A very unwelcome of a weather system, this Chedeng, now intensifying into a typhoon in Bicol. It will be affecting many towns of Camarines Sur as well. The local climate disturbance dampens the day in many countless ways, including the very special day of one special person. For today, a […]
Antigong Simbahan. Catholic churches constructed in Albay by the Spanish conquestadores and friars. Earlier, we posted the teaser for this award winning film by gifted students of the premier state university in the regional capital of Bicol. A presentation by Cbanga360 Production of the mini-documentary by Bem’s Angel Production in […]
I strongly believe one of the most beloved pope in the world is Pope John Paul II. He visited the Philippines twice. The first historic and memorable visit to the city of Legaspi was on February 21, 1981. He made a return trip to the country during the World Youth Day Celebration in January 12-16, 1995 in Manila.
Visiting the seaside village of Sibobo brings back some memories of the distant past on this writer. But while our main purpose was only to revisit and take some photos of the place, there was one unintended surprise waiting for us. It was also an unannouced visit to one good and grandlady of the barangay.
Easter Sunday marked the culmination of the eight-day observance of the holy week and the passion of Christ in most Christian and Catholic communities in the country. This morning, before the first streak of sunlight came out from the dark and still sky, the traditional processions of Santos depart from the church ground of La Porteria, as in most of the local parishes of Calabanga.
The religious and pious residents and tourists/visitors of Calabanga town move on to observe the Semana Santa now in midweek. This Wednesday will witness a spectacular yet solemn procession of the Santos and devotees. The procession starts when the afternoon mass dismisses attendees toward the parochial grounds. From there the […]
On Monday, we revive The Bicol House Journal on the online pages of Cbanga360. It will follow the same attitude and aspiration in publishing literary content as before. Looking back we republish here the idealism and objective of the BHJ: The Bicol House Journal is a modest attempt at publishing […]
Semana santa is a tradition deeply rooted in the heart of every Calabangueño. The holy event is ever so old and yet always new. The Calabangueño reflects in solitude, in sanctity and in seclusion. Deep in his heart finds joy and anticipation of the filial, friendly and Godly devotion renewed and refreshed by the holy week celebration. Thus, it tugs him to go on a yearly exodus he just wouldn’t want to miss.
It is disturbing how many graduates from the numerous schools of the country will get job placement afterwards. It will always remain a question forever. For the multitude of graduates, like in clinical nursing, may end up in call centers and the worst scenario- as sales clerks in mall stores, for there are not too many hospitals can absorb the abundant supply of manpower.
To a newcomer and the uninitiated the new parish of St. Peregrine of Laziosi has a humbling effect. The building of course represents the glimmer of a dream rather than a concrete reality. It is because the current building was constructed of lumber (some coconut lumber) and bamboo with nipa roofing.
The giving of nickname is popular among Bicolano families. Or I would rather say a part of our culture. I grew up in a family where calling someone the real name is a “crime” for a seemingly unsound connotation.
Francia Falcon Apelo, one of the pillars of the local educational community will be surely missed soon enough. She last handled the post of school counsellor at the Calabanga Polytechnic college (now the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture). Previous to that, she was well remembered at the Calabanga Central Division Pilot School for the several subjects she ably handled.
There was fun- swimming on the beach, sailing by motorized banca, a picnic under the canopy of coconut trees, and visiting former acquaintances. The group also had a good share of fresh buko (tipong) meat and juice on the sprawl of coco plantations.
On the day this writer visited the parish of St. Peregrine of Laziosi in barangay Sto. Domingo of Calabanga, a drizzle was on its way. Anyhow, we were able to take the needed frames for our purpose. Our first stop was the construction and project site of the bell tower structure cum “tontonan” combined.
The parish of St. Peregrine of Laziosi is currently building its “Tontonan” or that structure we are always familiar with used during the Catholic church’s Easter Sunday ceremony of “Salubungan” or “Domingo sabat.” The parish is located in barangay Sto. Domingo, municipality of Calabanga.
You only have to set foot on Calabanga’s heart (the ever commotion-packed Parada) in order to know its language. “Oatat ka man magmarat nin iwos?” a Calabangueño would ask you if you are a stranger. Several dialects would come rushing into your mind but not a single word from the sentence just uttered would equal that which you think you know.
