ZAMBOANGA CITY HALL

Two thousand seven (2007) is another milestone year for Zamboanga City , as it celebrates the centennial anniversary of the historic City Hall, originally built as the Provincial Capitol Building for the Moro Province , one of the three special forms of government established during the American occupation.

With a P190, 000 funding from the US Federal Government, the Provincial Capitol Building was constructed from 1905 to 1907 under the supervision of the US Corps of Engineers headed by Capt. Jeffree and designed by William Edward Parsons, a known architect from Yale University .

The materials were imported from the United States and the wood used was molave taken from the city’s forests.

The building was the seat of government of the Moro Province , a semi-military regime under military officers and civilian personnel (1903-1913) and the Department of Mindanao and Sulu, a civil regime under an American governor (1914-1920).

When Zamboanga was declared a chartered city on February 26, 1937, authorities converted the building into the present City Hall of Zamboanga .

The City Hall is 100 years old. It is a remarkable building that has been and continues to be an important landmark of Zamboanga, Asia’s Latin City .

The city government under Mayor Celso Lobregat has prepared a series of activities from November 27-28 for Zamboanguenos to celebrate their treasured past and rich and diverse history.

Sister cities of Zamboanga

INTERNATIONAL
Manado, North Sulawesi, Indonesia (since 2006)
Saragossa, Spain (since 2005)
Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia (since 2005)
Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia (since 2002)

LOCAL
Dagupan, Pangasinan
Sorsogon City, Sorsogon

SIMEON TORIBIO

Simeon G. Toribio (September 3, 1905 – June 5, 1969) was a Filipino athlete, who won the bronze medal in the high jump at the 1932 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, United States. He represented the Philippines in three consecutive Summer Olympics, starting in 1928.

In 1930, Toribio was awarded the Helms World Trophy for being Asia's greatest athlete. He became a lawyer and a congressman representing Bohol province where he later settled. Simeon Toribio, the pride of Zamboanga, was considered the "Filipino Field Athlete of the Half Century" and "Asia's Best Athlete" for winning gold medals in the high jump event in the Far Eastern Olympics in 1921, 1923, 1927, 1930 and 1934 and a bronze medal in the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics.

According to author Jorge Afable, Toribio could have won the gold medal, if not only for the "call of nature." It was a grueling four-hour competition to jump over the bar raised at 6 feet and six inches high. Toribio, who once made the jump, failed to overcome it the second time because he was distressed by call of nature. Before this, Toribio narrowly missed the bronze in the 1928 Amsterdam Games.

He became a lawyer and a congressman representing Bohol province where he later settled.

Harry Tañamor

Harry Tañamor (born 20 August 1977) is an amateur boxer from the Philippines best known to medal repeatedly on the world stage at light flyweight.

The southpaw is competing in the Light Flyweight (– 48 kg) division, and won bronze medals at the 2001 World Amateur Boxing Championships and 2003 World Amateur Boxing Championships. He competed at the 2004 Summer Olympics, but was knocked out in the round of 16 by Hong Moo-Won of Korea. At the 2007 World Amateur Boxing Championships in Chicago he defeated local hero Luis Yanez but lost to favorite Zou Shiming in the final.

ELDIGARIO GONZALES, DPAFormer President, Western Mindanao State University
Former President, Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges

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An accolade to the man ---as some astute leaders in the academe would call it---is one of the priceless recognitions to a leader besides magnanimity in victory.

He was a poor man. Because of this, he needs neither immersion nor being focused on in a 24-hour reality show nor a media spin for him to understand the truest situation of the poor. He was among the very few "provincianos" who liberated themselves and their families from the pangs of scarcity and made it on top through education.

His being a poor student did not impede him to finish, all through scholarship grants, his B.A. in Asian Studies (cum laude) at the Mindanao State University, Master of Public Administration and Doctor of Public Administration at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, and Certificate in Senior Managers in Government at the JFK School of Government at Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.

This is the experience of having witnessed the outstanding leadership of a self-motivated man from humble beginnings. A true inspiration of modern-day educators! He is the human: Dr. Eldigario D. Gonzales. A born leader of understanding, forbearance, and know-how!

His brilliancy and exceptional leadership responsible in the significant improvement of the Mindanao State University in Tawi-Tawi, the Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) in Zamboanga City, and the Philippine Association of State Universities and Colleges (PASUC) is viewed to be one of the reasons to his becoming president of the Southwestern University (SWU) of Cebu City, and “the best is yet to come”...

Indisputably, what is inimitable, yet common in these two institutions of higher learning besides the bastion of talents and potentials; their roles in Mindanao and Visayas; and their being melting pots of cultures and traditions, little by little being influenced by friendly Bisayan-speaking students and employees, is the “western” in their school crest. In jest, the choice of leading the “western” institutions is but an accident, and is no threat for the “easterners.”

Born and raised in the beautiful city of Zamboanga of poor farming parents, “Doc Eldy,” as his connections call him, rose from the ranks as Instructor, Professor, Dean, Chancellor, and Vice-President of Mindanao State University (MSU) to becoming the president of one of the most sought-after state universities of the country, the WMSU, ---where beauty is natural, talents are essential, leaders are trained, and the culture of peace and development is being molded---where the future of Mindanao and the region is gauged, till he reached the apex of becoming Zamboanga’s pride in the realm of leadership by serving as effervescent President of the PASUC. He is the epitome and true inspiration of the struggling educated poor Filipinos who made it to the pinnacle.

Dr. Gonzales, as a trend-setter in public and corporate governance, made him what he is today. This, I believe, must be looked into by the University of the Philippines leadership in celebrating the Centennial in assessing the roles of her alumni and by extending them due recognition in the real world of service in whatever capacity to the community, domestically and internationally.

Before he assumed his post as WMSU president, bickering, factionalism, vindictiveness and other challenges often pestered democratic governance not because of the doing of his predecessor but of the latter’s seemingly uncontrollable followings and their rivals that resulted in the underdevelopment of the more than a century-old institution.

In spite of the fact that President Fidel V. Ramos appointed him in 1997, threats posed by his rivals banking on him being an outsider and new to WMSU politics lingered on. It was a very tense situation. His skill in crisis management, and development diplomacy was put to a test. Modesty aside, it was during my incumbency as University Student Council president when Dr. Gonzales was welcomed by the studentry which forged a strong administration-students partnership in development.

Importantly, through the help of broad-minded stakeholders in the academe, student leaders, and other members of the WMSU family, he successfully maximized the meager resources, utilized the potentials of the highly politicized university, and moved on as a unified vibrant institution of higher learning.

After having developed WMSU, PASUC, and other academic communities, notwithstanding the crisis he and his family experienced due to the abduction of her only daughter (a special child) who was released through the help of his friends, religious and community leaders from various sectors after 40 days in captivity, Doc Eldy accepted the challenge of aspiring as a Philippine legislator. His political trounce---due to lack of time and financial preparations---in the popularity contest in the recently concluded midterm elections to represent the newly instituted 1st district of Zamboanga for the Philippine Congress is seen by some as a loss of WMSU, PASUC, and the countless people who believed in him. But I disagree. This in fact is a blessing in disguise. An exceptional leader of his stature will certainly find his way to nowhere but success!

I witnessed his dedication, professionalism, and cultivation of the tradition of excellence. His being our recognized leader is in itself a manifestation of hope for the poor to succeed through education.

Analyzing at a distance, in my more than a decade of stay at WMSU as a student leader (USC President and 1st Student Regent, pursuant to R.A. 8292), a scholar (M.A. and Ph.D.) at the University of the Philippines---where WMSU through Dr. Gonzales tied with in the Faculty Development Program---, and currently a faculty member of political science and history, I could not help but say: CONGRATULATIONS… to the SU academic community for having a brilliant leader with a heart for the poor and the underprivileged as your president.

For the sake of "delicadeza," I have not written an article of this sort about anyone, much less to an executive who wields power within the university. But now that he is not in a way connected to WMSU, I could proudly say Dr. Eldigario D. Gonzales was our president par excellence and will be yours too. Experience his managerial style, and be part in charting the providential success of the Southwestern University’s history.

What really is common between and among the MSU in Tawi-Tawi, WMSU in Zamboanga, PASUC, and the SWU in Cebu City is the experience of having a humble yet progressive leader direct our destiny---Doc Eldy. He is a true inspiration. That in a way gives the next WMSU president a huge shoe to fit in. A leadership with respect, honor, and distinction…

Indeed, there is no shortcut to success in the Philippine setting, especially in the rural areas, than education. Dr. Gonzales shared his blessings to the poor Filipinos by using his leadership potentials, thereby giving other sectors of the Philippine society especially in Cebu and beyond a chance for a lifetime.

He was a barrio boy who returned to the barrios and brought with him the know-how indispensable for medium and long term developments by forging a sturdy university-local government units partnership to reach the poor communities. University extension programs were institutionalized, research and development projects were pushed using the university human research capabilities. He had a heart in serving the marginalized Muslims and other cultural communities.

In fact, WMSU was a center of peace and development initiatives when he introduced a program by making the university’s Department of Political Science as the host for the integration of MNLF Commanders and rebel returnees back to school after the GRP-MNLF Peace Accord of 1996. Recently, his internationally acclaimed pet project, ---The Floating School for the Badjaos---was featured by GMA’s Jessica Soho.

Dr. Gonzales used and still is using his connections to sustain his Student, Faculty, and Staff Development and Scholarship Programs that impacted much on his human resource leadership. During his stint at PASUC, he helped the economy of the country in general and the western Mindanao region in particular by attracting people through sports and education tourism thereby fostering a vibrant cultural and historical consciousness. He linked with international communities to invite foreign students from China, Indonesia, Korea, and other Southeast Asian nationals to study in WMSU and other universities under his leadership of PASUC.

His being a self-made leader and executive of humble beginnings is an achievement that every concerned Asian must be proud of. Indeed, Dr. Eldigario D.Gonzales, CSEE is an inspiration for the Asian youth and beyond.

WMSU Professor Shines at 2006 PPSA Int’l Confab

The research work of Esnaen M. Catong, a professor and member of the Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) Junior Faculty Club (JFC), was chosen by the prestigious Philippine Political Science Association (PPSA) last June 26, 2006 for presentation at the 2006 PPSA International Conference which focused on the theme “Alternatives.”

During the said international conference held last October 27-28, 2006 at the Grand Astoria Hotel, this city, Prof. Catong presented his study titled Active ‘Three-O’ Diplomacy: An Indispensable Alternative for Philippine Survival.

In the 58-page study, Prof. Catong contended that “it is in the best interests of the Philippines to take a closer look at the ‘Three-O’ (Oil, OFW, and OIC) for survival” as he argued that “ours is a ‘history of crisis’ hence the country’s leadership (present and future) should focus on coming up with decisive and clear-cut policies on ‘Three-O’.”

“We should graduate from ‘reactionary policies’ on OFWs, Oil, and OIC,” he added.

Notably, in his powerpoint presentation using data from POEA, BSP, DOE, and some foreign institutions as primary and secondary sources, he argues that “the Philippines cannot do away with main OFW-host countries who happen to be OPEC-key players, and also OIC influential members, too.”

Finally, after discussing the challenges and prospects of ‘Three-O’ he offered recommendations to address ‘Three-O’ confronting the country.

Among others, he offered visible solutions that include a “Comprehensive OFW Program (COFWP),’ how to “deal with OPEC for Oil aside from working for alternative energy sources,” and how to “engage with OIC for sustainable peace and development in the country.”

And the way to do it, he said, is to have active diplomatic engagements herein referred as “Active ‘Three-O’ Diplomacy.”

Teng Catong, as his friends call him, teaches political science and history at the College of Liberal Arts of WMSU. His research interests include Philippine Foreign Relations, Diplomatic History (West Asia and Southeast Asia), Conflict Resolution, Islamic Studies, Ethno-history, Political Dynamics, and Migration.

He has presented research papers in international and national academic conferences. Recently, one of his studies won in a research competition from the Research Fellowship Program for Young Muslim Scholars under the auspices of AMAN and the Rockefeller Foundation based in Bangkok, Thailand.

Prof. Catong is one of the founding members of the JFC whose main goal is to protect and enhance the interest of its members usually with a rank of Assistant Professor down to Instructor in WMSU. He joined the political science department of WMSU as a visiting lecturer in 1996 and became a tenured faculty in 1999.

This year’s gathering showcased scholars in the field of political science that include Prof. Felipe Miranda, Prof. Alexander Magno, Prof. Malaya Ronas, Dr. Olivia Caoili, Dr. Natalia Morales, Dr. Teresa Encarnacion Tadem, Dr. Amado Mendoza, Dr. Maria Ela Atienza, Dr. George Tigno, Prof. Raymund Quilop, Prof. Aries Arugay, Prof. Perlita Frago, Prof. Rolando Fernando, and Prof. Lusterio Rico, all from UP Diliman; Dr. Ronald Holmes of DLSU; and Dr. Macapado Abaton Muslim of MSU. Dr. Antonio Ledesma, S.J. of Xavier University was the keynote speaker.

Faculty members and scholars from leading universities abroad like Dr. Reynaldo Ileto of National University of Singapore joined other academics and researchers from non-academic institutions in infusing discourses from various perspectives with other research presenters in the country from UP Diliman, UP Visayas, AdMU, DLSU, WMSU, UAP, MSU, USM, USC, XU, AFP, IPD, AER, and SWS.

Foreign universities with research presenters include Cankaya University and Fatih University in Turkey, Flinders University of South Australia, Gadja Mada University, Humboldt University of Berlin, Kobe University of Foreign Studies, Kyoto University, National University of Singapore, University of Canberra, University of Florida, and University of Hawaii at Manoa.

Former UP Vice-President for Academic Affairs and Professor of Political Science Dr. Olivia Caoili, former Dean of UP Institute of Islamic Studies Dr. Carmen Abubakar, and UP School of Industrial and Labor Relations Professor Dr. Virginia Teodosio were among the renowned academics present in the 2006 PPSA International Conference who responded with positive remarks on the study of Prof. Catong.

Meanwhile, Prof. Catong is “encouraging his colleagues at the premiere university in Western Mindanao to let their presence be felt in their respective fields of specialization through research. We should be proactive in producing research outputs to help our respective communities in line with the purpose of the university’s creation.” “This is my modest way of responding to the statement of WMSU and PASUC president Dr. Eldigario D. Gonzales during the opening ceremony of the WMSU Centennial Palaro that ‘the best is yet to come’,” he added.

The WMSU president upon the recommendation of CLA Dean Dr. Agnes Duque also sent political science Professors Patrocinio Enopia, Edgar Araojo, Jofre Rasul, Lilibeth Macario, and Criselda Chou as participants in the recently concluded international conference which was co-sponsored by the Asia Foundation, USAID, City of Zamboanga, ADZU, and PSSC.

ATENEO HIGH SCHOOL, OVER THE YEARS...

The Ateneo de Zamboanga University has grown over the years in competence and size. With this came the realization that it has also assumed a special position of responsibility in a manner marked by Excellence, Spirit and Service.

