you're welcome mao! the credit goes to Hon. Kris Ablan:cheers:



I would love to but not now hehe!:) ikaw na lang ang mag-post mao!:banana:

^^as you wish...:D

Robinsons Ilocos Norte an incredibly big hit on opening day (http://ilocostimes.com/)


ON DECEMBER 3, thousands of people, the Ilocanos, from all walks of life, not only from San Nicolas but also Laoag City and other towns of Ilocos Norte trooped to the opening of the Robinsons Ilocos Norte, the first and only full service mall in the Ilocos Region.

From opening time 10am to closing time, people came in droves and the mall management decided to extend closing to 10pm; closing should have been at 9pm. For the first time, there was traffic jam from the mall’s area in San Nicolas to Laoag city proper. The southbound lane of the Gilbert bridge was full with vehicles almost throughout the day.

Most if not all opened shops and stalls must have made recordbreaking profits on the first day. Conspicuous was the big number of customers lined up to pay at the cashier counters in the Robinsons Supermarket as well as in the two popular fast food restaurants—KFC and Mang Inasal.

Also crowded was Tom’s World, an entertainment and fun filled place where many children and students had gone to play. Hundreds of customers had experienced their first shopping spree at the Robinsons Department Store. Stalls owned by local entrepreneurs at the food court such as the Jogan’s More on Toppings and Grills, Alvin’s Super Sizzling and Everything’s Chinese Food Hauz were savored by many who got hungry after walking around the mall.

The opening ceremony of the two-level mall located in the municipality of San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte was attended by two bigwigs of the Gokongwei group that owns Robinsons — Frederick Go, Robinsons Land Corp. president and chief operating officer who gave a short message and Robina Gokongwei-Pe, Robinsons Department and Retail. Stores’ general manager; also present were Atty. Hilario P. Valdez, CEO of Venvi Group of Companies, which is Robinsons’ local partner in establishing the mall, San Nicolas Mayor Alfredo Valdez, Jr., who gave the welcome message, some local officials, professionals, entrepreneurs and the media.

Special Guests of honor were the former First Lady Imelda R. Marcos, who led the ribbon cutting and Ilocos Norte Vice Governor Windell Chua. Notable guests who also went to the opening were Ilocos Norte 2nd Dist. Rep. Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. and Ms. Imee Marcos. Celebrity guests include Ms. Dawn Zulueta-Lagdameo, Robinsons image model, Carla Abellana who was the opening program’s emcee, and two of the more popular singers today — Jay-R and Karylle.

PeMn9hDrV_k

^^na post ko na sa LVM thread...:D

^^na post ko na sa LVM thread...:D

hahaha salamat sa iyo mao! you're the best!:cheers:

Bulacan, Pangasinan journalists to hold protest actions today (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=530631&publicationSubCategoryId=67)


MANILA, Philippines - Journalists in Pangasinan and Bulacan are holding mass actions today as part of the Global Day of Solidarity spearheaded by the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) to demand justice for the 30 media practitioners massacred in Maguindanao.

The Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP)-Pangasinan chapter, Pangasinan Press Club and Pangasinan Tri-Media Association are leading a prayer rally in front of the Dagupan City Museum where there will be a short program and a candle-lighting ceremony.

At 7 a.m. today, KBP member-stations in Pangasinan will go off the air for a minute to protest the massacre and press for swift government action to give justice to the victims’ families.

Bulacan journalists, together with other sectors, are staging the Red Arm Band protest at the Heroes’ Park of the Bulacan State University in Malolos City.

Organizers said the event symbolizes the Bulakenyos’ solidarity against violence and their willingness to make a stand against the culture of impunity that continues to flourish under the Arroyo administration. – Eva Visperas, Cesar Ramirez and Dino Balabo

Mangaldan market fire guts P200 M worth of goods (http://www.pia.gov.ph/default.asp?m=12&fi=p091209.htm&no=55&r=&y=&mo=)
By Venus H. Sarmiento


Dagupan City (9 December) -- Almost P200 million worth of goods turned to ashes in a fire that gutted the public market of Mangaldan town yesterday.

Mayor Hermie Romero said the burned portion of the market was the section for dry goods, grocery items, glasswares and rice affecting some 700 stall holders.

The fire, which started in the middle portion of the public market at 4 a.m. was put out three hours later. Aside from the Mangaldan fire brigade, several fire stations from the towns of San Fabian, Sta Barbara, Manaoag, Villasis, Lingayen, and the cities of Dagupan and Urdaneta, came to help.

Witnesses said the town’s fire station was able to respond immediately but the fire quickly spread to the nearby stalls.

Investigations showed the fire started at Abrigo store due to faulty electrical wirings. Authorities however, do not disregard the possibility of arson.

Romero said town officials and department heads agreed to relocate the affected stall holders to De Guzman street so as to provide them opportunity to sell their remaining products in time for the Christmas season.

MANGALDAN NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
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Photo credit: istong (http://www.panoramio.com/user/511593?with_photo_id=4414439)

Let's get ready again Ilocandia! ;)

Coming Soon!
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net find

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Photo credit: guitarose

Ilocos Norte's most exciting and ambitious project to date;)


BALAI CONDOMINIUM CONSTRUCTION UPDATE (Photos taken last 12/10/09)

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The first high rise condominium in Ilocos will rise in 2010:banana::banana::banana:

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LAOAG CITY MEDICAL FACILITY CONSTRUCTION UPDATE (As of 12/10/09)

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Perspective


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On going construction

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Guys, according dun sa magazines na binigay nila during their grand opening Robinsons Ilocos Norte will be wi-fi zone in 2010.:banana::banana::banana:


Another project to look forward by the Robinsons Land Corp here at the Center is a HOTEL. This was what i heard during the speech of Mr. Frederick Go, president and COO of Robinson Land during the inauguration of Robinsons Ilocos Norte last December 3, 2009 sabi nya, "In two years time we will come back or see you again to inaugurate our Hotel here at the Center".:banana::banana::banana::banana:


Im looking a news article regarding this pero wala akong mahanap.Anyway,AIR MACAU flies (chartered flight) from MACAU to LAOAG and vice versa 2x a week every Friday/Sunday uitlizing Airbus 320.Expected time of arrival (ETA) at LIA is 10:30PM.Flight operation started last October 30, 2009.:):):)

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BALAI CONDOMINIUM CONSTRUCTION UPDATE (Photos taken last 12/10/09)

The first high rise condominium in Ilocos will rise in 2010:banana::banana::banana:

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guitarose, thanks much for posting and for keeping us updated!:cheers: I'm so excited about this amazing project!:banana: love it talaga!

LAOAG CITY MEDICAL FACILITY CONSTRUCTION UPDATE (As of 12/10/09)


On going construction

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wheew finally! I think we should open a lovely thread for this interesting hospital, don't you think hehe? yeah why not guitarose, let's make one:cheers: sana ok lang sa mga mods natin!:)

Guys, according dun sa magazines na binigay nila during their grand opening Robinsons Ilocos Norte will be wi-fi zone in 2010.:banana::banana::banana:


Another project to look forward by the Robinsons Land Corp here at the Center is a HOTEL. This was what i heard during the speech of Mr. Frederick Go, president and COO of Robinson Land during the inauguration of Robinsons Ilocos Norte last December 3, 2009 sabi nya, "In two years time we will come back or see you again to inaugurate our Hotel here at the Center".:banana::banana::banana::banana:


Im looking a news article regarding this pero wala akong mahanap.Anyway,AIR MACAU flies (chartered flight) from MACAU to LAOAG and vice versa 2x a week every Friday/Sunday uitlizing Airbus 320.Expected time of arrival (ETA) at LIA is 10:30PM.Flight operation started last October 30, 2009.:):):)

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I'm glad to know that the mall would be a Wi-Fi hotspot!:banana: I would love to sit down there all day and enjoy the free broadband access:cheers: wow a Robinsons Hotel? woot wooot! I'm so happy at magtatayo sila ng hotel! wow talaga namang maraming proyekto ang RLC sa probinsya which is awesome... may mall na, subdivisions pa, and now a hotel!:cheers: thanks Robinsons! sana Cybergate naman next time hehe! hihirit pa!:lol:

btw, sana tuloy pa rin ang VENVI hotel and casino sa the Center para mas sosyal:cheers: love the rendering kasi:)


yey, Air Macau is now serving Laoag which is indeed great! Laoag truly is the northern gateway:banana: I'm hoping that flights from HongKong and Guangzhou to Laoag will resume sometime soon:banana:



Thanks again guitarose! have a blessing day!;)

Roadshow of economic team, Bangko Sentral goes to Davao (http://www.pia.gov.ph/default.asp?m=12&sec=reader&fi=p091210.htm)


Davao City (10 December) -- The Economic Team led by Finance Secretary Margarito Teves and the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) will be holding an economic briefing on 17 December 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at the Grand Ballroom of Marco Polo Hotel in Davao, the Investor Relations Office (IRO) said.
The Economic Team is comprised of the Secretaries of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).
Anchored on the theme "The Philippines: Challenges and Opportunities in a Global Rebound", the briefing will focus on the plans and programs of the Economic Team and the Bangko Sentral in the remaining months of the Administration.
A press conference will also be held before the briefing at the Saranggani Room at 12 noon.
"The briefing would also be a good venue for the Davao business community to interact and raise their concerns directly to the Economic Team," IRO Executive Director Claro Fernandez said.
Davao is the last stop of the Economic Team and the BSP. The delegation has been to Dagupan, Baguio, Laguna, Laoag, Clark and Cebu.

People’s Champ advisers file CoCs (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/233372/people-s-champ-advisers-file-cocs)


Two politicians who are known advisers of People’s Champ Manny Pacquiao have officially announced their candidacies.

