The Office of the Press Secretary (OPS) is the agency of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines, which is responsible for planning, programming, and coordinating the activities that will most effectively collect information about what is happening in the Executive branch of the government and getting that information to the media. In addition, the Office's greater role is to help Filipinos understand government policies and programs as well as shore up support for such.
The Office of the Press Secretary is headed by the Press Secretary, who is also the official spokesperson for Malacañang (Executive Office of the President). He is also responsible for conducting daily briefings to media as well as organizing press conferences. The current Press Secretary is Jesus G. Dureza and holds office at the Kalayaan Hall (Old Executive Office Building).
SMX Convention Center
The SMX Convention Center (Project Name: MAITrade) is the Philippines' largest privately run exhibition and convention center. The 46,647-square meter building will have three floors and basement parking with a total leasable area of 19,800 square meters featuring large exhibition areas and function rooms. The convention center can fit approximately 6,000 people.
The groundbreaking was held on March 23, 2006. The P900 million project, was completed and inaugurated on November 5, 2007. It is set to compete with the nearby state-run Philippine International Convention Center and World Trade Center-Metro Manila.
The 46,647-square meter building will have three floors and basement parking with a total leasable area of 19,800 square meters. The building’s design allows for maximum use of space, giving exhibitors flexibility and options in terms of their specific area requirements. The exhibition area at the ground level will have a floor area of 9,000-square meters, which can be divided into four halls. Commercial shops will be located along the perimeter. A bridgeway on the second level will connect SMX Convention Center to the mall's south parking building. The third level will have a total floor area of 8,730 square meters, which can be divided into six halls for functions and conventions, along with nine meeting rooms.
The groundbreaking was held on March 23, 2006. The P900 million project, was completed and inaugurated on November 5, 2007. It is set to compete with the nearby state-run Philippine International Convention Center and World Trade Center-Metro Manila.
The 46,647-square meter building will have three floors and basement parking with a total leasable area of 19,800 square meters. The building’s design allows for maximum use of space, giving exhibitors flexibility and options in terms of their specific area requirements. The exhibition area at the ground level will have a floor area of 9,000-square meters, which can be divided into four halls. Commercial shops will be located along the perimeter. A bridgeway on the second level will connect SMX Convention Center to the mall's south parking building. The third level will have a total floor area of 8,730 square meters, which can be divided into six halls for functions and conventions, along with nine meeting rooms.
Christmas Day
Christmas Day in The Philippines is primarily a family affair. Prior to the stroke of 12 midnight on the morning of December 25, the Misa de Aguinaldo is being celebrated. It is usually attended by the whole family. Misa de Aguinaldo is the Holy Mass to celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Roman Catholic Church and Philippine Independent Church (Aglipayan) in the Philippines' main means of celebrating Jesus Christ's birth.
Misa de Aguinaldo is also celebrated at dawn or in the morning between immediately after sunrise and 10 a.m.; this schedule is preferred by Filipinos who choose to celebrate Christmas Eve with a night-long celebration of the Noche Buena.
Preferably in the morning, Filipino families visit members of the extended family, notably the elders in order to pay their respects. This custom of giving respect has been an age-old tradition in the Philippines called "Pagmamano"; this is done by touching one's forehead to the elder's hand saying Mano Po. The elder then blesses the person who has paid respect. "Aguinaldo", or money in the form of crisp, fresh-from-the-bank bills is given after the Pagmamano, mostly to younger children.
A Christmas Lunch usually follows after the "Pagmamano". The lunch is heavily dependent upon the finances of the family. Rich families tend to prepare grand and glorious feasts that consist of Jamon de Bola, Queso de Bola, Lechon and other Filipino delicacies. Some poor families choose to cook simple meals, nevertheless still special. When the family is settled after the lunch, the exchange of gifts is usually done. Godparents are expected to give gifts or Aguinaldo to their godchildren.
When nighttime falls, members of the family usually take part in family talks while listening to favorite Christmas carols. Some may opt to have a glorious Christmas feast for dinner.
Misa de Aguinaldo is also celebrated at dawn or in the morning between immediately after sunrise and 10 a.m.; this schedule is preferred by Filipinos who choose to celebrate Christmas Eve with a night-long celebration of the Noche Buena.
Preferably in the morning, Filipino families visit members of the extended family, notably the elders in order to pay their respects. This custom of giving respect has been an age-old tradition in the Philippines called "Pagmamano"; this is done by touching one's forehead to the elder's hand saying Mano Po. The elder then blesses the person who has paid respect. "Aguinaldo", or money in the form of crisp, fresh-from-the-bank bills is given after the Pagmamano, mostly to younger children.
A Christmas Lunch usually follows after the "Pagmamano". The lunch is heavily dependent upon the finances of the family. Rich families tend to prepare grand and glorious feasts that consist of Jamon de Bola, Queso de Bola, Lechon and other Filipino delicacies. Some poor families choose to cook simple meals, nevertheless still special. When the family is settled after the lunch, the exchange of gifts is usually done. Godparents are expected to give gifts or Aguinaldo to their godchildren.
When nighttime falls, members of the family usually take part in family talks while listening to favorite Christmas carols. Some may opt to have a glorious Christmas feast for dinner.
Mount Pinatubo Trek
A trek to summit of the world-famous volcano Mount Pinatubo, guided by native Aetas.
The birth of modern Mt. Pinatubo occurred in the most explosive eruption in its history, which deposited pyroclastic flow material up to 100 meters thick on all sides of the mountain. The total volume of material erupted may have been up to 25 cubic kilometers (6 mile³), and the removal of this amount of material from the underlying magma chamber led to the formation of a large caldera.
Earlier large eruptions occurred 17,000, 9000, 6000–5000 and 3900–2300 years ago. Each of these eruptions seems to have been very large, ejecting more than 10 km³ of material and covering large parts of the surrounding areas with pyroclastic flow deposits. Scientists estimate that the most recent eruption before 1991 happened about 500 years ago, and after that, the volcano lay dormant. Its slopes became completely covered in dense rainforest, and eroded into gullies and ravines.
The birth of modern Mt. Pinatubo occurred in the most explosive eruption in its history, which deposited pyroclastic flow material up to 100 meters thick on all sides of the mountain. The total volume of material erupted may have been up to 25 cubic kilometers (6 mile³), and the removal of this amount of material from the underlying magma chamber led to the formation of a large caldera.
Earlier large eruptions occurred 17,000, 9000, 6000–5000 and 3900–2300 years ago. Each of these eruptions seems to have been very large, ejecting more than 10 km³ of material and covering large parts of the surrounding areas with pyroclastic flow deposits. Scientists estimate that the most recent eruption before 1991 happened about 500 years ago, and after that, the volcano lay dormant. Its slopes became completely covered in dense rainforest, and eroded into gullies and ravines.
Lucban, Quezon
The Municipality of Lucban (Filipino: Bayan ng Lucban) is a 3rd class municipality in the province of Quezon, Philippines. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 38,834 people in 8,422 households. This municipality had the mountain named Mt. Banahaw.
Lucban celebrates the Pahiyas Festival every May 15 in honor of the patron saint of farmers, St. Isidore. This festival showcases a street of houses which are adorned with fruits, vegetables, agricultural products, handicrafts and kiping, a rice-made decoration, which afterwards can be eaten grilled or fried. The houses are judged and the best one is proclaimed the winner. Every year, tourists roam the municipality to witness the decoration of houses.
Lucban celebrates the Pahiyas Festival every May 15 in honor of the patron saint of farmers, St. Isidore. This festival showcases a street of houses which are adorned with fruits, vegetables, agricultural products, handicrafts and kiping, a rice-made decoration, which afterwards can be eaten grilled or fried. The houses are judged and the best one is proclaimed the winner. Every year, tourists roam the municipality to witness the decoration of houses.
Siargao Island
Siargao is a tear-drop shaped island in the Philippine Sea situated 800 kilometers southeast of Manila in the province of Surigao del Norte.
One of the best known surfing waves on Siargao and the Philippines, with a worldwide reputation for thick, hollow tubes is "Cloud 9". This right-breaking reef wave is the site of the annual Siargao Surfing Cup, a domestic and international surfing competition sponsored by the provincial government of Surigao del Norte.
The wave was discovered by travelling surfers in the late 1980s. It was named and made famous by American photographer John S. Callahan, who published the first major feature on Siargao Island in the United States- based Surfer magazine in March 1993, and hundreds of his photos in many other books and magazines since his first visit in 1992. Callahan has put the island on the international map and has drawn thousands of surfers and tourists to Siargao. Cloud 9 also has a reputation for being a relatively cheap destination for surfers with many cheap accommodations and restaurants and bars to choose from.
There are several other quality waves on Siargao and nearby islands, but Cloud 9 has received more publicity than any other, indeed in the Philippines as a whole. It is the only wave easily accessible without a boat, leading to overcrowding and the nickname of "Crowd 9" among surfers. Eager foreign and locally owned accommodation and tourist facilities have profited from the magazine publicity and the influx of visitors drawn by the annual Siargao Cup competition in September.
Siargao is well known as "The Surfing Capital of the Philippines" with a reputation among surfers within the Philippines and the International scene.
Eddie Florano has also written a song called Surfin' in Siargao from 'Ukulele World: Acoustic & Power Ukulele' album (2006).
One of the best known surfing waves on Siargao and the Philippines, with a worldwide reputation for thick, hollow tubes is "Cloud 9". This right-breaking reef wave is the site of the annual Siargao Surfing Cup, a domestic and international surfing competition sponsored by the provincial government of Surigao del Norte.
The wave was discovered by travelling surfers in the late 1980s. It was named and made famous by American photographer John S. Callahan, who published the first major feature on Siargao Island in the United States- based Surfer magazine in March 1993, and hundreds of his photos in many other books and magazines since his first visit in 1992. Callahan has put the island on the international map and has drawn thousands of surfers and tourists to Siargao. Cloud 9 also has a reputation for being a relatively cheap destination for surfers with many cheap accommodations and restaurants and bars to choose from.
There are several other quality waves on Siargao and nearby islands, but Cloud 9 has received more publicity than any other, indeed in the Philippines as a whole. It is the only wave easily accessible without a boat, leading to overcrowding and the nickname of "Crowd 9" among surfers. Eager foreign and locally owned accommodation and tourist facilities have profited from the magazine publicity and the influx of visitors drawn by the annual Siargao Cup competition in September.
Siargao is well known as "The Surfing Capital of the Philippines" with a reputation among surfers within the Philippines and the International scene.
Eddie Florano has also written a song called Surfin' in Siargao from 'Ukulele World: Acoustic & Power Ukulele' album (2006).
Pagsanjan
Pagsanjan is a town in Luzon, the chief island of the Philippines.
Pagsanjan (pronounced "pag-san-HAN") is on a river of the same name.
You can take a bus from the Buendia bus terminal in Manila to Santa Cruz. It takes about 2-3 hours, depending on traffic. The buses leave very frequently, and the bus fare was 123.50 pesos as of March 2008. A cab driver in Manila should be able to direct you to the correct bus terminal. The last bus returning from Santa Cruz to Manila leaves at 7pm.
Once you arrive in Santa Cruz, you can take a jeepney to Pagsanjan for 10 pesos per person (as of March 2008).
Take the jeepney to the tourism office -- they will direct you to the river and find you a boatman.
Up-river from this town is Pagsanjan Falls. It is a moderate-sized waterfall (perhaps 15-20 meters), but very pretty. The trip there is mostly through wild jungle in a deep canyon. Very scenic. If you are fortunate you may even see monkeys in the jungle along the canyon walls.
Pagsanjan Floating Station and Restaurant. A package (including transportation from Manila) can be booked through AVA Sightseers, 0917-648-8382. Ask for Alex or Angel. If you wish you also can have a dinner on the river (included in one of the packages).