The Ateneo de Zamboanga University began in 1912 as Escuela Catolica, a parochial school run by Spanish Jesuits at the old site of the Immaculate Conception Church right across the Sunken Garden. Fr. Manuel M. Sauras, S.J. was the first director.

In 1916, the Escuela Catolica became the Ateneo de Zamboanga. In 1930, the American Jesuits took over the Spanish Jesuits with Fr. Thomas J. Murray, S.J. as the first American director. Classes were held at the 3rd Floor of the Knights of Columbus building, now the site of City Theater. The first high school students graduated from Ateneo in 1932.

The school was closed during World War II. It was used by the Japanese as a public school until it was shelled and bombed by American forces on March 8 and 9 in 1945, prior to the liberation of the City.

The high school reopened in 1946, with a nipa-sawali building on a new site outside the poblacion called the Jardin de Chino near Camino Nuevo, now called La Purisima Street. It was providential that shortly before the outbreak of the war, Fr. Eusebio G. Salvador, S.J. had bought 18 adjoining lots in that section.

In 1948, the school was officially recognized as a Jesuit school apart from the parish. The post liberation years were a period of rapid physical, curricular, and enrollment expansion of the school.

In 1979, the existing high school building was constructed. This was done through the help of COCOFED.

To date, the Ateneo de Zamboanga, declared a university in August 20, 2001 by the Commission on Higher Education, is expanding to a new site. This is part of a 15-year development plan that includes the construction of other buildings and facilities for basic education in a 8.3 hectare property in Tumaga, Zamboanga City.

The High School Building is now rising on the site. By June 2006, the university opens this new campus to its old and new high school students. With this development, Ateneo continues to be an instrument in bringing the best learning environment and high quality education to the people of Zamboanga City and the entire region. This move resonates with Ateneo’s thrust to continuously offer academic excellence, better service to the community and highly motivated spirit in effecting change in the City, the region, and the country.

ON 1946


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Ateneo Sawali Building in Bailen Steet...

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this is now the present ADZU High School

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LAST NIGHT WAS THE OPENING OF...

FONDA DE AYALA '07..

let us patronize these activities..kasi its only in Zamboanga..

a statue of St. Ignasius in Ateneo..

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LAST NIGHT WAS THE OPENING OF...

FONDA DE AYALA '07..

let us patronize these activities..kasi its only in Zamboanga..

what event is that?

bipor ay porget:

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what event is that?

fondas are common celebration here in Zamboanga..it was adopted from Mexico..

bipor ay porget:

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/paulkrps/card.jpg

in Chavacano, Felises Pascua y Prospero Anio Nuevo

CAREER Gateways 2007, a job fair caravan in Mindanao, initiated by JIB e-Academy and Mein College of Zamboanga, is coming to this city.

Set as a whole-day event, Career Gateways 2007 will be held at the quadrangle of Mein College, San Jose, Gusu, Zamboanga City starting at 8 a.m. on December 12, 2007.

The event will be participated in by epldt Ventus and 611 Global Services, BPO investors seeking English-proficient, hardworking, and competent call-center agents, ready to take on this fast growing industry, one the country's top profit-driving and job-generating business sector.

The event is spurred by an advocacy for Mindanao dedicated, among other things to reshape the human resource paradigm of the BPO industry in the Philippines. Career Gateways 2007 is basically endeavoring to recruit a sizable and competent number of potential call center employees in Mindanao instead of the usual areas in Luzon and Visayas. In other words, investors big and small alike are being nudged in the direction of the weakly tapped yet rich pool of Mindanaoans, perfectly able to supply the man-power demands of the call-center industry.

JIB e-Academy and Solutions in close partnership with Mein College, together with Dole and Tesda, has led a group of call centers seeking potential agents in Zamboanga City. Furthermore this particular job fair will not be one of those usual and boring public events that's as perfunctory as drinking your coffee in the morning. Career Gateways 2007 has prepared a program where in speakers from participating call-centers will be imparting their knowledge and expertise regarding the industry.

There will also be “Learning Tracks,” where essential and indispensable issues such as “Call Center Basics” and “Career Matching and Development” will be covered. Equally important is the discussion on “Call-Center Work Attitude.” Owing to the uniqueness of a call-center employment, the think-tanks at JIB e-Academy saw it fit to incorporate this topic and brief would-be agents of the challenges that is uniquely attributable to the job.

In relation to the jobs fair, Tesda through this event will be widening it's canopy for the PGMA Scholarship, a financial assistance program for deserving individuals and “Near Hires” to be identified by the participating call centers. By attending the job fair Zamboangeñans may be able to learn more and avail of the scholarship grant.

Career Gateways 2007 is an event that is all about bringing opportunity to your door while helping Zamboangueños become more informed and educated of the BPO industry. So come join us and partake in this educational and fruitful journey. (Press release)

ZAMBOANGA CITY (MindaNews/08 Dec) – A leading state-run university here is considering the integration of "peace education" in its curriculum. Dr. Grace J. Rebollos, the newly installed president of Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) said peace education is part of her agenda of making the university an instrument for promoting a "culture of peace" and for answering to the call of development for social uplift.

"We are actually considering three possible things to happen here, whether we will incorporate it in all subject areas or offer a new subject for this purpose or open a separate degree for this," Rebollos said during the recently conducted Mindanao Educator's Congress held at the Garden Orchid Hotel here.

If realized, it will make WMSU the first university to offer peace education in the region if not in Mindanao and one of the few schools across the country to do such.

Her statement was in response to queries from the audience of at least 500 Mindanao educators who asked whether is it possible to introduce or integrate peace education into a higher educational system.

During the congress Rebollos talked on the role of non-government and civil society organizations in peace-building.

In her presentation, she also challenged the teachers and educators to be involved in building peace as they are "the most effective and most credible to implement such."

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) and the Department of Education (DepEd) had earlier adopted the inclusion of peace education in the curricula for elementary and high schools.

Some universities and colleges in the country have been also working for peace education in their common goal to establish a "culture of peace" against the "culture of violence" in the educational system.

Manila-based Miriam College opened a Center for Peace Education (CPE) to strengthen their workforce and students. CPE provides teacher-training on peace education, student development, conflict resolution training, peer mediation training, youth conferences, curriculum and materials development, peace advocacy and networking.

Bacolod City-based University of St. La Salle through Pax Christi Pilipinas also offered a graduate degree on Peace and Reconciliation.

Though a few other schools are working for it, peace education is yet to integrated as part of college curriculum.

During her investiture rites held on December 5 at the WMSU Gymnasium, Rebollos cited her platforms of a university working not only for academic excellence but also for social development and peace-building.

She bannered her motto of the university: "La Universidad Para Na Servicio del Comunidad" (A University for the Service of the Community.)
Prior to becoming WMSU president, Rebollos has been a known peace advocate and development worker being the vice president of Peace Advocates Zamboanga (PAZ) and at the same time vice-president of WMSU's Research and Development.

Ganda ng City Hall at Plaza Pershing sa Gabi.... super colorful..

i just wonder what caused the delay of the construction of the paseo del mar? it's sad to know that we can not still enjoy the park. i hope they will complete the project at the soonest possible time... whew! unsaun na lang. :(

Ganda ng City Hall at Plaza Pershing sa Gabi.... super colorful..

yuh..i took some pics last night..i will upload it nlng later..

i just wonder what caused the delay of the construction of the paseo del mar? it's sad to know that we can not still enjoy the park. i hope they will complete the project at the soonest possible time... whew! unsaun na lang. :(


cguro..kulang lang ng final furnishing..o baka ang supposed budget ay naibulsa na naman ng mga corrupt..

THE Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) is set to implement a revamp of key officers to ensure the smooth operations of the local police force, an official said.

ZCPO Director Manuel Barcena said some of the police station chiefs are no longer doing their job.

The changes will affect all police stations in the city including some of administrative staff at the headquarters.

Barcena's command covers 11 police stations from the eastern coast to the western coast including one located in an island east of Zamboanga City.

Barcena disclosed that some of his key officers are no longer following the standard operating procedures of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

One, which involves an Abu Sayyaf arrest, was recently sentenced in absentia by a court in Taguig. Others were also involved in the Dos Palmas kidnapping.

The intelligence unit of the police arrested the Abu Sayyaf member early Monday near the local wharf. Barcena thought it was a case of abduction since the wife of the Abu Sayyaf member reported to the local police headquarters that gunmen aboard a green-colored vehicle abducted her husband.

Baracena only learned that it was a police operation when the arrested bandit member was turned over to his headquarters for custody.

Barcena was irked since he has already issued an order for the thorough investigation of the abduction case.

THE Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Philippines-East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-Eaga) have slated a two-day cluster meeting on natural resources development in Zamboanga.

The 5th BIMP-Eaga Natural Resources Development Cluster Meeting on Thursday and Friday will tackle about the flagship program and projects on agro-industry, fisheries, the status of the Sulu-Sulawesi Marine Eco-region and Coral Triangle Initiative, energy among others.

Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Executive Director Oscar Parawan said a planning workshop for next January and the calendar of activities of the sub-region cooperation will also be talked about.

New project proposals will also be given time for presentation and discussion.

Members of the Philippine delegation have started arriving since Wednesday. Delegates from Brunei, Malaysia and Indonesia are arriving Thursday morning.

UNITED States Assistance for International Development (USAid) Deputy Director to the Philippines Elzaida Washington inaugurated Wednesday a USAid-funded project.

The Computer Literacy and Internet Connection (Clic) at the high school department of the Mein Business College in Barangay San Jose Gusu aims to promote computer literacy among students and teachers in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (Armm) and other conflict-affected areas in the region.

Clic is funded by the USAid and implemented by the Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM).

Washington told the students that computer is essential regardless of the field of studies and occupation they plan to go into in the future.

"As a parent, I have three children; I have three daughters. I understand the importance of computer literacy. In this time of globalization understanding and being able to manipulate computer is essential," Washington told the students.

She said the American government and its people are proud to be part of the program.

Mein College is the 23rd school being provided with Internet connections and computers by Clic in Zamboanga.

Mein College has approximately 41,000 students.

After the inauguration, Washington and her party proceeded to the Islamic Institute of the Philippines (IIP) in Barangay Rio Hondo, east of this city, to turn over books.

Like Mein College, IIP is also a beneficiary of the Clic program of the USAid.

CHRISTMAS is in the air of the Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) campus with the opening this morning of "Shop For Joy" trade fair and the traditional Hanging of the Greens tonight.

WMSU President Dr. Grace Rebollos and City Administrator Elis Enriquez cut the ribbon to inaugurate the trade fair, located in Normal Road fronting the university gates.

Dr. Rebollos has invited city residents to shop at the five-day bazaar for their Christmas gifts and household and personal needs. Aside from gift items, other available products are foodstuff, clothes, cosmetics, plants, real estate, as well as professional services.

The fair is also one of the activities in the run-up to the university's annual alumni homecoming on December 14-15, alumni regent Servando Evangelista said.

The homecoming will formally start with an opening ceremony at 8:00 A.M. on Frida y. The various colleges will conduct their respective activities throughout the day, and the alumni will hold a lantern parade downtown at 6:00 P.M. A night of revelry will follow.

Jubilarians, especially several graduates of Class '47, will be honored during the testimonial dinner on December 15. (Rey-Luis Banagudos/PAO-WMSU)

SOME 90 exhibitors selling agricultural, industrial and commercial items as well as services and garage bargains are lined up to offer a pre-Christmas treat to the city's buyers in the five-day WMSU Trade Fair 2007. The fair, which will occupy the Normal Road stretch fronting Western Mindanao State University (WMSU), will open on Monday, December 10 and last up to Friday, December 14.

Farmers will have about 30 booths selling their farm products, commercial and industrial firms will have another 30 to offer a variety of commodities and gift items, while the remaining 30 booths will sell food, WMSU Vice-President for Corporate Affairs Myrna Cabato said. The project is being spearheaded by her office in tandem with the College of Physical Education, Recreation and Sports (CPERS).

Prof. Cabato said the trade affair is also timed to coincide with the university's annual grand homecoming, which will take place during the week.

The trade fair is open to the public. Aside from goods and services, nightly musical concerts, shows and fun games will be staged by selected colleges, as well as Coca-Cola Bottlers Philippines and San Miguel Corporation. There will be facilities for refreshments and meals, Cabato said.

Mayor Celso Lobregat has been invited to formally open the fair on Monday morning, together with school officials headed by WMSU President Dr. Grace J. Rebollos.

Prof. Cabato said WMSU expects to earn revenues from the fair in line with its corporate ventures targets. (Rey-Luis Banagudos / PAO-WMSU).

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go go..zamboanga!

adelante!

viva!..

i just wonder what caused the delay of the construction of the paseo del mar? it's sad to know that we can not still enjoy the park. i hope they will complete the project at the soonest possible time... whew! unsaun na lang. :(


cguro the cause of the delay of this project, because of the problem sa side ng paseo at ung mga tindahan na mag bebenta sa loob ng park. People in Zamboanga, especially ung mga pulube sa tabi tabi are ignorant, bka gawin nilang tirahan o tulugan ung park... cguro the government is still looking for a way na walang masamang mangyayari sa mga tao dun if mag open na ang paseo,... since paseo ay malapit lang sa squatters, kailangan ng major security ung park... They should build a station inside the paseo so people can just go there and just ask for help... or maybe an asistance...
:)

at one point..ur correct..pero, kababawan naman f dats the reason..i believe, there is a more serious problem that we should deal in depth..

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The National Food Authority (NFA) in this city has conducted an inventory of rice supply in all its bodegas here in a bid to assure the people of the Zamboanga Peninsula of adequate grains supply in the next 60 days.

NFA Zamboanga City Manager Juls Akmad Lawama said that the inventory of their rice supply showed that the food agency can sustain the food requirement of the region in the next two months.

" The result of our inventory we made in all our bodegas here showed that we have enough supply of rice for the people in the region for the next 60 days or even longer," Lawama said during a conference with journalists here.

He said the recent arrival of MV Song Tien in this city and unloading of 120,000 bags of Thailand rice lst week greatly boosted the food supply in the region.

He also said that the food agency has a reserve grains supply to feed people in the event of calamities.

"The rice supply we keep in our bodegas to be use for any calamities (manmade or natural) is still intact, and we are always replenishing it to keep the rice always at its best taste and aroma when cook when we give to the victims," the NFA manager said.

Lawama also said NFA in this city has undertaken its twin mandate of ensuring the city’s food security requirement and stabilizing grain supply and prices at the market.

Lawama said that in keeping pace with the thrust of the government for a strong republic, NFA has been continually improving the delivery of the essential commodity in this city.

It has been using new technologies for efficient operations and continually. It formulates operational policies and systems to ensure efficient, transparent and graft-free implementation of its programs and projects in this city and in the entire Zamboanga Peninsula.

Meanwhile, NFA announced here it has maintained the average retail prices of the commercial rice in Zamboanga City at P27 per kilogram for fancy rice, P24 per kilogram for well-milled rice (WMR), and P22 per kilogram for regular-milled rice (RMR), while NFA rice is being sold at P18.25 per kilogram.

The decrease in the price of commercial rice could be due to the active market intervention by NFA as it injected a considerable volume of NFA imported rice in the market. This is the reason the traders have to bring down the price of rice sold at the market, Lawama said.