To her native sons and daughters, Calabanga is a beautiful town even if it seems slow in making progress. Many of its sons and daughters have left her to find their fortunes elsewhere or their particular place in the sun, but it is not a final breakaway.
The town of Siruma boasts of white sand beaches almost equal to that of Caramoan’s. But wait, the beaches of Siruma languishes for attention and development. Camarines Sur has invested, time and resources for Caramoan’s development and Siruma is waiting.
All the merriment and festivities that came with the happiest season of all is winding now, but not until the three mens’ visit to the infant Jesus is consumated. The event is closely associated to the Epiphany.
During a portion of the war years the governor of Camarines Sur was Mariano Villafuerte. Together with wife, Soledad, eldest son Manuel, Japanese military officer named Kwasima, Villafuerte took a motorboat from Sabang, Calabanga and landed at the barrio of Vito in Siruma. The fleeing governor was looking for an influential leader named Pedro P to seek aid and become his intermediary, but who left with his own family much earlier before their arrival.
This year’s yuletide also brings peace, serenity and confidence in the far flung and hinterland areas of the Bicol region with the unilateral declaration of the PH government of a holiday ceasefire with the Communist Party of the Philippines from December 16, 2010 to January 3, 2011.
For the fiscal year of 2007, the LGU of Libmanan was the first and only that surpassed the P100M earnings among the 35 municipalities, while capital town Pili had P87M. Rinconada’s Nabua made P73.2M and the third district town of Calabanga earned P72.6M.
After the May 10, 2010 general elections, the local government of Siruma and its town folks received its first ever and most distinguished visitor of the land, and a surprise yet.
In the past few weeks, we featured five build-up guest posts with specific reference to prevailing human rights atmosphere in the PH. What a good “coincidence” that as the Philippines, and other nations of the world, observe today, December 10th International Human Rights day, president Benigno S. Aquino III has ordered the department of justice (DOJ) to withdraw the charges against the Morong 43.
How can the government and the Armed Forces of the Philippines claim that it respects human rights when human rights defenders themselves are being the target of attack? How can there be claims of “change” when the lives of the majority remain the same, and even getting worse, and those who defend the rights of the poor and the oppressed are still being treated as “enemies of the state”?
The quaint, little and big town of Siruma lies on the northeastern section of Camarines Sur, much properly on a peninsula jutting out to the sea. Its shores is lapped by the cool waves of the Pacific, while the inland territory is generally of mountainous terrain abundantly sun-basked.
The big, influential businesses accumulate profits and get the government’s favorable attention much of the time. On the other side are hapless workers literally wrapped in the palms of big business, choking. Already, they howl and scream on the city streets yet get the caressing water guns of the government. Hence, workers are warped into a time very much comparable when there exist no justice for all but for the people wtih deep pockets and capital.
Research group IBON calls on lawmakers deliberating on the budget for the controversial Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) Program to look into the resulting additional debt burden that Filipinos will shoulder to repay the program’s loans.
After Justice Secretary Leila de Lima submitted her review on the case of the Morong 43, the legal team of Malacanang also reviewed de Lima’s review and forwarded recommendations to the President. Aquino already said twice that he would let the courts decide on the case of the health workers.
Human Rights group Karapatan noted the number of victims of extrajudicial killings, now numbering 20 under president Aquino, has surpassed former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s record during her last six months in office.
Fifty eight years last month, in November 18, 1952, the former mayor of Calabanga town unveiled a donation of a (cement) bench located at the plaza. Now with the onslaught of change and modest modernization, the bench still occupies its original location. But it has served its purpose and the passage of time clearly made its mark.
During the initial days of the new administration, many were shocked (sic) on how voluminous the past government imported rice from other Asian countries. The issue was heightened when some National Food Authority warehouses were found with rotting stockpiles of the commodity.
Alas, there is more on the drawing board for the Divine Mercy parish and community. The next project will be the proposed construction of another facility to service the growing religious community around Paolbo. Yes, the parish of Divine Mercy is set to build a new pastoral center building within […]
During his elementary days, one would see him at their home front sari-sari store sketching komiks (yes, komiks was so popular that time) characters like the famous “Palos” and many more, honing his skills. At an early age he has shown the propensity and inclination for the visual arts, just […]
In our continuing presentation of the annual income of Bicol LGUs we take a look at how they compare in rank with others. The province of Rizal topped the list. Quite remarkable considering that many of its premier and urban towns were chopped from its jurisdiction when the National Capital region was created.
