Babalik at babalik ang hindi nabayarang kasalanan

Napansin nyo ba ang posters sa mga poste sa Metro Manila na nagsasabi, “Suportahan si Presidente, Ibagsak ang presyo ng kuryente.”

Mukhang malaki ang pondo nitong kampanya laban sa Meralco. Ngunit mukhang ang gumawa nito ay hindi nakihalubilo sa taumbayan. Mukhang doon lang sa kanyang airconditioned na upisina na bayad ng Malacañang kung hindi man mismo sa Malacañang.
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Lopez, Pidal, Rolex

by Lito Banayo
Malaya

Their paths will always cross. Across generations of their family even.

Mariano Arroyo used to be the appointed governor of Iloilo back when we were yet to be a commonwealth of the Americans. Together with a Chinese rice trader named Sualoy, he introduced jueteng into his province. And what a hit it made with the timawas who bet daily on the numbers game. Such that the illegal numbers racket hit the pages of a local newspaper published by Benito Lopez, who turned it into a crusade.
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The Buzz at the Ilog Maria Bee Farm

Right after our hearty breakfast and a quick tour at the Verdana Homes Mamplasan, we then drove to Silang Cavite for another wonderful treat: a visit to a bee farm.

A week before the tour, I was already excited after seeing our tour itinerary because it will be my first time to actually visit a bee farm. Yeah there were a lot of bees visiting our flower garden before when I was still in Bacolod but we don’t actually own them nor have a bee farm to produce the world’s best sweetener: honey.

So off we go to Ilog Maria Bee Farm. At first we were showed a video of how the bees produce honey and how Ilog Maria is helping the community through its business.

As what Mr Jun Magsaysay said, their honeybees are the European-type but bred in Australia. These species of honeybees, he said, are not the attacker type. So normally they wont just sting you out of their whims. They would only attack as their defense.

After the brief video presentation we then go off to the field seeing these honeybees working all day to collect nectar from flowers. I was so scared at first. Because we went to the field without any mask of prtoective clothing at all. And I can even hear some of them flying just on top of my head. But thank God, none of us got stinged.

Then Mr. Jun Magsaysay handed to us a whole sheet of honeycomb, instructing us to pus our index finger through it. Gosh what a surprise! Crystal clear honey squirted right out of the honey comb! It was sweet and superbly delicious. And I am guaranteed that it is 100% pure goodness without the chemicals or preservatives.

The Ilog Maria Bee Farm also seels bee products and byproducts in their farm. Prices are relatively cheap compared to the ones we get to buy here in the metropolis. They sell pure honey, bath soaps with honey, candles made of beeswax, royal jelly, bee propolis, shampoo, bee pollen, and a whole lot more.

And in this modern day and age, you can also order their products over the Internet the products available at their store in Silang Cavite is also available over the internet.

The trip to Ilog Maria Bee Farm in Silang, Cavite Philippines is part of our South of Manila tour organized by Verdana Homes Mamplasan for the media. Thanks to Geiser Maclang for the invite!

WARNING!!! If you are reading this from another blog, it is possible that this has been copied without my permission. BYAHILO: Ito ang Trip Ko!

The Buzz at the Ilog Maria Bee Farm

BYAHILO strolling at the South of Manila

It was a media tour invite I should never decline. Last week, GM has sent me an invitation to join the media tour of Verdana Homes Mamplasan in Santa Rosa Laguna. The property is developed by Community Innovations of Ayala Land.

Very Early morning last week we left Manila and drove south to this quiet community. Verdana Homes is a perfect location. It has the quient ambience once can only find in provinces, but not far enough from the bustling metropolis.

The community boasts of complete facilities for the entire family. A basketball court, Badminton court, skating rink, a large clubhouse, a lap pool, and a smaller pool for the kids. There areas also that have been appointed as picnic grounds for the weekend family bonding. And for the healt buffs, there is also a jogging trail for your early morning routine.

And as what they at the Verdana Homes Maplasan say, “It’s easy to be a family here!”

Click here to learn more about the Verdana Homes Mamplasan project

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BYAHILO strolling at the South of Manila

With Yano, there’s hope

One good thing going for the new Armed Forces chief, Alexander Yano, is that he succeeds Gen. Hermogenes Esperon.