Deputy National Security Adviser Chavit Singson announced his intention to run as governor for Ilocos Sur, saying that he plans to prioritize the industrialization of Ilocos Sur as part of his program, while Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Lito Atienza is seeking to regain the mayoralty post of the City of Manila.

Pacquiao was a product of Atienza’s program for underprivileged youths, pursued during the latter’s incumbency as Manila mayor. Singson a long time boxing aficionado, saw the potentials in Pacquiao at age 16. He has been supporting Pacquiao’s career in various ways ever since. The boxing champion has also filed his own Certificate of Candidacy for congressman in his home province of Sarangani.

The two played a crucial role in the boxing champ’s growing up years and continues even to this day.

Singson and Atienza are gunning for posts that have brought them to national prominence. Atienza for years was touted as a presidential candidate because of the reforms he achieved during his three terms as mayor of Manila.

Atienza said that under his administration, the tax collection revenues in Manila increased by more than 200 percent, citing that in 1998 the city government’s revenue was P2.5 billion before his administration.

After his three terms in office, the collection rose to P8 billion. In 2006, Manila was recognized by the Department of Finance and Commission on Audit as the “Best Performing Local Government Unit in the Philippines in Fiscal management.”

SM UPDATE:

according to mr. jose alvarez (father of angel lao - the provincial tourism officer, and the highest paid tour guide in ilocos norte) SM will be really opening it's doors to laoag and the whole province very soon :banana:

^^very good news true_north!;) thanks for the update! wow SM gives us something to look forward to in the coming years:) let's therefore brace ourselves:banana: I'm so glad that Ilocos Norte keeps booming:cheers:
sana ma-construct na ang SM mall next year para masaya!:cheers:

wheeew Robinsons and SM in Ilocos Norte! wow the first province then to have these 2 giant malls in northern luzon!:banana: impressive!

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^^wow ang ganda naman...

^^ thanks mao! more to come hehe!;)

‘Life and Style’ visits Vigan (http://www.malaya.com.ph/12112009/ent5.html)


RICKY Reyes takes a trip to Vigan for this Sunday’s "Life and Style with Gandang Ricky Reyes."

The host visits the ancestral houses built mostly by rich Chinese traders and the Mestizo District where more than a hundred houses line side by side along Calle Cresologo with Mayor Eva Marie Singson-Medina as guide.

Mother Ricky also samples the mouth-watering Vigan delicacies and shops for souvenir items that showcase the artistry of the Ilocanos.

"Life and Style with Gandang Ricky Reyes" airs at 10 a.m. every Sunday on Q Channel 11. It is produced by Scriptovision.

PRC sets mobile processing at SM-Rosales (http://www.pia.gov.ph/default.asp?m=12&r=&y=&mo=&fi=p091212.htm&no=36)


Baguio City (12 December) -- As part of the Commission's thrust of bringing services closer to the people, the Professional Regulation Commission Baguio Regional Office and La Union Satellite Office will conduct mobile processing of applications for renewal of ID/License at SM City Rosales, Pangasinan on December 12, 2009 from 10:00AM to 5:00PM.

This is in coordination with the Department of Labor and Employment Regional Office No. I, the Local Government of Rosales and SM City-Rosales.

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Notes on the Mall (http://riknakem.wordpress.com/2009/12/11/notes-on-the-mall/)
By Herdy LA. Yumul


If you've not been to Robinsons Ilocos Norte, the province’s first mall which opened Dec. 3, you’re probably 1) too busy, 2) too poor, or 3) too spiritual to care about material things and other ephemeral joys.

But I doubt the third reason very much, dear karikna, because we know how luxurious and capricious a lifestyle our priests enjoy these days. Not even the religious can resist the temptation to indulge, to the point of hedonism, which explains why the Bishop’s Palace has a swimming pool, and why some parish priests have expensive dogs they feed with imported food an impoverished human being (such as an underpaid parish catechist) cannot even afford to provide his own family.

Anyway, I have been to Rob IN (‘Robinsons almost Laoag’ is how some friends call it), and have seen all three films at the Movieworld there: Twilight New Moon, Ninja Assassin, and 2012.

The cinema is decent. The chairs are comfy. The sound system is good but not excellent, and the video is clear but not crystal (there were line distortions on the screen), which made me wonder if the films have been shown in Manila hundreds of times before they were brought here.

Still, Robinsons theatres are a paradise compared to the rat-infested, archaic Isabel, the only other cinema in the province.

*****

I asked the customer service representative (CSR) at the lobby when a new set of movies will be shown. To my surprise, the employee replied, “Diak ammo, sir. (I don’t know),” which was pity because CSR’s are supposed to be well-trained to answer every query, specially valid ones like mine.

I then advised the young lady never to say “I don’t know” when she is in a position to know. The better answer would be, “I’ll try to find out,” which she did eventually. According to her supervisor, the movies last for one week, but due to public demand, they may have to extend the screening of some movies. The supervisor specifically mentioned “New Moon” and “2012”.

I told this story to my colleagues at MMSU, and one of them, out of curiosity, asked the CSR the same thing when the former went to the mall. Alas, he also got the “Diak ammo” reply from the lady.

*****

People inside the mall look very happy. And why not, the mall is an idealized world, the dwelling of illusions.

When inside the well-lit, air-conditioned structure, it is easy to forget that you live in a third-world country, and that Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is your president.

My dad, 73, survivor of two heart attacks, insisted on malling although he could barely walk, so we had to use a wheel chair to show him around. A certified “butingtingero,” I think my dad felt so at home at the Handyman store.

Then we had lunch at Mang Inasal which I think is overrated. Their roasted chicken, the store’s specialty, was so dry for my taste. “Natangken,” was how my sister Helen put it. It was also unfortunate that a bean-sized stone (bigger than a bukel ti otong) was in my rice. I bit it, and to my writhing pain. I reported it to the manager who profusely apologized and promised to relay the matter to their supplier.

Let’s give some credit to the Mang Inasal staff. Thay had a lot of costumers, many of whom had to wait to be seated, but they moved very quickly, and inefficiently. We got a table, and had our meal in no time.

After lunch, we went to the Supermarket where, unlike most groceries in Laoag, aisles are so wide you can do a cotillion inside (I’m exaggerating, but just a bit). There, chicken is sold at a little over a hundred, a few tens of pesos lower than the prevailing market price.

My very first purchase was made at the Department Store with the laptop backpack bag I always wanted to buy in Manila, but never had the chance to. It cost 1699. I kept the receipt for sentimental reasons.

*****

Last Dec. 8 was Immaculate Conception Day. Thus, Catholic schools had no classes. It was also Batac’s Fiesta.

But the faithful in all the churches in the province and the crowd in downtown Batac combined cannot match the number of people who trooped to the mall.

I saw many of my students and colleagues there. A standing joke is that should an emergency faculty meeting be held at Robinsons’ it would not be difficult to produce a quorum immediately.

I do not exactly enjoy going to a mall where I know so many people. I miss the thrill of being incognito amidst a crowd.

I miss the pleasures of not having to smile, nod, and engage in small talk with people you encounter, especially if you already meet them everyday at work!

But what can we do, we only have one mall, a small one at that. Kaycee Buted, the mall’s marketing communication coordinator, offered to give me a tour, but who needs a guide in one of the smallest malls to be built in the country today?

*****

Gossips are rife about an SM mall soon to rise in the province. Its prospective location depends on who you talk to. I have conversed with several people who named varying sites. Each of my informants were so sure about their information, but, if I were to believe all of them, the mall would rise in at least ten different locations.

Of course, people really want an SM, and this desire for the most popular Philippine retail chain fuels the speculations.

But, for now, in the meantime, for the time being, sige na nga, Robinsons muna.

^^nice info...:D

^^excellent and very informative!

"ROBINSONS almost LAOAG":hahaha::hahaha::hahaha:

anyway, iisa na pala ang natirang sinehan sa Laoag... dati ay apat! Odeon, Paz, Isabel, and Grace Cinemas... sayang at Isabel lang ang natira!:ohno: buti na lang at may 3 bagong sinehan ng Robinsons:banana: so napalitan ang tatlo:cheers:

Cebu Pacific and Khoo Swee Chiow: 7,107 islands, one adventure (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=532001&publicationSubCategoryId=87)


MANILA, Philippines - Exploring the length of the Philippines onboard a kayak may be an insane idea for most people, but for Khoo Swee Chiow, it is not out of the ordinary. The world-renowned Singaporean adventurer has embarked on a 100-day exploration of the islands with nothing but his little boat and lots of paddling power.

Dubbed “The Friendship Kayak,” the project commemorates the 40-year friendship between the Philippines and Singapore, and Swee Chiow, also a motivational speaker and author, acts as the unconventional ambassador.

“I have not explored the Philippines before. With more than 7,000 islands, kayaking is the perfect way to experience this country,” the adventurer said while in northern Cebu.

And so with the help of Cebu Pacific as sponsor, Swee Chiow and his Filipino co-kayaker Buzzy Budlong are making the historic journey, which kicked off last August in the town of Glan in Saranggani Province, the most southern point of Mindanao.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Cebu Pacific for the support,” said Swee Chiow. He has found the ideal partner for this particular adventure because Asia’s third largest low-cost carrier worked with him in making this event possible. This tandem, he said, found a goal in common: “Go to new places and find new experiences and inspirations. It’s about turning a dream into reality, setting a goal and achieving it and having a team to do it together with.”

Ni Hao, Swee Chiow


With an impressive record of climbing the world’s highest summits — Mt. Everest included — an ambitious kayak exploration from the tip of Mindanao, through the Visayas, and to the tip of Luzon is just another addition to this explorer’s never-ending résumé. He is, after all, the director of Dare to Dream LLP, a travel company that promotes unique adventures for anyone to enjoy. He penned three books which detail his amazing travels — Journeys to the Ends of the Earth, Singapore to Beijing on a Bike and his most recent work World’s Longest Journey on Skates.