Pagsanjan (pronounced "pag-san-HAN") is on a river of the same name.
You can take a bus from the Buendia bus terminal in Manila to Santa Cruz. It takes about 2-3 hours, depending on traffic. The buses leave very frequently, and the bus fare was 123.50 pesos as of March 2008. A cab driver in Manila should be able to direct you to the correct bus terminal. The last bus returning from Santa Cruz to Manila leaves at 7pm.
Once you arrive in Santa Cruz, you can take a jeepney to Pagsanjan for 10 pesos per person (as of March 2008).
Take the jeepney to the tourism office -- they will direct you to the river and find you a boatman.
Up-river from this town is Pagsanjan Falls. It is a moderate-sized waterfall (perhaps 15-20 meters), but very pretty. The trip there is mostly through wild jungle in a deep canyon. Very scenic. If you are fortunate you may even see monkeys in the jungle along the canyon walls.
Pagsanjan Floating Station and Restaurant. A package (including transportation from Manila) can be booked through AVA Sightseers, 0917-648-8382. Ask for Alex or Angel. If you wish you also can have a dinner on the river (included in one of the packages).
Sarakiki-Hadang Festival
SARAKIKI is a local term apparently referring to premeditated or frenzied movements which means to allure, to draw with, to attract or exercise attraction, to entice or to win. By its pre-colonial denotation, it means to praise, extol or eulogize spirits of gods. The word does not only ascribe to the ritual or hadang as an activity to gratify the gods, but likewise hadang as the offering or the sacrifice.
HADANG…a ritual dance. Sarakiki as a ritual dance per se is a dance-offering of the Warays to their deity or deities which traces its roots to pre-colonial religious beliefs. Calbayognons held that spirits occupied a position of command over the power of nature which may inflict harm or do good in society. Rituals to please these spirits were held during feasts and other occasions like planting and harvest season, drought and in times of dreadful epidemics. The ceremony could last a couple of days. It involved the entire villagers who offered (manok) sacrifices to venerate the spirits. Traditionally, our forefathers make use of patani ug ugis nga manok (black feather and white feather chicken) as the offering in veneration of the spirits.
SARAKIKI-HADANG in a nutshell, had two elements: one, the way the ceremonies were prescribed; two, the offering to the supernatural. In the former, ceremonies were done in all sort of gesticulations and body movements – that of the chickens - uproar and shouting in rhythmic beating of talutangs and pealing of bells. The other element was the use of patani ug ugis nga manok as the sacrifice. A manok serves as an offering and indubitably as a part of the ritual.
In the context of cultural development, the term Sarakiki is adapted to describe the significance of the movements used in the famous dance “kuratsa”, a courtship dance eminent to all Calbayognons. Today “kuratsa” is the most popular dance form consummated in all celebrations most especially during wedding jovialities. Sarakiki is likewise place forth in songs particularly the SADA-SADA an event of merriment in the evening before a wedding ceremony, which redound to one of our most well-liked tradition, the so-called pamalaye or pamamanhikan. Another confirmation is the thumbs-up form of the Calbayognons while dancing which represents the tahud.
During the 1st Grand National Streetdance Competition - ALIWAN FIESTA in May 1-3, 2003, participated by 26 famous festivals in the country,the Sarakiki-HADANG Festival of Calbayog City won the 3rd prize.
SArakiki-HADANG Festival is celebrated in Calbayog City every year from September 1 to 8 under the auspices of the CITY ARTS AND CULTURE OFFICE, with Mr. JONAS T. LIM as the Festival Director.
HADANG…a ritual dance. Sarakiki as a ritual dance per se is a dance-offering of the Warays to their deity or deities which traces its roots to pre-colonial religious beliefs. Calbayognons held that spirits occupied a position of command over the power of nature which may inflict harm or do good in society. Rituals to please these spirits were held during feasts and other occasions like planting and harvest season, drought and in times of dreadful epidemics. The ceremony could last a couple of days. It involved the entire villagers who offered (manok) sacrifices to venerate the spirits. Traditionally, our forefathers make use of patani ug ugis nga manok (black feather and white feather chicken) as the offering in veneration of the spirits.
SARAKIKI-HADANG in a nutshell, had two elements: one, the way the ceremonies were prescribed; two, the offering to the supernatural. In the former, ceremonies were done in all sort of gesticulations and body movements – that of the chickens - uproar and shouting in rhythmic beating of talutangs and pealing of bells. The other element was the use of patani ug ugis nga manok as the sacrifice. A manok serves as an offering and indubitably as a part of the ritual.
In the context of cultural development, the term Sarakiki is adapted to describe the significance of the movements used in the famous dance “kuratsa”, a courtship dance eminent to all Calbayognons. Today “kuratsa” is the most popular dance form consummated in all celebrations most especially during wedding jovialities. Sarakiki is likewise place forth in songs particularly the SADA-SADA an event of merriment in the evening before a wedding ceremony, which redound to one of our most well-liked tradition, the so-called pamalaye or pamamanhikan. Another confirmation is the thumbs-up form of the Calbayognons while dancing which represents the tahud.
During the 1st Grand National Streetdance Competition - ALIWAN FIESTA in May 1-3, 2003, participated by 26 famous festivals in the country,the Sarakiki-HADANG Festival of Calbayog City won the 3rd prize.
SArakiki-HADANG Festival is celebrated in Calbayog City every year from September 1 to 8 under the auspices of the CITY ARTS AND CULTURE OFFICE, with Mr. JONAS T. LIM as the Festival Director.
Batangas
Batangas is in Luzon, the chief island of the Philippines.
This is a lovely area on the coast south of Manila. Here you will find Anilao (Mabini) which is famous for its dive sites, Taal Lake and Volcano - said to be the lake within the lake, old churches and houses dating back to the Spanish times in Taal, Calaca and Batangas City, and the Batangas International and Container Port. There is mountain trekking - in Mt. Maculot and in Mabini and Nasugbu towns. There are fresh-water beaches in the towns around the Lake -- San Nicolas, Agoncillo, Cuenca, Balete, Tanauan and Talisay. Salt-water beaches abound in Matabungkay (Lian town), in Nasugbu, in Calatagan, in Calaca, in Lemery, in Taal, San Luis, in Bauan, in Lobo, and in Laiya (San Juan town). There are also several island tourist destinations, namely: Tingloy, Verde Island, Ligpo Island, Sombrero Island, and Fortune Island. There are also Industrial Parks and various manufacturing industries dotting the shoreline.
There are caged tigers you can see (but don't get too close because they have a tendency to spray their territory frequently!).
Taal Volcano at Taal Lake.
Swim. The reef is carved to create small swimming areas at the foot of the ladders.
Kick back, relax, and soak up the tropical ambiance. That's what this place is all about!
St. Martin de Tours Church, located in the Taal section of Batangasa, one of the biggest catholic churches in all of southeast asia.
lots of beaches, resorts with swimming pools, and restaurants.
Swimming and snorkeling around Sobrero island to see the corals. Beautiful colors!
Explore the mountains on a mountain bike with the Batangas Mountain Bikers, a group of local cyclists based in Batangas City.
This is a lovely area on the coast south of Manila. Here you will find Anilao (Mabini) which is famous for its dive sites, Taal Lake and Volcano - said to be the lake within the lake, old churches and houses dating back to the Spanish times in Taal, Calaca and Batangas City, and the Batangas International and Container Port. There is mountain trekking - in Mt. Maculot and in Mabini and Nasugbu towns. There are fresh-water beaches in the towns around the Lake -- San Nicolas, Agoncillo, Cuenca, Balete, Tanauan and Talisay. Salt-water beaches abound in Matabungkay (Lian town), in Nasugbu, in Calatagan, in Calaca, in Lemery, in Taal, San Luis, in Bauan, in Lobo, and in Laiya (San Juan town). There are also several island tourist destinations, namely: Tingloy, Verde Island, Ligpo Island, Sombrero Island, and Fortune Island. There are also Industrial Parks and various manufacturing industries dotting the shoreline.
There are caged tigers you can see (but don't get too close because they have a tendency to spray their territory frequently!).
Taal Volcano at Taal Lake.
Swim. The reef is carved to create small swimming areas at the foot of the ladders.
Kick back, relax, and soak up the tropical ambiance. That's what this place is all about!
St. Martin de Tours Church, located in the Taal section of Batangasa, one of the biggest catholic churches in all of southeast asia.
lots of beaches, resorts with swimming pools, and restaurants.
Swimming and snorkeling around Sobrero island to see the corals. Beautiful colors!
Explore the mountains on a mountain bike with the Batangas Mountain Bikers, a group of local cyclists based in Batangas City.
The Busby SEO Challenge
We are happy that many of the Filipino search engine optimizers are joining the latest Busby SEO Challenge keyphrase optimisation contest sponsored by the Busby Web Solutions. We hope that they could get the three prizes. Good luck everybody!
Ferdinand Marcos
Ferdinand Emmanuel Edralín Marcos (September 11, 1917 – September 28, 1989) was President of the Philippines from 1965 to 1986. He was a lawyer, member of the Philippine House of Representatives (1949-1959) and a member of the Philippine Senate (1959-1965). During World War II he was the leader of the Ang Maharlika guerrilla force in northern Luzon. In 1963 he became Senate President. As Philippine president and strongman, his greatest achievement was in the fields of infrastructure development and international diplomacy. However, his administration was marred by massive government corruption, despotism, nepotism, political repression and human rights violations. In 1986 he was removed from power during the People Power Revolution after it was revealed he had invested hundreds of millions of dollars in the United States.
Marcos was born on September 11, 1917 in Sarrat, a small town in Ilocos Norte. Named by his parents, Mariano Marcos and Josefa Edralin, after Ferdinand VII of Spain, baptized into the Philippine Independent Church, Marcos was a champion debater, boxer, swimmer and a wrestler while in the University of the Philippines.
Marcos graduated cum laude with a law degree from the U.P. College of Law in 1939 and was elected to the Pi Gamma Mu international honor society. As a young law student of the University of the Philippines, Marcos was indicted and convicted of the murder of Julio Nalundasan, the man who twice defeated his father for a National Assembly seat. While in detention, he studied for and passed the bar examination with one of the highest scores in history. He appealed his conviction and argued his case before the Supreme Court of the Philippines. Impressed by his legal defense, the court unanimously acquitted him.
When the Second World War broke out, Marcos was called to arms in defense of the Philippines against the Japanese. He was a combat intelligence officer of the 21st Infantry division. He fought in the three-month Battle of Bataan in 1942, and was one of the victims of the Bataan Death March, a Japanese war crime in which thousands of prisoners of war were forcibly transported after being defeated. He was released later. Though he was captured once more at Fort Santiago, he escaped and joined the guerrilla movements against the Japanese. He claimed to have been one of the guerrilla leaders in Luzon and that his greatest exploit was the Battle of Besang Pass, though the veracity of his claims had been widely questioned. However, genuine photos taken right after the war showed Marcos with decorations on his chest: a Distinguished Service Cross, a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart. Subsequent claims to other awards proved to be a point of contention among historians.
Marcos was born on September 11, 1917 in Sarrat, a small town in Ilocos Norte. Named by his parents, Mariano Marcos and Josefa Edralin, after Ferdinand VII of Spain, baptized into the Philippine Independent Church, Marcos was a champion debater, boxer, swimmer and a wrestler while in the University of the Philippines.
Marcos graduated cum laude with a law degree from the U.P. College of Law in 1939 and was elected to the Pi Gamma Mu international honor society. As a young law student of the University of the Philippines, Marcos was indicted and convicted of the murder of Julio Nalundasan, the man who twice defeated his father for a National Assembly seat. While in detention, he studied for and passed the bar examination with one of the highest scores in history. He appealed his conviction and argued his case before the Supreme Court of the Philippines. Impressed by his legal defense, the court unanimously acquitted him.
When the Second World War broke out, Marcos was called to arms in defense of the Philippines against the Japanese. He was a combat intelligence officer of the 21st Infantry division. He fought in the three-month Battle of Bataan in 1942, and was one of the victims of the Bataan Death March, a Japanese war crime in which thousands of prisoners of war were forcibly transported after being defeated. He was released later. Though he was captured once more at Fort Santiago, he escaped and joined the guerrilla movements against the Japanese. He claimed to have been one of the guerrilla leaders in Luzon and that his greatest exploit was the Battle of Besang Pass, though the veracity of his claims had been widely questioned. However, genuine photos taken right after the war showed Marcos with decorations on his chest: a Distinguished Service Cross, a Bronze Star and a Purple Heart. Subsequent claims to other awards proved to be a point of contention among historians.
Cagayan
Cagayan has 28 municipalities and one city divided into three congressional districts. It has 816 barangays. Tuguegarao City (as of December 18, 1999) is the provincial capital, regional seat, and center of business, trade, and education. It has a land area of 144.80 square kilometers and a population of 120,645 as of 2000.
The province is bounded by the Pacific Ocean on the east; on the south by Isabela province; on the west by the Cordillera Mountains; and on the north by the Balintang Channel and the Babuyan Group of Islands. About two kilometers from the northeastern tip of the province is the island of Palaui; a few kilometers to the west is Fuga Island. The Babuyan Group of Islands, which includes Calayan, Dalupiri, Camiguin, and Babuyan Claro, is about 60 nautical miles (110 km) north of Luzon mainland.
The province comprises an aggregate land area of 9,002.70 square kilometers, which constitutes three percent of the total land area of the country, making it the second largest province in the region.
The province is bounded by the Pacific Ocean on the east; on the south by Isabela province; on the west by the Cordillera Mountains; and on the north by the Balintang Channel and the Babuyan Group of Islands. About two kilometers from the northeastern tip of the province is the island of Palaui; a few kilometers to the west is Fuga Island. The Babuyan Group of Islands, which includes Calayan, Dalupiri, Camiguin, and Babuyan Claro, is about 60 nautical miles (110 km) north of Luzon mainland.
The province comprises an aggregate land area of 9,002.70 square kilometers, which constitutes three percent of the total land area of the country, making it the second largest province in the region.
National Power Corporation
The National Power Corporation (Filipino: Pambansang Korporasyon sa Elektrisidad), also known as the NPC or Napocor, is a state-owned company that serves as the largest provider and generator of electricity in the Philippines. It is also the principal power provider for Manila Electric, the only power distributor in the Metro Manila area.
The National Power Corporation was created under Commonwealth Act No. 120 approved by President Manuel L. Quezon on November 3, 1936. The law nationalized the hydroelectric industry and reserved for the use of NPC, all streams, lakes and springs in the Philippines where power may be developed, subject to existing rights. The corporation was originally organized as a non- stock public corporation under Commonwealth Act No. 120. In 1960, however, under Republic Act No. 2641, it was converted into a stock corporation, wholly government-owned, with a capitalization of PHP100 million.
The most significant achievement of NPC in 1988 was the signing of a memorandum of agreement with the National Electrification Administration (NEA) for the takeover by NPC of the generation facilities of electrical cooperatives in the remote islands of the archipelago. President Aquino’s directive pegged electricity rates nationwide to no more than PHP2.50 per kilowatt-hour and impelled NPC to take over the electricity production activities of cooperatives in the small islands and isolated areas.
As of April 1991, the NPC has taken over the generation facilities and technical operation of various electric cooperatives of 26 remote islands of the archipelago. Fully supportive of the government’s policy of encouraging private sector investments, the NPC has finalized in 1989 the implementing rules and regulations of Executive Order No.215, which allows private investors to participate in electric power generation through schemes such as Cogeneartion, Build-Operate Transfer (BOT), and Build-Own-Operate (BOO). This directive bolsters the national policy of encouraging active private sector involvement in the major economic activities of the country, recognizing that the private sector can be a partner in nation-building.
The National Power Corporation was created under Commonwealth Act No. 120 approved by President Manuel L. Quezon on November 3, 1936. The law nationalized the hydroelectric industry and reserved for the use of NPC, all streams, lakes and springs in the Philippines where power may be developed, subject to existing rights. The corporation was originally organized as a non- stock public corporation under Commonwealth Act No. 120. In 1960, however, under Republic Act No. 2641, it was converted into a stock corporation, wholly government-owned, with a capitalization of PHP100 million.
The most significant achievement of NPC in 1988 was the signing of a memorandum of agreement with the National Electrification Administration (NEA) for the takeover by NPC of the generation facilities of electrical cooperatives in the remote islands of the archipelago. President Aquino’s directive pegged electricity rates nationwide to no more than PHP2.50 per kilowatt-hour and impelled NPC to take over the electricity production activities of cooperatives in the small islands and isolated areas.
As of April 1991, the NPC has taken over the generation facilities and technical operation of various electric cooperatives of 26 remote islands of the archipelago. Fully supportive of the government’s policy of encouraging private sector investments, the NPC has finalized in 1989 the implementing rules and regulations of Executive Order No.215, which allows private investors to participate in electric power generation through schemes such as Cogeneartion, Build-Operate Transfer (BOT), and Build-Own-Operate (BOO). This directive bolsters the national policy of encouraging active private sector involvement in the major economic activities of the country, recognizing that the private sector can be a partner in nation-building.
Guiuan, Eastern Samar
Guiuan is a 3rd class municipality in the province of Eastern Samar, Philippines. As of year 2004, it has a population of 43,647 people in 7,618 households.
Guiuan is a significant part of the Philippine history. In the 16th century, when Ferdinand Magellan discovered the Philippines, it is believed that he first landed on the island of Homonhon. It is probably because of this fact that the majority of the population of the town are devout Catholics and the town's church, the Church of the Immaculate Conception, is one of the oldest in the country.
Guiuan is widely known for two significant events in history 423 years apart. In 1521, Ferdinand Magellan first set foot on Philippine soil in Homonhon on his way to discover the Philippines for the Western World. In 1944, the American Forces landed on the island of Suluan where they fought their first battle in the Philippine territory three days before Gen. Mac Arthur stormed the beaches of Leyte.
The name of the town originated from its geographical location. The first settlers named the town “Guibang” when they discovered a sharp break in the mountain range (Tenigbang – partly chiseled off) which screens the town from the Pacific Ocean in the East. Subsequently, settlers modified its name to Guiuan.
The municipality of Guiuan is located atthe southernmost tip of Samar Island. It is bounded on the north by the municipality of Mercedes, on the eastby the Pacific Ocean, on the south by the Surigao Strait, and on the west by the Leyte Gulf.
Clustered around the municipality are numerous islandsand islets, like Tubabao, Calicoan, Sulangan, Homonhonand Suluan.
Guiuan is 109 kilometers south of Borongan and 154kilometers from Tacloban. It has a total land area of 175.49 square kilometers. It is composed of sixty (60) barangays and the only town in the province withbiggest number of island barangays.
Guiuan’s airport has a 2.8 km. runway which could service light private planes, chartered cargo and military planes. It also has a municipal and national seaport operational throughout the year. Telephone companies operating in the municipality includes TELECOM, Globelines and Bayantel. Smart and Globe cellular phone companies are also operational.
In 2004, Eastern Samar Electric Cooperative (ESAMELCO) was able to energize Guiuan, Calicoan Island up to Sulangan covering 37 out of 60 barangays. Island barangays are served with electricity through generator sets either privately-owned or operated by the barangay council.
Guiuan is a significant part of the Philippine history. In the 16th century, when Ferdinand Magellan discovered the Philippines, it is believed that he first landed on the island of Homonhon. It is probably because of this fact that the majority of the population of the town are devout Catholics and the town's church, the Church of the Immaculate Conception, is one of the oldest in the country.
Guiuan is widely known for two significant events in history 423 years apart. In 1521, Ferdinand Magellan first set foot on Philippine soil in Homonhon on his way to discover the Philippines for the Western World. In 1944, the American Forces landed on the island of Suluan where they fought their first battle in the Philippine territory three days before Gen. Mac Arthur stormed the beaches of Leyte.
The name of the town originated from its geographical location. The first settlers named the town “Guibang” when they discovered a sharp break in the mountain range (Tenigbang – partly chiseled off) which screens the town from the Pacific Ocean in the East. Subsequently, settlers modified its name to Guiuan.
The municipality of Guiuan is located atthe southernmost tip of Samar Island. It is bounded on the north by the municipality of Mercedes, on the eastby the Pacific Ocean, on the south by the Surigao Strait, and on the west by the Leyte Gulf.
Clustered around the municipality are numerous islandsand islets, like Tubabao, Calicoan, Sulangan, Homonhonand Suluan.
Guiuan is 109 kilometers south of Borongan and 154kilometers from Tacloban. It has a total land area of 175.49 square kilometers. It is composed of sixty (60) barangays and the only town in the province withbiggest number of island barangays.
Guiuan’s airport has a 2.8 km. runway which could service light private planes, chartered cargo and military planes. It also has a municipal and national seaport operational throughout the year. Telephone companies operating in the municipality includes TELECOM, Globelines and Bayantel. Smart and Globe cellular phone companies are also operational.
In 2004, Eastern Samar Electric Cooperative (ESAMELCO) was able to energize Guiuan, Calicoan Island up to Sulangan covering 37 out of 60 barangays. Island barangays are served with electricity through generator sets either privately-owned or operated by the barangay council.
Valencia, Negros Oriental
Valencia is a municipality in the province of Negros Oriental, Philippines. It is located 9.4 km west of Dumaguete, the largest city and capital of the province. According to the national 2000 census, Valencia has a population of 24,365 people in 4,860 households.
The mayor of Valencia is Rodolfo Gonzalez, Jr., who was elected in 2001 and re-elected in 2004.
Our Lady of the Abandoned is the patroness of Valencia, and her feast day is celebrated annually every October 12 with the town fiesta. The fiesta is an official non-working holiday for the town.
Santa Catalina is a 2nd class municipality in the province of Negros Oriental, Philippines. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 67,197 people in 13,125 households.
Vallehermoso is a 4th class municipality in the province of Negros Oriental, Philippines. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 33,914 people in 6,753 households.
Zamboanguita is a 4th class municipality in the province of Negros Oriental, Philippines. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 23,338 people in 4,691 households.
The mayor of Valencia is Rodolfo Gonzalez, Jr., who was elected in 2001 and re-elected in 2004.
Our Lady of the Abandoned is the patroness of Valencia, and her feast day is celebrated annually every October 12 with the town fiesta. The fiesta is an official non-working holiday for the town.
Santa Catalina is a 2nd class municipality in the province of Negros Oriental, Philippines. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 67,197 people in 13,125 households.
Vallehermoso is a 4th class municipality in the province of Negros Oriental, Philippines. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 33,914 people in 6,753 households.
Zamboanguita is a 4th class municipality in the province of Negros Oriental, Philippines. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 23,338 people in 4,691 households.
Ilokano literature
Ilokano literature or Iloko literature pertains to the literary works of writers of Ilocano ancestry regardless of the language used - be it Iloko, English, Spanish or other foreign and Philippine languages. The terms "Iloko" and "Ilokano" are different. Generally, "Iloko" is the language while "Ilokano" refers to the people or the ethnicity of the people who speak the Iloko language.
Ilokano literature in the Philippines is one of several regional literatures that include Tagalog, Cebuano, Hiligaynon, Bikol, and Pangasinense literatures. It is one of the most active tributaries to the general Philippine literature, next to Tagalog (Filipino) and Philippine Literature in English.
Ilokano writers have also published their works in foreign countries. One of the most popular authors of Ilocano ancestry abroad was the late Carlos Bulosan, a California immigrant born to Ilokano parents in Pangasinan. And currently, the most internationally translated Filipino author is an Ilokano from Rosales, Pangasinan--Francisco Sionil Jose, popularly known as F. Sionil Jose. He is famous for his Rosales saga, a five-novel work about an Ilokano clan, virtually documenting Philippine history from Spanish time to the years of the Marcos administration. The novels, translated in about 22 languages, are circulated and read around the world.
Back home, many Iloko writers have won major prizes in the annual Palanca Awards, the most prestigious and most anticipated of all literary contests in the Philippines. These famous winners' names include Reynaldo A. Duque, Ricarte Agnes, Aurelio S. Agcaoili, Lorenzo G. Tabin, Jaime M. Agpalo Jr., Prescillano N. Bermudez, William V. Alvarado, Maria Fres-Felix, Clarito G. Francia, Arnold Pascual Jose, Eden Aquino Alviar, Severino Pablo, Ariel S. Tabag, Daniel L. Nesperos, Roy V. Aragon, Danilo Antalan, Joel B. Manuel and others.
Ilokano literature in the Philippines is one of several regional literatures that include Tagalog, Cebuano, Hiligaynon, Bikol, and Pangasinense literatures. It is one of the most active tributaries to the general Philippine literature, next to Tagalog (Filipino) and Philippine Literature in English.
Ilokano writers have also published their works in foreign countries. One of the most popular authors of Ilocano ancestry abroad was the late Carlos Bulosan, a California immigrant born to Ilokano parents in Pangasinan. And currently, the most internationally translated Filipino author is an Ilokano from Rosales, Pangasinan--Francisco Sionil Jose, popularly known as F. Sionil Jose. He is famous for his Rosales saga, a five-novel work about an Ilokano clan, virtually documenting Philippine history from Spanish time to the years of the Marcos administration. The novels, translated in about 22 languages, are circulated and read around the world.
Back home, many Iloko writers have won major prizes in the annual Palanca Awards, the most prestigious and most anticipated of all literary contests in the Philippines. These famous winners' names include Reynaldo A. Duque, Ricarte Agnes, Aurelio S. Agcaoili, Lorenzo G. Tabin, Jaime M. Agpalo Jr., Prescillano N. Bermudez, William V. Alvarado, Maria Fres-Felix, Clarito G. Francia, Arnold Pascual Jose, Eden Aquino Alviar, Severino Pablo, Ariel S. Tabag, Daniel L. Nesperos, Roy V. Aragon, Danilo Antalan, Joel B. Manuel and others.
Cagayan de Oro Attractions
Shopping
Limketkai Center - the biggest in the Mindanao region
SM City Cagayan de Oro - located along Pueblo de Oro Estates
Robinsons Cagayan de Oro - within the Limketkai Center
Gaisano Mall - located along C.M. Recto Avenue
Night Market - every Friday and Saturday evening, the streets of Plaza Divisoria are filled with stalls selling bags, shoes and other trinkets
Cagayan Delicacies
Jamon Cagayan de Oro (pork ham) sold by Slers, Oroham and Pines
Chicharon (pork rind/skin) sold by Slers
Felys Homemade Cheese Sticks
Felys Homemade Assorted Flavored Peanuts
Cashew nuts from Lumba district
Eat
Cafe Laguna, Robinsons Mall. A fine dining restaurant serving Filipino cuisine.
Vienna Kaffehaus. A fine dining restaurant located along Chaves corner A. Velez Street.
Kagayanon Restaurant, Limketkai Center. Serves Filipino cuisine and ostrich meat.
Night Cafe. Every Friday and Saturday evening the streets of Plaza Divisoria are filled with stalls selling grilled food.
Inilog Grill. Popular for its grilled food and unlimited rice servings.
Country Side Steakhouse, next to Kagayanon in Rosario Plaze at Limketkai Center. American style food, reasonable prices, generous servings, steaks cooked perfectly.
Coffee
Night Cafe - every Friday and Saturday evening the streets of Plaza Divisoria are filled with stalls selling grilled food.
Bo's Coffee, A. Velez Street. Cebu based coffee shop.
Taza, Limketkai Center. locally owned coffee shop.
Bars
The Site, Rosario Strip, Limketkai Center. Popular among young yuppies.
M2 Family KTV Bar, Rosario Strip, Limketkai Center. A popular place for Karaoke lovers.
Pulse - formerly Xcite, it is located in front of Dynasty Court Hotel.
Ralphs Sports Bar, adjacent to Pulse, it has several billiard pools.
Navigator Gay Bar, corner of Osmeña and Florentino Street.
Tubby's Gay Bar,.
Spooks KTV Bar, C. Pacana Street, in between Tiano and Velez Street.
Kamugawa KTV and Restaurant, Capistrano Street.
Pyramid Bar, Kauswagan Highway, near RER Subdivision.
Fu - Club and Bar, Corrales cor J. Ebarle Sts. House Music, known for bringing in the best DJs in the country and the first European DJ to play in CDO.
Zaks Retro Bar Velez Street.
Splurge
Pryce Plaza Hotel, Carmen Hill.
Hotel Koresco[18], Pueblo de Oro Golf Estate, Lumbia.
Mallberry Suites Hotel, Florentino Street, Limketkai Center.
Dynasty Court Hotel, Archbishop Hayes corner Tiano Bros. Street.
VIP Hotel, A. Velez corner C. Pacana Street.
MARCO Hotel[19], Alwana Business Park, Cugman.
Chali Beach Resort and Conference Center, Zone 3, Cugman.
Limketkai Center - the biggest in the Mindanao region
SM City Cagayan de Oro - located along Pueblo de Oro Estates
Robinsons Cagayan de Oro - within the Limketkai Center
Gaisano Mall - located along C.M. Recto Avenue
Night Market - every Friday and Saturday evening, the streets of Plaza Divisoria are filled with stalls selling bags, shoes and other trinkets
Cagayan Delicacies
Jamon Cagayan de Oro (pork ham) sold by Slers, Oroham and Pines
Chicharon (pork rind/skin) sold by Slers
Felys Homemade Cheese Sticks
Felys Homemade Assorted Flavored Peanuts
Cashew nuts from Lumba district
Eat
Cafe Laguna, Robinsons Mall. A fine dining restaurant serving Filipino cuisine.
Vienna Kaffehaus. A fine dining restaurant located along Chaves corner A. Velez Street.
Kagayanon Restaurant, Limketkai Center. Serves Filipino cuisine and ostrich meat.
Night Cafe. Every Friday and Saturday evening the streets of Plaza Divisoria are filled with stalls selling grilled food.
Inilog Grill. Popular for its grilled food and unlimited rice servings.
Country Side Steakhouse, next to Kagayanon in Rosario Plaze at Limketkai Center. American style food, reasonable prices, generous servings, steaks cooked perfectly.
Coffee
Night Cafe - every Friday and Saturday evening the streets of Plaza Divisoria are filled with stalls selling grilled food.
Bo's Coffee, A. Velez Street. Cebu based coffee shop.
Taza, Limketkai Center. locally owned coffee shop.
Bars
The Site, Rosario Strip, Limketkai Center. Popular among young yuppies.
M2 Family KTV Bar, Rosario Strip, Limketkai Center. A popular place for Karaoke lovers.
Pulse - formerly Xcite, it is located in front of Dynasty Court Hotel.
Ralphs Sports Bar, adjacent to Pulse, it has several billiard pools.
Navigator Gay Bar, corner of Osmeña and Florentino Street.
Tubby's Gay Bar,.
Spooks KTV Bar, C. Pacana Street, in between Tiano and Velez Street.
Kamugawa KTV and Restaurant, Capistrano Street.
Pyramid Bar, Kauswagan Highway, near RER Subdivision.
Fu - Club and Bar, Corrales cor J. Ebarle Sts. House Music, known for bringing in the best DJs in the country and the first European DJ to play in CDO.
Zaks Retro Bar Velez Street.
Splurge
Pryce Plaza Hotel, Carmen Hill.
Hotel Koresco[18], Pueblo de Oro Golf Estate, Lumbia.
Mallberry Suites Hotel, Florentino Street, Limketkai Center.
Dynasty Court Hotel, Archbishop Hayes corner Tiano Bros. Street.
VIP Hotel, A. Velez corner C. Pacana Street.
MARCO Hotel[19], Alwana Business Park, Cugman.
Chali Beach Resort and Conference Center, Zone 3, Cugman.
Baybayin or Alibata
Baybayin or Alibata (known in Unicode as the Tagalog script) is a pre-Hispanic Philippine writing system that originated from the Javanese script Old Kawi. The writing system is a member of the Brahmic family (and an offshoot of the Vatteluttu alphabet) and is believed to be in use as early as the 14th century. It continued to be in use during the Spanish colonization of the Philippines up until the late 19th Century. The term baybayin literally means syllables. Closely related scripts are Hanunóo, Buhid, and Tagbanwa.
Filipino people
Filipinos are the citizens of the Philippines, located in Southeast Asia. The term (feminine: Filipina) may also refer to people of Philippine descent, regardless of citizenship (i.e. Chinese Filipinos, Filipino Americans, British Filipinos, Canadians of Filipino descent, etc.).
Some genetic studies, based upon very small samples of the population, have begun to provide clues to the origins of Filipino peoples. Much remains to be learned by larger studies of valid statistical significance about the ancestry of the various Austronesian Philippine ethnic groups.
A Stanford University study conducted during 2001 revealed that Y-chromosome Haplogroup O3-M122 (labeled as "Haplogroup L" in this study) predominates among Filipino males. This particular haplogroup is also predominant among Chinese and Korean males. That finding is consistent with the theory that people migrated from China south into the Philippines.
Filipino culture is primarily based on the cultures of various native tribes, plus influences from Spain and Mexico, as well as China and India. The customs and traditions of the Roman Catholic faith are Spain's lasting legacy. As Christianity is syncretic, Filipinos incorporated tribal traditions through time and created their own form of religious practice.
Unlike its Muslim majority neighbors, Malaysia and Indonesia, the Philippines is an overwhelmingly Christian country. As a result of Spanish colonization and evangelization spanning three centuries, most contemporary Filipinos, regardless of native ethnic group, are Christians. More than 83% are Roman Catholic, and others follow various smaller Christian denominations.
Some genetic studies, based upon very small samples of the population, have begun to provide clues to the origins of Filipino peoples. Much remains to be learned by larger studies of valid statistical significance about the ancestry of the various Austronesian Philippine ethnic groups.
A Stanford University study conducted during 2001 revealed that Y-chromosome Haplogroup O3-M122 (labeled as "Haplogroup L" in this study) predominates among Filipino males. This particular haplogroup is also predominant among Chinese and Korean males. That finding is consistent with the theory that people migrated from China south into the Philippines.
Filipino culture is primarily based on the cultures of various native tribes, plus influences from Spain and Mexico, as well as China and India. The customs and traditions of the Roman Catholic faith are Spain's lasting legacy. As Christianity is syncretic, Filipinos incorporated tribal traditions through time and created their own form of religious practice.
Unlike its Muslim majority neighbors, Malaysia and Indonesia, the Philippines is an overwhelmingly Christian country. As a result of Spanish colonization and evangelization spanning three centuries, most contemporary Filipinos, regardless of native ethnic group, are Christians. More than 83% are Roman Catholic, and others follow various smaller Christian denominations.
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Alibata
General Tinio, Nueva Ecija
General Tinio is a 2nd class municipality in the province of Nueva Ecija, Philippines. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 35,352 people in 6,878 households. The town is at the foot of the Sierra Mountain Ridges and adjoining the Fort Magsaysay Army Reservation on the eastside. The municipalities of San Miguel, Bulacan, Peñaranda and San Leonardo, Nueva Ecija.
Papaya was a sitio of Bo. Mapisong which was then a barrio of Gapan, Nueva Ecija (now Gapan City). Bo. Mapisong became a town in 1851 changing its name to Peñaranda after a Spanish engineer Jose Maria Peñaranda. Papaya became one of its barangays. Papaya became a town on January 1, 1921 through the collaborative efforts of Capitan Mamerto Padolina who was then the Secretary of the Governor of the Province, Judge Segundo Bernardo and Francisco Padolina.
On August 19, 1957, Congressman Celestino Juan sponsored a congressional act changing the name of Papaya to General Tinio in honor of General Manuel Tinio, a noble and prominent revolutionary leader against the Spaniards known as Magiting. General Tinio hailed from the Province of Nueva Ecija.
According to the story passed on from one generation to another, the town got its name because of miscommunication between the natives and the Spanish colonizers. A native settler when asked by a Spanish soldier "Llama el pueblo?" kindly replied "Papaya" referring to the particular fruit tree growing abundantly in the place (not understanding the Spanish language). The name stuck to the Spanish colonizers and the place from then on was called "PAPAYA".
Papaya was a sitio of Bo. Mapisong which was then a barrio of Gapan, Nueva Ecija (now Gapan City). Bo. Mapisong became a town in 1851 changing its name to Peñaranda after a Spanish engineer Jose Maria Peñaranda. Papaya became one of its barangays. Papaya became a town on January 1, 1921 through the collaborative efforts of Capitan Mamerto Padolina who was then the Secretary of the Governor of the Province, Judge Segundo Bernardo and Francisco Padolina.
On August 19, 1957, Congressman Celestino Juan sponsored a congressional act changing the name of Papaya to General Tinio in honor of General Manuel Tinio, a noble and prominent revolutionary leader against the Spaniards known as Magiting. General Tinio hailed from the Province of Nueva Ecija.
According to the story passed on from one generation to another, the town got its name because of miscommunication between the natives and the Spanish colonizers. A native settler when asked by a Spanish soldier "Llama el pueblo?" kindly replied "Papaya" referring to the particular fruit tree growing abundantly in the place (not understanding the Spanish language). The name stuck to the Spanish colonizers and the place from then on was called "PAPAYA".
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Alibata
Philippine Tarsier Foundation
Alibata - The Philippine Tarsier Foundation, Incorporated (PTFI) is a non-profit, non-stock corporation based in Tagbilaran City, Bohol, Philippines, established in 1996 to conserve, promote research and establish a sanctuary for the Philippine Tarsier. It is an entirely private alibata sector initiative, but has strong support from two leading organizations in conservation and eco-tourism, namely the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of Tourism (DOT). To ensure the continued existence of the Philippine Alibata Tarsier, the Foundation is attempting to bring tourism to the province of Bohol in a way that is ecologically friendly to the Philippine Tarsier.
In 1991, the Alibata DENR, through Administrative Order No. 38, included the Philippine Tarsier among the national protected wildlife species and proposed its listing under Appendix 1 of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). In addition, the IUCN/SSC Primate Specialist Group had given the species Conservation Priority Rating 4, which means that the species is highly vulnerable and threatened by habitat destruction and/or hunting.
Under a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Alibata DENR signed on April 27, 1997, the Philippine Tarsier Foundation, Incorporated has the following missions: to establish a forest reserve in the island of Bohol which shall serve as the sanctuary of the Philippine tarsier; to protect and manage the tarsier sanctuary through the active participation of local communities; to establish and maintain a wildlife research laboratory for the study of the ecology and biology of the Philippine tarsier; to establish and maintain visitor facilities for ecotourism and disseminate information material about the Philippine tarsier with emphasis on the species' protection and conservation.
In 1991, the Alibata DENR, through Administrative Order No. 38, included the Philippine Tarsier among the national protected wildlife species and proposed its listing under Appendix 1 of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). In addition, the IUCN/SSC Primate Specialist Group had given the species Conservation Priority Rating 4, which means that the species is highly vulnerable and threatened by habitat destruction and/or hunting.
Under a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Alibata DENR signed on April 27, 1997, the Philippine Tarsier Foundation, Incorporated has the following missions: to establish a forest reserve in the island of Bohol which shall serve as the sanctuary of the Philippine tarsier; to protect and manage the tarsier sanctuary through the active participation of local communities; to establish and maintain a wildlife research laboratory for the study of the ecology and biology of the Philippine tarsier; to establish and maintain visitor facilities for ecotourism and disseminate information material about the Philippine tarsier with emphasis on the species' protection and conservation.
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Alibata
Tiendesitas
Tiendesitas, which literally means “a collection of little stores”, is a shopping complex located along C-5. It began its operations on September 26, 2005 and was developed by Ortigas & Co. Limited Partnership (OCLP). It rivals the highly successful and world-renowned Chatuchak Market of Bangkok, Thailand. Constructed at a cost of P200 million[2], Tiendesitas is an integral part of Frontera Verde, an interim 18.5 hectare Ortigas development project at the corner of Ortigas Avenue and E. Rodriguez Jr. Ave (C-5), Barangay Ugong, Pasig City. Other locators in Frontera Verde are SM Supercenter Pasig, a Fun Ranch for Kids, an Automall, a Wellness Center, a Technology Corridor, a Shell super station with retail outlets, and restaurants strategically spread around the complex. “Pasig City’s newest shopping and family entertainment corridor will be the Philippine’s pride,” says Cathy Casares-Ko, the head of Ortigas & Company’s Real Estate Division. Commuting to the area is not a problem since jeepney's ply the C-5 route. Bus riders, however, will have to take a short hike to get to the Tiendesitas gate. Parking is also not a problem. Tiendesitas has more than 300 parking slots for shoppers coming in with vehicles.
A welcome feature of Tiendesitas is that shopping hours are from 12 noon to 12 midnight.” This is the best time for working people who can only shop after work. And, tourists love the idea of the night market,” says Joey Santos, the general manager. Acoustics and show bands perform during weekends to create a festive atmosphere.
A welcome feature of Tiendesitas is that shopping hours are from 12 noon to 12 midnight.” This is the best time for working people who can only shop after work. And, tourists love the idea of the night market,” says Joey Santos, the general manager. Acoustics and show bands perform during weekends to create a festive atmosphere.
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Alibata
Greenhills Shopping Center
Greenhills Shopping Center is a tiangge-style shopping mall in San Juan, Metro Manila, the Philippines. It has over 2,000 stores, and espouses an 'indoor-outdoor' theme, with the shopping center having the appearance of several distinct buildings (some separated by a main road) that are all interconnected through pathways and bridges. It hosts a Roman Catholic chapel and a Muslim prayer room, a development which sparked protests from the local Christian-dominated community. The shopping center is bounded by Ortigas Avenue on the west, Connecticut Street on the south, Club Filipino (also known as McKinley), Eisenhower, and Annapolis streets on the north, and Missouri Street on the east. This mall faces the tip end of Wilson Street.
V-mall sports a new look with five attractions from the SM group that include the successful Toy Kingdom chain, SM Appliance Center, Our Home, Watson's, and Ace Hardware.
According to Joey Santos, V-Mall still retains the computer stores that have been favorite destinations of technology lovers and the old toy shops that have been the mecca of toy lovers and collectors from all over Metro Manila.
Totally redesigned to make it more convenient for shoppers to go around, V-mall boasts of a wider area as the escalators have been relocated to the sides instead of its old location at the middle of the mall. It also features a scenic elevator that allows shoppers to see the whole area on their way to the top levels.
Sports shops like Ralph’s Sports Shops and Planet Sport are also part of the new attractions. The Great Eats Food Court has several food outlets at the third level of V-mall together with Q-Power Station, and an arcade and amusement center. Astrovision, whose first store was at the old Virra Mall is back home in its new a 300-square meter shop. Cinderella, one of the oldest stores in the Greenhills Shopping Center, is also back with another branch in V-Mall.
V-mall sports a new look with five attractions from the SM group that include the successful Toy Kingdom chain, SM Appliance Center, Our Home, Watson's, and Ace Hardware.
According to Joey Santos, V-Mall still retains the computer stores that have been favorite destinations of technology lovers and the old toy shops that have been the mecca of toy lovers and collectors from all over Metro Manila.
Totally redesigned to make it more convenient for shoppers to go around, V-mall boasts of a wider area as the escalators have been relocated to the sides instead of its old location at the middle of the mall. It also features a scenic elevator that allows shoppers to see the whole area on their way to the top levels.
Sports shops like Ralph’s Sports Shops and Planet Sport are also part of the new attractions. The Great Eats Food Court has several food outlets at the third level of V-mall together with Q-Power Station, and an arcade and amusement center. Astrovision, whose first store was at the old Virra Mall is back home in its new a 300-square meter shop. Cinderella, one of the oldest stores in the Greenhills Shopping Center, is also back with another branch in V-Mall.
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Alibata
Filipino mestizo
Filipino mestizo is a term used in the Philippines, to designate Filipinos of mixed indigenous Filipino (Austronesian or Malay), and foreign ancestry. The word Mestizo (Portuguese: Mestiço; French: Métis; all from Late Latin Mixticius, meaning "mixed"), is a "Spanish term" that was formerly used in the Spanish Empire to designate people of mixed European (Spaniard) and Amerindian ancestry living in the colonies. In the Philippines, the term "mestizo" originally bore the connotation of mixed Spaniard and indigenous Filipino. Up to the 1980's, the “Diccionario de Filipinismos” of Wenceslao Retana, misleadingly defined the term “mestizo” as individuals who are descendants of Chinese Christians and their indigenous Filipino wives. Some Filipinos are mestizos and most likely have Spanish ancestry. This is because some Filipinos have European blood than others most of them who are rich, and often, only those Filipinos who possessed mixed appearances are considered by most as mestizos.
After the defeat of Spain during the Spanish-American War in 1898, the Philippine Islands and other remaining Spanish colonies were ceded to the United States in the Treaty of Paris, for 20 million dollars. Civil government was established by the Americans in 1901, with William Howard Taft as the first American Governor-General of the Philippines. English was declared the official language. Six hundred American teachers were imported aboard the USS Thomas.
After the defeat of Spain during the Spanish-American War in 1898, the Philippine Islands and other remaining Spanish colonies were ceded to the United States in the Treaty of Paris, for 20 million dollars. Civil government was established by the Americans in 1901, with William Howard Taft as the first American Governor-General of the Philippines. English was declared the official language. Six hundred American teachers were imported aboard the USS Thomas.
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Alibata
Barangay
A barangay (Tagalog: barangay, [ˈbaraŋgaj]), also known by its former Spanish adopted name, the barrio, is the smallest local government unit in the Philippines and is the native Filipino term for a village, district or ward. Municipalities and cities are composed of barangays. In place names barangay is sometimes abbreviated as "Brgy" or "Bgy". As of December 31, 2006 there are a total of 41,995 barangays all over the Philippines.
The term barangay and its structure in the modern context was conceived during the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos, replacing the old barrios and municipal councils. The barangays were eventually codified under the 1991 Local Government Code.
A barangay is led and governed by its barangay officials. The "barangay officials" is considered as a Local Governent Unit (LGU) same as the Provicial and the Municipal Government. It is composed of a Punong Barangay, seven (7) Barangay Councils or Barangay Kagawad, and a Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Chairman which is considered as a member of the Council. Thus, there are eight (8) members of the Legislative Council in a barangay. Each member has its own respective committee where they are Chairmen of those committees. The Committees are the following: (1) Peace and Order Committee, (2) Infrastructure Committee, (3) Education Committee, (4) Health Committee, (5) Agriculture Committee, (6) Tourism Committee, (7) Finance Committee, and (8) Youth and Sports Committee. There are three (3) appointed members of each committee.
The term barangay and its structure in the modern context was conceived during the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos, replacing the old barrios and municipal councils. The barangays were eventually codified under the 1991 Local Government Code.
A barangay is led and governed by its barangay officials. The "barangay officials" is considered as a Local Governent Unit (LGU) same as the Provicial and the Municipal Government. It is composed of a Punong Barangay, seven (7) Barangay Councils or Barangay Kagawad, and a Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Chairman which is considered as a member of the Council. Thus, there are eight (8) members of the Legislative Council in a barangay. Each member has its own respective committee where they are Chairmen of those committees. The Committees are the following: (1) Peace and Order Committee, (2) Infrastructure Committee, (3) Education Committee, (4) Health Committee, (5) Agriculture Committee, (6) Tourism Committee, (7) Finance Committee, and (8) Youth and Sports Committee. There are three (3) appointed members of each committee.
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Bohol festivals
Tagbilaran City Fiesta (May 1).
The feast of Saint Joseph, patron saint of Tagbilaran City, starts the month-long fiestas in Bohol. It is one of the most exciting and fun-filled occasions of the year. During the novena, or nine days before the day itself, nightly entertaining activities are held, such as the "Mutya sa Tagbilaran" beauty pageant, literary musical shows, concerts, dramas and stage plays, and many more.
Bolibong Kingking Festival (May 23-24).
This is a music and dance festivity depicting the history, folklore, and traditions of the Loboc, Bohol. Bolibong Kingking is a term applied to the drums and gongs and their rhythm used to accompany the supplication dance ritual in front of the Image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the 2nd Patron of Loboc, Bohol.
Pana-ad sa Loboc (Holy Thursday & Good Friday).
In observance of the Semana Santa or Holy Week, the Lobocanons read the "Pasyon" and do a penitential procession through the way of the cross that culminates at "Cruz Daku," a huge cross 80 feet in height which is on top of the highest hill of Loboc where one can view the neighboring towns, including Tagbilaran City.
Sambat Mascara y Regatta Festival (1st Saturday of December).
The festival is celebrated in honor of Loay town's second patron, St. Francis Xavier. Colorful activities are lined up, like the agro-industrial fair, group masked street dancing, drum and bugle competition, boat racing along the river, and many more. The event is highlighted by a fluvial parade of the image along the river.
Suroy sa Musikero (December 25 - February 2).
This is when the town musicians of Loboc cover daily the assigned areas to partake of the food served by the host and to play music to the tune of Kuradang, Dalaga sa Baybayon, and others. This is also the period when carolers render Christmas songs to the families of the host area.
The feast of Saint Joseph, patron saint of Tagbilaran City, starts the month-long fiestas in Bohol. It is one of the most exciting and fun-filled occasions of the year. During the novena, or nine days before the day itself, nightly entertaining activities are held, such as the "Mutya sa Tagbilaran" beauty pageant, literary musical shows, concerts, dramas and stage plays, and many more.
Bolibong Kingking Festival (May 23-24).
This is a music and dance festivity depicting the history, folklore, and traditions of the Loboc, Bohol. Bolibong Kingking is a term applied to the drums and gongs and their rhythm used to accompany the supplication dance ritual in front of the Image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, the 2nd Patron of Loboc, Bohol.
Pana-ad sa Loboc (Holy Thursday & Good Friday).
In observance of the Semana Santa or Holy Week, the Lobocanons read the "Pasyon" and do a penitential procession through the way of the cross that culminates at "Cruz Daku," a huge cross 80 feet in height which is on top of the highest hill of Loboc where one can view the neighboring towns, including Tagbilaran City.
Sambat Mascara y Regatta Festival (1st Saturday of December).
The festival is celebrated in honor of Loay town's second patron, St. Francis Xavier. Colorful activities are lined up, like the agro-industrial fair, group masked street dancing, drum and bugle competition, boat racing along the river, and many more. The event is highlighted by a fluvial parade of the image along the river.
Suroy sa Musikero (December 25 - February 2).
This is when the town musicians of Loboc cover daily the assigned areas to partake of the food served by the host and to play music to the tune of Kuradang, Dalaga sa Baybayon, and others. This is also the period when carolers render Christmas songs to the families of the host area.
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2006 Dalit Bisaya
Various groups have thought of holding a Bisaya or Cebuano-Visayan cultural festival in Cebu. In 1999 the Kapunongang Bisaya sa Kadak-ang Manila under Gen. Lisandro Abadia ang Chief Justice Marcelo Fernan discussed a plan for it. Later in 1999 and 2000 another and a larger group led by Atty. Napoleon Rama and Chief Justice Hilario Davide, Jr. made detailed plans for a Visayan concert in Cebu and adopted a plan to form the Kulturang Bisaya Foundation to support its cultural activities.
The 2006 Dalit Bisaya (officially Dalit Bisaya: A Cebu Visayan Cultural Festival) was a series of exhibits, cultural shows, and a symposium, sponsored by the Kapunongang Bisaya sa Manila and hosted by the University of San Carlos (Cebu City, Philippines). It ran from December 1 to 3, 2006, with the activities held in SM Cebu and campuses of the host university. The tagline was Panaghiusa Pinaagi sa Kultura (Unity through Culture).
The 2006 Dalit Bisaya was orchestrated by a group composed of Jesus Alcordo, Dr. Magdaleno Albarracin, Dr. Jose Abueva, Dr. Francisco Nemenzo, Baltazar Endriga and Yolanda Bacani.
The 2006 Dalit Bisaya (officially Dalit Bisaya: A Cebu Visayan Cultural Festival) was a series of exhibits, cultural shows, and a symposium, sponsored by the Kapunongang Bisaya sa Manila and hosted by the University of San Carlos (Cebu City, Philippines). It ran from December 1 to 3, 2006, with the activities held in SM Cebu and campuses of the host university. The tagline was Panaghiusa Pinaagi sa Kultura (Unity through Culture).
The 2006 Dalit Bisaya was orchestrated by a group composed of Jesus Alcordo, Dr. Magdaleno Albarracin, Dr. Jose Abueva, Dr. Francisco Nemenzo, Baltazar Endriga and Yolanda Bacani.
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Aeta
The Aeta (pronounced as “eye-ta,”), Agta or Ayta are an indigenous people who live in scattered, isolated mountainous parts of Luzon, the Philippines. They are considered to be Negritos, who are dark to very dark brown skinned and tend to have features such as a small stature, small frame, curly hair, small nose, and dark brown eyes. They are thought to be the first inhabitants of the Philippines, preceding the Austronesian migrations.
The Aeta were included in the group of people termed "Negrito" during Spanish colonial rule as Negritos. Various Aeta groups in northern Luzon are known as "Pugut" or "Pugot," a name designated by their Ilocano-speaking neighbors, and which is the colloquial term for those with darker complexions. In Ilocano, the word also means "goblin" or "forest spirit."
All Aeta communities have adopted the language of their Austronesian neighbors, which have sometimes diverged over time to become different languages. These include, in order of number of speakers, Mag-indi, Mag-antsi, Abellen, Ambala, and Mariveleño.
The Aeta were included in the group of people termed "Negrito" during Spanish colonial rule as Negritos. Various Aeta groups in northern Luzon are known as "Pugut" or "Pugot," a name designated by their Ilocano-speaking neighbors, and which is the colloquial term for those with darker complexions. In Ilocano, the word also means "goblin" or "forest spirit."
All Aeta communities have adopted the language of their Austronesian neighbors, which have sometimes diverged over time to become different languages. These include, in order of number of speakers, Mag-indi, Mag-antsi, Abellen, Ambala, and Mariveleño.
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Negrito
The term Negrito refers to several dwindling ethnic groups in isolated parts of Southeast Asia. No other living human population has experienced such long-lasting isolation from contact with other groups. Their current populations include the Aeta, Agta, Ayta, Ati, Dumagat and at least 25 other tribes of the Philippines, the Semang of the Malay peninsula, the Mani of Thailand and 12 Andamanese tribes of the Andaman Islands of India.
Negritos share common physical features with African pygmy populations, including short stature and dark skin, however, their origin and the route of their migration to Asia is still a matter of great speculation. They are genetically distant from Africans and Asians, suggesting that they are either surviving descendents of settlers from an early migration out of Africa, or that they are descendents of one of the founder populations of modern humans.
The term "Negrito" is the Spanish diminutive of Negro, i.e. "little black person", referring to their small stature, and was coined by early European explorers who assumed that the Negritos were from Africa. Occasionally, some Negrito are referred to as pygmies, bundling them with peoples of similar physical stature in Central Africa, and likewise, the term Negrito was previously occasionally used to refer to African Pygmies.
According to James J.Y. Liu, a professor of comparative literature, the Chinese term Kun-lun (traditional Chinese: 崑崙) means Negrito.
Negritos share common physical features with African pygmy populations, including short stature and dark skin, however, their origin and the route of their migration to Asia is still a matter of great speculation. They are genetically distant from Africans and Asians, suggesting that they are either surviving descendents of settlers from an early migration out of Africa, or that they are descendents of one of the founder populations of modern humans.
The term "Negrito" is the Spanish diminutive of Negro, i.e. "little black person", referring to their small stature, and was coined by early European explorers who assumed that the Negritos were from Africa. Occasionally, some Negrito are referred to as pygmies, bundling them with peoples of similar physical stature in Central Africa, and likewise, the term Negrito was previously occasionally used to refer to African Pygmies.
According to James J.Y. Liu, a professor of comparative literature, the Chinese term Kun-lun (traditional Chinese: 崑崙) means Negrito.
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Mangyan
Mangyan is the generic name for the eight indigenous groups found in Mindoro island, each with its own tribal name, language, and customs.
The ethnic groups from north to south of the island are: Iraya, Alangan, Tadyawan, Tawbuid (called Batangan by lowlanders on the west of the island), Buhid, Hanunoo. An additional group on the south coast is labelled Ratagnon. They appear to be intermarried with lowlanders. The group known on the east of Mindoro as Bangon may be a subgroup of Tawbuid, as they speak the 'western' dialect of that language.
The total population may be around 100,000, but no official statistics are available because of the difficulties of counting remote and reclusive tribal groups, many of which have no contact with the outside world.
Mangyan are mainly subsistence agriculturalists, planting a variety of sweet potato, upland (dry cultivation) rice, and taro. They also trap small animals and wild pig. Many who live in close contact with lowland Filipinos sell cash crops such as bananas and ginger.
Their languages are mutually unintelligible, though they share some vocabulary. Tawbuid and Buhid are closely related, and are unusual among Philippine languages in using the /f/ phoneme. Tawbuid is divided into eastern and western dialects. Western Tawbuid may be the only Philippine language to have no glottal phonemes, having neither /h/ or /ʔ/.
The ethnic groups from north to south of the island are: Iraya, Alangan, Tadyawan, Tawbuid (called Batangan by lowlanders on the west of the island), Buhid, Hanunoo. An additional group on the south coast is labelled Ratagnon. They appear to be intermarried with lowlanders. The group known on the east of Mindoro as Bangon may be a subgroup of Tawbuid, as they speak the 'western' dialect of that language.
The total population may be around 100,000, but no official statistics are available because of the difficulties of counting remote and reclusive tribal groups, many of which have no contact with the outside world.
Mangyan are mainly subsistence agriculturalists, planting a variety of sweet potato, upland (dry cultivation) rice, and taro. They also trap small animals and wild pig. Many who live in close contact with lowland Filipinos sell cash crops such as bananas and ginger.
Their languages are mutually unintelligible, though they share some vocabulary. Tawbuid and Buhid are closely related, and are unusual among Philippine languages in using the /f/ phoneme. Tawbuid is divided into eastern and western dialects. Western Tawbuid may be the only Philippine language to have no glottal phonemes, having neither /h/ or /ʔ/.
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Dasmariñas, Cavite
The Municipality of Dasmariñas (often shortened to Dasma; Filipino: Bayan ng Dasmariñas) is a first class urban municipality in the province of Cavite, Philippines. It is located approximately 30 kilometers south of Manila. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 379,520 people in 77,315 households, making it the most populous municipality in the Philippines. It has a land area of 90.1 square kilometers. Dasmariñas is part of Cavite's second congressional district. Jenny Barzaga, wife of former Mayor Atty. Elpidio "Pidi" Barzaga, is now the new municipal mayor.
Besides being the richest local government unit in the province of Cavite according to the 2006 Commission on Audit report, Dasmariñas is the only municipality in the Philippines that has both an SM and Robinsons Mall.
Dasmariñas is partly lowland and partly hill. The Poblacion itself is elevated. From an elevation of 80 meters at the Poblacion, the land rises to 250 meters towards Silang. Generally, land near rivers and creeks are rugged. Dasmariñas is outside the typhoon belt and has no fault line constraints. Further, it is served by natural drainage system since it is traversed by several rivers and water tributaries draining to the Manila Bay. The town has not yet to experienced floods.
Besides being the richest local government unit in the province of Cavite according to the 2006 Commission on Audit report, Dasmariñas is the only municipality in the Philippines that has both an SM and Robinsons Mall.
Dasmariñas is partly lowland and partly hill. The Poblacion itself is elevated. From an elevation of 80 meters at the Poblacion, the land rises to 250 meters towards Silang. Generally, land near rivers and creeks are rugged. Dasmariñas is outside the typhoon belt and has no fault line constraints. Further, it is served by natural drainage system since it is traversed by several rivers and water tributaries draining to the Manila Bay. The town has not yet to experienced floods.
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Celebes Sea
The Celebes Sea (or the Sulawesi Sea (Indonesian: Laut Sulawesi) of the western Pacific Ocean is bordered on the north by the Sulu Archipelago and Sulu Sea and Mindanao Island of the Philippines, on the east by the Sangihe Islands chain, on the south by Sulawesi, and on the west by Kalimantan in Indonesia . The Sea is in the form of a huge basin, and plunges as deep as 6,200 m. It extends 420 miles (675 km) north-south by 520 miles (837 km) east-west and has a total surface area of 110,000 square miles (280,000 square km). The sea opens southwest through the Makassar Strait into the Java Sea.
The Celebes Sea is a piece of an ancient ocean basin that formed 42 million years ago in a setting far from any land mass. By 20 million years ago, crustal movement had pushed the Celebes basin close enough to the Indonesian and Philippine volcanoes to receive volcanic debris. By 10 million years ago the Celebes Sea was inundated with continental debris, including coal, which was shed from a rapidly growing young mountain on Borneo and the basin had docked against Eurasia.
The Celebes Sea has somewhat attained an international notoriety for its pirates who prey not only on small time fishermen but also giant container ships. Nowadays, these pirates have high-tech weapons and equipment like radar and GPS navigation devices and ride on high-speed motorboats.
The Celebes Sea is a piece of an ancient ocean basin that formed 42 million years ago in a setting far from any land mass. By 20 million years ago, crustal movement had pushed the Celebes basin close enough to the Indonesian and Philippine volcanoes to receive volcanic debris. By 10 million years ago the Celebes Sea was inundated with continental debris, including coal, which was shed from a rapidly growing young mountain on Borneo and the basin had docked against Eurasia.
The Celebes Sea has somewhat attained an international notoriety for its pirates who prey not only on small time fishermen but also giant container ships. Nowadays, these pirates have high-tech weapons and equipment like radar and GPS navigation devices and ride on high-speed motorboats.
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Sarangani
Sarangani is a province of the Philippines located in the SOCCSKSARGEN region in Mindanao. Its capital is Alabel and borders South Cotabato to the north and Davao del Sur to the east. To the south lies the Celebes Sea. The province is divided into two parts, separated by the Sarangani Bay, and it used to be part of South Cotabato until it was made an independent province in 1992.
Sarangani is subdivided into 7 municipalities grouped into two parts, separated by the Sarangani Bay. The western part consists of Kiamba, Maasim, and Maitum, while the eastern part is composed of Alabel, Glan, Malapatan, and Malungon.
Before its inception in 1992, Sarangani was part of South Cotabato and held its title as the Lone Third District of South Cotabato. Created by Repulic Act No. 7228 on March 16, 1992 it was one of the newest districts of the time penned by the late Congressman, James L. Chiongbian. His wife, Priscilla L. Chiongbian is the retired Governor of Sarangani.
Sarangani is subdivided into 7 municipalities grouped into two parts, separated by the Sarangani Bay. The western part consists of Kiamba, Maasim, and Maitum, while the eastern part is composed of Alabel, Glan, Malapatan, and Malungon.
Before its inception in 1992, Sarangani was part of South Cotabato and held its title as the Lone Third District of South Cotabato. Created by Repulic Act No. 7228 on March 16, 1992 it was one of the newest districts of the time penned by the late Congressman, James L. Chiongbian. His wife, Priscilla L. Chiongbian is the retired Governor of Sarangani.
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Koronadal City
The City of Koronadal, also known as Marbel, is the capital city of South Cotabato province in the Philippines. According to the 2000 census, it had a population of 133,786 people in 27,623 households.
Koronadal became a component city in 2000. By virtue of Executive Order No. 304, dated March 30, 2004, Koronadal City became the regional center of the SOCCSKSARGEN region. In 2007, it was recognized "Most Competitive City" in the small-city category.
The municipal government of Koronadal began its official function on January 1, 1948 with an approved Annual Estimated Budget of P30,000.00. The land area of the municipality by then was comparable with the Province of Bata-an embracing the present municipalities of Tampakan, Tupi, Banga, Lake Sebu, Surallah, T'Boli, Sto. Niño, Norala, and Isulan.
Municipal Council Resolution No. 32, Series of 1948 mandated and proclaimed January 10 of each year as the Municipal Town Fiesta commemorating the foundation of Marbel Settlement District of the National Land Settlement.
Koronadal was converted into a component city of South Cotabato now known as the City of Koronadal by virtue of Republic Act 8803 on October 8, 2000.
Koronadal became a component city in 2000. By virtue of Executive Order No. 304, dated March 30, 2004, Koronadal City became the regional center of the SOCCSKSARGEN region. In 2007, it was recognized "Most Competitive City" in the small-city category.
The municipal government of Koronadal began its official function on January 1, 1948 with an approved Annual Estimated Budget of P30,000.00. The land area of the municipality by then was comparable with the Province of Bata-an embracing the present municipalities of Tampakan, Tupi, Banga, Lake Sebu, Surallah, T'Boli, Sto. Niño, Norala, and Isulan.
Municipal Council Resolution No. 32, Series of 1948 mandated and proclaimed January 10 of each year as the Municipal Town Fiesta commemorating the foundation of Marbel Settlement District of the National Land Settlement.
Koronadal was converted into a component city of South Cotabato now known as the City of Koronadal by virtue of Republic Act 8803 on October 8, 2000.
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Camp John Hay
John Hay Air Base, more commonly known as Camp John Hay, was a major hill station located near Baguio City used for rest and recreation for personnel and dependents of the United States Armed Forces in the Philippines as well as Department of Defense employees and their dependents. It was last run by the United States Air Force. While officially designated a communications station, the facility was mainly used for rest and recreation. The facility housed The American Residence as well as Broadcasting facilities of the Voice of America.
Just before the facility was turned over to the Philippines, it had 290 fully-furnished rooms in the different cottages, duplexes, apartments, and lodges, which are scattered about the complex. Some of these billeting units were equipped with color television sets, refrigerators, and cooking facilities.
The base's popular spots are the 19th Tee, Halfway House, Scout Hill baseball field, Main Club (also known as Officer's Building), and the well-known Mile-Hi Recreation Center. It was off-limits to the general public, except for some who had access due to connections or official business.
Just before the facility was turned over to the Philippines, it had 290 fully-furnished rooms in the different cottages, duplexes, apartments, and lodges, which are scattered about the complex. Some of these billeting units were equipped with color television sets, refrigerators, and cooking facilities.
The base's popular spots are the 19th Tee, Halfway House, Scout Hill baseball field, Main Club (also known as Officer's Building), and the well-known Mile-Hi Recreation Center. It was off-limits to the general public, except for some who had access due to connections or official business.
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Laguna Copperplate
The Laguna Copperplate inscription (also shortened to LCI) is the first written document found in a Philippine language. Found in 1989 in Laguna de Bay, in the metroplex of Manila, Philippines, the LCI has inscribed on it a date of Saka era 822, corresponding to 900 CE. It contains many words from Sanskrit, old Javanese, old Malay and old Tagalog. The document releasing its bearer, Namwaran, from a debt in gold. The document mentions the places of Tondo, Pila and Pulilan in the area around Manila Bay and Medan, Indonesia. The discovery of the Inscription has highlighted the evidence found of cultural links present between the Tagalog speaking people of this time and the various contemporary civilizations in Asia, most notably the Middle kingdoms of India and the Srivijaya empire, a topic in Philippine history in which not much is presently known.
The Laguna Copperplate Inscription, among other discoveries made in recent years in the country such as the Golden Tara of Butuan and 14th century pottery and gold jewellery artifacts found in Cebu, is highly important in revising the ancient history of the Philippine archipelago (which prior to the LCI discovery was considered by western historians to be culturally isolated from the rest of Asia, as no evident pre-hispanic written records were found at the time). It sheds light on the ancient Philippine history, which was previously largely ignored due to the dominantly Hispanic-derived culture present during the Spanish occupation. This document is considered a National treasure and rests in the National Museum of the Philippines in Manila.
The Laguna Copperplate Inscription, among other discoveries made in recent years in the country such as the Golden Tara of Butuan and 14th century pottery and gold jewellery artifacts found in Cebu, is highly important in revising the ancient history of the Philippine archipelago (which prior to the LCI discovery was considered by western historians to be culturally isolated from the rest of Asia, as no evident pre-hispanic written records were found at the time). It sheds light on the ancient Philippine history, which was previously largely ignored due to the dominantly Hispanic-derived culture present during the Spanish occupation. This document is considered a National treasure and rests in the National Museum of the Philippines in Manila.
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Pagsanjan Laguna
Pagsanjan (pronounced 'Pag-sang-han') is a 2nd class municipality in the province of Laguna, Philippines. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 32,622 people in 7,274 households. It is situated about 92 kilometers south of Manila. The main tourist spot of Pagsanjan is the Pagsanjan Fall or (Magdapio Falls). A particular highlight is the boatride which passes through 14 rapids maneuvered by boatmen between rocks and boulders that leads to the main falls.
Pagsanjan is named as the tourist capital of Laguna and is the home of the Bankero Festival. The 'bangkeros' are tour guides that steer the tourists' bancas, they are called the boatmen who shoot the rapids all the way to the famous Pagsanjan Falls. These festivities is celebrated in the month of March.
The incumbent mayor of Pagsanjan, Laguna is Hon. Emilio Ramon Ejercito - Estrada, coloquially "E.R." by the residents of Pagsanjan.
Pagsanjan has a land area of 26.4 square kilometres. It is located 101 kilometers south of Manila. It is bounded on the east by the Balubad Mountain; on the west by the capital town of Santa Cruz; on the north by the San Isidro Hill and Laguna de Bay; on the northeast by the town of Lumban; on the southeast by the towns of Cavinti and Luisiana; on the south by Mount Banahaw; and on the southwest by the town of Magdalena.
Pagsanjan is named as the tourist capital of Laguna and is the home of the Bankero Festival. The 'bangkeros' are tour guides that steer the tourists' bancas, they are called the boatmen who shoot the rapids all the way to the famous Pagsanjan Falls. These festivities is celebrated in the month of March.
The incumbent mayor of Pagsanjan, Laguna is Hon. Emilio Ramon Ejercito - Estrada, coloquially "E.R." by the residents of Pagsanjan.
Pagsanjan has a land area of 26.4 square kilometres. It is located 101 kilometers south of Manila. It is bounded on the east by the Balubad Mountain; on the west by the capital town of Santa Cruz; on the north by the San Isidro Hill and Laguna de Bay; on the northeast by the town of Lumban; on the southeast by the towns of Cavinti and Luisiana; on the south by Mount Banahaw; and on the southwest by the town of Magdalena.
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Aparri
Aparri is a 2nd class municipality in the province of Cagayan, Luzon, Philippines. Aparri sits at the mouth of the Cagayan River, the longest river in the country, about 55 miles north of Tuguegarao, the capital. According to the 2000 census, Aparri has a population of 59,046 people in 11,019 households.
The valley is one of the largest tobacco-producing sections in the Philippines; and the town has a considerable coastwise trade. Here, too, is a meteorological station.
Aparri was a Japanese trading post established on the northern tip of Luzon sometime after 1400.
In 2006, work was started to build a port, after the old pier deteriorated due to the rising level of water, the common storms, and poor construction (ruins of it are now seen washed up on the beach). It is expected to be a 1st class municipality after the work is done.
The valley is one of the largest tobacco-producing sections in the Philippines; and the town has a considerable coastwise trade. Here, too, is a meteorological station.
Aparri was a Japanese trading post established on the northern tip of Luzon sometime after 1400.
In 2006, work was started to build a port, after the old pier deteriorated due to the rising level of water, the common storms, and poor construction (ruins of it are now seen washed up on the beach). It is expected to be a 1st class municipality after the work is done.
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Ilagan, Isabela
Ilagan is a 1st class municipality in the province of Isabela, Philippines. It is the capital municipality and the largest town of Isabela (both land area and total population), located at the junction of the Cagayan and Pinacanauan Rivers. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 119,990 people in 24,085 households.
The conversion of Ilagan, Isabela on February 2, 1998 (RA 8474) for citihood will make the largest city in the province. But the plebiscite which was held on March 14, 1999 turned down its bid for citihood under the Administration of former Mayor Mercedes P. Uy. The majority of the people voted 'no' in that historic event.
There are 29.313 km of concrete out of 24.56 km. Of national growth that passes through the municipality. Other road networks are 33,005 km provincial roads, 8,909 municipal streets and 269,713 km of barangay roads.
Ilagan is accessible by all means of land transportation. From the Poblacion to the 91 barangays and five adjacent municipalities. The regular jeepneys trips from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm while tricycle trips for 24 hours.
There are terminals of 5 transport companies with air-con buses in the Poblacion while other buses passes by to and from Tuguegarao and Manila.
The conversion of Ilagan, Isabela on February 2, 1998 (RA 8474) for citihood will make the largest city in the province. But the plebiscite which was held on March 14, 1999 turned down its bid for citihood under the Administration of former Mayor Mercedes P. Uy. The majority of the people voted 'no' in that historic event.
There are 29.313 km of concrete out of 24.56 km. Of national growth that passes through the municipality. Other road networks are 33,005 km provincial roads, 8,909 municipal streets and 269,713 km of barangay roads.
Ilagan is accessible by all means of land transportation. From the Poblacion to the 91 barangays and five adjacent municipalities. The regular jeepneys trips from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm while tricycle trips for 24 hours.
There are terminals of 5 transport companies with air-con buses in the Poblacion while other buses passes by to and from Tuguegarao and Manila.
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Cagayan Valley
Cagayan Valley (Lambak ng Cagayan in Filipino) is a region of the Philippines, also designated as Region II or Region 02. It is composed of five provinces, namely: Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, and Quirino. Its regional center is Tuguegarao City.
Most of the region lies in a large valley in northeastern Luzon, between the Cordilleras and the Sierra Madre mountain ranges. Cagayan River, the country's longest river runs through its center and flows out to Luzon Strait in the north, in the town of Aparri, Cagayan. The Babuyan and Batanes island groups that lie in the Luzon Strait also belong to the region.
The Philippine Republic's Region II, Cagayan Valley, contains two landlocked provinces, Quirino and Nueva Vizcaya. Both are relatively small in size (3057 sq.km. for Quirino, 4081 sq.km. for Nueva Vizcaya) and population (147,000 and 365,000, respectively, by the 2000 census). Both are ruggedly mountainous and heavily forested. Nueva Vizcaya is the remnant of the southern province created when Cagayan Province was divided in two in 1839. Both are ethnically and linguistically diverse, with a substrate of Agtas, Negritos who are food-gatherers with no fixed abode, overlaid by Ilonggos and others in a number of tribes, some of whom were fierce head-hunters until recently (we are firmly assured that they have given up the practice), with the latest but largest element of the population being Ilocanos. Nueva Vizcaya comprises fifteen towns; Bayombong is the capital. Agriculture in both has until recently consisted of slash-and-burn cultivation of corn and maize, though more stable cultivation of vegetables and fruits is becoming established. Both also produce logs, and are trying to manage their forest resources so that production can be sustained indefinitely. They have deposits of gold, silver, copper, iron. Nueva Vizcaya has sand and clay. At Balete Pass in Nueva Vizcaya the retreating Japanese under General Yamashita dug in and held on for three months against the American and Filipino forces who eventually drove them out; the pass is now called Dalton Pass in honor of General Dalton, USA, who was killed in the fighting.
Most of the region lies in a large valley in northeastern Luzon, between the Cordilleras and the Sierra Madre mountain ranges. Cagayan River, the country's longest river runs through its center and flows out to Luzon Strait in the north, in the town of Aparri, Cagayan. The Babuyan and Batanes island groups that lie in the Luzon Strait also belong to the region.
The Philippine Republic's Region II, Cagayan Valley, contains two landlocked provinces, Quirino and Nueva Vizcaya. Both are relatively small in size (3057 sq.km. for Quirino, 4081 sq.km. for Nueva Vizcaya) and population (147,000 and 365,000, respectively, by the 2000 census). Both are ruggedly mountainous and heavily forested. Nueva Vizcaya is the remnant of the southern province created when Cagayan Province was divided in two in 1839. Both are ethnically and linguistically diverse, with a substrate of Agtas, Negritos who are food-gatherers with no fixed abode, overlaid by Ilonggos and others in a number of tribes, some of whom were fierce head-hunters until recently (we are firmly assured that they have given up the practice), with the latest but largest element of the population being Ilocanos. Nueva Vizcaya comprises fifteen towns; Bayombong is the capital. Agriculture in both has until recently consisted of slash-and-burn cultivation of corn and maize, though more stable cultivation of vegetables and fruits is becoming established. Both also produce logs, and are trying to manage their forest resources so that production can be sustained indefinitely. They have deposits of gold, silver, copper, iron. Nueva Vizcaya has sand and clay. At Balete Pass in Nueva Vizcaya the retreating Japanese under General Yamashita dug in and held on for three months against the American and Filipino forces who eventually drove them out; the pass is now called Dalton Pass in honor of General Dalton, USA, who was killed in the fighting.
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San Fernado City
The City of San Fernando, (Kapampangan: Lakanbalen ning San Fernando/Siudad ning San Fernando; Filipino: Lungsod ng San Fernando) is a 2nd class city in the province of Pampanga, Philippines. It is the capital city of Pampanga and the regional center of Central Luzon (Region III). The city is well known for its giant lanterns and it is also popularly known as the "Christmas Capital of the Philippines." In fact, an annual Giant Lantern Festival is held every December in the city.
According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 221,857 people in 43,649 households. It is located 67 kilometers north of Manila, 50 kilometers east of Subic Bay in Zambales province, and 16 kilometers south of Clark Field in Angeles City. The city is positioned at the crossroads of Central Luzon. The city is named after Fernando VI and placed under the patronage of San Fernando, King of Castile and Leon, whose feast is celebrated on May 30.
The tourism industry of the city is fueled by two major events, the annual Good Friday Lenten rites in San Pedro Cutud and the Giant Lantern Festival in December. Both events draw thousands of tourists from around the country and the world.
According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 221,857 people in 43,649 households. It is located 67 kilometers north of Manila, 50 kilometers east of Subic Bay in Zambales province, and 16 kilometers south of Clark Field in Angeles City. The city is positioned at the crossroads of Central Luzon. The city is named after Fernando VI and placed under the patronage of San Fernando, King of Castile and Leon, whose feast is celebrated on May 30.
The tourism industry of the city is fueled by two major events, the annual Good Friday Lenten rites in San Pedro Cutud and the Giant Lantern Festival in December. Both events draw thousands of tourists from around the country and the world.
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Angeles City
Angeles City (Tagalog: Lungsod ng Angeles; Kapampangan: Ciudad ning Angeles), geographically located within the province of Pampanga in the Philippines, is locally classified as a first-class, highly urbanized city. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 267,788.
Angeles is served by the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport inside the Clark Special Economic Zone (formerly Clark Air Base and now renamed Clark Freeport Zone), which is located on the northwestern part of the city. Being the former home of the biggest American base outside of the United States mainland, it was significantly affected by the base pullout brought about by the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1991 as the economy of Angeles then was heavily dependent on the US base.
Endowed with economic and business opportunities, Angeles is dubbed as the "Entertainment Capital of Central Luzon." Sisig is one dish that exemplifies all these and is a favorite dish among Filipinos, which, according to the Center for Kapampangan Studies, originated from this city and has been at the menu since the 1730s, thus it has also become known as the culinary center in Pampanga.
Angeles is served by the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport inside the Clark Special Economic Zone (formerly Clark Air Base and now renamed Clark Freeport Zone), which is located on the northwestern part of the city. Being the former home of the biggest American base outside of the United States mainland, it was significantly affected by the base pullout brought about by the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1991 as the economy of Angeles then was heavily dependent on the US base.
Endowed with economic and business opportunities, Angeles is dubbed as the "Entertainment Capital of Central Luzon." Sisig is one dish that exemplifies all these and is a favorite dish among Filipinos, which, according to the Center for Kapampangan Studies, originated from this city and has been at the menu since the 1730s, thus it has also become known as the culinary center in Pampanga.
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Cabanatuan
Cabanatuan was founded as Barrio of Gapan in 1750 and became a Municipality and capital of La Provincia de Nueva Ecija in 1780. In 1899, Emilio Aguinaldo moved the Capital of the First Philippine Republic from Malolos to Cabanatuan. Cabanatuan is the site of the historical "Plaza Lucero" and the Cabanatuan Cathedral, where General Antonio Luna was ambushed on his way to Palanan. Cabanatuan lost the title of capital in 1850 when the capital of Nueva Ecija was moved to San Isidro, another historic town. It was only in 1917, when the Administrative code was enacted, that Cabanatuan was restored as capital of the Province. However, in 1965, Congress created Palayan City, which has been the capital ever since. Cabanatuan was declared a Highly Urbanized City in 1998.
During World War II, the occupying Japanese built Cabanatuan Prison Camp, where many American soldiers were imprisoned, some of whom had been forced to endure the infamous "Bataan Death March." In January 1945 elements of the US Army marched far behind enemy lines to rescue the prisoners in what became known as the Raid at Cabanatuan.
During World War II, the occupying Japanese built Cabanatuan Prison Camp, where many American soldiers were imprisoned, some of whom had been forced to endure the infamous "Bataan Death March." In January 1945 elements of the US Army marched far behind enemy lines to rescue the prisoners in what became known as the Raid at Cabanatuan.
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