The Peñafrancia Rural Bank of Calabanga branch in barangay Del Carmen lost to persistent thieves the amount of P705,000 last October 10, 2010.
She came to America a few months after loving husband first stepped unto the soils of Long Beach. Ever since, she never transferred to another city. She worked hard for her daughter’s family to join her before but since it was far more important to give the grandson a choice she had to forego the dream even though they stayed for sometime with her.
Here and now, the Bicol river’s name was for the second time used in disgrace, shame and shambles. The unfinished dam will remain the tangible evidence to this for people to see in the years to come. As always, failures leave behind some ugly memorials.
Easily, then, Bicol river is both the queen and mother of all rivers in southern Luzon due to its size and influence. It holds sway and impact on the fertile and floodplains of the provinces, dictating the state of economic well-being and status affecting thousands of lives of people- including farmers, fisherfolks, travellers, etc., around its sphere of natural terrain.
The banca operator is so experienced he managed to device a system of not going straight ahead after departing from Balongay but instead maneuvers a sharp curved route to curtail the push and shove of the current. Imagine being in a crib on a rocking motion. Just looking at the transport boat, do not expect amenities of comfort for the seat will be a piece of bamboo pole nailed across its rim.
At the edge of the river bank, a waiting shade serves as the landing-terminal point for arriving and departing passengers. One can let time pass just by sitting on the steps or on the cement seats. I did just that and kept awed and bewildered at how huge and overwhelming the Bicol river is.
Then I heard about the skyway bridges that will span the river, connecting the towns of Libmanan and Canaman. The structure will be built much farther inside and farther from Balongay. The loss of Calabanga and Cabusao became the gain of Libmanan and Canaman. Lucky folks of these towns.
We focus our attention on the volunteer devotees, the people that paddles manually the boats all stringed together pulling the “vancuerna” or “pagoda” or the barge that carries about one hundred fifty people including the images of the Virgin of Peñafrancia and the Divino Rostro.
Some 300 military personnel helped in cleaning the river due to unwanted debris and garbage before the actual fluvial procession. The residents and the city government of Naga should take not only one look but also envision a program on how to keep the river clean and alive again before is too late.
This is part two of the photo recap of the Penafrancia fluvial procession last Saturday. This is a photo-study of how people waited for the procession and the fluvial event in back yards, alleys, and every available space one can occupy to gaze at the passing venerated images of the Divino Rostro and the Virgin of Peñafrancia.
We will attempt to do a live blogging of the Penafrancia fluvial procession here!! This post will continuously get live update!!!
It’s all systems go for the Penafrancia fluvial and procession this afternoon. The event rolls on at 2:30 P.M. with the recitation of the novena at the cathedral. Tentative schedule here- Procession starts at 3:00 P.M. At 4:00 P.M. arrival at the embarcation point- the place where the images are destined to be transferred to the barge. It will happen at the foot of the Tabuco bridge.
The thirteenth edition of the colorful and now popular “Voyadores festival” was held yesterday at the parochial grounds of Naga Metropolitan Cathedral. The show of colors and body movements through street dancing was focused on the alternative expression of piety and devotion to Our Lady of Peñafrancia (Ina) through music and vibrant dancing.
Katherine Dominique Lagrimas was proclaimed Miss Bicolandia 2010 in the pageant held at the new multi-million peso Metro Naga Coliseum. She won over four other lovely Bicolana semi-finalists in the September 8 crowning ceremony.
The Archdiocese of Caceres unveils today the Porta Mariae, a commemorative arch of the tercentenary or 300th celebration of the devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary in front of the Metropolitan Cathedral in Naga city.
Yesterday, during the pre-fiesta parade celebration, many of these institutions fielded representatives showcasing the showmanship, talent and faces of their students. Consider how long the parade went on with the long list of participants. They presented exhibition and action fronting the makeshift review grandstand, right into that commercial area, everybody calls the “Parada”.
Twelve maidens from 11 barangays of the town vies for the honor of being crowned the most beautiful girl and Miss Calabanga 2010.
On September 6 and 7, the townsfolk of Calabanga will celebrate the feast day of Nuestra Señora de la Porteria. The civil and religious heirarchy in the whole municipality closes ranks to celebrate as one the joyous occasion.