“I love the outdoors and I love to push my limit and learn some new skills. All that combines into an expedition,” he said. He added that the biggest rewards of traveling and exploring other countries are to “learn about other people’s way of life and to find inspiration in new places.”

With regard to his travels within the islands, he replied, “It’s been an amazing experience, from the landscape ranges in wild and remote Mindanao to white beaches in the Visayas. People everywhere are very hospitable and warm.”

A True Ambassador Of Journeys

Through this remarkable journey, Khoo Swee Chiow is not only motivating people to do what they want, he is also inspiring them to discover new adventures that are found in their own motherland. After all, not very many Filipinos have been successful in exploring their own country, so for their benefit, Swee Chiow narrates what the rest of the Filipinos have been missing: “The Philippines (has) the sea, islands, mountains, caves, waterfalls and jungles. That’s a lot of places to explore. Mindanao is wild, remote and untouched in many places. (The) Visayas’ resorts and white beaches are beautiful and relaxing.”

He was also not disappointed by the hospitality of the Filipinos and the beauty of their lands.

“Being welcomed by the local government units and swimming with the jellyfish in Sohotan Bay in Bucas Grande, Surigao del Norte are my best experiences so far,” he beamed.

While Swee Chiow is still undecided on what his next adventure will be, he encourages everyone to join him. “The world is such a fascinating place. The only way to experience it is to go.”

For adventure seekers who wish to see the beauty of the Philippines like Swee Chiow, Cebu Pacific offers flights that are parallel to his route. These destinations include: Davao, Surigao, Bohol (Tagbilaran), Cebu, Boracay, Palawan (Puerto Princesa) and Laoag.

SM UPDATE:

according to mr. jose alvarez (father of angel lao - the provincial tourism officer, and the highest paid tour guide in ilocos norte) SM will be really opening it's doors to laoag and the whole province very soon :banana:

Nice info!

Where & When?:)

I hope it will be in Laoag para naman balanse and definitely it will start next year.:cheers:

Nice info!

Where & When?:)

I hope it will be in Laoag para naman balanse and definitely it will start next year.:cheers:

I hope so too:banana: it would be nice if SM will construct the mall in Laoag next year! or kahit sa Pagudpud pa basta may SM na, oks na yun!:lol: well, let's be optimistic!:cheers: I'm so excited! no need for us Ilocanos to go to Manila just to shop at Robinsons or SM, sila na mismo ang magse-serve sa atin:banana: I love it!:cheers:

^^bakit pala di sa Laoag tinayo yung Robinsons?

^^dahil ang partner ng Robinsons ay ang Venvi na developer ng "THE CENTER" kung saan nakatayo ang Robinsons which the founder is from San Nicolas. ang maganda diyan eh sa boundary mismo ng Laoag at San Nicolas natayo ang "THE CENTER" at hindi sa dowtown area ng San Nicolas!:)

^^ah ganun ba...city na ba yung San Nicolas?

^^ plus San Nicolas ay parte ng Laoag dati:) 100 years na ang nakaraan;)

^^ah ganun ba...city na ba yung San Nicolas?

hindi pa city ang San Nicolas:cheers: enjoy muna sila sa pagiging town kasi mura ang tax tsaka napakaliit ng populasyon niya:lol: pero medyo bigatin na ngayon ang SN compared sa Batac which was a city:)

^^which was?di na city ang Batac?....congrats sa San Nicolas...:)

I hope so too:banana: it would be nice if SM will construct the mall in Laoag next year! or kahit sa Pagudpud pa basta may SM na, oks na yun!:lol: well, let's be optimistic!:cheers: I'm so excited! no need for us Ilocanos to go to Manila just to shop at Robinsons or SM, sila na mismo ang magse-serve sa atin:banana: I love it!:cheers:

It seems that it will be erected in Laoag, just my 2 cents. Hindi naman siguro papahuli ang SM, kung nakapagtayo rito ang Robinson's then why not SM also. Hindi naman siguro a waste of money yung pagpapatayo rito ng Robinson's hindi ba?

hindi pa city ang San Nicolas:cheers: enjoy muna sila sa pagiging town kasi mura ang tax tsaka napakaliit ng populasyon niya:lol: pero medyo bigatin na ngayon ang SN compared sa Batac which was a city:)

Yeah, small town parin albeit Gigantic Building's (Soon to rise) & Gigantic Earthen Pot:lol::lol:.

Sana hindi magpayabangan ang mga taga Laoag at SN sa isa't-isa.:ohno:

Just because it's the "Rise of the Ilocano's".:banana::banana:

No electoral race in 1 Ilocos town; 7 mayors run unopposed (http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&r=&y=&mo=&fi=p091214.htm&no=11)

Laoag City (14 December) -- For the first time, all seats in Nueva Era town in Ilocos Norte are uncontested as candidates from mayor, vice mayor, down to councilors are running unopposed.

Running on his second term as Nueva Era mayor is Aldrin Garvida while his wife Caroline, former three-time mayor, is running for the vice mayoral seat on her first term. Caroline's father and outgoing vice mayor Joseph Arzadon is sliding down as councilor. The other seven councilors in their ticket are also unopposed.

"Tapos na eleksyon sa Nueva Era (the race is over)," a Commission on Elections staff said. :cheers:

Joan Perez, Comelec personnel, however, said a no-contest race took place more than five years ago but they could not immediately verify from their records which town had unopposed candidates.

Meanwhile, six other reelectionist mayors including Laoag are running unopposed. This year also marks the first time that the mayoral seat in Laoag will be uncontested. Reelectionist mayor Michael Fariñas is running on his second term. :banana:

The other mayors who are unchallenged are Nicomedes de la Cruz in Bacarra, Joy Fernandez in Carasi, Francisco Espiritu, Jr. in Dumalneg, Bonifacio Clemente, Jr. in Paoay and Alfredo Valdez, Jr. in San Nicolas.

Six mayoral candidates are women, two of whom are wives of former mayors, namely Arlene Torralba, wife of outgoing mayor Tomas Torralba of Badoc and Emilen Sales, wife of outgoing Pagudpud mayor Marlon Sales who is running as vice mayor. The other women hopefuls are Salvacion Cimatu in Bangui, Marynette Gamboa in Dingras, Victoria Aguinaldo in Pasuquin and Corazon Abad in Sarrat.

Emilen will slug it out with her sister-in-law and outgoing vice mayor Matilde Sales, wife of former Pagudpud Mayor Reynolan Sales whose brother is Marlon.

Badoc is an all-women race among Arlene Torralba, incumbent vice mayor Divina Barlahan-de la Cruz and the mayor's relative Angela Torralba.

It is also an all-women contest in Pagudpud among the Sales wives and Imelda Llanes, a relative of the Benemeritos who have lorded over Pagudpud for years.

^^ Congrats Mayor Michael Farinas! tuloy ang mga plano sa Laoag! let's move forward Laoag! ;)

^^which was?di na city ang Batac?....congrats sa San Nicolas...:)

such as the case of Baybay, Leyte:cheers: you know what I mean:lol:

It seems that it will be erected in Laoag, just my 2 cents. Hindi naman siguro papahuli ang SM, kung nakapagtayo rito ang Robinson's then why not SM also. Hindi naman siguro a waste of money yung pagpapatayo rito ng Robinson's hindi ba?

I can predict that SM mall will rise somewhere in Laoag (close to Robinsons) and not in downtown area though cause downtown is so masikip na:lol: yup, sabi ng friend ko, nag-house to house daw ang SM sa lugar nila not too long ago... sana lang pumayag ang mga owners ng mga lote:banana: if Robinsons can open a mall in Ilocos, why can't SM:lol:!


Yeah, small town parin albeit Gigantic Building's (Soon to rise) & Gigantic Earthen Pot:lol::lol:.

Sana hindi magpayabangan ang mga taga Laoag at SN sa isa't-isa.:ohno:

Just because it's the "Rise of the Ilocano's".:banana::banana:


San Nicolas is indeed booming! can't you believe this small town just erected a brand new supermarket na wala man lang kautang-utang:banana: plus high rise condos next year!:banana: sana lang hindi maging mayabang ang ga taga-SN:)

Laoag and San Nicolas = a metropolis is born:banana:

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Fanny Serrano

All’s set for 2009 MMFF (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/234001/all-s-set-2009-mmff)

Everything is set for the 2009 Metro Manila Film Festival which promises to be bigger and more spectacular than the previous years. This time, the much-awaited December film festival is under the leadership of Judge Oscar Inocentes, who is chairman of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) taking over Bayani Fernando who has resigned to run for vice president of the country.

Executive Director Rollie Josef has announced that the Board of Jurors will start screening the seven official entries (“Ang Darling Kong Aswang,” “I Love You Goodbye,” “Nobody Nobody But Juan,” “Mano Po 6,” “Panday,” “Shake, Rattle and Roll XI” and “Wapakman”) on Dec. 17.

The traditional Parade of Stars will be on Dec. 24, wherein all the official entries will try to outdo each other in making their festival floats as elaborate as possible.

The 2009 MMFF Executive Committee is composed of Judge Oscar Inocentes (overall chairman), Ms. Maricor Imperial (Executive Chairman), Rolando Josef (Executive Director), AGM Edenison Fainsan (Chairman, Finance Committee), Angelito Vergel de Dios (Executive Director, TOC), Robert Nacenciano (member), Ric Camaligan (SM Cinemas), Manuel Nuqui (PMPPA), Wilson Tieng (MPDAP), Dominic Du (GMTA), Marcus Ng (MMTA), Boots Anson-Roa (Mowelfund), and Leo Martinez (FAP).

Showing of the official entries will start on Dec. 25. The festival ends on Jan. 7, 2010.

