Health Risks
Among the most common diseases in the Philippines are dengue hemorrhagic fever, hepatitis and cholera. Wear long sleeves or bring plenty of insect repellant when visiting rural areas. Drink bottled water.
Climate
Tropical with temperatures ranging from 23°C to 32°C. March to May is hot and dry. June to October is rainy. November to February is cool. Tropical monsoons and typhoons are common from June to November. Click here for 10-day weather forecast.
Major Exports
Electronic equipment and parts; machinery and transport equipment; other manufactures; garments, mineral and mineral products, coconut products, sugar, bananas, pineapple, mangoes
Major Imports
Capital goods; materials and accessories for the manufacture of electronic equipment; raw materials and intermediate goods; semi-processed raw materials (animal feeds, chemicals)
Major Trading Partners
United States; Japan, the Netherlands; Singapore; United Kingdom; Taiwan, Hong Kong; Malaysia; Germany
Geography
Manila (Maynila in Filipino) is the capital city of the Philippines. The city stands on the eastern shore of Manila Bay on the largest and northernmost Philippine island, Luzon. Manila lies at the mouth of the Pasig River on the eastern shores of Manila Bay which is on the western side of Luzon
The Philippines lies in the heart of Southeast Asia, off the southeastern coast of the Asia mainland at the western rim of the Pacific. It is one of the largest archipelagos in the world with about 7,100 islands and islets. It is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean on the east, the Celebes Sea on the south, and South China Sea on the west and north.
Population
Philippines: 91.1 million
Manila: 9.9 million
Ethnic Groups
91.5% Christian Malay; 4% Muslim Malay; 1.5% Chinese; 3% other groups
Languages
Pilipino is the national language. English is widely spoken and is extensively used in business and government, making the Philippines the third-largest English-speaking country in the world. Chinese and Spanish are other major languages spoken by some groups, aside from about 100 regional dialects.
Literacy Rate
94%
Religion
Roman Catholic 83%; Protestant 9%; Muslim 5%; Buddhist and other faiths 3%.
....
"...
Almost 104 million people are living in the Philippines. Compared to the population of other countries, Philippines ranks as the 12th most populated country in the world and China as being the undisputed no. 1 most populated country.
...
It's More Fun in the Philippines | DOT Official AVP
LUZON
-Benguet Province
Benguet
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
"...Tagalog pronunciation: [beŋˈɡet], (Ilokano: Probinsya ti Benguet), (Tagalog: Lalawigan ng Benguet) is a landlocked province of the Philippines in the Cordillera Administrative Region in Luzon. Its capital is La Trinidad and borders, clockwise from the south, Pangasinan, La Union, Ilocos Sur, Mountain Province, Ifugao, and Nueva Vizcaya.
Baguio, a popular tourist destination in the country, is located in the interior of the province, however, the city is independent of the province....
"Uploaded on Feb 19, 2012
http://baguiowiki.com
The City of Baguio is widely recognized as the summer capital of the Philippines. Panagbenga Festival is Baguio City's annual Festival.City of God and famous for its thousands of beautiful flowers.Recreation areas and tourist spots have restaurants and eateries nearby.Burnham Park is an urban park located at the heart of the City
"
"...An Intensity III quake rocked Baguio City and the Benguet area Friday morning, but state seismologists allayed fears of damage caused by the tremor.
Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology seismologist Winchell Sevilla said their initial reports indicate little chance of damage from the quake.
"Naramdaman sa Baguio, Intensity III. Sa ganito medyo mahina," Sevilla said in an interview on dzBB radio.
When asked if the quake could trigger landslides in the area, Sevilla said there is a possibility but the landslides would be small.
"Posible magdulot ng maliit," he said....
Baguio Earthquake JULY 16, 1990 Hyatt Terraces Baguio
"Uploaded on Jul 15, 2011
Remembering the July 16, 1990 Baguio Earthquake Hyatt Terraces Baguio
July 16, 2011 ( 21st Anniversary)
"...Looking back, it was exactly 4:26 p.m. on Monday, 16 July 1990, that a killer earthquake unexpectedly hit and extensively devastated the City of Baguio. As reported, the powerful temblor measured 7.7 in the open-ended Richter scale and lasted for 45 seconds. It was said to be the most destructive earthquake on record within the Cordillera Region. There were numerous aftershocks that followed and the strongest, which occured at 3:15 a.m. of July 18, lasted for eight seconds ... and measured 5.3 on the Richer scale.
Fearing for their lives, many of Baguio's 120,000 people slept outdoors on Monday night. The city suffered the most in terms of destruction to properties and numerous deaths. Many commercial and government buildings, hotels, inns, and residences were heavily damaged. The death toll continued to rise as rescuers pulled more bodies from the rubbles. It was estimated that as many as 1,000 people were trapped and killed in damaged buildings.
....
~Government
Mansion House Baguio
The Mansion, Baguio
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia "...(also known as the Mansion House) is the official summer residence of the President of the Philippines. The mansion is located in the summer capital of the country, Baguio, situated around 5,000 feet (1,500 m) asl in the Cordillera Central Range of northern Luzon.....
History
The Mansion was built in 1908 to serve as the official summer residence of U.S. Governor-Generals at the instance of Governor-General William Cameron Forbes. The name is derived from the summer cottage in New England of Governor Forbes whose administration the original Mansion House was built under. Architect William E. Parsons, based on preliminary plans by architect Daniel H. Burnham,[1] the planner of the city of Baguio, designed the mountain retreat following the tenets of the City Beautiful Movement.[2] In 1910, the meeting of the Second Philippine Legislature was held at The Mansion for three weeks.
