PIA Press Release
04/24/2006

Zambo regional meet opens

Zamboanga City (24 April) -- Close to 3,000 delegates all over Region 9 gathered at the Joaquin Enriquez Sports Complex as the week-long Zamboanga Peninsula Regional Athletic Association Meet (ZPRAAM) formally opened yesterday.

City Mayor Celso Lobregat welcomed the delegates headed by every city and province’s top officials.

Lobregat, in his speech, called on all officials and participants to unite for the region to achieve its goal of winning in the Palaro.

“There are no foes, we are all friends. And we are doing this ZPRAA to be able to represent the region in the Palaro”, Lobregat said.

Zamboanga City lone district Representative Erico Basilio Fabian, on the other hand, inspired all athletes to strive hard and give their best and foster camaraderie in the spirit of sportsmanship amidst strong competition.

Other top officials from the different cities and provinces present were Zamboanga del Norte Governor Rolando Yebes, Rep. Christian Señeres of the Buhay Party List, Siocon Mayor Cesar Soriano and Dipolog City Vice Mayor Patri Lim. Also present yesterday were DepEd IX Regional Director Jesus Nieves and other DepEd officials from cities and provinces.

Zamboanga City Council was represented by Councilors Rudy Lim, Nonong Guingona, Abdurahman Nuño, Rey Candido, Kim Elago, Mannix Dalipe, John Dalipe, Roel Natividad and Ely Enriquez. (PIA ZC) [top]

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news.asp?fi=p060424.htm&no=27

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Praying with fire. The people of Zamboanga had a peculiar ritual with these candles during prayer. They would place their hands slightly over the fire before making the sign of the cross.

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The Immaculate Conception.

"A Lady clothed in the sun with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars in her heart/head."

the vision seen by St. John
Apocalypse c12:v1

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Land of strife, land of promise, land of conflict. Zamboanga City conjures visions of colorful vintas, Muslim brasswares, exotic fruits and (pidgin') Spanish speakers(language is called chavacano).

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Two of the hundreds of uninhabited JOLO islands

* A lake inside an island.

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The uninhabited Jolo islands remain mysterious even to the islanders themselves. Teeming with inhospitably thick hardwood forest and wild snakes and boars, they are left untouched by man. Like jewels, they are a treasure from above and beyond.

isles of Jolo, the Sulu archipelago, the Southern Philippines

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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

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Literally "cockroach" in Chavacano, the pidgin' Spanish dialect of the city. It is large, hideous and scary but it can ONLY be found in the waters of Zamboanga and Sulu. A curious cross between the large sea crab and the spiny lobster, the fabled crustacean is sold daily at the Zamboanga City market . It used to be available in Cebu when Alavar’s restaurant was around- really a fabled Zamboanga treat.

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The mangosteen has a thick, plum-colored peel which when opened, reveals white pulp that is sweet and slightly tart flavor. Curious facts: 1. the more segments a mangosteen has, the fewer seeds one will find. 2. the number of segments can be predetermined by counting the number of sepal remnants at the bottom of the fruit (botanical term is calyx/calyces?).

Most "knowledgeable" people can open the fruit by pressing it firmly against both palms. Or onecan always use a knife.

harvested in Jolo, bought in Zamboanga

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EEEW, other may say. DELISH, I will counter. Abalone, when cooked with soy sauce and chili, is superexpensive in the Philippines. The Japanese love them so much that most of the wild or cultivated abalones are going straight to Japan. Fresh weight price is about $4-5/kg.

Abalones are members of a large class Gastropoda or mollusks having one-piece shells. They belong to the family Haliotidae and the genus Haliotis, which means sea ear, referring to the flattened shape of the shell. Abalone shells are rounded or oval with a large dome towards one end. The shell has a row of respiratory pores and is highly valuable in the shellcraft industry. The muscular foot has strong suction power permitting the abalone to clamp tightly to rocky surfaces. .

Zamboanga City, the Philippines
(also available widely in Bohol)

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Yakan Weaver
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ZAMBOANGA CITY—Some 306 families from 16 urban poor communities in this city were awarded their own low-cost houses in the P50 million housing project funded and implemented by the Spanish government in cooperation with the Katilingban Para sa Kalambuan Inc. (KKI).

Rev. Angel Calvo, KKI chairman, said the Kalambuan housing project is situated at a five-hectare lot in Barangay Caragasan. It is the biggest phase after the two phases that were implemented in Barangay Sinunuc.

The first two subdivisions, called the Katilingban and Kalinaw housing projects, contain a total of 298 former squatter families.

“This is to help our urban poor families enjoy a sense of security from the threat of eviction, as the squatter residents often experience,” Calvo said during the project’s groundbreaking last Saturday.

“We are hopeful that this third phase will be as successful as the first two phases. We want to see [the urban poor] not only [with] their own houses but living in an empowered community,” he said.

Calvo said the houses are expected to be completed by December and he urged the beneficiaries to practice solidarity and cooperation, adding that everyone must maintain good relationships and respect one another as he said these are the main foundations of a solid and productive society.

“We want you to live in a spirit of harmony and cooperation and be a model for other communities,” he told the beneficiaries during the ceremony, which was also attended by Mayor Celso Lobregat.

All the three phases of the Katilingban housing program is part of the Spanish priority development aid to the Philippines. Through the Spanish nongovernment organization Manos Unidas, about P2.5 billion have been allocated for different developmental projects over the next four years.

Earlier, Spanish Ambassador Ignacio Sagaz said that aside from Zamboanga City and Basilan in Western Mindanao, the regions of Caraga, Ilocos, Tarlac, and Pampanga are also expected to benefit from the grants.

“These funds are priority aid from Spain to help Philippine government programs on housing, health care, gender and equality and education,” Sagaz said during his visit here last March.

Calvo said the project included public works like water supply, electric power supply, and a livelihood center, where beneficiaries were also able to get employed. “We really want to see a more complete development of the people,” Calvo said.

Also present during the groundbreaking were representatives of partner NGOs, barangay officials, and members of urban poor organizations.

http://www.zamboanga.com/news/news_body.htm

Thousands of local, overseas jobs available at Labor Day mega jobs fairs

A total of 150 local employers and overseas recruitment agencies will offer some 30,000 employment opportunities for job seekers during a jobs and livelihood fair set for the Labor Day celebrations on May 1.

Labor and Employment Secretary Patricia A. Sto. Tomas said that the 2006 Labor Day shall celebrate the productivity and globally-renowned capacities of the Filipino workers under the theme, "Ang Galing Mo, Manggagawang Pilipino!"

The Labor Chief said that the nation's largest mainstream union, the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP), in cooperation with the DOLE's National Capital Region (NCR) Office, is for the first time hosting their fair's main event. The livelihood and jobs fair shall highlight the Philippine penchant for the fiesta. Set in a festive mood, the fair dubbed as the "Trabaho Muna! Labor Day Jobs and Livelihood Fair" will be held at the Quezon City Hall Covered Walk on Elliptical Road, Quezon City on May 1, 2006, starting at 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

"The jobs fair is in partnership with the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII), the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industries (PCCI), the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), and others," the Labor Chief said.

Sto. Tomas said thousands of local and overseas jobs opportunities shall also be made available simultaneously in the regional jobs fairs in celebration of the Labor Day under the aegis of the DOLE's Bureau of Local Employment and DOLE regional offices in coordination with local government units (LGUs).

"For example, in Zamboanga City, the jobs fairs on May 1 and 2 will provide some 4,065 job openings, on top of the many thousands of opportunities collectively available in the other nationwide Labor Day fairs."

Labor Undersecretary for Employment Danilo P. Cruz, who chairs the DOLE's Labor Day Steering Committee, cited the efforts of the TUCP in ensuring the success of the Labor Day jobs fair scheduled on May 1.

Cruz said that through the goal of 30,000 opportunities during the fair, "we hope that in cooperation with various sectors, we can further assist job seekers, including fresh graduates, the youth, skilled workers, and disadvantaged persons, in finding productive jobs from among the participating employers and licensed overseas recruiters."

Cruz said that a total of 75 local employers in coordination with the DOLE-NCR and the PESO Association of Metro Manila (PAMM), 25 more local employers courtesy of the TUCP, and 50 POEA-licensed recruiters, are participating in the fair.

Also, Cruz said that the livelihood component simultaneous to the jobs fair shall showcase alternative employment through livelihood and self-employment programs of government agencies and the private sector to assist workers in the informal sector.

The TUCP-led livelihood fair shall be participated in by the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship headed by Mr. Joey Concepcion, the Departments of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Science and Technology (DOST), Technology Livelihood Resource Center (TLRC), the DOLE's Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Bureau of Rural Workers, Bureau of Women and Young Workers, and DOLE-NCR.

Cruz said that the Philippine National Police and Quezon City local government have signified their commitments to provide security during the jobs and livelihood fair by fielding K-9 units and Barangay Tanods.

He added that other services, like the computerized Phil-Jobnet system, pre-employment, legal and welfare, and medical and first aid services, along with the Rolling Stores of the National Foods Authority, shall be set up in strategic areas during the fair.

Director Ricardo Martinez, Sr. of the DOLE's NCR Office said that job seekers during the fair are required to register first, for free, at the fair's registration entrance, and shall be have the option to undergo the jobs and skills matching through the Computerized National Manpower Registry System (CNMRS).

Other Labor Day jobs fairs tentatively scheduled nationwide in various regions in celebration of Labor Day are as follows:

Cordillera Administrative Region -- May 1-2 (with the Baguio Convention Center as venue); Region 1 -- May 1-2 (Abelardo Hall, Don Mariano Marcos University, San Fernando, La Union); Region 2 -- May 1 (People's Gym, Tuguegarao City); Region 4-A -- May 1 (One Stop Shop, San Pablo City); Region 4-B -- May 5 (Calintaan Municipal Hall, Occidental Mindoro); Region 5 -- May 3-4 (Lobo, Camarines Norte), and May 4-5 (Libon, Albay); Region 6 -- May 1-2 (Gaisano Mall, Bacolod City); Region 7 -- May 1 (Abellana National High School, and Social Hall, Cebu Capitol, both in Cebu City); Region 8 -- April 30 (DOLE Region 8 Office, Tacloban City); Region 9 -- May 1 (MEANPRO Jollibee, Zamboanga City), and May 2 (Governor Commins, Zamboanga City); Region 10 -- May 1-2 (SM City, Upper Carmen, Cagayan De Oro City); Region 11 -- May 1-2 (SM Carpark, Davao City); Region 12 -- May 1 (Koronadal City, and Tacurong, Sultan Kudarat); April 22-23 (Kidapawan, North Cotabato), and May 1 (General Santos City and Cotabato); and Caraga Region -- May 12-13, and May 13-14 (Butuan City Hall/Passporting).

http://www.zamboanga.com/news/news_body.htm

THE Southern Command in Zamboanga City will be celebrating its 30th founding anniversary this year with austerity.

Highlights of the command's anniversary celebration celebration will be a simple flag-raising ceremony, awarding and blessing of the newly constructed Evangelical Chapel, and conduct of humanitarian mission through mass blood donation and medical outreach program

Southcom is considered one of the largest military commands in the country. It was created on May 1, 1976, and covered the whole of Mindanao.

A certain Elisa Malik was a beneficiary of the command's medical outreach last year in the form of a blood donation for her scheduled surgery at the Zamboanga General Hospital.

Southcom conducted on April 23 a bloodletting activity in line with its 30th anniversary celebration. It was done in cooperation with the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) Zamboanga City chapter.

At least 28 Filipino soldiers and 13 US military personnel from the Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines (JSOTF-P) donated blood.

Three US servicemen were found to have blood of RH-negative type and Red Cross officer Josephine Fernandez said this will be sent to Manila where they would be more useful.

"Our blood is our life. We donate blood not only for our soldiers but also for all the people who need blood. This is our commitment to the Filipino people, aside from our mandate of maintaining peace and order situation in the Southern Philippines," South Command chief Maj. Gen. Gabriel Habacon said during the activity.

Zamboanga City Mayor Celso Lobregat, being Red Cross governor of the city, also attended the activity, providing encouragement and extending his appreciation to Filipino and American soldiers who donated their blood.

A medical-dental civic-action program is also scheduled on April 29, at Barangay Taluksangay in coordination with the City of Zamboanga, barangay chief, and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).

Hundreds of people are expected to benefit from the free medical and dental services.

More humanitarian activities are also to be conducted by Filipino and American soldiers in the coming months under the RP-US Project Bayanihan in Mindanao. Project Bayanihan also includes engineering projects such as construction, repair, and renovations of school buildings, health centers, deep wells, roads and bridges.

The flag raising ceremony in celebration command's 30th founding anniversary will be on May 3 at Southcom headquarters with General Generoso Senga, military chief-of-staff, as guest of honor.

Awards will be given to deserving officers, enlisted personnel, and civilian employees of the command during the celebration. (Press release)

http://www.zamboanga.com/news/news_body.htm

By EDDIE ALINEA

CABANATUAN CITY - Host province Nueva Ecija and Camarines Sur scored lopsided victories over separate opponents yesterday and continued pacing Bracket C in the boys' baseball Little League (11-12) division play of the 24th Philippine Series.

The Novo Ecijano Little Leaguers blanked Taytay of Rizal, 6-0, for their fourth straight triumph and, along with their counterparts from Camarines Sur, remained the only team unbeaten in Bracket C being played at the Palayan City fields.


The Boys from Bicol routed Lipa City, 8-2, also for their fourth win in as many times up as they moved closer of earning one of the two semifinal round seats reserved in their group.

Three other 11-12 teams stayed on course in their bid to advance into the next round - Muntinlupa City in Bracket A and Tanauan City and Zamboanga City in Bracket B of the 33-team division play.

Muntinlupa massacred Makati City, 23-5, to pull abreast with ILLAM (International Little League Association of Manila) at the top of the standing in Bracket A on the strength of their similar 3-0 win-loss slates.

Tanauan overwhelmed Camarines Norte, 16-5, and Zamboanga bested Cabuyao, 8-2, also for their third straight victories and share of Bracket B leadership with idle Albay province.

Over at the Nueva Ecija National High School this city, ILLAM appeared most-likely to succeed faltering Bacolod City as girls' softball Little League champion by sweeping all its assignments with an 8-7 nosing out of Sta. Cruz of Laguna.

The Bacolodnons though scored their first triumph following two earlier losses with an 11-1 annihilation of Cavite.

Bacolod's Senior Leaguers (14-16), however, looked on track of defending their crowns by posting their third straight win at the expense of ILLAM, 14-2, a third win matched by Rizal province in a 25-0 shaming of Makati.

Team Manila, the apple of the eyes of softball fans here because of its star-studded lineup culled from the UAAP champion Adamson and University of Santo Tomas, meanwhile, faces ILLAM anew at the start of hostilities in the girls' softball big League (14-18) play.

Fresh from sweeping the opening round of the three-team category and a day's rest Monday, there's no reason why the Golden Girls of Rep. Miles Roces can repeat their 4-0 blanking of ILLAM.

The team is also supported by businessman-sportsman Rey Riosa, Manila Sports Council (MASCO) chairman Ali Atienza and Robert Evangelista,

Other results yesterday:

Little League baseball - Lipa City d. Morong of Rizal , 15-11; Rizal Province d. Naga City, 17-4; Mt. Province d. Imus of Cavite, 14-4; Taguig of Rizal d. Bacolod, 15-1; Tuguegarao d. Bacolod.

http://www.zamboanga.com/news/news_body.htm

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Downtown

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Lantaka Hotel

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Woodcrafts at Lantaka Hotel

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Christmas Decor at Lantaka Hotel

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Chandelier at Lantaka Hotel

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Outside Lantaka Hotel

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Old spanish canon at Lantaka Hotel

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Fort Pilar

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Regency in Zamboanga

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Treehouse by Pasonanca

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ZAMBOANGA and Maguindanao bets ruled the executive class in the opener of the 29th Fedbop Bowling Tournament at the Midtown Bowling Lanes in Iligan City.

Zamboanga City Duckpin Bowlers Association (Zacidba) player Bong Tan captured the men's title over Tagum City's Cherlie Lastimoso, Cotabato's Sherheel Teo, and Basilan's Eugene Tan who settled for second, third and fourth place, respectively.

In the distaff side, Maguindanao Duckpin Bowling Association (Madba) entry Goldenia Ibay emerged champion as against next two finishers Esper Balukan of Cebu City and Pinky Brosas of Tacloban.

The presidents and vice-presidents of participating Fedbop member clubs and associations competed in the executive games.

Iligan City Mayor Lawrence Cruz hosted a fellowship dinner at the Village Inn Hotel after the executive tournament.

The regular men's and women's competition will get going today in the P500,000 bowlfest. A total of 40 teams will contest the men's crown while 24 will battle for women supremacy.

The teams will play eight games in the elimination round where the top four teams in each division will advance to the up-the-ladder championship round.

Davao City will defend the men's and women's titles it won in Koronadal City, South Cotabato last year.

The Davao City delegation is bannered by players from Sunday Bowlers Club and Davao City Bowlers Association. (MLSA)

ZAMBOANGA City retained the over-all championship for both the elementary and secondary levels of the 2006 Zamboanga Peninsula Regional Athletic Association (ZPRAA) Games, which formally culminated last April 28 with a fitting ceremony held at the JFE Memorial Sports Complex on R.T. Lim Boulevard, this city.

Records of the week-long games showed that Zamboanga City garnered 242 points in the elementary level followed by Zamboanga del Norte with 239 points, Zamboanga del Sur - 191 Zamboanga Sibugay - 142, Pagadian City with 102, Isabela City-67.5, Dipolog City - 39 and Dapitan City with 29.5 points.

In the secondary level, Zamboanga City scored a total 383 points followed by Zamboanga del Sur with 246 points, Zamboanga Sibugay with 169 points, Zamboanga del Norte with 133.5 points, Dipolog City with 112 points, Pagadian City with 105.5 points, Isabela City with 79 points and Dapitan City, 62 points.

Zamboanga del Norte received the biggest delegation award with Zamboanga City and Zamboanga del Sur as runners-up.

The cleanest delegation award went to Zamboanga del Norte garnering 84.5 percent followed by Pagadian City with 69.7 percent and Dipolog City with 63.5 percent.

Dipolog City received the "Sportsman-like Conduct Award."

THE online newspaper Zamboanga Journal has entered into a memorandum of agreement Friday with the E-World Career Center Corporation to provide scholarship grants to local journalists.

At least five journalists from different newspapers and radio and television stations would be given short courses training every month from the basic computer operation to the more advanced Macromedia Dreamweaver and other related education.

The project is more of a partnership between the Zamboanga Journal and E-World Career Center Corporation to help our journalists be more literate in computer education and competitive in their field, the signatories said.

"We are trying to provide fellow journalists free access to computer education through this partnership with E-World Career Center Corporation. This is public service," said Al Jacinto, editor-in-chief of Zamboanga Journal, now on its fourth month.

At least 60 journalists are expected to benefit from the scholarship grants during the first year of the trainings. E-World is one of Zamboanga City's leading global providers of computer education.

"We look forward to provide our students with the best computer training education, and we are proud to be a partner of the Zamboanga Journal," said Juvy de Jesus, E-World center manager.

De Jesus said E-World offers a variety of short courses training designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills in Information Technology. "Our courses are also intended for corporate clients who have specialized training needs. We can customize any specific requirements for our clients or companies," she said.

Jacinto said the scholarship grants are also open to deserving high school students, who wanted to learn, but cannot afford to pay the cost of the training. "We will help not only deserving journalists, but students as well, those who really wanted to learn," he said.

Zamboanga Journal came about at first, just as a public service weblog after a photo session in December 24, 2005, in Lumbangan, a small village east of Zamboanga City, where the government garbage depot is located.

There were children, old men and women, digging through a mountain of garbage and picking up pieces of rotten vegetables and meat already covered with maggots. Help never came, not even from local politicians.

From a public service weblog, it soon became the online newspaper called the Zamboanga Journal, and friends and journalists from different parts of Mindanao and Manila have pledged to help it run and turn the Zamboanga Journal into a tool to help the less fortunate, particularly the children and old people in Lumbangan garbage dump, and other slum communities in Zamboanga City.

Zamboanga Journal is now accepting applicants for 5 slots to the weeklong short courses on computer education in Zamboanga City. Classes begin every month and participants will be given certificates of training. (Press release)

THE Zamboanga Economic Zone and Freeport Authority (Zamboecozone) is finalizing its plans to put up call center sites in this southern port city.

Councilor Juan Climaco Elago, II, chairman of the city Council's Committee on Science and Technology boasted that Zamboanga City is the only source of call centers agents in the country and Asia who are capable of speaking English and Spanish languages.

Officials from big call center operating in Pampanga and Davao started hiring agents last year.

The Zamboecozone is now studying the possible strategic locations of call centers, he said.

Some of the areas considered are downtown area and Barangay Recodo, west of this city.

Three big call center firms expressed interest in establishing headquarters in the area.

Public Employment Service Officer (PESO) Francisco Barredo said call center operators in Manila and Davao prefer to hire Zamboangueños because of their ability to speak Spanish.

Barredo said that three universities here are laying down the groundwork to put up a training center for call center agents.

The PESO officer said that the Manila-based G-com call center officials have been frequently coming here preparing for the initial phase of the project of putting up the training center.

Under the proposal, interested teachers from the Universidad de Zamboanga, Western Mindanao State University and Ateneo de Zamboanga University will be trained by G-com personnel, said Barredo.

He said that the trained teachers would later be conducting re-echo training and seminar to interested students or young professionals who want to become call center agents.

http://www.zamboanga.com/news/news_body.htm

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DAGUPAN CITY -- About half a million people, Dagupeños with their fellow Pangasinenses and visitors, filled up the more than 1.2 kilometer-stretch of the Kalutan ed Dagupan street party Sunday night, the culmination of Bangus Festival 2006.

It was the biggest and grandest street party ever in Pangasinan with Dagupan beating its own records in the past years.

At about 5:30 p.m., philanthropist Rosemarie "Baby" Arenas and her Malasiqui-based daughter Rachel Arenas, together with Mayor Benjamin Lim and Bangus Festival executive chairman Nick Aquino, lighted the first cluster grills.

Also present was the 78-man delegates from Zamboanga City led by Mayor Celso Lorenzo Lobregat who came to Dagupan for an educational tour.

Adding glitter and entertainment to the ceremony were Pinoy Big Brother housemates Gretchen Malalad, Roxy Barcello and Aleck Bovick and the Tribu Ilonganon, Iloilo's Dinagyang Festival 2006 champion.

The multitude of people at both sides of A. B. Fernandez Avenue swarmed and filled-up the street and followed the group of Lim who walked down to the city plaza to light up clustered grills.

The performers at the 12 stages then started performing setting the party mood and kept the people in the street until 2 a.m.

Aquino elated with the success of the different events of the festival, thanking the chairmen and the people involved for their effort and contributions to the Bangus Festival.

Dagupan City Police Chief Edgar Basbas said 100 policemen were sent by the Police Provincial Office during the Kalutan ed Dagupan to augment the more than 100 Dagupan police force. Another 200 men from different civic organizations also helped during the event.

Basbas admitted it was a security nightmare for the police, "but Pangasinenses again showed they are disciplined, and they came and joined the street party to enjoy."

He said no untoward incidents were reported to the police other than the two alleged incidents of snatching and act of lasciviousness.

The delegates from Zamboanga City and other known personalities partied and grilled their own food at the city plaza while a Classic Artists and a rock back alternately performed. The Tribu Ilonganon also showed their winning performance.

Bangus Rodeo Winners

Two categories of the Bangus Rodeo handled by the JCI Dagupan Bangus Jaycees also recorded two feats.

Sonia Yao, chairperson of the event, thanked Feedmix for its continued support to the Bangus Rodeo from way back when it was introduced during the first holding of the Bangus Festival.

The entries of Modesto Dalmacio set a new record in the heaviest and longest bangus categories. His 90.500 centimeters long bangus set a new record in the Longest Bangus Category while his four-year-old bangus (a different entry) weighing 6.024 grams was the heaviest bangus entered since the first holding of bangus rodeo.

Winner in the Most Beautiful Bangus category was the entry of Jerome Aquino.

This years Fastest Bangus Classifier was Melecio Mendez while the Fastest Bangus Deboner was Huvy Tendenilla. The fastest Bangus eater under female category was Rose Gonzales while her male counterpart was Mario Serrano.

Winner in the newest event, the Lumbay Betel (bangus race) were the entries of Marc Adrianne Victor Fernandez (200 grams category), Dennis Cayabyab (250 grams) and Alberto Bautista (300 grams).

Cayabyab won the Mixed Category. (LCMY)

THE Zamboanga City Little League Team came out as bracket B champion in the four-bracket baseball tournament to advance to the championship in Cabanatuan City on Saturday.

Councilor Luis Climaco, Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines vice president for Mindanao, said Zamboanga City won by default against Imus Cavite when the latter did not appear in the playing field on Thursday morning.

In the afternoon of the same day, Zamboanga City defeated the big and hardhitting Mountain Province team.

Zamboanga City scored 18 against Mountain Province's 10.

In a crucial cross over game on April 28 2006, Zamboanga City defeated Tanauan Batangas Team. Zamboanga City scored 12 against Tanauan Batangas' 11.

On April 28 in the afternoon, the Zamboanga City little leaguers, although a bit tired because of the four straight games from Thursday to Friday, still defeated, in a crossover quarter final game, Cagayan Valley Team.

Zamboanga City splashed 11 while Cagayan Valley scored only one.

AT LEAST seven select secondary students of the Filipino-Turkish Tolerance School (FTTS) in Sinunuc, Zamboanga City, are presently in Turkey on an all-expense free trip courtesy of the Turkish government.

They are Moh. Abznar Yusop, Paul Carlo Jacob, Kerwin Khan Aradjaie, Samsuya Mohammand, Kimhar Junaide, Abdel Ghani Karim and Alshiaden Jipani.

The students, who represented the different year levels, are being chaperoned by two FTTS teachers, Arnel Bartolome and Mustafa Demirdag.

They left for Turkey last April 16 to attend the International Children's Day celebration last April 23 in the historic City of Istanbul.

The event was participated in by delegates from 50 countries all over the world. They will be back on May 3.

The school, through its director Sami Sahinduran, thanked Mayor Celso Lobregat, Director Victoria Salian of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Social Welfare and Development Director Balbuena, Haj. Nazma Hussein, and staff of the social welfare office for facilitating the students' travel documents.

I'm amazed on how they do yakan weaving. galing!
nice photos @animo.

(WWW.ZAMBOANGACITY.COM)------------THE WEBSITE GOT LOTS OF PHOTOS OF ZAMBOANGA CITY

^^ etu ba ya ase conese? bien bonito gat ese maga fotos na aquel sitio pero como viejo ya..

miyo hermano amo kien ya ase.

^ah bueno. talli ba tu na zamboanga ara? quetal man todo alli? no ay ya maga bombings porcasa del terorismo y abu sayyaf? bonito gaha el ciudad de zamboanga si era chene lang paz y seguridad na di inyo...

By Bong Garcia Jr. / Mindanews / 04 May 2006

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Vice Mayor Isabelle Climaco has reiterated the city’s stand against the establishment of an office of the International Monitoring Team (IMT), a group that monitors the implementation of the ceasefire agreement between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Climaco, also acting mayor, reiterated the city’s stand when IMT members paid her a courtesy visit at the Sangguniang Panlungsod on Wednesday morning.

The IMT courtesy call on Climaco is an offshoot of the visit of the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) officials led by 1st Admiral Mohd Rashid Harun two weeks ago when the Joint RP-Malaysian border patrol exercises were going on.

Among the RMN delegation that paid a courtesy visit on Climaco was a member of the IMT.

“We respect their (IMT) members here but the area of their operation should be outside of Zamboanga City,” Climaco pointed out.

Mayor Celso Lobregat and the City Council had earlier opposed the establishment of an IMT office in the city, claiming it is not part of the problem area.

The visiting officials and Climaco also discussed other issues pertaining to the peace talks, joint border patrol exercises and similar other concerns.

The group included Lt. Col. Mohd Ariffin Bin A.B.
Hamid-IMT team leader; Maj. Zed Bin Zainuddin-deputy
team leader; Ltcdr. Ng Peng Seng of the Royal
Malaysian Navy; Esp. Zambri Bin Yunus of the Royal
Malaysian Police; Capt. Hassamuddin Bin Usman-Royal
Malaysian Army and Capt. Fuaat Bin Mohd Yatim-Royal
Malaysian Army.

By Bong Garcia / Mindanews / 03 May 2006

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The Air Transportation Office (ATO) on Wednesday temporarily closed to traffic the Zamboanga City International Airport (ZIA) here when a Cebu Pacific aircraf from Davao City got stuck on Runway 29 after its right landing gear exploded while touching down at around 9:30 a.m. Wednesday.

None of the 96 passengers was harmed, Celso Bayabos, ATO manager here, said.

Bayabos said they immediately issued a “Notice to all Airmen” (NOTAM) on the temporary closure of the ZIA.

The aircraft remains stranded on the runway as Cebu Pacific ground crew had no equipment to tow the plane out of there.

Bayabos said they have to wait for the rescue team from the Cebu-Pacific main office in Manila to remove the plane from Runway 29.

But Bayabos said the problem is that the rescue team flying in on a Lear jet, cannot land on the ZIA.

“I suggested to them to fly in via Dipolog City and either ask the assistance of the Air Force to ferry them to Zamboanga by helicopters or hire vehicles to travel by land in bring here the equipment,” Bayabos said, adding, “that it is the fastest way for them to come here.”.

All outgoing and incoming flights were immediately suspended – the 10 a.m. incoming flight of SEAir from Jolo, Sulu; the 11 a.m. Cebu-Pacific flight to Manila; the incoming Air Philippines flight at 3:30 p.m. from Manila; and incoming Philippine Airlines flight at 4:30 p.m. from Manila.

