IBON: President Cited Misleading and Faulty Rice Data in SONA
The data on rice production cited by Pres. Benigno Aquino III in his second SONA are among the faulty facts and figures. Says IBON Foundation.
Human Events Stories
Twitter Introduces Filipino Translation of Tweets
It is more of affirmation than surprise that more Filipinos are on board the social microblogging network of Twitter. The Pinoy penchant for technology and innovation in communication, among others, is a common knowledge. Here’s a new development. Twitter announced on 1st of August that its translation center is now available for Filipino and Malay languages.
The New Port of Pio Duran Unlocks Southwestern Bicol
Bicol NOAHThe formal opening of the port of Pio Duran town of Albay ushers a new era for people and business to open up or look forward to progress. The modern roll-on, roll-off facilities of the port will serve primarily the southwestern Bicol.
When Goodnight Becomes a Permanent Goodbye
Human EventsDuring visits and homecomings, I always want to leave the parting word of goodnight. In that way, I can look forward to the next morning in full hope with a sense of things and environ unchanged.
Salvacion-Baybay Elementary Represents the State of Philippine Public School System
BicolIf the Philippine department of education (DepEd) and the government cannot deliver a functional and effective public school system in its bare and minimal level in terms of instructional support and facilities, what can we expect if it adds two more years, more likely as Grades 11 and 12?
The Move to Partition Camarines Sur Into Two Provinces
Bicol PoliticsHow much of ground swell is (being) gathered by the proposal to carve out a new province from the current territorial jurisdiction of Camarines Sur? The exact and final answer to that will be known in the days ahead.
Philippine Public Education System Stinks to A Certain Degree
BicolSomething we can say with certain degree of certitude: the Philippine education system stinks when it comes to offering positive learning environment and delivery of standard services to the multitude of youths in their critical stage of impressionistic, yet open minds.
CBSUA: A University in Metamorphosis
Blogs CultureThe conversion of CSSAC into CBSUA has made a tremendous grandeur for my Alma Matter, a far cry from what I had known during the CSAC days. The new University is expected to provide technological science including education, arts, and science.
Yes, Virginia, It’s a Milestone at 85
Bicol Genealogy Human EventsA 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 of Albay
Bicol inMotion ReligionAntigong 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 […]
Goodbye, MyBlogLog Community
BlogsWith this post, we say goodbye to our handful of friends in the MyBloglog community. Early in February, this writer received a notice from Yahoo that the service is closing. To some who found enough friends and interacted for some time on various issues and field of interest, its bowing out in the social networking arena will be missed.
Pan De Sal Continue to Shrink in Size and Increase in Price
The staple breakfast bun of Philippine pan de sal we often see on the table courtesy of our friendly baker continue its saga of evolution in price, size and weight. The bakery either diminish the size of the Filipino favorite bread, decreasing its weight, or increase its selling price, two options both of which are not favorable to the consumers at all.
On Time Harvest Saved Crops from Flood
Exactly two weeks before the rain floods of typhoon Bebeng hit the bountiful ricefields of Calabanga, in the quadrant bounded by sitios and barangays of Taculod, San Roque, San Pablo and Ratay, the farmers got busy with their hand-driven rice harvesting tool of sickle (asyab). The farm workers worked fast and quick for the scorching heat of the summer sun has a skin-burning effect.
Tilapia frys from Bicol Regional Fisheries Center washed by Bebeng
BicolThe recent typhoon (Bebeng) hit the streets of Calabanga and poured enormous flood water on our living rooms. The storm also drained out about one thousand tilapia fingerlings me and my kumpadre seeded on the portion of the creek at the back of our house.
The May Flower Power Explosion at my Sister’s Garden
Blogs Weather StoriesAllow me to splurge in luxury and exaggeration in talking about my sister’s flower plants in her small front yard in Legaspi city. She has appointed enough elbow room and growth space- actually all of the space thereabout- for her source of surprise and delight. She spend good times meticulously […]
To All Mothers Everywhere: Happy Mother’s Day!
I still have my mother and I owe her a lot, and the sacrifices that she made for us her children will always be one of our greatest treasures. I salute all our wonderful mothers, then. May God shower our mothers with abundant blessings today and always!
Pope John Paul II: A Personal Glimpse
Blogs CultureI 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.
Rita Azur, Scion of a Sibobo Clan of Calabanga
Bicol Human EventsVisiting 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.
Small Town Lottery Out, PCSO Loterya ng Bayan In
It seems there is no stopping the lottery numbers game in the country any time soon. For while the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) sealed the fate of small town lottery in the country, it is also introducing the PCSO Loterya ng Bayan (PLB). The game starts May.