He also said that "to ensure the availability of affordable and good quality rice for the consuming public, our Palengke Watch Team is monitoring daily the price and visibility of NFA rice at the two public markets here."

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STREET SCENE LANG:cheers:
ZAMBOANGA CITY

photos by storm

ahhm..STI Building at Governor Lim Avenue?

is this recent?

THE Federation of Land Transportation Association of Zamboanga (Feltranz) opted not to join the nationwide transport strike on Thursday.

"Not today (Thursday)," said Feltranz President Edwin Mingala when asked if they will join the transport strike. Earlier, they have signified their intention to join the strike.

The Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (Piston) staged a nationwide strike on Thursday in protest to the continuous oil price hike even as it also calls for the scrap of the oil deregulation law.

Mingala said they decided not to join since they have to wait for the outcome of their petition filed before the regional office of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

"An LTFRB official called me early this morning (Thursday) to inform us that our petition will be tackled by the LTFRB. That's why we decide to call off the strike," Mingala said.

He said LTFRB Regional Director Benito Cesar is at the LTFRB central office, bringing with him the petition submitted by Feltranz.

Feltranz seeks for an oil price roll back, the scrap of the oil deregulation law, and for a fare rate increase if the first two items are not feasible.

Feltranz is seeking for P8 minimum fare rate an increase by P1.50 from the present fare of P6.50.

Mingala said they cannot do otherwise but to seek for a fare rate increase, saying the prices of gasoline has increase for 12 times this year.

MAYOR Celso Lobregat Thursday called for strengthened information education campaign against HIV-Aids in a bid to reduce the number of cases in Zamboanga City.

Lobregat said this after City Health Officer Rodel Agbulos and his team presented a report of a study conducted on the HIV-Aids situation in Indonesia as a result of injecting drug use (IDU).

Based on his report, Agbulos said the Indonesian government has resorted to the implementation of numerous interventions or harm reduction programs in view of glaring cases of HIV-Aids caused by IDU.

Some 200,000 people, mostly youths, in Indonesia have been diagnosed to be afflicted with the dreaded disease due to IDU. Among the measures undertaken in Indonesia is the distribution of injecting needles to prevent needle sharing and the maintenance of replacement therapy of opium drug.

"We believe that our thrust should be on information education campaign in schools, youths, high risk groups and all other sectors", Lobregat said. Through massive information on the prevention and control of HIV-Aids among the different sectors in the city, the number of cases can be reduced.

Agbulos has reported that nine cases of Aids have been registered in Zamboanga but all of these were overseas workers and acquired the disease in their workplaces.

A study of the IDU in Zamboanga City conducted in 2005 showed that some 1,200 people are into injecting drug use.

Because of vulnerability, Zamboanga City, Cebu City, and General Santos City have been identified as pilot project areas by the Department of Health.

While the mode of transmission of HIV-Aids in the Philippines is far different from that in Indonesia, health authorities believe that preventive measures should be a priority as early as now.

Lobregat said the City Government through the City Health Office in coordination with non-government organizations (NGOs) is exerting its best effort to rid the city of the dreaded disease despite the many challenges besetting at present.

Zamboanga is vulnerable to HIV-Aids and all other forms of diseases in view of its accessibility to other countries specifically Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia.

"We are doing all the best we can to rid the city of the dreaded disease," the mayor stressed.

Also present during the meeting at the City Hall conference room Thursday were health officials from the different agencies and non-government organizations concerned in the fight against HIV-Aids. (Sheila E. Covarrubias)

the increase of HIV cases in Zambo is alarming..concomitant to this, a very clear manifestation that Zamboanga is haven of prostitutes..

Mayor, clear our city from dirts..

guys..its merry making once again na WMSU..at 4pm we will assemble ourselves at Pettit Baracks to mark the formal kickoff of the Allumni Homecoming...It will be a torch parade..

I just wonder, bakit ang hilig2 ng WMSU sa torch parade..

can anyone explain to me this?

Roberto Gomez, the Zamboangueño cue artist who missed only one step to win the World Pool Championship 2007 title last November 11, will strut his wares right in Zamboanga City in a pool duel with one of RP’s top pool players, Warren Kiamco, at the City Coliseum.

Congressman Erbie A. Fabian (District 1) will create another “first” sport extravaganza by bringing Gomez (aka Superman) and Kiamco to Zamboanga City for a rare pool encounter.

Fabian said the Gomez-Kiamco match will be a Christmas presentation to Zamboanga’s pool (or billiard in local parlance) enthusiasts. Admission will be free.

The 9-ball and race to 17 match will start at 2 p.m. and is expected to conclude at 5 p.m.

Almost an unknown entity in the pool arena, Gomez was one step to the World Pool Championship title when he lost to Englishman Daryl Peach by a narrow margin.

Gomez, a Masscom student who hails from Tugbungan, was champion in the 2001 Kuwait pool tournament. He also grabbed the title in the Scandinavian tournament early this year.

Kiamco, on the other hand, won a gold medal in the SEA Games in 1995.

The City Council yesterday passed a resolution commending District 2 Congressman Erbie A. Fabian for his consistency in promoting Zamboanga City through sports.
Councilor Gerky Valesco sponsored the resolution which was unanimously approved by the members of the local august body during their regular session yesterday.

“Indeed, we recognize the efforts of Rep. Fabian. He should be commended for his initiative in promoting the city. Sports activities like the Golpe-Golpe na Zamboanga series which features national and international fighters are attracting guests and visitors from the different parts of the country,” Valesco stressed.

The councilor added that the recent Golpe-Golpe Na Zamboanga dubbed as Philippines versus Thailand, which is an international boxing presentation, has put the city in the limelight since even the Solar Sports covered the event.

“The holding of different sports events initiated by Rep. Fabian is an effective way of promoting the city through what we call us sports tourism. This would surely further increase the influx of domestic and even foreign tourists to our city,” Valesco said.

Valesco also disclosed that another sports event that is initiated by Fabian is the forthcoming billiard tournament featuring Roberto “Superman” Gomez, runner-up in the recently concluded World Pool Championship 2007 in Manila and Warren Kiamco, gold medalist in various national and international competitions.

Dubbed as the “December Encounter”, the billiard tournament will be held on Dec. 23 at the City Coliseum.

The Construction and Development Corporation of the Philippines (CDCP) was established in 1966 by virtue of an executive order during the administration of the late President Ferdinand Marcos. It was granted a 50-year franchise to commission and perform construction works throughout the Philippines. In 1977, Presidential Decree No. 1113 was issued, granting the CDCP a 30-year franchise to operate and maintain the various limited-access toll highways in the Philippines. The CDCP changed its name to its present name the Philippine National Construction Corporation (PNCC) in 1983 after the infusion of additional equity from the government since 1981.

The CDCP reclaimed area at the back of Fort Pilar has its own history. Its does not speak about the Spanish period nor the Japanese occupation. It has its beginnings during the construction boom in the late 70s which brought about the light construction industry in the Philippines, to include the City of Zamboanga. The place was the unloading berth area of the company where all construction materials were unloaded and piled. There was an attempt to build a hotel in this reclaimed area. It was never realized and eventually the area became a notorious slum area for other nefarious activities. It was during the administration of the late Ma. Clara Lobregat that the City Government was able to acquire the lot and now the City of Zamboanga owns it. The past administration’s idea was to convert the area into public park but the idea did not push through for some reason or the other. It was the present administration which has the political will to develop the area and converting the place into a tourist haven with
a team of professionals who did the planning and designing.

Likewise, we all know, when a medical team conducts a surgery, there are number of medical doctors of varied specializations who will conduct the operation just to save the life of a one patient. The same is true in the legal profession. In order to save the life of a person there is a team of lawyers who will try to convince the judge in a trial to spare the life of the one who committed the acts. In the architecture profession, in order for a project to become successful; a team of architects is needed to come up with a more reasonable, buildable and successful projects. As for the CDCP development at Fort Pilar, there were several attempts to come up with its development but nothing was realized. The failure of the past administration to come up with a responsive idea for the development of CDCP did not prosper maybe because of the unavailability of good ideas that would more or less satisfy the Zamboangueños who were particularly concerned with the development. This included the professionals involved in
the design and planning. It was Mayor Celso Lobregat who had the will power to initiate the project. The mayor knew that hiring architects from outside the city will cost the City Government a big amount of money. That’s why he decided first to risk by calling for a Design Competition sponsored by the City Government in coordination and cooperation of the United Architects of the Philippines, Zamboanga City Chapter and participated by our local Zamboangueño architects to come up with a multitude and better ideas for its development while still preserving its historical and architectural heritage nomenclature. The response was prospective and enormously positive. The participants in the Designs Competition of the CDCP came from numerous local architects who are “true blooded Zamboangueños’” and who want that this place La Bella will once again shine with pride. Headed by no less than the multi-awarded Dean of the College of Architecture of the Western Mindanao State University, Architect Domingo A. Abarro III,
FUAP, assisted by Arch. Manolo L. Tatel, UAP, led the other team members composed of professionals in the academe from the colleges of Architecture and Engineering through its College’s Research and Community Outreach Programs who came up with the present design. The design speaks of tomorrow's Zamboanga City where every object haa its own meaning in time and place. These include the lights where the effect at night is necessarily special more so when the background is the seascape. By going through the Paseo del Mar people will feel the freedom to make himself feel good and experience the therapeutic effect brought about by the design of the place.

In going into the Paseo one is welcomed by the well-lighted eight-arches entrance where the marker of the place is embedded on an open slate rock, designed to harmonize the era of the Fort – thus bricks were used on the ground and columns of the arches. This continues on until the end of the walk – where steel benches are strategically located where one can seat on as well as the granite seat wall to rest or witness the dramatic sunset facing west and also have a good view of our busy city port area. Two steps higher than the walk, which also serves as seats when needed, are well–sited stretched membrane roofed concessions where one can buy delicious snacks, food and drinks to refresh, and energize while resting and enjoying seated under the umbrella protected chairs admiring and appreciating the panoramic view of the area. The area is designed for the whole family to enjoy leisurely brisk walking, casual jogging, resting and relaxing during early mornings and late afternoons of the day. During the night the
multi-colored decorative lamp posts give a festive atmosphere where one can unwind with friends, officemates or one’s family after a hard day’s work, under the starry sky and with the comforting, soothing breeze coming from the Basilan Strait. It is a watering hole for the young and not so young to enjoy, experience and cherish under the protection of the native-inspired uniformed cops who will provide 24 hours security to the paciantes. A Tourist Center is located beside the main entrance to inform and guide tourists. Strategically located portable plastic comfort stations are there to serve you when you have to answer the call of nature. This is just a piece of the “iceberg” planning and designing done and intended for the area which was envisioned to harmonize with the Spanish architectural heritage nature of the place. At the same time, introducing new development compatible to and connecting the past with the present and the future for global appreciation and offer unique experience.

Paseo del Mar was once an issue to some critics but their observations were fruitful, for they gave inspiration to the designers to come up with a more successful design. There are people who want to give all the credit to the designers but the local architects do not want to get all the credit for their effort in coming up for the design. The credit must go to Mayor Celso Lobregat and his administration and likewise for his untiring effort and his political will to pursue the project despite the antagonism brought about by the project. We are also thankful to him, for giving the local creative architects the opportunity to ascertain and prove themselves by coming up with the beautiful design despite the numerous limitations. Thus, showing the world that the “Zamboangueño Architects Can”.

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Zamboanga Latinos, Zamboanga's representative in the National Basketball Conference..

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CITY of LIGHTS..zAMBOANGA CITY HALL AT NIGHT

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La Caldera in the present days..

the smoky place there in the picture, is the site on which the DACON CO. is located..it is a timber company that is sourcing its lumbers from Sirawai-Sibuco area in ZaNorte..

Reasons why Pagadian City is not suitable to be the Regional Center for all the National Government Agencies of Region IX which at present is located at Zamboanga City:

1. Pagadian City is located at the tip of Zamboanga Peninsula Map, which should not be the case. Regional Offices should always be at heart of the Region to facilitate the easiest access and services to our constituents when it comes to business transactions.

2. The Pagadian City Airport Run way is very small which couldn’t accommodate jet-powered airplanes, such planes from the PAL, Cebu Pacific and Air Phil, there is not even flight coming from Zamboanga City to Pagadian City. Their runway is capable of accommodating small airplanes only with limited seats coming from its neighboring Provinces with no regular flight.

3. Likewise, their pier/wharf is very small which make it impossible for the Super Ferry, George and Peter’s Lines, and other shipping companies to dock. The pier is capable of accommodating small boat only. As a consequence, there are not many sea crafts transportation traveling from Zamboanga City to Pagadian City and vice versa.

4. Travel by land between Zamboanga City and Pagadian City is very tiring and risky due to long distance and very rough road from Kumalarang to Tubod area.

5. Pagadian City is considered the noisiest city in Philippines because majority of the vehicles remove their muffler silencer to augment its power in order to enable to due to the undulating/hilly terrain of the city, whereby creating noise and smoke belching.

6. One thing more, you will be mistaken to be dumb and deaf because you have to shout and sometimes do some sign language just to understand your companion because of the noise coming from the vehicles.

7. The city is very underdeveloped which needs to be developed yet in terms of buildings and other infrastructures.

When we look for the center Province at the Map, it is Zamboanga Sibugay Province who is really located on the center of Region IX. Why push us to the tip and why move to Pagadian City, which is not the center? In my opinion, at present it is politics that reign now; whosoever is nearer to the kitchen is more fragrant to the chef.

PASCUA NA ZAMBOANGA..

another photo of the city hall..

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another look..

The Southway Square

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Plaza Pershing

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Christmas Tree in the Middle of Plaza Pershing..

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Rizal's statue..

PASCUA NA ZAMBOANGA..

another photo of the city hall..

http://photos.friendster.com/photos/80/56/49956508/1_925647160l.jpg


^^ gud am zoro e mga vivientes de zambo, very nice shots of zambo's x mas spirit.......:banana::banana::banana::banana::cheers:

http://www.zamboangacity.com/zamboangacity_gallery/images/zbga368.jpg

MARCIAN CONVENTION CENTER
ZAMBOANGA CITY

photos by storm:cheers:

the spirit of christmas is really felt upon seing those lights..i hope those lights would serve as our guiding light in commencing a new chapter of our lives..

Hundreds of alumni of Western Mindanao State University (WMSU), some coming from abroad, attended the opening ceremonies of their alma mater’s annual two-day alumni homecoming yesterday morning at the campus.

As she greeted and welcomed them, WMSU president Dr. Grace Rebollos congratulated the alumni for their individual contribution to the development of the region and for their service to people around the world. She said that their work and service is part of the university’s present thrust to alleviate poverty and bring peace to the region.

In her speech to the alumni attending the opening ceremony, Dr. Rebollos urged both alumni and university personnel to be guided by the motto that encapsulates her vision for the institution, which is “La Universidad Na Servicio del Communidad”.

Alumni regent Servando Evangelista kicked off the program with a welcome address and trooping of the honor lines.