* * *
The things that keep Fanny Serrano busy

He has not been visible in showbiz and business functions and social gatherings, but Fanny Serrano is busy nonetheless focusing on other aspects of his life: In his salon business, being a make-up guru, as fashion designer, actor, an endorser, as PICA president and an active member of his church.

As an endorser

Having spent most of his life in the beauty industry and aging gracefully at 61, he never realizes he still has the charm to draw trust from many reputable companies. Just a few months back, he signed a contract as endorser of Natasha, one of the leading direct selling companies. He joins Judy Ann Santos, Ms. Lorna Tolentino, Claudine Barretto, Ms. Anne Curtis, Jericho Rosales and John Lloyd Cruz among many. He is now one of the consultants of the Natasha Beauty Council joining Renee Salud and Bobbie Pinera. “I am very honored and was very impressed with the kind of welcome Natasha gave me,” Fanny said.

The Fanny Serrano Cosmetics line is now included among the products available through Natasha. It is also now distributed abroad.

Recently, after visiting some Natasha branches, Fanny was overwhelmed by the success stories of many dealers and members of Natasha. “I am really touched with their testimonies and I became more inspired to continue my advocacy in promoting Philippine-made products.”

As showbiz personality

What also keeps Fanny busy is his occasional acting career. In the indie movie “Tulak,” he plays an inspiring role as an aging gay mother of three kids. “After doing ‘Maalala Mo Kaya,’ I got tired of doing mostly gay roles and decided to lie low in the field of acting. I really wanted to portray roles where I can give justice to it and that it can promote social values and moral lessons to the moviegoers. When a role was offered to me in the film ‘Tulak,’ directed by Neil ‘Buboy’ Tan for international release, I accepted the offer because I can’t just let a good role slip through my hands.”

Fanny is overwhelmed with many text messages congratulating him for an award-winning performance in the film.

As make-up artist and designer

Despite the busy schedule of Fanny, he still manages to stay in his salon in Tomas Morato for make-up appointments and boutique’s requirement for designing. He personally attends to inquiries on gown design as he adds up his unique, classic touch for every creation he does.

Trusted in his field, Fanny remains one of the favorites of society figures, models and celebrities like Sharon Cuneta, KC Concepcion, Ms. Lorna Tolentino, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Pops Fernandez, Sandy Andolong, Amy Austria, Diane Castillejo, Joanne Zapanta, Cherie Gil, Gina Alajar, Charlene Gonzales and Mr. Aga Muhlach among many, to be their make-up artist for print pictorials and TV commercials as well.

Currently, Fanny is doing the make-up of Sharon Cuneta who plays the role of a Fil-Chinese mother in the movie “Mano Po 6.” “We’re very excited in every shoot because it’s a big challenge for me to create the character of Sharon in the movie. By doing her make-up, we have to make her eyes appear smaller without the aid of lift-up plaster. We’re happy with the results and we’re successful with the creation that I did to give life to Sharon’s character that also impressed our director, Joel Lamangan, Mother Lily and her daughter, Roselle Monteverde-Teo.

“It was also an exciting and successful thanksgiving concert we had at the Vegas strip and at Palm Spring with Sharon, KC, Zsa Zsa and Billy Crawford last week of November. Another bonding moment that I will really treasure.”

As PICA president

Fanny is the president of the Philippine International Cosmetologists Association (PICA).

“We are now going through hectic meeting schedules in preparation for Cosmetologie 2010. We plan to put up Regional Chapters of PICA in Davao, Cebu, Cagayan De Oro, Bacolod, Iloilo, Laoag and Baguio as requested by make-up artists and salon owners all over the Philippines. We just finished organizing the Pampanga, Nueva Ecija and Bicol chapters and we’re looking forward to covering more key cities in the future.”

As active church member

One of Fanny Serrano’s priorities is to give in to invitations to speak in churches. He gives testimonies that inspire Christians in different communities. “In every project that I engage in, I see to it that I always ask for God’s guidance. If it’s His will, I know that project will materialize.”

* * *
Korina, Joel Cruz lead opening of CD new office

Awarded broadcaster Korina Sanchez-Roxas, successful entrepreneur Joel Cruz who emerged grand champion of the third edition of GMA-7’s “Celebrity Duets,” and Drs. Roe and Susan dela Fuente led the guests during the recent formal inauguration and blessing of Cristina Decena’s new executive offices at the Belveder Bldg. along San Miguel Ave., Ortigas. The offices of Cristina’s various business concerns, like her Real Estate Company and Rural Bank of Norzagaray, have been consolidated under one roof.

Known to be hardworking, dedicated and determined in the pursuit of her dreams and goals Cristina has been featured a few times in Korina’s Sunday show “Rated K” on ABS-CBN. When asked to say a few words about Cristina, Korina couldn’t say enough of her was all in praise of her especially with her generosity. She has always been there to support Korina’s projects.

* * *
Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings on Dec. 15 go to former Sen. Nikki Coseteng, Mrs. Corazon M. Samaniego, Rosie Mata Castro, Caroline Ortega, Minda Azarcon, Cara Cristobal, Edming Coloso, Josephine Manuel, Rosa Rosario, Manny Y. Martinez, Teddy de Leon, Dubai-based Jay-O Bonachita, Evelyn J. Trinidad, Velma Valeriano, Rustum M. Tabor, Letecia Bella, John Stevens of UK, Nena Santiago, Madie Gallaga, LA-based Thelma A. Velasco, Jet Valle, Corazon P. Munsayac, Lota Reyes, Dianne P. Landingin and Mrs. Valeriana A. Silvania of Asingan, Pangasinan; Arriane Q. Urbano, Shielah A. Martinez, and Joseph Paul Pacis Javier (a.k.a. DJ Mojo). Happy wedding anniversary to Bobby and Ida Joseph; Walden and Cathy Belen, and Froilan and Cita Antonio.

n-D-4ld5a0Q

I can predict that SM mall will rise somewhere in Laoag (close to Robinsons) and not in downtown area though cause downtown is so masikip na:lol: yup, sabi ng friend ko, nag-house to house daw ang SM sa lugar nila not too long ago... sana lang pumayag ang mga owners ng mga lote:banana: if Robinsons can open a mall in Ilocos, why can't SM:lol:!

Yes, in the south of the river. Pag downtown kasi, it's impossible, kailangan talaga ng very wide spaces. As I browsing in http://wikimapia.org I came across this Map in Brgy 1. Laoag City, a propose site of SM Laoag. Well everyone can add place to that site, well who knows that's the real deal.:cheers:

Link: http://wikimapia.org/#lat=18.2051781&lon=120.5881047&z=16&l=0&m=b

San Nicolas is indeed booming! can't you believe this small town just erected a brand new supermarket na wala man lang kautang-utang:banana: plus high rise condos next year!:banana: sana lang hindi maging mayabang ang ga taga-SN:)

Laoag and San Nicolas = a metropolis is born:banana:

Like a rocket that soar above the sky.:banana:

such as the case of Baybay, Leyte:cheers: you know what I mean:lol:







^^ah kasama pala sya sa L16....:D

MISS EARTH 2009 ILOCOS TOUR with CONG. BONGBONG MARCOS
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Source: Bongbong Marcos' Official Site (http://bongbongm.com/)

Yes, in the south of the river. Pag downtown kasi, it's impossible, kailangan talaga ng very wide spaces. As I browsing in http://wikimapia.org I came across this Map in Brgy 1. Laoag City, a propose site of SM Laoag. Well everyone can add place to that site, well who knows that's the real deal.:cheers:

Link: http://wikimapia.org/#lat=18.2051781&lon=120.5881047&z=16&l=0&m=b


thanks for the link migail! actually, it's my first time to see wikimapia!:lol: wow Wikimapia is cool:cheers: yup, wala ng magandang space na pwedeng paglagyan ng SM ang mall nila sa downtown area ng Laoag kung matuloy man... the proposed site isn't a very good one cause it's too far for me, plus liblib ang lugar:ohno: baka walang makaalam na may SM pala kung sakali:lol: and malapit sa sementeryo:nuts: kung diyan nga ang location, sa Robinsons na lang ako:cheers: I hope SM will build it close to Robinsons para mukhang Ortigas ang dating hehehe!


Like a rocket that soar above the sky.:banana:
well said, and I'm hoping di na babalik sa lupa or sasabog:lol:

CONG. BONGBONG MARCOS IN PANGASINAN
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Source: Bongbong Marcos' Official Site (http://bongbongm.com)

BONGBONG FOR SENATOR!

:banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:

SOME PROJECTS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS

THE CONSULATE OFFICE OF THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA IN LAOAG
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net find

ILOCOS NORTE HOTEL AND CONVENTION CENTER
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TRADE & INVESTMENT FAIR
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BANGUI WINDMILLS
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CONSTRUCTION OF LAOAG AIRPORT TERMINAL 2 AND CONTROL TOWER
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by j98293

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Source: Bongbong Marcos Official Site

thanks for the link migail! actually, it's my first time to see wikimapia!:lol: wow Wikimapia is cool:cheers: yup, wala ng magandang space na pwedeng paglagyan ng SM ang mall nila sa downtown area ng Laoag kung matuloy man... the proposed site isn't a very good one cause it's too far for me, plus liblib ang lugar:ohno: baka walang makaalam na may SM pala kung sakali:lol: and malapit sa sementeryo:nuts: kung diyan nga ang location, sa Robinsons na lang ako:cheers: I hope SM will build it close to Robinsons para mukhang Ortigas ang dating hehehe!

Well, if you ride in a tricycle from downtown to brgy. 1, mas malapit pa kesa pumunta sa Robinsons. Oo nga, hindi kaaya-aya ung mga cemeteries doon.:ohno:.

Kailan kaya magkakaroon ng Skyscraper ang Laoag - SN?:banana::banana:

Well, if you ride in a tricycle from downtown to brgy. 1, mas malapit pa kesa pumunta sa Robinsons. Oo nga, hindi kaaya-aya ung mga cemeteries doon.:ohno:.