The house was badly damaged during the Second World War and was rebuilt in 1947. Since then, it has served as the holiday home and working office for each President of the Philippines during his or her visits to Baguio.[2]
The Mansion House was also used as the venue of important events, such as the second session of the United Nations Economic Commission for Asia and the Far East (ECAFE) in 1947, the second session of the Food and Agriculture Organization in 1948, and the first meeting of the Southeast Asian Union (SEAU), more commonly known as the Baguio Conference of 1950, which was conceived and convened by President Elpidio Quirino.[2] More recently, The Mansion has been the site of a number of international conferences.
...
~History
Baguio City - 100 Years in the Making
"Uploaded on Dec 26, 2008
Baguio is celebrating its 100th anniversary this 2009. This video shows over how Baguio has evolved over the century. Hope you will enjoy watching.
"
~Parks
Botanical Garden Baguio
"Published on Mar 12, 2012
CityTrails Corporation is a tourist service company that offers an all day transport pass to various tourist attractions located in one city. Visitors can "hop off" and investigate a particular place and take their time to enjoy it and then "hop on" again on the next van that comes along. The trail is designed to run on specific times and stop in specific areas. Each van is equipped with a television unit that will show originally produced informative video materials on each of the places on the route.
"
Wright Park
"..., which is located at the eastern part of the city and fronting the main gate of the Mansion, is one of the many scenic parks in Baguio City. Its main features are a shallow elongated rectangular body of water known as the "Pool of Pines" and the park circle which is on one end of the park. Postcard-type photographs are usually taken at both ends of Wright Park and when going there it is best to bring along a camera.
Tall pine trees and decorative street lights line both sides of the access road beside the pool. There are times that you will find at the park some Igorots dressed in their native attire and regalia who are willing to pose for a photograph ... of course, for a fee. Native handicrafts are also sold at the Mansion end of the park by a few Igorot peddlers. From the park circle is a walkway which leads to a wide stairway made of stones that descend to an area where ponies are rented out.
"Some would say that Ifugaos have tails. Others would say that Ifugaos are headhunters and witches. Others even consider us uncivilized and barbaric people who wear g-strings and tapis. Due to deprecations I personally experience whenever I go to other places, the prints of bitterness will always remain.
Nevertheless, amidst all these criticisms, I will still strongly shout, "I am an Ifugao and I'm proud of being one!" In fact, Ifugao has many hidden treasures that will please every living being. For years, the ethnic Ifugao have been the object of curiosity and the subject of interest of cultural researchers and writers, all of whom are foreigners. ..
IFUGAO VILLAGE FESTIVAL.BAGUIO, PHILIPPINES
"Uploaded on Apr 12, 2010
A spectacular festival of food, song and dance, high in the mountains of Ifugao territory, Baguio. Native dances and cooking a pig the traditional way. I didn't show it being killed. It was too gruesome!
info@globalvideoprotv.com
"
"...When Fr. Algue built the grotto, Mirador was a barren hill characterized by limestone outcrops. Jesuits scholastics (seminarians) planted pine trees on the hill and on its slopes. They also built the stairs that would link the grotto to the base of the hill. They completed the work in 1918. In the grotto's early years, the steps were made of stone laid on the ground but in subsequent years, the stones were covered with cement. Its 282 steps are divided into a number of landings cut by a vehicular road that leads up to the Jesuit house on the hill.
Little did Fr. Algue know that the Grotto would become an important site in Baguio visited by tourists and devotees over the years. ...
Philippines 2011(Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto) Baguio City!!!
The epic of Kennon Road is a part of the story of Baguio.
Without it, Baguio would not have survived. "At an altitude of 1,500 meters, Baguio has recently been given the title of “City in the Clouds,” as well as “Skyscraper City,” despite the fact that there a no buildings higher then 15 stories in the area. These nicknames have replaced “City of Flowers” and “Honeymoon Center of the Philippines.” “City of Pines” is still often used by the tourist trade as an AKA of this mountain resort, the most popular tourist destination north of Manila.
During the Spanish Era, although Benguet (and Baguio) was not a remote area for the Spaniards to explore, development was rather slow. The lure of gold, nevertheless, prompted the Spaniards to conduct numerous expeditions. Early explorers included Juan Salcedo in 1572 and Don Q.M. Quirante in 1664. But the many attempts made to subjugate the "Igorots" all failed until Commandante de Galvey finally succeeded in 1664 to establish a garrison at La Trinidad, Benguet.
...
A cast of thousands
According to records, between 2,300 to 4,000 workers were employed in the building of the road, all of different nationalities— American, Hawaiian, Indian, Mexican, Chinese, German, Irish, English, Swedish, French, Japanese and, of course, Filipino. Colonel Kennon is thus credited for employing the first overseas contract workers to the Philippines. A breakdown of the figures showed that 49 percent of the workers were Filipinos, 22.5 percent were Japanese, 17.5 percent were Americans and Europeans, 11 percent were Chinese, and the remaining 11 percent were from Latin America and other countries.
Records also showed that less than half the number of workers survived the building of the road. Aside from accidents, many too, died of malaria. Some of the survivors stayed behind and settled for good in Baguio City.
Colonel Kennon was a dynamic, untiring man. Under his leadership the area of Twin Peaks was soon bustling with activity. He was a compassionate person, a great organizer and an inspiring leader. The natives loved him. Under his guidance the road moved quickly towards completion.
....
The most expensive project of the colonial government
The Benguet Road was opened for regular service on March 27th of the same year. The cost of the road as of November 1, 1905, had been $1,966,847.05, and the cost of the heavy work in the canyon had been approximately $75,000 per mile (roughly P6,280,000.00 per kilometer in today’s rates).
In addition to the roadbed itself, Colonel Kennon constructed 40 bridges—two of which were made of steel, the others of wood. Except for the use of dynamite to blast out solid rock, it must be noted that there were no heavy equipment then—work was done usually with ordinary picks and shovels. This was no small feat in 1905. Still, according to engineering experts, it was the most expensive engineering work at that time, a big drain on the colonial budget.
