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Friday, September 5, 2014
Baguio City leaders to limit the use of Athletic Bowl

Baguio City leaders to limit the use of Athletic Bowl


Photo courtesy: impactsocialmedia.net


The Athletic Bowl has been known to be the venue of vibrant festivities like the annual Baguio’s Panagbenga celebration to smaller gatherings like a city’s senior citizens conventions.  

On a Monday’s session, City Councilor Faustino Olowan has set forth a motion that would make the Athletic Bowl an exclusive venue for sports only.

"We should stay within the purpose of the area which is intended to cater to athletes and sport activities and not any other events which can destroy or damage it," Olowan said.

The city has geared up a notch higher on its tourism strategy by tapping sports as one of tourist magnets especially with the proposed refurbishment of the sports arena. In an attempt to make it a world class facility, city leaders are working out the possible funding for the development of Baguio’s Athletic Bowl.

The new and sprawling development has an estimate cost of P31 million and P14.7 will come from the funds of Representative Nicasio Aliping Jr.

“This is on top of what the city is planning to infuse into the Athletic Bowl refurbishment,” Representative Aliping said.

For the meantime, the 14.7 million rehabilitation is underway after the Department of Public Works and Highways has started the bidding process for the development project.

Photo courtesy: edgarnievera.com

“We very much wanted to fix the Athletic Bowl so regional, national and even international sporting events could be hosted by the city,” he added.



The planned rehabilitation of Baguio’s Athletic Bowl promises to be the most significant development in the city’s sports tourism drive. If rehabilitated under the projected time plan, it will cater the upcoming sporting events like Cordillera Administrative Region Athletic Association and Palarong Panlungsod.

“Rest assured that by next year another P20 million will be made available for the continuation of the rehabilitation of Athletic Bowl,” Aliping said.

The project provides a capstone to a redevelopment effort ongoing in the area as it includes the installation of tartan tracks in the oval, the concreting of canals, and changing of roofing and posts in the view deck.


Talks are also underway with a US based company in the utilization of renewable energy of the sun in heating up the swimming pool. (Romulus Gutierrez III) FOCUS
at 11:16 AM 0 comments
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Don Armandos: Your destination resto in Pangasinan

Don Armandos: Your destination resto in Pangasinan


It’s all about food from Pinoy realms–the spaces where succulent flavors and spices meet.
There’s so much rejoicing in chowland, and it takes place in one of the most exceptional diners in Calasiao, where crushed seasonings, and food gen and passion, seem to appear from all directions.

Don Armados is an “ihaw-ihaw” restaurant, located in San Miguel, Calasiao that feels like an old-school sanctuary for people who want to just relax and enjoy the pleasure of company and eating good food.

The brick wall design brings in a calm sense of Mesoamerican sophistication, and yet customers partly realize that authentic Filipino cuisines are served in this place.

Fact is, I chose to focus on eating—and meandering through the aroma of dishes because I was fortunate enough to go there with a uniquely qualified guide. Actually, it’s one of the things that hooked me earliest and most irrevocably about Don Armados: the spices, the strong flavors, the mouth searing sauces and dips, and the delicate interplay between sweet and sour. Everything, yum!

When the owners brought a wealth of Pinoy kick to the aristocracy of their dishes, a new food exploration took hold. Worth their weight in gold, Don Armandos sparked good reviews, and changed the way Calasiao residents eat. They hoped to cross culinary boundaries of their own with the flavors they put on their dishes. And they strive to provide that responsibly.

Husband and wife, Teng and Architect John Paulo Bauzon are as different as night and day. She’s the feisty personality; he’s the gentle giant.  Her food interests unquestionably come in a slice of pizza, and he’s are predominantly Pinoy, fashioned by the cooking of his supportive parents who started out an eatery in Dagupan, and whose brother’s exposure to the world of food is communicable.


“We want people to walk away feeling good about what they’ve eaten...physically and mentally”, said JP Bauzon.


Bauzon understands that people want a plethora of choices. He has seen the evolution of Calasiao from a primarily commercial district to the next rising industrial gem of Pangasinan due to the greater awareness of the public to diverse culinary styles, which he deemed is a good thing to offer variety of food in the restaurant.

Wanting nothing more complicated on a hot day, Don Armandos’ feel-good food is scrumptiously light; not overly-filling, but not skimpy either. It’s exactly everything you would want: from bangus bathed in fresh coconut water to savory binagoongan meat, creamy leche flan, and doughy pizza generously topped with pepperoni.

The desire to restore and preserve Filipino cuisine was the inspiration of the couple-partners. They don’t copy recipes, instead, take concepts and later indigenizes them to suit Filipino tastes. It is this diversity and history that Don Armandos seeks to preserve by offering a menu in a manner which is authentic as possible—living up to is namesake as an expression of greatness and uniqueness in Pinoy flavors.