As of 3 p.m., Zamboanga City-bound passengers from Manila were waiting for a change of flight schedules for May 4.

Bayabos said the pilots of the SEAir plane that was about to land in this city decided to return to Jolo, Sulu.

He said only small planes like the Islander and Nomad could fly from this city provided the pilots secure a waiver from the ATO.

It was learned from Bayabos that the pilots of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Islander plane ferrying Philippine National Police chief Artuto Lomibao, were the
first to secure a waiver from ATO.

Lomibao, along with some PNP officials, arrived here on Wednesday morning and proceeded to Basilan province for a command visit and was expected to return to Manila

Bayabos said they have yet to await the investigators from the ATO safety division to
determine why the right landing gear of the plane exploded upon landing.

By Father Amado Picardal, CsSR / Mindanews / 04 May 2006

Day 13 - April 30 (Zamboanga City to Ipil
At 6 a.m., we continued our journey towards Ipil. Six Zamboanga cyclists were waiting for us outside the cathedral to accompany as up to Curoon, 40 kilometers away from the city.

We dropped by Ateneo de Zamboanga and delivered our bags to Archbishop Tony Ledesma who had offered to take them to Ipil in his car.

The first hour of the ride was easy on a long stretch of level cement road. But then came the hills. After two weeks of biking, even short hills seemed difficult. My two companions kept waiting for me as I struggled to reach the crest. We reached Vitali at 11 a.m.and had our lunch break at a roadside restaurant.

By 1 p.m., we were on the road again. It was very agonizing. So many hills (to bike) while my companions patiently waited for me. Along the way, we met eight cyclists who came all the way from Buug to meet and accompany us to Ipil. We reached Ipil by 4.15 pm (having covered 139 km) and proceeded to the Bishop's residence. We concelebrated the 5.15 pm mass where I preached about the Gospel of Life and Peace.

Day 14 - May 1 (Ipil-Pagadian)
We left Ipil at 5 am. The Buug cyclists were waiting for us in Cabasalan where we had our breakfast. Two more cyclists joined us, one of them wearing a helmet made of coconut husk! His name is Marcing. He was planning to ride with us up to Tubod, Lakewood. But when we reached Buug, Marcing was hit by a motorbike. So he ended up in the hospital.

We said goodbye to the Buug cyclists and continued cycling. After the Buug boundary, the road became rough and hilly. As we were ascending the mountain in Tubod, Lakewood I felt very exhausted. The heat and rough road sapped my energy. I also realized that I had been cycling for two weeks and I felt its effect on my legs. We stopped at a roadside carinderia and rested for 30 minutes. As we continued biking, Archbishop Ledesma's car passed and stopped. He asked how he can help. I asked him to bring my panniers to the rectory in Pagadian.

So with a lighter load and a lot of dowhhill riding my exhaustion was gone. We were riding at 40 kph in the rain and it was getting dark. We reached Pagadian at 6.30 pm having covered 138 km.

We were welcomed by Fr. Boots. Bishop Manny Cabajar and Bro. James joined us for dinner.

Day 15 - May 2 (Pagadian to Malabang)
We celebrated the Mass for Life and Peace at 6.00 am. After a hearty breakfast, we were on the road again accompanied by Bro. James in the bishop's car - our support vehicle for the day. Fr. Nilo Tabania of Karomatan parish rode with us for the day.

It was a very relaxing ride at slow pace. I was still trying to recover from yesterday's exhaustion.

We reached Karomatan at 11 am and had an early lunch. We continued our journey by 1 pm. There were some climbing after going through a tunnel. We reached the Maladeg Peace Zone at 2.45 pm and met Bob Anton - the leader of the peace zone. It is a place where Muslims and Christians live in peace and harmony.

We arrived in Malabang at 4.30 pm having covered 102 km.

We proceeded to the convento. Only the parish secretary and cook were on hand to meet us. The parish priest is in Manila.

We said goodbye to Frs. Yrap and Nilo and I thanked Bro. James.

We had supper by the candle light - brownout. Time to go to bed at 8 am.

Day 16 - May 3 (Malabang - Cotabato)
We celebrated the Mass for Life and Peace at 6 am. The church was full. After the mass we had breakfast with the parishioners.

We were on the road again by 8.00 am. There are only two of us left - Fr. Bogs (Nazareno) and I. We stopped by at the peace memorial of Fr. Rufus Halley to light a candle. Fr. Halley was killed in 2001 - a victim of the culture of death.

The first three hours were a torturous climb up the mountain of Matanog - the place near Camp Abubakar - the MILF stronghold. We were met by Hajji Oranto- the leader of Sindaw Ko Kalilintad – a Moro peace group. He told me that their group negotiated with the MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) and the government to have the area declared a zone of peace. Recently the Gawad Kalinga housing project was initiated in Abubakar.

The ride from Matanog to Parang was mostly downhill. When we reached the parish church in Parang, we were met by 15 cyclists from Cotabato led by Fr. Armand. After lunch with them we biked towards Cotabato city and reached the cathedral at 3.30 pm, having covered 84 km.

There were many young people from the different parishes of the archdioceses gathered for the diocesan youth vigil. At 5.30, we concelebrated the mass with the youth.

Day 17 - May 4 (Cotabato City)
Today is rest day. No cycling! At 6.30 am, I was interviewed live by DXMS radio. After breakfast, I washed my clothes.

Spent the whole day just relaxing and recovering. I felt exhausted the last few days and I really need to rest. At 52 years old, I am not as strong as I was when I toured across the country six years ago. It was just my pure determination and will that kept me going.

The mass for life and peace in the cathedral is at 5.30 pm.

So far, I have biked 1860 km. Another three days of cycling and I will back in Davao. (Redemptorist priest Amado Picardal is about to complete his 21-day bicycle journey “for life and peace” across Mindanao).

By Bong Garcia Jr. / Mindanews / 05 May 2006



ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Officials of the Air Transportation Office (ATO), the city government and airline companies have made plans to avoid a repeat of Wednesday’s incident which caused the closure of the Zamboanga International Airport for nearly 30 hours.

The ATO on Wednesday closed the airport to all air traffic after the DC-9 plane of the Cebu Pacific Air from Davao City got stuck on Runway 27 when its two right landing gears blew up upon touchdown.

The plans were laid down during a security meeting called by Vice Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco and local ATO manager Celso Bayabos after airport operations resumed on Thursday afternoon.

The 10-point plan include: the provision of towing bars, jack and spare tires by each airline company; personal security for equipment and property; coordination between the ATO and Aviation Security on the security setup at the airport; provision of asphalt overlay of runway 27 from 900 meters to one kilometer through Rep. Erico Basilio Fabian with the fund for it to be managed by the ATO instead of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC)

The ATO also agreed to conduct an emergency response exercise involving local hospitals and Disaster Coordinating Council members, and to request assistance from the United States for airport repairs due to its use of the C-17 globe master aircraft.

The City Council will review the kite flying ordinance and stray animals for possible increase in penalties and ask for representation in the Airport Security Committee.

Airport operations resumed 2:15 p.m. on Thursday, after almost 30 hours of suspension, when Cebu-Pacific’s aircraft was finally removed from Runway 27.

At least 1,249 passengers of 14 incoming and outgoing flights were affected.

Philippine Airlines had five flights, Air Philippines two, Cebu-Pacific two, and Sea Air five.

Cebu-Pacific Air mechanics from Manila planed in via Cotabato City bringing with them the necessary equipment and two spare tires.

They were fetched from Cotabato City by the Nomad plane of the Philippine Air Force.

The three airline companies made six outgoing flights from 5 p.m. to 8:40 p.m. on Thursday to make up for the almost 30-hour delay.

By Bong Garcia Jr. / Mindanews / 07 May 2006




ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The Dagupan City government in Pangasinan has turned over to Mayor Celso Lobregat P100,000 in check for the fire victims of Barangay Camino Nuevo, this city as a gesture of goodwill, friendship and concern.

City Hall spokesperson Rogelio San Juan said Dagupan City Mayor Benjie Lim personally handed the check to Lobregat during a luncheon at the Star Plaza Hotel on April 30 in Dagupan during celebration of the “Bangus Festival.”

Lobregat and 33 barangay chairmen of this city and several councilors went to Dagupan for their “Lakbay Aral” to further enhance their capability on local governance.

The cities of Dagupan and Zamboanga had forged a sisterhood agreement last Feb. 25 during this city’s charter day to help each other and promote goodwill and tourism, among others.

San Juan said Lobregat, who expressed gratitude for the donation, in turn gave out tokens and mementos to the officials of Dagupan.

Thousands of residents were rendered homeless when a huge fire razed to the ground several houses on March 23. Many of the fire victims are still housed in evacuation centers until this time.

Animo

I always love visiting Zamboanga again. The view along Cawa-Cawa Boulevard is very nice.

Those Lantakas in the Plaza Pershing (I'm not sure) reminds one of this city's role in the Spanish era as a bastion of power this side of the country.

Zamboanga !
Hermosa......

Yo quiero Mucho !

^^ That's nice to know that you liked the place. ;)

The newly-formed Zamboanga Hermosa Development Task Force (ZHDTF) has launched an information campaign to drum up support to the proposal of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) local chapter to convert this city into a province.

This after Congressman Erico Basilio Fabian has revealed last week that the IBP has submitted its proposal to his office for presentation to the House of Representatives.

Under the IBP proposal, the center of Zamboanga City will remain as a city and to convert seven of this city's 98 barangays into municipalities to hasten progress and development in the countryside.

The IBP said that 37 of this city's 98 barangay will remain under Zamboanga City while the 61 others will comprise the seven proposed municipalities.

"The idea of the conversion [of the city] into a province has been brought up because there is no way for the progressive barangays and qualified ones to be converted to the status of a municipality unless we create a province," ZHDTF member Clemencio Bascar explained.

The members of the ZHDTF are educators, businessmen and lawyers. Bascar is a professor at the state-run Western Mindanao State University (WMSU).

The proposed barangays to be converted into municipalities are Vitali, Curuan, Sangali, Culianan and Landang Gua in Sacol Island, all located in this city's east coast.

The other two proposed municipalities are Ayala and Talisayan located in the west coast.

Bascar said that this city has a land area of 1,474 square kilometer which is a big place for a local government unit to administer and manage.

"All the territorial jurisdictions of the 14 cities in Metro Manila summing up all together will not even be half the size of Zamboanga City," Bascar said in one of his columns in a local newspaper.

He added that the 14 Metro Manila cities have only a total land area of 636 square kilometers with Mandaluyong City as the smallest and Caloocan City as the biggest.

He even cited that this city is more than two times bigger than Singapore and more than 400 square kilometers larger than Hongkong which are the most progressive and ultra modern countries in Asia.

Bascar said he sees no reason why Zamboanga Hermosa Province will not be progressive citing there will be a total of eight mayors working simultaneously for the progress and development of their respective places.

"This is not a political matter, this is a development matter. We just want the countryside to be well attended too," he clarified.

For his part, Fabian refused to disclose his stand over the matter citing he will study first the proposal of the IBP.

Fabian said there are several factors to be studied like the budget, administrative and political subdivisions of each of the proposed towns that would be created.

THERE are so many historical associations in the country that one will find it hard to count them all. Three are national: Philippine Historical Association, Philippine National Historical Society and Adhika. The rest are local, and the two most active in terms of activities and publications are the Kapampangan Studies Center and the Cavite Historical Society.

Last Friday, I found myself in Fort San Felipe in Cavite City, which is run by the Philippine Navy. This is the site of the historic uprising that led to the execution of Fathers Gomez, Burgos and Zamora in 1872. This had completely slipped my mind when I accepted the invitation to deliver remarks during the launch of yet another publication of the Cavite Historical Society, “Chabacano Studies: Essays on Cavite’s Chabacano Language and Literature,” by Emmanuel Luis A. Romanillos. Thus, it was a double treat to walk around what is left of historic Fort San Felipe and also to hear a dialogue that highlighted spoken Cavite Chabacano, which is Spanish-based, and Ternate Chabacano, which is Portuguese-based.

There is so much history embedded in language it’s a pity that the use of Chabacano has dwindled when it used to be widely spoken in Zamboanga and Cavite cities and pre-war Ermita in Manila. The few instances I heard snatches of Chabacano when I was growing up was when some old people played cards or mahjong. The late former mayor of Zamboanga City, Maria Clara Lobregat, kept a pile of Chabacano dictionaries by her desk to give as gifts to friends and visitors. I regret not browsing through it, because during the recent negotiations for the RP-Mexico Joint Commission on Cultural and Educational Cooperation in Mexico City, our man from the Department of Foreign Affairs taught us some invented Chabacano phrases to confound our Mexican counterparts. The most memorable of these were: “Cosa ba ese?” (translation: “Ano ba iyan?” -- What is that?), “morisqueta tostada” (“sinangag” -- fried rice) and my favorite, “No se con vosotros!” (“Ewan ko sa inyo!”). Sounds Spanish, but if you have a good ear, you will notice that it is not quite Spanish.

When Cesar E.A. Virata, president of the Cavite Historical Society, invited me to deliver remarks at the book launching, I accepted without thinking, presuming wrongly that the book would be yet another Chabacano grammar or dictionary that one did not read from cover to cover. These books are best consigned to the reference shelf and consulted only when needed. To prepare, I read a postcard in Chabacano that Jose Rizal sent Pedro Paterno and, of course, the hilarious Chabacano dialogue preserved in Chapter 28 of “El Filibusterismo” that, more often than not, gets lost in translation. I planned to display some erudition at the launch, only to have the rug pulled from under my feet because when the book arrived in the office, the day before, I saw that the author had tackled Rizal and Chabacano in his work.

Having reread Rizal and Chabacano so closely, Romanillos found some interesting items that slipped by me because these tend to be “lost in translation” as well. For example, in a letter from Evaristo Aguirre to Rizal, dated May 1887, is a line that reads: “lintic!: bueno sana topa rayo con todo este mga jindut de cachichao!” In the 1961 English translations of Rizal’s correspondence, Encarnacion Alzona rendered this rude line as: “Lintic! It will be good if lightning strikes these Castilas!” In a footnote that should not be overlooked, Romanillos remarked, “According to Cavite City folks, the vituperative phrase mga jindut di cachichao literally means ‘persons with f--g foul-smelling feet’ which Alzona’s imaginative translation refers to Castilians!”

Romanillos also found another example of something lost in translation in the textbook biography of Rizal by Gregorio and Sonia Zaide. To magnify Rizal’s linguistic gifts, they cited a letter Rizal wrote to Fernando Canon in July 1887, describing the nationalities of 50 different passengers traveling with him on the steamer Djemnah and stated that Rizal was the only Filipino on board and that being multilingual he acted as interpreter in this floating Tower of Babel. While the Zaide tandem over-read by stating that Rizal acted as translator for others, they also under-read by ignoring the two other Chabacano-speaking Filipinos [early OFWs?] on board that Rizal engaged in a game of chess. The Zaides also missed out on two English prostitutes accompanying three Chinese men: in Rizal’s racial catalogue, he recorded “3 chinos con dos p. inglesas.” One can guess the four-letter word abbreviated by Rizal here.

The Romanillos book not only situates Cavite Chabacano in its proper socio-historico-cultural context, it also provides an anthology of Chabacano literature for our appreciation. The rhymes on food are particularly fascinating. Language as a mirror of culture and society once made me consider linguistics as a field of specialization, but when I realized that linguistics took the humanities out of language and reduced it to abstract, almost algebraic, symbols, I gave up.

Through this surprisingly readable book, we hope other researchers will follow suit, to broaden not only our knowledge of languages but also our knowledge of ourselves as Filipinos.

Comments are welcome at aocampo@ateneo.edu.

More than 1,000 delegates from about a hundred countries are attending the United Nations Educational and Cultural Organization International Theater Institute World Congress and the Theater Olympics of Nations in Manila on May 16 to 29.

This is the first time in 58 years that the Unesco ITI that the World Congress and Theater Olympics will be held in Southeast Asia.

The twin events will coincide with the United Nations’ celebration of culture diversity and development week and the Philippine Ocean Heritage Month.

Cecile Guidote Alvarez, executive director of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts, says a major event of the ITI Congress is the Leaders’ Forum, where Unesco director general Koichiro Matsuura presides over a special gathering of UN officials, culture ministers, Nobel Laureates, and Unesco Artists for Peace to discuss UN Millennium Development Goals in the arts and culture.

The Theater Olympics of the Nations, also known as the World Festival of Drama Schools, will bring together 150 participants from 12 countries composed of directors, writers, playwrights and actors.

The artists will fan out and interact with indigenous cultural groups in Baguio City, Santiago City, Isabela; Vigan, Ilocos Sur; Muñoz, Nueva Ecija; Legazpi City, Albay; Puerto Princesa City, Palawan; Iloilo City, Cagayan de Oro City, Davao City and Zamboanga City.

The delegates will treated to performances of outstanding theater groups from Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, the Caribbean, North America and Europe.

As an added feature, the Philippines will host the second ministerial meeting on Asia Media Content and Creative Industries in Manila on May 26 to 27.

ZAMBOANGA CITY—Peace advocates from the Zamboanga peninsula and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao are urging the international community’s more active participation in the ongoing peace negotiations between the government and the separatist Moro Islamic Liberation Front in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

“Further internationalizing the peace talks will help speed up the conclusion of an agreement,” said lawyer Zainuddin Malang during the regional solidarity conference and business meeting of the Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-tawi (Zambasulta) Coalition of Peace Advocates.

Malang, who is also the director of the Bangsamoro Center for Law and Policy, cited as an example the Malaysian-led International Monitoring Team whose presence has played an essential role in intensifying the implementation of the prevailing ceasefire agreement between the government and the MILF.

“We are even looking at the possible participation of the United Nations,” he said, as he cited the case of East Timor and Indonesia during the process that led to Timor’s independence. “The presence of more international observers will definitely help the process to quickly move forward.”

The Japanese government recently expressed its desire to help the peace talks and the government has expressed no objection in their involvement.

Part of the Japanese task will be the assessment of the current security situation, possible Japanese participation in the Malaysian-led International Monitoring Team, and other possible areas of cooperation in the peace process.

MILF has welcomed the Japanese initiative and MILF vice chairman Ghazali Jaafar echoed their sentiments and emphasized the move as “much welcome and has been long desired.”

“We are very grateful to the Japanese government for [its] great concern to ensure peace and stability in our homeland and in Mindanao. This is a manifestation of the tremendous concern of the Japanese government on the current peace process. This will be long remembered by the Bangsamoro people,” Jaafar said.

Malang hopes other foreign countries will follow the initiatives of Malaysia and Japan. “We really have to express our deepest gratitude to countries that, in one way or another, contributed to peace and development in Mindanao,” Malang added.

On the other hand, lawyer Mary Ann Arnado of the Mindanao Peaceweavers, lectured on the status of the peace process. Arnado also answered the queries of some 60 peace advocates who attended the two-day conference.

Meanwhile, Rev. Fr. Angel Calvo, host of the conference, said the meeting will also serve as a sharing ground for peace advocates in the Zambasulta area and be the venue to plan appropriate responses to sensitive issues affecting the general public.

Calvo, convenor of the Zamboanga-based peace advocacy group Inter-Religious Solidarity Movement for Peace, said such a forum will focus on the issues besetting the region and find the path to its solution.

By Mozart Pastrano / Mindanews / 15 May 2006

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- A theatre group from Romania will give drama workshops and performances in Cagayan de Oro City this week.

This international cultural exchange is part of the 2006 World Festival of Drama Schools, one of the events in the biennial Congress of the UNESCO's International Theatre Institute (UNESCO-ITI), which the Philippine Government is hosting this month. In more than 70 years of the ITI, this is the first time that the Congress is held in Southeast Asia.

The Romanian threatre group is coming to Cagayan de Oro through the auspices of Liceo de Cagayan University, in partnership with the Provincial Government of Misamis Oriental, the City Government of Cagayan de Oro, the Department of Tourism, the Department of the Interior and Local Government and other sponsors,.

The delegation of five students, two teachers, and four directors from the National University of Dramatic Art and Cinematography "I.L. Caragiale" in Romania is the lead delegation in the UNESCO-ITI Congress, since it is headed by Corneliu Dumitriu, UNESCO Chair for the ITI.

On their arrival on Wednesday, May 17, the Romanian delegation will be welcomed with an intimate lunch reception hosted by Dr. Rafaelita Pelaez-Golez at her residence, the Casa Blanca, inside Liceo U's main campus.

At 3 p.m., the visitors will be presented in a brief program and press conference at the Limketkai Mall rotonda.

The Opening Ceremonies will start at 7 p.m. at the Provincial Capitol of Misamis Oriental. This will be simultaneously telecast on nationwide TV, together with similar events in Baguio City (delegation from India), Santiago City (South Africa), Munoz City (Burkina Fasso), Legazpi City (China), Iloilo City (Ukraine), Puerto Princesa City (Ukraine), Vigan City (Peru), Zamboanga City (Mexico), and Davao City (Iran).

From the opening rites, the guests will troop to the second floor lobby of the Provincial Capitol for a dinner of native Filipino dishes hosted by Governor Oscar S. Moreno and the Art, Culture, and Tourism Council of Misamis Oriental.

On May 18, the Romanian delegation will conduct a series of workshops for advanced theatre modules at the Liceo Civic Center. Registration starts at 7:30 a.m., with a registration fee of P300. The workshop sessions are from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., with meal breaks in between.

On May 19, the following cultural interactions are slated at Rodelsa Hall at Liceo's main campus: Conference on theatre themes delivered by the Romanian delegation, 2:30 p.m.; Video presentations by the National University of Dramatic Art and Cinematography "I.L. Caragiale" in Romania, 4:30 p.m.; Forum on cultural partnerships, 6 p.m.

The highlight of this international cultural exchange is a performance by the Romanian delegation at 9 p.m. on Friday, May 19, at Rodelsa Hall. Tickets to this exclusive performance are at P50 each but workshop participants enjoy free admission.

For details and reservations, please call up the Office of Cultural and Public Affairs, Liceo de Cagayan University at tel. nos. 8574093 to 95 local 249.

The Philippine Information Agency has announced the scheduled revelation of the beauty of the scenic Zamboanga Peninsula region this year when Zamboanga del Norte hosts the Wow-Philippines-Zamboanga Peninsula Regional Showcase.

Lawyer Ivan Patrick Ang, Zamboanga del Norte provincial tourism officer, said the Wow-Philippines-Zamboanga Peninsula Regional Showcase would be simultaneously held with the "Hudyaka" festival, commemorating the province's 54th founding anniversary to commence on May 30 and end on June 10.

Hudyaka is a Cebuano term for merriment.

The 12-day activity will be spiced up with a nightly cultural presentation, agro fair, sports competitions, job fairs, and tours to the different tourist destinations in the province.

Participating provinces and cities within the region each have assigned nights for their cultural shows, starting with Dipolog City on May 30, 2006; Pagadian City on June 3; Zamboanga City on June 4; Zamboanga del Sur on June 5; Dapitan City on June 7; Isabela City on June 8; and Zamboanga Sibugay on 9.

On the eve of June 6, which is the birthday of the province, a search for Miss Zamboanga del Norte 2006 will be held with 25 gorgeous beauties from the different municipalities and two cities of the province vying for the title.

The nightly cultural presentations from May 31 to June 2 will be rendered by performers from the three congressional districts of the province.

Zamboanga Sibugay, the newly created province in the region carved out from Zamboanga del Sur, has confirmed its participation in the Wow Philippines-Zamboanga Peninsula Regional Showcase, the PIA said.

Annavic Joy C. Lao, Zamboanga Sibugay's tourism operations officer, said her province's delegation would bring along various native, marine, and agricultural products that "truly bear a Sibugaynon mark."

"We will be showing off our fresh agri and marine products, and also our deliciously packed 'pasalubongs', such as danngit, concentrated and ready-to-drink calamansi juice and other processed foods," Lao said.

Aside from tasty food products, the Sibugay delegation shall also be displaying some art works of renowned international artist Ibn Saud Salipyasin Ahmad who is a native of Sibugay.

Most activities lined up for the Hudyaka Festival will be held in Dipolog City, Zamboanga del Norte's provincial capital. (Cheng Ordonez)

(May 17, 2006 issue)

Zambo's economy most dynamic in Mindanao: report
SUNTAR
Friday, May 19, 2006

ZAMBOANGA has the most dynamic local economy among 22 cities in Mindanao along with Davao City, according to last year's survey conducted by the Philippine Cities Competitiveness Ranking Project (PCCRP).

The city is also best among them in cost of doing business, one of the seven "drivers" or factors utilized by the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) to grade cities throughout the country to determine how conducive they are for business investments.

This and related information were released by United States Agency for International Development (USAid) through The Asia Foundation (TAF) when the latter hosted a conference of the League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) in General Santos City, last May 11-12.

The meeting of Mindanao's chief executives and business leaders was held to evaluate the implementation by selected local city governments of TAF's Transparent Accountable Governance (TAG) project.

TAG aims to boost the cities' government performance by developing and recommending reforms in LGU policies and operations particularly along service to business, real properties, economic enterprises and certain key basic social programs.

Zamboanga City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation Inc. (ZCCCFI) Executive Director Severino Landingin, who attended the conference, said civil society organizations (CSO), like the ZCCCFI, are actively involved in the implementation of the reform program.

Although Zamboanga City is not one of the areas where it is being piloted at present, the city's recent high increase in business taxes was noted at the conference.

Landingin said TAF highlighted the city's 295 percent increase of business tax collections, from last year's P9.9 million to this year's first quarter take of P29.4 million, as example of how local governance can benefit from policies and regulations reforms.

Landingin said Mayor Celso Lobregat "has attributed this (performance) to the substantial increase also in the business owners who applied and renewed their permits, from 311 in January 2005 to 565 in January, this year, an increase of 81.6 percent."

This up tick in investment dynamism and ease in doing business in the city will help attract participation by curious businessmen to the 16th Mindanao Business Conference (Minbizcon), which the city will host from August 31-September 2, this year, Lanfingin said.

At least 500 business leaders and government and non-government economists are expected to attend the annual conference, where Mindanao's investment and business issues and prospects are threshed out: Significant delegations from Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei, who along with Mindanao compose the trade bloc of BIMP-EAGA.

Mindanao is this year's chairman of the BIMP-EAGA Business Council.

The Minbizcon is jointly organized by the Mindanao Business Council and the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI). One of PCCI's regional governors is Teresita Sebastian-Uy, who is a ZCCCFI director.

The other "drivers" in the PCCRP survey are linkages and accessibility, human resources and training infrastructure, responsiveness of LGU to business needs, and quality of life.

Zamboanga City ranked average in linkages and accessibility and quality of life, Landingin said, and much lower in the three remaining factors.

He said AIM's PPCRP recommends more investments in human resources development, policy and legal reforms, inter-cities collaborations, and inter-sectoral cooperation to further boost business investments in Mindanao.

One the other hand, the transparency and accountability program of TAF continues to make headway in Mindanao in terms of broadening civil society participation in LGU operations, pushing for more LGU reforms, introduction of new ways to assess local governance practices, and the establishment of independent structures.

The last succeeded in some cities to form "the mechanism for various groups to formulate strategic plans and develop programs in relation to sustainability and to identify best practices in good governance, transparency and accountability and to set up reward and incentive scheme for this," The Asia Foundation reported.

PIA Press Release
05/19/2006

by Hydee Templonuevo

Koronadal City (19 May) -- The local government officials of Koronadal City lead by City Administrator Marcelita Lucido went to Naga City to bid as the next playing venue for the Palarong Pambansa 2007.

Koronadal City officials met with the OIC DepEd Secretary Fe Hidalgo, Undersecretary Ramon Bacani and Assistant Secretary Antonio Inocente at the Sabang National High School, Region XII billing area.

The Palarong Pambansa 2007 is scheduled to be held in Mindanao. The DepEd policy provides for an alternative venue each year somewhere in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

With the playing venue held in Iloilo City last year and Naga City for Luzon this year, three provinces in Mindanao signified their intentions to bid as the next venue for Palarong Pambansa 2007. Aside from Koronadal City, other provinces which bid are Lanao del Norte and Zamboanga City.

In 1996, South Cotabato for the first time hosted the Palarong Pambansa with Koronadal then, as one of its municipalities. Now, with Koronadal becoming a city, it is optimistic that the bid to host this sports event will become a success.

The presence of the South Cotabato Sports Complex, and the different playing venues strategically located at the heart of the city, peace and order situation, strong support from the local government units and the Department of Education are only among the added factors that gives edge to Koronadal City to become the next playing venue of Palaraong Pambansa. (CIO/PIA 12) [top]

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news.asp?fi=p060519.htm&no=46

Saturday, May 20, 2006

THE Office of the City Vice Mayor of Zamboanga City has cited the untiring efforts of the Italian government, through the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Mission or Pime (Pontificium Institutum pro Missionbus Exteris) in promoting peace and understanding through dialogues and prayers in Zamboanga City.

Vice Mayor Beng Climaco stressed the important role of Pime in promoting interfaith relationship, as the community celebrates Saturday the 40th Jubilee of the sacerdotal ordination of Fr. Sebastiano D'Ambra with no less than Italian Ambassador Rubens Anna Fedeles as guest of honor.

D' Ambra established the Silsillah Dialogue Movement and initiated the organization of the Interfaith Council of Leaders in the city.

"The Zamboangueño community is thankful for the Italian presence in the city through Pime, which continues to believe in dialogues among tribal people," Climaco declared.

She extolled D' Ambra for initiating the series of dialogues and activities with the main purpose of bridging gaps between and among the different groups. The effort has helped maintain a peaceful coexistence between Christians and Muslims in the city.

Climaco said she was amazed with the will and determination manifested by D' Ambra's group in reaching out to all people in a bid to continue a "lifestyle of understanding" and harmony.