No one could do worse to the military establishment that what Esperon had done – bringing to the pits the reputation of the military establishment with his alleged participation in the 2004 elections fraud and for bullying those who chose to hold on to their principles of truth and justice.

The optimism that greeted Yano’s assumption of the highest military position is amazing. It should warm his heart. But it’s also an awesome challenge considering the damage that Esperon had done not only to the morale of the personnel but also to the personal lives of many of the officers and enlisted men.
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Top Philippine Festivals confirm participation to the Sangyaw Festival 2008 in Tacloban City

Councilor Cristina Gonzales Romualdez, Tacloban City Council Floor Leader and wife of incumbent Tacloban City Mayor Alfred S. Romualdez has been visiting other cities to invite their Mayors and their City Cultural Dance Contingents to participate in the Tacloban City Fiesta celebration – the SANGYAW FESTIVAL 2008 to be held on June 29, 2008 in Tacloban City.

This is a Street Dancing competition with prizes ranging from 100,000.00 to 500,000.00 open to City Cultural Groups.

Among those who have committed to join the Festival Parade are Cebu City Mayor Tommy Osmeña, Talisay City (Cebu) Mayor Soc Fernandez, Lapu-lapu City Mayor Art Radaza, Bacolod City Mayor Bing Leonardia, Makati City Mayor Jojo Binay, Silay City Mayor Oti Montelibano, Isabela City (Basilan) Mayor Chery Acbar, Marikina City Mayor Marides Fernando, Navotas City Mayor Toby Tiangco and San Carlos City Mayor Bong Lacson.

Other cities with cultural contingents who will be visited by Councilor Cristina Romualdez are Iloilo, Dumaguete, Bais, Kabankalan, Cadiz, Cagayan de Oro, Surigao and Butuan.

Under the leadership of Tacloban City Mayor Alfred S. Romualdez, the SANGYAW FESTIVAL 2008 – a revival of the Santo Niño Festival sponsored by Former Firs Lady Imelda Marcos – will hopefully put Tacloban back on the tourist map.

Although Sangyaw Festival is just in its maiden edition, its prizes are already at par with some of the country’s largest festivals.

Here’s a glimpse of what the contingents will be vying for:

Best CONTINGENT
* First Prize: P500,000.00 & Trophy
* 2nd Prize: 300,000.00 & Trophy
* 3rd Prize: 200,000.00 & Trophy

Best in CHOREOGRAPHY
First prize P30,000.00 & Trophy
Second Prize 20,000.00 & Trophy
Third Prize 10,000.00 & Trophy

Best in STREETDANCING
* First Prize P200,000.00 & Trophy
* 2nd Prize 100,000.00 & Trophy
* 3rd Prize 50,000.00 & Trophy

Best in Music
First Prize P 20,000.00 & Trophy

Best in Costume
First Prize P 50,000.00 & Trophy

This years Sangyaw Festival 2008 in Tacloban City will be held on June 29, 2008

Source http://tacloban.gov.ph/sangyaw.php

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Top Philippine Festivals confirm participation to the Sangyaw Festival 2008 in Tacloban City

Philippine Independence Day 2008 and List of other Philippine Legal and Special Holidays 2008

Since last week I have been receiving inquiries on when will Philippine Independence Day celebrations be held. A lot of people are already asking when will the Philippine Independence Day 2008 be observed. Noting that in the previous Philippine Holidays, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo keeps on changing the dates as part of holiday economics where employees were also given the chance to have a long weekend with friends and loved ones.

This year’s Independence day celebrations will be held on JUNE 9, 2008. This is in accordance to the Presidential Proclamation 1463 which complements the Republic Act 9492 (RA 9492).

The Presidential Proclamation issued February 18, 2008 lists down the complete lists of holidays, including those that were moved. The Feast if Eidl Fitr, however, has no date set yet since this event varies based on the lunar calendar as observed by our Muslim brother. If I am not mistaken the Feast of Eidl Fit’r or the last day of the Holy Month of Ramadan has also been declared as a regular holiday, thus, double pay for those who will work on this date.