The bull-cart ride from Twin Peaks to Baguio took all of 3 hours and 5 minutes. (Today, on a clear day, it takes a mere 45 minutes by car.)
...
Nevertheless, it cannot be denied that the completion of the Kennon Road in 1905, just five years after the American colonial government authorized its construction, opened up Baguio and soon the rest of the Cordillera region to the world. More than that, it spurred the development of Baguio and nearby areas so that in 1920, the city was already a thriving population center.
"...is located in the mountains of Bokod, Benguet and is about 36 kilometers northeast of Baguio City. The plant was designed to provide 75 MW (megawatts) of energy to the Luzon grid. It utilizes the Agno River which is the longest waterway in the Island of Luzon.
During the 50's the Ambuklao dam was the highest and biggest in the Far East. It is made of earth and rockfull which measures 129 meters in height and 452 meters in length. The elevation of its crest is 758 meters and the roadway that runs through the top of the dam has an elevation of 756 meters. There are 8 Tainter radial gates at the dam's spillway. Each spillway measures 12.5 meters by 12.5 meters and is 127 meters in length. The gross storage capacity of the dam's reservoir is 327,170,000 cubic meters and it has a usable storage capacity of 258,000,000 cubic meters. The drainage area is 686 square kilometers and is 11 km long with a maximum width of 1 km.
Upon the direction of Philippine President Manuel A. Roxas, the National Power Corporation, in cooperation with Westinghouse International, took a survey of the country's hydroelectric potential and prepared the Philippine Power Program in 1948. It's major undertaking was the Ambuklao Power Project. Construction of the project began in July 1950 when President Elpidio R. Quirino was at the helm of the Philippine government. It took six years and 5 months to complete the construction. Operation of this hydroelectric facility finally started on Dec. 23, 1956 during the administration of President Ramon F. Magsaysay. Selected as the contractor for the dam's civil works was the Guy F. Atkinson Company and the Harza Engineering Company of Chicago was hired as the engineering consultant.
Ambuklao Hydroelectric Power Plant, A Journey Back
"Uploaded on Nov 11, 2011
The Ambuklao Hydroelectric Plant is the Philippines' first hydroelectric plant. It is located in the mountains of Bokod, Benguet and is about 36 kilometers northeast of Baguio City. The plant has three 25 megawatt generating units that provide energy to the majority of the Luzon grid. It utilizes the the flow of the Agno River, the longest waterway in Luzon. In 2000, the facility had to stop operation because of uncontrolled and heavy siltation. However with ass
" Ambuklao Dam
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia "..is a dam that supports a hydroelectric plant in the mountains of Bokod, Benguet province of Philippines. The development of the Agno River for purposes of hydroelectric power generation, flood control, and irrigation had been conceived as early as the late 1940s. Preliminary investigations for development at Ambuklao and Binga Dam sites were undertaken as early as January 1948. With maximum water storage capacity of 327,170,000 cubic metres (265,240 acre·ft), the dam, located 36 km (22 mi) from Baguio city, can produce 75 megawatts of electricity to Luzon grid. The main source of water comes from the Agno River which originates from Mt. Data....
Camarines Sur
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia "...is a province of the Philippines located in the Bicol Region in Luzon. Its capital is Pili and the province borders Camarines Norte and Quezon to the north, and Albay to the south. To the east lies the island province of Catanduanes across Maqueda Channel.
Camarines Sur is the largest among the six provinces in the Bicol Region both in terms of population and land area. Its territory encompasses two cities: Naga City, the lone chartered city, is the province's and the region's religion and cultural center, while Iriga City, a component city, is the center of the Rinconada area and Riŋkonāda Language. Lake Buhi is where the smallest commercially harvested fish can be found, the Sinarapan or tabyos
...
=>Caramoan
Caramoan, Camarines Sur
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia "...History and geography
The name Caramoan has been officially used since 1619, the year it was named by a Spanish missionary friar, Francisco de la Cruz Y Oropesa. Fr. Oropesa penetrated the thick virgin forest of the Caramoan Peninsula and founded a small settlement in a place called Baluarte. This settlement was subsequently turned over to the administration of the Holy Bishopric in 1696.
The small town of Caramoan is located at the tip of Caramoan Peninsula, a rugged place of land extending into the waters of the Maqueda Channel on the North and East and Lagonoy Gulf on the South.
Prior to the arrival of the Spaniards, it was determined that the place was once called Guta de Leche, which was given by Dutch traders who operated a gold mine in Lahuy Island and who frequented the area to trade with the natives. The name was perhaps derived from the milkdrop stalagmites found among the rocks of Guta Port. Upon the arrival of the Spaniards, the place came to be called "Carahan" for the sea turtle, which was at that time to be found in great number along the shores of the Peninsula.
Caramoan is one of the thirty-five municipalities of the Province of Camarines Sur and is situated at the heart of the Caramoan Peninsula at the southernmost tip of Luzon. It occupies the lower eastern portion of the Province of Camarines Sur. It is bounded on the north by the town of Garchitorena and the Pacific Ocean; on the northeast by the island province of Catanduanes; on the south by Lagonoy Gulf; on the east by the Maqueda Channel and on the west by the municipality of Presentacion.
The municipality is situated between east longitude 1 and 13o46" north latitude. It covers approximately 27,741 square kilometers with approximately 71 kilometers of irregular coastline surrounded by the vast ocean, bay, seas and swamps. It is approximately 501 kilometers away from Metro Manila; 95 kilometers from the municipality of Pili, where the seat of the provincial government and the Pili Domestic Airport are located; and 110 kilometers away from Naga City, the heart of Bicol.