Easter Celebration Culminates Semana Santa
Culture ReligionEaster 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.
Calabanga and the Earth Day Movement
BicolToday, April 22nd is Earth Day. The international advocacy group Earth Day Network has chosen the theme “A Billion Acts of Green,” a people-powered campaign to generate a billion acts of environmental service and advocacy before Rio +20. And the local scene is alive with enthusiasm and effort at protecting the environment.
Holy Wednesday Procession of La Porteria Parish
Bicol inMotion ReligionThe 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 […]
The Bicol House Journal Debuts Monday
Bicol House Journal CultureOn 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- A Yearly Exodus for a Calabangueño
Bicol House Journal ReligionSemana 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.
Shout Out to Pinoy Parents and Graduates
Human EventsIt 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.
The Humble Church of St. Peregrine Laziosi of Calabanga
Bicol ReligionTo 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.
Is PH’s Conditional Cash Transfer Program a Failure?
The Social Weather Station survey from March 4 to 7, from sample respondents of 1,200, revealed that 20.5 percent of respondents or about 4.1 million families say they went hungry at least once in the past three months.
A Sweeping Look at Mining in the Philippines
EnvironmentThe prevailing Philippine mining laws grant the Department of Environment and Natural Resources the sole authority to approve large-scale mining. Neither the provincial or local governments enjoy the same authority. At last, the powers that be in the government showed the true color of their skins.
What’s in a Name or Nickname?
Blogs CultureThe 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, Educator
Bicol Human EventsFrancia 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.
The Sand and Gravel Mining in Calabanga
Bicol EnvironmentRiding a motor bike on a rainy afternoon is a no-no recommendation when the destination is that portion of the national road that traverses the area about barangay Sibobo. Quite a coincidence we were right in the vicinity of the gravel-and-sand mining operation on the mountainous part bordering the area.
Drug Mules Execution Highlights Crisis of PH Labor Export Policy
No Filipino goes out of the country with a death wish. When the 122 others on death row and more than 7,000 in jails abroad left, they were full of hopes and dreams to provide a better future for their families. Fifteen million overseas Filipino workers left the country to seek greener pastures abroad in the absence of jobs, livelihood and decent living conditions in the country.
Government Urged to Probe Military Torture Training
A torture video was uploaded in a popular video-sharing site showing some Philippine military men beating young and new trainees. The torture video was, accordingly, submitted by the beaten soldiers, to express their dismay over the extremely cruel exercises of the Philippine Military.
This Post is Very Personal Again
Bicol Genealogy Human EventsThere 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.
Is Ph Ready Yet for the Earthquake?
In 2004 a Metro Manila Earthquake Impact Reduction Study was commissioned on the probable scenarios of earthquake impact in Metro Manila. It disclosed that a big inland earthquake of 7.2 magnitude could happen in the area as an offshoot of the movement of the West Valley Fault.
More Notes on St. Peregrine Laziosi Parish
Bicol ReligionOn 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.
St. Peregrine Laziosi Parish Constructs Tontonan
Bicol ReligionThe 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.
The Poor and Conditional Cash Transfer Program
The open-walled Octagon building of Calabanga is a constant venue of people on the move. Poor and deprived residents of the town’s different barangays pour in mass on a scheduled day, converge, queue on long hours, and associate with the assigned personnel of the LGU/DSWD for paperworks. They are prospective beneficiaries of the national government’s conditional cash grants program.
Calabanga Coastline Remained Calm Despite Fukushima Tsunami
Bicol Weather StoriesThe calm, salty sea of San Miguel bay kiss the breakwaters of Sabang, Sibobo and other shoreline villages of Calabanga in a clockwork manner. So much unlike as those that brought a devastating tsunami caused by an earthquake that hit the Japanese prefecture of Fukushima and surrounding areas last Friday.
CBSUA-ACT Students Launch Clean-Up Drive
BicolStudents enrolled at the Associate in Computer Technology (ACT) course of Central Bicol State University of Agriculture here in Calabanga are engaged in an immersion project in the community and residents of barangay Belen.
NFA Plans to Import 860K Metric Tons of Rice this Year
In one of our trip to Legaspi city this week, we chanced upon a government building where sacks full of rotten NFA rice were filed up near its entrance. Of course, it’s of no use holding up to those physical vestiges of ineptness and error of a government agency for such a long time. Go ahead, dump the rotten grains which anyway are not consumable anymore.