The celebrating jubilarians are from the 1982 high school class led by class president Myra Valderrosa Abubakar, College of Nursing 1982 Class led by WMSU Director for Admissions Carla Ochotorena, and the 1947 golden jubilarians led by Pilar Santos. Each of the class leaders gave a response during the ceremony.

The program was capped by the formal opening of the exhibition booths of the different colleges.

The alumni would also stage a lantern parade downtown and games and shows in the evening of the first day. They will elect a new set of alumni association officers and hold a testimonial dinner on the second day of Saturday, Dec. 15. — Rey-Luis Banagudos/PAO-WMSU

Feliz Navidad...

THE City Government sponsored activities for the 2007 Pascua na Zamboanga were culminated Sunday, but the revelry continues as private groups have slated other activities that are said to end after the advent season.

Mayor Celso Lobregat has expressed gratitude to participants in the Inter-barangay Christmas Landmark competition, best dressed in Santa costume competition, Canciones de Pascua 2007 and the open lantern contest held the past weeks.

He said the participants showed enthusiasm and sportsmanship during the competitions making the 2007 Pascua na Zamboanga a huge success.

The City Government, through the City Tourism Division under the Office of the Mayor, allocated over P200,000 for the prizes in the different competitions.

Barangay Boalan topped the inter-barangay landmark competition with P50,000 cash prize. Second was Sta. Maria barangay with P40,000; third was Lunzuran barangay with P30,000; San Roque barangay with P20,000 and Cabatangan barangay ranked fifth with P10,000.

The competition pertained to Christmas symbols such as Christmas tree, Belen and decorative lights.

Twenty elementary school students from different public and private schools in the city participated in the Best Dressed in Santa Claus costume competition held at the La Vista del Mar last December 12. The first prizewinner received P6,000; the second prizewinner got P5,000; the third prize was P4,000; fourth prize was P3,000 and fifth prize was P2,000.

The winners were Clude Kent Enriquez - first place; Angelica Celine Fuertes - second place; Angelo Salayog - third place; Anne Julia Limbo - fourth place; and Jediah Kent Marcos Tagud - fifth place.

The Canciones de Pascua was a Christmas Choral competition in chabavano, involving Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) councils in the city. First place went to the Canelar SK with P10,000 cash prize; second place went to the SK of Barangay Guiwan with a cash prize of P7,000; third place was the SK of Barangay Tumaga with P5,000 and fourth place was the SK of Barangay San Jose Gusu with P3,000.

The open lantern competition meantime was a test of the participants' ingenuity and craftsmanship. It was open to all except city government officials and employees. The entry of Erwin Enriquez of Culianan was adjudged first with a cash prize of P10,000; the entry of Arnel Palacio of Camino Nuevo ranked second with P7,000 cash prize and third was the entry of Ronaldo Quibilan of Victoria with P5,000 cash prize. Fourth placer was the entry of Jose Sontillanosa with P3,000 cash prize and fifth placer was the entry of Romeo de la Cruz of Mampang with a cash prize of P2,000.

Other ongoing activities in line with the Pascua na Zamboanga 2007 is the Christmas night market at the La Vista del Mar and the afternoon shows at the Plaza Pershing. (Sheila Covarrubias)

They say Christmas is all about love and remembering the Birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, others say, it’s a season of giving and sharing.

This yuletide season, breast cancer survivors of Zamboanga are asking us to share a little love by supporting their trade fair dubbed as “Christmas Love Bazaar.”

The Western Mindanao Cancer Action, Inc., Funds (WMCAIF) will be conducting a trade fair called “Christmas Love Bazaar” for the benefit of the breast cancer survivors today at 9:00 am to 5:00 pm at the lobby of Ciudad Medical Zamboanga.

Assorted items, goods such as apparels/clothing’s, shoes, bags, novelty items, Jars, plants, health & beauty products, books, accessories, and a lot more will be sold at a very low price.

Proceeds of the trade fair will redound to the benefit of the WMCAIF members who are breast cancer survivors themselves.

WMCAIF was formed in 1999 by Encarnita De La Paz who is a breast cancer survivor herself with 10 to 20-member s only. To date the group has 50 members who are breast cancer survivors and family members of breast cancer patients who died of the disease.

WMCAIF is a support group, where members regularly meet & get together every month for experience sharing, emotional support, spiritual counseling, seminars, training, group dynamics among others.

“Survivors realized that they are not alone and that there are people who can better understand the situation of being a breast cancer survivor” said Dr. Agnes Zapanta Mabolo of DOH and at the same time PIO of WMCAIF. Dr. Mabolo joined the group in 2000 after she was operated from her breast cancer.

The WMCAIF thru Dr. Marissa Lim, consultant/adviser of the group sometimes invites speakers from Manila to talk about not only breast cancer but also topics touching on how to keep the body healthy, proper exercise, herbal remedies & supplement, aroma therapy & healthy lifestyle. — PIA

Greetings to my brothers and sisters in Islam “Assalamualaykum wa rahmatu Allah wa barakatuh wa al-magfiratuh (May the peace, mercy, blessing and forgiveness of Allah be upon you)” on the occasion of Eid al-adha, which is one of two major Islamic celebrations that takes place on the tenth day (December 20) of the lunar month of Dhul-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar.

This offers another opportunity for us to celebrate this feast of self-sacrifice to Allah Most Glorified Most High. The celebration highlights the observance of religious ritual for the annual pilgrimage to Makka Al-Mukkaramah in Saudi Arabia in order to worship Allah.

Muslims attend Salatul-Eid (Eid Prayer) in the morning. This is followed by a short sermon, after which everyone socializes. Next, they visit each other’s homes and partake in festive meals with special dishes, beverages, and desserts. Children receive gifts and sweets on this Hariraya Hajji.

The Festival of Sacrifice is celebrated as a commemoration of Prophet Abraham’s (peace be upon him) willingness to sacrifice everything for Allah, including the life of his beloved and righteous son Ismael (pbuh), who was destined also to become a prophet.

Because Allah spared Ismael (pbuh), substituting a sheep in his stead, we, Muslims commemorate this occasion by slaughtering an animal and distributing its meat among family, friends and the poor and needy as a symbol also of special act of charity for the occasion.

The act symbolizes our willingness to give up things that are of benefit to us or close to our hearts, in order to follow Allah’s commands. It also symbolizes our willingness to give up some of our own bounties, in order to strengthen ties of friendship and help those who are in need.

We recognize that all blessings come from Allah Most Glorified Most High, and we should open our hearts and share with others. A true Muslim, one who submits his or herself completely to the Lord, is willing to follow Allah’s commands completely and obediently.

Furthermore, the day of Eid al-Adha is known the world over as “Al-Eid Al-Kabir”, or the Major Feast. It is distinguished from “Al-Eid Al-Saghir”, which is the Minor Feast, known also as Eid al-Fitr. This is actually celebrated by Muslims two months and ten days before the Major Feast.

On the ninth day of Dhul-Hijjah, pilgrims proceed to the plains of the Mount of Arafah, outside Makkah and they spend their time totally in worship. This is the core of the worship of Hajj, without which no Hajj is said to have been performed. On that evening, pilgrims proceed from Arafah to Muzdalifah.

Early in the morning of the 10th day of Dhul-Hijjah, the pilgrims having offered their prayers at Muzdalifah, proceed to the three pillars to cast seven stones at the symbols of Satan. This ceremony of casting stones has been performed since the days of Prophet Abraham (pbuh).

It is a ceremony, which indicates that one should cast away the evil of Satan repeatedly and resolve never to listen to him again, nor to succumb to temptations. In fact, the word for the casting process in Arabic is “rajm”, which means throwing of stones.

Then, pilgrims return to Mina, with a pure slate of mind and heart, where they perform the sacrifice of animals. This process commemorates the event when Prophet Abrahim (pbuh) was about to sacrifice his most beloved treasure, his son.

Hajj is, in fact, considered a re-affirmation of the faith of Prophet Abrahim (pbuh), whom is considered the “father” of all prophets.

Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) has said about the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah: There are no days in which righteous deeds are more beloved to Allah than these ten days.” The people asked, “Not even Jihad for the sake of Allah?” He said, “Not even Jihad for the sake of Allah, except in the case of a man who went out to fight giving himself and his wealth up for the cause, and came back with nothing.”

So sacred are the first ten days of Dhul Hijjah that Allah Most Glorified Most High swears an oath by them when He says in the Quran: “By the dawn; by the ten nights” [al-Fajr 89:1-2]. Swearing an oath by something indicates its importance and great benefit.

While any good deed done for the sake of Allah Most Glorified Most High according to the way He approves will be rewarded immensely during the first ten days, Insha’Allah (God willing), some of the more specific actions mentioned in the traditions of the Prophet (pbuh) are fasting and verbal Dhikr (remembrance) of Allah Most Glorified Most High.

In terms of fasting, it is particularly encouraged to fast on the ninth day of Dhul Hijjah, known in Arabic as Yawm Arafah. The Prophet used to fast on this day. Fasting on this day will expiate a Muslim’s sins for two years.

One of the wives of the Prophet (pbuh) said: Allah’s Messenger used to fast the (first) nine days of Dhul Hijjah, the day of Ashura, and three days of each month.

The day of Arafah is the day when the pilgrims stand in worship on the Mountain of Arafah. It is the best day of the Whole Year.

we join the almost 100,000 Muslim people in Zamboang in thier celebration of the hARI-Raya Hajji...

we join the almost 100,000 Muslim people in Zamboang in thier celebration of the hARI-Raya Hajji...

Just for an info. Is this 100, 000 Muslim population predominated by Tausugs or by Maranaos?

Just for an info. Is this 100, 000 Muslim population predominated by Tausugs or by Maranaos?

Maranaos are from Lanao, Tausugs are from Zamboanga and Jolo....:cheers:

ryt..but their are also Samals and Yakans in the vicinity...

Zamboangueño pug named best boxer
By Bong Garcia

AN AMATEUR boxer who started his career through participation in the Congressman Erico Basilio Fabian's Golpe-Golpe na Barangay (Boxing in the Barangay) was named Best Boxer in a national amateur boxing competition.

It was the second time this year that an amateur boxer from from this city that was discovered through Fabian's program was named Best Boxer in a national competition.

Jerick Fernando, 15 of Barangay Talon-Talon, displaying superior ring craftsmanship bested four other boxers from other cities in the country in the just-concluded Tony Boy Floirendo Invitational Amateur Boxing Championships held in Panabo City, Davao del Norte.

Participation in the five-day boxing tourney was by invitation and only amateur boxing teams with good performance record in national boxing competitions were invited.

Last October, Conrado Tañamor Jr., a frequent winner in the Boxing in the Barangay was also adjudged best boxer after winning his bout convincingly in the Smart National Youth Open and Women Amateur Boxing Championships in Cagayan de Oro City.

Tañamor subsequently won a bronze medal after in his first international outing when he represented the country in International Junior Amateur Boxing Championships in Kazakhstan.

Tañamor was the lone medalist in that tournament as all his other teammates did not reach the quarterfinals.

City sets ex-mayor's 4th death anniversary activities

PREPARATIONS are underway for the commemoration of the 4th death anniversary of former mayor Maria Clara Lobregat, who succumbed to cardiac arrest in Manila on January 2, 2004, while she was serving her second term as chief executive.

City Health Officer Rodel Agbulos, who heads the organizing committee, said the commemoration will kick off with a Eucharistic Mass at the St. Joseph Church followed by a motorcade from Nuñez to the Butterfly garden in Pasonanca where a program will be held on January 2.

As early as December 27, tarpaulins, announcing the forthcoming observance of the death anniversary of the only woman mayor of Zamboanga, will be hanged on major streets downtown.

The commemorative program at the Butterfly garden will start with the flower offering at the foot of the bronze bust of the late mayor and highlighted by the flower drop courtesy helicopters from the 3rd Tactical Operations Wing.

Agbulos said a prepared speech competition for interested residents from barangays within the 7-kilometer radius will be held in honor of the late Mrs. Lobregat. The speech will be about the life of the late mayor, known to many as "Ma'am Caling."

Elimination round for the prepared speech competition is set for December 28 where the three top pieces will be selected. The winners will deliver their speeches during the commemorative program at the Butterfly garden.

The late Mrs. Lobregat is well loved for her charitable works, remarkable accomplishments as assemblywoman then a congresswoman and finally as mayor and her love for her beloved Zamboanga City.

Her untimely demise on January 2, 2004 resulted to a change in the political landscape in Zamboanga. Then vice mayor (now District II Congressman) Erbie Fabian assumed as mayor while then councilors (now District I Congresswoman) Beng Climaco assumed as vice mayor.

Then Congressman (now Mayor) Celso Lobregat (of the then lone district of Zamboanga) ran and subsequently won the race for Mayor in the May 2004 elections. Lobregat is the eldest son of the late lady mayor. (Sheila E. Covarrubias)

City registers 40 carolers

CITY Hall has officially allowed 40 groups to go on caroling activities during the yuletide season.

Assistant City Administrator Elmeir Apolinario said the grant of permits is pursuant to a city government policy for all carolers to secure official permission from before they can go on caroling from December 16 to 24.

Over 40 groups including students, religious groups, drum and lyre groups, band groups and differently-abled groups have been issued permits by City Hall as of December 17.

Apolinario said the City Government prohibits would only allow caroling activities that are conducted in the spirit of goodwill and to spread the cheers and joys of Christmas and not for profit generating purposes.

Caroling activities in malls are not allowed unless permitted or consented by the mall or department store management.

All caroling activities should end at 10 in the evening except for drum and lyre groups that should end at 8 p.m. and bands at 9 p.m.

Apolinario said the carolers should also coordinate with the barangay chairmen and/or subdivision association officials in case the caroling activities will be conducted in private subdivisions.

Young children carolers are exempted from the issuance of permits, according to the City Hall official. (Sheila E. Covarrubias)

ECOZONE PLANS TO PUT UP AN ICT PARK IN ZAMBO

Its all systems go for Zamboanga City Special Economic Zone and Freeport Authority’s (ZAMBOECOZONE) plan to establish an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Park within the 1st Industrial Park in San Ramon, west this city.

ZamboEcozone Chairman and Administrator Hon. Georgina P. Yu said that the establishment of such facilities here in this city would be a competitive advantage and privilege for the Zamboangeños, as it would create job generation and business promotions here.

Chairman Yu said that the comparative lead of Zamboanga City among other places in Mindanao is that there are much available ICT graduates here. Some 26 colleges and universities in the entire Zamboanga Peninsula are offering ICT courses, there are about 30,000 graduates of it courses and mathematics in Zamboanga Peninsula and approximately 45,000 graduates of Engineering and Technology courses in the region.

“As an ecozone, security and stability of ICT park within its 1st Industrial Park can be controlled, it has its own security management and control, backed up by the local police force and the military,” Yu said.

Other opportunities ecozone can offer is that it has sufficient and un-interrupted power supply, reasonable fiscal and non-fiscal incentives, cost efficient operations, unique manpower advantage, revives the local economy and gives support to the local community.

ZamboEcozone projects to venture into Call Centers, Software Development and Maintenance, Medical Transcription Academy, Litigation Support and other related ICT services.