Kailan kaya magkakaroon ng Skyscraper ang Laoag - SN?:banana::banana:

hehehe malapit lang ang bahay namin sa Robinsons, natural na doon na lang ako since full service mall naman siya:lol: I am hoping na sa Nangalisan ang SM kung matutuloy ang pagdating nito sa probinsya napnon as-asideg lat bassit ngem tay Robinsons:cheers:

don't worry migail, malapit ng matayo ang Balai Condos... it would be the tallest buildings in northern luzon once completed :banana:

Birth Anniversary of Diego Silang (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/234188/birth-anniversary-diego-silang)


Historians describe Diego Silang as the “Liberator of Ilocos;” “one of the most important Filipinos to stand out in Philippine history,” and “one of Ilocandia’s heroes who played a significant role in the libertarian epic of the Filipino nation.” Many rebellions to end Spanish rule in the country preceded the Silang rebellion. They failed because the rebels lacked awareness of a common Filipino identity. Silang and his rebellion laid the foundations of this identity. Diego Silang’s legacy to his countrymen is that he laid the foundations of a national consciousness among the inhabitants of the Philippines.

Diego Silang was born on December 16, 1730, in Caba, La Union. He became a trusted servant of the curate of Vigan, Ilocos Sur. In time, he became a messenger of the friars in the Ilocos. Thus, he frequently traveled to Manila. His travels acquainted him with the sufferings of his countrymen. He married Maria Joseph Gabriela, a wealthy widow. The marriage enhanced Diego Silang’s standing in the Ilocos and neighboring provinces.

The British occupation of Manila (1762-1764) exposed the weaknesses of the Spanish government. British promise of better treatment for the natives and Silang libertarian sentiments produced the Silang rebellion. Diego Silang launched his libertarian struggle in December 1762. The primary measures implemented by Diego Silang were removal of oppressive colonial officials, freedom from tribute and personal services, taxing of private estates, properties, and the friars, and a ban on gambling and other vices. He also endeavored to unite all peoples of northern Luzon against the Spaniards.

Betrayal and treachery ended Diego Silang’s libertarian struggle. He was assassinated on December 28, 1763. Although his widow, Dona Gabriel carried on the struggle, his rebellion was over.

The Diego Silang rebellion was a milestone in the history of Filipino libertarian struggle. The Filipinization of the Church, intellectual leadership., and unity of the inhabitants were the prominent features of his rebellion. Diego Silang showed that Spanish rule in the country could not be ended without these conditions.

The lessons from the Diego Silang rebellion were not forgotten by Dr. Jose Rizal, Marcelo H. del Pilar, and other Filipino reformists.

“Never for a single moment,” World War II here Benito Soliven declared, “did the Filipinos give up their right to be free.” Diego Silang demonstrated the Filipino people’s fierce love for freedom.

hehehe malapit lang ang bahay namin sa Robinsons, natural na doon na lang ako since full service mall naman siya:lol: I am hoping na sa Nangalisan ang SM kung matutuloy ang pagdating nito sa probinsya napnon as-asideg lat bassit ngem tay Robinsons:cheers:

don't worry migail, malapit ng matayo ang Balai Condos... it would be the tallest buildings in northern luzon once completed :banana:

Kaya naman pala eh... Siguro sa may Nalbo or Buttong Area, ung sa may terminal ng Bus sa Bridge, Nangalisan parin ba un?

Kaya naman pala eh... Siguro sa may Nalbo or Buttong Area, ung sa may terminal ng Bus sa Bridge, Nangalisan parin ba un?

hehehe kaya mas mabuting sa south of the river ang SM para mas malapit sa amin kesa sa Robinsons:lol: yup, yung terminal ay sa Nangalisan-A. sa Buttong... walang malaking bakanteng lote don, sa harap ng Northview siguro baka pwede pa:) sa Nalbo naman... pwede dun sa may likod ng Catholic church malapit sa Flying V... I'm not sure kung may bakante pa. kahit saan na lang basta malapit sa amin... ok na ok:banana:

hehehe kaya mas mabuting sa south of the river ang SM para mas malapit sa amin kesa sa Robinsons:lol: yup, yung terminal ay sa Nangalisan-A. sa Buttong... walang malaking bakanteng lote don, sa harap ng Northview siguro baka pwede pa:) sa Nalbo naman... pwede dun sa may likod ng Catholic church malapit sa Flying V... I'm not sure kung may bakante pa. kahit saan na lang basta malapit sa amin... ok na ok:banana:

Hintay nalang tayo sa mga nakakaalam sa SM na yan..:cheers:

Hintay nalang tayo sa mga nakakaalam sa SM na yan..:cheers:

oo nga kahit mainipin ako:lol: enjoy muna tayo sa Robinsons! palaguin muna natin para masaya ang mga Gokongweis:cheers:

SN leads way in building debt-free gov’t projects (http://ilocostimes.com/)


SAN NICOLAS, Ilocos Norte—With just a little over a month after the inauguration of the multi-million two storey San Nicolas public market that was built free of debts, this third class municipality in Ilocos Norte is rapidly changing its environment landscape towards a growing investment hub of the north.:cheers::banana::cheers:

On December 8, the San Nicolas’ legislative building and Centennial Hall named after Pedro Almazan, a World War I hero of San Nicolas town were simultaneously inaugurated. Again, the more than P3 million worth twin projects of the local government unit under the administration of Mayor Alfredo P. Valdez Jr. were built without any single cent of debt from the bank or from any other financial institution.

According to Valdez, the construction of the Pedro Almazan Centennial Hall and legislative building of San Nicolas town was inspired by a P350, 000 donation from an outstanding San Nicoleño based in Hawaii to start-up the project. The donor was identified as Gil Bumanglag, now based in Hawaii, U.S.A.

Other donations from balikbayans, mostly from Hawaii followed suit when they saw the building was being constructed. To finish the project, the San Nicolas government also shelled out a counterpart from their savings.

Of the approximate P3 million government project, about 30 percent were sourced out from balikbayan donations. The remaining budget came from government funds.

“The projects were made possible through the cooperation of our balikbayans and the people and government of San Nicolas town,” said Valdez as he stressed that like the more than P30 million San Nicolas public market, the projects were built free of debts, a policy instituted in this municipality since Valdez started as local chief executive.

This year, the mayor who is seeking reelection for his third and final term is running unopposed. Meanwhile, as a citizen’s charter of this town, San Nicolas promotes ‘stop red-tape’ policy in an effort to fast tract services particularly among investors.

Recently, the Philippine Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry has awarded San Nicolas as the business-friendliest municipality in the Philippines for providing great deals to investors.:banana::banana::banana:

ROBINSONS ILOCOS NORTE OPENING DAY
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Photo credit: Thelma Libed Comamo

^^nice...

IM NEW HERE..

TAGAL NA PO AKONG NAGREREGISTER PERU NA BLOBLOK PO AKO NGAYON LANG ME NAGKAREGISTER ULTI..

patulong naman about sa site na ito.. tnxx

pakivisit niyo ako ha...
im willing to promote laoag city and metro laoag as well


PLEASE VISIT MY BLOG
http://cityoflaoag.blogspot.com/

and laoag's friendster account comment kayo ha
http://profiles.friendster.com/101833746

patulong po ito po contact ko..

09274314634 tnx

or my friendster account..

HALER_champ05@yahoo.com

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Source: Bongbong Marcos' Official Site (http://bongbongm.com)

Cong. BongBong Marcos is my topnotch senator for 2010... For reasons, you even know why... ;)

THE NORTHERN GATEWAY OF THE WONDERS OF THE PHILIPPINES


LAOAG CITY


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http://photos-p.friendster.com/photos/64/73/101833746/2_669882996l.jpg

ROBINSONS : SAN NICOLAS
AYALA MALL: BATAC
SM CITY: LAOAG
http://photos-p.friendster.com/photos/64/73/101833746/2_978193377l.jpg

WHAT DO YOU THINKS GUYS?

^^ of course! rumors regarding SM have been going around town recently. let's hope for the best :)

an Ayala Mall? :) Batac doesn't need one, for now, considering its closeness to Laoag and SN. but it's just my opinion. anybody can make me think otherwise :lol:

^^ of course! rumors regarding SM have been going around town recently. let's hope for the best :)

CSI? nah. why not an Ayala Mall? :) Batac doesn't need one, for now, considering its closeness to Laoag and SN. but it's just my opinion. anybody can make me think otherwise :lol:

lets just pray that SM will open its doors in LAOAG city para may sagot naman ang laoag sa san nicolas


eto pala mga nakita ko sa net about sm


SM UPDATE:

SM City North EDSA November 1985 187,000 460,000 North Avenue cor. EDSA, Quezon City, Metro Manila
SM City Sta. Mesa (formerly SM Centerpoint) September 1990 30,000 133,327 Ramon Magsaysay Boulevard cor. Araneta Ave., Barangay Dona Imelda Quezon City, Metro Manila
SM Megamall Ortigas June 1991 184,000 346,679 EDSA cor. Julia Vargas Avenue, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City, Metro Manila
SM City Cebu November 1993 161,562 268,611 North Reclamation Area, Cebu City, Cebu
SM City Southmall April 1995 200,000 205,120 Alabang-Zapote Road, Las Piñas City, Metro Manila
SM City Bacoor July 1997 88,000 116,892 General Emilio Aguinaldo Highway cor. Tirona Highway, Brgy. Habay, Bacoor, Cavite
SM City Fairview October 1997 220,000 182,783 Quirino Hwy. cor. Regalado Ave. and Belfast St., Greater Lagro, Quezon City, Metro Manila
SM City Iloilo June 1999 175,000 101,735 Benigno S. Aquino Jr. Avenue, Jaro West Diversion Road, Mandurriao, Iloilo City, Iloilo
SM City Manila April 2000 25,000 166,554 Natividad Almeda-Lopez (formerly called Concepcion) corner A. Villegas (formerly called Arroceros) and San Marcelino Streets, Ermita, Manila
SM City Pampanga November 2000 316,000 129,102 Olongapo-Gapan Road corner North Luzon Expressway, Brgy. Lagundi, Mexico, Pampanga and Brgy San Jose, City of San Fernando, Pampanga
SM City Sucat (formerly SM Supercenter Sucat) July 2001 65,000 98,106 Dr. A. Santos Avenue cor. Carlos P. Garcia Avenue Extension (C5), Brgy. San Dionisio, Parañaque City, Metro Manila
SM City Davao November 2001 132,000 75,440 Quimpo Boulevard corner Tulip Drive, Ecoland Subdivision, Brgy. Matina, Davao City, Davao del Sur
SM City Bicutan November 2002 18,000 112,737 Doña Soledad Avenue corner West Service Road (beside Exit 14, Bicutan exit), Brgy. Don Bosco, Bicutan, Parañaque City, Metro Manila
SM City Cagayan de Oro November 2002 52,000 86,288 Mastersons Avenue cor. Gran Via St., Upper Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental
SM City Lucena October 3, 2003 80,000 78,655 Maharlika Highway corner Dalahican Road, Brgy. Ibabang Dupay, Lucena City, Quezon
SM City Baguio November 2003 80,000 105,331 Luneta Hill, Upper Session Road cor. Gov. Pack Road, Baguio City, Benguet
SM City Marilao November 2003 203,000 88,654 MacArthur Highway, Brgy. Lias, Marilao, Bulacan
SM City Dasmariñas May 21, 2004 127,000 79,792 Governor's Drive, Brgy. Sampaloc 1, Dasmariñas, Cavite
SM City Batangas November 12, 2004 85,000 76,819 Brgy. Pallocan Kanluran, Batangas City, Batangas
SM City San Lazaro July 15, 2005 40,000 179,000 Felix Huertas Street corner Arsenio H. Lacson Extension, Santa Cruz, Manila
SM Supercenter Valenzuela October 28, 2005 24,000 61,460 MacArthur Highway, Brgy. Karuhatan, Valenzuela City, Metro Manila
SM Supercenter Molino November 18, 2005 48,000 48,248 Molino Road, Brgy. Molino 4, Bacoor, Cavite
SM City Santa Rosa February 17, 2006 170,000 79,325 Old National Highway, Barrio Tagapo, Santa Rosa City, Laguna
SM City Clark May 12, 2006 176,500 98,824.19 M.A. Roxas Avenue, Clark Special Economic Zone, Angeles City, Pampanga
SM Mall of Asia May 21, 2006 145,000 407,101 SM Central Business Park, North Reclamation Area, Bay City, Pasay City, Metro Manila
SM Supercenter Pasig August 19, 2006 20,080 29,017.12 E. Rodriguez, Jr. Ave. (C5) corner Doña Julia Vargas Ave., Frontera Verde, Ortigas Center, Brgy. Ugong, Pasig City, Metro Manila
SM City Lipa September 22, 2006 103,242 72,035 J.P. Laurel Highway, Lipa City, Batangas
SM City Bacolod March 2, 2007 161,096.60 61,413 Rizal Avenue, Reclamation Area, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental
SM City Taytay November 9, 2007 38,525 91,920 Manila East Road corner Bulacan-Rizal-Manila-Cavite Regional Expressway, Brgy. Dolores, Taytay, Rizal
SM Supercenter Muntinlupa November 16, 2007 36,601 52,000 Km. 29 National Road, Tunasan, Muntinlupa City, Metro Manila
SM City Marikina September 5, 2008 60,000 124,877.85 Marcos Highway corner East Marikina Riverbanks Service Road, Brgy. Kalumpang, Marikina City, Metro Manila
SM City Rosales November 28, 2008 121,685 60,989 McArthur Highway, Brgy. Carmen East, Rosales, Pangasinan
SM City Baliuag December 12, 2008 89,000 63,000 DRT Highway, Brgy. Pagala, Baliuag, Bulacan
SM City Naga May 1, 2009 46,000 87,959 CBD II, Brgy. Triangulo, Naga City, Camarines Sur
SM Center Las Piñas October 2, 2009 28,000 34,000 Alabang-Zapote Road, Pamplona, Las Piñas City, Metro Manila
SM City Rosario November 2009 50,000 General Trias Drive, Tejeros Convention, Rosario, Cavite
SM Supercenter Commonwealth 2010 ? ? Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City, Metro Manila [1]
SM City Novaliches Novaliches, Quezon City
SM City Tarlac 2010 ? ? MacArthur Highway, Brgy. San Roque, Tarlac City, Tarlac [2]
SM City San Pablo August 2010 68,000 80,000 Maharlika Highway, Riverina Subdivision, Brgy. San Rafael, San Pablo City, Laguna [3]
SM City Calamba October 2010 195,000 Maharlika Highway, Brgy. Real, Calamba City, Laguna
SM City Taguig 2011 ? ? Carlos P. Garcia Avenue (C-5) cor. McAthur Drive, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, Metro Manila [4]
SM City Laoag 2010 ? ? Laoag City Riverbank, Laoag City, Ilocos Norte:banana::banana::banana:
SM City Santa Ana 2011 ? ? A.P. Reyes Ave. cor. Hippodromo St. Brgy. Carmona, Makati City, Metro Manila
SM City North Davao 2011 ? ? Former Lanang Golf and Country Club, J.P. Laurel Ave., Lanang District, Davao City, Davao del Sur [5]
SM City Santiago ? ? ? Maharlika Highway, Brgy. Malvar, Santiago City, Isabela [6]
SM City General Santos 2011 Santiago Blvd., General Santos City, South Cotabato [7]



LETS CROSS OUR FINGERS GUYS

LAOAG BADLY NEEDS SM
:lol:

LIST OF SHOPPING MALLS AND CENTERS IN METRO LAOAG


Plaza Maestro Complex Batac City, Ilocos Norte
Five Sisters Emporium Laoag City, Ilocos Norte
Robinson's Mall San Nicolas, Metro Laoag, Ilocos Norte
SM City Laoag Laoag City, Ilocos Norte
Puregold Mall Laoag City, Ilocos Norte
Metro Laoag Shopping Plaza Laoag City, Ilocos Norte
Mart One Department Store Laoag City, Ilocos Norte
Johnson's Supermart Laoag City, Ilocos Norte
Karen's Department Store Laoag City, Ilocos Norte
New India Department Store Laoag City, Ilocos Norte
Manel's Total Department Store Laoag City, Ilocos Norte
Avenue Square Mall Laoag City, Ilocos Norte
365 Plaza Along National Highway, San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte



I've seen this info in Wikipedia
hahaha

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_shopping_malls_in_the_Philippines

METRO LAOAG

http://photos-p.friendster.com/photos/64/73/101833746/2_665915558l.jpg



LAOAG CITY
http://photos-p.friendster.com/photos/64/73/101833746/2_716479665l.jpg


SUBURBS:

BATAC CITY
http://photos-p.friendster.com/photos/64/73/101833746/2_164035452l.jpg

SAN NICOLAS
http://photos-p.friendster.com/photos/64/73/101833746/2_224593962l.jpg

PAOAY
http://photos-p.friendster.com/photos/64/73/101833746/2_683416438l.jpg

^^

^^WoW amazing places! thanks a lot for posting them again metrolaoag!:banana: I believe that you and city.laoag are the same person:)... well, WELCOME BACK TO THIS THREAD!:cheers: yes, let's discover the beautiful ILOCOS!:cheers:

:lol:

^^nice...

thanks mao! indeed!:)

IM NEW HERE..

TAGAL NA PO AKONG NAGREREGISTER PERU NA BLOBLOK PO AKO NGAYON LANG ME NAGKAREGISTER ULTI..

patulong naman about sa site na ito.. tnxx

pakivisit niyo ako ha...
im willing to promote laoag city and metro laoag as well


PLEASE VISIT MY BLOG
http://cityoflaoag.blogspot.com/

and laoag's friendster account comment kayo ha
http://profiles.friendster.com/101833746

sure thing! we'll visit your sites more often:banana: can't thank you enough for promoting Laoag and its environs! you're amazing!:cheers:

patulong po ito po contact ko..

09274314634 tnx

or my friendster account..

HALER_champ05@yahoo.com

I'll send you a message 'pag nandyan na ako sa Laoag! I would love to see you!:cheers: got your number! btw, how can I be of help?

http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/dd81/haler05/ChristmasPlaza02.jpg

http://picasion.com/pic8/79e01559d38788f3dd3b6c44690f7857.gif

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wow nice X'mas decors! Laoag means LIGHT in Ilocano!:banana: no wonder it's called the "SUNSHINE CITY" also, there's no doubt that this city is the "CITY OF LIGHT" of the Philippines:banana:

Cong. BongBong Marcos is my topnotch senator for 2010... For reasons, you even know why... ;)

Bongbong really deserves having a Senate seat! look how precious everything he has done in Ilocos Norte!:banana: thanks much marlowe! para ka ng nanalo ng Lotto pag siya ay naupo!:cheers: I'm so happy that he's your topnotch senatoriable:banana:! I'm telling you, you won't get disappointed! trust me:banana::cheers::banana:

ROBINSONS : SAN NICOLAS
AYALA MALL: BATAC
SM CITY: LAOAG
http://photos-p.friendster.com/photos/64/73/101833746/2_978193377l.jpg

WHAT DO YOU THINKS GUYS?

it's really pleasing to the eyes! :banana:

NO!!!!! I want Ayala mall to be erected in Laoag and not in Batac!:nuts:

Batac can have that SM mall:lol:


but it would so awesome if SM would put two branches in the province... one in Laoag and one in Batac! ;)

^^ of course! rumors regarding SM have been going around town recently. let's hope for the best :)

an Ayala Mall? :) Batac doesn't need one, for now, considering its closeness to Laoag and SN. but it's just my opinion. anybody can make me think otherwise :lol:

true! Batac already has the Plaza Maestro:cheers: it's good enough kasi marami lang tao diyan pag may pasok ang mga college students:) 'pag sem break... dead ang Batac!:lol: kung may malaking mall diyan... baka lang malangaw!