Perhaps, the greatest example of Calasiao’s status of a growing food hub is Don Armandos
emergence. And with its successful home-cooked specialties, it is poised to take its place amongst other destinations in Pangasinan as the next great foodie paradise.

It is truly the pinnacle of its owners’ vision of creating their creative masterpiece in the province.

Top picks


 For appetizers, one can try the Crispy Kangkong. This recipe is very much like your
typical vegetable tempura. But the quality of relish comes from the batter.

Don Armandos seems to have perfected their concoction because unlike other similar
recipes, it does not make you want to forget about the freshness of the vegetable.
Among their signature dishes are their “Nakabuyangyang na hito” (fried catfish in butterfly style) and Sizzling Pork Binagoongan.

The slow cooking process prepared with the freshest ingredients makes both meats tender while giving individual dishes a very savory taste. The sauce’s creaminess adds another
complexity.

There’s no denying the love affair Filipinos have with all things sinfully sugary. And if there ever was one dish that embodies this, it would be the leche flan.

Don Armandos’ Leche Flan is fresh and delectably tempting: from the creaminess of the custard to the heapful of caramelized sugar. There’s definitely that melt-in-your-mouth-goodness moment.
at 11:01 AM 0 comments
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Sunday, August 31, 2014
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Internet of Things (IoT) in the North


Photo courtesy of www.control4.com
In the Tech scene, only Baguio is the city that is on the radar for IT. It has a good track record for business process outsourcing (BPO), manufacturing hardware parts, and providing web  services for various industries.

In the southern part of the Philippines, Davao and Cebu are tech superstars. Of course, tech companies abound, tech industry is at its most promising stage — who could ask for more?

But the North seems more laid back, it has this watch and see attitude, and even though the national government is pushing the envelope in the provinces it seems that a lot of things need to be done first before we finally embrace technology and modernisation.
Why is this?

Most of the local officials are not open and exposed enough to technology. I know of a few influential officials that squirm at the word. They say that they were born and raised without and that their constituents do not need it or are not aware of it. Such people deserve a perfect slap on their faces to wake them up to reality.

Whoever said that technology is not necessary yet and their community can live without it must be living in a rainforest or is a caveman, Mayor.
****
Today, we are entering the era of interconnected devices. The Internet of Things (IoT). Google acquired Nest Labs - a company which manufactures and sells intelligent devices running on Big Data or cloud technology that connects other devices to it.

Google will soon launch Android One, an Android phone that will also communicate with other devices at home like the television, the door, your zircon or coffeemaker and your ref. It can also talk to your car, the Android Car.

With all these up and coming, the people in the North can just not afford to watch things as they happen. We have to be in. We have to join the bandwagon and create things that will make our future a better place to live in.


The 4th DICT Congress in Pangasinan on October 9-11, is themed “ The Internet of Things- Star the future now”. The congress aims to open up and involve the Pangasinenses to the future of technology which is the IoT.  It wants to encourage citizens to build their own IoT contribution and specialise because there is no place in the Philippines that is niching on it.
Pangasinan is full of talents and its labor force is huge. A big portion of the urban workers come from Pangasinan. And we are trying to create our own opportunities here.

By introducing IoT and what the future holds to our students, we envision our digital natives to go and create software or devices hacked from ordinary things we see around and convert it to more useful devices that the entire community can benefit of.

Learn more about the Internet of Things  and DICT 4 on my next column.  The congress is scheduled October 9-11 in Lingayen and Dagupan City Pangasinan respectively.



Tweet me @vanjpadilla for more stories and conversation. 
at 12:40 AM 0 comments
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La Union, revisiting its past grandeur

La Union, revisiting its past grandeur


Aside from the most famous surfing sites and mesmerizing white sand beaches of La Union, the province also boasts its historical landmarks. These landmarks showcase the history of the province since the Spanish era. They played important role on how and what the province is in the present

PINDANGAN RUINS


 About 500 meters from the National Highway at Brgy. San Vicente, San Fernando City lies the ruins of a church which serve as evangelization area to the locals. But due to its location, near the sea,which is prone to attacks by the Japanese and Chinese Moro Pirates, the Frayles decided to transfer the Church to Brgy. Tangui then to Brgy. Cabaroan and afterwards to its present site in front of city auditorium.

Today, the ruins’ buttresses and walls are still standing. An old well which supplied the area with cool water through the centuries, can still be found at the side of the church. Made of corals and bricks, the enchanting well is still in good condition. The Carmelite Sisters, whose monastery stands behind the ruins, are the caretakers of the glorious landmark.

They called the structure Pindangan ruins, derived from San Fernando City’s old name. An Ilocano dialect for a place where meat is sun dried and salted to preserve.