Such ICT business enterprise would target the market in the Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia East Asian Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), Middle East, the United States and Europe. -30-

Chairman Yu said that the said project will be successful with the expression of full support of other cooperating agencies of government like the Department of Science and Technology, National Computer Center, Regional Information Technology and E-Commerce Council, Philippine Tourism Authority, National Telecommunications Commission and the Commission for Information and Communication Technology.

At present, ecozone has already prepared a proposed IT Call Center Station within its administration building for further study and availability to would-be investors who will locate in the zone for such kind of relative business.

DEMAK MOTORS OPENS LOCAL MARKET

The first motorcycle assembly company in Zamboanga City Demak Motors Philippines Incorporated (DMPI) has opened its doors to the local market by selling their quality tested motorcycle products here.

Having considered Zamboanga City and the Philippines as a motorcycle market, Demak Motors, which is the Number One motorcycle brand in Malaysia established their assembly plant here for better marketability and proximity to their country as well.

Demak Motorcycles has unique features and specifications which is fully furnished alloy materials and top coated plastic covers that can be fully enjoyed by motorbike enthusiasts in the city. Demak motorcycles is being sold in minimal prices compared to those Japan-made brands.

Mr. Lin Bin, Plant Manager of Demak Motors, Inc. which is based inside Zamboanga City Special Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (ZamboEcozone) 1st Industrial Park said that their brand is competitive in quality and performance with those known brands sold in the market today, but the only difference is their affordable and consumer friendly price.

The company has authorized local dealers now in the city like EMCOR Motorcycle outlets and Eazy Marketing.

“You can see for yourself the big difference in the price of our motorcycles which has the same quality, disposition and performance with other brands the public know,” Mr. Bin said.

Demak Motors Philippines, Inc. is the 1st motorcycle assembly plant in the Philippines which cater domestic and international market. The company has various assembly plants all over Asia. Aside from their main manufacturing plant in Kuching, Sarawak, East Malaysia the company has other assembly plants in China, Indonesia and West Malaysia.Demak motors also specialized customized-design motorcycles and All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) units, golf carts and rural vehicles according to the necessity of their customers. The said company is targeting the Asian market for their products. - Marlon P. Simbajon/Information Officer III

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Demark Motors Assembly Plant in Zamboanga City

FINEX COMPANY HIRES EMPLOYEE

The newest locator of Zamboanga City Special Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (ZAMBOECOZONE) begins its hiring of skilled employees to work for their corporation here in Zamboanga City.

FINEX GROUP OF COMPANIES INCORPORATED, is a domestic trading enterprise who engage in the importation and recondition of used industrial and heavy equipment, agricultural machinery, trucks, buses, sports utility vehicles and passenger vans for the domestic market.

Mr. Ely A. Orallo, Vice-President for Operations of the company said that their business will operate the soonest possible time as long as their first shipment from Japan will arrive here in the local port.

Orallo told the Labor Services Section of ZamboEcozone headed by Senior Labor Services Officer IV Jimmy Vesagas their immediate manpower requirement for such operation here.

Mr. Vesagas on the other hand recommended to the company its existing manpower pool who passed the initial interview provided by the office for the labor requirements of every locator in ecozone.

The company is in immediate need of skilled workers in automotive like; welders, tinsmiths, automotive electricians, automotive aircon technicians, dashboard converters, automotive painters and converters of right hand drive to left hand drive vehicles. They must submit their application forms, bio-data and other pertinent papers to the Labor Services Section of ZamboEcozone in San Ramon, west this city.

ZamboEcozone Chairman and Administrator Hon. Gerogina P. Yu said that the labor requirement of FINEX Company would benefit the skilled workers of this city. FENIX Group needs a cumulative manpower requirement of some 300 workers in its initial year of operation and would reach to 2,000 employees or more within five years of doing harmonious business here.

Chairman Yu said that FINEX Group of Companies intends to auction the imported used vehicles that they purchase to the local market whose potential buyers are from Regions IX,X,XI,XII,XIII and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao

2 NEW COMPANIES INVEST IN ZAMBOECOZONE

Two new companies recently signed-up an investment contract with Zamboanga City Special Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (ZAMBOECOZONE).

FENIX GROUP OF COMPANIES INCORPORATED and SOUTHERN AUCTIONEER INTERNATIONAL INCORPORATED inked yesterday with ZAMBOECOZONE officials their business intent to invest here in Zamboanga City.

FENIX GROUP OF COMPANIES INCORPORATED, is a domestic trading enterprise who engage in the importation and recondition of used industrial and heavy equipment, agricultural machinery, trucks, buses, sports utility vehicles and passenger vans for the domestic market. While SOUTHERN AUCTIONEER INTERNATIONAL INCORPORATED is the marketing arm of the latter in the auction and shopping of the imported reconditioned vehicles for the domestic market.

ZAMBOECOZONE Chairman and Administrator Hon. Georgina P. Yu welcome this development which marks another milestone not only for ecozone but also for Zamboanga City considering its projected additional benefits for the Zamboangeños in terms of taxes, income and labor requirements.

“Eversince, it is the objective of ecozone to assist in the progress and development of our city by bringing investors to do business here, were glad we got another one this year and there are still others who expressed the same interests,” Yu said.

During the signing of business contracts yesterday, FENIX Group of Companies President Jaime Escaño said that his company is happy to do business here in Zamboanga City considering the strategic location and benefits of ecozone, the good business climate and hospitable people.

The company is expected to operate its trading of imported vehicles and machineries from Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Europe and the Middle East within three months time after preparing necessary documents and facilities needed for their nature of business.

Chairman Yu said that the labor requirement of the two companies would benefit the skilled workers of this city. FENIX Group needs a cumulative manpower requirement of some 300 workers in its initial year of operation and would reach to 2,000 employees or more within five years of doing harmonious business here.

The second company will also need some 30 to 200 workers for the auction selling and marketing during its operational period. Employment generation would greatly benefit those skilled workers according to the necessity of the two companies in the nature of their business.

The official said that FENIX Group of Companies and Southern Auctioneer Int’l. Inc. intends to auction the imported used vehicles that they purchase to the local market whose potential buyers are from Regions IX,X,XI,XII,XIII and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

The importation, trading and recondition of used vehicles for sale in the domestic market is one of the hottest business trend in other economic zones around the country like Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and Cagayan Economic Zone (CEZA). With the entry of similar company in ZAMBOECOZONE, this marks another business opportunity and convenience to local buyers, dealers and motorists who are interested in owning or selling such imported reconditioned vehicles. - Marlon P. Simbajon/Information Officer III

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this is what you will find in the reserves of the Zamboanga Economic Zone..

the Strawberry Farm of Zamboanga, also in the reserves of the ecozone..kala nyo Baguio lang may Strawberries?hehe

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Flower Farms in Ecozone..hala, Baguio na Baguio tlaga ang dating..

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the activity centers inside the vicinity of the Economic Zone..

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:banana::banana::banana:
go...go...go...Zoro ^^

tenchu gearx..

Mayor unveils another P4-M school building

FOR the third time in one week, Mayor Celso Lobregat unveiled another two-storey six-classroom building Wednesday, this time at the Mercedes Elementary School.

Costing over P4 million, the school building is still part of Lobregat's massive infrastructure program for the education sector this year.

"This is in compliance of my commitment to construct a school building for Mercedes Elementary School to help address the classroom shortage and upgrade facilities and ultimately to improve quality of education", Lobregat announced during the turnover and inauguration ceremonies.

Mercedes Elementary School is one of the best performing schools in the city and the region because of the numerous awards it has won. It was adjudged best in the Jardin na Escuela competition sponsored by the City Government, Brigada Escuela program of the Department of Education and other competitions pertaining to the proficiency of the students.

Lobregat said the City Government recognizes the efforts of the Mercedes Elementary School through the outstanding leadership of Principal Editha Toribio and that it is doing everything possible to assist the school and other schools in the city.

As this developed, education officials have expressed gratitude to the City Government for the continuous support to public elementary and secondary schools not only through school buildings but distribution of computer units, hiring of teachers and grant of allowances among others.

Division Supervisor Connie Lim, Mercedes District Supervisor Carmen Saculingan and Mercedes Elementary School Principal Toribio individually acknowledged the contribution of the City Government under Mayor Lobregat to the Mercedes Elementary School and the education sector as a whole.

"This project is highly appreciated and we assure you that this building will be used with utmost care and protection for the benefit and welfare of the school children," Mrs. Toribio emphasized.

Also present during the turn over and inauguration rites yesterday were Councilors Rudy Lim, Nonong Guingona and Eddie Saavedra, City Engineer Luis Despalo, Barangay Chief Neofito Casimiro, Parent Teacher Association Vice President Evangelina Casimiro and other officials.

Assistant Mercedes Parish Priest Jonathan Berdijo officiated the blessing rites.

Meanwhile, before the Mercedes Elementary School building turn over, Lobregat graced the "Tuloy ang Pasko ng mga Bata" program at Lumbayao Elementary School participated by 78 school children and their parents.

Lobregat dropped by to greet and to share some foodstuffs for the children and some parents. (Sheila E. Covarrubias)

wow kanindot gud anang ecozone dinha.... diba layo na sa city proper?

layo jud kaau..about 20 kilometers from the city proper..

by d way, sa San Ramon diay na xa bai..duol sa San Ramon Penal Farm ug sa WMSU College of Agriculture..

ah ok., ala pa ko kaanha dinha... laagon ra nako na puhon.

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ah ok., ala pa ko kaanha dinha... laagon ra nako na puhon.

cge..ingna lang ko mkai ilaag lang tka sa ila 2,000 hectares area..hehe

City Campus del UZ

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Pasonanca Swimming Pool

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another large mosque in Rio Hondo

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this is Zamboanga in 1944..

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Ampitheater in Pasonanca

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NYC PAINT JOB HUH? PARK AT ONE OF THE RESTO'S IN ZAMBO "PALMERAS DE ZAMBOANG"

photo by storm

wow..that is an unusual sight in zambo..

Army general named new Westmincom deputy
By Bong Garcia

THE military's Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) has a new deputy commander.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has designated Army Brigadier General Ricardo Garcia as Westmincom deputy chief vice Marine Brigadier General Juancho Sabban.

Sabban, who served as Westmincom deputy chief and Task Force Thunder (TFT) chief, will now concentrate on his tasks as TFT head. The task force is charged with pursuing the al Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf in Basilan province.

Reports said Sabban will be serving in concurrent capacity as the deputy commander of the Philippine Marine Corps.

Before his assignment as Westmincom deputy chief, Garcia was assigned to the Philippine Army's 5th division based in the Northern Luzon region.

Garcia had occupied various key positions in the Army.

He said he was designated as Westmincom deputy chief late last month but it was only recently that he got hold of the official order, which is why he only revealed the development Wednesday.

During his days as a lieutenant, Garcia said he was assigned in the island province of Sulu, where government troops are currently pursuing the remaining leaders and members of the al Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf bandits.

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Zamboanga from a far...

Zamboanga Foods..

Curacha..
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Satti..

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Mangosteen..

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Yakan Village

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Yakan Village in Upper Calarian in Zamboanga City. The Yakans are the traditional settlers of Basilan Island. They wear colorful, handwoven clothes made of the fabric shown above. Pineapple and abaca are converted into fibers and they serve as basic material for weaving.
Comments

super ganda ng sunset ng Zamboanga,,

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At the Lantaka Hotel

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One of the oldest ordnances in the world is the lantaka cannon. It was extensive used by the Muslim Filipinos, derisively called moro pirates by the Spaniards, probably getting the technology from Borneo in the 1500s. The brass cannons are often up to six feet long, capable of firing a half-pound ball and hand-cast in from clay and wax molds.

The Muslim Filipinos were not familiar with the compound swivel pictured above, which can be aimed in any direction. They used guns buried in pits and maintained in a vertical position which limited their range. Considering the crude manufacturing conditions, the workmanship was however admirable. Until the early 1900s, the lantaka was valued highly in Southern Philippines until modern weaponry became available.

The Muslim Filipinos were fierce antagonists of the Spaniards and their marine-based conquests were important in halting the Spanish intrusion in Sulu. The Spaniards were only able to hold sway up to Zamboanga but did not really succeed in the Sulu and Tawi-Tawi islands, which are now part of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao.

the Lantaka Hotel, Zamboanga City, Mindanao, the Philippines

at the R.T.Lim Boulevard..

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Fountain at Fort Pilar

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The Mountains of Zamboanga

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fOOD pARADISE IN zAMBOANGA

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aLTAR OF THE mETROPOLITAN cATHEDRAL OF iMMACULATE cONCEPTION

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tHE iNTERIOR OF THE cATHEDRAL

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tHIS IS zAMBOANGA CITY'S WESTERMOST POINT,,

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bRIDGE OVER SMOOTH WATERS., VITALI, Z.C.

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A branch of Mister Donut, fronting Ateneo de Zamboanga University, as viewed from the rooftop of the Zamboanga Cathedral..

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This is just one of the 12 branches of Mister Donut in the city..

day Shot of Plaza Pershing..

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on the background is Citi Mart..

The Intersection of Governor Camins Avenue and the Veterans Avenue..

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the two thouroughfare is one of the busiest in the city, in relation to the volumes of vehicles that are passing that certain streets..

Guys, i've got something new..a proposed hotel in downtown Zamboanga

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hindi lang xa masyadong malaki..but the design..so beautiful..

Woodland Resort in Zambowood..

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Pink Sands of Sta.Cruz..

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Untv in Zamboanga

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the fountain of Fort Pilar

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Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology is located in the background..

Zamboanga Doctor's Hospital

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a tertiary level hospital located at Veterans Avenue..

This is the famous Zamboanga White

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Guys, i've got something new..a proposed hotel in downtown Zamboanga

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1259/1410300173_24b87fa45b.jpg?v=0

^^ NICE!

nice, talaga..i dont know yet saan ba tlaga ang exact location..pero i suggest, wag na sa pueblo..very crowded na kasi ang place na un..

The Paseo in Pasonanca..

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another view of Paseo..

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Bronze statue of Ma.Clara Lobregat

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Originally-housed in Tetuan, This new Seminary is now standing on more than 1 hectare lot donated by former Msgr. Crisanto De la Cruz. in Putik, Zamboanga City.The building is designed by The Architecture Firm DSGA.

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Location: Buenavista corner M. Jaldon Sts., Zamboanga City,

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This building will house a call center in the future..as of this time, GE Bank occupies the ground floor..

This is the original design of SkyPark Hotel, the tallest building in Zamboangahttp://farm2.static.flickr.com/1258/1253749844_1c2e9ad07c.jpg?v=0

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Road to Abong-Abong

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A river in Abong-Abong

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an angel guarding the Fort Pilar

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Lantaka Hotel, one of the oldest in zamboanga

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Four hundred year-old walls of Fort Pilar..

old spanish cannon in the Lantaka Hotel..

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the cross of Fort Pilar..

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Timbayan Building infront of WMSU..

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A chapel inside Ateneo de Zamboanga University

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Brent Hospital..

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Brent Hospital is a health institution which is run by the Episcopal Church of Zamboanga..it was founded on 1910..

This is the interior of the St.Ignatius of Loyola Parish Church in Tetuan, Z.C.