And because of this holiday economics policy, one can now plan ahead of time out of town trips. A 3 days 2 nights adventure in the island paradise of Boracay is now possible. Or a quite relaxation in Coron Palawan is no longer a dream. Or just have a long long long rest and relaxation at home.

Download the List of Philippine Holidays for 2008 here

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Philippine Independence Day 2008 and List of other Philippine Legal and Special Holidays 2008

Kabaliwan

Dalawang reports sa mga dyaryo kahapon ang nagpapatunay ng kasabihan na “Whom the Gods wish to destroy, they first make him mad.” Sa tagalog, “Ang gustong parusahan o sirain ng mga Diyos, ginagawa munang baliw.”

Ang mga reports na aking tinutukoy ay ang tungkol sa Meralco at kay Archbishop Oscar Cruz ng Lingayen-Dagupan.
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‘Tanay boys’ rule out seeking pardon

Photos taken after the hearing Tuesday. The court martial panel instructed the prosecution to review the cases again and see if they could recommend to the new chief of staff “nolle prosequi” or will not pursue further the cases.

Everybody was in high spirits expecting fairer treatment under the new chief of staff. Lt. Gen. Alexander Yano.

by Victor Reyes

Key leaders of the alleged power grab attempt in February 2006 yesterday said they are not going to ask for pardon from President Arroyo.
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Escorted throughout Lahore

In Lahore, we had the elite Punjab police (equivalent to our Special Action Force) as escorts. That was most thrilling. I’ll have some more pictures of them later.

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Wifi country

Karachi -Nang papunta pa lamang kami sa Pakistan noong isang linggo, marami akong hindi magandang imahen sa bansang ito sa South Asia.

Nandyan na ang nakadikit na imahen ng terorismo. Katabi kasi sila ng Afghanistan kung saan nababasa natin na doon nagtatago si Osama bin Ladin ng Al Qaeda at mga Taliban. Akala natin ganoon rin sa Pakistan.

Sabi ng mga opisyal na aming naka-usap, marami sa kanila ang namatay ar nasira ang buhay- biktima ng terorismo. Kaya hindi sila pwedeng akusahan na nagku-kunsinti ng terorismo.

Akala ko rin malayo tayo sa development sa kanila. Kasi nakikita natin ang maraming mahihirap na Pakistani sa ibang bansa na nagdu-domestic helper. Mas mababa ang kanilang sueldo kasi hindi sila masyadong marunong mag-English.

Mga maling akala.

Kahit hindi sila magarbo, hindi sila nahuhuli sa mga mahalagang bagay. At kung iisipin natin ng mabuti, hindi tayo dapat magyabang na kinukuha nila ang ating mga professionals -mga engineer, nurses at hotel workers .

Totoo hinahangaan nila ang mga Filipino . “Well-trained at highly skilled,” sabi ng gubernador ng Punjab province. Sabi niya hindi raw sila magaling sa pag-train ng kanilang mga tao para magpatakbo ng mga factory, hospital at mga hotel.

Kaya inspirasyon daw nila kung paano na-train ng pamahalaan ang mga Filipino na ngayon ay nagtatrabaho sa kanila. “Nagkulang kami diyan,” sabi niya.

Masarap pakinggan. Ngunit kung isipin mong mabuti, hindi natin dapat ipagmalaki ang sitwasyon. Kasi kung magaling tayo, bakit pumupunta ang mga Filipino dito para magtrabaho. Bakit nandito sa kanila ang mga planta at factory? Bakit hindi sa atin? Di ba magaling tayo kung tayo
ang nagpapa-sweldo sa kanila?

Hindi bongga ang mga Pakistanis ngunit kung alam nila ang kanilang priority.

Ngayon nasa Karachi airport ako, ginagawa ko itong kolum habang naghihintay kami ng aming flight papuntang Dubai. May mgas internet stations, libre. Walang ganito sa airport sa Pilipinas. At lahat na hotel sa pakistan may wifi. Pwede ka mag-internet kahit saan.

Dapat siguro tayo ang matuto sa Pakistan.

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Brief Encounters with celebrities ABS CBN’s Piolo Pascual and GMA Network Dyesebel Marian Rivera

It was a night I dare not to miss. It was the launching of Blue Water Day Spa’s newest services as well as official announce their new product endorsers. Two big starts from rival companies agreed to promote the services of Blue Water Day Spa.

It was a cocktail event as mentioned in the invitation, thus I need to dress up appropriately. Definitely no board shorts T shirts and flip flops for me.

Upon arrival at the Crowne Plaza Ortigas we were treated to a free back massage courtesy of the Spa’s friendly staff. At around 7PM, the program started with a short demo showing us how their new services works. Dinner was then served. Superbly cooked Afro-Mediterranean dishes were served. I love their couscous. But the pork loin is the best. Their vegetables were perfectly done too. Not to mention their sinfully delicious desserts.

And after everybody got filled and satisfied, the main event came: the arrival of ABS CBN star Piolo Pascual and GMA’s Dyesebel star Marian Rivera. Thank God there were no screaming fans at the venue. Everybody’s well behaved, or probably have been controlling their selves from doing embarassing acts.

After the short program we were given the chance to have a photo op with them. Of course I did fall in line too! Hehe

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Brief Encounters with celebrities ABS CBN’s Piolo Pascual and GMA Network Dyesebel Marian Rivera

World Pyro Olympics 2008 Week 2

I was recently at the second week of the World Pyro Olympics 2008. The grand fireworks display show which claims to be The Biggest Show on Earth. Is it, really?

I first blogged about the 2008 World Pyro Olympics sometime December 31, 2007 or January 1st 2008. THAT EARLY. Because the Google Gods would love to place on top of the search engine results articles that were written well ahead of scheduled events.

But Lo and Behold! For reasons we do not know, the organizers of the Pyroolympics is SM Mall of Asia (MOA), La Mancha Productions has moved the fireworks event in Manila countless times. So the interest of the people has also popped like a bubble.

So finally, here comes the merry month of May. And the Pyro Olympics in MOA has finally pushed through! Wooohoo! But wait. Aren’t the organizers aware that the month of May is also the start of the wet season in the Philippines?

So last weekend, the 2nd week of the World Pyro Olympics continued at the SM Mall of Asia, just behind the San Miguel by the Bay park.

At 5:30PM rain started to fall, and I started to worry. I remembered the opening Week of the fireworks show in Mall of Asia last May 3 was also rained. An hour later rainfall got heavier dark clouds covered the Manila skies lightning thunder became the main show.

At the strike of 7:30PM the first country, Canada started its interplay of unique colors and formations through its fireworks. The show must go on even on heavy rains. Then an hour and a half later, France made their display.

All I all, I was not really satisfied with the show. I am expecting a much better performance knowing that this is the Greatest show on Earth, as the organizers promised.

Another disappointment is that the entire back portion of the Mall of Asia has been sealed off unlike during the previous years. This means you now have to pay 150Pesos just top see this fireworks event. Last year it was only a hundred pesos.

So as expected, there was no horrendous traffic jam which stretches as far as Guadalupe in Makati City. There was no elbow-to-elbow crowd. In fact, I can even do a cartwheel on the venue without hurting another person. The crowd volume is so thin compared to last year.

I just hope that the crowd would still pick up on the remaining 3 shows. But that remains to be seen.

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World Pyro Olympics 2008 Week 2

Baras: Guimaras’ secret beach enclave

I have been to Baras for countless time already. We usually drop by at the resort when we do our island hopping activity. Baras ia a nice quiet resort best for rest and relaxation. A perfect getaway for the tired souls living in the Metro.

Baras is a resort located in Jordan Guimaras. A province 10-15 minutes away by outrigger boat in the central Philippines. Although Baras is located on the main island of the province, Baras beach resort can only be accessed through outrigger boats and not via the national highway.

This beach resort has a nice nipa hut fan-cooled cottages. Each one is guaranteed to have a breathtaking view of the islands surrounding the resort. Our veranda is just so lovely. It could be a perfect setting for a romantic movie.

In the afternoon Kiko and I borrowed on of the manually-paddled boats and went to the nearby island. Corals reefs are just so spectacular. the are clearly visible even if i was just sittin on the boat. While Kiko really jumped off the boat to snorkel the area.
Mouth-watering Filipino dishes is served during mealtimes too. For our dinner we had a steaming hot bowl of tinolang manok. The chicken used is not the usual breed you get from your grocery stores. Baras is using only the best and flavorful native chicken which is very abundant in the provinces.

And since we are on a beach resort, it is just natural to order the freshest seafood. We had this large fish (forgot its name) whick somewhat looked like a small lapu-lapu (grouper) cooked in sweet in sour style. Thinly sliced ginger strips with onrion rings in a rich tomato sauce covering the golden fried fish.

After dinner Marcos and I had a game of 8 ball billiards while Edsil and Kiko played table tennis. Later on we just decided to play the table tennis alternately. We really had so much fun playing the game. I was so amazed at myself being able to hit balls without my me wearing eyeglasses, and under a poor lighting. Haha

And to retain the quiet and rustic atmosphere all over the beach resort, electricity is only available at the place from 5:30PM until 12 midnight.

And if you think that with all these goodness comes the price only a few can afford. THINK AGAIN. Baras Beach resort is affordable for everyone. You don’t need to scratch your pocket that hard, or make a big dent on your savings deposit just to enjoy quiet moments in Guimaras Philippines. To learn more about the various facilites or to make reservations, Go to the Baras Beach Resort website

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Baras: Guimaras’ secret beach enclave

Similarities of Pakistan and Philippines

Lahore- The governor of Punjab, Lt. Gen. Khalid Maqbool (ret.), in welcoming visiting members of Philippine media, enumerated three features common between Pakistan and the Philippines that should move relations between the two countries from “warm and cordial” to vibrant and gainful.

The first common feature, the governor said, is the two countries’ adherence to democracy “haltingly but successfully.” Second is both governments’ reliance on employment of nationals in other countries. Third is our colonial past.

It is interesting how Pakistan and the Philippines, in their own peculiar ways, have dealt and are still dealing with these realities.
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Mga Pinoy sa Lahore

Lahore –Gusto nyo bang maging chef sa Chinese at Japanese restaurant sa Pakistan?

Magbubukas bago matapos ang taong ito ang Avari hotel sa Islamabad at tumatanggap sila ng applicants para sa posisyon na yan. Tingnan nyo sa www,avari.com.

Itong impormasyon ay sinabi sa amin ng chef ng Avari Lahore na si Bonifacio Chew. Si Boni ay Filipino. Siya ang mag-iinterview ng applicants at magrekomenda sa may-ari ng hotel na isang Iranian.
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Guimaras: More than just the sweet Mangoes

For many the island province of Guimaras is usually spelled M-A-N-G-O-E-S. Mangoes, Mangoes, and more sweet mangoes! It is an undeniable fact that the world’s sweetest mangoes came from this side of the planet. But other than the heart-shaped golden delight we all love, many know nothing about this place.

Probably only a handful of brave souls have explored this quaint jewel. Guimaras is like a diamond with several facets that has yet to be polished.

Our trip to Guimaras has a multi-pronged itinerary. Something that will definitely keep all of us interested. Upon arrival at the Jordan Wharf we then proceeded to the Public Market and mango Orchard to check out the sweetest produce.

We then proceeded to the Trappist Monastery. The monastery is the only of its kind in the Philippines. This is run by the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance (OCSO) or more popularly known as the Trappists. They live a life of prayer and penance. That is also why you don’t get to see them most of the time. The monastery has a small souvenir shop where one can buy pasalubong like mango preserves, t-shirts prayer books or keychains.

From Trappist, we then drove further down south to Barangay Dolores in Nueva Valencia in a place known as Guisi Point. A lot has been written about this place. But I must say, you need to hike this area to really appreciate its beauty. Guisi Point is known for its centuries-old lightouse, ruins and the breathtaking view of the unspoiled Guisi Beach. The road leading to the lighhouse is uphill and muddy. But every drop of sweat is worth it. Once you got to the lighthouse area you would feel that you don’t want to go back anymore.

Guisi may have a breathtaking beach, but the crowd is all in Alubihod Beach. Alubihod has a more upscale accommodation and restaurant where one can have lunch. People also use Alubihod as a jump off point when going to another island. Our stay in Alubihod is only brief as we only had our lunch here.

From Alubihod, we were picked up by a speed boat for an adventure of a lifetime: Island Hopping Guimaras style. Highlights of our trip were our visit to the Sea Turtle Sanctuary. It is really amazing to see an Olive Ridley in the flesh! This species has already been marked as endangered.

Our adventure continued by visiting one of the caves. Our boat has literally entered it and you can actually hear the sound of the bats.

And just before sunset we arrived in our resort where only the three of us were the guest. We were literally the owners of the island at that time! Isn’t that a wonderful feeling? With this adventure, I can say that Guimaras is just more than just sweet mangoes waiting to be explored.

WARNING!!! If you are reading this from another blog, it is possible that this has been copied without my permission. BYAHILO: Ito ang Trip Ko!

Guimaras: More than just the sweet Mangoes

Making RP-Pakistan relations robust

Islamabad -At the Jinnah shopping mall, where we made a stop after a series of interviews and a visit to the historic site of Taxila outside the capital city, we heard three young boys horsing around, speaking Tagalog.

We were glad to see Filipinos as we needed tips and directions in our effort to contribute to Philippine –Pakistan economic relations.
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Guisi Lighthouse and Ruins in Guimaras

I first learned about Guisi Ruins and Lighthouse from Marc of Explore Iloilo. Since then I keep of bugging him to include this in our itinerary when I get to Guimaras. And finally, Last April 27, 2008, it was my first time to set foot in Guisi Lighthouse and Ruins in Barangay Dolores, in the town of Nueva Valencia, Guimaras.

The trip from Jordan Wharf to Guisi Lighthouse took almost 45 minutes to an hour. But the view leading to the place is spectacular. Vast plantations of mangoes can be seen either from the left or right of the highway. And since it was raining when we went to Guimaras, the unpaved road leading to the Guisi Lighthouse and ruins got muddy and walking uphill became some sort of a challenge without letting these pesky mud stick to your sandals.

But who would have thought that at the end of this unpaved and muddy is a gem befitting of the title National Cultural Treasure.

The Guisi Point Lighthouse was built during the 18th century to guide passing ships cruising along the Guimaras Strait. The original lighthouse tower is now full of rust that it might just collapse anytime from now. There is even a sign below the structure not to climb because of the imminent danger.

The second light facility was built just a few meters away from the rusty tower. And I suspect that the second tower was also built during the Spanish Era. Notice the directions placed on top of the lamp. It has N SE O. It stands for Norte, Sur, Este, Oeste. The four primary directions written in Spanish.

The third lighthouse is built somewhere in between the first and the second lighthouse. The third tower is painted white is in active and working condition. It is build beside the ruins of Guisi.

Aside from the lighthouse and ruins in Guisi, another pride of this place is its unspoilt beach. Not much of beachcombers here as compared to the popular Guimaras Beach site in Alubihod. And the view of the beach from the Lighthouse and Ruins is simply breathtaking.

Paradise Found!

The Philippine Department of Tourism is actually planning develop Guisi and build a view deck there by next year. Hopefully this plan would push through so that Guisi would further be campaigned as a new tourist destination.

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Guisi Lighthouse and Ruins in Guimaras

MAKATI CITY GRAND PARADE ON MAY 9 TO SHOWCASE FAMOUS PHILIPPINE FESTIVALS

The Makati Grand Parade on Ayala Avenue this Friday, May 9, will be a virtual sensory feast resembling the acclaimed Rio Carnival in Brazil, as it will showcase various festivals, including the world-famous Dinagyang Festival of Iloilo City, and floats creatively designed to depict this year’s parade theme, “International Festival.”

This year’s parade promises to be the most spectacular in years with delegations from Makati’s sister cities and municipalities all over the country for the first time coming to join contingents from the city government, participating private companies and the barangays.

Mayor Jejomar C. Binay said the city government is proud to welcome delegates of the19 sister localities of Makati from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao that have confirmed their participation in the Grand Parade, which is a major highlight of the month-long revelry leading to the city’s 338th Foundation Day on June 1.

“We are so proud to have our sister cities and municipalities joining us in the 338th Araw ng Makati celebration. Their presence is sure to add meaning, color and spice to our grand parade, transforming it into a splendid showcase of unique Filipino cultural traditions admired all over the world,” Binay said.

The mayor said major attractions include the performers of Tribu Paghidaet of Iloilo City, Dinagyang 2008 champion and second place, streetdancing category, in the recently concluded Aliwan Festival, and the Calesa float of Laoag City.

The Dinagyang Festival, now on its 40th year, is recognized as a world-class festival, while the Calesa is Laoag City’s most enduring traditional mode of transport.

To join the parade are the following sister cities and municipalities of Makati: Cabadbaran, Agusan del Norte; Batangas City; Dumarao, Capiz; Gen. Trias, Cavite; Laoag City, Ilocos Norte; Sigay, Ilocos Sur; Iligan City, Lanao del Norte; Palo, Leyte; Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya; Binmaley, Pangasinan; Rosales, Pangasinan; Gumaca, Quezon; Concepcion, Romblon; Sta. Maria, Romblon; Can-Avid, Samar; Zumarraga, Samar; Sorsogon City; Surigao City; and Iloilo City.

Other floats will be coming from Makati-based companies, including M. Lhuillier, Rockwell Center, Ayala Land, Inc., Insular Life Assurance Co., and Jollibee Food Corp., as well as from the Makati Gender and Development Council, and the six barangay clusters.

Other participants in the parade include the Makati Cycling Federation, Tribu Carlota with Groove Manila, and Makati-based companies such as Multinational Bancorporation and Amalgamated Development Corp., Metrobank, Loyola Plans, Cocolife, National Life Insurance Co., Rufino Pacific Tower/VAR Buildings, Inc., Pacific Star, Philamlife Tower, Social Security System, Megaworld Corp., Association of Makati Industries

The event will also feature clowns and mimes, bands, Higantes, unicyclists, stilt walkers, and other street dancers and performers, including Makati Caracol 2008 winners and Mananayaw ng Makati.

The city’s major partners in this event are Ayala Land, Rockwell Land, and the Makati Commercial Estate Association (MACEA), with the support of Jollibee Corporation.

Meanwhile, traffic on Ayala Avenue will be rerouted starting 11 am on May 9, Friday, to give way to the parade.

The city’s Department of Public Safety is advising motorists to take the following alternate routes:

Buses – to and from EDSA: take Gil Puyat Avenue; to and from Manila/Pasay: take Gil Puyat Avenue, left Tordesillas, take Zuellig Loop. Jeepneys – from JP Rizal: from Makati Avenue, left Paseo de Roxas, left Gil Puyat Avenue; Ayala/Washington: right Amorsolo, take covered canal, left A. Arnaiz, left EDSA. Return Route: Take Arnaiz Avenue, right Amorsolo, left VA Rufino (Herrera), right Washington; Ayala/Mantrade: right Dela Rosa, right Makati Avenue, right Arnaiz Avenue; Amorsolo/Crispa: right Amorsolo, left Dela Rosa, right Adelantado.

Light private vehicles coming to and from EDSA are advised to take Gil Puyat Avenue; to and from Manila/Pasay: take Gil Puyat Avenue, left Tordesillas, take Zuellig loop; From Ayala Avenue/Gil Puyat to Legaspi Village: right turn Ayala Avenue, right turn Amorsolo St., right turn covered canal to Arnaiz Avenue; From Ayala Avenue/Gil Puyat to Salcedo Village: take Gil Puyat Avenue, right turn Tordesillas St.; From EDSA/Ayala Avenue to Legaspi Village: take EDSA, right turn Arnaiz Avenue, right turn Paseo de Roxas; From EDSA/Ayala Avenue to Salcedo Village: take Ayala Avenue, right turn Apartment ridge, left turn Paseo de Roxas, right turn Villar St.

Source http://www.makati.gov.ph/portal/news/view_news.jsp?news_id=1904

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