The Parish of our Lady of La Porteria released the detailed religious “Solemn Patronal Celebraton” and schedule of activities during the feast day and town fiesta celebration.
The newest toast of the town in Legazpi’s math class circle is this fourth grader enrolled at the Bicol University integrated laboratory school.
A few days from now, on September 10, the region begins the celebration of 300 years of devotion, the Tercentenary of the Virgin of, and Our Lady of Peñafrancia.
Come South, CamSur. For all our friends, kababayan, visitors and prospective tourists, come and enjoy the hospitality, sights, sounds, food, adventure, amenities and many more of the premier province of Bicol. Appearing on this tourism campaign commissioned by the provincial government is the singer and movie actor Karylle with the […]
A graduate from the Ateneo de Naga University college of nursing topped the nursing licensure examination given this July 2010, according to the statement released by the professional regulation Commission.
Bicolana and Ms. Philippines Maria Venus Raj was heavily applauded after being declared the fourth runner-up in this year’s Miss Universe pageant.
The orchids bloom this time at our sister’s Legazpi frontyard are remarkable. Her residence with a certain degree of elevation due to the hillside location of the housing district gives ample growth area for the aerial plants.
Beauty titlist Melody Gersbach, Binibining Pilipinas-International 2009 died in a car crash this Saturday morning.
Cbanga360, the street journal about Calabanga and many things Bicol, was one idea of how to fill dull days into something worth productive. It turned out, the process of maintaining the blog, i.e., writing posts consume our time coupled with leg work, research, coordination and much more.
During one of those tempestuous days long, long ago, the Lady of the Gates was said to have saved the areas by the bayside from an impending giant water surge. The Lady was said to have waved Her hand in a gesture like pushing the oncoming water far back from where it came to the relief of the residents.
The Alpha Kappa Rho (akrho) chapters in Albay celebrate in a parade about the main streets of Legazpi city. Some fraternity and sorority members wear their signature black shirts emblazoned with the organization’s name.
If only administrators and concerned officials can equate a pastel paint job to good service and health care, then many will change their concept about a government-run hospital. Until then, the poor will be in constant want for good health care service delivery with friendly and courteous attitude from the staff.
Video: PH need to institutionalize climate change struggle — Ambassador Lazaro PARIS, France, Nov. 30 — President Aquino was able to put in place the principles and regulations addressing climate change in the country and the next leader should strengthen those guidelines, the country’s ambassador to France said during an […]
How do you preserve and improve the ruins that is 202 years old and counting? The historical treasure of the Cagsawa ruins which occupies 1.5 hectares of Daraga town is up for total retouch with the collaboration of national government and local government agencies. Spearheading the task is the Tourism […]
Come South, CamSur. For all our friends, kababayan, visitors and prospective tourists, come and enjoy the hospitality, sights, sounds, food, adventure, amenities and many more of the premier province of Bicol. Appearing on this tourism campaign commissioned by the provincial government is the singer and movie actor Karylle with the […]
Will Metro Manila commute improve with a new traffic czar? This is in the mind of many as the Secretary of the Department of Transportation Arthur Tugade designates Highway Patrol Group Acting Director Sr. Supt. Antonio Gardiola as Metro Manila’s new traffic czar. That was after the heads gathered together […]
Fund for the construction of the much delayed project of Bicol International Airport was already approved by the Department of Transportation and Communications. According to Albay Gov. Joey Salceda, DOTC Secretary Abaya called him up last Friday that the P780-million fund for the project has already been awarded. The now […]
With opponents having conceded defeat, the elected, new president of the Philippines (POTP) is Davao City mayor Rodrigo Duterte. The maverick candidate from Mindanao garnered 15,763,349 votes, Manuel Roxas II with 9,595,188 votes, Grace Poe with 8,857,728 votes, Jejomar Binay with 5,263,232 votes and Miriam Defensor Santiago with 5,263,232 votes. […]
It is really a big deal that Albay’s view deck zone and rest house was finally restored. Yet, there is the unanswered question on how come it was left being a white elephant for over a decade which concerned local government officials and, or, agencies did nothing. For over ten […]
Even with the impending eruption of Mayon volcano, there are tell tale signs that disaster tourism has positive economic benefits to the province of Albay and Legazpi city. The national government thru its various national agencies are pouring millions of pesos as ready funds to finance expenditures and purchases of […]