The vice mayor also expressed personal thanks and gratitude to D' Ambra for being one of her formators who helped mold her as a good leader and individual.

On several occasions, Climaco has attended interfaith dialogues initiated by the Silsillah Dialogue Movement and saw for herself the perseverance of the Italian community to pursue harmony and understanding despite the challenges.

"Fr. D' Ambra has helped me spiritually and helped me know my role in the service of God and Zamboanga City", she added.

The jubilee celebration of the sacerdotal ordination of D' Ambra today will be marked with a series of activities at the Harmony Village in Pitogo Sinunuc. Other guests expected are Reverend Archbishop Carmelo Morelos and film director Marilou Diaz-Abaya.

ZAMBOANGA CITY - Villagers have captured a 14-foot wild crocodile in a mangrove forest in the coastal town of Siay, Zamboanga Sibugay, about 150 km east of this city.

Police here said Wednesday that it’s taking care of the reptile, which was placed in a caged pond. They said that they would eventually turn over the crocodile to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

The crocodile bore hack wounds when captured but otherwise it is in good health.

It was the first time that a wild crocodile was found in the area, although smaller ones abound in many parts of Mindanao.

Small crocodiles feed on fish and small aquatic animals while larger ones catch mammals and birds that stray into their habitat. The big ones attack and eat humans.

Crocodile skin—used for leather bags, shoes and belts and other fashion accessories—is sought after in international market, while the meat is considered a delicacy and usually cooked as steak in some countries. Its internal organs are believed to be aphrodisiac. Al Jacinto

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=39786

Learning from Mindanao: Replicate LGU best practices in Visayas, Luzon, even the world

Written by Carolyn O. Arguillas/MindaNews
Thursday, 25 May 2006

May 12, 2006

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (MindaNews/12 May) -- Here's another good news from Mindanao: soon, local government units (LGU) in Visayas, Luzon, and even the world, will be learning from the best practices here.

The best practices and emerging best practices vary – from improving the collection of real property taxes to increasing revenue from business permits by as much as 300% as in the case of Zamboanga City; reducing the paperwork for housing and ensuring that the LGU-operated bus terminal, market or hospital can serve the constituents well and at the same time earn.

Procedural reforms and improved management systems in these areas of governance are gaining headway in 16 Mindanao cities that are participating under the Transparent Accountable Governance (TAG) project of the League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP), The Asia Foundation (TAF) and the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

Mindanao has 27 cities.

“This is not really, as a mayor said, an anti-corruption project but more of a good news project,” LCP executive director Gil Cruz told a press conference during a break at the 2nd Mindanao Mayors’ Conference.

Surigao City mayor Alfonso Casurra, TAG Focal Mayor and LCP Vice President for Mindanao said “we will still be expanding and replicating procedural reforms outside Mindanao.”

Already, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. has expressed the need to “export the Mindanao model” to the rest of the Philippines, said Steven Rood, TAF country director.

The Mindanao LGUs have been coordinating with the Mindanao Business Council and other representatives from civil society groups in the planning and implementation of the reforms.

Rood said the Mindanao LGUs are already starting to export the best practices internationally. He said Mayor Casurra has shared the gains of the project during an Asia-wide meeting in Cairo while Mayor Florencio Flores of Malaybalay City has shared the same in Indonesia.

Last year, General Santos City, distributed copies of the guidebook on Procedural Guidelines to assist constituents when they transact business with the city government.

The guidebook, the first in Mindanao, indicates the service desired, the requirements needed and the steps to undertake in availing of the service.

In Oroquieta City, processing time required for business permits has been reduced from 1.6 days in 2005 to 2 hours, 1 minute and 40 seconds in 2006.

These are just a few examples.

“You’re making such a big difference,” USAID mission director Jon Lindborg told the mayors, vice mayors, councilors, the business sector and civil society representatives shortly before noon.

“We are very much committed,” he said, explaining that “60% of our resources go to Mindanao – in governance projects, policy reforms, conflict-reducation, peace and security, health, environment, education.”

“I think there’s a lot of good news, positive things happening at the local level,” he said.

Lindborg was asked at the press conference if the project, whose second phase is ending next year, will have a third. “This is a great program. We will certainly be looking at the future very closely,” he replied.

The first seven cities that joined TAG in 2002 are General Santos, Surigao, Samal, Dapitan, Marawi, Cotabato and Iligan. After the May 2004 elections, nine other cities joined: Dipolog, Oroquieta, Ozamiz, Butuan, Panabo, Zamboanga, Koronadal, Tacurong and Malaybalay.

Casurra said the invitation to join TAG was extended to all Mindanao cities. He said in the first batch, only seven cities joined because “when you talk corruption, transparency, accountability, sometimes, it is almost suicidal for an LGU to join because when you join, the perception is you are corrupt.”

Casurra added that invitations were again sent to the other Mindanao cities in 2004 but only nine responded. He said joining TAG requires not only the commitment of the mayor but also the Sangguniang Panglungsod. The local legislature has to pass a resolution about the city’s participation in the TAG project, he said.

Eleven more cities in Mindanao have not joined TAG: Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Digos, Kidapawan, Tangub, Isabela, Gingoog, Bislig, Tagum, Pagadian and Valencia.

Seven mayors were present in the two-day conference: Casurra, Flores, host city mayor Pedro Acharon, Jorge Almonte of Oroquieta, Lino Montilla of Tacurong, Lawrence Cruz of Iligan and Rogelio Antalan of the Island Garden City of Samal. (Carolyn O. Arguillas/MindaNews)

http://mindanews.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=43&Itemid=55

Zamboanga City (26 May) -- THE NATIONAL Daily Administration is now helping the Co Administration to venture on dairy production with the Danlugan Multi-Purpose Cooperative as recipient of the 100 pregnant cows from New Zealand.

City Mayor Sammy Co pledged to put up a milk processing plant while the Coop will provide the milk.

Milk production will start by December, but the pregnant cows will be dispersed this coming September after their quarantine in Bukidnon for a month.

Each cow costs P82-T. Dispersal mode is based on pasture area and capacity of the recipient Coop Members. One gets a maximum of 6, others get 3 or 1, Delos Santos said.

City Cooperative Development Officer Evelyn Saldua said the recipients have to borrow P41-T or 50% of the cow’s cost from the Quedancor payable within 5 years.

The other P41-T is shouldered by the NDA wherein recipient coop members can pay it back through the cow’s offspring or in cash, Saldua said.

With 100 milking cows, they are expected to produce 1,000 liters of milk a day for the city government and the cooperative to sell in the market, Delos Santos said.

Delos Santos said not all the 1,000 liters are sold as fresh milk. They can process other products such as: milk bars, chocolate milk, ice cream, cheese, pastillas, milk soap and many more. The NDA will also assist in providing the market for our product.

With Pagadian City producing fresh milk it can supply the milk feeding program of the city government as well as the provincial government and neighboring municipalities, City Councilor Ruffy Amor Said.

It was learned that presently, these Local Government Units get their fresh milk supply from Cagayan de Oro City.

For Zamboanga del Sur alone, it allocated P2.4 Million for its milk-feeding program. Moreover, different schools and barangays are the potential market for fresh milk and other dairy products of the province. (PIA – Pagadian City) [top]

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news.asp?fi=p060526.htm&no=78

VICE Mayor Beng Climaco has expressed elation that the US-Philippine relations continue to nourish, resulting in mutual benefits of both countries.

The vice mayor cited the arrival in Zamboanga City today of the USNS Mercy, the American hospital ship that travels around the world conducting medical missions. The ship will conduct missions here benefiting some 1,000 indigent residents from Zamboanga and the neighboring provinces.

She said the fielding here of dozens of American doctors to provide free medical services aboard the hospital ship helps fortify the existing ties between the Americans and the Filipinos.

She stressed that Zamboanga City and the neighboring provinces are among the areas that are in dire need of such a medical assistance. Over 1,500 people have undergone screening but only about a thousand have passed the requirements to avail of the assistance.

The mission covers surgery for people afflicted with hernia, goiter, breast mast or cyst, harelip, cataract, mayoma and other cases. Major operations will be done aboard the ship while the less serious cases will be done at the Zamboanga City Medical Center.

"We are very thankful for doctors from America for the assistance that they will provide to the Zamboangueno patients," the vice mayor said.

In like manner, Climaco also expressed gratitude and thanks to doctors from the Tsu Chi Foundation, a non-profit organization that has also been conducting a series of humanitarian missions in the city for several years now.

About a dozen Tsu Chi doctors are also assisting their American counterparts in this biggest medical mission to be held in Zamboanga from May 26 to June 2.

The vice mayor said the Tsu Chi physicians exemplify unselfish love and voluntary service to people in dire need of free medical services.

The City Government is extending a red carpet welcome to the doctors and crew of the USNS Mercy ship that will drop anchor at the Majini pier.

The USNS Mercy is one of the only two US hospital ships. Aside from Zamboanga City, the ship will also visit Basilan, Jolo and Tawi-tawi. The ship first visited Zamboanga City in 1989. (Press release)

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/zam/2006/05/26/news/city.elated.over.us.medical.mission.to.zambo.html

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VICE Mayor Beng Climaco established partnership with various civic groups and organizations in the United States of America for possible implementation of telecommunication projects that would result in the setting up of a call center in Zamboanga City.

The vice mayor met with Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company executive Buth Meiley in New York City last May 28 to explore the possibility of improving the telecommunication set-up to prepare for call centers.

In an overseas call, Climaco said Meily is studying how to improve telecommunication facilities in the city.

Climaco cited the need to restore broadband Internet connection, initially discussed during the visit of Ric Santos, president of the Filipino-American Chamber of Commerce at the Zamboanga Economic Zone and Freeport Authority, to Zamboanga City last year.

The meeting of investors at the economic zone was graced by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. Mayor Celso Lobregat and economic zone officials were also present.

Like Councilor Kim Elago, the lady vice mayor believes there is a need to "expand possibilities to utilize the talents of Zamboanga's graduates in the Spanish-speaking market as well as the English and even Arabic-speaking countries."

She hoped that such moves will materialize the soonest possible time so that local graduates will have greater employment opportunities and that Zamboanga City will not lag behind and instead be at par with other areas in the country and the world.

The City Council, through the initiative of Councilor Elago, had approved a month ago a resolution requesting the Commission on Higher Education (Ched) to study the possible inclusion of additional units for Spanish and English proficiency and Arabic language in the tertiary curriculum in view of the increasing demand for call center agents.

Call centers are flourishing in major cities like Manila, Cebu, and Pampanga but most operators prefer to hire Zamboangueños as call center agents due to their proficiency in the Spanish and English languages as most of their clients are Spanish and English speaking.

A call center deals with customer phone calls and serves as place that handles high volume of in-coming telephone calls on behalf of a large organization.

The vice mayor took the opportunity of meeting with various groups in the US after attending the Women's Global Connection forum in San Antonio, Texas recently. She was one of the only three Filipina speakers during the international forum. (Press release)

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/zam/2006/06/01/news/vice.mayor.links.zambo.with.us.civic.groups.html

ZAMBOANGA CITY: Filipino government officials bid farewell Friday to the crew of the United States hospital ship USNS Mercy after a weeklong medical mission in Zamboanga City.

“It’s a nostalgic goodbye for the Mercy after helping many of our poor people in Zamboanga. We really appreciate the USNS Mercy medical mission in Zamboanga,” said Councilor Milabel Velasquez, the city’s acting vice mayor.

The ship arrived in Zamboanga City on May 25 from Manila and is heading for Jolo and Tawi-Tawi islands in the Sulu Archipelago on a similar humanitarian mission, despite dangers of an attack by members of the radical Abu Sayyaf Group.

More than a thousand patients were treated by the medical mission in Zamboanga City. Officials in Jolo said many Muslim villagers are awaiting the ship’s arrival to give the crew a warm welcome.

“We welcome the Americans and the medical mission will help a lot of poor people in Jolo and Tawi-Tawi and we thank the US government and the crew of the USNS Mercy for this important humanitarian mission,” Sultan Sharif Ibrahim Ajibul Mohammad Pulalun of the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo said.

Filipino military commanders in Jolo said they have tightened security on the island for the arrival of the 272.5-meter-long vessel.

A US Orion spy plane was spotted Friday flying over Zamboanga and Basilan Island, where the ship is to sail on its way to Jolo.

Health officials have begun screening patients in Jolo for free medical care offshore and onboard the ship, which last visited the Philippines in 1986 for a similar humanitarian mission.

Fil-American crew aboard USNS Mercy

At least 25 percent of the ship’s crew are Filipino Americans. Capt. Henry Villareal, second to mission commander Capt. Bradley Martin, is the highest-ranking Filipino American.

The USNS Mercy boasts state-of-the-art medical equipment and a robust multispecialized medical team of uniformed health-care providers capable of providing a wide range of services on and off the ship.

Filipino civilian medical professionals and nongovernmental organizations are working side by side with US and Philippine military personnel for the success of the mission.

--Al Jacinto
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2006/june/03/yehey/prov/20060603pro1.html

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La Vista del Mar

- homesliced

NEWLY designated Zamboanga Coast Guard Station chief Roy Echeveria announced that the Passengers' Assistance Center (PAC) at the local wharf is in place to render assistance to seafarers who are expected to crowd inter-island vessels on the opening of classes on Monday.

Echeveria said the PAC is manned on a 24-hour basis by personnel of line agencies under the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC).

Aside from the Coast Guard, the other agencies under the DOTC family are Maritime Industry Authority, Philippine Ports Authority, Land Transportation Office, and National Telecommunication Commission, and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board.

Echeveria said it is expected that the number of passengers will increase this month, citing the opening of classes as thousands of students from the nearby provinces of Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga del Norte, and Zamboanga del Sur are coming here to pursue higher studies.

He said the seafarers could seek assistance at the PAC should they encounter any problem while traveling from and to the port of Zamboanga.

The PAC telephone numbers are (062) 991-82-93 and (062) 992-66-44, announced Echeveria.

Echeveria, who was designated to this city on Tuesday, met with all his detachment commanders last Wednesday and instructed them to strictly implement rules and regulations in their areas of jurisdiction to ensure the security and safety of the seafarers.

The detachments are situated in Isabela City and Lamitan in Basilan province and Sangali and Recodo in Zamboanga City.

Echeveria, a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy Class 93, replaced his classmate, Lt. Cmdr. Ronnie Gil Gavan, who went on schooling in Australia.

He was formerly assigned in Jolo, Sulu, where he served for more than one year. (Bong Garcia)

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/zam/2006/06/03/news/help.center.in.place.at.zambo.wharf.for.classes.opening.html

--------------------(WWW.ZAMBOANGACITY.COM)--------------

Zamboanga City (6 June) -- The government boosts its step in solving the country’s perennial education problems as classes opened yesterday.

Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye said the government is doing its best to improve the country’s educational system to be able to produce competent and skilled workers.

“Education has always been on top of this administration’s blueprint for governance and development in order to elevate the competency and literacy of our people, and get them good paying and stable jobs”, Sec. Bunye.

Secretary Bunye said the government released a huge amount of budget intended for higher educational institutions and secondary and elementary schools.

“A total of P285 million was released for higher education institutions to ensure that there will be no tuition hike in state colleges and universities and a minimal increase within the inflation rate among private higher educational institutions”, Sec. Bunye said.

Aside from this, the government allotted an additional P4 billion to the budget of the Department of Education through the bicameral conference of the Senate and the House of Representatives. The legislators also tackled measures in addressing textbooks shortage and the decreasing number of teachers in the country.

“Yes, the state of the country’s education is far from the ideal but it cannot be denied that President Arroyo and her entire team are working with firm resolve to address the decades-old problems that plague our education system. There are no quick fixes to these problems, but slowly but surely, we have been making headway”, Secretary Bunye said.

Earlier, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo said, in a discussion with education officials, that she wanted to solve classroom shortage of some 1,000 schools around the country.

“Fourteen thousand ang mga silid –aralan na itinayo sa aking termino, ngunit ang pinapanaginipan ko ay masiguro na makasama naman sa 14,000 iyong isang libong eskwela, kung saan, higit sa isang daang estudyante bawat silid ay dapat bigyan ng prayoridad” (14,000 thousand classrooms were built in my term, but what I envision is to prioritize the inclusion of the 1,000 schools, with more than 100 students per room, in the 14,000 classrooms.), President Arroyo said.

She also wants to include vouchers for almost 400,000 high school students to be able to study in private schools. It was noted that there are more than private than public schools and it is seen as one of the solutions to classroom shortages.

DepED Officer-In-Charge Fe Hidalgo said the number of enrollees increased by 11% this year with 13.22 million enrolled in elementary and 6.77 million in high school.

Meanwhile, the Department of Education warned all public schools not to reject students unable to pay miscellaneous fees such as Red Cross and Boy/Girl Scout. DepEd has opened a call center for queries or complaints for parents and teachers. Parents can call at (02) 631-6033, via text messages to 2622 or call at the different DepEd offices in their locality. (PIA-ZC) [top]

ABOARD USNS MERCY -- US hospital ship USNS Mercy successfully completed a seven-day humanitarian assistance mission to Zamboanga City on June 2, after having 18,000 patient encounters.

Mercy visited Zamboanga as part of its five-month humanitarian mission to South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands.
The ship will be visiting other islands in the region to continue giving assistance. While in Zamboanga, the Mercy crew along with several non-governmental organizations conducted 90 surgeries, 1,358 dental examinations and extractions, gave out 1,510 pairs of glasses, filled 4,414 prescriptions and completed 10 small repairs to the local medical center.

"The people here were thrilled to have us, and we were thrilled to be here for them," said casualty receiving nurse, Navy Lt. Stella Annunziato. "They are so appreciative and thankful; they just come up and hug you."

In addition to providing medical care, Mercy staff also held training for 388 students on numerous topics ranging from patient documentation, CPR, sexually transmitted diseases, and pain management.

Naval Mobile Construction Battalion Four Zero (NMCB-40) also contributed by renovating areas of the Zamboanga Medical Center.

NMCB-40 made repairs to various buildings at the medical center by repairing windows, leaking roofs, and manufacturing concrete walkways.

"The patients along with the medical staff are very happy that the hospital is in better shape," said Anton Mari Lim, coordinator for the Tzu Chi Foundation. "The repairs are a big help to transferring patients as well as the patients living conditions while they are here."

Along with the Tzu Chi Foundation, the Mercy worked with many other non-governmental organizations, such as Aloha Medical Mission, Project Hand Clasp, Project HOPE, and United States Public Health Services. Mercy also worked side by side with other members of the Armed Forces to include Air Force, and Army, as well as Foreign Armed Forces from Canada, India, and the Philippines.

The US Navy Show Band also performed around the city and for local media outlets. Musician 2nd Class Ian Charleton, a native of College Station, Texas felt honored to perform for the local residents. "It was a privilege to represent our nation and the Navy to the people of Zamboanga, in our unique way," said Charleton.

The medical crew aboard Mercy will provide general and ophthalmology surgery, basic medical evaluation and treatment, preventive medicine treatment, dental screenings and treatment, optometry screenings, eyewear distribution, public health training, and veterinary services as requested by the host nations.

Like all US Naval forces Mercy is able to rapidly respond to a range of situations on short notice. Mercy is uniquely capable of supporting medical and humanitarian assistance needs and is configured with special medical equipment and a robust multi-specialized medical team who can provide a range of services ashore as well as aboard the ship.

Zamboanga City (6 June) -- The Bureau of Internal Revenue – Zamboanga City has surpassed it collection target for the month of May by more than P5 million.

Revenue District Officer Roberto Bucoy disclosed that his office has exceeded, for the first time, the target collection of P100, 998, 000.00, collecting a total of P106.2 million in taxes.

“This is the first time that we exceeded the P100 million mark since last year”, Bucoy said.

Bucoy pointed that their collection for the month of May has dramatically increased by at least P28 million compared to last year’s P78, 195, 608.00 of the same period.

Bucoy expressed optimism in meeting its 2006 target if this success would continue until the year ends.

“We are optimistic that we would meet or even surpass our P1.1 billion target for this year if this positive collection trend continues until the end of the year”, he quipped.

Bucoy attributed the increase in collection to the proper payment of taxes by the people and the consistent collection of his staff.

“Our employees collected very well, if they are consistent, our office will continue to have positive results”, he ended. (PIA) [top]

Zamboanga City (6 June) -- The Bureau of Internal Revenue – Zamboanga City has surpassed it collection target for the month of May by more than P5 million.
that's good news!!!

^^ Yeah, hopefully all other cities in the country can have a surplus of tax collection.

Saturday, June 10, 2006
By Al Jacinto

SECURITY is tight in Zamboanga City in the southern Philippines where President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is staying overnight after visiting Friday the restive island of Jolo, where the US Navy hospital ship Mercy is holding medical missions, officials said.

Heavily armed soldiers were spotted manning checkpoints in Zamboanga City where Arroyo would stay overnight. She is set to attend a wedding ceremony of a close family friend on Saturday.

"We have put in place tight security measures for the President's arrival," said Supt. Francisco Cristobal, chief of the local police force.

Arroyo stays at a mansion inside the tightly guarded Southern Command base, also home to a small contingent of US troops helping the Filipino military fight terrorism.

In Jolo, Arroyo toured the USNS Mercy anchored off the troubled island then met with US government and military officials, and held a conference with regional and provincial leaders.

Arroyo is to attend the wedding of lawyer Michael dela Cruz, younger brother of influential priest Crisanto dela Cruz, a staunch supporter and family friend of the President.

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The local government will focus in the construction of more classrooms, seeing that it is the most pressing need of the education sector rather than hiring more teachers.

Mayor Celso Lobregat said this will be the main thrust of his administration, citing the lack of classrooms is a national issue.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has called the attention of Education Acting Secretary Fe Hidalgo for reporting conflicting figures on classroom shortage during the recent Cabinet meeting in Malacañang.

Lobregat said they will study as to how much would be allocated for the construction of classrooms as they are about to prepare the next budget of the Special Education Fund (SEF).

The source of SEF's funding derives from the local government revenues, as some percentage of the taxes collected goes to the program.

Lobregat and local education officials on Tuesday inaugurated the newly completed P3.5-million high school building in Talon-Talon.

The newly opened two-storey six-classroom building will cater to the first 310 freshmen who are enrolled at the newly-created Talon-Talon National High School.

Another two-storey six-classroom building worth P4.2 million was inaugurated on Thursday in Curuan, east of this city.

CITY Vice Mayor Beng Climaco exhorts the citizenry to uphold independence, as the entire nation observes Monday, 12th of June, 108 years of freedom and to look at the ingenuity and the communal spirit of Filipinos as the springboard of its progress and industrialization.

"Let us unleash the Filipino genius and proudly declare Pinoy tayo!," the vice mayor urged.

She said a lot of Filipinos contribute their talents and skills to the world displaying Filipinos' unparalleled capability.

The thrust of educating the young to contribute their talents, skills and efforts to the city, the country and the world should be pursued without end, she stressed.

The country today, June 12, celebrates the 108th year of Philippine Independence, which marks the day when Emilio Aguinaldo, the president of the First Philippine Republic, formally declared independence in Cawit, Cavite.

During this day, the Filipino flag sewn in Hongkong was unfurled to the cheers of the crowd in Cavite. The band also played the national anthem earlier composed by Julian Felipe.

The Filipino flag and the national anthem are two national symbols that are considered the brainchild of Aguinaldo. The declaration of Philippine Independence is the culmination of struggle against the Spaniards who ruled the country for almost four centuries.

The celebration in Zamboanga City today will kick off at 7:00 a.m. with a flag raising ceremony and a wreath-laying rite at the foot of Rizal monument, fronting City Hall.

A civic military parade will highlight the activity at 1:30 p.m., and a commemorative program will cap this with 3rd Tactical Operations wing commander Brigadier General Reu Lucio Samaco as guest of honor and speaker.(SE)

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Although i have visited Zamboanga City a couple of times, still am not familiar with the location of most places i've been to except for the Port Area and Fort Pilar... Zamboanga es muy hermosa y preciosa! Viva Zamboanga! Happy Freedom Day to all Chavacanos.

Que manera bá ´ta man post mensaje o thread aquí na website?

Quiere lang yo agradecé con aquellos que ´ta contribuí mana retrato y articulo aquí na foro del Zamboanga Hermosa. Bien informativo estos di ustedes mana articulo especialmente para con aquellos que´ta viví y trabajá na estranjero. Ojalá que algún día quita todo mana Zamboangueño el uní y colaborá para cultivá y promové el di aton lenguaje y identidad.

Este día del independencia Filipino, compoblanos, debe quita acordá, y acordá firmi, que no hay quita uní con el República Filipino como un colonia sino como un pueblo soberano.

Que manera bá ´ta man post mensaje o thread aquí na website?

How do I post a message or thread on this website?

I would just like to express my appreciation for those who contribute pictures and articles to this forum. The articles and pictures that you post herein are very informative especially to those who live and work overseas. I hope that one day that we the Zamboangueños will unite and collaborate with one another to cultivate and promote our native tongue.

My fellow Zamboangueños, on this day of Philippine independence, let us remember, and remember always, that we did not join the Filipino Republic as a colony but as a sovereign people.

^^ Bienvenidos al foro y ¿qué tal? :)


1. First, know where your image file is located in your computer (which drive?; which folder?) so that it will be faster and easier to upload files to the Internet.

2. The most common image files are those with .jpg, .jpeg, .gif, .tif, and .bmp file extensions.

3. Before you can upload your image files to the Internet, you need an online image host. This is where you "save" your images on the Internet. There are free image hosting sites out there. I suggest you use www.photobucket.com or www.imageshack.us . www.goecities.com is also fine but it has bandwidth limit. Create a free account, then you're ready to upload your photos.

4. When the photo is uploaded, what you need is the URL address. It comes in the form of http://www.imagehost.com/juan/juanpicture.jpg or something like that. To get this, view the full size of the image; right-click; choose Properties; then look for the URL address. You can highlight it, right-click and copy.

5. To insert an image in your post, click the "Insert Image" button just above the text box where you type your message (the yellow button with mountains in it). A pop-up box will appear where you can type-in or paste the URL address. Click OK, then the image tag is included in your post. Photo will appear when you submit your post. For photos uploaded to photobucket and imageshack, the image tag is already provided so you can just copy that and post it in your message. Image tag used here on SSC forums is in the form of

url address goes here

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The repair work at the dilapidated portion of the Zamboanga International Airport (ZIA) runway will commence next month.

Local Air Transportation Office (ATO) Manager Celso Bayabos disclosed that the repair work will be undertaken by a local contractor that won in the biding of the project.

The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) that has jurisdiction over ATO has allocated the amount of P45 million for the repair of ZIA runway.

Bayabos said that the repair work will cover almost a kilometer length of ZIA's runways 27 and 09 that stretches from Barangay San Roque to Sta. Maria, where the Edwin Andrews Air Base is located.

Two months ago, ZIA was closed to all air traffic for almost 30 hours when a passenger plane got stuck on runway 27 when its right landing gears blew out while touching down coming from Davao City.

Dilapidate runway was among the factors that cause the plane's landing gear to explode.

ZIA serves as the major airport in Western Mindanao region. It caters to major airline companies' daily flights from and to Manila and three times a week for flights from and to Cebu and Davao Cities.

ZIA also caters to the daily flights of a medium-size airline company from and to Jolo, Sulu and Bongao, Tawi-Tawi.

By Ted Torres And Aurea Calica
The Philippine Star 06/16/2006

Spain has extended a grant of 28.5 million euros (roughly P1.8 billion) over a three-year period to the Philippines, with the bulk of the proceeds to pay for social services including education, health, potable water, agriculture and food security, good governance for local governments and the environment.

"A country cannot have real development if its people are without access to health services," said Leire Pajin Iraola, Spain’s Secretary of State for International Cooperation, in a press briefing yesterday.

She said a unique feature of the grant is that it requires the recipient country to raise matching counterpart funds.

The Spanish Agency for International Cooperation (AECI) will directly manage the projects.

"We want to fund the project designs of the country. We want to be part of it until the project is completed. We want to bind the bonding of two nations," she said.

The 28.5-million euro grant under the Fifth Joint Commission is valid from 2006 to 2008 with an annual cash disbursement of 9.5 million euros. Since 1995, the Philippines has received 78.22 million euros (roughly P5.2 billion) from the Spanish government in the form of grants.

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) is the coordinating agency for the Fifth Joint Commission. It will also be responsible for capacity-building activities, technical services and approval and monitoring of micro projects.

The Spanish government also pledged yesterday to continue pouring development assistance into Mindanao to help the Philippines eradicate poverty and promote peace in the region.

"It’s a very poor region that has serious problems. We have seen that it has an enormous potential which Spain wants to support, enhance and help," said Iraola in an interview.

Last Wednesday, Iraola personally inaugurated and inspected some Spanish-assisted projects in the south, which were all aimed at helping the communities become self-sustaining in the near future.

Iraola said every project approved for Mindanao was guaranteed to help the communities progress on their own at the barangay, municipal and regional level.

"Behind these structures that we have helped build is a civil society that decides what they want. We just help," she told The STAR. "This is the identity mark of the Spanish cooperation, we support the processes that are decided by the communities, by the people, by the government."

She cited the health center and water supply system they built in Mindanao, which are being sustained by the people through small fees. Spanish authorities make sure that the network they create will correspond with the needs of the citizens, she added.

Iraola acknowledged that the problems in Mindanao could not be solved overnight but said there are good prospects for development.

In February, the Spanish government announced that it has chosen the Philippines as its top priority among other countries in Asia and has earmarked up to 40 million euros or about P2.5 billion in grants-in-aid to be used in different developmental programs over the next four years.

Spanish Ambassador Don Ignacio Sagaz said Spain has decided to upgrade its cooperation with the Philippines in fighting poverty in other areas of the country as well like Bicol, Caraga, Zamboanga City and Basilan and Western Mindanao.

Good relations

Meanwhile, the Spanish government is now preparing for the official visit of President Arroyo to Madrid late this month.

"Today, we can say that we have unprecedented good relations between the two countries, not only at the level of government but at the level of the people. The President’s visit will make this relationship even closer," Iraola said.

Spain has actually declared 2006 as the year for the Philippines to develop mutual knowledge of both countries.

Iraola said the Spanish government would be ready to strengthen cooperation on tourism, counterterrorism and other areas.

Specifically, she said Spain would want to make Filipinos more aware and proud of their Spanish heritage. The Philippines and Spain, she added, should not only focus on their past but on the present and future.

Spanish institutions like the Instituto Cervantes has been very aggressive in promoting Spain’s language and culture among Filipinos.

The Spanish diplomat expressed hope that the Spanish language would be revived in Philippine universities as learning Spanish could open a lot of opportunities for Filipinos in Spanish-speaking countries.

On counterterrorism, Iraola said they want to extend cooperation on intelligence and the fight against terrorism. "Counterterrorism is a priority in our foreign policy and internal policy that is shared by the Philippines," she said.

The Spanish government heavily emphasized respect for human rights, though, saying the Philippines must always uphold such rights.

Asked whether the Spanish government was concerned over reports of alleged human rights abuses in the Philippines, including killings of activists and media practitioners, Iraola said it would want Manila to ensure that the rights of its citizens were always defended.

But Spain welcomed the news on the impending abolition of the death penalty, especially as one of their nationals is currently on death row.

She was referring to Francisco Juan "Paco" Larrañaga, who, along with six others, received the death sentence for the killing of sisters Jacqueline and Marijoy Chiong in Cebu in 1997.

"I want to seize this opportunity to congratulate the President for this measure of the abolition of the death penalty that reflects her courage and her commitment (to end capital punishment) even before," she said.

The President is expected to sign the bill abolishing the death penalty next week. Other countries, including the Vatican, have also lauded the Philippines for scrapping the death penalty.

http://www.philstar.com/philstar/News200606160402.htm

ZAMBOANGA CITY - More than 214,000 hectares of agricultural lands have been distributed to small farmers in the Zamboanga Peninsula and Basilan Island as agrarian officials said Monday that the government’s Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program, (CARP) in Western Mindanao is successful.

Julita Ragandang, regional director of the Department of Agrarian Reform, said over 60,000 mostly farmers benefited from the program in the provinces of Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur and in the cities of Zamboanga, Lamitan and Isabela in Basilan Island.

She said the CARP has transformed farmers into small entrepreneurs, but she admitted the lack of government funding is making it difficult to carry out an extensive inventory of agricultural lands in the region that have not been accounted for.

Ragandang said despite the lack of funding, the DAR in Western Mindanao ranked Number 1 in land acquisition and distribution in the country. "Land owners are very cooperative and that’s why we managed to distribute more than 214,000 hectares of agricultural lands to our farmers," she said.

The passage of Republic Act 6655, the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law (CARL), in 1988 was hailed as historic. CARL promised to redistribute agricultural lands—in several phases—to those who actually till them, the farmers.

The CARP is primarily a social-reform measure that addresses the need for a more equitable distribution of land. Its goal is to improve the standards of living of beneficiaries and promote greater economic activity in the rural areas.

Most of the government funding for CARP came from the recovered P50 billion of the so-called Marcos’ ill-gotten wealth. Only P10 billion was allocated to the DAR with the rest of the money being distributed to other agencies, including P8 million for human-rights victims of the Marcos government.

The annual budget of CARP implementing agencies goes through a process, starting from the evaluation of their performance for prior years. This serves as a checks-and-balance mechanism and assures that their activities will be in line with the priorities and thrusts of the agrarian reform program.

Ragandang said farmers in agrarian reform communities who formed themselves into cooperatives also benefited from many government and foreign-funded development projects, like farm-to-market roads, bridges, potable water and irrigation systems, postharvest facilities, health stations, solar electricity and construction of school buildings, that helped thousands of residents and spurred economy in their areas.

She said Spain, Japan and Belgium and the World Bank have provided aids and grants to the farmers since 1996.

"Our farmers are lucky because these countries and financial institutions are helping us in the implementation of the government land reform program and we are working hard to get more assistance, especially from the Spanish and Belgian governments and the Japan International Cooperation Agency, to help more beneficiaries," Ragandang said.

At present, there are 13 agrarian reform communities (ARC) in Basilan: The United Workers Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multipurpose Cooperative in Isabela City; The Latuan Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Association Inc., also in Isabela; Santa Clara Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Integrated Development Cooperative Inc., in Lamitan town; Lamitan Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative also in the same town; the Tipo-Tipo Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Agricultural Development Cooperative in Tipo-Tipo town; the Tipo-Tipo Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative; the Tumahubong Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Integrated Development Cooperative in Sumisip town.

The others are the East Sumisip Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative in Sumisip town; the Cabato Tahajid Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Cooperative also in Sumisip; Mangal Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries in Sumisip town; Canas Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Agricultural Development Cooperative in the town of Maluso and the Tairan Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Agricultural Multipurpose Cooperative in Lantawan town.

Besides the ARCs, he said the Department of Agrarian Reform also helped in putting up a resettlement area in Sumisip with 4 agrarian reform Cooperatives—the Alih, Ismael, Muhtamad Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multipurpose Cooperative; the Sampinit Agrarian Reform Program Beneficiaries Integrated Development Cooperative; the Baiwas Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Integrated Development Cooperative and East Mahatallang Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multipurpose Cooperative.

Almost half of Basilan’s 135,892 hectares are planted to coconut (67,638 has.), coffee (16,546 has.) and rubber (10,660 has.) and the rest to bananas, cassava, corn, rice, cacao and black pepper, but some 40,650 hectares are still covered by thick forests. Al Jacinto

Dipolog City (19 June) -– The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in coordination with the DOST, TESDA, BFAD, DOLE and other members of Region 9 SME Core Group is now undertaking a comprehensive package of product development assistance for selected small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the region.

Top caliber private designers from Manila have been contracted to facilitate the product development activities which include product clinics and one-on-consultations on product designs, packaging and labeling, and prototype development.

Over 24 SMEs based in Zamboanga del Norte, amboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay and Isabel City in Basilan had been identified by the DTI as beneficiaries of the product development assistance package. DOST on the other hand, targeted at least ten other SMEs.

The SMEs shall be trained on how to produce high quality products and to be responsive to product development initiatives.

The SME beneficiaries and their products shall be showcased in the Regional Trade Exposition during the 15th Mindanao Business conference in Zamboanga City on August 31- September 2, 2006.

Most SMEs identified for assistance are into food processing like bottled sardines, smoked fish, processed calamansi and mango, banana and cassava chips, noodles, organic herbal concentrates, virgin coconut oil and others.

Non-food products, on the hand, include fashion accessories, as well as home decors and gifts and house wares made from indigenous materials such a sea shells, mother of pearl, abaca and bamboo.

The first leg of product development activity for phase one was in Dipolog City last June 15. This was followed by Pagadian City last June 17 and Ipil in Zamboanga Sibugay on June 18 and 19. Finally on June 20, the group will be in Zamboanga City and Isabela City for SME-beneficiaries in these areas.

This project is part of the comprehensive assistance package implemented through a convergence of services from the different government agencies and the private sector aimed at making local SMEs and their products competitive in the national and international markets. (PIA) [top]

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Regatta de Zamboanga

Colorful sailboats traditionally used by fishermen in the southern Philippines prepare for race in October for the annual celebration of the Regatta de Zamboanga in honor of the Virgin Mary. The Philippines is the only Catholic nation in southeast Asia.

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A favorite tourist place in Zamboanga City is the decades-old Pasonanca Tree House.

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Zamboanga City

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Celebration of the Dia de Zamboanga

flickr.com - al jacinto

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Inside Ateneo de Zamboanga University

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U.S. Orion spy plane over Zamboanga City

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A rainbow in Zamboanga City

- al jacinto

General Santos City (21 June) -- In a faxed statement from the Department of Agriculture, DA Secretary Menandro O. Maleon informed Gen. Santos City Mayor Pedro B. Acharon, Jr. that the Gen. Santos Central Public Market has just been adjuged as one of the five "huwarang palengke" or "model markets" in the recently concluded "National Search for Huwarang Palengke 2006".

According to Assistant City Administrator Glennville Gonzales, fourteen local government units submitted entries to the contest but in the end, only five made on the basis of the following criteria:

* physical requirements/hygiene & sanitation - 50%
* adherence to consumer laws - 25%
* weekly prices monitoring - 25%

The members of the Screening Committee who visited Gensan more than once for the judging were: Mr. Menandro O. Maleon, Chairman of the Board of Judges, Director General of Phil. Swine Industries Research & Development Foundation, Inc.; Mr. Ronaldo M. Dalangin, Co-chair of the National Market Vendors Confederation of Cooperatives; Dr. Victorio Maijo A. Dimagiba, member, from Department of Trade & Industry; Engr. Rolando I. Santiago, member, from DOH; and Mr. Rudelita R. Remocoza, member, from DILG.

The other model market winners are the public markets of Agdao, Davao City; Pardo, Cebu City; San Fernando, La Union; and Zamboanga City.

Last year, Gensan City also won the "GAWAD PANGULO SA KAPALIGIRAN AWARD", making it the cleanest and greenest city in the Philippines. (cpio gensan/aom/PIA 12) [top]

Dipolog City (20 June) -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has promised to release P140M for this city's airport expansion project, Zamboanga del Norte Governor Rolando E. Yebes bared recently.

In a meeting held recently at the Southern Command in Zamboanga City with provincial and city officials in the region, President Arroyo reportedly told Transportation Secretary Leandro Mendoza on the phone to release the amount earmarked for Dipolog airport expansion project with Gov. Yebes and representatives Cecilia Jalosjos-Carreon, Roseller L. Barinaga and Cesar G. Jalojos listening.

Yebes also disclosed that the P40 M would be shouldered by the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and the other P100 M by the President's fund.

The project, which intends to extend the airport runway and seawall, will be implemented by DOTC.

Dipolog airport serves the passengers not only those coming from the province but also those from other provinces like Misamis Occidental, Zamboanga Sibugay and Zamboanga del Sur.

Direct flight to Manila is being served daily by the Philippine Airlines with one hour and forty-five minutes flying time. (PIA) [top]

VARIOUS local non-government organizations (NGOs) will soon have a building where they could conduct seminars and trainings and display their products in Zamboanga City.

Councilor Juan Climaco Elago II said the City Council has granted his request for the use of the vacant lot in front of the legislative building where an edifice will be constructed for the use of the NGOs.

Elago, who chairs the committee on urban planning and NGO, said a three-storey edifice will soon be constructed along R.T. Lim Boulevard to house the four local big people's organizations.

The people's organizations are the Federation of Urban Poor, Women's Organization, Cooperatives, and Out of School Youth.

Elago said the ground floor of the proposed building will be the display center of NGO products while the 2nd floor will accommodate the offices, and the training hall on the 3rd floor.

He said the funds for the construction of the three-storey building will come from his citywide development fund (CDF).

He said preparations are underway for the implementation of the project.

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- A United States Navy High-Speed Vessel, HSV-Joint Venture, arrived Wednesday in Zamboanga City and unloaded fresh supplies to support an ongoing joint humanitarian mission between American and Filipino soldiers in the troubled southern Philippine region.

The 11,000-ton vessel, Joint Venture, was visiting the Philippines to support a joint humanitarian and civic project effort dubbed as "Project Bayanihan."

Commander Kathy Wright, a US military spokesperson, said the ship was carrying humanitarian supplies destined for locations in the southern Philippines, including the Sulu Archipelago.

"The supplies will be unloaded in various ports, including Zamboanga, throughout the coming months," she said.

These supplies, she said, included hospital beds, medical supplies and schoolbooks, donated by the US Agency for International Development's Books Across the Sea program, and several non-governmental organizations, including Knightsbridge International, the 3P Foundation, and Makati Rotary Club. Wright said the Filipino military will help distribute these important supplies in Sulu.

"The mission of the Joint Venture supports the longstanding ties between the United States and the Philippines, as well as the two nations' continued commitment to work together for those in need of humanitarian assistance," she said.

It was the third time the catamaran-hulled high-speed vessel was in Zamboanga City since October last year. The 338-foot HSV Joint Venture last docked in Zamboanga City on October 27, when it unloaded humanitarian supplies worth more than $750,000 or about P42 million.

"We are happy to be back," said Commander Thomas Shaw, of the HSV Joint Venture, said.

The HSV can carry up to 400 troops and about 800 tons of military vehicles and equipment, including helicopters. The HSVs were used in the Iraq invasion and Cobra Gold exercise in Thailand in May last year.

The US military is also considering adding a dozen more HSVs to its fleet and spread these high-speed battalions around the world, with base in Asia, so that it could move troops and equipment very quickly to areas of conflict.

The HSVs are manned by an all-Army crew, from deck personnel, who deal with cargo, to engineers who operate and maintain the engines, and electronics, three cooks, a medic, and two communications experts. HSVs can also be used as a mother ship for Special Forces operations. The HSVs are faster than most ships, with a top speed of almost 50 knots. The catamaran hulls draw only about 11 feet of water, making the ship ideal for missions in shallow coastal waters.

The United States and Australia are concerned about the spread of al Qaeda-affiliate Jemaah Islamiya militants in Southeast Asia, particularly in Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia and even Thailand. The terrorists pose increasing threats to US citizens and interests in the region.

The US is helping the Philippine military fight terrorism in the troubled region, where two Jemaah Islamiya bomb makers Dulmatin and Umar Patek, who masterminded the 2002 Bali bombings, are believed to be hiding in the company of Abu Sayyaf terrorists.

Filipino and US troops had held anti-terror exercises in the southern Philippines since 2001 that resulted in the killing and capture of many Abu Sayyaf militants. Washington is helping Manila fight homegrown terrorism by providing training to soldiers as part of its security assistance.

THE City Council is scheduled to approve on third and final reading an ordinance reducing by at least 10 percent the payment of amusement tax by movie owners in a bid to revive the moribund movie industry in Zamboanga City.

Once approved, local movie theater owners will only pay 20 percent amusement taxes from the previous 30 percent, according to Councilor Benjamin Guingona III.

The proposal to reduce the amusement tax by 10 percent is contained in a measure otherwise known as an Ordinance amending Section 3 of Ordinance 92-006, Series of 1992 entitled "An Ordinance Imposing an Amusement Tax On Amusement Places in the City of Zamboanga and Providing Penalty Thereof."

Guingona said the proposed amendment was passed on second reading during the City Council regular session last Thursday.

Several movie theaters in this city have shut down mainly due to the entry of new technology, like video compact discs and digital video discs.

From 12 movie theaters, only three are operating to date. Owners of the nine movie theaters that shut down either converted or leased their theaters into department stores, bakeries, and cellular phone and gadget shops.

Some of the movie theater owners, whose buildings were left idle, are planning to resume operations once the amended ordinance will be approved by the council.

A LAWYER-councilor is calling for the conduct of a referendum anew on the propose creation of Zamboanga Hermosa province among members of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP)-Zamboanga City chapter to determine the stand of its members over the issue.

The call was made by Councilor Juan Climaco Elago, II, who is also an IBP-Zamboanga City chapter member being a lawyer, as he cited the previous referendum over the proposal had involved all IBP members in Western Mindanao.

Elago said the referendum over the proposed creation of Zamboanga Hermosa province should only involve IBP members who are residents of Zamboanga City as the issue concerns this city only.

It was learned from him that when the proposal was raised in 2002, all IBP members from this city, Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga Sibugay, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi that comprise the Zambasulta Chapter participated in the referendum.

Elago said the IBP-Zambasulta Chapter has around 120 members and one-half of them are residents of Zamboanga City while the rest are not.

He said whatever will be the outcome of the new round of referendum will be the official stand of the IBP-Zamboanga City Chapter over the propose creation of Zamboanga Hermosa Province.

Also, he made the call for a new referendum over the issue after one of his colleagues in the City Council, Councilor Cesar Iturralde, has disclosed that the proponents of the Zamboanga Hermosa province are not natives of this city.

The propose Zamboanga Hermosa province would reduce the land area of Zamboanga City as seven of its barangays will be converted into municipalities that would form part of the proposed province.

However, the IBP said Zamboanga City will remain as a chartered city and will be the capital of the new province, once realized.

m'gosh, my friend said daw, lobregat is no good. no offense, but i'm wondering about her remark...

Zamboanga, 30 de junio de 2006

El Día de la Amistad Hispano-Filipina se conmemoró hoy por vez
primera en Zamboanga, la ciudad filipina que mejor conserva la
huella cultural de España a través del chabacano, dialecto que los
zamboangueños se empeñan en preservar.

Los actos tuvieron como principal escenario el Fuerte de Nuestra
Señora del Pilar, construido a partir de 1635 en esa ciudad de
Mindanao para contener los avances de las vecinas poblaciones
musulmanas del archipiélago de Sulú.

Los lazos históricos y culturales que comparten España y Zamboanga
fueron resaltados durante la conmemoración por Celso Llobregat, el
alcalde de la ciudad, y por Javier Gonzalez, encargado de negocios
de la Embajada de España en Manila.

Tras una breve ceremonia que antecedió a un festival de comida de la
península, Llobregat señaló a EFE que Zamboanga ha sido elegida este
año como anfitriona del día de la 'Amistad Duradera' por las
tradiciones que conserva y hacen de ella la más española de las
ciudades de Filipinas.

'Nuestra patrona es también la Virgen del Pilar, festividad que
celebramos cada 12 de octubre coincidiendo con la fiesta de la
Hispanidad', dijo Llobregat.

Esa conexión fue destacada hoy como colofón a los actos del Día de
la Amistad Hispano-Filipina por un grupo de estudiantes que
representaron una obra que recrea la aparición del la Virgen al
apóstol Santiago al paso del Ebro por Zaragoza.

La devoción a la Virgen del Pilar es la que ha permitido a los
zamboangueños mantener el catolicismo como religión mayoritaria en
una ciudad que es la puerta de entrada al Mindanao dominado por las
comunidades musulmanas de las islas de Basilan, Joló y Tawi Tawi.

Pero la Virgen, o la construcción del Fuerte en su honor, trajo
también a Zamboanga el uso de un español que al contacto con los
dialectos locales se transformó en el chabacano, el 'criollo
zamboangueño'.

Despreciado por los puristas como una infame corrupción de la lengua
cervantina, lo cierto es que el chabacano de Zamboanga es hoy el
único exponente lingüístico hispano en un país que hace tiempo
enterró el idioma de la vieja colonia en beneficio del inglés
impuesto por EEUU.

'Zamboanga es el único lugar de Filipinas en el que se habla
chabacano tras su desaparición en Cotabato (Mindanao) y Cavite
(Luzón)', recordó Llobregat.

Añadió que el chabacano se compone de casi un 70 por ciento de
palabras de origen español que hacen de Zamboanga una ciudad en la
que la comunidad de habla hispana puede sentirse como en su casa.

El jefe municipal añadió que el chabacano no corre el peligro de
desaparecer como en las plazas antes citadas, puesto que en
Zamboanga lo habla más del 50 por ciento de una población de unos
700.000 habitantes.

'Ahora no se trata de preservarlo, puesto que esto ya se ha
conseguido, sino de hacerlo más fuerte potenciando su difusión como
la lengua de Zamboanga', observó el alcalde en un perfecto español.

Para ello, las autoridades municipales impulsan desde hace años un
plan de propagación consistente en la inclusión del chabacano en los
diarios y en los programas de radio y televisión locales, así como a
través de un concurso que premia a las mejoras canciones compuestas
en ese dialecto.

Ese sentimiento de identidad común fue el que transmitió hoy en
Zamboanga el Día de la Amistad Hispano-Filipina instaurado por el
legislativo filipino en 2003, y celebrado posteriormente en las
localidades de Baler, el reducto de los 'últimos de Filipinas', y en
Iloilo.

El acto coincidió con la visita oficial a España que esta semana
realiza la presidenta filipina, Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

http://actualidad.terra.es/articulo/html/av2960508.htm

Im from Zamboanga:) There will be a new mall in Zamboanga. The name of the mall is Shoppers Mall, Owners of Shoppers Plaza. It is located at Major Jaldon St,near the fire station. I have the brochure of the mall and ill be posting the image of the mall anytime :)

Songs and music constitute the most developed phase in the cultural life of the Zamboangueño. They have been known far and wide, and sung through memory by everyone in Zamboanga.

...Zamboanga...Hermosa...Orgullo de Mindanao (Zamboanga, a Beauty, Pride of Mindanao) ! These words come from one of the most popular songs of Zamboanga, expressing the Zamboangueño's pride in the beauty of Zamboanga and her women ... a pride that keeps on inspiring us in these web pages. "Zamboanga Hermosa" originated in the pre-war era, but it was only during the later part of the 1930's when it was made popular by Matias Ranillo Sr., Governor of Zamboanga Province. Later, a Cebuano Vod-a-vil show director, Borromeo Lou, popularized it. A Zamboangueño well-known local writet and poet in Spanish who wrote the lyrics was Vicente Orendain.

ZAMBOANGA HERMOSA

Zamboanga hermosa, preciosa perlita
Orgullo de Mindanao
Tus bellas dalagas son las que hermosean
Tu deliciosa ciudad.

Flores y amores que adornan tu jardin
Eres la imagen del bello eden
Zamboanga hermosa, preciosa perlita
Orgullo de Mindanao.

Another popular song is "NO TE VAYAS DE ZAMBOANGA". This was composed by Juan Cuadrado Sr., a Spaniard who decided to stay in Zamboanga after the Spanish troops left the country. He later married a Zamboangueña with whom he bore several children. According to the oldtimers of the city, this song was composed among the taverns which Cuadrado used to frequent. There was no real intention to write the song, for Cuadrado was not a musician. But when the heart wa full, then it was only music that could express its real feelings. The song was popularized when a Colonel Loving placed it down in music.

NO TE VAYAS DE ZAMBOANGA

No te vayas, no te vayas de Zamboanga,
Que me puedes, que me puedes olvidar,
No te vayas, no te vayas, ni me dejes,
Que yo sin ti, no puedo estar.

No llores, paloma mia
No llores que volvere
No llores que en cuando llegue
Paloma mia, te escribire.

Con un pluma de ave
Y un pedazo de papel
Con la sangre de mis venas
Paloma mia, te escribire.

There is an English version, unfortunately the translation is in the reverse: the singer asks his loved one not to go to, where the original speaks of not leaving from, Zamboanga.

Don't you go, don't you go to far Zamboanga
Where you may forget your darling far away
Don't you go, don't you go, for if you leave me
How can I, without you stay?

Oh weep not, my dear Paloma
Oh weep not, for I'll return
Oh weep not, my little darling
I shall remember, and I shall yearn.

With a feather of a bird
And a piece of paper
With the blood from my veins
My little darling, I shall write to you.


Was this the song sung when Climaco died?

Im from Zamboanga:) There will be a new mall in Zamboanga. The name of the mall is Shoppers Mall, Owners of Shoppers Plaza. It is located at Major Jaldon St,near the fire station. I have the brochure of the mall and ill be posting the image of the mall anytime :)

wow.... thank god, onward zamboanga!

What's happening with Zambo city? Bakit kiniclaim ng Pagadian city na sya na ang regional center? is it?

ZAMBOANGA CITY—The Spanish government has released a total of P40 million to support educational improvement programs here and in the neighboring province of Zamboanga Sibugay.

Pilar Rodriguez, project officer of Fundacion Humanismo y Democracia, a charity arm of Spain’s Agencia Española de Cooperacion Internacional, said the fund is expected to benefit at least 42 public elementary schools in the towns of Ipil and Titay in Zamboanga Sibugay and one high school in this city.

She said part of the program, which is jointly implemented with the Philippine Business for Social Progress, will cover the purchase of additional chairs, school supplies and scholarship assistance for poor but deserving students.

For this city, the beneficiary school is Don Pablo Lorenzo Memorial High School, one of the country’s most populated schools and second largest in the region with at least 8,000 students.

“We provided some books and other school supplies, chairs, and scholarships for 1,000 students in this school,” Rodriguez said during the launching of the project last Thursday.

The launching at the Lorenzo Memorial High campus was witnessed by Mayor Celso Lobregat and the local officials of Department of Education.

For scholarship assistance, Rodriguez said the students are granted basic school paraphernalia and some 200 bicycles for their transport in going to and from school.

She added the biggest aid for Lorenzo Memorial High is the P1.2-million worth of modern speech laboratory. “It is aimed to increase the students’ proficiency in English language and to help promote and preserve their Chavacano dialect.”

Marilyn Muncada, senior manager of PBSP in Mindanao, said the project will target more than 23,000 elementary and high school students in the region. “At least 30 additional classrooms are scheduled to be built under the grant.”

The two-year program is aimed at improving the access and quality of education in schools of the Zamboanga peninsula.

Muncada said the project will help some educational concerns and priorities in the peninsula. “This is also to foster good relationships between the Philippines and Spain,” she added.

Rodriguez revealed this program is part of the 12-million euros development assistance of Spanish government to the Philippines, which is to be implemented within three years and which started in 2004.

Earlier, Spanish Ambassador Don Ignacio Sagaz said the priority assistance will cover agricultural projects in Caraga region, housing, health care, gender and equality programs in the Ilocos region, Tarlac and Pampanga.

http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=regions02_july03_2006

http://www.alertnet.org/thefacts/imagerepository/PHsoccer193.jpg

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines, July 4 (Reuters) - Mark Kahid punched his fists in the air and gave a victory roar as his team scored the winning goal in a friendly soccer match in the troubled southern Philippines.

A die-hard fan of Brazil's Ronaldo, Kahid and nearly 100 other children from eight schools in Zamboanga City on Mindanao island tasted the same excitement people are feeling about the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

"Someday, I want many people to see me on television playing at the World Cup or in any of the European premier leagues," said Kahid, 11, soaked in sweat after a 20-minute game of seven per side.

For nearly 40 years, the south of the mainly Roman Catholic Philippines has been the front for insurgencies by communist guerrillas and Muslim separatist rebels -- conflicts that have killed more than 160,000 people and stunted Mindanao's growth.

A German non-governmental organisation has begun helping children in conflict areas reach not only their dreams but plant the seed of religious and ideological tolerance to promote peace.

"They may be fighting outside but here we bring them together to play together," said Trini Magbitang, a consultant for the Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) group.

"We really have to start when they're still young. It would be difficult to talk peace when they're old and there's so much hatred in their hearts."

Peter Keller, GTZ's Manila-based senior adviser, said he hoped the World Cup could spark greater interest in soccer in the Philippines, where it is seen as an exclusive game for the elite and pales in popularity against basketball, badminton and boxing.

"We're just using football as a vehicle to bring our message of peace," said Keller, an amateur soccer player, adding Germany had committed at least 3 million pesos ($57,000) for the 12-month sports for peace programme.

During the weekend soccer clinic, eight teams of boys and girls played more than a dozen matches between lectures on sportsmanship and understanding religious and cultural beliefs.

"Like a tree, peace-building does not grow overnight. You need to water and nurture it patiently," Magbitang said as she prepared snacks of fruit juice and cheese sandwiches.

"BALLS, NOT GUNS"

Linda Schaefer, a GTZ consultant, said the sports programme's focus was on children coming from different social, economic, cultural and religious backgrounds because "we want to see them running around with balls, not guns".

Magbitang said sports has been an effective tool in promoting friendship, telling of an incident when troops and Muslim rebels briefly stopped fighting after leaders of the opposing forces learned they were former soccer team mates in high school.

"The programme is very promising," she said. "There was a lot of enthusiasm among the children, most of them coming very early to the stadium and staying under the heat of the sun all day."

Dayanara Torres, a sixth grader, said she felt bad Portugal had knocked out England, her favourite team in the World Cup.

"I love this game. I come from a soccer family, so I played with a ball before I got my first doll," she said. "I still love David Beckham but I want Germany to win this time."

Ridzma Mohammad, an 11-year-old from one of the city's largest slum areas, was delighted to be in the tournament despite her team's string of losses.

"It's my first time," she said while resting after a 7-0 defeat. "It's not the winning that's important but how we played the game. There'll be another chance, another time."

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/MAN71109.htm

Wow. I don't know why it took me a while to discover and visit this thread. Zamboanga es muy hermosa! Gracias por esto hilo @Animo. :)

^^ No problem. :)

Text by Jen Chuaunsu
Photographs by Teodoro L. Pelaez

It was only recently that the golden arches of McDonald’s landed on the shores of Zamboanga City. This should give you an idea of what a quaint, cozy seaside town Zamboanga is. There is only one mall—Mindpro—where you can catch a Hollywood movie and buy most things notwithstanding the markets and tiangges that regularly pitch their tents. Our tour guide, Julius Blanco, told us that it only takes 15 minutes (even with traffic) to get anywhere in the city—a welcome respite from the chaotic bumper-to-bumper realities of Manila.

But when October rolls around, anticipation jostles the quiet streets of Zamboanga. All roads lead to the “City of Flowers” as Zamboangueños celebrate the annual Zamboanga Hermosa Festival—a month-long fiesta that climaxes with a procession honoring La Virgen del Pilar, the town’s first patron saint. With a colorful array of street dancing, floral float parades, trade fairs, vinta regattas, sports events, and beauty pageants—the home of the vibrantly hued vinta surely lives up to its most famous symbol.

Of Myth and History

October 12 was the day Christopher Columbus discovered the New World in 1492. But for Zamboangueños, the date marks two occasions: the birth of Zamboanga as a chartered city in 1936, and the Feast of Our Lady of the Pilar.

http://www.pilmap.com.ph/images/hola-4.jpg

The lady has served as a unifying cultural and historical symbol for the people of Zamboanga. When Spanish soldiers brought an image of the Lady of the Pilar from Zaragosa as their patron in 1719, it signaled the recapture of the Spanish stronghold from Moro pirates. The fort was renamed “Real Fuerza de Nuestra Senora del Pilar de Zaragosa” in her honor and the image was embossed on the eastern side of the fort as a front piece. Legendary miracles have been attributed to her over the centuries. It is said that the lady once prevented a tidal wave from wiping out the city by simply stretching out her hand. Even now devotees regularly visit her shrine, laying their hands on the weather-beaten ramparts of Fort Pilar, a symbol as enduring as their faith.

Onboard the Regatta

http://www.pilmap.com.ph/images/hola-1.jpg

We ventured to Cawa-Cawa Boulevard to witness Regatta de Zamboanga 2005. This year, 109 dazzling vintas raced around Sta. Cruz Island and back. The vintas looked like a throng of beach towels arranged on a clothesline dancing in the wind. The boatmen were extremely efficient as fishing is the main industry in Zamboanga. Despite the simmering heat, hordes of people lined the beach in support of the event. Vendors sold latik cakes, popcorn, and balloons while children readily dove into the sand. The winning team, aboard vinta no. 34, received P10,000 from Mayor Celso Lobregat.

Floral Float Parade

A few days before the event, massive flower arrangements were already being transported on motorbikes. Zamboanga is not called the “City of Flowers” for nothing. It seemed that the whole town came to the junction of Gov. Alvarez Avenue and Mayor Jaldon Street to watch the spectacle. The floats celebrated the uniqueness of Zamboanga’s culture with the use of indigenous materials (corals, banana leaves, plants, etc.) and iconic symbols like a vinta formed by a colorful variety of fresh flowers. Industry giants like Cebu Pacific, Coca-Cola Bottler’s Phils., and San Miguel Corporation showed their support by joining the parade as well. Out of the more than 10 entries this year, Columbus Seafoods Corp., with their extravagant flowery vinta sail sitting atop a sardine fish, bagged first place.

http://www.pilmap.com.ph/images/hola-2.jpg

Street Dance Competition

Students from the different schools of Zamboanga burst unto the scene with fiery energy matched by lavish sets and lively costumes. Clad in barongs, butterfly-sleeved ternos, and Spanish dresses in loud shades of red, turquoise and gold, they paid homage to La Virgen del Pilar, re-enacting how the Spanish soldiers traveled by sea and presented her shrine to the grateful natives. The influence of foreign cultures like Spanish and Portuguese were celebrated with Latin-inspired beats, dances and instruments. Universidad de Zamboanga’s dynamic energy won over 12 equally exciting performances. The young people truly brought the spirit of carnival with them, giving new meaning to the term “dancing in the streets.”

http://www.pilmap.com.ph/images/hola-3.jpg

Electric Light Parade

The Electric Light Parade’s deafening percussions, twinkling lights, and sassy performers drew people out of their houses and onto the streets. There was no shortage of themes—a Chinese-inspired float followed by a trail of dragon dancers, a row of dancers dressed in silver and blue kicking their legs up and forming a chorus line, tribal men walking on stilts, exotic masked dancers, a Moulin Rouge-inspired float with “cabaret” dancers blowing kisses to the crowd. The parade may have lasted only 15 minutes but its magical effect lingered throughout the night’s festivities.

This year’s Fiesta Pilar was made even more special with the arrival of balikbayans. Zamboangueños from as far as London, New Jersey, North and South California, Los Angeles, New York, Australia, and Canada were invited by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the City Government to come home and celebrate.

Zamboanga City also welcomed members of DOT Region 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula). Cultural shows, exhibits, and agricultural fairs were held nightly at Fort Pilar and showcased the best of Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, Dipolog, Dapitan, Sibugay, Isabela, and Pagadian City. “This is an opportunity to unite the different provinces and cities of the Zamboanga Peninsula to make it a premiere tourist destination and a haven for investors,” said Mayor Lobregat.

Despite Zamboanga’s shimmering beauty and the warmth of its people, the city still gets dubbed as a dangerous place. The media paints a stark, black and white image of Mindanao, but the Zamboanga we saw was quite different. Even at night, people safely walk the streets. Children jump into the clear blue-green waters and swim naked, without worry that the waters are contaminated. The people of Zamboanga love Zamboanga. It is seen in their merrymaking, in their pride over Zamboanga’s history, and in the meticulous care and effort they had put into making Fiesta Pilar a success. Far from black and white, Zamboanga is splashed with color.

Link: http://www.pilmap.com.ph/mindanao-zambohermosa.php

By Rose B. Palacio

Davao City (8 July) -- The Spanish government has announced that it has chosen the Philippines as top priority among other countries in Asia and has earmarked up to 40-million euros or about P2.5-billion in grants-in-aid to be used in different development programs over the next four years.

Spanish Ambassador Don Ignacio Sagaz said Spain has decided to upgrade its cooperation with the Philippines in fighting poverty in other areas of the country as well as Zamboanga City, Caraga, Basilan, Western Mindanao and Bicol.

The Spanish government pledged to pour development assistance into Mindanao to help the Philippines eradicate poverty and promote peace in the region.

The bulk of the proceeds which will go to pay for social services include education, health, potable water, agriculture and food security, good governance and the environment, said Leire Pajin Iraola, Spain's Secretary of State for International Cooperation.

The unique feature of the grant is that it requires the recipient country to raise matching counterpart funds. The Spanish Agency for International Cooperation will directly manage the projects.

The 28.5-million euro grant under the Fifth Joint Commission is valid from 2006 until 2008 with an annual cash disbursement of 9.5-million euros. Since 1995, the Philippines has received 78.22-million euros (roughly P5.2-billion) from the Spanish government in the form of grants.

Iraola said every project approved for Mindanao was guaranteed to help the communities progress on their own at the barangay, municipal and regional level. This is the identity mark of the Spanish cooperation and the Philippines and we support the processes that are decided by the communities, by the people, by the government, Iraola said.

Iraola acknowledged that the problems in Mindanao could not be solved overnight but said there are good prospects for development. The Spanish government wants to support, enhance and help poor regions in Mindanao and become self-sustaining in the future, Iraola added. (PIA) [top]

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news.asp?fi=p060708.htm&no=1

Going global
By Rocel C. Felix
The Philippine STAR 07/10/2006

DIPOLOG CITY, Zamboanga del Norte – Nicasio "Nick’ Montaño has always been conservative about taking his now famous Montaño Sardines to town. He prefers to keep things small. Spending so much for advertising and promotion is simply not his cup of tea.

For 36 years, Montaño, president of the family-owned Montaño Foods Corp. which is the first manufacturer of bottled sardines in the Philippines, has allowed just the word of mouth to spread the company’s name in the local market and to overseas Filipinos hankering for that killer homemade Spanish style sardines recipe.

For years on end, Montaño, now 73, also kept at bay companies badgering him to sell his unlabelled bottled sardines and allow them to stamp their own brand. He did give in once, but realized the folly of it.

"At first I accepted offers for suppliers to just buy my bottled sardines without the label. But then Montaño Sardines stood out from the rest of the bottled sardine makers here or anywhere else in the country. I wanted to protect the brand known for its quality," says Montaño.

This year though, Montaño is letting his children, Thad, Lourdes, Kathy and Stephen who are all involved in the family business, to expand the Montaño Sardines lines in the growing Filipino communities in the Middle East, US territories like Saipan and Guam, Japan and in the US mainland where there is a strong Filipino presence such as Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco in California and in New York, among others.

Preparations are underway for the company to directly export its Montaño Sardines lines. Anytime soon, it is expecting to finally get that Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) certification.

HACCP is a production control system for the food industry. It is a process that identifies where potential contamination can occur (the critical control points or CCPs) and strictly manages and monitors these points as a way of ensuring the process is in control and that the safest product possible is being produced. It is designed to prevent rather than catch potential hazards.

"It took years for us to decide to directly export our products. Before, consolidators just ordered from us. Exporting is a big risk and we want to ensure that our products pass the rigid sanitary and phytosanitary standards of importing countries. We need to acquire a HACCP certification as a seal of good housekeeping even if we know we have been producing quality products," says Thad, who is vice-president for marketing.

In the domestic market, Montaño Sardines is a sought-after commodity in the bottled sardines sector. There is not enough volume going into supermarket shelves, that’s for sure. Montaño decided a long time ago that it should be that way and it’s one of the best decisions he ever made.

Here, where there are about 15 bottled sardines manufacturers, Montaño Sardines has a commanding 80 percent share of the local market. Nationwide, it’s share is close to 50 percent.

"My father didn’t expect our products to be so well-known outside of Dipolog. It started after all as a giveaway present to close friends and relatives. He is still against the idea of mass production because it could compromise the quality which we have been known for," says Thad.

Montaño who has a passion for cooking and experimenting on new dishes, grew up in the kitchen with his mother, the late Doña Concepcion Macias Montaño. It was the family matriarch who encouraged him to commercialize their bottled sardines in 1970. He spent P10,000 to set up a bigger kitchen in the large backyard where the facility still stands today.

Montaño, who was also then handling a budding construction business, would in between transporting construction materials to local contractors, personally deliver orders for Montaño Sardines.

As the bottled sardines business grew, so did the company’s workforce. From just 10, they now have a modest personnel of 30, but during the peak months from February to May, the company would be employing about 150 people who work in shifts.

"Our production is seasonal. During the peak fishing season, we produce as much as we can. Until now, my father processes only fresh catch of "malangsi" (herring) because it gives the kind of taste, aroma and quality that made our product distinct in the first place," says Thad.

During those months, both marginal and commercial fishermen would deliver an average of three tons of malangsi to the Montaño sardines factory. Montaño personally inspects the catch to ensure its freshness. There has never been an instance where the company was forced to settle for a catch that was " iced. "

" My father, and we in the process, learned that there can be no other way when it comes to getting our raw material. It has to be fresh all the time, never iced or frozen," stresses Thad.

Such uncompromising stance is what took the company to new heights. In fact, the company bagged the Outstanding Countryside Investor of the Year in the small-scale industries category of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Philippine Business Conference in 1998. Despite strong temptations to go into mass production, Montaño is keeping still for now.

"I always favored keeping things small at first. That way I could control the situation more easily. In this business, quality is everything. Even if our products fetch a premium over other producers here, people still come to buy our products," says Montaño.

Aside from the original bottled sardines in corn oil, its loyal base of customers now also have their choice of bottled sardines cooked in olive oil and tomato sauce, and in regular and spicy flavors. Other popular products include bottled bangus in corn oil, Spanish Chorizo, beef tapa, pork tocino, ginisang bagoong, fruit preserves, chicharon, fried peanuts and empanada.

With the export venture in the works and more supermarkets and delis clamoring for the company’s products, Montaño has assigned his daughter Lourdes Montaño-Madlambayan to set up a satellite office in Manila.

"I am still cautious about expansion. We will be spending just P1 million to improve our operations but this would be enough to double our capacity," says Montaño.

^^ One of our friends relative married a Montaño and we always get alot of these when someone comes from Zamboanga del Norte. :)

http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e132/restardo/Zamboanga/Image442.jpg

^^I'm getting hungry here.... :D:D

UNIQUE charm, beauty, and history. These are just three of the wonders that await you in the Orchid City of Dipolog, and its twin, the Shrine City of Dapitan, in Zamboanga del Norte. Often left unexplored by city-slickers, these southern cities offer a world teeming with colorful sites, fascinating culture, and a proud heritage.

The province boasts of one of our nation’s rich history. Most famous for being home to national hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal during his exile, Dapitan allows tourists to re-learn history in a more interesting way by retracing his steps and visiting his usual "hang-outs" back in the day.

Historical sites: Dr. Rizal’s Casa Redonda and Casa Cuadrada, the books, periodicals and exhibits at The Rizaliana, the Dapitan City Plaza, and The Rizal Shrine, his original estate that has been declared a national shrine.

After walking back in time, the perfect way to end the day is to hang out in Gloria de Dapitan, the newest commercial center in the area that offers a variety of activities to its visitors. The place houses native shops, a fitness center, a bowling alley with state of the art equipment, carousel and other kiddie rides. Bars, restaurants and cafés surround the international cock-derby coliseum, which is a major attraction to many tourists and locals. Just 20 minutes away from the national shrine, this commercial park is the latest pride of the Dapitaños.

Dipolog also lets you experience the beauty of nature. A 25-minute hike from the OISCA Forest Park will bring you to the Sungkilaw Falls. Nature-lovers will also enjoy the Cogon Jungle Adventure, a 300-hectare forested area ideal for mountaineering and hiking.

The man-made 3,003 steps to the Linabo Peak is a winding path along a tunnel of trees leading to a panoramic vista of sky and sea, offering a magnificent view of Dipolog and Dapitan.

Spectacular beaches also bracket the province’s alluring coastline. A diving mecca in Mindanao, Dakak Beach is also famous for its beautiful coves and powdery white sand. Other popular beaches are Sicayab Beach, Galas, and Olingan Beach. The Dapitan Bay also boasts of a breath-taking sunset that could rival that of the famous Manila Bay.

Travelers should not miss this southern province’s colorful festivals and celebrations. The Buklog sa Dipolog is a thanksgiving festival and ritual highlighting the culture of the Subanens in the Zamboanga Peninsula. Other highly-anticipated events are the Sinulog and Kinabayo Festival. A two-day celebration in honor of St. James, the Sinulog is a dance procession while the Kinabayo, which will be celebrated on July 25, is an exotic pageant re-enacting the Spanish-Moorish War in the Battle of Covadonga.

Visiting the twin cities of Dipolog and Dapitan is now faster and affordable with the country’s low-fare leader Cebu Pacific (CEB). On board the brand new Airbus A319, you can fly to Dipolog for as low as R868 one-way.

Plan your trip early and book ahead to enjoy great savings with CEB’s yearround ‘Go’ fares. For booking and other inquiries, please log on to www.cebupacificair.com.

http://www.mb.com.ph/issues/2006/07/14/TOUR2006071469212.html

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Owners of local business establishments have been warned of respecting and complying Republic Act 9257, the law that provides senior citizens a 20 percent discount on medicines, goods, and services.

The warning came from Councilor Benjamin Guingona III, chairman of the city council committee on the elderly and disadvantage group, following persistent reports that owners of local business establishments do not honor RA 9257.

RA 9257, otherwise known as the Senior Citizens' Act, provides members of senior citizens a 20 percent discount in medicines, goods, and services in the country.

Guingona said he will push for the filing of the case in court against any erring businessman once they could obtain substantial evidence that privileges granted to senior citizens under such law are not honored.

He urged senior citizens to visit him or the office of the senior citizens' affairs (OSCA) should they have any complaints against local business establishments pertaining to the implementation of RA 9257.

He said the issue pertaining to the benefits for the senior citizens should be respected and implemented as provided for in RA 9257.

Provincial

Thousands of motorized tricycles will cease operations in this city as the local government will be phasing out all tricycles with franchises issued beyond 2002.

This was announced by Mayor Celso Lobregat who at the same time ordered the Tricycle Adjudication Board (TAB) to fast track the identification of fake, double or triple franchises in order to clean up the lists and come up with the real trike owners and operators.

Lobregat said the identification process will have to start with the 2002 logbook as some of the TAB staffers who were allegedly involved in the franchise scam may have intentionally lost two logbooks bearing the names of franchise holders.

He said the tricycle ordinance mandates that all tricycles whose franchise were issued beyond 2002 will not be honored and thus will be phased out.

Under the 2002 logbook listing at least 6,800 units of tricycle were provided with franchise.

He said the city is seriously pursuing the clean up of the tricycle mess and will file the necessary administrative and criminal charges against those involved in the franchise scam. (PNA)

ZAMBOANGA CITY HAS 3 SHOPPING MALLS. MINDPRO MALL, YUCHENGCO STAR MALL, LIM TOWN MALL. AND 3 MALLS ARE UNDER CONSTRUCTION RIGHT NOW. 2 WILL BE OPEN FOR BUSINESS LATE THIS YR AND THE OTHER THE 3RD ONE NEXT YR.

^^ blockmate ko sa UP yung anak ng may-ari ng Mindpro mall... Ty yata surname nya, i forgot.

ZAMBOANGA CITY HAS 3 SHOPPING MALLS. MINDPRO MALL, YUCHENGCO STAR MALL, LIM TOWN MALL. AND 3 MALLS ARE UNDER CONSTRUCTION RIGHT NOW. 2 WILL BE OPEN FOR BUSINESS LATE THIS YR AND THE OTHER THE 3RD ONE NEXT YR.

Whoo for the malls! :D

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Travelers and local officials in Zamboanga del Norte province in the southern Philippines hailed as historic the opening of the Manila-Dipolog City route by Cebu Pacific (CEB).

Cebu Pacific (CEB), the country's low-fare pioneer, last week opened its maiden flight and airline executives said an A319 Airbus now flies three times weekly from Manila to Dipolog City, the provincial capital, known for its pristine beaches and historic places.

"This is really good. Now we can travel back and forth from Dipolog to Manila, instead of going to Zamboanga City or Cagayan de Oro airports. We can also sell Dipolog as a major tourist destination in Western Mindanao," said Wency Cruz, a trader.

The Manila-Dipolog service departs Manila every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday at 11:45 a.m. arriving in Dipolog at 1 p.m. and leaves Dipolog at 1:30 p.m. to arrive back in Manila at 2:45 p.m.

Lance Gokongwei, CEB president and CEO, said the Manila-Dipolog service reinforces the airlines' commitment to strengthen local tourism in the country.

"Dipolog is known for numerous tourist spots like Dakak Beach and Dapitan Bay as well as its sardine industry. It also showcases year-round festivities and presents itself as one of the major trade hubs in Mindanao."

"And with the recent success of its Biyahe Na Zamboanga Peninsula regional showcase and the Hudyaka Festival, we believe that the 'Orchid City' of the Philippines can become a major gateway for tourism and business in Mindanao," Gokongwei said.

CEB introduced its Manila-Dipolog (vice-versa) service with an introductory seat sale of only 688 pesos one-way.

The sale, which began June 13, will run until July 22 only and for travel up to October 19, 2006. After the seat sale, the year-round 'Go' fares to Dipolog start at only 868 pesos one-way, more than 70% less than the current airfare. The 'Go' fares are exclusive of regular surcharges and government tax.

"In line with our vision to make air travel an option for more Filipinos, we are bringing our trademark low fares and brand new Airbus A319 service to Dipolog.

"We hope that CEB's entry to this market will once again bring down airfares to Dipolog and stimulate travel to this vibrant city because we really believe it's time everyone flies," Gokongwei said.

"For best availability of our lowest fares, I suggest for everyone to plan their travel ahead of time and book online on cebupacificair.com," he said.

Mayor Roberto Uy expressed optimism that the latest air route would boost tourism industry in Dipolog and Zamboanga del Norte.

Passengers from the neighboring provinces of Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga Sibugay and Misamis Occidental, as well as the cities of Oroquieta, Ozamis, Pagadian and Dapitan also find Dipolog airport more accessible for them to fly for Manila and back.

The Dipolog service is CEB's 2nd new domestic destination launched this year, the first being the Laoag service which opened only on June 8.

This service is part of the airline's expansion program as their new Airbus fleet continues to arrive. At present, CEB operates 8 brand new Airbus aircrafts for its domestic and regional flights.

The new service brings the number of domestic destinations CEB services to 18. The airline also flies to Hong Kong and Seoul in South Korea. Now in its 11th year, CEB pioneered low fares in the country in March 1996.

It also introduced travelers to on-time service, e-ticketing, and on-line booking, setting the standards for airline innovation in the local aviation industry.

THE City Council is eyeing the possibility of putting up coconut and rubber nurseries in the different agriculture districts in Zamboanga City.

Councilor Asbi Edding said they have already requested the Office of the City Agriculturist, through a resolution, to look into the possibility of putting nurseries in the six agriculture districts.

Edding, who authored the resolution, said the coconut species are facing extinction due to continuous cutting of coconut trees and converted into lumber product the reason why there is a need to put up coconut nursery.

He said there is a need to conduct a planting activity to replace the coconut trees that were cut down.

The councilor said that farmers should also venture into rubber planting as it commands a good price in the market.

He said farmers who are interested in planting rubber trees can get their seedlings from the government-run nursery once already in place.

He cited the case of farmers from the nearby Provinces of Zamboanga Sibugay and Basilan who have increased their income since the time they ventured into rubber trees propagation.

^^ blockmate ko sa UP yung anak ng may-ari ng Mindpro mall... Ty yata surname nya, i forgot.

its To:)

Shoppers Mall!

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b247/liab03/Shop6.jpg

I want to hear or see a Chavacano.

I want to hear or see a Chavacano.


Originally Posted by Animo
........It also sound like Chavacano too. You can listen to some here:


http://zamboanga.net/CancionesChavacano.htm

Is this thread for Ciudad Hermosa de las Flores or for the rest of Zamboanga as well.

Ey, I find Pagadian City's tricycle amazing! Astig kasi may steep inclination. Some of the travelers would find this weird but its made for the topography of the city that is sloping.

Could someone post a pic of Pagadian trike so that the people of the Philippines know what's unique with the Pagadian trikes. :)

shoppers mall is underconstruction right now, it will have its grand opening next yr. its own by the ang brothers who also own the chain of shoppers stores in zamboanga city.

Is this thread for Ciudad Hermosa de las Flores or for the rest of Zamboanga as well.

Ey, I find Pagadian City's tricycle amazing! Astig kasi may steep inclination. Some of the travelers would find this weird but its made for the topography of the city that is sloping.

Could someone post a pic of Pagadian trike so that the people of the Philippines know what's unique with the Pagadian trikes. :)

Its for the whole Zamboanga Peninsula. Lets see if we can find one online. :)

Here:

http://static.flickr.com/50/124305521_24572f099d.jpg?v=0
Pagadian, Zamboanga del Sur

http://static.flickr.com/78/189383738_3e16bb8c7b.jpg?v=0
http://static.flickr.com/45/189383736_bdc134131a.jpg?v=0
http://static.flickr.com/53/189383737_4247f333f8.jpg?v=0

Zamboanga City (12 July) -- The Bureau of Internal Revenue District no. 93 has again surpassed its target collection for the month of June, continuing its excellent performance for two straight months.

Revenue District Officer Roberto Bucoy, in an interview, said tax collection in the city continues to improve as manifested by surpluses in revenue from May to last month.

“This is another good news for the city as our tax collection continues to show vast improvement compared to last year”, Bucoy said.

According to Bucoy, they have collected a total of P95, 787, 812.94 in taxes, P3, 644, 812.94 more from their P92, 143, 000.00 target for last month or an increase of 4%. He also stressed that they have easily surpassed their June 2005 collection of P75, 533, 872.53 registering a P20, 233, 940.41 worth of surplus or a tremendous increase of 27%.

It can be recalled that BIR-Zamboanga surpassed its P100, 998, 000.00 target set by the Department of Budget and Management last May with a total collection of P106, 247, 365. 32, an increase of 5%. It also posted a 36% increase from its May 2005 collection with a surplus P28, 051, 757.32.00.

Bucoy credited this huge success to the taxpayers in the city for their honesty in paying their taxes.

“We owe this success to the private sector, especially to the large corporate sector. Without them, we would not achieve or even surpass our revenue target”, he stressed.

Bucoy expressed optimism that they would close the year with a high note, a breakthrough year for BIR-Zambaonga. (PIA ZC)

http://static.flickr.com/50/124305521_24572f099d.jpg?v=0
Pagadian, Zamboanga del Sur

http://static.flickr.com/53/189383737_4247f333f8.jpg?v=0

:) ("fasten seat-belt") :)

^^ Hehe, lets get ready for take-off. :D

Zamboanga City (21 July) -- Zamboanga Peninsula posted a 7.5% increase in its employment as of April this year.

In a yearly comparative data released by the National Statistics Office IX, as of April this year, the total persons employed in the region is 1,289,000; 90,000 more from April of last year which stood at 1,199,000.

NSO IX Regional Statistician Nasser Usman said the data covers only those under the age bracket of 15 years old and above.

“This data only include those persons aged 15 and above. The data shows that our region has improved in terms of job generation for this year”, Usman said.

With employment increasing by 7.5% this year, unemployment rate decreased by at least 8,000 from 2005 to this year. The data showed that 65,000 persons from 15 years old and above were unemployed last April 2005 but was reduced to 57,000 this year, or a decrease of 12.3%. However, underemployment has increased by 29.5 % in the same month from 312,000 last year to 404,000 this year.

Usman said that the entry of 2006 saw the start in the improvement of the region’s employment rate.

“We have already seen this upward trend since the beginning of this year. Last January, we posted a 96.3% employment rate or a total of 1,259,000 employed persons against the 1,307,000 number of our labor force. Only 48,000 were unemployed or only 3.7% of the total labor force aged 15 and above”, he stressed.

NSO, however, has not yet released the data as to what labor sector has posted the highest rate increase since it has yet to finalize all reports regarding the matter.

Earlier, the Department of Labor and Employment in Manila reported a 3.2 percent increase in employment for the first quarter in Region 4-A, or the CALABARZON area.

The purging of unemployment in the country is one of the priorities of the government under President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s 10-point agenda. (PIA ZC)

By Franklin P. Gumapon

Dipolog City (July 21) –- A provincial forum for persons with disabilities (PWDs) was held here this morning and capped by a distribution of ambulatory and assistive devices to qualified disabled persons in the province.

Fifteen physically impaired persons from the different towns of the province were given crutches, wheel chairs and canes by the provincial government through the provincial welfare and development office.

Although Governor Rolando E. Yebes is on his way to Manila for President Arroyo’s state of the nation address on Monday, his message to the disabled persons as read by Provincial Attorney Jess Gal. Sarmiento pledged full support to their well-being. The governor looked at the disabled persons “as part of the Philippine society who deserve equal rights and protection.”

Partial listing of disabled persons submitted by the municipal social welfare officers revealed that the province as well as the cities of Dipolog and Dapitan has now more than a thousand PWDs.

Today’s provincial forum for PWDs was the first to be held in the province in time of the twenty-eighth national disability prevention and rehabilitation week celebration. (PIA)

CHINESE Ambassador to the Philippines Li Jin Jun and a six-man delegation are arriving here on Saturday for a two-day visit to explore trade and investment potentials in Zamboanga City.

Mayor Celso Lobregat said that aside from investment and trade opportunities, the Chinese visitors will also look into infrastructure projects that will be funded by the government of the People's Republic of China (PROC).

The mayor said he will brief the Chinese ambassador and his companions about the security situation to give them first hand information concerning this city's peace and order condition.

Lobregat said he wanted to correct the misimpressions and misperceptions about the city, the reason why there will be briefing about the security situation.

He is optimistic to get a favorable reaction from the Chinese visitors concerning the peace and order condition of this city after the briefing.

Officials from the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) regional office will present to the Chinese visitors a proposed road network for possible funding by the Chinese government through a grant.

The Chinese visiting team will visit Davao City after their two-day stay here.

Zamboanga City (24 July) -- Zamboangueños should be proud of the city, as Zamboanga has been selected as the lone city in region 9 to participate in the City Development Strategy (CDS) Project.

This project is funded by Cities Alliances and jointly supported by the World Bank, United Nations Habitat, Asian Development Bank and Japan International Cooperation Agency with the League of Cities of the Philippines as the implementing body.

The CDS project is anchored on the principles of sustainable city that is livable, competitive, bankable and highlights practices of good governance.

It is both a planning process and product promoting participatory governance and partnership among various stakeholders in the city in developing and sustaining an improved quality of life of the people.

The first phase of CDS involves building up the city's baseline profile (data/information) with corresponding diagnostic indicators (also called the City Urban Karte) that will provide a basis for common understanding and enable to identify various issues and determine future goals and strategies.

Along this line, the city government headed by city Mayor Celso Lobregat conducted a citywide consultation held at the Celebrity Hall, Astoria Hotel, this city last July 19 with the participation of multi-sectoral group to validate the contents of the City Urban Karte.

It is noted in the City's Urban Karte that Zamboanga City incurred zero percent (0%) on debt services and generated a savings of 42.23% or P342, 500,207.65 as of December 2005. (PIA)

CEBU Pacific on Wednesday announced that it will fly a brand new $60-million Airbus A319 to Zamboanga City in the southern Philippines as part of a two-year re-fleeting program.

Charles Lim, Cebu Pacific's consultant for Corporate Communications, said the 150-seater aircraft will service the Manila-Zamboanga route daily and consequently the Zamboanga-Cebu route also beginning Thursday.

"We are proud to announce that this will be the first time Cebu Pacific will fly its brand new Airbus A319 to Zamboanga City. We will help promote tourism in this beautiful region," Lim said at a news conference here.

Cebu Pacific earlier opened its maiden flight from Manila to Dipolog City in Zamboanga del Norte province known for its pristine beaches and historic places. The three times weekly flight also use an Airbus A319.

Candice Iyog, Cebu Pacific marketing director, said: "The maiden flight to Zamboanga City is a historic event because it marks the start of its all Airbus fleet. "We are committed to the country's tourism agenda."

She said Cebu Pacific has the youngest fleet in the Philippines and one of the youngest also in Asia with a fleer age of less than 7 months. The airline currently operates 10 brand new Airbus aircrafts and awaits the delivery of four more until February next year to complete its two-year re-fleeting program.

Cebu Pacific's expansion, she said, is also underway and recently launched 2 new destinations, Laoag in Ilocos province in northern Philippines and Dipolog City in the south and will also start flying to Legaspi in the Bicol region on August 17 and Singapore on August 31.

It also has air services in the Visayas in central Philippines -- Bacolod, Cebu, Dumaguete, Iloilo, Kalibo, Puerto Princesa, Roxas, Tacloban and Tagbilaran and in Mindanao -- Butuan, Cagayan de Oro, Cotabato, and Davao.

The 11-year-old airline also flies to Hong Kong and Seoul in South Korea. It also introduced travelers to on-time service, e-ticketing, and on-line booking, setting the standards for airline innovation in the local aviation industry.

THE Department of Trade and Industry in Western Mindanao urged operators and owners of major grocery stores and supermarkets in Zamboanga City to set up Halal lanes or corners in their stores to cater to the fast growing demand for Halal certified products in the domestic market.

Halal is meat that has been slaughtered in the manner prescribed by the Shari'a. The method of slaughtering all animals, excluding fish and most sealife, is known as dhabi?a. Meat prepared in this manner is then considered Halal.

Naz Manzur, DTI regional director, said this initiative has little to do with religion as it is with business. He pointed out that about 30 percent of the local populations are Muslims -- a captive market for Halal food and non-food products. Zamboanga City has more than 600,000 people.

This does not include those that regularly come to Zamboanga City from neighboring provinces of Basilan, Jolo and Tawi-Tawi in the Sulu Archipelago.

"The opening up of special lanes exclusively for Halal products is a very good marketing strategy for store owners as it will certainly attract patrons, particularly the Muslims who are devoutly practicing Islam and its doctrines," he said.

Sitti Amina Jain, DTI assistant regional director, said the annual value for Halal food worldwide is estimated at US$580 billion and is growing fast. She added that aside from food, there is also a huge market for non-food Halal products that include cosmetics, perfume, toiletries, body care pharmaceuticals, herbal and healthcare products.

There are also many business opportunities for fashion accessories and apparel, food processing plants and abattoirs, in service industries and in many other industries, she said.

The concept of opening Halal lanes, aside offering new business opportunities, is in line with the DTI's mandate under the Consumer Act of the Philippines to safeguard consumers against misrepresentation, mislabeling and the fraudulent use of the Halal logo in products sold in the market.

The Halal lane initiative was well-received by the representatives of the 13 grocery stores and supermarkets in the city who attended the meeting but asked that they be given time to set up the lanes as the work entails lots of logistical support.

If this initiative pushes through, Halal lanes or corners shall have been installed in major grocery stores and supermarkets in Zamboanga City by October, in time for the celebration of the National Consumers' Month.

The DTI said it will also organize a Halal Consumer Group to help the government in its advocacy for Halal and for networking purposes.

ZAMBOANGA CITY - Hundreds of mostly poor Christian and Muslim villagers availed Saturday of free consultation and medicine provided by a medical mission in Zamboanga City in the southern Philippines.

Sharif Ibrahim Ajibul Mohammad Pulalun, Sultan of Sulu and North Borneo, led the medical mission in the fishing village of Sinunuc. Military doctors and nurses and members of the Bantay-Bata Foundation and private firms helped in the outreach program.

"We hope to hold similar medical missions in other areas, of course in partnership with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and non-governmental organizations and private firms supporting this humanitarian undertaking," Pulalun told The Manila Times.

It was the second time this year that Pulalun brought a medical mission in poor areas of Zamboanga City. He also led a humanitarian mission here early this year to help feed more than 500 families left homeless after a huge fire swept through Canelar village.

"My family is really lucky. We got free consultation from those soldiers and we will go home with all these medicines the Sultan gave us. This is really a good day," said Umar Sakandal, a 45-year-old fisherman.

Pulalun previously rejected attempts by a secessionist organization to convince his group to support a proposal for an independent Mindanao.

Pantaleon Alvarez, former transportation secretary and organizer of One People Mindanao (OPM), a movement lobbying for a separate Mindanao Republic, tried but failed to convince Pulalun and his Cabinet members to support the proposal.

Professor Sami Tanjil, Pulalon’s spokesman, said the Muslim leader flatly rejected the proposal. "The Sultan said that he shall not allow Mindanao to be dismembered and for the Muslims not to be used for political agenda," Tanjil said.

Many Mindanao leaders were also supporting proposals to convene a constituent assembly in order to allow amendments in the Charter that would institutionalize wide-ranging reforms. The proposals would also limit the agenda of amendments and protect the good provisions of the Charter.

The OPM has been going around Mindanao and urging citizens to demand the separation of Mindanao.

It held consultations for a plebiscite to separate the mineral-rich region from the rest of the country, but the Visayas and Luzon regions also threatened to split should Mindanao secede. Al Jacinto

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=45971

separating mindanao from the rest of the country is the worst move anyone can do.. simply because the country would have to start from scratch and we do not have enough infrastructure and even maybe GDP to spur gowth..... philippines would look awkward without mindanao... lets not try to divide a country that is already small in itself...

:D

As many as 50 SMEs from Mindanao have signed up to join the exhibition and fair, she said. Half of them are manufacturers of new products from the Zamboanga Peninsula region. In addition, 15 other booths will be selling pasalubong items.

City Mayor Celso Lobregat, who attended the chamber meeting, said the local government will go all-out to make the event a major success.

He said Zamboanga City is poised for another round of major economic growth and development because of big business projects underway, such as the construction of three new shopping malls. He also disclosed that a call center will set up shop here, while a major national housing developer will invest in a subdivision project.

The National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) recently said Zamboanga Peninsula "posted the highest growth among the 17 regions (of the country) with a 7.2 percent jump in its gross regional domestic product (GRDP) in 2005, a significant improvement form its 4.1 percent growth in 2004."

The region's agricultural, fishery and forestry sector's output last year was a notable 8.7 percent, the government report said. (Darwin Wee)

"GO PHILIPPINES, ABANTE MI CUIDAD DE ZAMBOANGA" :) :) :) :) :) :)

Zamboanga City hosts 15th MinBizcon



Zamboanga City (2 August) -- The local government of Zamboanga City is prepared to host the 15th Mindanao Business Conference (MinBizcon) scheduled for August 30 to September 2.

“As partners of the Zamboanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, the city will also provide financial assistance as we are now closely working with the organizers in preparation for the international business conference,” City Mayor Celso Lobregat revealed during his latest press briefing at City Hall.

He underscored the significance of said event and how it would place Zamboanga City at the center stage.

Thousand of visitors coming from Southeast Asian countries, BIMP-EAGA region and other traditional business partners of the Philippines like the United States of America, Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and China are expected to attend the business conference

The MinBizcom is an annual gathering of businessmen from all over Mindanao where they can have the chance to get into serious talk with foreign investors wishing to do business with them. (PIA-9) [top]

http://www.zamboangacity.com/zamboangacity_gallery/images/ArtsC30.jpg

http://www.zamboangacity.com/zamboangacity_gallery/images/Zamboanga%20International%20Seaport.jpg

^^ Muchas gracias con las fotos. Now if well have more Zamboangeños then this thread will also be active. :D

http://www.zamboangacity.com/zamboangacity_gallery/images/zamboanga%20airport%202.jpg



THIS AIRPORT WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT IN ZAMBOANGA.

NO PROBLEMO!!!!!!

Windlady, what are the proposed malls pala?

DONT HAVE ANY PICTURES OF IT YET... ACCORDINGLY THERE ARE 3 NEW MALLS BEING BUILT, I ONLY KNOW THE NAMES OF TWO 1. THE SOUTHWAY SQUARE MALL WHICH IS ABOUT 70% DONE ALREADY, 2. SHOPPERS MALL WHICH IS STILL IN ITS EARLY PHASE OF CONSTRUCTION EDC IS 2007.. ILL POST THE PICTURES IF IL GET HOLD OF IT.....

^^ Will there be an SM there as rumored?

I Asked My Friend and He Told Me That Speculations Has Been Around For Almost A Year Now That SM Already Acquired A Land In The East Coast Area...... For My Opinion If SM Plans To Put A Mall In Zambo Its Their Gain, The Cities Population of Comsumers Has Balloon Since 2000 from 600,000 to Almost 800,000 in 2005 And Still Rising.....

I Asked My Friend and He Told Me That Speculations Has Been Around For Almost A Year Now That SM Already Acquired A Land In The East Coast Area...... For My Opinion If SM Plans To Put A Mall In Zambo Its Their Gain, The Cities Population of Comsumers Has Balloon Since 2000 from 600,000 to Almost 800,000 in 2005 And Still Rising.....

If SM is going to build a mall in ZC, it would be very good for the city's image, that, somehow, long-term and big investments by outsiders can be safe and prosperous there. But how about the persistent rumors that the city government is under pressure from local merchants not to allow retail chains to enter the city and compete with them? Haven't you noticed that even gaisano is not in ZC, even though they are all over Mindanao, even in smaller cities?

If SM is going to build a mall in ZC, it would be very good for the city's image, that, somehow, long-term and big investments by outsiders can be safe and prosperous there. But how about the persistent rumors that the city government is under pressure from local merchants not to allow retail chains to enter the city and compete with them? Haven't you noticed that even gaisano is not in ZC, even though they are all over Mindanao, even in smaller cities?

Yeah I Agree 100%, It Will Be A Very Good Image For The City..... The City Has Been Doubling Its Effort To Change The Image Of What People Perceive Of Zambo And To Attract Huge Outside Investments... Infact The City Mayor In One Of His Speech and I Quote "The City Government Is Open To The Big 3 Mall Operators i.e. Ayala Land, SM Prime and Robinson Land To Invest In Zambo". Maybe Its Just A Matter Of Time... From What Ive Observe And Hear Zambo Is Moving Forward, Buildings Are Being Built Everywhere All Over Zambo..... According From A Friend There Is A Construction Boom In Zambo These Days.....

Excerpt from an American linguist on Chabacano:

"Collectively, all varieties of Philippine Creole Spanish (PCS) are known as Chabacano, and three distinct dialects still exist, in Ternate, Cavite and Zamboanga. Whinnom postulated that Ternateño (T) was the first to be formed, suggesting that this creole has extraterritorial roots, descending from a largely Portuguese-based creole formed in the 17th century on the Indonesian island of the same name. Comparative work by Molony (1973, 1977a, 1977b) supports the hypothesis that T is the oldest of the Spanish-based creoles in the Philippines while observations by Batalha (1960) suggest more than casual parallels with some Asian Portuguese-based creoles.

Caviteño (C) was a later offshoot of T, one of many stable or fleeting Spanish-based contact vernaculars that arose in the fortified areas around Manila Bay, and it too can be traced back at least as far as the 18th century. T and C exhibit several grammatical features that make them contenders for being descendents or relexifications of earlier Portuguese-based creoles and pidgins (but cf. Lipski 1988). Both creoles have been influenced by Philippine languages, particularly Tagalog; this is evident not only in the preferred VSO
word order (at least with pronominal subjects), but also in the incorporation of Tagalog particles and other syntactic structures. Varieties of PCS are also spoken on the island of Mindanao.

The largest group of speakers is found in and around Zamboanga City. A small group, now largely dispersed and speaking central Philippine languages, previously existed in Davao, derived from immigrants from Zamboanga who arrived at the turn of the 20th century. Another small group is found in Cotabato City (Riego de Dios 1976a, 1978). Cotabatateño (Ct) is virtually identical to Zamboangueño (Z), with the few differences being mostly lexical.
Riego de Dios suggests that the two dialects may have partially different roots, although admitting immigration from Zamboanga to Cotabato as the likely source of most of Ct.

Although unknown to or ignored by most Filipinos, the Chabacano dialects are of importance to creolists. Philippine Creole Spanish is the only Spanish-based creole in Asia, fitting in with the Portuguese-based creoles in India, Sri Lanka,
Malacca and Macau; indeed, some (beginning with Whinnom 1956; cf. Lipski 1988 for differing views) assert that Philippine Creole Spanish is but a relexification of a pan-Asian Portuguese- based creole.

All other Spanish-based creoles (Papiamentu, Afro-Colombian Palenquero, and vestigial enclaves found in Latin America) result from Afro-Hispanic language contacts, although some Hispano-Amerindian creoles may have existed in small numbers, and the possibility for a Hispano-Arabic creole as part of Mozarabic language cannot be totally discounted. Philippine creole Spanish is
also important for theories of creole language typology. It breaks from the usual SVO patterns, in exhibiting a prototypically Austronesian VSO, albeit with many alternative possibilities. The verbal syntax is both tantalizingly similar and vastly different from other Iberian-based creoles, and many other unique features accrue to PCS. In order to assess the situation of Chabacano in the pantheon of Philippine languages, it is necessary to survey the nature and distribution of non- creole Spanish in the Philippines, since the most frequent misidentification responsible for the marginality of Chabacano awareness is the equation Chabacano = Spanish in the Philippines"

The Pre-War Photographer Of Zamboanga

by ICELLE GLORIA B. ESTRADA
Icelle Estrada works as a mayor’s executive assistant in the Zamboanga City government.

Kenji Uchida came to Zamboanga from Kobe, Japan. He arrived in Zamboanga in 1906 at the tender age of 17. Not much is known about the family he left behind in Kobe. What is known is that he was working as an assistant to an American who had an interest in Zamboanga.

Uchida was known for his photographs and his photo studio. He was believed to be the first person to operate a photo shop in Zamboanga. His first studio was located in front of the City Hall. (then the Provincial Capitol). The studio occupied a part of the Barrios Building that was the former site of the Bank and the Compania Maritima. The Barrios Building still stands today with original architecture intact (at least on the façade) and houses the Manila Plaza Furniture.

Uchida maintained the studio together another Japanese named Koyama who owned the Aurora Studio along Calle Madrid (now Valderosa St.), which was the enclave of the rich and the center for business, military and civic activities. Calle Madrid boasted classy clubs, plush town houses, and expensive shops that catered to the upper class, selling goods from all over the world.

When Calle Guardia Nacional became the town’s business hub Uchida transferred his shop to a location near the Mindanao Bakery. He operated the shop until he left for Davao in 1939.

As a professional photographer, Uchida produced photographs that showed an artistic eye and a high standard of technical quality. To ensure quality, he imported his chemicals from England and subscribed to international magazines and books on photography. He did individual portraits, family shots, landscapes, architectural shots, documentation photography and other types of photography.

One rare photo of the "Provincial Capitol" (today’s City Hall) is good example of his work. Uchida signed his prints with the words “Photo by Uchida” in reverse white. I was fortunate to find a copy of the photograph at the Library of Congress in Washington D.C., U.S.A.

Uchida’s granddaughter, Mrs. Fe Uchida Natividad, remembered her grandfather as a highly intelligent, multilingual man who was a wide reader. He spoke English, Spanish, Chabacano and Tagalog in addition to his native Niponggo. During his early years in Zamboanga, he worked with several institutions and important personalities as an interpreter and translator. He served as a translator in the Court of Zamboanga under the employ of Don Pablo Lorenzo.

In one of the fondas (fairs) held near the Jardin del Chino (today the Puericulture Center) on La Purisima St. Uchida met a fetching girl named Agripina Ignacio. They married in 1912 and had 10 children.

Aside from being a professional photographer and a translator, Uchida was a farmer at heart. If he was not busy with work in the pueblo, he would retreat to his farm with his family. He encouraged his children to help out at the farm. A very industrious man, he planted banana, cassava and vegetables and liked to do his planting during full moon nights to the consternation of superstitious Filipinos who believed it was not proper to work after dark. Kenji would tell his disapproving neighbors, "It is better to plant in the evening, than to go hungry in the daytime."

The Uchidas invested in real estate and bought farm lands in Dumagsa in Ayala, Pamucutan, and Cadalagan in San Ramon.

He was a good father and husband – and a good provider for his big family. His son Agustin related that Kenji was a loving father though not very demonstrative of his feelings. Agustin said although his father was a strict man, he never experienced any spanking in his hands.

Felipe, a younger son, recalled that when he went to visit his father in Cotabato during the war, his father gave him a bag that contained 10,000 pesos in Japanese-printed money for his mother, two rakes, two hoes and two scythes. It was the last time Felipe saw his father.

In 1939, realizing that war was imminent, Uchida had divested himself of all his interests in the photography business and sold all his equipment to Koyama. He transferred all his real estate holdings to the name of his eldest daughter, Clotilde Uchida Cabrera, a nurse. Then he left for Davao, where he was later joined by his wife and their youngest son, Dionisio.

In Davao, Uchida worked for the Japanese Chamber of Commerce as a translator and interpreter to Gen. Morimoto of the Japanese Imperial Army.

Davao then, was a Japanese enclave where many Japanese owned farms and plantations. Davao was called "Davao Kuo" as a Japanese settlement and had the largest number of Japanese migrants in the Far East at that time.

While in Davao, Uchida was also assigned as a Niponggo teacher in the Japanese Academy, aside being a liaison officer representing the Japanese community of San Pedro, Davao.

Before the end of the war, Uchida encouraged his wife and the children who were with them in Davao to return to Zamboanga. He feared for their safety, not knowing what kind of sanctuary Davao could offer for the family of a Japanese when the American forces arrived.

Sons Roberto and Felipe were in Zamboanga and maintained their farms in Ayala and San Ramon, while Agustin had enlisted himself with the Philippine Constabulary in Davao. While in Davao, he had close contact with his father.

After Davao, Uchida was transferred to Cotabato as a liaison officer and was always on travel as he would spend three months in Manila, Davao, Cebu, and in transit, he would spend vacations in Zamboanga.

By 1944 Agustin had beentransferred to Zamboanga and was stationed in Tugbungan, at the local constabulary headquarters, which was located at the present site of the residence of the Climacos.

When the Americans arrived to liberate Zamboanga on March 10, 1945, Roberto and Felipe Uchida were arrested as collaborators of the enemy. They were suspected of working for the infamous Japanese lackey Miguel Moreno. They were thrown into prison. Agustin surrendered to the Americans and by fate met his two brothers in prison. Agustin was released through the intercession of an American military police master sergeant named Gacken. The two other Uchidas remained bechind bars and were later moved to Manila as prisoners of war. They were later freed by the People's Court under President Laurel’s amnesty program.

While in Manila, they met Dato Blama, a Japanese collaborator, who gave them some information about their father. But the family never got to see Kenji Uchida again. There was no confirmation of his fate. He was listed as Missing in Action.

Today we remember Kenji Uchida through his photographs, the artifacts that are his legacy to his adopted hometown.

http://members.tripod.com/~Tiboron/index.html

CITY caretaker and Vice Mayor Beng Climaco expressed disappointment that Zamboanga City failed to make it in its bid to host the 2007 Palarong Pambansa, but stressed that the city continues to open its doors for other conventions and activities-local or international in scope.

"We feel it was a loss that Zamboanga City didn't make it to the Palaro, but I think it is also their loss," the city caretaker said in reaction to the Department of Education's decision to choose Koronadal City over Zamboanga to be the venue for next year's Palaro.

Reports indicate that the Palaro board composed of DepEd bureau and regional directors and chaired by Education Undersecretary Ramon Bacani gave bigger consideration to the bidder's offer of additional amenities and tokens and not much on the sports facilities.

Out of the three bidders, Zamboanga emerged last in terms of number of votes obtained with Tubod, Lanao del Norte as second placer.

Vice Mayor Climaco hoped that the department, in future biddings, would stick to the more important aspect, that is, the facilities for the holding of the sports activities and the accommodation of the athletes. "We hope that the Deped and other evaluators can look at the potentials of the local government unit".

She stressed that Zamboanga City has a lot to offer and is in fact considered as the best conference venue for Mindanao. Organizers and participants of previous sports activities held here can attest to the efficiency and reliability of the sports facilities in Zamboanga.

Nonetheless, she said, the city continues to open its doors for other conventions, conferences or sports activities in the future. The result of the Palaro bidding would not dampen the city's desire to welcome all other organizations, groups-be it locally or internationally to converge here for their conference or conventions.

"We invite people from other places to come to Zamboanga City and see the difference. You will like it here and you will return," Vice Mayor Climaco added. (SE)

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/zam/2006/08/03/sports/vice.mayor.disappointed.over.zambo.s.failure.to.host.palaro.07.html

DIPOLOG CITY -- Delegates from Zamboanga del Norte headed by Governor Rolando E. Yebes are all ready for the Sabah International Expo and Business Conference slated on August 9-13 in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.

Going with Yebes to Sabah expo are business leaders and exhibitors with their wares such as bottled sardines, bamboo craft, fresh mangoes, virgin coconut oil, hand-made paper, abaca sheets and others.

The Sabah expo is a trade fair organized by the Malaysian government aimed at promoting the products of Bimp-Eaga (Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East Asian Growth Area) to spur economic activities in the region.

Nicanor Nacaytuna of the Department of Trade and Industry-Zamboanga del Norte provincial office disclosed that some of the products to be brought to Sabah come from Sindangan town like abaca sheets and virgin coconut oil. Bottled sardines, bamboo craft and hand-made paper are products made in Dipolog City.

Nacaytuna also bared that Zamboanga del Norte Chamber of Commerce and Industry officials, Edgar Bagarinao and Edwin Capili, will also go to Sabah to participate in the international business conference scheduled on August 9, 2006. They will join Governor Yebes in promoting not only the products of the province but also the tourist destinations in the area.

During her latest state of the nation address, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo included the historical city of Dapitan as one of the tourist destinations in the country.

Dapitan City was the place where the country's national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, was exiled for four years before his execution at Bagumbayan in 1896. (Franklin Gumapon)

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/zam/2006/08/04/bus/zambo.norte.to.join.malaysia.expo.business.confab.html

MINDANAO-based relatives of Filipino workers in war-torn Lebanon can now call their loved ones free of charge.

Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) recently opened a Libreng Tawag Center at the Overseas Workers' Welfare Administration (Owwa) office at the 4th floor of the BGIDC Corporate Center along Gov. Lim Avenue in Zamboanga City.

The free calls facility is the fifth of Smart Libreng Tawag Centers deployed since July 20 in several Owwa offices nationwide. The four others are located at the Owwa national office in Pasay City; Owwa Region 7 Office at the mezzanine floor, LDM Bldg. M.J. Cuenco ave. Legaspi St., Cebu City; OWWA Region 11 Office at Door 8 PTA Complex along Magsaysay Park, Davao City and at the Philippine Association of Mediterranean Agencies Deploying Labours, Inc. (Pamadel) Crisis Assistance Center at the Pamadel Bldg. Along A. Linao cor. San Andres, Manila.

"There's nothing more tormenting than not knowing how your loved ones are doing in a war-torn area. Smart is just doing its share in helping out our fellow Filipinos," said Smart Public Affairs Group Head Ramon Isberto.

The Libreng Tawag Centers will provide free voice and SMS services for the families and relatives of OFWs affected by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Lebanon.

"Kahit papaano, natutuwa ako sa kabila ng gulo dahil sa ginawa ng Smart (Smart has given me something to smile about despite the conflict in Lebanon)," said Renan Guiao, who traveled 12 hours by bus from Juban, Sorsogon to visit the Owwa office in Pasay City for news about his wife, Renalisa.

Guiao said that the free calling facility lightens his burden not only because he was able to talk to his wife and know how she's doing, but also because he has to be more mindful of expenses now that her employment has been interrupted.
Already, hundreds of Filipino workers have been sent home from Lebanon. Some of them have gone home to their respective provinces while others have been staying in the halfway house provided by Owwa. (Press release)

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/zam/2006/08/03/bus/smart.puts.up.free.calls.facility.to.lebanon.in.zambo.html

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

Zamboanga to build P260-M bus terminal, car park

Zamboanga City -- The city government will spend P260 million for two parking facilities in a bid to decongest traffic as well as earn some money in running the facilities.

The two projects approved by the city council and City Mayor Celso Lobregat as priorities for this year are the P80-million four-storey car park building cum commercial center behind the city hall and a P180-million bus terminal building to be located some 7 km east of the city proper.

The mayor said the parking lot building will straddle the dead end of the Don Pablo Lorenzo Road that separates city hall and the Sunken Gardens where the Philippine National Bank and the Development Bank of the Philippines are located.

The road used to lead to the main gate to the local port. The gate was closed with the construction of the multimillion-peso port some 25 years go.

Work on the car park building with an initial cost of P80 million will begin by the fourth quarter as the city engineer’s office finalizes the design and style of the structure.

The east portion of the building will rise from the former barter trade market behind city hall and arch towards the old waterfront market behind the Sunken Gardens.

The ground floor of the structure will be used as a commercial center, while the second and third levels will be devoted to the parking of public utility jeepneys and private vehicles.

The city government has opted for design that will jibe with the Spanish-American style of government offices in Zamboanga.

The commercial center of Zamboanga is crisscrossed by narrow two lane roads of pre-American times designed only for the calesas (horse-drawn carriage) of yore.

Since the routes of all public utility jeepneys in Zamboanga end at the old public market, the units are forced to load and unload passengers along the sides of these narrow roads.

On the other hand, buses plying routes to other parts of the Zamboanga Peninsula and Min-danao can use private parking spaces at barangay Guiwan, some 5 km from city hall for east bound buses and at barangay Baliwasan for west coast bound passengers leading to the boundary with Zamboanga del Norte.

Some minibuses pass through the city on special trips, but all big provincial buses are restricted to these privately operated bus terminals in suburban barangays.

Except for one shopping mall in the city proper, the big commercial centers in the heart of the city do not have their own parking spaces. As a result, motor vehicles, jeepneys, private cars, delivery vans, motorcycles and motorized tricycles, vie for whatever parking spaces are still available on one-way streets.

Meantime, negotiators led by the mayor, the city engineer, the city assessor and the city planning officer, are talking with at least five landowners who have offered tracts of land for use as the site of a P180-million bus terminal for Mindanao mainland-bound jeepneys, buses and vans.

The city government will not just consider the prices offered by the lot owners but also the location, elevation and the like.

Aside from parking spaces, the bus terminal will include amenities for the riding public to include gasoline stations for the buses and vehicles that will use the facility.

In preparation for the construction of the bus terminal, Mayor Lobregat together with the city engineer and city councilors went to Cagayan de Oro recently to check on the operation of a bus terminal there and get ideas on how to run a similar facility in the city.

"A bus terminal could become a growth area, triggering the rise of business establishments that can cash on the convergence of people to the site. So we have to be selective in deciding on an bus terminal site," the mayor said.

Mayor Celso L. Lobregat assured his support for the hosting of the 2006 Philippine Football Federation (PFF) National Men's U19 Championship Competition in the city on Nov. 28 to Dec. 3.

The competition is organized by the Zamboanga Football Association under the leadership of Vicente Eduardo Torres.

Mayor Lobregat said the city always gives financial assistance to individuals or groups competing in sports representing the city.

Likewise, the city is also extending assistance and support for the holding of sports and other big events here.

He said the city has budget to support the holding of a national football competition.

During his regular news conference last Monday, the mayor also reported to newsmen how Zamboanga lost its bid to host the 2006 Palarong Pambansa to Koronadal City.

The mayor said the board gave more consideration on additional amenities and tokens.

Lobregat also assured the Zamboanga Chamber of Commerce and Industry that the city is in full support and committed for the hosting and the success of the 15th Mindanao Business Congress.

The 15th Mindanao Business Congress will not only promote tourism to the world but it will also prove to the world that Zamboanga City is very peaceful.

The 30th National MILO Marathon will be held on the following dates in the following cities: August 6 in Naga, August 13 in Olongapo/Subic, August 20 in Laoag, August 27 in Cebu, September 3 in Butuan, September 10 in Iloilo, September 17 in Cagayan de Oro, September 24 in Tarlac, October 1 in Legazpi, October 8 in Zamboanga, October 15 in Dagupan, October 22 in Tacloban, October 29 in San Fernando, La Union, November 5 in Iligan, November 12 in Dipolog, November 19 in Nueva Ecija, Cabanatuan and November 26 in Santiago, Isabela. Previous elimination legs were held in cities like Kidapawan, Tagbilaran, Batangas, Dumaguete, Palawan, Lucena and General Santos.

A TOTAL of P39.6 million cash, booked and negotiated sales was generated by the 128 producers who displayed their crafts and food products during the Yamang Mindanao Trade Exhibit held in General Santos City from July 15 to 17.
Trade and Industry 12 Director Ibrahim K. Guiamadel said Yamang Mindanao's top seller was Region 9 with P18.61 million sales followed by Region 12 with P17.19 million.

Best sellers include sardines in olive oil (Zamboanga City), organic muscovado (President Quirino, Sultan Kudarat), banana tissue (Federation of North Cotabato Banana Farmers, Inc.), processed cashew and mango products (South Cotabato) driftwood furniture (Sultan Kudarat) and Tuna Value Added products (General Santos City).

The exhibit sales was realized through the purchase and bookings made by 29 institutional buyers from Europe, USA, Manila, Cebu and walk-in buyers from the area.

KCC Mall, which was the venue of the exhibit, recorded the biggest number of shoppers ever recorded at 45 thousand during the Opening of the fair. Delegates to the BIMP (Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines) Joint Cluster Meeting for Tourism Development also graced the event.

There were 40 SME-exhibitors from Region 12, 30 from Region 10 and Caraga, 23 from Region 11, three from Region 9 and two from the ARMM. There were also two guest exhibitors from Region 8.

One of the side events of Yamang Mindanao was the Fashion Show. It showcased the haute couture of local designers Emi Ingles, Wilfred Yee and Albert Lim.

Local fabrics like inaul (handwoven cloth or malong of Maguindanaons and Maranaos), tinalak, yakan cloth and others, were designed into high fashion gowns, casual wear and jazzed up apparel.

Local Government Unit-Gensan organized and sponsored the show, which was also a venue for gathering the buyers and sellers for a dinner. Talks about orders and products ensued.

The foreign guests were treated to a tour to Lake Sebu, an agri-cultural destination in South Cotabato.

Mountain resorts by the lake, boating, the seven falls, T'boli Museum, cultural performances as well as visit to certain agri-production areas are among the come-ons of the province.

A side trip to the events highlighting the 4th T'nalak Festival was also offered -- visit to the rows of bahay kubo featuring the different municipalities'
One Town One Products, among others.

DTI Undersecretary Carissa Cruz and DTI-12 Regional Director Ibrahim K. Guiamadel were toured by South Cotabato Governor Daisy Avance Fuentes to the different kubos.

A total of six seminars/training programs were also conducted during the duration of the event to enhance the capability of the SMEs in the area and make them more competitive in the market.

These include seminar of financing programs (Small Business Guarantee Fund Corp., EU Funding Windows and National Livelihood Support Fund); Applying for Organics Certification and Market Opportunities for Organics Products; Potential Export Channels for Value Added Marine Food Product, Challenges and Improvements and; Seminar on ISO 22000:Food Safety Management System.

Yamang Mindanao is organized by the Department of Trade & Industry 12, Small and Medium Enterprise Development - General Santos City, Advocates for Philippine Fair Trade, General Santos City Local Government Unit and the Department of Tourism 12.

^^ Maganda naman pala ang Aerial view ng Zamboanga. :D

If SM is going to build a mall in ZC, it would be very good for the city's image, that, somehow, long-term and big investments by outsiders can be safe and prosperous there. But how about the persistent rumors that the city government is under pressure from local merchants not to allow retail chains to enter the city and compete with them? Haven't you noticed that even gaisano is not in ZC, even though they are all over Mindanao, even in smaller cities?

They should be open for more opportunities, because I believe Zamboanga can be very fast in development if its more open :D

^^ Maganda naman pala ang Aerial view ng Zamboanga. :D

Yeah! Zambo is expanding by leaps and bounce..... :dance:

They should be open for more opportunities, because I believe Zamboanga can be very fast in development if its more open :D

The city government of Zambo specially the mayor has and continued to rally to invite BIG outside investments for Zambo.... If more outside investments comes in for zambo it would benefit not only the local economic status of zamboanga, it would also be a big opportunity for the people as well, because it could generate thousands of jobs for the populace w/c is growing to fast...... In Mindanao, Zamboanga ranks 2nd to Davao in terms of population....

Zambo tops call center applicant-passers

ZAMBOANGA City has registered the highest passing rate of call center applicants based on the latest interview that was conducted by an American call center company, even as the first batch of the near-hires complete their 100-hour training this week.

Of the 140 applicants, 48 passed the interviews conducted orally and by phone by G-Com Ltd. (Asia Pacific) from July 29 to August 1, representing a passing rate of 34 percent.

A labor official disclosed that the city's passing rate is higher than the recorded national passing rate nationwide at five percent and their record in Davao at 12 percent.


This high acceptance rate increased the number of Zamboanga residents' as call center agents and firmed up G-Com decision to set up a call center in this city, which management said would require at least 600 square meters of space, initially, to house some 150 seats.

G-Com is eyeing to have their branch in this city operational by November of this year.

The American-owned company, which has its base in Davao City, will have an initial 450 employees once it will start its operation here.

Zambo tops call center applicant-passers

ZAMBOANGA City has registered the highest passing rate of call center applicants based on the latest interview that was conducted by an American call center company, even as the first batch of the near-hires complete their 100-hour training this week.

Of the 140 applicants, 48 passed the interviews conducted orally and by phone by G-Com Ltd. (Asia Pacific) from July 29 to August 1, representing a passing rate of 34 percent.

A labor official disclosed that the city's passing rate is higher than the recorded national passing rate nationwide at five percent and their record in Davao at 12 percent.


This high acceptance rate increased the number of Zamboanga residents' as call center agents and firmed up G-Com decision to set up a call center in this city, which management said would require at least 600 square meters of space, initially, to house some 150 seats.

G-Com is eyeing to have their branch in this city operational by November of this year.

The American-owned company, which has its base in Davao City, will have an initial 450 employees once it will start its operation here.

Call centers are good providers of jobs; in fact they offer higher compensation than other industries; however they are very selective because of the very nature of the job (english proficiency, IT literacy, tolerance to stress). In fact, only 5% or less of the applicants are taken in; then there is a high turn-over. The government should train its efforts on other job opportunities as well; those that require less skills, so that the thousands of drop-outs, even graduates who couldn't found regular and decent jobs, can fit it in. I think that job provision is the most important reponsibility of the government (not providing jobs directly but giving the private sector the necessary environment in which they can create jobs (like strong infrastructure, consistent business and investment policies, protection of capital, opening up to foreign investment (I dare say), and of course peace and security).

^^ I have to agree.

And I think more call centers will give Zambo its much needed image boost.

The city government of Zambo specially the mayor has and continued to rally to invite BIG outside investments for Zambo.... If more outside investments comes in for zambo it would benefit not only the local economic status of zamboanga, it would also be a big opportunity for the people as well, because it could generate thousands of jobs for the populace w/c is growing to fast...... In Mindanao, Zamboanga ranks 2nd to Davao in terms of population....

I even expected Zambo to be the premiere place in Mindanao. It has a bright future. Just get rid of the bad people.

Zambo has it all. The proximity to Malaysia. The open waters. Its hybrid mix of peoples. It has all.

^^ And as an old city, it deserves to be contested against Cebu.

Not to be outdone. Padayon Orgullo de Mindanao! Zambonga muchas Hermosas!

^^ I have to agree.

And I think more call centers will give Zambo its much needed image boost.

More call centers, Image booster for Zambo, Job oppurtunities for Zambo :bow:

^^ Ate, do you know Universidad De Zamboanga? My friend works there as an instructor.

I even expected Zambo to be the premiere place in Mindanao. It has a bright future. Just get rid of the bad people.

Zambo has it all. The proximity to Malaysia. The open waters. Its hybrid mix of peoples. It has all.


Your right Ady001, Zambo has a bright future ahead, Why? because it has a lot to offer, the people, the dialect, the culture and more so its its proximity to our asean brothers, its close bonding tie with spain.... a lot to mention.... As for the bad people, wherever we go in this lifetime, they will always be there, no matter where we are, no matter what place wherein, We simply have to move on, whether they like it or not.... Zambo will move on....... :cheers1:

^^ Ate, do you know Universidad De Zamboanga? My friend works there as an instructor.

yeah i know Universidad de Zambo... What department?

She's working for General Math. She graduated also from there.

Please PM me te. Gotta log out na.

She's working for General Math. She graduated also from there.

Please PM me te. Gotta log out na.


Ah Ok, If Math, either sa City Campus na sya naga teach or sa Main campus sa tetuan, either of the two lang... UZ kasi has 6 campuses...

MAIN CAMPUS
http://www.uz.edu.ph/uz_web/inside/main/main_vic.jpg

CITY CAMPUS
http://www.uz.edu.ph/uz_web/inside/city/city_vic.jpg

^^ And as an old city, it deserves to be contested against Cebu.

Not to be outdone. Padayon Orgullo de Mindanao! Zambonga muchas Hermosas!


Yup zambo is one of the old cities in the philippines, but it could not be contested with Cebu, because Cebu city did not experience what Zamboanga city experienced in the past.... but as what ive said, life has to go and Zambo has to go on.... They cannot stop progress this time around..... Its long time overdue for zambo already....

Zamboanga City is the proud city, which got the highest vote among participants (local civil registrars) in a survey on their preference of venue where the 3rd National Workshop on Civil Registration (NWCR) will be held.

The 3-day national activity kicks off today, Aug. 8 and will end on the 10th.

NSO Administrator and Civil Registrar General Carmelita N. Ericta in a press conference when ask why Zamboanga City was chosen as the venue, said “Because Zamboanga City is a city of flowers, beautiful people and colorful vintas.”

The lady administrator confirmed that more than a thousand participants from all over the country are expected to arrive in Zamboanga City to attend the said workshop held at the Garden Orchid Convention Center.

Workshop participants include city/municipal civil registrars and staff, mayors, vice mayors and other city/municipal government officials, local civil registry office staff, barangay officials, medical and health officers and solemnizing officers.

The 3rd NWCR is anchored on the objectives of continually educating the participants particularly the civil registration agents; to inform them of updates and new developments; and to discuss issues and concerns about civil registration system in the country. It is also an occasion for recognizing outstanding performance of local civil registry offices at the national and regional levels.

The theme for the 3rd NWCR is “Civil Registration: Our Responsibility.”

Zambo City Mayor Celso Lobregat is expected to deliver his welcome remarks during the brief opening ceremony.

Activities lined-up for the three-day workshop include the sharing of experiences in civil registration by a mayor, a medical records clerk, a municipal health officer and a barangay secretary.

Topics for paper presentations during the break-up sessions are on amended birth certificates, supplemental report and annotations; the Clerical Error Law (RA 9048) and the law that allows an illegitimate child to use his father’s surname (RA 9255); and procedures on delayed registration and out-of-town reporting of events.

The National Workshop on Civil Registration is the third in a row of national workshops organized by the National Statistics Office and is being held every two years. The first one was undertaken in 2002 at Subic, Zambales and in Puerto Princesa, Palawan in 2004.

Let's win business ventures in 15th Minbiscon: organizers


"LET'S make a great show of our fabled Zamboanga hospitality for the 1,000 guests to the 15th Mindanao Business Conference (Minbizcon) in this city on August 31-September 2, 2006."

This is the appeal of Minbizcon Director Teresita Sebastian to the different sectors and all residents of the city, as preparations for the foremost annual conference among business leaders of Mindanao go into high gear this week.

Sebastian is a regional governor of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), which organizes the convention through the Mindanao Business Council (MBC). She is also concurrently vice-chairman of the MBC.

Mayor Celso Lobregat said the city, as a major sponsor of the event and host local government, will roll out the royal carpet to ensure the success of the event. He said the City Government has mobilized all law enforcement agencies in the city to ensure the safety and security of the participants and guests.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has been invited, although Malacanang has yet to confirm her attendance, Sebastian said.

For the first time, too, the BIMP-Eaga Business Council (BEBC) and the PCCI executive committees will hold joint consultations and meetings during the convention, with the prospect of turning it into watershed event in the 15-year attempt to max up the level of economic interaction between the neighboring provinces of Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei and the Philippines.

Sebastian said among the things local residents can do for the Minbizcon is to "clean and green" and improve the sanitation conditions of the city. She is also requesting hotels and pension houses to spruce up their premises like giving them a fresh coat of paint and putting out their better or new linens.

She said, too, that taxi, jeepney, and tricycle drivers should keep their vehicles clean and good running condition and their persons well-groomed as a matter of basic courtesy to the participants and guests. She also invited schools offering business courses to send their students to the convention as observers or participants or to assist the organizers.

Moreover, Sebastian is requesting the media to help disseminate information about the Minbizcon, especially to appeal for the cooperation and support of the city's residents and concerned government and non-government organizations. She suggested that news reports about violence happening in the city and nearby provinces at this time should be toned down or, at least, presented in their proper perspectives in terms of the incidents' geographical location, and their effects to community well-being and impact to the security and safety of residents and visitors.

She noted, for instance, that most of the fighting whenever they occur between the military and terrorist or rebel groups was in far-away locations like Jolo and Maguindanao. But, the media reports about these are datelined in Zamboanga City because the news information usually comes from the Southern Command based in the city.

This datelining practice gives the impression to most newspaper readers or broadcast audiences elsewhere that the city is involved or suffers from the disturbances although the situation in the city itself is in fact peaceful most of the time, Sebastian pointed out.

She emphasized that the city stands to benefit much from the event in terms of prospective business investments and networking, tourism, future infrastructures and modernized communication facilities, and as a major hub of BIMP-EAGA.

Already, she pointed out, Zamboanga benefits considerably from its seaborne trade with Sabah yet far greater possibilities wait to be tapped with the rest of the BIMP-EAGA provinces. The private business sector, she said, bears the main responsibility of translating these prospects into pesos-and-cents benefits. Meetings like the Minbizcon are the face-to-face fora at which they negotiate or pave the way for greater cooperation or entering into joint ventures and new projects.

Top entrepreneurs of the country like Dr. Lucio Tan and Joey Concepcion, among several others, will come to give talks and their advice to Mindanao's and BIMP-EAGA businessmen. US embassy commercial counselor Judy Reinke will be among the other business executives from the United States, Canada, Australia and other Western nations who are also expected to come, Sebastian disclosed. Dr. Tan will be honored by City Hall as "Adopted Entrepreneur of Zamboanga City" during his visit.

"If Zamboanga is to be the economic champion of Mindanao and BIMP-EAGA, let's win this 15th Minbizcon round and maintain that winning streak in the years ahead," Sebastian said in rallying local residents to give their support to the event.

http://gallery.adzu.edu.ph/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=32174&g2_serialNumber=2

http://gallery.adzu.edu.ph/main.php?g2_view=core.DownloadItem&g2_itemId=4062&g2_serialNumber=2

By the way, is it true that you call your downtown as Pueblo?

Call centers are good providers of jobs; in fact they offer higher compensation than other industries; however they are very selective because of the very nature of the job (english proficiency, IT literacy, tolerance to stress). In fact, only 5% or less of the applicants are taken in; then there is a high turn-over. The government should train its efforts on other job opportunities as well; those that require less skills, so that the thousands of drop-outs, even graduates who couldn't found regular and decent jobs, can fit it in. I think that job provision is the most important reponsibility of the government (not providing jobs directly but giving the private sector the necessary environment in which they can create jobs (like strong infrastructure, consistent business and investment policies, protection of capital, opening up to foreign investment (I dare say), and of course peace and security).

Well Said Man!!! I would say I Agree..... Lets drink to that

By the way, is it true that you call your downtown as Pueblo?


Yup We call the downtown area as "Pueblo" w/c means town in spanish and the local dialect chavacano.

City set to wow Minbizon visitors with tour attractions

THE Committee on Tours of the 15th Mindanao Business Conference (Minbizcon) has prepared a sizzling pack of activities included in organized tours for the delegates who will attend the business confab here from August 30 to September 2, 2006.

Tourism Regional Director Ricardo San Juan said participants will surely experience the spell-binding beauty of the city, as they tour around Zamboanga's scenic places, which include nature and industrial sorties.

Lobregat said the package tour will start from the delegates' arrivals whether at the airport or wharf for sea travelers. They will be welcomed by cultural dances performed by students from different universities and colleges in the city.

Based on the itinerary, the delegates will visit and learn about the historic background of the Zamboanga's City Hall, which was the seat of the colonial government of the United States in the early 1900s when Zamboanga city was the capital of practically the entire Mindanao.

The delegates will also visit the city's National Museum and Fort Pilar, where they will be exposed to the rich ethnic culture of both Zamboangueño and the Muslim natives in the Zamboanga Peninsula.

They will also experience the rich biodiversity of city as they tour in Pasonanca Natural Park as part of the Nature Tour. The delegates will then get a view of the 58-hectare park in an area elevated 500 feet above sea level. The tour includes a sneak visit to Lepeng Wee's mountain resort, which is astounding with its different birds, dog kennel, and other wildlife collections.

For shopping, visitors will be led to the Yakan Weaving Village, where they will not only crave to buy the finish products but will also have the chance to learn how to weave in the traditional way, San Juan said.

Mosphil Aero sets maiden flight to Mindanao by end August

While key players of the tourism industry in Mindanao are struggling to attract tourists by promoting the island to the BIMP EAGA region, an airline company picks up that call by launching its maiden flight before the end of this month.

The Mindanao Business Council (MinBC) in a statement disclosed that Mosphil Aero, Incorporated is eyeing to launch its Zamboanga-Sandakan-Kota-Kinabalu route on August 30 in time for the opening of the 15th Mindanao Business Conference (Minbizon) in Zamboanga City.

The Russian- and Filipino-owned airline's top officials told Department of Tourism (DOT IX) regional director Ricardo San Juan that they are now in the final stage of getting the green light from the Air Transportation Office (ATO) and permits from the Civil Aviation Board (CAB) to service the delegates from Malaysia who will attend the Minbizon.

It was learned that the Mosphil Aero's maiden flight should have been on the first week of September but was moved earlier to cater to Malaysian participants and some businessmen from Indonesia who will be joining the three days conference.

The airline officials already conducted an ocular visit to the city and had meetings with officials of the different regional government agencies and local businessmen.

San Juan said no less than Mosphil Aero president Ibrahim Sharifkulov personally announced their intention to revive the route after the South Phoenix terminated their operation last year.

San Juan said the airline president is keen in opening the route because of the high passenger traffic as indicated in the company's feasibility studies.

The Sandakan-Kota-Kinabalu route will fly at least three times a week and will use the latest Russia-made Antonov 24, a medium size aircraft with 48 seats that has also a capacity to load at least five tons of cargoes.

The press statement likewise stated that as part of the technology transfer program of the company, the Russian crew will initially man the aircraft while the Filipino pilots are still undergoing training at the Antonov Training Center in Kiev, Ukraine.

The airline officials also showed interests in servicing the provinces of Jolo, Tawi-Tawi and Davao City.

The MinBC had been pushing for the opening of more domestic and international air links that is vital in accelerating economic activities and the promotion of tourism.

MinBC vice chair and regional governor of the Zamboanga Peninsula Philippine Chamber of Commerce Teresita Sebastian said that airline investment in Mindanao is an ideal venture because of the increasing number of domestic and foreign tourists and investors along the region.

http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/4767/2035/320/IMG_1211.jpg

Go Zamboanga! Hopefully SM opens there soon!

Atencion por los amigos y amigas de Ciudad de Zamboanga:

Some call centers (like PeopleSupport here) are already searching/recruiting Spanish-speaking agents here in the Philippines.

Although Chavacano may be different from the original Spanish language but it is already an advantage to learn Spanish and be part of the BPO industry.

Zamboanga is a big pool of talented human resource. I believe it'll rise along with other cities outside the cabisera.

http://www.zamboangacity.com/zamboangacity_gallery/images/zamboanga%20airport%202.jpg



THIS AIRPORT WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT IN ZAMBOANGA.

Will this project push through or is it just a schematic proposal?

Go Zamboanga! Hopefully SM opens there soon!

I hope so too... Its just a matter of time. The potential market in Zambo is huge enough for sm to engage business in this city, and I do belive zambo has what it takes to be a competitive city... Zambo just have to take it one step at a time... kung sa visayan pa " hinay hinay basta kanunay" :carrot:

Will this project push through or is it just a schematic proposal?

This project will push through its just awaiting funding, the last time i was there, a group from manila was there to see the place where the proposed airport will be transfered, the city government of zambo has been pursuing this project to decongest the the cities ailing traffic problem..... I'll keep you guys posted for any development... :soon:

Atencion por los amigos y amigas de Ciudad de Zamboanga:

Some call centers (like PeopleSupport here) are already searching/recruiting Spanish-speaking agents here in the Philippines.

Although Chavacano may be different from the original Spanish language but it is already an advantage to learn Spanish and be part of the BPO industry.

Zamboanga is a big pool of talented human resource. I believe it'll rise along with other cities outside the cabisera.

Muchas Gracias! for the info, I'll tell my friends about it... :nocrook:

This project will push through its just awaiting funding, the last time i was there, a group from manila was there to see the place where the proposed airport will be transfered, the city government of zambo has been pursuing this project to decongest the the cities ailing traffic problem..... I'll keep you guys posted for any development... :soon:

Thanks...based on its aerial perspective, I see the terminal may accomodate 5 jet planes simultaneously, bigger than Davao Int'l Airport with 4. :runaway:

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

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

tnx

Mosphil Aero sets maiden flight to Mindanao by end August

Davao City (11 August) -- While key players of the tourism industry in Mindanao are struggling to attract tourists by promoting the island to the BIMP EAGA region, an airline company picks up that call by launching its maiden flight before the end of this month.

The Mindanao Business Council (MinBC) in a statement disclosed that Mosphil Aero, Incorporated is eyeing to launch its Zamboanga-Sandakan-Kota-Kinabalu route on August 30 in time for the opening of the 15th Mindanao Business Conference (Minbizon) in Zamboanga City.

The Russian- and Filipino-owned airline's top officials told Department of Tourism (DOT IX) regional director Ricardo San Juan that they are now in the final stage of getting the green light from the Air Transportation Office (ATO) and permits from the Civil Aviation Board (CAB) to service the delegates from Malaysia who will attend the Minbizon.

It was learned that the Mosphil Aero's maiden flight should have been on the first week of September but was moved earlier to cater to Malaysian participants and some businessmen from Indonesia who will be joining the three days conference.

The airline officials already conducted an ocular visit to the city and had meetings with officials of the different regional government agencies and local businessmen.

San Juan said no less than Mosphil Aero president Ibrahim Sharifkulov personally announced their intention to revive the route after the South Phoenix terminated their operation last year.

San Juan said the airline president is keen in opening the route because of the high passenger traffic as indicated in the company's feasibility studies.

The Sandakan-Kota-Kinabalu route will fly at least three times a week and will use the latest Russia-made Antonov 24, a medium size aircraft with 48 seats that has also a capacity to load at least five tons of cargoes.

The press statement likewise stated that as part of the technology transfer program of the company, the Russian crew will initially man the aircraft while the Filipino pilots are still undergoing training at the Antonov Training Center in Kiev, Ukraine.

The airline officials also showed interests in servicing the provinces of Jolo, Tawi-Tawi and Davao City.

The MinBC had been pushing for the opening of more domestic and international air links that is vital in accelerating economic activities and the promotion of tourism.

MinBC vice chair and regional governor of the Zamboanga Peninsula Philippine Chamber of Commerce Teresita Sebastian said that airline investment in Mindanao is an ideal venture because of the increasing number of domestic and foreign tourists and investors along the region.


ayos zamboanga... go mindanao!

^^ And the plus fact that Chavacano-speakers only need to tweak some of the verbs may make Zamboanga into a spanish-speaking call-center hub!

Mosphil Aero sets maiden flight to Mindanao by end August

Davao City (11 August) -- While key players of the tourism industry in Mindanao are struggling to attract tourists by promoting the island to the BIMP EAGA region, an airline company picks up that call by launching its maiden flight before the end of this month.

The Mindanao Business Council (MinBC) in a statement disclosed that Mosphil Aero, Incorporated is eyeing to launch its Zamboanga-Sandakan-Kota-Kinabalu route on August 30 in time for the opening of the 15th Mindanao Business Conference (Minbizon) in Zamboanga City.

The Russian- and Filipino-owned airline's top officials told Department of Tourism (DOT IX) regional director Ricardo San Juan that they are now in the final stage of getting the green light from the Air Transportation Office (ATO) and permits from the Civil Aviation Board (CAB) to service the delegates from Malaysia who will attend the Minbizon.

It was learned that the Mosphil Aero's maiden flight should have been on the first week of September but was moved earlier to cater to Malaysian participants and some businessmen from Indonesia who will be joining the three days conference.

The airline officials already conducted an ocular visit to the city and had meetings with officials of the different regional government agencies and local businessmen.

San Juan said no less than Mosphil Aero president Ibrahim Sharifkulov personally announced their intention to revive the route after the South Phoenix terminated their operation last year.

San Juan said the airline president is keen in opening the route because of the high passenger traffic as indicated in the company's feasibility studies.

The Sandakan-Kota-Kinabalu route will fly at least three times a week and will use the latest Russia-made Antonov 24, a medium size aircraft with 48 seats that has also a capacity to load at least five tons of cargoes.

The press statement likewise stated that as part of the technology transfer program of the company, the Russian crew will initially man the aircraft while the Filipino pilots are still undergoing training at the Antonov Training Center in Kiev, Ukraine.

The airline officials also showed interests in servicing the provinces of Jolo, Tawi-Tawi and Davao City.

The MinBC had been pushing for the opening of more domestic and international air links that is vital in accelerating economic activities and the promotion of tourism.

MinBC vice chair and regional governor of the Zamboanga Peninsula Philippine Chamber of Commerce Teresita Sebastian said that airline investment in Mindanao is an ideal venture because of the increasing number of domestic and foreign tourists and investors along the region.


ayos zamboanga... go mindanao!


The flight opened by Mosphil Aero will really help zambo boost its tourism potential.... I really have faith in all cities in Mindanao.. All has its own potential to be big, I say this because, inspite of the bad images mindanao has been getting from irresponsible press releases, still the different cities in it has manage to move on. Been to the cities of Dipolog, Dapitan, Pagadian, Ozamiz, Oroqueta, Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, Malaybalay and Davao this summer and all i can say is WOW MINDANAO has really gone far and still moving forward.... GO GO MIndanao!!!!! I'm Proud to be from Mindanao!!!! :)

^^ And the plus fact that Chavacano-speakers only need to tweak some of the verbs may make Zamboanga into a spanish-speaking call-center hub!

Bitaw its a plus factor jud :) :) :)

And maybe Zamboanga needs to upgrade some facilities to make it more of a city feel, di ba ate windlady?

THE CITY OF FLOWERS " ZAMBOANGA CITY"


Quetal Ustedes? From the moment you hear those lifting words, you realize it’s true. Here indeed is a quaint pocket of history torn from mainland Spain. A place unlike any other in the Philippines.
While Spain’s three-century reign left its indelible imprint on the country, nowhere was its legacy perhaps so concentrated and embedded than in Zamboanga, which took for its native tongue, Chavacano, the delightful mix of 60% Español and 40% native dialects.
There is more to Zamboanga than this. As far back as the 13th and 14th centuries, it was already a trading center with a vibrant culture of its own, emblazoned against the horizon in the vivid colors of the native vinta sails that fluttered gaily off its shores.
And when the Castillan flag of Spain first appeared in the horizon off Caldera Bay (now Recodo) in 1593, Zamboanga opened another epoch in its colorful heritage, one that would leave a legacy so rooted that from it would spring much of the city’s romance and allure.
The best recuerdo of la presencia de España in Zamboanga was and remains to be the Fort Pilar, the coastal garrison built in 1635 around which the city first grew.
In time, it became a shrine to Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Zaragoza, especially after miracles that are now part of legends and Zamboanga folklore.
It was in Zamboanga that Christianity gained a foothold in Mindanao. The Archdiocese of Zamboanga covered all of Mindanao, except Sulu where Islam and the Tausug culture proved every bit as dynamic as Spain’s influence.

Zamboanga City is located on the tip of the Zamboanga peninsula on the bottom of Mindanao island in southern Philippines. It has about 142,000 hectares of sloping terrain from a surrounding shoreline of coral beaches to mineral-rich mountains in the center of the peninsula.
Zamboanga City has at least 25 island communities and 98 villages called barangays. The city has more than 600,000 people.
Chavacano is the dominant language in Zamboanga City. Other dialects like Bisaya and the Muslim vernaculars are also spoken in certain communities in the city. The locals are friendly and can speak English. Zamboanga is famous for its fresh seafoods, and crabs called Curachas.
The food is considered as one of the best in the country. And the exotic Muslim food is similarly popular because of its traditional hot spices and herbs use in cooking.

Zamboanga City enjoys a location that is free from the typhoon belt area. March to May is hot and dry, with temperature at 22 degrees Celsius. June to October is rainy. November to February is cool, with temperatures ranging from 22 degrees Celsius to 28 degrees Celsius. Average humidity year-round is 77%.

Zamboanga is one of the centers of Western Mindanao for commerce and trade, government and finance, transportation and communication.
It has an international airport, a huge sea port area, and the Zamboanga Freeport and Economic Zone Authority. It is known as the "Sardine" capital of the Philippines because most of the sardine and canning factories are situated in Zamboanga City.
It has been involved in the export of marine and aquaculture products, fruits, processed food, furniture and wood products, and many more.
There are dozens of good hotels and inns in Zamboanga City. Internet shops are many and telecommunication is not a problem. Transportation is easy around Zamboanga with motorcycle taxis and jeeps all over.[/COLOR]

And maybe Zamboanga needs to upgrade some facilities to make it more of a city feel, di ba ate windlady?

Uhuh, Dats what its doing now trying to catch up what it left behind.. :cheer: :cheer: :cheer:

^^ Just a question. Can you post pics of Mindpro, Yubengco and the Golden Bell there ate? I haven't seen those kinds of structures before.

how's the city now after the transfer of the regional seat to Pagadian?

I wonder why the government made this move considering the ideal location of Zamboanga City.

Could anyone give us an update on this issue?

^^ Just a question. Can you post pics of Mindpro, Yubengco and the Golden Bell there ate? I haven't seen those kinds of structures before.

I'll not promise Ady001 ha, I'll try my best to get hold of any pictures of the above mention structures, once i'll get hold of it i'll post it right away okies..... :colgate:

how's the city now after the transfer of the regional seat to Pagadian?

I wonder why the government made this move considering the ideal location of Zamboanga City.

Could anyone give us an update on this issue?

The City's doing fine, the transfer of regional offices to pagadian city did not push thru, though i gues dep ed was the only office to transfer to pagadian if I'm not mistaken... besides for me its a waste of time and money to transfer established regional offices from one city to another,its basically politics again because zamboanga city is a known stronghold of the opposition. maybe thats why the government is doing this and that....lols!!!! walang magawa sa life :bash:

thats good windlady...

I think our good congressman in Zamboanga should now pass a law that would solidify this city's role and in the process make it immune from the automatic presidential decrees from the Office of the President...

any change shall have to be grilled by the houses...

Zamboanga posts 5%-increase in tourist arrivals

Zamboanga City (14 August) -- A five percent (5%) increase in tourist arrivals in Zamboanga City was noted during the first semester of this year, this according to the Department of Tourism (DOT) regional office no. 9.

Malaysian nationals visited Zamboanga Peninsula most from January to June this year, reported Tourism Region 9 Director Ricardo San Juan. This, he said, is due to the Philippine-Malaysia linkage with Zamboanga City as the entry point.

Other nationals that visited region 9 during the first six months of this year were Koreans and Japanese.

The list is based on reports submitted by hotel owners and tourism officers in the region.

The years 2004 and 2005 also registered an increase in tourist arrivals in the region, a good show compared to the previous years when Zamboanga Peninsula specially Zamboanga City was rocked by a number of bomb attacks.

thats good windlady...

I think our good congressman in Zamboanga should now pass a law that would solidify this city's role and in the process make it immune from the automatic presidential decrees from the Office of the President...

any change shall have to be grilled by the houses...