THE CENTENNIAL TUNNEL

Built in 1913 during the American regime this 40.4 kilometers long tunnel was really intended for Philippine National Railways (PNR) bound for Baguio. Because of the threat of the Second World War the structure was abandoned by the Commonwealth Government. The tunnel was also used as the headquarters of Japanese Imperial Army because of its durability to bombings. Although according to locals, the tunnel already exists during the Spanish era and was developed in the American occupation.

There are also speculations that there are treasures buried in the tunnel.Similar structures could also be found in Tuba, Benguet which were supposed to be part of the ambitious railway system.

BALUARTE WATCH TOWER

Located at the pebble beaches of Luna La Union, Baluarte Watch tower was built by the Spaniards to monitor threats and danger in the sea from the Japanese and Chinese Moro Pirates.

Because of its towering height it serve as a shield for the locals. Also, Guardia Civils can warn the residents in advance in case of forthcoming danger from pirates and colonists. Also to prepare to defend the locality. This historical structure has successfully defended the people in the past for countless times.

Today, Baluarte stands in disarray, vertically cut in two because of eroded base and foundation, its two halves stand through concrete post supports on its sides.

Indeed, La Union is not only blessed with beautiful sceneries but also, with historical pieces that showcase the rich culture and history of the province. Reginald Agsalon (FOCUS) Source: www.launion.gov.ph
at 12:34 AM 0 comments
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Team PH preps for the 16th Int’l Robotics Olympiad

The Philippine Robotics team is gearing up in the preparation for the 16th Int’l Robotics Olympiad to be held this November 5-9 2014 in Beijing, China.

On the Press and Bloggers Conference held last Aug. 15, 2014 at Oakwood Premier, different teams of Young Robot Athletes from different schools in the country was introduced to represent our country to the said event. Leading the team is the Grace Christian College (GCC) Team, the over-all champion of the 2014 National Robotics Competition held last January 2014 at Phil. Trade Training Center in Pasay City.

Other teams composing the PH delegate are the young robotics athletes from Colegio De San Juan De Letran College-Calamba, St. Theodore School in Taguig City, Pasig Community, Holy Child Catholic, and Philippine YuhChiau School. Other schools are still on process of being part pf the delegation. For the schools who wants to be part of delegation, DSTC still accepts application, just visit their website http://genetic.edu.ph/ for more information.

The Int’l Robotics Olympiad is a yearly science and technology event where participants/ teams from different parts of the globe showcases their skills and abilities by designing and creating robots.

This year participants will compete with different game categories (Sumobot,Line Tracing, Mission Challenge, Robo Soccer, and Humanoid Challenge) with the theme: “Robots: Stop Global Warming. Reginald Agsalon/ FOCUS Source: DSTC
at 12:20 AM 0 comments
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Wednesday, August 27, 2014
Breeze ActivBleach to treat Pangasinan Moms

Breeze ActivBleach to treat Pangasinan Moms

Slated this Aug. 28, 2014 Breeze Activ Bleach  is treating mommies in the province  to a day off from their laundry chores with the simultaneous nationwide event 1Laba Day to be held at Brgy., Herrero Perez, Dagupan City. Moms here in Pangasinan are invited to head to Brgy., Herrero Perez and let Breeze’s revolutionary ActivBleach take care of their stained clothes while they take part in exciting activities Breeze has in store for them to celebrate every mother’s hard work and love for her family.

With 1 Laba Day, Breeze aims to wash 1 million stains using Breeze ActivBleach, which removes even the toughest of stains in just one wash. Participating moms can enjoy their ultimate laundry day-off as Breeze treats them to various entertainment activities, while the Breeze Laba Ladies and Laba Machines, sponsored by campaign partners Electrolux, White Westinghouse, Whirpool and LG, will take care of washing their clothes.

Simultaneous 1Laba Day events will also happen in Metro Manila (Pasig, Marikina, Quezon City, Pasay), North Luzon (Tarlac), South Luzon (Laguna, Cavite), Visayas (Cebu), and Mindanao (Davao).

Breeze with ActivBleach is the first and only detergent brand with 4-enzyme technology to remove more types of stains with less effort and time. It even has a unique active system for better foam profile and quicker lather, plus percarbonate TAED bleach that takes out bleachable stains without harming the environment. 

Be a part of the Breeze 1 Laba Day event and see for yourself how Breeze with ActivBleach removes 1 million stains in just one wash. Like the official Breeze Facebook page (@BreezePhilippines) and join the online promos to get the chance to win washing machines from partner brands. Consumers can also get free Breeze gift packs for every purchase of an Electrolux, Whirlpool and LG washing machine.
at 7:34 AM 0 comments
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