Lagawan.info is campaigning for Silay City’s “Cheese Tacos” in Eden’s Sarap ng Pasko: 100 Days of Christmas to win 2 Million Pesos! Please vote and support this campaign.

The city of Silay City is regarded as the “Paris of Negros” for its collection of perfectly preserved heritage houses, thirty of which are considered historical landmarks. It is the second city next to Vigan, Ilocos Sur to have been declared as a Museum City. It is also the site of the new Bacolod-Silay Airport. At the very slope of Mt. Silay lies a monument which symbolized the bravery of the Filipino guerrillas which led to the liberation of Negros from the Japanese invasion.

So take a walk around this historical town while enjoying their unique modern specialty – Cheese Tacos.

TO VOTE FOR SILAY CITY, NEGROS – “CHEESE TACOS”:

1. Buy one Eden 35g, 180g or 500g pack at any supermarkets, public market stalls, groceries, convenience stores or sari sari stores nationwide.
2. Write the following information on a piece of paper attached to one (1) empty pack Eden pack size:

a. Name of Favorite Featured Town : Silay City, Negros
b. Name of Eden Dish for that Town : Cheese Tacos
c. Name
d. Age
e. Complete Address
f. Contact Numbers
g. Signature

3. Submit entries at Drop Boxes within participating Towns or mail entries to

Prime Cast Event Concepts Plus, Inc.
Lower Ground Level, Grayline Ventures Building,
14 Arayat St. Boni, Mandaluyong City

OR:

ABS CBN Foundation Inc.
ELJ Communications Building
Mother Ignacia St. Quezon City

4. Deadline for Submission of Entries is on December 2, 2010.

5. Send as many entries as you want. The promo period is from September 4-December 2, 2010. The promo shall be announced on TV through participating ABS CBN Shows.

For more information on Eden’s Sarap ng Pasko: 100 Days of Christmas please visit www.sarapngpasko.com

The Agtalin Shrine is the home of the highest Marian statue in Asia. The Mirculous Medal statue is 50 feet high and was built on top of the Agtalin Hill Chapel. It is also overlooking the coast of Pilar Bay.

Climbing up to the Shrine is not that easy. Imagine taking 185 steps but it was worth the climb, not just for the view but also for our faith. It was really a great experience esp. that I’m a member(devotee) of the Legion of Mary since my elementary years. And learning about the story behind the place was really inspiring.

Thousands of devotees visit the Agtalin Shrine every first saturday of the month to honor the Blessed Virgin Mary and for the healing Mass/prayer for the sick. Well, here’s the list of the schedule of Activities in Agtalin Shrine during First Saturday of the Month. Hope this can help you in planning your trip.

Agtaline Shrine First Saturday Schedule
7:00 AM Recitation of the Holy Rosary
7:30 AM Confession, Catechism, Sharing
9:00 AM Holy Mass
10:30 AM Prayer for the Sick, Blessing of the Religious Articles

*****

Agtalin Shrine
Agtalin Hills, Brgy. Dulangan
Pilar, Capiz, Philippines 5800

Around 3,500 Catholic devotees witnessed the ceremonial re-enthronement of the two-foot statue Thursday afternoon.

The ceremony took place after the owner of the original statue removed the image and pledged to replace it with a Ten Commandments Tablet last week.

But the Catholic Church was furious with the owner’s decision.

For 20 years, the grotto has become one of the most favorite places to shoot by passing tourists.

With the support of the local council declaring the rock as owned by the government, the grotto has been reconstructed and a new Virgin Mary image has been installed.

Fr. Placer said that tourists coming to this resort island would be going back to the Boracay Rock and once again shoot photo of the new image. (PNA)

This trip to Ilocos was very different from the previous trip I had with my friends last December for this time I was here to cover the Friendship Kayak Expedition 2009 – Thanks to GMCI and Primer. And fortunately, we had a lot of sidetrips before the final leg of the first kayaking trail. One of the places we went to was the coastal town of Burgos to visit the famous heritage site in Ilocos Norte – the Faro Cabo Cape Bojeador or Cape Bojeador Lighthouse.

Cape Bojeador Lighthouse

It was a dark and dreary Wednesday afternoon but when we arrived at the lighthouse the weather improve a little – with sunshine, even just for a couple of minutes. Well, there is something about the place that is eerie – I have this feeling of someone watching us while exploring the place. Well, maybe because it’s old, rusty and so isolated since it is located up the hill of Vigia in Burgos with no nearby house or structures. But even though it’s eerie Cape Bojeador lighthouse is definitely an amazing historical structure and a must place to see when one is visiting Ilocos.

The lighthouse is also called by locals as Burgos lighthouse and it is located on top of Vigia de Nagparitan Hill in Burgos, Ilocos Norte. It is the highest-elevated lighthouse in the Philippines at 160 meters above sea level and the northwestern most in location. It was built in 1892 and is still functioning to date, serving ships passing by the northern part of South China Sea.

Lagawan in Cape Bojeador

Built on March 31, 1892, Faro de Capo Bojeador was designed by Engineer Margin Pers y Pers in 1887. It was reconfigured and constructed by Engineer Gulliermo Brockman.  The lighthouse has been guiding sea vessels passing the northern part of South China Sea and the rugged coast of Cape Bojeador. Despite of its age, it is still being used today. The lighthouse has been declared as a National Historical Landmark and a National Cultural Treasure. ( Read More: Heritage Conservation Society – Cape Bojeador Lighthouse )

Mamang caretaker was kind enough to let us go up the lighthouse tower. And to get to the top, we climb a series of steps and guess what? It wasn’t that easy especially if you have a fear of height and is claustrophobic for you must really have a will power to conquer the rusty, slippery metal spiral staircase and the steep-steel ladder plus the heavy blowing of winds to reach the lens room. But once you’re on the top it’s really worth it for the view is really fantastic. You can see the South China Sea, the town of Pasuquin, the windmills and coastline of Bangui and other neighboring towns.

View from the top…

Getting there:

Cape Bojeador lighthouse is approximately 35 kilometers north of Laoag by car.

Just follow the northwestern coastal national highway from Laoag, Vigan or La union going to Ilocos province until you’ve reach the town of Burgos. There is a large sign board along the highway which serves as the landmark for Cape Bojeador. You won’t get lost if you follow this sign since the road leads you to the base of the of the Cape Bojeador lighthouse complex.

There is no Public Transportation like jeepneys or tricycles found here, so it’s either you walk along the winding road to the lighthouse or bring a car.

More Photos:

looking at the town of Burgos from the lighthouse window

Another coastal view from Cape Bojeador

Friendship Kayak Expedition 2009: DoT, Media, GMCI, Primer, Blogger

Tsim Sha Tsui Century-Old Clock Tower

The Clock Tower classical design is a reminder of Hong Kong’s colonial past especially with the red brick and granite.The interior oc the Clock Tower had been previously open to the public but unfortunately it is currently closed for maintenance. Well, aside from the Clock Tower one could also see another landmark of Hong Kong nearby, the Tsim Sha Tsui Ferry Pier and the Star Ferry.

The San Sebastian Cathedral Centennial Belfry in Bacolod City was constructed by the Sugarlandia Lions Club of Bacolod. The bell was mounted on the cathedral towers in the year 1879 and due to storms and fires the bell was lowered down during the towers reconstruction in the year 1969. In 1976 the centuries old bells were moved at the right side of the churchyard yard after it has marked its 100 years.

San Sebastian Cathedral Centennial Belfry

Constructed by Sugarlandia Lions Club of Bacolod. Inaugurated  July 31, 1976. the Cathedral Centennial year; Large Bell (1,543.5 kls, costing  Php 1,245.00) donated 1866 by Fr. Mariano Avila, Bacolod Parish Priest, 1863-1871. Small bell (761kgs) Installed 1890 by fr. Mauricio Ferrero, recollect parish priest of bacolod, 1871-1910; These mounted on cathedral towers, 1879; warned Bacolod of Revolution, November 5,1898, storms and fires; lowered during cathedral towers reconstruction, 1969

PIETA – MALATE – 1945

In memory of the people of Malate who were killed during the Second World War and the five Columban priests who stayed with them and died with them.

The compassionate figure of Our Lady of Healing calls the Church to heal our crucified world, to walk with the poor and the oppressed, and to be the voice of those who cry for justice.

Mary who inspired the women of Malter, represents the women of all thimes; women bring life into the world and most understand the sacredness of life and the insanity of war. With them, we pledge to work for a world without war where all people will live in that peace which Christ promised.

Nuestra Senora de los Remedios   February 2, 1997

Pieta can be found in Malate Church compound.

The Baroque Church of Santa Maria in Ilocos Sur was built by the Augustinian Friars during the Spanish times. The Church is not only a reminiscent of the four centuries of Spanish domination but also it is a unique structure with a diversified architectural design that is made of stones and mortar.

The church was built on top of a hill not only as a look-out but also as a religious center during the Spanish times. If you want to go to the church one must climb 85 steps to reach the top. The stonewall fortresses of the church was used for protection against enemy attack in the old days. And the buttresses were built to withstand the powers of earthquakes common in the region.

It also served as a citadel in the old days.

The bell tower beside the church was built in 1810 and was furnished in 1811. The belfry of Sta. Maria is really unique for the structure is slightly leaning.

What I like about Sta. Maria Church is its location on the top of the Hill, for you can view the nearby towns and municipality 360 degree. Aside from that, the church backyard is really beautiful for it is covered in green, “cadena de amor”.

The baroque church of Santa Maria is one of the four Baroque churches in the Philippines that is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also considered as a Masterpiece.

The leaning bell tower of Sta. Maria Church.

City Information Officer Alroben Goh said the activity aims to gather votes that would once again bring the Underground River as the country’s official candidate to the second round of the global voting of the new world wonder search.

Goh said as of press time, there is no confirmation yet from President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano on their attendance to the said activity.

Goh confirmed that Mark Lapid, general manager of Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA) will grace the occasion.

He said the city government of Puerto Princesa, together with the citizenry of Palawan will join in the grand parade from Capitol Park Square starting 4 p.m. and ending at the city Baywalk area for the program proper.

Goh cited that for past four months, the Underground River has been consistently taking the number one spot in the live ranking conducted by N&W Foundation of Switzerland.

Of the original 441 nominees, 180, or more than 40 percent were eliminated. The next stage begins today until July 7, to select the Top 77 pool from which the 21 Official Finalists are going to be chosen.

Goh added that various sectors, including Palawan provincial government led by Gov. Joel T. Reyes and Tubbataha Management Office headed by park manager Anqelique Songco have committed to help embark on information campaign for the inclusion of the park in the wonders search.

He said that beauty titlists of Ms. Puerto Princesa, Mutya ng Palawan, Mutya ng Pilipinas and Ms. Earth, along with Hagedorn and other political leaders in Palawan will participate in the parade from Capitol Park Square to the Baywalk area prior to the re-launching activity.

The URAWN aims to make Puerto Princesa residents as well as all Filipinos here and abroad not to become strangers in their own country and invite more votes to the PPSRNP.

To avail of a free tour, local residents and those residing abroad must prove that they have already voted for the site in the New7Wonders.(PNA)

Thanks to busisi for the photo

Started as a rest house of the family of businessman Marfenio Tan about 10 years ago, Isla Parilla is now an “AA” class resort.

A resort within a man-made island, Isla Parilla has 24-hour room service, profuse amenities, refreshing and solemn ambiance, and personalized services.

“Here you can find true solemnity of a wedding vow and other private meetings while enjoying fresh air, unique dishes of fresh seafood, or just go fishing at the lake,” manager Wanchin Tan-Delfino said.

Apparently, these gave the resort a double “A” ranking.

A waiter and bartending seminar was held here last week for Isla Parilla, Sarangani Highlands and other hotel personnel in General Santos City by the Department of Tourism Region XII and the Sarangani Tourism Industry Association, Incorporated.

“We are ready for our guests that will come as the MunaTo provincial festival is nearing,” Delfino said.

Isla Parilla is two kilometers away from the Provincial Capitol where the November 27 to 29 MunaTo Festival will be held.

The 6th MunaTo Festival and 16th Foundation Anniversary celebrate Sarangani’s pride in colorful arts and investment potentials with its theme “Ang Galing Mo, Sarangan”. (PNA)