Poverty Methodology Unreflective of Real Situation
The revised PH methodology pegs the official poverty threshold, or the amount supposedly necessary for a tolerable standard of living, at just PhP46 per person per day in 2009. This is lower than what would have been a national poverty line of PhP52 according to the old methodology, and effectively reduces the number of poor by 5.32 million without really improving the poverty situation.
A Closer Look At A Calabangueño
Bicol House Journal CultureYou 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.
The Children of Sabang
BicolA walk by the breakwaters of Sabang on a Saturday morning is an exercise of inhaling almost seafresh air. What caught the attention of this passerby was the rickety-raggedy nipa structure with kids playing cards. I offered to take a photo of the group as one boy retreated to a corner, and back of the camera.
Neglect of PH Government on OCWs Seen
After nine years of neglect under former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, expectations among overseas Filipino workers were high when the Aquino administration was installed.
Bonot and a Beach Memoire
BicolIt was one of those summer and Holy week scheduled vacations when we packed our bags for a short respite from the pressures of office work and daily commute from Antipolo to Makati. Days we looked up to as the only opportune time we connect with relatives in the province.
PH Losing Grip as Text Messaging Capital of the World
Many Pinoys feel a sense of pride upon learning that the Philippines has been acknowledged the text messaging capital of the world in the past years. It is of no wonder since in one household, almost all members of the family that can read and write, therefore can text, have a cellphone for the purpose. But wait, there could be a looming change on this.
Libon Topped Albay Municipal LGU’s 2007 Earnings
For income year of 2007, the local government unit of Libon eclipsed the always front runner first class Albay town of Daraga which slid one notch lower. Libon earned over P113M against Daraga’s P109.8M. Polangui followed in far third with P84M. Coming close was Bacacay with P83.6M annual income.
Cam Sur Brace for Monsoon Rain
The unabated rain experienced in major parts of the Bicol region has caused danger to lives and property of Bicolanos. In Camarines Sur, the provincial disaster risk reduction and management council issued an advisory prompting its municipal counterparts to take appropriate actions in their respective areas.
Amang Hinulid and Shrine of Calabanga
Bicol inMotionA documentary feature presentation about “Amang Hinulid” of Calabanga, Cam Sur, Philippines. Presented by Cbanga360 Production in two parts.
Reminiscing Calabanga
Bicol House Journal CultureTo 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.
Exposing The Other Side of Siruma
Bicol House Journal CultureThe 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.
Christmas is Over After the Gifts of the Magis
CultureAll 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.
Hurray to 2011, to Our Friends and Readers
BlogsAfter seventeen months into our non-regular, sometimes semi-hibernation style in blogging about Calabanga and many things Bicol, we come up with this summary update: Covered over 210 individual and combined postings, with the 100th entry going online on August 2010.
Let Us Observe Restraint and Discipline During the New Year Celebrations
Discipline and restraint should be the keywords for tonight’s celebration and merriment of the 2011 new year welcome parties. But while majority can not be prevailed, the DOH and the national police have banned the use of some firecrackers such as super lolo, bawang, goodbye Philippines, lolo thunder and others deemed dangerous, life threatening or more, including watusi and piccolo.
Two Bicol Provinces Hit by Flash Floods
Bicol Weather StoriesAlbay Governor Joey Salceda has ordered the reactivation of evacuation plans for landslide and flood prone areas and residents in six towns following the continuous and heavy rains almost all throughout the Bicol region, and most heavily Albay for the past six days.
BPO: PH Employees Receive Low Salaries
Despite the supposed high salaries of Filipino call center agents, they could only out-earn their American counterparts by 2037, based on a Watson-Wyatt study released last year and published by the CCAP magazine “Connect”. At that time, the salary rate hikes for the “low-cost but qualified labor” of Filipinos were rising at 9-percent on average versus 3-percent in the US.
Call center employees in the PH receive low-end jobs
The news that the Philippines has overtaken India in the number of new hires in the call center industry has prompted a labor education NGO recently to warn industry stakeholders and the government against risking its workers’ welfare for the sake of such boom, or the projected boom up to 2016.
Albay Inmates Handcraft and Sell Beautiful Christmas Lanterns
The past weeks, Albay inmates had been busy doing “assembly” of the always popular, but traditional Bicol parol (Christmas lanterns) made of bamboo and adorned/wrapped with Japanese paper in various colors, shades, cut and design. The end product are hundreds of cute, small and big, five-pronged-star of a Christmas decor.
Siruma: Faded Photographs and Fresh Memories
Bicol House Journal CultureDuring 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.
Peace and Ceasefire During Christmas Season is Most Welcome
PoliticsThis 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.
LGU Libmanan Surpasses the P100M Earnings in 2007
Bicol CultureFor 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.
Siruma Surprised, Hosts a Distinguished Visitor
Bicol House Journal CultureAfter 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.
Human Rights Day 2010, Morong 43 and Diplomacy
CultureIn 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.
Maricel Delen: A Human Rights Worker, a Widow, Now a Victim of Persecution
Bicol CultureHow 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”?
What's Recommended
Bicol Overseas Religion
Watch Catholic Easter Sunday masses in Vatican with Pope Francis, also in Bicol and Manila
Sharing below several livestream coverage of the Catholic celebration of Easter Sunday ‘salubong’ and mass. Happy Easter to all! The much awaited Easter Sunday Mass Celebration of Pope Francis in Vatican with Urbi et Orbi: Much earlier, also livestreamed masses from Naga City, Legazpi City and Quiapo church in Manila. […]
Peñafrancia Fluvial 2012 Live Blogging
Naga city, September 15, 2012.–For the third consecutive years, Cbanga360/Bicol Street Journal will cover the Peñafrancia Fluvial Procession via live blogging as our infotechcomm gadgets permit. So keep refreshing the page as we update and post the live events on this page. 3:00 am: A Penitential Procession of INA & […]
Overseas Religion
Video: Celebration of the Solemnity of the Nativity in Vatican
Video: Celebration of the Solemnity of the Nativity in Vatican. Pope Francis celebrates Midnight Mass on the Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord. Watch the live stream direct from where it is happening, at St. Peter’s Basilica. Courtesy of Radio Vaticana / Vatican Television Center. Live Friday, December 25th, […]
Politics
We Will Remember the Campaign Promise of the President in Libmanan and Tinambac
During the campaign period for the mid-term elections, President Benigno S. Aquino III, made whirlwind visits of cities and municipalities in the Bicol region. These video coverage courtesy of RTV Malacañang which highlights the president’s campaign visits in the municipalities of Libmanan (above) and Tinambac (below, all in Camarines Sur). […]
Bicol
DA says Bicol farmers are getting older, remain poorest sector
PILI, Camarines Sur — The Department of Agriculture (DA) regional office in Bicol revealed that one of the challenges being faced by the region’s agricultural sector is the lack of interest of the youth and the population of farmers engaged in the industry now considered in the older bracket. For […]
Politics Red Monkey Talks
Defensors Shoutout Masunod Presidente Leni Robredo #short
This is a #short clip culled from the most highly attended people’s rally ever, so far, of all campaign outings of presidential hopeful Leni Robredo and her Tropang Angat. Red Monkey Talks presents the resounding shoutout of The Defensors of Iloilo on the strong support of Iloilo folks for presidential […]
Bicol Weather Stories
CamSur, Albay suspends classes for Monday as typhoon Nona approaches
The provinces of Albay and Camarines Sur have declared class suspensions in all levels effective on Monday, Dec. 14, as the severe tropical storm “Nona” continues to threaten the Samar provinces and the Bicol Region. Camarines Sur Gov. Miguel Villafuerte posted a memorandum announcing the province-wide suspension of classes in […]
Politics
Palace confirms President Duterte has health condition, the spine thing and more
The Malacañan Palace on Tuesday confirmed that President Rodrigo Duterte really has health condition, in fact a lot of issues with his spinal. During the recent Wallace Business Forum dinner at the Palace, the POTP (President of the Philippines) said his doctor advised him to undergo surgery to cure a […]
Weather Stories
‘Maysak’ to intensify into super typhoon as it enters PAR by Wednesday evening
MANILA, April 1 — Brace for the oncoming bad weather. Typhoon “Maysak” is forecast to intensify into super typhoon as it enters the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Wednesday evening according to state weather bureau PAGASA. Earlier in the morning PAGASA forecasts at 4 a.m., the eye of Typhoon “Maysak” […]
Culture
Chicken, Fish, Beef and Pork Barrels Find Its Way on the Feast Tables in Fiestas
Chicken, fish, beef and pork barrels find its way on the feast tables in fiestas Calabanga, 07 September 2013 – Yes. Definitely. Chicken, fish, beef and pork barrel finds its way on the feast tables in Calabanga, if we have to measure the volume of food served during this time […]
PAL adds two new international destinations down under
MANILA, May 21 — The country’s flag carrier Philippine Airlines on Wednesday said it is set to launch flights from Manila to Cairns, Australia, and Auckland, New Zealand beginning December 1 this year. PAL said these new flights are part of the expansion of its network in the Oceania region. […]
Comelec Disqualifies Party-List Ako Bicol in the May 2013 Election
The Commission on Elections today announced the disqualification of party-list Ako Bicol from participating in the coming May 2013 mid-term election. It must be recalled during the 2010 general election, the Bicol party-list received about 1.5 million votes enough for three seats of their nominees in the House of Representatives. […]
Bicol
CASURECO II: The Bane of a Boon
Tomorrow, we go to the polls, for the third time in a row in one year. First was the national election last May, then the Comelec-bungled barangay election last month. But tomorrow will be the selection of board of directors of the Camarines Sur II electric cooperative for resident-consumers of the nine towns of Siruma, Tinambac, Calabanga, Bombon, Canaman, Magarao, Milaor, Minalabac, Pili and Naga city.
Quezon Tops PH Cities Annual Income for 2006
The city of Quezon has a land area of 166.20 square km. or 64.2 square miles with a population of 2,679,450 or a density of 16,114/km2 (41,735/sq mi). It is roughly the size of the municipality of Calabanga (163.84 sq. km.) in terms of land area.
Religion
Pope’s top followers on Twitter include OFWs in Middle East
MANILA- Almost a year since the Holy Father went online via Twitter, the Pope has recently hit the 10-million mark in terms of followers. But did you know that a “huge” part of his Twitter followers came from Muslim-dominated Middle Eastern countries? It came as a surprise to Msgr. Paul […]
What's Throwback
Politics
Peace and Ceasefire During Christmas Season is Most Welcome
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.
Blogs Culture
What’s in a Name or Nickname?
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.
Cobra Iron Man 70.3 Philippines Reels Off At CamSur Today
Cobra Ironman 70.3 Philippines reels off with a big bang early this morning, August 14, at the CamSur Watersports Complex (CWC) of the Provincial Capitol Complex here from over 1,100 triathletes from 28 countries around the world.
Bicol House Journal Culture
Bicol Teachers College and High School Trained Good Graduates
There must be rich memories spun and created behind the Bicol Teachers College and Bicol High School that alumni of the defunct twin institutions in Calabanga town keep a semi-active reunion dates. This, despite the graduates are now octogenarians and many are in far off places or gone to their […]
Bicol
Calabangueños Worldwide Celebrate Happy Fiesta
For a few days in every year, residents of Calabanga drop their daily toil to pay homage to the feast day of the Lady of the Porter (Nuestra Señora de la Porteria). Today is the 263rd of such commemorative event. Residents, tourists and guests converge on a seemingly endless merrymaking […]
Environment
CamSur Provincial Environmental Office launches clean-up drive
Naga city (PNA) — The environmental office in the province of Camarines Sur is set to launch a clean-up drive this month, noting the proliferation of posters of candidates put up on trees planted along the highways and roads. Lawyer Arnel P. Rodriguez, provincial environment and natural resources officer (Penro), […]
For Catanduanes, Is it Quo Vadis, Abaca?
We are late posting in here the good news about abaca in the Bicol region where once again last year, the indigenous plant top-ranked production in the country. But it seems, whatever encouraging news the accompanying piece brought forward may just be a footnote to the aspirations of abaca farmers […]
Sorsogon Province and City Losers and Winners May 13, 2013 Elections
PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR of SORSOGONLEE, RAUL (UNA) 85,520DIONEDA, ERIC 85,347LAURINARIA, RENATO (LP) 25,694BRIN, AMADEO 1,752 PROVINCIAL VICE-GOVERNOR of SORSOGONESCUDERO, ANTONIO JR. (NPC) 95,230FRIVALDO, VLADIMIR RAMON (LP) 63,531 MEMBER, SANGGUNIANG PANLALAWIGAN of SORSOGON – FIRST PROVDISTESCUDERO, JUN (NPC) 47,332AQUINO, REBECCA (NPC) 38,275ANONUEVO, ROLANDO 26,122RAVANILLA, FRANCO ERIC (NPC) 25,071RELATIVO, EVER (NPC) 24,722AMOR, OWEN […]
Bicol
Is Oslob-Cebu town stealing the thunder in Butanding tourism off Donsol-Sorsogon?
There seems to be a developing rift between two regional development councils on the particular issue of whale shark feeding. While RDC-7 of Central Visayas has fully recommended the continuation of feeding of butanding off the shores of Oslob, on the tail-end of Cebu, the RDC-5 in Legazpi city strongly […]