^^ absolutely! we (MMSU students) give life to Batac :lol:

since the identity of the moderator of one of the laoag accounts had been reviled, i would want to do the same too :nuts:

friendster:
http://profiles.friendster.com/northilocos
and
http://profiles.friendster.com/laoag

i plan to make facebook accounts, too :)

miss 808 state, i would just want to share. since you live in maui and everything. MMSU had an "agreement" with Maui Community College. our school would send students (tourism students being the priority) there for their OJT around March-May 2010.

and i am one of the possible candidates :banana:

i hope you can help me if ever this plan pushes through

thank you so much! :)

^^ absolutely! we (MMSU students) give life to Batac :lol:

since the identity of the moderator of one of the laoag accounts had been reviled, i would want to do the same too :nuts:

friendster:
http://profiles.friendster.com/northilocos
and
http://profiles.friendster.com/laoag

i plan to make facebook accounts, too :)

ahhh it's you pala!:cheers: I love your friendster accounts!:cheers: thanks for a job well done! it would be great if you could also share your wonderful pictures here true_north!:cheers:


miss 808 state, i would just want to share. since you live in maui and everything. MMSU had an "agreement" with Maui Community College. our school would send students (tourism students being the priority) there for their OJT around March-May 2010.

and i am one of the possible candidates :banana:

i hope you can help me if ever this plan pushes through

thank you so much! :)


yehey, I'm glad to know that you're one of them! Congrats!:cheers::cheers::cheers: galing mo talaga! but I will be in Laoag sometime in March 2010:ohno: paano na iyan baka di tayo magpang-abot! tsaka sa anong paraan ako pwedeng makatulong? I'm so happy for you! sana makapunta ka dito!;)

^^ ganun ba? sayang naman. hehe, i was hoping if you could show me around ganun.

i really want to go there since my grandma always tell stories about her trips to hawaii at bigla akong nainggit :lol:

yeah, i'm hoping for the best :)

^^ ganun ba? sayang naman. hehe, i was hoping if you could show me around ganun.

i really want to go there since my grandma always tell stories about her trips to hawaii at bigla akong nainggit :lol:

yeah, i'm hoping for the best :)

I'm so excited na umuwi na:banana: gusto ko sana kitang ma-meet sa laoag eh kaso aalis ka:cheers: isang buwan lang naman ang bakasyon ko...so may chance na mag-meet tayo here in Hawaii!:cheers:

hawaii is indeed beautiful... paraiso talaga!:banana: ba't di ka sumama sa trips ng grandma mo? hawaii is like pinaunlad lang na pilipinas hahaha sana makapunta ka dito at ipapasyal kita kahit diko pa nalilibot ang buong kapuluan ng hawaii:banana:

you'll love it!:cheers:

^^WoW amazing places! thanks a lot for posting them again metrolaoag!:banana: I believe that you and city.laoag are the same person:)... well, WELCOME BACK TO THIS THREAD!:cheers: yes, let's discover the beautiful ILOCOS!:cheers:


haha
ako nga yon
hehehe
na banned ako kc dahil sa pag spam hehe:lol:

well
its good to be back
i make sure LAOAG, SAN NICOLAS, BATAC AND LETS INCLUDE PAOAY
will become the new

METRO LAOAG
WHAT DO YOU THINK PO!!!?:banana::banana::banana::banana::cheers:

ako po si ERROL JOHN SAHAGUN
18 YRS old
accountancy stude in UNP vigan
peru taga laoag talaga ako
brgy 15 nolasco st. hahah
yun po!!!! TNX:)

it's really pleasing to the eyes! :banana:

NO!!!!! I want Ayala mall to be erected in Laoag and not in Batac!:nuts:

Batac can have that SM mall:lol:


but it would so awesome if SM would put two branches in the province... one in Laoag and one in Batac! ;)


I THINK BATAC NEEDS A MALL TOO:nuts:
para completo na ang pagunland ng metro laoag at nang I. Norte
Since ito ang urbanized na place to serve the towns of paoay, curimao, pinili and badoc..

pwede narin ang ayalla mall sa laoag
BUT I prefer to see SM than ayalla mall in laoag

mas panget namang tignan kung BATAC nak makakakuha sa SM
:lol:

well sa akin lang naman un

hahaha:bash:

hahah

LAOAG IS FOR THE NORTHERN PART OF I. NORTE
SAN NICOLAS IS FOR THE EASTERN PART OF I. NORTE
AND BATAC IS FOR THE SOUTHERN PART:cheers::cheers:

Robinsons Ilocos Norte
an incredibly big hit on opening day

ON DECEMBER 3, thousands of people, the Ilocanos, from all walks of life, not only from San Nicolas but also Laoag City and other towns of Ilocos Norte trooped to the opening of the Robinsons Ilocos Norte, the first and only fullservice mall in the Ilocos Region:banana::banana::banana:. From opening time 10am to closing time, people came in droves and the mall management decided to extend closing to 10pm; closing should have been at 9pm. For the first time, there was traffic jam from the mall’s area in San Nicolas to Laoag city proper. The southbound lane of the Gilbert bridge was full with vehicles almost throughout the day. Most if not all opened shops and stalls must have made record breaking profits on the first day. Conspicuous was the big number of customers lined up to pay at the cashier counters in the Robinsons Supermarket as well as in the two popular fast food restaurants—KFC and Mang Inasal. Also crowded was Tom’s World, an entertainment and fun filled place where many children and students had gone to play. Hundreds of customers had experienced their first shopping spree at the Robinsons department Store. Stalls owned by local entrepreneurs at the food court such as the Jogan’s More on Toppings and Grills, Alvin’s Super Sizzling and Everything’s Chinese Food Hauz were savored by many who got hungry after walking around the mall. The opening ceremony of the two-level mall located in the municipality of San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte was attended by two bigwigs of the Gokongwei group that owns Robinsons — Frederick Go, Robinsons Land Corp. president and chief operating officer who gave a short message and Robina Gokongwei-Pe, Robinsons Department and Retail. Stores’ general manager; also present were Atty. Hilario P. Valdez, CEO of Venvi Group of Companies, which is Robinsons’ local partner in establishing the mall, San Nicolas Mayor Alfredo Valdez, Jr., who gave the welcome message, some local officials, professionals, entrepreneurs and the media. Special Guests of honor were the former First Lady Imelda R. Marcos, who led the ribbon cutting and Ilocos Norte Vice Governor Windell Chua. Notable guests who also went to the opening were Ilocos Norte 2nd Dist. Rep. Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. and Ms. Imee Marcos. Celebrity guests include Ms. Dawn Zulueta-Lagdameo, Robinsons image model, Carla Abellana who was the opening program’s emcee, and two of themore popular singers today —Jay-R and Karylle.:cheers::cheers:


http://photos-p.friendster.com/photos/64/73/101833746/2_708686598l.jpg


HERE ARE SOME PHOTOS OF THE ROBINSONS ILOCOS NORTE

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http://photos-p.friendster.com/photos/64/73/101833746/2_255121804l.jpg

http://photos-p.friendster.com/photos/64/73/101833746/2_811895719l.jpg

^^ganda nang RPI...:D

^^ganda nang RPI...:D


what do you min by

RPI?

^^RPI=Robinsons Place Ilocos Norte...but since Robinsons Ilocos Norte nakalagay...pwede RI nalang...:D

Robinsons Ilocos Norte
an incredibly big hit on opening day

ON DECEMBER 3, thousands of people, the Ilocanos, from all walks of life, not only from San Nicolas but also Laoag City and other towns of Ilocos Norte trooped to the opening of the Robinsons Ilocos Norte, the first and only fullservice mall in the Ilocos Region:banana::banana::banana:. From opening time 10am to closing time, people came in droves and the mall management decided to extend closing to 10pm; closing should have been at 9pm. For the first time, there was traffic jam from the mall’s area in San Nicolas to Laoag city proper. The southbound lane of the Gilbert bridge was full with vehicles almost throughout the day. Most if not all opened shops and stalls must have made record breaking profits on the first day. Conspicuous was the big number of customers lined up to pay at the cashier counters in the Robinsons Supermarket as well as in the two popular fast food restaurants—KFC and Mang Inasal. Also crowded was Tom’s World, an entertainment and fun filled place where many children and students had gone to play. Hundreds of customers had experienced their first shopping spree at the Robinsons department Store. Stalls owned by local entrepreneurs at the food court such as the Jogan’s More on Toppings and Grills, Alvin’s Super Sizzling and Everything’s Chinese Food Hauz were savored by many who got hungry after walking around the mall. The opening ceremony of the two-level mall located in the municipality of San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte was attended by two bigwigs of the Gokongwei group that owns Robinsons — Frederick Go, Robinsons Land Corp. president and chief operating officer who gave a short message and Robina Gokongwei-Pe, Robinsons Department and Retail. Stores’ general manager; also present were Atty. Hilario P. Valdez, CEO of Venvi Group of Companies, which is Robinsons’ local partner in establishing the mall, San Nicolas Mayor Alfredo Valdez, Jr., who gave the welcome message, some local officials, professionals, entrepreneurs and the media. Special Guests of honor were the former First Lady Imelda R. Marcos, who led the ribbon cutting and Ilocos Norte Vice Governor Windell Chua. Notable guests who also went to the opening were Ilocos Norte 2nd Dist. Rep. Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. and Ms. Imee Marcos. Celebrity guests include Ms. Dawn Zulueta-Lagdameo, Robinsons image model, Carla Abellana who was the opening program’s emcee, and two of themore popular singers today —Jay-R and Karylle.:cheers::cheers:


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HERE ARE SOME PHOTOS OF THE ROBINSONS ILOCOS NORTE

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such a beautiful brand new mall, love it!:cheers: Thanks much Errol for the pictures!:cheers: kasla ka lang adda jay Manila hehe:)

haha
ako nga yon
hehehe
na banned ako kc dahil sa pag spam hehe:lol:

well
its good to be back
i make sure LAOAG, SAN NICOLAS, BATAC AND LETS INCLUDE PAOAY
will become the new

METRO LAOAG
WHAT DO YOU THINK PO!!!?:banana::banana::banana::banana::cheers:

ako po si ERROL JOHN SAHAGUN
18 YRS old
accountancy stude in UNP vigan
peru taga laoag talaga ako
brgy 15 nolasco st. hahah
yun po!!!! TNX:)


I'm really glad that you're back again! we should rejoice:banana:
ang taray ng Course/Major mo Errol John, I'm amazed:cheers:
ba't sa Vigan ka pala nag-aaral? ang layo naman...do you travel back and forth to class each day?

yup, METRO LAOAG = THE SHINING METROPOLIS

I THINK BATAC NEEDS A MALL TOO:nuts:
para completo na ang pagunland ng metro laoag at nang I. Norte
Since ito ang urbanized na place to serve the towns of paoay, curimao, pinili and badoc..

pwede narin ang ayalla mall sa laoag
BUT I prefer to see SM than ayalla mall in laoag

mas panget namang tignan kung BATAC nak makakakuha sa SM
:lol:

well sa akin lang naman un

hahaha:bash:

hahah

LAOAG IS FOR THE NORTHERN PART OF I. NORTE
SAN NICOLAS IS FOR THE EASTERN PART OF I. NORTE
AND BATAC IS FOR THE SOUTHERN PART:cheers::cheers:

Oh I see!:) Batac sure can also have a mall, why not? it's fast becoming a vibrant hub:banana: kung SM man, please sa Laoag na lang kasi Batac is thinly populated:lol: Rustans na lang sa kanila:lol: pero mas gusto ko ang Ayala mall sa Laoag kung sakali:banana: pangarap kong magkaroon tayo ng Ayala mall sa Laoag, Now Na!... kahit walang SM munang basta may Ayala sa probinsya...oks na oks sa akin:cheers:

^^ganda nang RPI...:D

thanks mao! and so is RPT:cheers:

^^RPI=Robinsons Place Ilocos Norte...but since Robinsons Ilocos Norte nakalagay...pwede RI nalang...:D


ahj ok xempre

ROBINSONS ilocos is one of the best:banana::banana::banana::banana:
just like ROB. tacloban:cheers:

such a beautiful brand new mall, love it!:cheers: Thanks much Errol for the pictures!:cheers: kasla ka lang adda jay Manila hehe:)

THANKS ALOT PO
HAHAHA
i took those photos when
i think dec. 6 i guess
hahaha
opo
gnda nga po kahit maliit
makukuha naman po sa expansion yan eh
lets just pray nalang!!!
ROBINSONS THE BEST


NEXT IN LINE
BALAI CONDOMINIUM -the tallest building in the NORTH

:banana::banana::banana::banana:^^

I'm really glad that you're back again! we should rejoice:banana:
ang taray ng Course/Major mo Errol John, I'm amazed:cheers:
ba't sa Vigan ka pala nag-aaral? ang layo naman...do you travel back and forth to class each day?

yup, METRO LAOAG = THE SHINING METROPOLIS


Oh I see!:) Batac sure can also have a mall, why not? it's fast becoming a vibrant hub:banana: kung SM man, please sa Laoag na lang kasi Batac is thinly populated:lol: Rustans na lang sa kanila:lol: pero mas gusto ko ang Ayala mall sa Laoag kung sakali:banana: pangarap kong magkaroon tayo ng Ayala mall sa Laoag, Now Na!... kahit walang SM munang basta may Ayala sa probinsya...oks na oks sa akin:cheers:


AH OH I SEE.. ya we should rejoice
course ko po?
hndi nman po maxiado
accounatncy lang ksi napili ko nun eh.
taz ung skul ko po eh balita ko nasa top 10 best performing school
in CPA board exam...
one thing more eh nagtrarabaho po papa ko sa ILOCOS SUR eh
PROVINCIAL supply accountable officer cia- sa I.SUR PPO

NAGBOBOARDING HOUSE PO AKO.


HAHAA
okey. AYALA MALL IN LAOAG !!! HAHAH:banana::banana::banana::banana:

FYI.HONGKONG EXPRESS resumes flight operation from Hongkong to Laoag last December 20, 2009. To date, Laoag International Airport (LIA) have three international flights;
.
.
1. Air Macau - Macau to Laoag 2x/week
2. Mandarin Air - Koashiung,Taiwan toLaoag 2x /week
3. Hongkong Express - Hongkong to Laoag 1x/week
We hope that flights from mainland China(Shanghai and Beijing) and Incheon, South Korea will also resume soon.:banana::banana::banana:

FYI.HONGKONG EXPRESS resumes flight operation from Hongkong to Laoag last December 20, 2009. To date, Laoag International Airport (LIA) have three international flights;
.
.
1. Air Macau - Macau to Laoag 2x/week
2. Mandarin Air - Koashiung,Taiwan toLaoag 2x /week
3. Hongkong Express - Hongkong to Laoag 1x/week
We hope that flights from mainland China(Shanghai and Beijing) and Incheon, South Korea will also resume soon.:banana::banana::banana:

:applause::righton::cheer::cheers2: thanks for the info guitarose, you just simply made my day:banana: glad that they are back:cheers: I'm so happy that many Asian airline companies are adding Laoag (the northern gateway) to their list of destinations/resumed their flight operations to our city! wonderful!:banana: I guess LIA deserves to have a new and modern-looking terminal with jet bridges due to the continuous growth on tourist arrivals. With arrivals continue to skyrocket, the province would surely experience more economic growth:banana:

THANKS ALOT PO
HAHAHA
i took those photos when
i think dec. 6 i guess
hahaha
opo
gnda nga po kahit maliit
makukuha naman po sa expansion yan eh
lets just pray nalang!!!
ROBINSONS THE BEST


NEXT IN LINE
BALAI CONDOMINIUM -the tallest building in the NORTH

:banana::banana::banana::banana:^^

kahit maliit ang mall at least it's Robinsons:cheers:
mag-eexpand iyan... malawak pa ang lote sa harap ng mall hehe unless may plano para sa lot na iyan haha! thanks for the pics again, share ka pa if you have more please hehe:cheers:

can't wait to see the Balai towers:cheers:

AH OH I SEE.. ya we should rejoice
course ko po?
hndi nman po maxiado
accounatncy lang ksi napili ko nun eh.
taz ung skul ko po eh balita ko nasa top 10 best performing school
in CPA board exam...
one thing more eh nagtrarabaho po papa ko sa ILOCOS SUR eh
PROVINCIAL supply accountable officer cia- sa I.SUR PPO

NAGBOBOARDING HOUSE PO AKO.


HAHAA
okey. AYALA MALL IN LAOAG !!! HAHAH:banana::banana::banana::banana:

kaya pala accounting kasi may pinagmanahan:) buti di ka naho-homesick? oo nga pala, nandiyan pala ang Daddy mo:) yup, matatalino ang mga taga UNP:cheers:

'pag may Ayala sa Laoag... magpapa-cheeseburger ako:lol:

Move Forward Ilocos!:banana:

thanks mao! and so is RPT:cheers:

ahj ok xempre

ROBINSONS ilocos is one of the best:banana::banana::banana::banana:
just like ROB. tacloban:cheers:

^^tnx..:D:D:D

kahit maliit ang mall at least it's Robinsons:cheers:
mag-eexpand iyan... malawak pa ang lote sa harap ng mall hehe unless may plano para sa lot na iyan haha! thanks for the pics again, share ka pa if you have more please hehe:cheers:

can't wait to see the Balai towers:cheers:




kaya pala accounting kasi may pinagmanahan:) buti di ka naho-homesick? oo nga pala, nandiyan pala ang Daddy mo:) yup, matatalino ang mga taga UNP:cheers:

'pag may Ayala sa Laoag... magpapa-cheeseburger ako:lol:

Move Forward Ilocos!:banana:

yap haha
the fact is ROBINSONS ang ating mall haha
the fist full service mall
xempre po mageexpand po yan...
di yata magpapatalo ang metro laoag sa iba:cheers::cheers:



hndi naman po. ksi sanay nakong nawawalay sa aking pamilya.
at napansin ko rin po na "the time that i left laoag city thats the time i realize how wonder the place is "
english yun ah.. hahaha:lol::lol::lol::lol:
balita ko nga po matatalino daw KAMI? haha cnali ba ang sarili ko hehe:banana::banana::banana::cheers::cheers:

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dinisigned ko lang po
i think laoag city and ilocos norte need this one
maybe this serves as souvenir .
wla pa atang maxadong gumagawa nito.
as a top 10 tourist dest. in RP we should have this kind of shirt...
just like vigan , bagio palawan, etc.

COMMENT LANG PO :)^^

^^ there are already existing souvenir shirts being sold at the Museo IN but prices are too high, in my opinion. and these are not too appealing to local/domestic tourists despite the great designs.

but i am for this idea. a souvenir shop was my business plan nga eh last school year. had to defend it and everything and i got a grade with flying colors :lol:

oh and yes, if anyone is interested, i can offer tour guiding services or even pack a tour (it's for our travel agency mgt. class). me and my groupmates badly need the grade :lol: