Wednesday, February 28, 2007

IMPITCHMENT TRIAL BY BSU-CoE Batch 2001

OFF-TOPIC

I just want to share some of our multimedia project when we are in college. My friend got this old copy of video from our instructor. I'm just happy to watch it again and I don't know if you can relate with this masterpiece that we made. To our batch of Computer Engineering at Batangas State University batch 2001 -ASTIG. This is the youtube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1UddlK5838 , if you enjoy the clip, share it to others.

Visit Batangas - the home of beautiful dive spots. We have the Dive and Trek, Anilao Beach Resort, Vistamar Beach Resort and a lot more. I'll post a list of best beaches in Batngas.

Philippine Tourist Guide...

Visit our college website: www.batstate-u.edu.ph, the best university in Batangas.

Sunday, February 25, 2007

PHILIPPINE GENERAL INFORMATION

General Information

COUNTRY NAME : Republic of the Philippines

FORM OF GOVERNMENT : Democratic

CAPITAL : Manila

INTRODUCTION


The visitor to Metro Manila commonly sees the Philippines as the most westernized of Asian countries and in many ways it is. But there is also a rich underlay of Malay culture beneath the patina of Spanish and American heritage. National cultural life is a happy marriage of many influences, as the indigenous Malay culture is assimilated and adapted to different strains in a practice typical of Malay temperament. An upsurge of Philippine nationalism stimulated a desire to preserve the ancient heritage without restricting its openness to foreign artistic influence.
The Philippines is an archipelago of 7,107 islands. It stretches from the south of China to the northern tip of Borneo. The country has over a hundred ethnic groups and a mixture of foreign influences which have molded a unique Filipino culture.

Before the Spanish explorers came, Indo-Malays and Chinese merchants had settled here. In 1521 the Spaniards, led by Ferdinand Magellan, discovered the islands. The Spanish conquistadores established a colonial government in Cebu in 1565. They transferred the seat of government to Manila in 1571 and proceeded to colonize the country. The Filipinos resisted and waged Asia's first nationalist revolution in 1896. On June 12, 1898, Emilio Aguinaldo declared the Philippines independent from Spain and proclaimed himself president. After ruling for 333 years, the Spaniards finally left in 1898 and were replaced by the Americans who stayed for 48 years. On July 4, 1946, the Americans recognized Philippine independence.

The Philippines is the third largest English-speaking country in the world. The country is divided into three geographical areas: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. It has 17 regions, 79 provinces, 117 cities, 1,501 municipalities , and 41,982 barangays. (Barangay - The smallest political unit into which cities and municipalities in the Philippines are divided. It is the basic unit of the Philippine political system. It consists of less than 1,000 inhabitants residing within the territorial limit of a city or municipality and administered by a set of elective officials, headed by a barangay chairman or punong barangay). Data as of March 2006.

GEOGRAPHY

The Philippine archipelago is geographically located between latitude 4023'N and 21025'N and longitude 1160E and 1270E. It is composed of 7,107 islands, with a land area of 299,764 sq.kilometers. Its length measures 1,850 kilometers, starting from the point near the southern tip of Taiwan and ending close to northern Borneo. Its breadth is about 965 kilometers. The Philippine coastline adds up to 17,500 km. Three prominent bodies of water surround the archipelago: the Pacific Ocean on the east, the South China Sea on the west and north, and the Celebes Sea on the south. This position accounts for much of the variations in geographic, climatic and vegetational conditions in the country.

The topography of the bigger islands - particularly Luzon and Mindanao - is characterized by alluvial plains, narrow valleys, rolling hills and high mountains. The highest mountains are found in Mindanao and Luzon, with the altitudes varying from 1,790 to 3,144 meters. Most of the smaller islands are mountainous in the interior, surrounded by narrow strips of discontinuous flat lowlands which constitute the coastal rims. The shorelines of both large and small islands are irregular.

The Philippines' fertile land accounts for the more than 900 species of orchids representing 100 genera that have been found. The sampaguita is the national flower. Among the country's fauna are some endangered species like the Philippine Eagle, the tarsier, and the mouse deer.
Metro Manila is strategically located in the middle of Luzon, on the eastern coast of Manila Bay and at the mouth of the Pasig River, sprawled over an area of 626 sq.km. Manila sits in the middle of a swampy deltaic plain formed by accumulated sedimentary deposits from the Pasig River and other streams.

The city is between the bay to the west, the highlands to the east, and Laguna de Bay to the southeast. Most of its densely populated areas are found along the Pasig River running across the metropolis dividing it into two sections - the north and the south.

TIME ZONE:

GMT + 8 hours. Check out the Philippine Standard Time

CAPSULE HISTORY

Before the Spanish conquistadores came, a thriving community flourished on the banks of the Pasig River. It was called "Maynilad", after the nilad plant whose star-shaped flowers clustered in abundance along the low-lying river banks.

The lord of the riverside kingdom was Raha Sulayman who held court on the south side of the river while his uncle, Lakandula, ruled on the north side. The Spaniards were set on conquering this community. After the savage Battle of Bangkusay, where they overtook the natives with their awesome firepower, the Spaniards conquered Manila. In this Battle, Sulayman was killed.
Realizing its strategic position as a trading center and military outpost, Miguel Lopez de Legaspi, head of the Spanish expedition, promptly declared Manila the capital of the new colonies won by Spain. On June 24, 1571, Manila was declared the capital of the entire achipelago. Delighted by this conquest, the King of Spain awarded the city a coat of arms and the grandiose title: "The Noble and Ever Loyal City". Soon, Manila became a replica of a European medieval city. There were churches, palaces and city halls built in the Spanish baroque style. Work began on building a wall around the city to keep the pirates and Moros at bay. It took 150 years to finish this wall. The end result was an astounding eight foot-thick, three mile-long wall, with two forts and a bastion, 370 guns in place, manned by a force of 5,000 men and 10,000 reserves. This walled city became known as Intramuros.

Beautiful as it was, Intramuros stood as a perfect illustration of the discrimination at that time against the natives called Indios. Although it was built by Indio workers and Chinese artisans, Intramuros was meant only for the clergy and the Spanish nobility. The natives could not enter except to work as servants. Outside the walls, in the arabales or suburbs, lived the Indios, the Chinese and other foreigners. The diversity of trade and culture in the suburbs made it alive and interesting. Tondo, Binondo, Sta. Cruz, and Quiapo bustled with commerce. These places were home to the merchants, carpenters, blacksmiths, carriage makers, masons, and other artisans.
Over the centuries, the Spanish rule was occasionally threatened by attacks from the sea and by internal uprisings. The Chinese, Dutch and British all tried to lay siege on Manila but were unsuccessful. But the 1880's saw the birth of a reform movement led by Marcelo H. Del Pilar, Lopez Jaena and Jose Rizal (the national hero). This reform movement ultimately led to a revolution and by 1898, the days of the Castilian rule were numbered. The most lasting legacy of the Spanish rule was the Catholic religion which makes the Philippines the only Christian nation in Asia.

But as soon as the Spaniards left, the Americans took over. 1902 was the beginning of the American era, a period characterized by the expansion of public education, advances in health care and the introduction of democratic government. The outbreak of war in the Pacific in 1941 disrupted American rule. Manila was declared an open city and the Americans withdrew their defenses. For three years, Manila was occupied by the Japanese imperial forces. Life at that time was made difficult by strict Japanese military rule. When the American troops entered Manila to liberate it, they had to bomb the city to dislodge the tenacious Japanese. Manila was devastated.

On July 4, 1946, a year after the end of the war, the Philippine flag was hoisted signalling the recognition of Philippine independence.

THE PEOPLE

The Filipino is basically of Malay stock with a sprinkling of Chinese, American, Spanish and Arab blood. The Philippines has a population of 76.5 million as of May 2000, and it is hard to distinguish accurately the lines between stocks. From a long history of Western colonial rule, interspersed with the visits of merchants and traders, evolved a people of a unique blend of east and west, both in appearance and culture.

The Filipino character is actually a little bit of all the cultures put together. The bayanihan or spirit of kinship and camaraderie that Filipinos are famous for, is said to be taken from Malay forefathers. The close family relations are said to have been inherited from the Chinese. The piousness comes from the Spaniards who introduced Christianity in the 16th century. Hospitality is a common denominator in the Filipino character and this is what distinguishes the Filipino. Filipinos are probably one of the few, if not the only, English-proficient Oriental people today. Filipino is the official national language, with English considered as the country's unofficial one.

The Filipinos are divided geographically and culturally into regions, and each regional group is recognizable by distinct traits and dialects - the sturdy and frugal Ilocanos of the north, the industrious Tagalogs of the central plains, the carefree Visayans from the central islands and the colorful tribesmen and religious Moslems of Mindanao. Tribal communities can be found scattered across the archipelago. The Philippines has more than 111 dialects spoken, owing to the subdivisions of these basic regional and cultural groups.

Some 80 percent of the population is Catholic, Spain's lasting legacy. About 15 percent is Moslem and these people can be found basically in Mindanao. The rest of the population is made up mostly of smaller Christian denominations and Buddhist.

The country is marked by a true blend of cultures; truly in the Philippines, East meets West. The background of the people is Indonesian and Malay. There are Chinese and Spanish elements as well. The history of American rule and contact with merchants and traders culminated in a unique blend of East and West, both in the appearance and culture of the people of the Filipinos, or people of the Philippines.

Hospitality, a trait displayed by every Filipino, makes these people legendary in Southeast Asia. Seldom can you find such hospitable people who enjoy the company of their Western visitors. Perhaps due to their long association with Spain, Filipinos are emotional and passionate about life, in a way that seems more Latin than Asian.

Ethnic Groups: 91.5% Christian Malay, 4% Muslim Malay ,1.5% Chinese and 3% other.

CULTURE AND ARTS

The major cultural agencies of government are the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the National Historical Institute, the National Museum, The National Library, the Records Management and Archives Office, and the Commission on the Filipino Language. The Heads of these cultural agencies are all ex-officio members of the NCCA Board and all except the Commission on the Filipino Language are together under the National Commission on Culture and Arts.

CLIMATE

The Philippines has a tropical climate with relatively abundant rainfall and gentle winds. There are three pronounced seasons: the wet or rainy season from June to October, the cool, dry season from November to February, and the hot, dry season from March to May.

Temperature in Manila ranges from 21°C to 32°C with a 27°C average. The coolest month is January and the warmest is May. Both temperature and humidity levels reach the maximum in April and May, but these are generally good months for aquasports and mountain trekking. Some of the most colorful festivals are held during these months.

LANGUAGE

Two official languages --- Filipino and English. Filipino, which is based on Tagalog, is the national language. English is also widely used and is the medium of instruction in higher education.
Eight (8) major dialects spoken by majority of the Filipinos: Tagalog, Cebuano, Ilocano, Hiligaynon or Ilonggo, Bicolano, Waray, Pampango, and Pangasinense.

Filipino is that native language which is used nationally as the language of communication among ethnic groups. Like any living language, Filipino is in a process of development through loans from Philippine languages and non-native languages for various situations, among speakers of different social backgrounds, and for topics for conversation and scholarly discourse. There are about 76 to 78 major language groups, with more than 500 dialects.

RELIGION
Predominantly Christian.
Catholics - 82.9%
Protestants - 5.4%
Islam - 4.6%
Philippine Independent Church - 2.6%
Iglesia ni Cristo - 2.3%

Historically, the Filipinos have embraced two of the great religions of the world - Islam and Christianity. Islam was introduced during the 14th century shortly after the expansion of Arab commercial ventures in Southeast Asia. Today, it is limited to the southern region of the country.

Christianity was introduced as early as the 16th century with the coming of Ferdinand Magellan in 1521.

Protestantism was introduced by the first Presbyterian and Methodist missionaries who arrived with the American soldiers in 1899.

Two Filipino independent churches were organized at the turn of the century and are prominent today. These are the Aglipay (Philippine Independent Church) and the Iglesia Ni Kristo (Church of Christ) founded in 1902 and 1914, respectively. Recently, the Aglipay signed a covenant with the Anglican Church. The Iglesia ni Kristo has expanded its membership considerably. Its churches, with their unique towering architecture are landmarks in almost all important towns, provincial capitals and major cities.

GOVERNMENT

The new Philippine Constitution was ratified in early 1987, signalling the country's return to democracy.

EXECUTIVE BRANCH:

Chief of state: President Gloria MACAPAGAL-ARROYO (since 30 June 2004) and Vice-President Noli de Castro (since 30 June 2004); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government

Cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president with the consent of the Commission of Appointments' elections: president and vice-president elected on separate tickets by popular vote for six-year terms; election last held 16 May 2004 (next elections to be held on May 2010)

LEGISLATIVE BRANCH:

Bicameral Congress or Kongreso consists of the Senate or Senado (24 seats: one-half elected every three years; members elected by popular vote to serve six-year terms) and the House of Representatives or Kapulungan Ng Mga Kinatawan (214 seats: members elected by popular vote to serve three-year terms. Additional members may be appointed by the President but the Constitution prohibits the House of Representatives from having more than 250 members) Elections: Senate - last held 16 May 2004 (next elections to be held on May 2010); House of Representatives - elections last held 16 May 2004 (next elections to be held on May 2010)

JUDICIAL BRANCH:

Supreme Court (justices are appointed by the president on the recommendation of the Judicial and Bar Council and serve until 70 years of age)

ECONOMY

Overview: Due to the combined effect of the Asian financial crisis and poor weather conditions, GDP growth in 1998 fell to about-0.5% from 5% in 1997, but recovered to about 3% in 1999 and 3.6% in 2000. Upon assuming office, President Arroyo and her Economic Team put in place an economic plan to ensure that the economy is on track for equitable development and sustainable growth. The Philippine Economic Plan comprises a comprehensive set of fiscal discipline measures and market reforms linked to clear targets. This plan recognizes that a stable macroeconomic environment is a pre-requisite to stimulating investment and sustainable growth. It integrates a well-coordinated set of strategic fiscal and monetary policy priorities that support a sound fiscal and debt position, low rates and inflation, and healthy current account levels. It also outlines guidelines related to good governance practices that ensure that reforms are effective and long lasting.

POPULATION

76.5 million as of May 2000.

INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION PARTICIPATION

APEC, ARF, AsDB, ASEAN, CCC, CP, ESCAP, FAO, G-24, G-77, IAEA, IBRD, ICAO, ICC, ICFTU, ICRM, IDA, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, IHO, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, ISO, ITU, NAM, OAS (observer), OPCW, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNIDO, UNMIK, UNTAET, UNU, UPU, WCL, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WToO, WTrO
EDUCATION

Philippine education is patterned after the American system, with English as the medium of instruction. Schools are classified into public (government) or private (non-government).
The general pattern of formal education follows four stages: Pre-primary level (nursery and kindergarten) offered in most private schools; six years of primary education, followed by four years of secondary education. College education usually takes four, sometimes five and in some cases as in medical and law schools, as long as eight years. Graduate schooling is an additional two or more years.

Classes in Philippine schools start in June and end in March. Colleges and universities follow the semestral calendar from June-October and November-March. There are a number of foreign schools with study programs similar to those of the mother country.

Saturday, February 24, 2007

The KINGS is in their new THRONE

OFF-TOPIC 3
Well, finally the series is over and Brgy. Ginebra Gin Kings wins the PBA Philippine Cup Finals by 96 – 94 over San Miguel Beermen. They got their last championship last 2004 with Coach Siot Tangquincen and their brand new crown is with Coach Jong Uichico. Congrats coach Jong!!! Jayjay Helterbrand is the finals MVP selected by PBA Press Corp. At least the fast and the furious got the two major awards for the conference and they deserved to have the award for the effort that they showed in the conference. Marc Caguioa is the Best Player of the Conference (with a nice girlfriend too!!!). Rudy Hatfield which I think is a wrestler too shows a monster performance for the season (Rudy what an interview with Eric Reyes, you should face Batista. hehehehe). Eric Menk be careful next time, Ginebra needs you. Rafi Reavis aka BlackDyak (do you know BlackDyak?), your offensive rebounds, your defense and overall performance are the key for winning a championship. Sunday Salvacion, the three-pointers kills San Miguel. Ronald Tubid is the artist of the year (hehehehe) from Talk-N-Text series to San Miguel series. What a nice job!!! Billy Mamaril, the man from the bench helps the big guys. Johnny A, the flying A, the PBA all-time leader in assist shows a veteran flavor of playing finals game. To all Brgy. Ginebra team!!! THE BEST AMONG THE BEST!!! Congratulations!!!
San Miguel Beermen better luck next time!!!
Philippine Tourist Guide - your guide to Philippine Paradise...

Wednesday, February 21, 2007

Panagbenga Festival - Baguio City

WELCOME TO PANAGBENGA FESTIVAL - BAGUIO CITY

For more info about the schedule of events, visit www.baguio.gov.ph

February 1 - March 4, 2007 @ Baguio City

History of Panagbenga


Panagbenga: The birth of a tradition
IT ALL began in 1995 when lawyer Damaso Bangaoet, Jr., John Hay Poro Point Development Corp. (JPDC) managing director, presented to the JPDC Board of Directors the idea of their spearheading the holding of a flower festival in Baguio City.
The board, then led by Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) Chairman Victor Lim and JPDC President Rogelio Singson, approved the project immediately. It was also decided that the festival be held every February.
From the very start, JPDC saw itself as the initiator, not the producer of the festival. Consequently, its strategy was to present the idea to the various sectors of the community: government, education, business, media and civic organizations.
This was not only to solicit their support but also to gather suggestions and ideas. Their response was generally warm and immediate. It grew as a well-spring of community support fed resources into the project. The Baguio Flower Festival was idea on its way to becoming a reality.
Making the idea a reality fell into the hands of the Baguio Flower Festival (BFF) secretariat, which was chaired by Bangaoet and manned by JPDC staff and volunteers. In addition, an advisory of flower enthusiasts was formed. They began creating an identity for the festival, one that would reflect the history, traditions and values of Baguio and the Cordilleras.
In October 1995, the BFF acquired a face. Its official logo was chosen from entries to the annual Camp John Hay art contest. The competition was open to elementary, high school and college students in the city. Its theme revolved around preserving the environment with a special emphasis on the flowers that abound in the Cordillera.
The board of judges led by well-known artist Ben Cabrera chose a spray of sunflowers on the corner of the entry submitted by Trisha Tabangin, a student of the Baguio City National High School.
Shortly thereafter, a festival hymn was composed by Prof. Macario Fronda, band master of the St. Louis University. To this music was added the rhythm and movements of the Bendian dance, an Ibaloi dance of celebration.
The Bendian dance's circular movements speak of unity and harmony among the members of the tribe-themes foreshadowed the coming together of the various sectors of the community to bring the BFF to life.
Before 1996 would close, the second BFF was already in the works. Drawing from their experiences from the first festival, the BFF secretariat set out to make the festival "bigger and better."
It began with the festival acquiring a local name, Panagbenga, which comes from the Kankanaey term "a season of blossoming, a time for flowering." The name was suggested by Ike Picpican, an archivist and curator of the Saint Louis University Museum.
By 1998, the initial community involvement in the first two festivals had matured into a deeper sense of commitment. Various sectors initiated, planned, and executed events on their own, leaving no doubt that the people of Baguio had, indeed, claimed Panagbenga as their very own.
As the Baguio Flower Festival evolves, new activities serve as opportunity to enrich the Panagbenga spirit. They infuse the festival with dynamism, perspective and character as well as the unique traditions of each group or individual that makes itself or himself part of it.
The flourishing of the community spirit is the most eloquent testimony that the festival has found a home in the hearts and minds of the people of Baguio.
Visiting Baguio City
Tagged as the country's "Summer Capital", it is approximately 250 kms. north of Manila and situated in the heart of the province of Benguet. Baguio is 8 degrees cooler on any month on the average than any place in the lowlands.
Baguio City's invigorating climate and the presence of a variety of cultural, historical, and scenic attractions, make the city an interesting destination for both foreign and locals.
Baguio is accessible by land and air from Manila. It can be reached via 3 spectacular winding roads; Marcos Highway, Kennon Road and Naguillan Road. Travel time is four 4 hours by car from Manila, 5-6 hours by bus and 45 minutes by plane.
By Land:
Victory Liner Bus Line
Terminals:
Caloocan - 713 Rizal Avenue Extension, Caloocan City
Tel. No. (632)361-1506 - 10
Cubao - EDSA, Cubao
Tel. No. (632)727-4534
Kamias - EDSA, Kamias
Tel. No. (632) 921-3296
Pasay - EDSA, Pasay City
Tel. No. (632)833-5019 - 20
Sampaloc - Espana corner Galicia Street, Sampaloc, Manila
Tel. No. (632)741-1436
For more info about Vitory Liner, visit www.victoryliner.com

Come and visit Baguio City... The City of Pines and Flowers. The City where the Armed Forces of the Philippines are trained...

Philippine Tourist Guide - your guide to Philippine Paradise...

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Brgy. Ginebra wins over San Miguel Beermen in Game 5

OFF-TOPIC 2

Game 5 of PBA Philippine Cup Finals. Brgy. Ginebra wins over San Miguel Beermen with the score of 94 - 82. It seems that Brgy. Ginebra has a big chance of getting the championship. I may say that out of 100%, Ginebra has 70% chance to get the Philippine Cup. Brgy. Ginebra shows a great defense and it stops the other scorer of Beermen to score in every quarter. Dondon Hontiveros has 11 points only which it's lower than his average. No help has been established to back the scoring of Danny Siegel and L.A. Tenorio. On the part of Ginebra the fast and the furious shows a good tandem on the back-court as well as the defense of their big man on the paint. I think Ginebra get their lead on their second chance points. The two teams used the zone defense which slows down the scoring ability of the two teams. Well good luck on your next game. Game 6 is scheduled on Friday at Aranet Coliseum, Quezon City. San Miguel needs to get Game 6 for them to have a sudden death on Sunday. Good luck to San Miguel eermen and to Congratulations to Brgy. Ginebra...

Visit www.pba.ph for more information.

Philippine Tourist Guide - your guide to Philippine Paradise...

Sunday, February 18, 2007

Philippine Calendar of Activities

FEBRUARY EVENTS

ILOILO PARAW REGATTA
February 18- February 19 Villa Beach, Sto. Niño Sur, Arevalo, Iloilo City

PHILIPPINE MILITARY ACADEMY ALUMNI HOMECOMING
February 18- February 19 PMA, Baguio City

AURORA DAY AND SUMAN FESTIVAL
February 18- February 19 Baler, Aurora

KAP’YAAN FESTIVAL
February 18 - 20, 2007 Jose Abad Santos, Davao del Sur

BABAYLAN FESTIVAL (RITUALS)
February 19 Bago City, Negros Occidental

BALSAHAN FESTIVAL
February 20 Sibunag, Guimaras

ASINAN FESTIVAL
February 20 San Lorenzo, Guimaras

MUTYA NG CARAGA
February 20 Urios College gym, Butuan City

CEBU X INTERNATIONAL FURNITURE AND FURNISHINGS
February 21- February 27 Cebu City, Cebu

For more information about the events, please visit: www.tourism.gov.ph
Special thanks to Department of Tourism, Philippines...

Friday, February 16, 2007

Ginebra wins over San Miguel in Game 4

OFF-TOPIC

I just want to share the result of the game in Philippine Basketball Association. All-Filipino Cup Finals between Ginebra San Miguel VS San Miguel Beer, they are sister company but if we talk championship it's all out war between the players of both teams because it's a pride for every player to be a champion in the number one basketball association in the Philippines. By the way Ginebra wins by 35 points. The final score is 146 - 111 and the series is tied to 2-2. The series will go on best-of-three and it's anybody's series but we all know that San Miguel Beer gets the series lead to 2 - 0 and Ginebra gets game 3 and 4. The momentum is on Ginebra side but in the history of basketball, game 5 might go to San Miguel it's just designing a new game plan and study the fault that they made in Game 3 and 4. The next game is on Wednesday, February 21, 2007 at Araneta Coliseum. See you there...

Congratulation to Ginebra...

Thursday, February 15, 2007

8 Long Weekend Holidays in the Philippines in 2007

Here is a tip to save money on your next awesome travel. You should book your travel way ahead in advance especially if you plan to leverage the Philippines Holidays this year. We have longer weekend holidays this 2007 and this is the time for you to go to the best places in the Philippines!

1. Longest Holy Week Vacation. This year's Holy Week is the longest because Easter Monday is also a holiday because it coincides with the Bataan Day (April 9, Monday). Book your travel Vacation now during the Holy Week Season: April 1, Palm Sunday and April Fool's Day to April 9, Easter Monday and Bataan Day. File your leave now for April 2, 3, 4!

2. Labor Day Holiday . The second long holiday is from April 28, Sunday to May 1, Tuesday Labor Day. You need to file a leave for April 30 but it will be a leave well taken. Boracay is the perfect place for this long weekend so start booking your hotel in Bora! Also, remember that May is an elections month so better take your vacation before the election on May 14, 2nd Monday of May.

3. Independence Day Long Weekend. Take advantage of June 9, Saturday to June 11, Monday (regular holiday in lieu of June 12). No need to take a vacation since this is a 3 day weekend. It starts to rain already during this time, but still a perfect time for the last minute summer getaway.

4. Ninoy Aquino Holiday. August 21, is a special holiday which falls on a tuesday this year. So you just need to leave on August 20, and you already have a 4 day weekend from August 18, Saturday to August 21, Tuesday. It is difficult to fly during this time since this is in the middle of typhoon season. This is perfect time to start Surfing or White Water Rafting.

5. Halloween Vacation. Yes, another 4 day weekend without taking a leave. November 1 (Thursday) All Saints' Day is a special holiday and November 2 (Friday) is a Special non-working day (Proc No. 1211). So, take advantage of the Cebu Pacific Crazy Fares during this time from Nov. 1, Thursday to November 4, Sunday. Yahoo!

6. Eidl Feitre or End of Ramadan. This is usually in November but there is no date yet. Anybody knows when the end of Ramadan this year?

7. Christmas Season 4 day Holiday . December 24 (Monday) is declared as a Special non-working day (Proc No. 1211) and December 25 (Tuesday) Christmas Day is a regular holiday. So similar to last year, we have a 4 day Christmas holiday from December 22, Saturday to December 25, Tuesday.

8. New Year Holiday . December 29, Saturday until January 1, Tuesday is another 4 day holiday weekend. It is best that you just take leave during the entire last week of December so enjoy an almost 12 day holiday!

Here is a complete list of the 2007 Phil Regular Holidays and Non-Working Days...
2007 Phil regular holidays and non-working days

January 1 (Monday) New Year's Day (regular holiday)
April 5 (Thursday) Holy Thursday (regular holiday)
April 6 (Friday) Good Friday (regular holiday)
April 7 (Saturday) Special (non-working day - Procl No. 1211)
April 9 (Monday) Bataan Day (Araw ng Kagitingan) (regular holiday)
May 1 (Tuesday) Labor Day (regular holiday) May 14 (Monday) National Elections!
June 11 (Monday) In lieu of June 12, Independence Day (regular holiday - Procl No. 1211))
August 21 (Tuesday) Ninoy Aquino Day (special holiday) August 26 (Sunday) National Heroes' Day (regular holiday)
November 1 (Thursday) All Saints' Day (special holiday)
November 2 (Friday) Special (non-working day – Proc No. 1211) November (no date yet) Eidl Feitre or End of Ramadan (usually in November)
November 30 (Friday) Bonifacio Day (regular holiday)
December 24 (Monday) Special (non-working day – Proc No. 1211) December 25 (Tuesday) Christmas Day (regular holiday)
December 30 (Sunday) Rizal Day (regular holiday)
December 31(Monday) Last Day of the Year (special holiday)


Philippine Tourist Guide - your guide to Philippine Paradise...

Wednesday, February 14, 2007

Philippine Airlines Special Discount for Domestic Flight

INDIVIDUAL PASSENGER
In compliance with Republic Act No. 9337, an act amending the National Internal Revenue Code, a 12% VAT is added to the total amount quoted on all transactions involving purely domestic services only.

PAL offers special discounts to the following types of passengers who are traveling within the Philippines and buying their tickets from a PAL sales office or Domestic Ticketing Program travel agents in the Philippines:

Senior Citizens

20% discount on all fare types including promotional fares for Filipino residents who are at least 60 years old. The passenger must present any of the following valid ID's when buying the ticket:
Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) ID issued by their municipality
Driver's License
Birth Certificate
Passport
Golden Years Card obtained from PAL ticket office
Any ID authenticating age
PALakbayan holiday package is not applicable for Senior Citizen discount. Foreign nationals are not allowed to avail the Senior Citizen discount under Philippine Law.

Students

20% discount on normal fares for those not more than 24 years old upon presentation of a valid Flying Student's card. The student must be enrolled in a course of at least six months in a school accredited by the Department of Education, Culture & Sports.

The following are the requirements needed to apply for the Flying Student's card:
School registration card (original and photocopy)
Two 1x1 I.D. pictures
Accomplished application form
School official receipt (original and photocopy)
Photocopy of birth certificate
Flying Student's card can be obtained from any Philippine Airlines ticket office with a processing fee of PHP50.00 for first time applicants or when applying for a replacement card. The card has to be revalidated every year at no cost.

Minors

50% discount on normal fares for children aged 2 to below 12 years old. Birth certificate is required when buying the ticket.

Infants

90% discount based on the applicable adult fare for babies less than 2 years old. Birth certificate is required when buying the ticket. Infant is not entitled to a seat.

Government Employees

20% discount on normal fares for government employees. Passenger must be currently employed in the government service. Retired government employees are not entitled.

A valid government employee ID must be presented when buying the ticket. The government employee must also submit the original copy of his/her Certificate of Employment duly signed by his/her superior.

These discounted fares or tickets cannot be used together with other available promotional or discounted fares.

Military Personnel
10% discount on normal round-trip fare for active military personnel of the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines and the United States Armed Forces (USAF). Members of National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) are also given the same discount when traveling on official duty. A valid military ID must be presented when buying the ticket. Members of the NAPOLCOM are also required to present their mission order.
For more information, please visit www.philippineairlines.com

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Philippine Airlines Promo

BUY ONE TAKE ONE

We offer "Buy One Take One" special promotional fares on First and Mabuhay (Business) class. Available at any of our PAL ticket offices. Please select one that suits you.

From Manila to:

Hongkong
Honolulu
Las Vegas
Angeles or San Francisco
Singapore

Vancouver

To Manila from:

Hongkong
Honolulu
Las Vegas
Angeles or San Francisco
Vancouver

From Cebu to:

Honolulu
Las Vegas
Los Angeles or San Francisco
Vancouver

From Davao to:

Honolulu
Las Vegas
Los Angeles or San Francisco
Vancouver

Note: Airline fares are subject to change without prior notice.

Special thanks to Philippine Airlines website. Visit them @ www.philippineairlines.com

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Tuesday, February 13, 2007

GO CAGAYAN NORTH!!!

THE PHILIPPINES' TOP DESTINATION

Cagayan North offers a wide array of tourist attractions that lure tourists to come back for more. Aside from being geographically located at the topmost part of the Philippines, there is more to Cayagan North that makes it the Philippines' top destination.

MIRACULOUS OUR LADY OF PIAT. Known for the locals as "Apo Baket"," Our Lady of Piat continues to unite and bring hope to people, and attract thousands of pilgrims every year at the Basilica of Our Lady of Piat - the Pilgrimage Center of the North.

CENTURIES-OLD CHURCHES. Seventeen(17) Spanish-era churches with outstanding architectural details are all over the province, including Alcala's St. Philomene Church (1881), awide brick structure, and Rizal's San Raymundo de Penaforte Church, the only cultural heritage site declared by the NCCA.

BUNTUN BTIDGE. Built in 1968, it is known as the longest bridgeover fresh water in the country, measuring 1.4 km. long.

CALAYAN RAIL. (GALLIRALUS CALAYANENSIS). A new bird species, locally called "Piding", dark-brown-bodied with orange-red bill and legs; believed to be found nowhere elsein the world but on the secluded island of Calayan.

HUMPBACK WHALES. The Babuyan Channel has the highest number of sightings of cetacean species in the country - fourteen (14) whale and dolphin species which are believed to mate and reproduce in this part of the province.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL TREASURES. Cagayan North's rich prehistoric past is evidenced by remains of extinct rhinoceros and tortoises; Lal-lo Shell Midden site (considered one of the largest in South-East Asia, if not the world); earliest evidence of rice in SE Asia found in a pottery in Solana; and other excavated material which indicate the prescence of humankind in the area as far back as 500,000 years ago.

SAMBALI. The Sambali is Cagayan North's biggest and longest running festival celebrated in Piat. Now considered the carrier festival of the province, local streetdancers clad in dazzling costumes and choreographed movement hold aloft the image of Our Lady of Piat, the patrones of the Valley.

OLDEST BELL IN THE FAR EAST. Sancta Maria Bell, the oldest bell in the far east, was forged in the year 1595. It is currently housed at the San Jacinto de Palonia Parish Church in Camalaniugan.

NUEVA SEGOVIA. Lal-lo, the real Nueva Segovia of the North, is one of the first four cities in the country.

CAVE CAPITAL OF THE PHILIPPINES. Most number of caves: over 200 caves in Penablanca alone, of which the seven-chambered Callao Cave is the most renown.

LONGEST COASTLINE. Cagayan North has the longest coastline among all provinces in the Philippines, measuring 700 kilometers from the Pacific side on the east to the Babuyan seaon the West, including the islands of the Babuyan channel.

MAGAPIT SUSPENSION BRIDGE. Built in 1978 by Japanese Engineers, the Magapit Suspension Bridge in Lal-lo is considered first suspension bridge in Asia.

>>> Special thanks to Office of the Governor, Province of Cagayan

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Monday, February 12, 2007

Tuguegarao City - The Capital of Cagayan North (Part III)

SHOP @ TUGUEGARAO CITY

Brickstone Mall
Pengue Ruyu, Tuguegarao
Tel. No.(078)844-0059

FCI Citimall
Bonifacio St., Tuguegarao
Tel. No.(078)844-2125

Kabuhayan Trade Center
2/F Public Market
Tuguegarao
Tel. No.(078)846-4637

La Cagayan Village
Capitol Hills, Tuguegarao
Tel. No.(078)844-3559

Lifestreams Arts & Crafts
Puzon St., Alimannao
Tel. No. 0921-2127710

Valley Souvenirs
Patria Bldg., Rizal St., Tuguegarao
Tel. No.(078)844-7447
Cel. No. 0917-5782616
Email:
valleysouvenirs@hotmail.com

USEFUL NUMBERS:

Air Transportation Office
Tel. No.(078)844-1011

Cagayan Provincial Police Command
Bagumbayan, Tuguegarao
Tel. No.(078)844-1583

Cagayan Electric Coop.
Tel. No.(078)844-1595/1598

Rescue 29 c/o PSWDO
Tel. No.(078)844-4683

Tuguegarao City Police Station
Mabini St., Tuguegarao City
Tel. No. 166

HOSPITALS / CLINICS

Cagayan Valley Medical Center
Bonifacio St., Tuguegarao City
Tel. No.(078)844-5485 / 1810 / 3789

Clinica de Leon
Bonifacio St., Tuguegarao City
Tel. No.(078)844-1481

People's Emergency Hospital
Luna St., Tuguegarao City
Tel. No.(078)844-1337

St. Paul's Hospital
Ugac Highway, Tuguegarao

INFORMATION CENTER

Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA)
Tuguegarao - (078) 844-7190/92
Sta. Ana - (078) 858-1016
Manila - (02)636-5776/80 Fax: (02)631-3997

Department of Tourism (DOT)
Rizal St., Tuguegarao City
Tel. No.(078) 844-1621 / 846-2435

Department of Trade & Industry (DTI)
Luna cor. Burgos St., Tuguegarao City
Tel. No.(078) 846-4637

Dept. of Environment & Natural Reources (DENR)
San Gabriel, Tuguegarao City
Tel. No.(078) 844-1849/1141/4344

TOUR OPERATORS

Adventures & Expeditions Phils., Inc.

Burgos cor. Arellano Sts., Tuguegarao City
Tel. No.(078) 844-1298 / 0917-5327480

Lace Travel & Tours Agency
Corner Taft and Legaspi St., Tuguegarao City
Tel. No.(078) 846-3202

Prime Frontier Travel & Tours
Falcon St., San Gabriel, Tuguegarao City
Tel/Fax (078) 844-4414

Sierra Madre Outdoor Club (SMOC)
c/o DOT, Rizal St., Tuguegarao City
Cel. No. 0918-3956160 / 0918-9379828
Small World Travel and Tours Agency
#28 G/F, Butacan Bldg., Balzain, Tuguegarao City
Tel. No.(078) 844-8267

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Wednesday, February 07, 2007

Tuguegarao City - The Capital City of Cagayan North (Part II)

DINING @ THE CITY

Adrinel's Restaurant
Rizal St., Tuguegarao
Tel. No. (078)844-1305

Bali Laisure Club / The Port
Pallua Rd., Tuguegarao City
Telefax (078)844-7808/846-3283

Budyok's Panciteria
Legaspi St., Tuguegarao City
Tel. No. (078)846-3147

BURPS
#40 Pattaui St., Ugac Norte, Tuguegarao City
Tel. No. (078)846-1940

Cindy's
Luna St., Tuguegarao

Chowking
Balzain - Tel. No. (078)846-3881
Centro - Tel. No. (078)846-4595

Criselda's Snack House
Rizal St., Centro Aparri
Tel. No. (078)846-4332/822-8234
Mobile: 0917-6304433

Cafe Michelle
Hotel Roma, Tuguegarao
Tel. No. (078)844-1057

Fusion Cafe
Pengue Ruyu, Tuguegarao City
Cel. No. 0920-4806307

Greenwich
FCI Citimall
Tel. No. (078)846-1000

Jollibee
Tanza - Tel. No. (078)844-3509/846-3782
Citimall - Tel. No. (078)844-0621/0622

K & L Restaurant
De Rivera cor. Quirino St., Aparri
Tel. No. (078)888-2141/822-8738

Kainang Pilipino
Pengue, Tuguegarao City
Tel. No. (078)846-2663

Kofun Restaurant
Aguinaldo St.
Tel. No. (078)844-7354

Kusina Cagayana
Pengue Ruyu, Tuguegarao
Tel. No. (078)844-2830/2880

Kusina ni Nanay
Balzain Rs., Tuguegarao

Las Palmas de San Jose
San Jose Village, Tuguegarao
Tel. No. (078)844-8091/1661

Max's Restaurant
FCI Citimall, Tuguegarao City
Tel. No. (078)844-6413/8467189

McDonald's
FCI Citimall, Bonifacio St., Tuguegarao City
Tel. No. (078)844-2003/8447177

Negros Grill
Pengue, Tuguegarao

Pampangena Restaurant
Lavadia Bldg., Rizal St., Tuguegarao
Tel. No. (078)844-1829

Residencia Cafe
Rizal St., Tuguegarao
Tel. No. (078)844-1196

Ristorante Lorita
Hotel Lorita, Rizal St., Tuguegarao
Tel. No. (078)844-1390

Shakey's
Brickstone Mall, Pengue Tuguegarao City
Tel. No. (078)844-6326

Wendel's Restaurant
Claveria, Cagayan

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Tuguegarao City - The Capital of Cagayan North

HOW TO GET THERE?

Tuguegarao City, the capital of Cagayn North, may be reached by plane from Manila via two major airlines flying in every Mondays and Fridays. Travel time is about 50 minutes with the following time schedules:

TRANSPORTATION:

Air Philippines:

Mla - Tug 12:30p.m. - 1:20p.m.
Tug - Mla 1:50p.m. - 2:40p.m.

Asian Spirit:

Mla - Tug 8:40a.m. - 9:40a.m.
Tug - Basco 10:10a.m. - 11:00a.m.
Basco - Tug 11:30a.m. - 12:20p.m.
Tug - Mla 1:00p.m. - 2:00p.m.

Tuguegarao City is 485 kilometers north of Manila. By land, Tuguegarao City can easily be reached by various airconditioned buses in 9-11 hours from Manila. For independent motorists, take the North diversion road and exit at Sta. Rita. Cagayan North may also be reached via Ilocos Norte, passing by the picturesque Patapat Bridge.

TOUR OPERATORS:

Adventures & Expeditions Phils., Inc. (AEPI)
Burgos cor. Arellano Sts., Tuguegarao City
Tel. No. (078)844-1298/0917-5327480

Lace Travel & Tours Agency
Cor. Taft & Legaspi Sts., Tuguegarao City
Tel. No. (078)846-3202

Prime Frontier Travel & Tours
Falcon St., San Gabriel, Tuguegarao City
Tel/Fax(078)846-4414

Sierra Madre Outdoor Club (SMOC)
c/o DOT, Rizal St., Tuguegarao City
Tel. No. 0918-3956160/0918-9379828

Small World Travel and Tours Agency
#28 G/F, Butacan Bldg., Balzain, Tuguegarao City
Tel. No. (078)844-8267

ACCOMODATIONS:

TUGUEGARAO CITY

Ara's Lodge
Pengue Ruyu
Tel. No. (078)846-4756

Bed and Breakfast
Mabini cor. Luna Sts.
Tel. No. (078)846-4743

Casa Ludivina Tourist Inn
Maharlika Highway, Pengue
Tel. No. (078) 844-1568/1567

Hotel Candice
Luna cor. Blumentritt Sts.
Tel. No. (078)844-2002
Email:
hotelcandice@yahoo.com

Hotel Carmelita
Diversion Road Balzain
Tel. No. (078)844-7027/846-3267

Hotel Delfino
Bonifacio St.
Tel. No. (078)844-046

Hotel Elinas
Bonifacio St.
Tel. No. (078)844-0640

Hotel Lorita
67 Rizal St.
Tel. No. (078)846-2565

Hotel Roma
Luna St.
Tel. Nos. (078)844-1057/844-2222
Fax: (078)844-7658

Hotel Vico
Aguinaldo St.
Tel. No. (078)844-4811

Hotel Ivory & Convention Center
Buntun Highway
Telefax: (078)844-1275/846-2279

Las Palmas de San Jose
St. Ann cor. St. John, San Jose Vill.
Tel. No. (078)844-1661/8091

New Crown Lodge and Restaurant
Luna St.
Tel. No. (078)844-1739/3627

Pampanguena Pensionne
Caggay
Tel. No. (078)844-4639

Pension Joselina
Aguinaldo St.
Tel. No. (078)844-7318

Villa Victoria Hotel
National Highway, Pengue Ruyu
Tel. No. (078)844-0436

Villa Blanca Hotel
Pattaui St. Ugac Norte
Tel. No. (078)844-1819/846-3019

APARRI

Hotel Aparri
Maharlika Hi-way, Macanaya
Tel. No. (078)822-8744/822-8978

Ryan Hotel
Rizal St., Maura
Tel. No. (078)888-2850/822-8210

St. Patrick Garden Hotel
National Highway, Macanaya
Tel. No. (078)822-8545

TESDA Hotel
Tesda Compound, Maura

Verzosa Hotel
#10 Magsaysay St.
Telefax: (078)822-8356/888-2344

ABULUG

FEC Hotel & Restaurant
Libertad

Vargas Seaside & Riverside Resort
Mobile #:0918-5373949

CLAVERIA

Casa del Mar Inn & Resort
Tel. No. (078)866-1161

Casa Grand Inn by the Sea
Tel. No. (078)866-1039


Claveria Agri-Based MPCI
Tel. No. (078)866-1085/1084

Claveria Bayview Inn & Resort
Tel. No. (078)866-1071

Cabicungan Inn Beach Resort
Tel. No. (078)866-1011

El Dia Beach Resort
Tel. No. (078)866-1072

El Hijo Beach Resort
0190-6163414

Lakay-Lakay Lodge
Tel. No. (078)866-1045

Taggat Lagoon Beach Resort
Celphone No. 0918-2915544

Ocean Inn
Tel. No. (078)866-1160

STA. ANA

CEZA Hotel
Tel. No. (078)858-1021

Jotay's Resort
Cel. No. 0916-2239477

Cortez Resort
Cel. No. 0927-6136296

Costales Lodge
Cel. No. 0916-5970074

Damo Resort & Lodging
Cel. No. 0918-4141066

Kuta de Punta Verde
Palaui Island
Tel. No. (078)822-8614
Cel. No. 0915-5346544

More information will be published about Travel in Tuguegarao City...

This information came from the Office of the Governor.
For more info you can visit: www.cagayannorth.ph

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Tuesday, February 06, 2007

Cebu Pacific Promo - January 31 - June 30, 2007

Cebu - Bacolod
Sale Period: Starting Jan. 31, 2007
Travel Period: Jan. 31 - Jun. 30, 2006

Cebu - Zamboanga
Davao - Zamboanga
Sale Period: Feb. 2 - 8, 2007
Travel Period: Feb. 21 - Mar. 31, 2007

Fare Conditions for 99 Peso Seat Sale

1. Subject to applicable taxes, fees and surcharges.
2. Fare, taxes, fees and surcharges will NON-Refundable
3. Flight changes are allowed but subject to availability and payment of any applicable fees and fare difference. Rebooking penalty: Php 300 per sector passenger.
4. Seats offered at this fare are limited and may not be available on all flights.

COST Breakdown in Php

CEB - BCD
Airfare: 99
Fuel Surcharge: 650
ASF: 15
12% VAT: 92
Total: 856

BCD-CEB
Airfare: 99
Fuel Surcharge: 650
ASF: 45
12% VAT: 96
Total: 890


CEB - ZAM
Airfare: 99
Fuel Surcharge: 800
ASF: 15
12% VAT: 110
Total: 1,024


DVO-ZAM
Airfare: 99
Fuel Surcharge: 800
ASF: 15
12% VAT: 110
Total: 1,024


For booking: Go to www.cebupacificair.com

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