Survivor Favorite
Caramoan has been a favorite site for international franchises of Survivor. The place has hosted the Serbian version in two consecutive seasons. It has also hosted the Israel version of Survivor for three consecutive seasons. Bulgarian Survivor also filmed their fourth season there in May to July 2009. Robinson 2010, the twelfth season of the Swedish version of the franchise, was also filmed in Caramoan from May to June 2010.
The 8th season of Koh-Lanta (French edition of Survivor), was also shot entirely in Caramoan. TV director Corinne Vaillant, stated that "the powdery sand, the coconuts on Gota beach and the neighboring islets are a 'dream' for the French people. We chose Caramoan because it’s really wild. It’s necessary that contestants don’t see anything other than nature for them to believe that they’re really lost in the wilds.”[1]
The only season of Survivor India was also shot in Caramoan, Indian production crew spotted the area on March 2011.[2]
The 25th season of the American version of Survivor has finished filming at Caramoan and the 26th season started filming on May 21st and finished in late June. Season 25 aired from September 19, 2012-December 16, 2012, then the 26th season will premiere in February 2013.[3][4]
... ‘Survivor’ USA shoots in Camarines Sur
by Reyma Buan-Deveza, ABS-CBNnews.com
Posted at 03/27/2012 12:04 PM | Updated as of 03/27/2012 5:17 PM "..MANILA, Philippines -- (UPDATE) The U.S. version of the hit reality TV show "Survivor" is now being shot in Caramoan Islands in Camarines Sur.
This was confirmed by a member of the local production team working on the popular CBS series, as well as businesses in Caramoan, where it has become an "open secret."
According to the source, many of the Filipinos who worked on the Philippine shoot of the Hollywood film, "The Bourne Legacy," are also working on the American version of "Survivor."
"Actually may 'Survivor' doon. It's a really big production but I cannot (give more details) because I signed a confidentiality agreement. It's is being filmed right now and it's going to air in September," Camarines Sur Governor L-Ray Villafuerte told abs-cbnNEWS.com on Tuesday.
He added that the shooting only started last week and will wrap up in August
..
Survivor 25 Philippines opening credits (US) [HD]
CARAMOAN,CAMARINES SUR (PARTIDO).wmv
"Uploaded on May 15, 2010
beautiful islands of BICOL ( Caramoan )........
"
Cavite
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia "...is a province in the Philippines located on the southern shores of Manila Bay in the CALABARZON region in Luzon, just 30 kilometers south of Manila. Cavite is surrounded by Laguna to the east, Metro Manila to the northeast, and Batangas to the south. To the west lies the South China Sea....
Cavite
"Uploaded on Oct 13, 2008
Official "Cavite" movie trailer. Original DVD copy at http://www.cinefilipino.com
" Cavite (2005), rottentomatoes.com "A young man unwillingly becomes embroiled in a terrorist plot in Cavite, a low-budget digital video project from Filipino-American co-writers/co-directors Ian Gamazon and Neill Dela Llana. The film, shot with a jittery hand-held camera that is almost constantly in motion, opens with a panic-stricken man bringing a bomb onto a Manila bus, then cuts to San Diego, where Adam (Gamazon) is working nights as a security guard and seems to be wasting his life away before he gets a call from his mother in the Philippines, telling him he needs to come home. He's sent off by a protracted transcontinental telephone argument with his American girlfriend, but things get much worse for Adam when he lands in Manila. His mother doesn't arrive to pick him up, and he soon discovers that someone has slipped a package containing a cell phone into his backpack. The phone rings, he picks it up, and his life is changed forever. On the other end of the line, a sinister voice tells Adam that his mother and sister are being held hostage, that his every move is being watched, and that if he doesn't do exactly as the voice tells him, his family will be killed. As he's led on a grisly tour of the impoverished Cavite region, Adam, a lapsed Muslim, soon realizes that his tormentor is a member of the notorious Abu Sayyaf terrorist group, which is fighting the Philippine government to get Muslim control of the southern section of the country. While sending him through his mysterious "assignment," the caller mocks Adam for his American ways, and his lack of awareness of his own culture. Cavite was selected by the Film Society of Lincoln Center and the Museum of Modern Art for inclusion in New Directors/New Films in 2006. ~ Josh Ralske, Rovi ...
"Angels of Hope Orphanage is a registered non-profit organization dedicated to helping neglected, abused, abandoned or orphaned children in the Philippines. It is mainly funded by Tita de Guzman Charitable Foundation based in California, U.S.A. Angels of Hope Orphanage is a member of Inter-Country Adoption Board (ICAB). Would you like to make a donation? www.angelsofhope.us
.."
"..
We are located on the Island of Luzon, about two hours southeast of Manila, province of Cavite and township of Naic. In mid-2008, we will open the Orphanage in town then move into a facility we are building, which we refer to as the “Farm” (picture at the top). Our clientele which we will care for ranges from newborns to four years old. Adoption services will be available through ICAB, Inter-Country Adoption Board, with services provided by DSWD, Department of Social Welfare and Development.
..
".. lies on the north and south spine of the Grand Cordillera Central that stretches from Pasaleng, Ilocos Norte to the Cordillera Provinces. It falls within the administrative jurisdiction of two (2) Regions: Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) and Cagayan Valley (R2).
The whole park is located within the Philippine Cordillera Mountain Range and is very rugged, characterized by steep to very steep slopes at the mountainsides and generally rolling areas at the mountain peak. Mt. Pulag National Park is the highest peak in Luzon and is the second highest mountain in the Philippines with an elevation of 2,922 m. above sea level.
The summit of Mt. Pulag is covered with grass and dwarf bamboo plants. At lower elevations, the mountainside has a mossy forest veiled with fog, and full of ferns, lichens and moss. Below this is the pine forest growing on barren, rocky slopes. Falls, rivers and small lakes mark the area.