Thats a very good idea boybleauXx, I totally agree... I hope our congressman w/c will be 2 in number by 2007 because zambo will have two districts by then, will consider passing a bill in the lower house like what you've mention boybleauXx :cheer: :cheer: :cheer:

Presidential Decrees have their long term effects especially during the Mindanao Reallignment Of regions during the pre martial rule Marcos centrocentric era.

Butuan was once on a losing end of this decree when all vital regional administrative and economic focus was then around Cagayan de Oro...then after 26 years a Republic Act was made by the lawmakers from the provinces that currently comprise the CARAGA Region to break free forming a separate region and re-establish Butuan as their regional capital.

I guess this was also the case between Naga and Legaspi.

Presidential Decrees have their long term effects especially during the Mindanao Reallignment Of regions during the pre martial rule Marcos centrocentric era.

Butuan was once on a losing end of this decree when all vital regional administrative and economic focus was then around Cagayan de Oro...then after 26 years a Republic Act was made by the lawmakers from the provinces that currently comprise the CARAGA Region to break free forming a separate region and re-establish Butuan as their regional capital.

I guess this was also the case between Naga and Legaspi.


Thats good to hear at atleast the city of Butuan is now a booming city, its very nice to hear cities in the philippines progressing inspite of the fact of the bad image the philippines has been getting in terms of its political structure... I hope that all cities in mindanao will be united as one in helping uplift mindanao in its present status... sad to say last tayo sa lahat puro nalang luzon and visayas... lols They just have to watch and see... Mindanaoans are Booming this time around d na tayo uurong...... Go Go Mindanao!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :dance:

ONE MINDANAO.....MINDANOW!!!!

Worst Oil Spill in Philippine History hits Western Visayas!

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=9647981#post9647981

Transfering the regional office should be one of the least priorities of this government. Zamboanga is nationally recognized & being such should be the capital of its region. Good to see the vibrancy of Zamboanga's economy.

Transfering the regional office should be one of the least priorities of this government. Zamboanga is nationally recognized & being such should be the capital of its region. Good to see the vibrancy of Zamboanga's economy.

Its really a bad idea, waste of peoples time and money.... :ohno: :gaah:

Frio - Alpha Music's Latest Band Discovery

Title: Frio
Artist: Frio
Label: Alpha Records
Released: 2006
Number of Tracks: 10

Track Listing
01. Alive
02. Breathe
03. Himig
04. Could Have Been
05. E
06. Nasa'n Ka Na?
07. Why?
08. Let Him Go
09. Baby
10. Parapa


The local music scene is hot nowadays because of the resurgence of talented bands. Now, it will sizzle even more as young band Frio joins the highly competitive music scene.

The music of Frio can be classified under pop-alternative genre and is unmonochromatic with a variety of melodies and arrangements somehow united in conveying messages of love, truth, hope, desperation and at some point humor. The band showcases three main vocal talents in which these three voices blended at several points in the album, bring about a new and radical experience in Filipino music with which Frio uniquely provides.

Frio is composed of 8 members namely Alain Echem (vocals), Christopher Sison (vocals), Sheila Taup (vocals), Archie Urn (lead guitar), Christian Quiambao (rhythm guitar), Tristan Climaco (keyboards), Raz Itum (bass) and Marvin Salazar (drums). They have just released their self-titled debut album under Alpha Music.

All of the ten songs in the album blend well with today's hit songs beginning with the carrier single "Alive." A love ditty, the song is about the cry of a man who seeks to be loved and embraced for what he is. It is now gaining significant airplays from top FM stations in Manila and nearby provinces.

Frio started as a small campus band in Zamboanga City. Formed through high school friendship, the band initially played at school events and special functions. Soon after, the band started to play at small bars and was eventually noted by a local radio station and was requested to play at campus tours in several schools in Zamboanga City. They also joined and won several band competitions including a city band championship for the year 2004 and a runner-up for the SMB Jinggaling Contest Regional Finals. From then on, Frio was offered regular gigs from local entertainment bars and became known in the city's music scenery which led it to play as front act for popular artists. Frio took their music to a higher lever by making original compositions six of which were initially recorded at Cagayan de Oro City. Now, the band with the help and support of family and friends, ventured on to Manila to become a part of the local music scene.

Having eight members in the band is not a problem to this talent-laden group. Frio finds it more of an advantage, not to mention having three main vocalists each of which has his/her own forte. The group believes that it is not the number of the members that really matters. It's the contribution and definition of each member's role to convert dreams into achievements and success that matter most.

Listen and be enthralled with the music of Frio as they sing songs from the album (now available in CD format) such as "Nasan Ka Na," "E," "Himig," "Breathe," "Parapa," "Baby," "Could Have Been," "Let Him Go" and "Why."

Catch Frio on a series of mall show which will kick off on July 09 (Sunday) at SM Bicutan, July 12 (Wednesday) at SM Mall of Asia, July-14 (Friday) at Robinsons Galleria, July 16 (Sunday) at SM Valenzuela, July 22 (Saturday) at Robinsons Imus, July 23 (Sunday) at SM Sta. Mesa, July 29 (Saturday) at SM Southmall, July 30 (Sunday) at Robinsons Metroeast, August 05 (Saturday) at SM Sucat, August 13 (Sunday) at SM
Pampanga, August 18 (Friday) at Robinsons Novaliches, August 19 (Saturday) at Robinsons Angeles, August 26 (Saturday) at SM Bacoor and on October 27 (Friday) at Robinsons Manila.


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Lets Support our Local Bands, especially coming from Mindanao.. Support Frio.. Go Zambo!!!!!!!! Go Mindanao!!!!!!!

The City's doing fine, the transfer of regional offices to pagadian city did not push thru, though i gues dep ed was the only office to transfer to pagadian if I'm not mistaken... besides for me its a waste of time and money to transfer established regional offices from one city to another,its basically politics again because zamboanga city is a known stronghold of the opposition. maybe thats why the government is doing this and that....lols!!!! walang magawa sa life :bash:

It's not only a waste of time, but it's also proves that there are some people who are "sipsip" to the government.

^^ I heard Frio from my friend there in Zamboanga. They might become new exports of our pop-music generation!

Zamboanga posts 5%-increase in tourist arrivals

Zamboanga City (14 August) -- A five percent (5%) increase in tourist arrivals in Zamboanga City was noted during the first semester of this year, this according to the Department of Tourism (DOT) regional office no. 9.

Malaysian nationals visited Zamboanga Peninsula most from January to June this year, reported Tourism Region 9 Director Ricardo San Juan. This, he said, is due to the Philippine-Malaysia linkage with Zamboanga City as the entry point.

Other nationals that visited region 9 during the first six months of this year were Koreans and Japanese.

The list is based on reports submitted by hotel owners and tourism officers in the region.

The years 2004 and 2005 also registered an increase in tourist arrivals in the region, a good show compared to the previous years when Zamboanga Peninsula specially Zamboanga City was rocked by a number of bomb attacks.

This is good for the image of the city. But it should be very agressive in telling foreigners that Zamboanga is a progressive, peaceful city, not some terrorist haven.

It's not only a waste of time, but it's also proves that there are some people who are "sipsip" to the government.

Very sipsip gyud Ady001, Kasi they know zambo is a known stronghold of the opposition eh kaya ganun yung treatment...

^^ I heard Frio from my friend there in Zamboanga. They might become new exports of our pop-music generation!

The Band is talented no doubt about that, I hope and pray they will make more music pa and gain more acceptance from all over.... Kaya tayo from Mindanao will have to really support our homegrown bands and the rest will follow... dapat tayo muna... Go Zambo Go Mindanao!!!!!!!!!! :dance:

This is good for the image of the city. But it should be very agressive in telling foreigners that Zamboanga is a progressive, peaceful city, not some terrorist haven.

Yup I definitely agree Ady001, that is what the city government of Zambo has been doing eversince the late Mayor Maria Clara Lobregat till the present administration... repackging the image of Zambo and happy to say its gaining grounds na little by little,just look at the cities in mindanao now adays, because in reality the fighting hapens in the remote areas of far flung mindanao islands not per se mindanao as a whole.... its the misperception kasi eh...

Winds, my friend pala also worked for a radio station there. I forgot the station heheeh...

Winds, my friend pala also worked for a radio station there. I forgot the station heheeh...

maybe KillerBee 95.5 cause sila man ata yung radio station nag battle of the bands dun, its a wild gues.... :clown:

are you based in zambo (windlady)? how is the road to bolong beach, is it nice and cemented now? how about the nunez extension road is it full of buildings now on both side of the road?

are you based in zambo (windlady)? how is the road to bolong beach, is it nice and cemented now? how about the nunez extension road is it full of buildings now on both side of the road?

Im not based in Zambo cruizer333444 but i went home last summer, the road going to bolong is cemented already, starting from the old guiwan bridge onwards, roads are widened also from 2 lanes before now 2 lanes to and 2 lanes going the opposite directions.... The maria Clara Lobregat Highway is very nyc... Regarding Nunez extension.. buildings are also being built there but its not yet full, there are still vacant spaces, say 75% full in my estimate.

thats great news (windlady). zamboanga really needs a new airport to complement with all the new roads, malls, and buildings in the city. i hope the city will get a new airport in the very near future . with the super region plans of the president maybe this time zambo will have a chance to get that new airport finally?

zamboanga on the rise!!! one mindanao..

anyway, can someone post pics of the U/C malls in zamboanga?

thats great news (windlady). zamboanga really needs a new airport to complement with all the new roads, malls, and buildings in the city. i hope the city will get a new airport in the very near future . with the super region plans of the president maybe this time zambo will have a chance to get that new airport finally?

I hope so to cruizer, we really need to relocate the airport ASAP,anyways the new IBT will either be placed in Divisoria, Boalan or Mercedes, the city is already negotiating for the purchase of the land at this time....

^^ 'te, quetal ya. Zamboanga also needs to have good hotels. Is the Lantaka good enough or do you need better hotels?

^^ 'te, quetal ya. Zamboanga also needs to have good hotels. Is the Lantaka good enough or do you need better hotels?

Lantaka is enough for now. Hotels in zambo are good, but if Zambo really wants to become a tourist destination it has to has known hotels with high end amenities, m not saying the amenities in the hotels in zambo are bad but what I meant are hotels like say Shangrila..... Maybe in the future, for now lets be contented what god want Zambo to have. :angel1: :angel1:

PPA South Mindanao holds 2006 district confab

Resolved to surpass corporate goals in operations and financial performance, the Philippine Ports Authority Port District Office-Southern Mindanao (PPA PDO-SoMin) senior staff set August 9 for its District Conference (DisCon).

"This is truly a rare meeting of the heads the Port Management Offices (PMOs) in Cotabato, Davao, General Santos and Zamboanga to rationalize inputs to port development," bared PDO-SoMin Port District Manager Abdussabor Sawadjaan.

Heading the PMO delegation are port managers Renato Tolinero (Cotabato), Atty. Christian Santillan (Davao), Manuel Albarracin (Gen. Santos) and Leonilo Miole (Zamboanga).

Among the highlights discussed are the updates of flagship infrastructure projects progressing on target.

With a total estimated cost of PhP 97 M, these cover the construction of pier structure at Mabila, Balut Island (PhP 43 M), 30-meter wharf extension of Basilan port (PhP 17 M), rehabilitation of Margosatubig, Zamboanga del Sur (PhP 20 M). And the refurbishing of pier, entrance gate and guardhouse, and installation of generator/powerhouse set at the Davao port (Ph P17 M).

The SoMin Port District, composed of Region-XI (Davao), Region-IX (Zamboanga Peninsula) and Region XII (SOCSKSARGEN), is actively gearing up for the 2010 vision of PPA to meet international standards in at least ten ports in terms of facilities and services.

SoMin District has since been keeping its ports abreast with client demands both domestic and international which are constantly changing and highly competitive.

Of the nationwide top ten priority baseports for development, three are in SoMin: Davao, General Santos and Zamboanga.

It would be recalled that PPA decentralized its organization through the creation of five port districts in 1988 (Southern Luzon, Northern Luzon, Visayas, Northern Mindanao and SoMin) unlike the traditional divisions or delegation of authority per region.

Such lean and mean hierarchy of the PPA organization, thus, requires regular consultation to bring development platforms and policies closer to the grassroots and to serve feedback mechanism of the national government.

In this vein, PPA has constantly lent its ear to attend to the issues of the countryside as each of the PMOs possess peculiar as well as complex management and operational concerns.

The need for convergence of PMO representatives is basically anchored in shared and mutual concerns in port operations, engineering services, security requirements, legal matters and human resource management.

Said priority engineering programs are in line with PPA's mandate to bolster growth of regional gateways and to spur economic development, trade and tourism through inter-island links.

Consolidated inputs and resolutions arising from the said meeting shall be raised to the Port Executives Conference (PEC) PPA Head Office in Manila scheduled August 16-18, 2006.

Another significant agenda is also the review of accomplishments for the first semester of 2006 vis-à-vis targets set for the period.

The District reportedly yielded a positive overall rating of 92.74 as against its semi-annual program projections, which shall be reassessed based on national targets during the PEC.

More pressing issues on real estate management, private ports regulations, marketing/licensing requirements, cargo handling/ancillary services, and the implications of the on-going PPA-wide computerization of port transactions will also be discussed.

Lobregat takes one step ahead to push progress

"I do not want to burden future mayors with the burden we are having now, that's why I'm doing things easier for the city."

Thus said Mayor Celso Lobregat during a consultation meeting on Vision and Strategy Formulation at the Garden Orchid Hotel yesterday.

Lobregat stressed that he is taking one step ahead in pushing further sustainable and long-term development for Zamboanga City.

The consultation meeting was participated by representatives from the different government agencies, non-government organizations and the business sector.

Lobregat bared his long-term economic and development programs, which would bring benefits to the city and its constituents with the technical assistance from the Cities Alliance Grant that formulates the City Development Strategies in the Philippines.

The mayor said that Zamboanga City being one and united has a lot of incentives and privileges in nurturing its progress towards the next millennium. Some of the advantages pointed out by the mayor during the whole-day meeting are that Zamboanga City is one of the oldest cities in Mindanao, the 3rd largest city in the country, the 6th largest city in terms of population, being the only city which speaks Chavacano, a Spanish influenced language, the only city with an intact watershed within the city, the only city with an Ecozone and Freeport at the same time, the sardines capital of the Philippines, the commercial, industrial, banking, educational, convention and sports center and the de facto government center in Region 9.

"Moving forward for a better and progressive Zamboanga is not through management style alone, but includes maximizing local revenue sources and collection in the city to generate more income and employ more advanced development," Lobregat said.

He explained that in the year 2000, local revenues reached only P208,239,500, but in 2006 up to the present after imposing stricter and more serious tax collection, it has increased to P326,392,000 and could reach P408,570,000 by year 2007. The other income of Zamboanga City comes from the subsidy of the national government through the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) which only reaches P836,740,926 this year.

Meanwhile, CDS Special Project Head Ms. Elisea Gozun said that Zamboanga city is in the right track in pursuing development through an enhanced and improved master development plan focusing on its economic growth and potentials for a progressive and globally competitive city in the South.

Gozun said that being a highly urbanized city, it is not impossible for Zamboanga city to take one step ahead not in comparison with the other progressive cities in Mindanao, but nixing an edge in global competition in which we are capable.

She said the city only have to consider some concerns and adopt more serious and focused strategies on Migration Control Policy, Educational Policy (Cohorts Survival), Potable Water Sustainability, Sanitary Policy, and Solid Waste Management.

Gozun said the assessment outputs derived from the one-day CDS conference will be taken seriously by the CDS Team and will be the guide strategies of the city towards progress.

Zamboanga City envisions a distinctly unique premiere city of Southern Philippines, rich in history, culture, and natural resources, an international gateway and trading hub that is globally competitive with a balanced development, sustainable economy, and sound governance, empowered by capable, united, peace-loving, and God-fearing citizenry.

Zamboanga City (17 August) -- The technical-vocational education programs (TVEP) implemented by the Technical Educational Skills Development Authority (TESDA (http://www.tesda.gov.ph/) ) in the province of Zamboanga del Norte has been intensified by the funding support coming from the three (3) Congressmen and local government chief executives of the province.

Total funding coming from the three Congressmen amounted to Php2,931,800.00. First District Congresswoman Cecilia Jalosjos-Carreon gave Php650,000.00; 2nd Dist. Cong. Roseller Barinaga- Php835,000.00 and 3rd Dist. Cong. Cesar Jalosjos, Php1,446,000.00.

The funds coming from the Priority Development Assistance Funds (PDAF) of the three Representatives is aimed at implementing community-based skills training programs, competency assessment and scholarship grants for their respective constituents all over Zamboanga del Norte..

Getting the bigger bulk of the funds are the scholarship grantees with 36 beneficiaries from the 1st district; 50 in District 2 and 92 scholars in District 3, who are now in their second and final year of tech-voc education in various private and public institutions in Zamboanga del Norte. Majority of the scholars are enrolled in 2-Year Information Technology, Hotel and Restaurant Management, Industrial Technologies (Automotive, Electrical, Electronics) and Nursing Aide programs.

With the generated funds, job order government workers and tech-voc graduates are also given opportunities to have stable employment through the free competency assessment (written and actual) wherein if they pass, they can use the Certificate of Competencies (COCs) as eligibility for employment in the government as well as for job applications here and abroad. Masons, building wiring electricians, automotive mechanics, data encoders among other trade workers have and can avail of the program.

Likewise, community-based skills trainings on dressmaking and sewing craft, hollow block making, masonry, food and fish processing, and other trade areas currently in the pipeline are being implemented with the objective of providing livelihood opportunities for the identified beneficiaries specifically unemployed adults and out-of-school youths.

Through the efforts of TESDA-ZN Provincial Director Nilda Espiritusanto, the implementation of the tech-voc programs in Zamboanga del Norte has been further intensified with the funding support extended by the local government units .Rizal - Php77,000.00); Sergio Osmeña - Php67,500.00; Sibutad - Php 67,500.00; Piñan - Php 45,500.00; Polanco - Php93,000.00; Kalawit - Php73,000.00; Sirawai- Php73,000.00; Roxas - Php70,500.00; and, Dipolog City - Php245,000.00. (TESDA-ZN/PIA)

Zamboanga City (14 August) -- A five percent (5%) increase in tourist arrivals in Zamboanga City was noted during the first semester of this year, this according to the Department of Tourism (DOT) regional office no. 9.

Malaysian nationals visited Zamboanga Peninsula most from January to June this year, reported Tourism Region 9 Director Ricardo San Juan. This, he said, is due to the Philippine-Malaysia linkage with Zamboanga City as the entry point.

Other nationals that visited region 9 during the first six months of this year were Koreans and Japanese.

The list is based on reports submitted by hotel owners and tourism officers in the region.

The years 2004 and 2005 also registered an increase in tourist arrivals in the region, a good show compared to the previous years when Zamboanga Peninsula specially Zamboanga City was rocked by a number of bomb attacks. (PIA)

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Zamboanga International Airport and an Antonov Plane of Russia

celso lobregat is still the best mayor for zamboanga. the priest who is running for mayor has the backing of the mafiosos of zambonga like lepeng wee, agan, aranse etc.

the mafia of zamboanga ---lepeng wee, efren aranez,vitaliano agan, manuel dalipe,vicente atilano, reynerio camins, ricardo baban, maximo enriquez, gerry acuna, venusto anora, robert ko, susan de los reyes, jaime cabato, abelardo climaco, cresenciano cabalit, jun patrica, edel marquez, mel sadain, ruben angeles, col.bernado, rosendo castillo, etc --are supporting the priest for mayor (crisanto de la cruz). this tells you something about the priest that he cheats. his main financial backers are the swindlers of zamboanga. and how could a priest run for mayor unless his a crook.

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Zamboanga International Airport and an Antonov Plane of Russia

wow, i like zambos airport..very mindanaoan!

celso lobregat is still the best mayor for zamboanga. the priest who is running for mayor has the backing of the mafiosos of zambonga like lepeng wee, agan, aranse etc.

I perfectly agree cruizer333444, if we want Zambo to cont its progressive surge, the mayor is still the best bet, he has done a lot.....

the mafia of zamboanga ---lepeng wee, efren aranez,vitaliano agan, manuel dalipe,vicente atilano, reynerio camins, ricardo baban, maximo enriquez, gerry acuna, venusto anora, robert ko, susan de los reyes, jaime cabato, abelardo climaco, cresenciano cabalit, jun patrica, edel marquez, mel sadain, ruben angeles, col.bernado, rosendo castillo, etc --are supporting the priest for mayor (crisanto de la cruz). this tells you something about the priest that he cheats. his main financial backers are the swindlers of zamboanga. and how could a priest run for mayor unless his a crook.

So is it final, will the priest really run this coming election for the mayorship? As for the people you mentioned above, I for sure know that when these people were in power in the early 90's, Zambo's economy did not pick up, its was stagnant, while other old cities were progressing, our's remained in limbo... now I think the people are more inteligent and more agressive, they will not vote for such leaders anymore, I hope. :bash: :)

wow, i like zambos airport..very mindanaoan!

^^ Yup very Mindanaoan.... :pepper: :pepper: :pepper:

First call center soon to open in Zambo City

Because of the Chabacano-speaking residents, Zamboanga City will soon see the first operational call center here.

Raymond M. Gacho, general manager of G-COM Limited, paid a courtesy call on Mayor Celso Lobregat at City Hall yesterday afternoon and informed the latter that it is for certain G-COM will be established in the city.

Gacho informed Mayor Lobregat "it's definite that we will be putting a Call Center here in Zamboanga City, and this is mainly attributed to the vast resources here such as the Chabacano language which is liken to Spanish" and the strategic location.

Mayor Lobregat said it is a welcome development that finally a call center will be put up in the city which also spells employment.

G-COM is planning to put up an office, a recruitment and training center and a 150-seater call center.

Mayor Lobregat said he will do everything to see and facilitate whatever need G-Com would have. The mayor even called PLDT and Globe communications to inquire the present communication requirement and capabilities.

G-COM said they will be training more than a hundred local residents first to see who can work in the said center.

"It will be a permanent center. Our company is grateful that Mayor Lobregat is really very supportive to our plans," Gacho said.

G-COM is finalizing their site where the call center will rise.

Anong itsura ng airport ng Zamboanga? May pics kayo? What are the plans for development there?

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^^ XP this is what ZIA looks like today... :) :) :) The future plans for the ZIA is for it to be transfered to a new location, it will be bigger than the old ZIA. Its just awaiting fundings, hopefully with the presidents latest super regions if its for real, maybe Zambo will have a new International airport na :soon:

^ang ganda naman ng airport niyo. Sana kung mgatatayo ng mas malaki ganyan pa rin ang design o kaya improved. Ang ganda eh kasi unique siya compared sa ibang airports natin. Official na ba talaga yung paglipat sa bagong site?

^ang ganda naman ng airport niyo. Sana kung mgatatayo ng mas malaki ganyan pa rin ang design o kaya improved. Ang ganda eh kasi unique siya compared sa ibang airports natin. Official na ba talaga yung paglipat sa bagong site?

The city officials of zambo has been pushing for the transfer na, but i gues la parin pondo yong government natin... la tayong magawa kundi maghintay kung kailan may pondo... as for the design i hope mindanaon parin yung motiff para one of a kind siya, truly zambo ang dating... :) :) :) :) :) :) :)

I really like the design of Zamboanga airport... Very unique indeed.... Only in Zamboanga!!! :cheers:

Unique ang architecture sa Zamboanga Int'l. Very Mindanao indeed!

Are there still flights to Sandakan, Kota Kinabalu and the rest of SE Asia from Zambo? Nagbabalak kasi akong tumakas ng bansa, the most affordable way,hehehe!

What does it need to go to Malaysia through Zamboanga? I heard Weesam Express goes Sandakan and so are the other ferries.

And if the people still stereotype Zamboanga as a "backdoor", think again. Zamboanga and the rest of Sulu and Mindanao are not backdoors eversince time immemorial. Kaya abante arriba Zamboanga! :D

Unique ang architecture sa Zamboanga Int'l. Very Mindanao indeed!

Are there still flights to Sandakan, Kota Kinabalu and the rest of SE Asia from Zambo? Nagbabalak kasi akong tumakas ng bansa, the most affordable way,hehehe!

What does it need to go to Malaysia through Zamboanga? I heard Weesam Express goes Sandakan and so are the other ferries.

And if the people still stereotype Zamboanga as a "backdoor", think again. Zamboanga and the rest of Sulu and Mindanao are not backdoors eversince time immemorial. Kaya abante arriba Zamboanga! :D

^^ The flights Zambo to sandakan was vacated by the former airline taking its route, I really dont know the reason why, maybe low turn out of passengers, or its much cheaper when you take the fastcraft (Weesam Express) or the local ferries (Aleson Shipping)? But good to know that another airline will be taking over the route left by the former, this time its a russian and filipino owned airline company. In regards to going to Malaysia, sympre you need your passport and my fren told me that atleast you have to show that you have money, that your not goin there to work.

Yup abante Zamboanga Peninsula!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :cheer: :cheer: :cheer:

^^ The flights Zambo to sandakan was vacated by the former airline taking its route, I really dont know the reason why, maybe low turn out of passengers, or its much cheaper when you take the fastcraft (Weesam Express) or the local ferries (Aleson Shipping)? But good to know that another airline will be taking over the route left by the former, this time its a russian and filipino owned airline company. In regards to going to Malaysia, sympre you need your passport and my fren told me that atleast you have to show that you have money, that your not goin there to work.

Yup abante Zamboanga Peninsula!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :cheer: :cheer: :cheer:

Zamboanga is a hub as it has been eversince. Although medyo malayo sya sa other Mindanao cities by land. but by sea, it is very accessible.

I really like the design of Zamboanga airport... Very unique indeed.... Only in Zamboanga!!! :cheers:

^^ Yup its really unique and I hope if the new airport will push through the design would be of thesame motiff, that of a mindanaon, that not only it would represent the culture of zamboanga but the whole mindanao as well.... :applause: :applause:

Zamboanga is a hub as it has been eversince. Although medyo malayo sya sa other Mindanao cities by land. but by sea, it is very accessible.

^^ you said it right berniemachsouthcentr , Zamboanga City is the hub of Western Mindanao, though its far by land indeed to its neighboring cities in mindanao, but its very accessible not only by land but air and sea as well... :) :) :) :) :)

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ZAMBOANGA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT WITH AN ANTONOV PLANE OF RUSSIA AND C17 GLOBEMASTER OF THE US

Zamboanga had traditionally been a transport hub between southern Philippines and our neighbors, because of its geographic location. However, safety and security problems brought about by the long drawn-out social conflict in the area has seriously affected its economy and its capacity to grow as a metropolis. Unless this conflict is resolved and the area will return to REAL and LONG-LASTING PEACE, there will be always be hindrances and obstacles (you may call these "challenges"). Sana matapos na ang lahat ng kagulohang into and let Zamboanga and the whole of Mindanao realize its full potential (as having the richest natural resources in the whole country).

Zamboanga had traditionally been a transport hub between southern Philippines and our neighbors, because of its geographic location. However, safety and security problems brought about by the long drawn-out social conflict in the area has seriously affected its economy and its capacity to grow as a metropolis. Unless this conflict is resolved and the area will return to REAL and LONG-LASTING PEACE, there will be always be hindrances and obstacles (you may call these "challenges"). Sana matapos na ang lahat ng kagulohang into and let Zamboanga and the whole of Mindanao realize its full potential (as having the richest natural resources in the whole country).

I agree toledonhon, in order to draw in investors you have to have a stable peace and order ambiance, but what can we do our government is weak, what has hapened in mindanao is far compared to what happened in the us last 9/11 but it did not hinder progress in the states, investors did not shy away they still had faith and still invested billions of dollars after 9/11 because inspite of the treats of national security w/c they continually have every now and then, their government could deal 1st hand with this perpetrators trying to desrupt the tranquility there,ours could not, we just have to move on and show this culprits that they could not break the mindanaon spirit to live and be progressive.

I agree toledonhon, in order to draw in investors you have to have a stable peace and order ambiance, but what can we do our government is weak, what has hapened in mindanao is far compared to what happened in the us last 9/11 but it did not hinder progress in the states, investors did not shy away they still had faith and still invested billions of dollars after 9/11 because inspite of the treats of national security w/c they continually have every now and then, their government could deal 1st hand with this perpetrators trying to desrupt the tranquility there,ours could not, we just have to move on and show this culprits that they could not break the mindanaon spirit to live and be progressive.
hi. what's the public view in your place about splitting up of a mindanao military base into two unified commands. just curious if it is a welcome move of government


.

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ZAMBOANGA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT WITH AN ANTONOV PLANE OF RUSSIA AND C17 GLOBEMASTER OF THE US
wow neat wind lady, mind asking why were the antonov landed in that airstrip

hi. what's the public view in your place about splitting up of a mindanao military base into two unified commands. just curious if it is a welcome move of government


.

For me its quite fishy, maybe there's a hidden agenda behind this division of the the countries largest military base outside MM, since 2007 is near, and the the push for chacha is becoming louder then maybe this is the governments way of dealing with the situation if there is any that would arise come 2007. Politics still is the main reason for this I think. :old: story nani sa atoang governo... tsk tsk tsk :ancient: :down: :down: :down: :down: :down: :down:

wow neat wind lady, mind asking why were the antonov landed in that airstrip

Tigs, these antonov plane frequents our airport because it bring supplies w/c the C17 globemaster cannot carry for the american serviceman who are in the city.

ah okay...WOW, thanks for clarifying :)

ah okay...WOW, thanks for clarifying :)

No Problemo Tigs, anytime :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)

oi 3 more posts and thread two na tayo!

oi 3 more posts and thread two na tayo!

2 more To go :) :) :) :) :) :) :)

Ako na ang hulig mag-popost!

Zamboanga forumers, obra es nuevo thread por Zamboanga! Abante!

500th post WOOOOOOOOOOOOOSSSSSSSSH! lols