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A kalesa in Zamboanga City

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Oh well! ZC is now beginning to recommence her prime as still to be one of the progressive cities in Mindanao. :cheers:

Viva Latino ciudad de Asia! Am I right in my Chavacano/Spanish grammar? :)

Oh well! ZC is now beginning to recommence her prime as still to be one of the progressive cities in Mindanao. :cheers:

Viva Latino ciudad de Asia! Am I right in my Chavacano/Spanish grammar? :)

korek na korek po..have you been to Zamboanga Farirah?

clear shot of R.T.Lim Boulevard..

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korek na korek po..have you been to Zamboanga Farirah?


Mucho gracias! :cheers: Yes. I had been there three years ago. My uncle loves to buy sorts of dried fishes out there, so that he can sell here at CdeO and Malaybalay markets. Back before every Sunday, he had to travel to ZC. And if I had a free time, I just accompanied him in his trip.

Mucho gracias! :cheers: Yes. I had been there three years ago. My uncle loves to buy sorts of dried fishes out there, so that he can sell here at CdeO and Malaybalay markets. Back before every Sunday, he had to travel to ZC. And if I had a free time, I just accompanied him in his trip.


thats gud..u must revisit Zamboanga City..Zamboanga 3 years ago is relatively different from Zamboanga now..

the College of Agriculture of Western Mindanao State University in San Ramonhttp://farm1.static.flickr.com/102/277669671_6eb2cfc2f1.jpg?v=0

recently, the College of Forestry and Environmental Studies was transfered here..

Joaquin Enriquez Memorial Sports Complex during the WMSU Palaro 2007

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thats gud..u must revisit Zamboanga City..Zamboanga 3 years ago is relatively different from Zamboanga now..


Hopefully I can visit ZC again next year, and take cool pictures. I have cool pictures of ZC that I took 3 years ago, but I left them in Cebu. :)

Anyway, how's the 9 storey shopper's mall out there? ^^

matatagalan pa ata eh..mga 10% complete pa lang..pero, on January a new mall will open..Shoppers din ang name, beside Southway Square..

Guys, i've got something new..a proposed hotel in downtown Zamboanga

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yhey should built it sa Buenavista Road, since that place is a place of great architectural buildings sa Region. That place should be clean and find a way to build a new road on it... That place is a great place to invest...:):cheers:

yuh, true Chrisvenz..I really like Buenavista Street..

Notable Architecture located in Buenavista..

1. Torre de Buenavista..
2. Jasmin Tower
3. Catribo Complex
4 Philippine National Bank Building..

can you take picture on this Chrisvenz?

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/33/101533632_89585346f0.jpg?v=0

the Paseo del Mar..

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Zamboanga's Version of Baywalk..

THE CENTURY OLD aTIENZA bUILDING

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sTREET sCENE IN zAMBOANGA

aLEJO aLVAREZ STREET..

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One for the world records, or the Guinness maybe-- as the City lined up 12,500 cans of sardines at the RT Lim boulevard to comemmorate the City's tag as sardines Capital of the Phils.

Regional 'Sing for Me' main concert: Showcase of talents

THE Sing for Me: "A Call for Peace and Unity" Project culminated its series of concerts, with the Main Concert held on December 9, 2007, at the National Museum, Fort Pilar, Zamboanga City, with more than a thousand of spectators coming from various government and non-government agencies, church groups, the academe, the business sector, and the general public witnessing.

The show started around 8:00 o'clock in the evening, and ended a little past 10 p.m., with the Lead Choir, the Coro Zamboanga singing "Ang Pasko ay Sumapit", "Noche Buena", "Pasko Na Naman", and the "Sing for Me" theme song simultaneously with other choirs nationwide at exactly 9:45 p.m. This event is vying for inclusion in the Guinness Book of World Records, as the "Most Number of Choirs Simultaneously Singing Christmas Serenades."

The "Sing for Me" project articulates the children's call for peace and unity, and it aims to raise awareness on the plight of the disadvantaged children in the country, and to generate resources through sponsors and donors, for the establishment of "Bahay Pag-asa" (House of Hopes) which would serve as temporary shelter facilities for the Children in Conflict with the Law (CICLs).

The performers in the Main Concert were the following: The BIR-IX Chorale, Angels Choir of Sta. Maria, Zamboanga Adventist Center Adult & Children's Choir, Coro Manresa, Coro Angeles de Zamboanga, and the Zamboanga Hermosa Chorale. The SDC Kids, DSWD-IX Choir & Dance Troupe, the Ybañez brothers of Adzu Elementary level, Jhaenna Rose Dulaca & Jarvis Jay Inferido, WMSU Nursing sophomores, the Little Ballet Dancers of the Zamboanga Music & Arts Learning Center, all gave special presentations.

Mayor Celso Lobregat graced the Main Concert and gave an inspirational message. The City Government of Zamboanga was main sponsor of the "Sing for Me" project in Region 9, which provided logistic and manpower support, while the National Museum provided for the free venue for all the concert series conducted.
Indeed, the Project and the concert series was one avenue which showcased our rich local talents in music, and the gestures and participation of the performing choirs, the sponsors and the local officials was an expression of genuine support, mobilized and converged which greatly contributed to the success of the events.

P4.75 M released for Zambo health projects
Vic P. Arevalo

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved the release of P4.75 million for various projects on health services initiated and proposed by Congresswoman Beng Climaco (1st District, Zamboanga City).

The amount will be used for the improvement of the emergency ward of the Zamboanga City Medical Center at a cost of P4 million and the upgrading of medical facilities of the Labuan Hospital in the west coast at a cost of P750,000.

"This is our humble Christmas gift for the residents of District 1, and we are working hard to get more projects for the city," the lady solon said.

Health service is one of the priorities of the solon.

The DBM also released initial fund for assistance to indigent patients confined in the Zamboanga City Medical Center and the Philippine General Hospital.

Congresswoman Climaco said the two projects were selected during consultations with health officials when she assumed office last July.

They were in the "wish list" submitted by ZCMC Chief Dr. Romeo Ong, health Regional Director Aristedes Tan and Dr. Fortunato Cristobal.

Climaco vowed to continue working closely with the different agencies of government and the 37 barangays in her district in the implementation of projects in the area.

if they are really serious in combating health problems in the city..they must build more health institutions and fortify their campaign as to cleanliness and hygiene...

look, with 98 Barangays under its jurisdiction, its not really proper that state of the art health facilities are just located in the 4 kilometer radius of the city..

I hope they will establish hospitals in Vitali, Sangali, Sacol Island and Ayala...

300 cows slaughtered to mark pilgrims return
Vic P. Arevalo

ZAMBOANGA CITY – At least 300 cows were slaughtered last Thursday by the Filipino Turkish Tolerance School in Barangay Pitogo, this city for the sacrifice rites marking the celebration of Hariraya Hajj or the return of Muslim pilgrims from Mecca, with the beef distributed to indigent families and calamity victims.

The project, undertaken every year by FTTS headed by Sami Sanhinduran, assistant school director, is a form of sacrifice and a show of gratitude to the Zambonguenos – Muslims and Christians alike.

The Turkish school official invited Congresswoman Beng Climaco (1st district, Zamboanga City) and Mayor Celso Lobregat to witness last Thursday the slaughtering of the 300 cows and to help in the distribution of the beef to the indifamilies.

Mayor Lobregat was given 250 bags of beef meat which he turned over to the City Reformatory Center (city jail), the Social Development Center, the police stations, and military units.

Lobregat praised the FTTS for the laudable activity, saying that it helps promote good relations between the Muslim and Christians in the city.

Congresswoman Climaco was also allocated several bags of meat which she distributed in Barangays Recodo and Mariki and other areas hard hit by the recent storm surge.

She thanked Sahinduran and other officials of FTTS for the sustained outreach activity.

The Eid’l Adha or Harraya Hajj is one of the five pillars of Islam. It marks the return of the Muslim pilgrims from Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal Adiong Jr., President Arroyo’s special envoy for 2007 hajj, and Muslim Affairs (OMA) Executive Director Ali Sangki said they will work on innovations, including a move to end the monopoly of Saudia Airlines on Hajj ferry services for Filipino pilgrims, in an effort to end the air-transportation problem encountered by the Muslim faithful.

Adiong, Sangki and Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Gov. Datu Zaldy Uy Ampatuan had earlier tried hard but failed to secure two extra flights to ferry the 5,239 registered Filipino pilgrims this year.

The three Muslim officials joined the hajj activities in Mecca with a mission to oversee the participation of the 4,800 other Filipino pilgrims, who were flown to the Holy Land by Saudia Airline’s 10 flights, one of which was a special flight the Saudi authorities had granted upon intercession of the World Muslim League (Rabitah).

Dr. Omar Nasiff, Jeddah-based Rabitah president, promptly coordinated with the Saudia Airlines when asked to help the stranded pilgrims during a courtesy call on Dec. 14 by Adiong and Philippine Consul General Dino Lomondot, sources said.

"We felt very elated about the prompt intercession of Doctor Nasiff, who happens to be a good friend of my late grandfather, former Senator Domocao Alonto," said Lanao del Sur spokesman Nasser Ganda who quoted Adiong as saying.

The special flight accommodated 417 of the 856 pilgrims stranded in Manila, leaving behind 439 others in state of mixed emotions.

OMA officials had started refunding the $ 2,109 the stranded pilgrims had paid each for the hajj. (With report by Ali Macabalang)

kaya pala, bihira lang ang beef sa palengke..dahil pala dito..

Ershad Shadee Halud

Gold Medalist, 4th International Turkish Language Olympiads

Mr. Ershad Shadee Halud, a Filipino student of the Filipino-Turkish Tolerance School in Zamboanga, was awarded the gold medal in the 4th International Turkish Language Olympiads held on 17 June 2006 at the Istanbul Gosteri ve Kongre Merkezi, Turkey.

Mr. Halud snared the gold in the category of Basic Language level. A total of 84 countries sent their representatives to the Olympiad including those from the Asia Pacific region. Other Filipino participants were Omar Kabak and Al Qayyim Mansil, also from Mindanao.

Ambassador Bahnarirn A. Guinomla personally congratulated and commended Mr. Halud for giving honor to his country. “Considering the honor that Mr. Halud reaped for his country, he should duly receive and be recognized by the appropriate education department officials in Manila and/or his region,” he said. The Ambassador also visited the Philippine booth that displayed Philippine fruits, handicraft and information materials about the Philippines.

Many cabinet ministers, members of Parliament and Ambassadors and diplomats of the participating countries attended the event. H.E. Bulent Arinc, president of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, was the Chief Guest of Honor. At the conclusion of his speech, Mr. Arinc read out a note from an anonymous businessman who was listening to his speech that the businessman was donating US$ 1,000.00 to each of the more than 300 student participants.

The international competition was organized by the International Language Teaching Association. The organizing Committee was headed by the former Minister of Education of Turkey Prof. Mehmet Saglam.

Orlando Paber M.D. and Family

Model Overseas Filipino Family of the Year 2007 Award

OO

zAMBOANGA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

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LA VISTA DEL MAR

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http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/7417/51955240dsc00309stacruzle2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
Pink Beach in Sta. Cruz



:cheers:

wow..ang ganda ng shot..have u been to Dta.Cruz dinabaw?

CONGRATULATIONS!!

ATENEO DE ZAMBOANGA UNIVERSITY

CHAMPION, 2ND CRIMSON DEBATE CUP

EDDIE LAURE

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Eddie Laure (born on July 6, 1977 in San Juan, Metro Manila, Philippines) is a Filipino professional basketball player in the Philippine Basketball Association for the Alaska Aces. Known by many as The Dominator, is a former MBA MVP. He is acknowledged as one of the greatest players to come from Zamboanga del Norte.

MATT RANILLO III

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MATT RANILLO III HAILS FROM DIPOLOG CITYMatias Archibald Ranillo III was born on October 5, 1956. He is the first son of Attorney Matias ‘Mat’ Ranillo Jr. from Zamboanga, and actress Gloria Sevilla from Cebu. Mat III is the second of seven children. When Mat turned 4, the family moved to Manila in order for his parents to pursue their movie careers. They set up house at Scout Lozano St. in Quezon City.

Matias Archibald Ranillo III was born on October 5, 1956. He is the first son of Attorney Matias ‘Mat’ Ranillo Jr. from Zamboanga, and actress Gloria Sevilla from Cebu. Mat III is the second of seven children. When Mat turned 4, the family moved to Manila in order for his parents to pursue their movie careers. They set up house at Scout Lozano St. in Quezon City.

Mat attained his education in schools, such as: Lourdes School in Quezon city, St. Vincent School in Dipolog City for his first two high school years, San Sebastian College, and San Beda College where he played for the basketball team. He majored in Customs Administration in hopes to land a job at the Customs department like his father. Just as he was finishing College, he was discovered by director Marcial Sansom and was introduced to show business. Mat immediately became famous and recognized not only for his good looks, but because of his charisma and his ability to capture audience. Mat became a leading man to all the top movie actresses, such as: Nora Aunor, Vilma Santos, Lorna Tolentino, Alma Moreno, Vivian Velez, and Alona Alegre, to name a few. Mat has won the Famas (the most prestigious movie industry award-giving body in the Philippines) for Best Supporting Actor in 1979 and Best Actor the following year. He appeared close to 50 movies. Mat also starred in several hit television shows, such as: Mommy Ko si Mayor, and the popular soap opera, Tabing Ilog. However, it was not until his portrayal of Jesus Christ in the annual Lenten stage production "KRISTO" that took his acting career into another level. Mat portrayed an artistic presentation of the life and death of our Lord Jesus Christ. The CCP stage presentation was duplicated in other provinces and even in California. "KRISTO" was followed by "KRISTO the Movie" with Mat portraying Jesus as well.

When Mat is not spending time with his family or acting, he is an active member of the KAPP or Kapisanan ng mga Artista sa Pelikulang Pilipino. KAPP is the movie industry's non-profit organization who helps members of the industry who need financial or medical assistance. Mat is also a member of Marian Catholic group.

Mat was elected officer officer of the KAPP (Kapisanan ng mga Artista sa Pelikulang Pilipino) in 2001. Then, In 2002, he was appointed Testing Officer of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) of the Department of Labor and Employment )

CHESTER TOLOMIA

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Team: Coca-Cola
Position: Guard
Jersey Number: 20
Birthdate: 08/27/1980
Birthplace: Zamboanga City
Height (ft.in.): 6'2"
Weight(lbs.): 180
About the Player: The University of Perpetual Help Rizal standout actually had a breakout year with Sta. Lucia Realty last season when he averaged career-high numbers of 9.0 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 37 games. But the selection of Kelly Williams in the 2006 Draft and the return of Kenneth Duremdes eased him out from a spot on the team.

A first-round pick by Ginebra, Tolomia found his way back to the league with the Tigers. The 6-2 high-flying guard shores up the No. 2 post of coach Binky Favis that includes John Arigo

yhey should built it sa Buenavista Road, since that place is a place of great architectural buildings sa Region. That place should be clean and find a way to build a new road on it... That place is a great place to invest...:):cheers:

^^very nyc design, when and where will it be erected, it will add to the fast growing modern skyline of zambo.... yeepeee

the design is nice..pero, parang 4 stories lang ata noh? sayang..

wow..ang ganda ng shot..have u been to Dta.Cruz dinabaw?

well i am planning pa how many kilometers ba from Zambo City ?

i think Ziti is also from Zamboanga

1 kilometer plus...but not more that 2 kilometers..the only means of transpo is by boat..

yuh..taga Brgy. Ayala xa most specifically..