The Park has a large diversity of flora and fauna, many of which are endemic to the mountain. Its wildlife includes threatened mammals such as the Philippine Brown Deer, Northern Luzon Giant Cloud Rat and the Luzon Pygmy Fruit Bat. One can also find several orchid species some of which are possibly endemic to Mt. Pulag, and other rare flora such as the pitcher plant.
Mt. Pulag is an important watershed providing the water necessities of many stakeholders for domestic and industrial use, irrigation, hydroelectric power production and aquaculture..."
"..is a landlocked province of the Philippines in the Cordillera Administrative Region in Luzon. Covering a total land area of 262,820 hectares, the province of Ifugao is located in a mountainous region characterized by rugged terrain, river valleys, and massive forests. Its capital is Lagawe and borders Benguet to the west, Mountain Province to the north, Isabela to the east, and Nueva Vizcaya to the south.
It is named after the term "i-pugo" which means "i" (from/people) and "pugo" (hill), thus people of the hill.
The Rice Terraces of the Philippine Cordilleras and Banaue Rice Terraces are the main tourist attractions in the province. These 2000-year-old terraces were carved into the mountains, without the aid of machinery, to provide level steps where the natives can plant rice. In 1995, they were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
...
Banaue Rice Terraces
-Isabela
Isabela (province)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia "..is the second largest province of the Philippines next to Palawan. It is located in the Cagayan Valley Region in Luzon. Its capital is Ilagan City and borders, clockwise from the south, Aurora, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Ifugao, Mountain Province, Kalinga, and Cagayan. This primarily agricultural province is the rice and corn granary of Luzon due to its plain and rolling terrain.
It is the Top 10 richest province in the Philippines last 2011, being the only province of Northern Luzon to be included in the list. The province has four trade centers in the cities of Ilagan, Cauayan, Santiago and the municipality of Roxas...
=>
Cauayan,
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia "..is a 1st[1] class city in the province of Isabela, Philippines. Cauayan City is the Agro-Industrial Capital of Cagayan Valley and the Commercial Center of Region 2. According to the latest census, it has a population of 114,254 people in 21,143 households....
Next year, SM Prime will open a new mall in Cauayan City, the SM City Cauayan located at San Fermin, National highway, Cauayan City, the former location of Isabela Colleges..
"..Our town’s lush environment where the wild populations of the Philippine Crocodile, the most severely threatened and endangered crocodile species in the world are thriving; its strategic location as a gateway to the ecologically rich Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park (NSMNP); its accommodating and hard-working people; and its promising economic future are just some of the many features of our town that we want to share to everyone through this website..."
-Agriculture Green Future Innovations, Inc, "...a newly formed venture among Japan's Itochu Corp., JGC Corp., the Philippine Bioethanol and Energy Investments Corp., and Taiwanese holding company GCO, aims to contribute to the domestic supply of renewable energy through a 54 million liter ethanol plant in San Mariano, Isabela that is poised to be fully operational by 2012..."
-Animals
Releasing crocodiles back into the wild in San Mariano
Caloocan
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia "..It is a major residential area inside Metro Manila. Located just north of the capital City of Manila, Caloocan is the country's third most populous city with a population of 1,489,040 as of the 2010 census.[3]... bonifacio monument | Tumblr
www.tumblr.com/tagged/bonifacio-monument Andrés Bonifacio
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia "..
Andrés Bonifacio y de Castro (30 November 1863 – 10 May 1897) was a Filipino nationalist, and revolutionary. He is often called "the great plebeian," "father of the Philippine Revolution," and "father of the Katipunan." He was a founder and later Supremo ("supreme leader") of the Katipunan movement which sought the independence of the Philippines from Spanish colonial rule and started the Philippine Revolution.[2][3] He is considered a de facto national hero of the Philippines,[4] and is also considered by some Filipino historians to be the first President, but he is not officially recognized as such...
Nickname(s): The Only Divided City in the Philippines... Andrés Bonifacio
1863-1897 loc.gov "
Andrés Bonifacio was born in Manila in 1863, the son of a government official. When both his parents died in the 1870's, he left school to support his five brothers and sisters. By the mid-1880s, he had become a fervent Filipino nationalist; when José Rizal established the Liga Filipina in 1892, Bonifacio was one of its first members.
After the Spanish arrested Rizal in July 1892, Bonifacio decided that the Philippines would only achieve independence through revolution. On July 7, he founded the Katipunan, a secret society open to both peasants and the middle class that employed Masonic rituals to impart an air of sacred mystery. It insinuated itself into the community by setting up mutual aid societies and education for the poor. By 1896, the Katipunan had over 30,000 members and functioned at the national, provincial, and municipal levels.
Following the execution of Rizal in 1896, Bonifacio proclaimed Filipino independence on August 23, 1896. This time, the Spaniards moved against him, forcing his flight to the Marikina mountains, while other forces headed by Emilio Aguinaldo were more successful and won control over some towns. When Bonifacio tried to rein him in, Aguinaldo ordered him arrested and charged with treason and sedition. He was tried and convicted by his enemies and executed on May 10, 1897. Today he is regarded as a national hero....
Biography of Andres Bonifacio
Philippines Bonifacio Day: November 30
Bonifacio Day is a Public Holiday in Philippines, aglobalworld.com "..
Andrés Bonifacio y de Castro (November 30, 1863 – May 10, 1897) was a Filipino nationalist and revolutionary. Bonifacio’s birthday on November 30 is celebrated as Bonifacio Day and is a public holiday in the Philippines. He was a founder and leader of the Katipunan movement which sought the independence of the Philippines from Spanish colonial rule and started the Philippine Revolution. He is considered as a national hero of the Philippines. Bonifacio is also considered by some Filipino historians to be the first president of the Philippines, but he is not officially recognized as such...