A short clip derived from a PBS (US tv channel) documentary highlights a woman acquiring a “sense of peace” after aborting her two (twin) babies. The woman was shown getting clear instruction from the doctor on the dosage and timing of taking “medical” abortion pills. The doctor was so blatant […]
The Philippine Commission on Elections OK’s candidacy of Duterte. This after the Comelec First Division unanimously denied the four disqualification cases filed against presidential candidate Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte for lack of merit. Dismissed petitions include one filed by Ruben H. Castor. The Petition to Deny Due Course and/or […]
As the war on illegal drug enters the third month under President Rodrigo Duterte, dead bodies continue to be included in the on-going count of fatalities and collateral damage of the operation. In Guihulngan, Negros Oriental, a four year old girl is the latest inclusion to the body count. Althea […]
As if part of the present political establishment, the New Peaople’s Army just got word from President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday it has to declare a truce or else. Duterte on Friday gave the ultimatum that the rebels have until Saturday afternoon to declare a truce during his visit to […]
This post should be less wordy. We’re churning one for Cbanga360 on Facebook, which should be online much later. And that would be about Mayon volcano update. Thank you for hosting Luiz, Denise, Laerte and Valkyrien. See more flowers here at: Today’s Flowers
After posting the article covering the much vaunted Pantao regional port located in Libon town of Albay province we dig a foot deeper and decided to go ahead with an update and rejoinder about the project. Envisioned to boost a “robust economic corridor in southern Luzon, specifically for Daet, Naga […]
Mention disaster preparedness and the province of Albay always comes to mind. But not all LGUs and government offices in the province “walk the walk” and “talk the talk” of the indefatigable governor Joey Sarte Salceda. In Tabaco, at least 21 sacks of rice and cartons of relief goods (noodles) […]
The Senate approved on third and final reading on Monday a bill which seeks to mandate the installation of a speed limiter in all public utility buses (PUBs). Voting 19-0, the senators passed Senate Bill No. 2999 which is aimed at reducing road accidents by requiring buses to install speed […]
Salceda to junk LP bets because of unfinished Bicol International Airport, which may tip the balance of LP’s winning or losing in his province even as Roxas said he is not afraid to lose Albay. On Thursday, Salceda said his province may junk the administration ticket after the failure of […]
Former President and incumbent Manila mayor Joseph Ejercito “Erap” Estrada on Monday ended the speculation of political observers on who among the national candidates for president and vice president will get his endorsement. At the Liwasang Bonifacio proclamation rally of his local party’s lineup attended by an estimated 20,000 supporters […]
DAVAO CITY – Presumptive President-elect and Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte will formally receive well-wishers at the privately-owned clubhouse of Matina Enclaves residential condominium here on Monday. Peter Laviña, spokesperson of the Duterte camp, said he was not sure if the mayor would be meeting the public. He said Monday […]
The cramped, dirty jail of a Metro Manila city just graced the pages of a European-based publication. The Daily Mail which has circulation and online site covering States, United Kingdom, Australia and elsewhere around the world captioned its coverage in a deplorable way. The photo and feature article said that […]
As the war on illegal drug enters the third month under President Rodrigo Duterte, dead bodies continue to be included in the on-going count of fatalities and collateral damage of the operation. In Guihulngan, Negros Oriental, a four year old girl is the latest inclusion to the body count. Althea […]
This is what happens when a fresh buko (coconut) vendor unintentionally bumps a motorist in one of the busy roads somewhere in Metro Manila. The video posted in facebook has become viral already. Comments posted sympathize with the poor guy and the bad guy of course is the unforgiving car […]
We speculate on the fate of Ninio Hilario Fetalvo, Bicol’s man in Washington, USA. Will he stay longer, like maybe beyond August of 2017? Fetalvo earlier worked as Florida Communication Director for the Republican National Committee under Sean Spicer before joining him in the White House as Assistant Press Secretary. […]
Canadians react with disdain on government officials, which include PM Justin Trudeau and Environment Minister Catherine McKenna, due to garbage dumping in the Philippines. Watch how independent conservative YouTube channel shares reaction and more below: [At 1:40, notice the government official sitting right of President Duterte make face, reacting to […]