CESAR RUIZ AQUINO

César Ruiz Aquino is a Filipino poet and fictionist. He was born and raised in Zamboanga City, Philippines. He was educated at the Ateneo de Manila University, University of the Philippines and Silliman University. He began his writing career when Philippine Graphic published his story Noon and Summer in 1961. At age 19, he received a writing fellowship to attend the 1st Silliman University (now Dumaguete) National Writers Workshop with Wilfredo Pascua Sanchez, Wilfrido Nolledo and Jose Lansang, Jr. in 1962. He studied creative writing under Edilberto Tiempo, Edith Tiempo, Francisco Arcellana and Nick Joaquin.

Ruiz Aquino has mentored many students, teachers, artists and writers at Ateneo de Zamboanga, the University of the Philippines in Baguio City, Maryknoll College, Lyceum of the Philippines University, Foundation University and Silliman University. He earned his his Ph.D at Silliman University in Dumaguete City, where he has been teaching creative writing and literature since 1981. He is also a regular lecturer-panel member at the Annual Dumaguete National Writing Workshop.

Ruiz Aquino has received Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for poetry (1978, 1997) and short fiction (1979, 1989). He has also received a Gawad Pambansang Alagad ni Balagtas for Lifetime Achievement from the Unyon ng mga Manunulat ng Pilipinas (Writers' Union of the Philippines or UMPIL) in 1997. He was also named National Fellow for Poetry by the University of the Philippines Institute of Creative Writing (U.P. ICW) in 2003.

Ruiz Aquino publications include Chronicles of Suspicion (short stories, Kalikasan Press, 1988), Word Without End (poems, Anvil Publishing,1993) and Checkmeta: The Cesar Ruiz Aquino Reader (poems and stories, Midtown Printing Company, 2004). He is currently working on Mr. Mxyzptlk Pops Into the Room, a novel.


Books
Chronicles of Suspicion (short stories, Kalikasan Press, 1988)
Word Without End (poems, Anvil Publishing,1993)
Checkmeta: The Cesar Ruiz Aquino Reader (poems and stories, Midtown Printing Company, 2004).

Honors and Awards
Writing Fellow, 1st Dumaguete National Writers Workshop (1961)
Carlos Palanca Memorial Awards for poetry (1978, 1997) and short fiction (1979, 1989)
Gawad Pambansang Alagad ni Balagtas for Lifetime Achievement from the Unyon ng mga Manunulat ng Pilipinas (Writers' Union of the Philippines or UMPIL) in 1997
National Fellow for Poetry by the University of the Philippines Institute of Creative Writing (U.P. ICW) in 2003
S.E.A. Write Award, 2004

Jalosjos to be detained in Zamboanga jail
Convicted child rapist Romeo Jalosjos on Sunday morning arrived at the police headquarters in Zamboanga del Norte for a medical checkup

before being detained at a penal colony nearby.

The police convoy carrying former Zamboanga del Norte solon to Camp Eduardo Batalla arrived around 11 a.m., radio dzMM reported.

Jalosjos was escorted by police officials, led by Chief Superintendent Jaime Karingal, Police Regional 9 director, and Senior Superintendent

Mario Yanga, Provincial director.

Members of the media were barred from interviewing Jalosjos during the medical check up.

Police re-arrested Jalosjos when he left the National Bilibid Prisons in Muntinlupa City and flew to his hometown in Dapitan, Zamboanga del

Norte. He had with him a release order from the Bureau of Corrections.

For his part, Director General Avelino Razon, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, said the former Zamboanga del Norte congressman was

technically an "escaped felon."

He said Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez already nullified the order.

"We have done our part. We have taken him back into government custody. We are now turning him over to the Bureau of Prisons in Zamboanga penal colony under the jurisdiction of the DOJ (Department of Justice)," Razon said.

The PNP head said it would be up to the DOJ if additional charges would be filed against Jalosjos for his escape.

After the check up, Jalosjos was brought to the San Ramon penal colony in Zamboanga City.

wow..may big fish na visitor ang San Ramon Penal Farm and Colony..

P400-million port expansion project nears completion
By VIC AREVALO

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Another door for economic activity is forthcoming in this city with the R400-million port expansion project expected to be finished by the third quarter of next year (2008).

Philippine Ports Authority 9 (PPA) Operations Division Chief Efren Quinones said that work is ongoing on the Phase II Port expansion project of the city port of Zamboanga.

He said the port expansion project covers a berth length of 149 meters with a one-hectare back up area. It is one of the projects earmarked by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo for the development of the super regions in Mindanao.

The work on Phase 1 of the port expansion project worth R300 million with a berth length of 121 meters was completed during the first quarter of this year and it is now catering to the berthing of large foreign vessels, according to Quinones.

He said that upon completion of the ongoing work of Phase II of the project, the Zamboanga City port with an aggregate total of 1.8-hectare back up port area (for phase I and 2 projects) would then be capable to berth four large foreign vessels at a time, augmenting its present capability of two vessels.

The first seen to be served is the shipment of Linktone International Mining Corporation’s (LIMC) iron ore, a R250-million worth of investment from the Vitali District to the Zamboanga City International Seaport direct to China.

This economic activity seen to transpire in the third quarter of 2008 is expected to open more doors for economic development and tourism in the Zamboanga Peninsula (AmPen) area and the whole of Mindanao, Quinones said.

President Arroyo, in pressing her SONA commitments, exhorted the officials of the 22 barangays gathered at Malacañang whom she recently inducted en masse at the Heroes Hall of the Presidential Palace, to serve their constituents with sincerity and dedication as expected from public servants.

She emphasized that her administration is focused in bringing the benefits of a strong economy to every Filipino. "Our people have earned the right to share in our prosperity as they shared in our sacrifices in the past. I ask you to join me in achieving this goal," she said.

AMR TRADE AND INDUSTRY PORT

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AREA OF OPERATION : Kawit, Zamboanga City

STATUS OF OPERATION : Non-Commercial Private Port

MAJOR CARGOES HANDLED : Fish

HEAD OF OFFICE / CONTACT PERSON : Alberto V. Requinto - President / Melina C. Requinto - Vice President

LA VISTA DEL MAR PORT

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AREA OF OPERATION : Upper Calarian, Zamboanga City

STATUS OF OPERATION : Non-Commercial Private Port

MAJOR CARGOES HANDLED : Various

CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION / PERMIT TO OPERATE NUMBER : On Process

CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION / PERMIT TO OPERATE DATE OF EFFECTIVITY :On Process

HEAD OF OFFICE / CONTACT PERSON : Mr. Harah Jay A. Diaz, Facility Manager

MEGA FISHING CORPORATION PORT

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AREA OF OPERATION : Brgy. Cawit, Zamboanga City

STATUS OF OPERATION : Private Fish Port

MAJOR CARGOES HANDLED : Fresh Fish

HEAD OF OFFICE / CONTACT PERSON : Ms. Violeta N. Tutanes - Admin Officer

MIRAMAR FISH COMPANY PORT

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AREA OF OPERATION : Recodo, Zamboanga City

STATUS OF OPERATION : Non - Commercial Private Port

MAJOR CARGOES HANDLED : Frozen Yellow Fin and Skipjack Tuna

CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION / PERMIT TO OPERATE NUMBER : COR / PTO # 231

CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION / PERMIT TO OPERATE DATE OF EFFECTIVITY : Apr 18, 1996 to Jun 30, 2013

HEAD OF OFFICE / CONTACT PERSON : Robert B. Buehs, EVP and CEO / Georgina M. Ybanez, Director for Operations

NEW ZAMBOANGA UNIVERSAL ENTERPRISES PORT

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AREA OF OPERATION : Baliwasan Seaside, Zamboanga City

STATUS OF OPERATION : Non - Commercial Private Port

MAJOR CARGOES HANDLED : Cement and Fresh Fish

CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION / PERMIT TO OPERATE NUMBER : On Process

CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION / PERMIT TO OPERATE DATE OF EFFECTIVITY :On Process

HEAD OF OFFICE / CONTACT PERSON : Nixon T. Go, President

PERMEX PRODUCER AND EXPORTER PORT

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AREA OF OPERATION : Permex Compund, Zamboanga City

STATUS OF OPERATION : Non-Commercial Private Port

MAJOR CARGOES HANDLED : Fish

HEAD OF OFFICE / CONTACT PERSON : Mr. Edgar B. Lim - Plant Operations Manager

PETROLINE MARKETING PORT

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AREA OF OPERATION : Brgy. Baliwasan, Zamboanga City

STATUS OF OPERATION : Non-Commercial Private Port

MAJOR CARGOES HANDLED : Fuel, Marine / Fishery Products, Ice

HEAD OF OFFICE / CONTACT PERSON : Mr. Oliver N. Ong, Manager

PETRON CORPORATION PORT

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AREA OF OPERATION : Brgy. Campo Islam, Zamboanga City

STATUS OF OPERATION : Non-Commercial Private Port

MAJOR CARGOES HANDLED : Refined Petroleum Fuel

CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION / PERMIT TO OPERATE NUMBER : On Process

CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION / PERMIT TO OPERATE DATE OF EFFECTIVITY : On Process

HEAD OF OFFICE / CONTACT PERSON : Richard L. Wong - Plant Supervisor

PHILIPPINE INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION

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AREA OF OPERATION : Baliwasan, Seaside Zamboanga City

STATUS OF OPERATION : Non-Commercial Private Port

MAJOR CARGOES HANDLED : Coconut Oil in bulk, Copra in Bulk

CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION / PERMIT TO OPERATE NUMBER : COR / PTO No. 137

CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION / PERMIT TO OPERATE DATE OF EFFECTIVITY : Mar 15, 2006 to Jan 2, 2010

HEAD OF OFFICE / CONTACT PERSON : Efren Wee - General Manager / William Wee - Manager, Zamboanga Office

PRYCE GASES PORT

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AREA OF OPERATION : Talisayan, Zamboanga City

STATUS OF OPERATION : Non-Commercial Private Port

MAJOR CARGOES HANDLED : Acetylene, Petroleum Products

CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION / PERMIT TO OPERATE NUMBER : COR / PTO No. 382

CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION / PERMIT TO OPERATE DATE OF EFFECTIVITY : Jun 17, 2002 to Aug 22, 2026

HEAD OF OFFICE / CONTACT PERSON : Richard L. Nagac, Regional Manager

SAN MIGUEL CORPORATION PORT

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AREA OF OPERATION : Baliwasan Seaside, Zamboanga City

STATUS OF OPERATION : Non-Commercial Private Port

MAJOR CARGOES HANDLED : All San Miguel Corporation Products

HEAD OF OFFICE / CONTACT PERSON : Orvilito B. Bacaltos - Territory Sales Manager

TIMBER EXPORT CORPORATION

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AREA OF OPERATION : Recodo, Zamboanga City

STATUS OF OPERATION : Non-Commercial Private Port

MAJOR CARGOES HANDLED : Plywood, Lumber

CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION / PERMIT TO OPERATE NUMBER : COR / PTO # 008

CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION / PERMIT TO OPERATE DATE OF EFFECTIVITY : Feb 28, 1997 to Nov 16, 2020

HEAD OF OFFICE / CONTACT PERSON : Ullyses M. Kho, Resident Manager

UNIVERSAL CANNING INC.

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AREA OF OPERATION : Ayala, Zamboanga City

STATUS OF OPERATION : Non-Commercial Private Port

MAJOR CARGOES HANDLED : Fish

HEAD OF OFFICE / CONTACT PERSON : Anita L. Kaw - President / Estephen L. Kaw - Vice President

VARADERO DE RECODO

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AREA OF OPERATION : Recodo, Zamboanga City

STATUS OF OPERATION : Non-Commercial Private Port (Used for Berthing of Vessels Under Repair)

MAJOR CARGOES HANDLED : No Cargoes Handled Since the Pier is Used Only for Berthing of Vessels Under Repair

HEAD OF OFFICE / CONTACT PERSON : Richard C. Dalingay, President

ZAMBOANGA UNIVERSAL CORPORATION

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AREA OF OPERATION : Kawit, Zamboanga City

STATUS OF OPERATION : Non-Commercial Private Port

MAJOR CARGOES HANDLED : Fish

HEAD OF OFFICE / CONTACT PERSON : Sergio K. Ortega - OIC / Fredie B. Rodriguez - Operations/Personnel Manager

MUNICIPAL PORTS OF ZAMBOANGA CITY

MUNICIPAL PORT OF SACOL ISLAND

ZAMBOANGA FISHING PORT COMPLEX

MILITARY SUPPLY POINTS

AFP/PHILIPPINE NAVY WHARF

Ensign Majini Pier

Feature/Facility
20 linear meters berth length
30 meter concrete approach for exclusive use of naval vessels

Address

Naval Forces Western Mindanao Command Headquarters
Upper Calarian, Zamboanga City

United States-Joint Special Operations Taskforce Philippines

Mini Wharf

Feature/Facility

10 meter berth length
30 meter concrete approach for exclusive use of US Troops Based in ZaMboanga City

Address

La Vista, Barangay Upper Calarian, Zamboanga City

PHILIPPINE PORTS AUTHORITY - PMO ZAMBOANGA

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SERVICES AND FACILITIES OF ZAMBOANGA PORT

Cargo Handling Equipment

2 Units Crane, 60T – 70T
3 Units Crane, 25T – 35T
1 Unit Forklift, 25T
1 Unit Forklift, 20T
35 Units Forklift, 2T- 10T
7 Prime Movers
16 Units Truck Trailers


Port Services and Providers

Cargo Handling:

Zamboanga City Integrated Port Services, Inc. (ZCIPSI)

Pilotage:
Zamboanga Harbor Pilots’ Association

Porterage:

Dahis Porterage Corporation
KAM Porterage and Ancillary Services
Porterage Service of Zamboanga City Inc.

Bunkering:

Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp.
Petrophil Corporation
Caltex Phils.
Zoom Zoom Shell Station
Petroline Marketing, Inc.
Aleson Shipping Lines, Inc.
Veterans Gasoline Service Center

Watering:

Aleson Shipping Lines, Inc.
Z.C. Liberty Trucking

ZAMBOANGA PORT

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ZAMBOANGA PORT

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^^ wow zoro i must say your doing a great job by promoting our beloved city... very informative and great pics huh.....:cheers:

gracias windlady..sana dumami pa ang forumers ng zamboangaa..that's my dream..

DOST to enhance lab support services for fish canners
The Philippine Star

In a bid to boost the fishmeal sector, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) recently agreed to enhance laboratory support services for fish canners in Zamboanga City.

The project is expected to improve the income of those involved in fish canning and also generate more jobs, the DOST said.

The department said a protein digestion system equipment was recently acquired to augment the existing facilities at the DOST-Region 9 laboratory.

"The improved service will definitely benefit the fish processing sector in their effort to comply with the quality demands of the local and international markets," the DOST said.

A number of the fish processing plants in Zamboanga City generate a value-added by-product in the form of fishmeal, a thick powder obtained from cooking, drying and grinding raw or trash fish.

Fishmeal is a rich protein source and is used as an ingredient in feeds for the aquaculture, dairy, and poultry industries. It is graded based on its protein content.

Data from the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics show that the country imported 44,567 metric tons of fishmeal in 2004.

Fishmeal accounted for about 40 percent of 732 samples received for chemical testing at the DOST-Region 9 laboratory last year, the DOST said.

"Tests on fishmeal are expected to increase this year," it said.

Despite the country’s vast natural fishery resources, the animal feed milling industry reportedly depends heavily on imported fishmeal.

In 2004, total fishmeal imports mainly from Peru amounted to 111,000 tons.

this would be a good sign for Zamboanga..

not only SARDINES CAPITAL OF THE PHILIPPINES

..FISH MEAL CAPITAL OF THE PHILIPPINES na rin..

gracias windlady..sana dumami pa ang forumers ng zamboangaa..that's my dream..

wow zoroe... nakakatuwa ka.. ahahahaha GOOD JOB!:cheers:

this would be a good sign for Zamboanga..

not only SARDINES CAPITAL OF THE PHILIPPINES

..FISH MEAL CAPITAL OF THE PHILIPPINES na rin..



Buenos dias bonita Zamboanga! Hi Zoro, natapos na ba yung mala Baywalk niyo diyan? I'm sure that will be most likely one of ZC's tourist destination. :cheers:

MERRY CHRISTMAS
ZAMBOANGA CITY!!!

:dance:

:drunk: :drunk: :drunk:

Merry Christmas Everyone
&
A Prosperous New Year

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Merry Christmas mga guys !

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From Ian,

Happy Holidays

SSC-Zamboanga!

From Your Moderators
Aaron | Sinjin | Kimber | Paul

Usa ka Malinawon ug Malipayong Pasko sa Tanan

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Happy Christmas to All!

FELICES PASCUA PROSPERO ANO NUEVO A TODO ZAMBO PIPS
:banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:
:cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers:

Buenos dias bonita Zamboanga! Hi Zoro, natapos na ba yung mala Baywalk niyo diyan? I'm sure that will be most likely one of ZC's tourist destination. :cheers:

almost 100% complete na xa..pero hindi pa ready for opening..ewan ko sa city government..hmmp.

HOLIDAY GREETINGS TO ALL ZAMBOANGUEÑOS..

FELICES PASCUA

DIA DE ALEGRIA

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PASCUA NA ZAMBOANGA

Shahana Abdulwahid

Islamic Studies student Shahana Abdulwahid is a Sama from Zamboanga City. With her proud hijab on, she made history as the first Muslim woman to be elected president of the premier state campus, University of the Philippines (UP)- Diliman, with almost 20,000 students. She added a feather to her cap when she was recently unanimously elected as the Student Regent of the UP System. She takes on the task with professionalism, balancing studies and activism, fighting tuition fee increases and lobbying for more support for state education.

buildings in zamboanga that need conservation..

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Plaza Manila Building, a commercial building built in 1926

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Did you know that it was with the encouragement of an American general that the second branch of El Banco Español Filipino was established in Zamboanga? Gen. John J. Pershing, the famous American military governor of Zamboanga, encouraged the bank’s management to open a branch in that part of Mindanao. The branch was finally established in February 1912, a month after the bank was officially renamed “Bank of the Philippine Islands” (BPI). That branch of BPI was eventually designated by the insular government as the official depository of funds for the province of Zamboanga and of the Zamboanga custom house. Gen. Pershing chose to locate his official residence on the second floor of the BPI branch in Zamboanga City.

HERITAGE SITES IN ZAMBOANGA, as declared by Heritage Conservation Society

1.Fort Pilar
2.Plaza Manila Building
3.Zamboanga City Hall
4.Plaza Pershing
5.Rizal Monument
6.Mercedes Central School Gabaldon School House
7.Zamboanga East Central School Gabaldon School House
8.Bank of the Philippine Island Building
9.Taluksangay Mosque

Kiamco beats Gomez

Despite the hometown advantage, Warren Kiamco of Manila beat Roberto “Superman” Gomez of Zamboanga City – 17-15 in a rare world-class pool encounter at the City Coliseum yesterday afternoon.

Gomez, who almost captured the World Pool Championship 2007 title last November in Manila, dominated the race-to-17 duel from game 1 to 14 with Kiamco grabbing only 10 wins.

But on the 26th rack, Kiamco bounced back strong and rallied up to 29th rack to make the score 14 all.

On the 30th rack, Kiamco overtook Gomez 15-14. At 31th rack, it was tie situation.

Kiamco sailed on smoothly from 32nd up to the last rack to win the duel 17-15.

A big crowd gathered at the coliseum to witness the two cue masters strut their wares, courtesy of Congressman Erbie A. Fabian, who sponsored the event.

Both Gomez and Kiamco tuck in their belts impressive credentials including victories in international pool competitions.

Makasiar is ZCCIFI president Makasiar

The Zamboanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc., the official voice of the business sector, held its election of officers after the General Election as set forth in the by-laws to choose its officers from among the 14 directors who garnered the highest number of votes within 7 days.

It will be recalled that the last general assembly elections was unprecedented and controversial with the number of members swelling overnight from 50 active paying members to about 120 members. The Chamber roster of members are the who’s who in the business community, considered the vital movers and shakers of the city’s economy.

The new officers are: President — James Makasiar/Philippine Eagle Finance, Inc.; Executive Vice President — Luis Alvarez, Sr./Alson Wood Industries, Inc.; Vice President External — Ditos Lobregat Balaguer/La Vista Del Mar Beach Resort; Vice President Internal — Oliver Ong/Petroline; Secretary — Michael Lim/Mega Sardines; Treasurer — Danny Y. Lim/Astoria Group of Cos.; PIO — Pocholo N. Soliven/Bloomingdale’s; Auditor — Patrick Lee, Canelar Shell Service Station.

Members of the Board are: Atty. Arsenio L. Gonzales, Jr./A.L. Gonzales and Sons, Engr. Efren Wee/Phidco, Vicente Lim/Insularland, Lope Iringan/Medika, Tessie U. Sebastian/PNB, Crisanto De la Cruz/Lantaka. The 15th seat will be occupied b Atty. Jose Batausa being the Immediate Past President.

The new officers and members of the board are set to be inducted into office on the 4th of January 2008 after undergoing a series of consultation with the office of the Mayor, City Council, NEDA and other related agencies.

Lobregat’s Christmas Message:‘Focus on spiritual things in life

Mayor Celso Lobregat has called on local residents to concentrate on the spiritual aspect of life instead of material things this Christmas stressing that it is the best time to thank the Divine Providence for the many blessings received all through the year.

“Del año pasao, ya apela yo con ustedes para concentra na ispiritual cosas na vida durante el pascua. Este año, ta pidi yo con ustedes para hace lo mismo” (Last year I made an appeal for you to concentrate on the spiritual things of life during the Christmas season, this year, I ask you to do the same), the mayor said in his Christmas message in chabacano.

He urged residents to take time this Christmas to thank the Lord Almighty for all the blessings received during the year and the Nuestra Senora La Virgen Del Pilar for guiding and protecting the city all throughout.

Aside from the merriment with family and friends, the Christmas season, Lobregat stressed should also be a time to think about the less fortunate, the sick and those who cannot be with their families for one reason or the other.

It is likewise the appropriate time, he said, for residents to reflect on the good things that other people did; the people who sacrifice their lives and families to keep the city safe, to provide the needed social services, love and care to others .

“With the dawning of the New Year, let us unite and continue to work for the betterment of our beloved Zamboanga, Asia’s Latin City”, he appealed.

He also wished for peace, progress and prosperity in the city and very good health for the people in the coming year.

In the spirit of Christmas, Lobregat has been doing the rounds of the different orphanage centers as well as the Home for the Elderly including the different police sub-stations, some military units, inmates at the City Reformatory Center and other sectors for his traditional gift giving activity.

City government employees particularly those hired under the special projects or job order program were also included in the beneficiaries of his outreach program this Christmas. — SEC

Prepared speech tilt for Ma’am Caling on

The city government has launched a prepared speech competition in line with the 4th death anniversary of the late Mayor Maria Clara L. Lobregat.

City Health Officer Dr. Rodelin Agbulos, chairman of the organizing committee said the contest will be open for all interested residents residing within the 7 kilometer radius of the city proper.

The speech should revolve around the life and works of the late mayor, widely known as ‘Ma’am Caling” and should not be less than 5 minutes or less than 10 minutes.

Agbulos has written the barangay chairmen of the concerned barangays seeking for support and cooperation to the conduct of the competition.

The elimination round for the said contest is set for December 28 at the City Hall conference room where the top three will be selected.

Contest proper, with the three contestants, will be held during the commemorative program in honor of the late mayor on January 2, 2008 at the Jardin Maria Clara or the Butterfly garden in Pasonanca.

The prepared speech competition is part of the city’s preparation for the January 2 commemoration activity which will kick off with a Holy Mass at 8 a.m. at the St. Joseph Church.

The holy mass will be followed by a motorcade from Nunez to the Jardin Maria Clara where the program will be held. A floral offering with flower drops courtesy of the 3rd Tactical Operations Wing will start off the program.

Mayor Celso Lobregat, the late mayor’s eldest son, will spearhead the commemoration rites.

The late Ma’am Caling succumbed to cardiac arrest on January 2, 2004 in a hospital in Manila. Her wake in Zamboanga was attended by thousands of local residents including national and international officials. She is always remembered for her being a good leader, a caring and loving mother and a philanthropist.

For details of the competition, interested individuals may get in touch with Dr. Rodel Agbulos at the City Health Office, telephone numbers 991-3780 or 9915421.

Happy Holidays Everyone!!!

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paseo del mar is not yet done. construction of phase 2 will resume sometime in january. there's still phase 3. as to the date of phase 3 construction, that i do not know.

meanwhile, they are still deciding where to put the portable CRs.

accordingly, there has been a problem in the budget.

it's not yet 100% done it's still 30% done.
FYI. happy new year to all! :)

wow zoroe... nakakatuwa ka.. ahahahaha GOOD JOB!:cheers:

nakakatuwa talaga si zoroe, idol ko yan ! hehehe, very informative kasi ang pinopost niya regarding zamboanga. kudos to you zoroe. keep up the good work. happy new year

it has never been 100%. for me, 30% done pa lang.

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STREET SCENE LANG
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BUENAS
DIAS
ZAMBOANGA
:cheers:

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STREET SCENE LANG
photo by storm

Wala pa bang taxi sa Zamboanga? Tricycles should be banned from major roads (and replaced with taxis, as complenent to jeepneys). Tricycles are not only inefficient, they are also noisy, uncomfortable and dangerous. Plus mahal pa sumingil (in zamboanga), parang taxi.

Wala pa bang taxi sa Zamboanga? Tricycles should be banned from major roads (and replaced with taxis, as complenent to jeepneys). Tricycles are not only inefficient, they are also noisy, uncomfortable and dangerous. Plus mahal pa sumingil (in zamboanga), parang taxi.

naku ang hirap niyan gawin... Promise... TRICYCLE DRIVERS sa Zamboanga are rude, walang modo, mal-educado... :ohno: nanloloko ng tao... Dapat sa kanila kinukulong....

NO OFFENSE... peace

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STREET SCENE LANG
photo by storm

I noticed that the building surrounding this intersection are modern, Jasmin Towers, Torre de la Buenavista and the building where international exchange bank is located. I hope that the old one will be reconstructed to a new and modern one just like the other 3. :)

The View was distracted by the tricycles. I think the government should limit those tricycles in entering the town, it is already congested. And with the major roads.. They should limit the number of tricycles and start spreading taxis and city buses...

I noticed that the building surrounding this intersection are modern, Jasmin Towers, Torre de la Buenavista and the building where international exchange bank is located. I hope that the old one will be reconstructed to a new and modern one just like the other 3. :)

The View was distracted by the tricycles. I think the government should limit those tricycles in entering the town, it is already congested. And with the major roads.. They should limit the number of tricycles and start spreading taxis and city buses...

The government local of Zamboanga has already promoting the people to start using the 2 new city buses. fare rate is at 10.00 pesos only(kahit saan, kahit ilang metro pa yan) but it only drive it self sa major roads sa city. Kulang din kasi ung budget ng government eh...:ohno:

The taxi was already been introduced in the City. One Holiday taxi company is one who introduce it but they didnt made it well. They lost a big revenue.:ohno:

If tricycles will be demolished in the city, the trcy drivers should practice how to drive cars, so that they can apply sa taxi company, IF EVER MERON PANG GUSTO MAG INVEST NG TAXI INC. DITO:ohno:

If tricycles will be demolished in the city, the trcy drivers should practice how to drive cars, so that they can apply sa taxi company

I agree, I also wanted to add that the reason why taxis are not surviving here in Zamboanga is that there is an alternative for using a tricycle as a means of transportation instead of using taxis. Tricycles are too many. There is a cheaper alternative than taxis. But if we will try to put some boundaries for a particular tricycle for 2 to 4 barangays and using taxis for transporting from 1 barangay to the 98 barangays that Zamboanga have.

In order for the taxis to save expenses and in order for them to gain more revenues, they should invest on low cost fuels such as LPG and Bio-diesel. We have already one LPG fuelling station which is located in San Roque maintained by Pryce Gas. In Manila many of the taxis there switch to LPG fuel. :yes:

naku ang hirap niyan gawin... Promise... TRICYCLE DRIVERS sa Zamboanga are rude, walang modo, mal-educado... :ohno: nanloloko ng tao... Dapat sa kanila kinukulong....

NO OFFENSE... peace

yah sakto jud ka pre... ngano perte man na ka mahal ang pamasahe sa tridy sa zambo... mahal pa sa taxi...maayo pa walaaon ang tricy ilisan ug taxi...:ohno:

yah sakto jud ka pre... ngano perte man na ka mahal ang pamasahe sa tridy sa zambo... mahal pa sa taxi...maayo pa walaaon ang tricy ilisan ug taxi...:ohno:

Good morning Zamboanga!! @qwert_guy I couldn't help but wonder by what you said na mahal pa sa taxi, how much pala is the minimum fare ng mga tricycles dyan? :) :bash:

mag minimun na sila ug 25php pre bisan isa lang ka tawo... then usually pag 3-4km na 60php na yan...

:nuts::nuts::nuts: Whaaaaaat!! whooah P25 for a tricycle ride within the city limits? Thats beyond my expectations. :ohno: You should get rid of that nuisance nad grossly overcharging public transport. Basin aircon pud siguro na inyo Tricycle diha? :lol::lol::lol: Sobra ra gyud kaayo... :rant::rant:

(Hehehe!!! last few hours of the visayan tongue. :):))

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Happy new Year !!!

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:carrot::cucumber::pepper:From SSC-Iloilo:carrot::cucumber::pepper:

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