What about Metro Manila? "
Metro Manila is the total urban area that is composed of different cities and the surrounding urban fringe. The proper city Manila is only one of the big cities of this urban agglomeration. Metro Manila, or the 'National Capital Region' as they say in the Philippines,
is a real metropolitan area. On 636 square kilometer live more than 10 million inhabitants. The biggest city in this metropolitan area is Quezon city, with more than 2 million inhabitants. Manila, as the second biggest city within Metro Manila, counts 1,58 million inhabitants in 2000...
What's in the name Manila?!
The name 'Manila' has a special meaning. The original name was "MayNilad". It was the name of the pre-colonial Moslem settlement. Already before the Spaniards came to May Nilad, the place was a small but prosperous trading port. The name means: 'where the blossoming water plants grow'.
...
Manila City Hall
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia "...is one of the distinct landmarks in the capital city of Manila, in the Philippines. The edifice, with its hexagonal tower with three red-faced clock on three of its facets, received unfavorable reviews in its initial years because of its austere architectural design, lack of entrances and the placement of the clock tower. The building's floor plan had been dismissed as similar in shape to a coffin or, in the other end, like the shield of Knights Templar.
Nowadays, many critics praise the design of the City Hall for the same reasons the complex was vilified.[1] The building is located in the center of tourism area where major government buildings and landmarks, are located. The National Museum, Museum of the Filipino People and the Department of Tourism are located just south of the city hall. Rizal Park, the largest city park in the country is just south of the museums. The city hall is also located just outside the oldest and most historic part of the city of Manila - the walled city of Intramuros. ....
"..the walled city multifaceted built by the Spaniards upon their occupation of Manila, is a marvelous way to spend the day in Manila. It is located along the southern bank of the Pasig River and was built by the Spaniards in the 16th century and is the oldest district of the city of Manila, the capital of the Philippines. The name is taken from the Latin, intra muros, literally "Within the walls", meaning within the wall enclosure of the city/fortress, also describes its structure as it is surrounded by thick, high walls and moats. During the Spanish colonial period, Intramuros was considered Manila itself.
It is constructed almost completely of stone blocks and possesses the same architectural traits one can see in other Spanish defenses like the Caribbean. It has been attractively landscaped with abundant tropical flowers and plants, and it is a relief for many families looking for shade in ever hot and muggy Manila. One can walk around the paths or use the pleasingly decorated horse drawn carriages. Some of the features of this park are old gunpowder rooms used as recently as World War II, seminaries and chapels, the Manila cathedral and museums. It is recommended that if going for the first time, a driver or guide be hired from your hotel. This is a gigantic area neighboring Rizal Park, and it is not recommended to hire an amateur guide loitering near the entrance...
"Some scenes from the upcoming fourth installment of the "Bourne Identity" series of movies will be shot in the Philippines, Oscar-nominated John Sayles said.
Sayles disclosed the plan to Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Cuisia Jr. during a recent call in connection with the Filipino film "Amigo."
"He informed the Ambassador that some scenes in the fourth installment of 'Bourne Identity' will be filmed on location in the Philippines in January," the Philippine Embassy said in a news release.
Sayles also said he wished that more films about the history of the Philippines, in particular the establishment of the Philippine republic, will be made.
The Bourne series of spy films started in 2002, and loosely based on Robert Ludlum's novel.
A sequel, "The Bourne Supremacy," was shown in 2004, while the third installment, "The Bourne Ultimatum," was shown in 2007.
Sayles had worked on the film Amigo, a Philippine movie on the Philippine-American war in the early 1900s.
Earlier, Sayles and producer Maggie Renzi visited the Embassy of the Philippines and called on Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Cuisia Jr.
During the call, Renzi and Sayles said they “loved working in Bohol" and they had “great actors and wonderful crew."
Renzi said that in the Philippines, “in every other area, work is exemplary."
Sayles added the Philippines has the infrastructure to make beautiful films, but many US producers are not aware of this. — LBG, GMA News" Bourne Legacy
THE BOURNE LEGACY (2012) Trailer # 2 (with PHILIPPINE Scenes) from
".. Published on May 31, 2012 by DCRJMovieTrailers
Recorded and uploaded to YouTube by DCRJ (Dan C Rivera Jr)
http://pinoybiscuits.blogspot.com
Philippine scenes shown in this trailer includes...Jones bridge in Manila (motorcycle chase), Ramon Magsaysay ave. in Sampaloc Manila (motorcycle chase), Navotas fish port (motorcycle chase), Leveriza St, Malate, Manila (Renner jumping off the roof), Philippine Navy Yacht Club at Roxas boulevard (assassination scene)
"
"...The Chinese traded in Philippines long before the arrival of the Spanish. However, the founding of Manila Chinatown in 1594 was a product of the Spanish colonial policy towards to the Chinese population....
Manila Chinatown is known by various names reflecting its multiple functions and layers of meanings. To the tourists, it is known as Chinatown, a common reference to an area where there are a lot of Chinese or Chinese businesses. To the Filipinos, the area is known as Binondo. When the Filipino Chinese communicate among themselves, they refer to the area as “Chi Lai”, 市内, Hokkien term for inner city....
"..The original structure of the Binondo Church, formally known as Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Parish or The Minor Basilica and National Shrine of San Lorenzo Ruiz, was constructed in 1596. Founded by Dominican friars, it is one of the oldest places of Christian worship in the Philippines. One of its significant early architects was Domingo de la Cruz Gonz�lez. Although repeatedly damaged from earthquakes (1645, 1863, 1880), typhoons and war the often rebuilt Binondo church still reflects its historic Spanish and European Baroque style and retains many elements of its original character. The octagonal bell tower, however, is the only significant remaining part of the original structure ...
"..Peace Hotel Review. The Peace Hotel is located on Soler Street in Binondo, Manila’s “Chinatown”. It is perhaps the most deluxe of the economy hotels of Binondo and one of the best in Metro Manila. The Peace Hotel is perfect for Chinese visitors doing business in Binondo and Manila."
"
Welcome to the mall of fortune - 168 SHOPPING MALL! The mall is conveniently located at the heart of Divisoria along Sta. Elena and Soler Streets and considered to be the newest, most modern and convenient wholesale and retail shopping mall that houses various stalls offering all kinds of commodities, from novelty items, bags, shoes, toys, hardware, RTW's and others.
At 168 Shopping Mall
PopTalk May 29, 2012 Divisoria Malls Episode, 1 of 4
"...is a natural harbour which serves the Port of Manila (on Luzon), in the Philippines.The bay is considered to be one of the best natural harbours in Southeast Asia and one of the finest in the world. Strategically located around the capital city of the Philippines, Manila Bay facilitated commerce and trade between the Philippines and its neighbouring countries,[1] becoming the gateway for socio-economic development even prior to Spanish occupation. With an area of 1,994 km2 (769.9 sq mi), and a coastline of 190 km (118.1 mi), Manila Bay is situated in the western part of Luzon and is bounded by Cavite and Metro Manila on the east, Bulacan and Pampanga on the north, and Bataan on the west and northwest.[2] Manila Bay drains approximately 17,000 km2 (6,563.7 sq mi) of watershed area, with the Pampanga River contributing about 49% of the freshwater influx. With an average depth of 17 m (55.8 ft), it is estimated to have a total volume of 28.9 billion cubic metres (28.9 cubic km). Entrance to the bay is 19 km (11.8 mi) wide and expands to a width of 48 km (29.8 mi). However, width of the bay varies from 22 km (13.7 mi) at its mouth and expanding to 60 km (37.3 mi) at its widest point.[2]...
"...also known as Luneta Park or colloquially Luneta, is a historical urban park located in the heart of the city of Manila, Philippines, adjacent to the old walled city of Manila, now Intramuros. Since the Spanish Colonial Era, the park has been a favorite spot for unwinding, socializing, an urban oasis for family picnics on Sundays and holidays. It is one of the major tourist attractions of Manila.
Located along Manila Bay, Luneta has been the site of some of the most significant moments in Philippine history. The execution of pacifist Dr. José Rizal on December 30, 1896, sparked the fire of the Philippine Revolution against the Spanish colonizers, elevating the martyr as the national hero of the country. ...
"... The place is guarded continuously by official soldiers known as the Kabalyeros de Rizal (Knights of Rizal). People try to mock at the two ceremonial guards but they couldn’t get any response from them. The focus of the two soldiers is awe-inspiring because no movements can be seen unless they take their 15-minute break every couple of hours or so...
Dr. Jose Rizal is notably known for being a patriot and the most prominent advocate for reforms in the Philippines during the Spanish colonial era. When he was exiled in Dapitan, he bought a 16 hectare estate in Barangay Talisay. The site is now known as Rizal Shrine in Dapitan, visited by hundreds of domestic and foreign tourists.
"...Having traveled extensively in Europe, America and Asia, he mastered 22 languages. These include Arabic, Catalan, Chinese, English, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Latin, Malayan, Portuguese, Russian, Sanskrit, Spanish, Tagalog, and other native dialects. A versatile genius, he was an architect, artists, businessman, cartoonist, educator, economist, ethnologist, scientific farmer, historian, inventor, journalist, linguist, musician, mythologist, nationalist, naturalist, novelist, opthalmic surgeon, poet, propagandist, psychologist, scientist, sculptor, sociologist, and theologian....
He was an expert swordsman and a good shot. In the hope of securing political and social reforms for his country and at the same time educate his countrymen, Rizal, the greatest apostle of Filipino nationalism, published, while in Europe, several works with highly nationalistic and revolutionary tendencies. In March 1887, his daring book, NOLI ME TANGERE, a satirical novel exposing the arrogance and despotism of the Spanish clergy, was published in Berlin; in 1890 he reprinted in Paris, Morga’s SUCCESSOS DE LAS ISLAS FILIPINAS with his annotations to prove that the Filipinos had a civilization worthy to be proud of even long before the Spaniards set foot on Philippine soil; on September 18, 1891, EL FILIBUSTERISMO, his second novel and a sequel to the NOLI and more revolutionary and tragic than the latter, was printed in Ghent. Because of his fearless exposures of the injustices committed by the civil and clerical officials, Rizal provoked the animosity of those in power. This led himself, his relatives and countrymen into trouble with the Spanish officials of the country. As a consequence, he and those who had contacts with him, were shadowed; the authorities were not only finding faults but even fabricating charges to pin him down. Thus, he was imprisoned in Fort Santiago from July 6, 1892 to July 15, 1892 on a charge that anti-friar pamphlets were found in the luggage of his sister Lucia who arrive with him from Hong Kong. While a political exile in Dapitan, he engaged in agriculture, fishing and business; he maintained and operated a hospital; he conducted classes- taught his pupils the English and Spanish languages, the arts....
The sciences, vocational courses including agriculture, surveying, sculpturing, and painting, as well as the art of self defense; he did some researches and collected specimens; he entered into correspondence with renowned men of letters and sciences abroad; and with the help of his pupils, he constructed water dam and a relief map of Mindanao - both considered remarkable engineering feats. His sincerity and friendliness won for him the trust and confidence of even those assigned to guard him; his good manners and warm personality were found irresistible by women of all races with whom he had personal contacts; his intelligence and humility gained for him the respect and admiration of prominent men of other nations; while his undaunted courage and determination to uplift the welfare of his people were feared by his enemies.
When the Philippine Revolution started on August 26, 1896, his enemies lost no time in pressing him down. They were able to enlist witnesses that linked him with the revolt and these were never allowed to be confronted by him. Thus, from November 3, 1986, to the date of his execution, he was again committed to Fort Santiago. In his prison cell, he wrote an untitled poem, now known as "Ultimo Adios" which is considered a masterpiece and a living document expressing not only the hero’s great love of country but also that of all Filipinos. After a mock trial, he was convicted of rebellion, sedition and of forming illegal association. In the cold morning of December 30, 1896, Rizal, a man whose 35 years of life had been packed with varied activities which proved that the Filipino has capacity to equal if not excel even those who treat him as a slave, was shot at Bagumbayan Field.
-Lapu Lapu
"...Caliph Pulaka also known as Lapu-Lapu is celebrated as one of the first persons of Mactan to resist colonization. A descendent of a royal family he was born a King in the year 1491. Known for his courage and skill in warfare, he is regarded as the first Bayani of the Visayas. Lapu-Lapu was believed to be an extraordinary and admired leader. His personal and environmental background shaped him not what he wanted to be but what he needed to be – a fighter for freedom from colonialism. His sense of achievement was high due to his independent thinking. Lapu-Lapu became the forefront to the many Bayani’s to come who resisted colonization. He believed in not becoming a slave of another culture, but to be free to live among one’s own culture. He assumed that if he surrendered himself to colonizers, the people of the Viasayas and its neighboring islands would suffer greatly under oppression. "
"...A full-length feature film on the life of the first Filipino hero Lapu-Lapu, who led a battle against Portuguese explorer and conqueror Ferdinand Magellan, was shown in Lisbon, Portugal.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said the showing of the film on Lapu-Lapu was part of the Filipinos' celebration of Philippine National Heroes' Day on August 25.
Lapu-Lapu (1491–1542) was a ruler in Mactan in the Visayas. He is recognized as the first Philippine hero for being the first known native to have resisted the Spanish colonization.
On April 27, 1521, Lapu-Lapu led 1,500 Muslim warriors in a battle against Portuguese Magellan who led about 49 soldiers during the Battle of Mactan. Magellan and several of his men were killed.... Quirino Grandstand (Manila), wikimapia.org "...Named after former Philippine President Elpidio Quirino. This is where Presidents of the Philippines traditionally take their oath of office and deliver their first address to the nation (Joseph Estrada broke with tradition and had his inauguration at Barasoain Church, site of the drafting of the Philippines' first democratic constitution). Many important political, cultural and religious events in the post war era have been held here, including the mammoth festivities that capped the 1998 Philippine Centennial Celebration. Marking a hundred years since the declaration of independence from Spain, the festivities culminated in the greatest fireworks display ever witnessed over Manila Bay. ...
"... is the All-Season Holiday Destination within the city. An integrated resort facility with marine life attractions, themed hotel with entertainment and lifestyle facilities, the park can now be considered as an all-season, all-weather holiday destination for locals and tourists. Definitely a venue for all ages to enjoy....
"...A 12-hour hostage stand-off on a hijacked Philippine bus ended in bloodshed Monday, with officials saying at least seven Chinese tourists were dead along with the disgruntled ex-policeman who seized their vehicle in a bid to get his job back.
At least six captives survived, four of whom were seen crawling out the back door of the bus after Philippine police stormed it Monday evening when the hostage-taker started shooting at the 15 Chinese tourists inside, said police Senior Superintendent Nelson Yabut.
He said the hostage-taker was killed with a sniper shot to the head after he wounded a police sharpshooter.
Police and ambulances were lined up next to the vehicle in the pouring rain after the standoff ended. Local hospitals reported seven bodies of hostages were brought in. One other hostage was hospitalized in critical condition, and five others were unharmed.....
"MANILA, Philippines – Just in time for Christmas, Pasay City introduced a ferris wheel which is said to be the biggest in the country.
It is 160 feet tall and has 36 gondolas, all air-conditioned.
At the top of the ferris wheel, one gets a bird's eye view of Manila bay as well as nearby cities and suburbs.
Each person must pay P150 for a ride.
“This is the biggest in the Philippines... Soft launch lang ito kasi marami na ang gustong sumakay. It's also very safe,” said marketing manager Alyne Ikutanim.
Aside from the giant wheel, the entertainment center in Pasay City also offers kiddie rides like bump cars, flying bumble bee, astro liner, mini galleon ship and a grand carousel. – Report from Winnie Cordero, ABS-CBN News
...
PH's 'highest' ferris wheel is in Pasay
"...(Filipino: Paliparang Pandaigdig ng Ninoy Aquino) or NAIA ( /ˈnaɪ.ə/), also known as Manila International Airport (IATA: MNL, ICAO: RPLL), is the airport serving the general area of Manila and its surrounding metropolitan area. Located along the border between Pasay and Parañaque, about seven kilometers south of Manila proper, and southwest of Makati, NAIA is the main international gateway for travelers to the Philippines and is the hub for all Philippine airlines. It is managed by the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), a branch of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC).
Officially, NAIA is the only airport serving the Manila area. However, in practice, both NAIA and Clark International Airport, located in the Clark Freeport Zone in Angeles, Pampanga serve the Manila area, with CIA catering mostly to low-cost carriers that avail themselves of the lower landing fees than those charged at NAIA. In the long term CIA is set to replace NAIA as the primary airport of the Philippines.[2] The airport is named after the late Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino, Jr., who was assassinated at the airport in 1983. In 2009 the airport saw growth of 11.4% to 24.1 million passengers.[3] In 2010, NAIA terminal carried 27.1 million passengers, making it to the top 50 of the world's busiest airports by passenger traffic. In 2011, all terminals at NAIA handled a record breaking annual passenger traffic of 29,552,264 making one of the busiest airports in Asia.
..
New NAIA Airport!
