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==Magalang exec to support Angeles lone district proposal==
*Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2014/04/09/magalang-exec-support-angeles-lone-district-proposal-337417
*Wednesday, April 9, 2014
: By  Reynaldo G. Navales
ANGELES CITY -- Magalang Mayor Romulo “Romy” Pecson vowed to support the move to convert highly-urbanized Angeles City into a lone congressional district.
Pecson said he will endorse the creation of another district in Pampanga, a move he described as a “win-win” situation.
He said that if the lone district proposal pushes through, Mabalacat City and Magalang town will no longer share funds with Angeles City.
Aside from this, Pampanga will have two representatives in the House of Representatives.
“Midinan lang chance reng pulitikung manambisyun maging congressmen a manibat kareng mangalating balen kalupa na ning Magalang (Politicians coming from small towns like Magalang who have ambitions to become congressmen are given a chance),” he said.
He expressed optimism that the Sangguniang Bayan will also endorse the move, saying majority of its members are known allies of Representative Joseller "Yeng" Guiao, who recently vowed to propose the lone district bill in Congress.
"Palage ku naman buri re reng constituents mi ini uling dakal ya maging advantage kareng atlung lugar a sakup ning First District (I think our constituents would like it because of the many advantages it would bring the three areas of the First District)," said Pecon.
Earlier, members of the Sangguniang Panglunsod of Angeles City recently asked the support of their counterparts in Mabalacat and this town to support the creation of a lone district.
Angeles City Vice Mayor Vicky Vega Cabigting, together with Councilor Danica Lacson, attended a session in Mabalacat council where they aired their intention. She said that Councilor Maricel Morales proposed a resolution to Congress calling for the creation of the lone district of Angeles City.
After the resolution was approved, Cabigting said they immediately presented it to Guiao, who showed openness to the idea.
In 2004, there were move to create Angeles City as a separate district but it did not materialize because of overwhelming opposition from the people, Cabigting said.
She disclosed that during that time, there was a question on other requirement particularly on the city’s population. “So there was a great opposition from both Mabalacat, Magalang and Angeles City.”
The city has a population of 300,000 and the requirement for the creation of a lone district is only 250,000, it was learned.
Cabigting said “today is a different situation” considering that Mabalacat had been converted into a component city and Magalang is now a progressive municipality.
She said the three areas have distinct and special concerns and that Angeles City needs to have a separate district. “Iba po yung concerns ng Angeles at iba po yung nagiging concerns ng Mabalacat at Magalang.”
“Hindi naman po hinihiwalay and Mabalacat at Magalang, ito po ay pagbubukod lamang ng sa ganoon po ay we will not share the funding [na makukuha nila] from the national government kung sakali man maibalik ang PDAF,” Cabigting added.
She also cited the attention that the congressman or representative may provide to the two areas.
“Natutuwa po tayo na si congressman (Guiao) is really doing his best pero it will be quite difficult for him as years would go by kasi po ang Mabalacat and Magalang alam naman natin ay lumalaki na rin.”
The vice mayor asked the Mabalacat councilors, headed by Vice Mayor Christian Halili, to support and endorse Morales’ resolution.
She revealed that the city government of Angeles City already asked the opinion of its constituents and barangay leaders expressed no objection to the move.
“They agree that it’s high time to have our loan district,” Cabigting said.
Despite this, Cabigting said there is a need to underscore the relationship of the three areas even if Angeles City is created as a lone district.
“Kailangan tamu pung pasikanan ing kekatamung linkages and kailangan pu ma-retain ing kekatamung relationship,” she added.
Guiao advised the Angeles City officials to get similar endorsement from the Pampanga provincial board.
Cabigting said Guiao committed to file a corresponding bill when Congress resumes on May 5.
Halili lauded the initiative saying they like to see a separate congressman for Mabalacat and Magalang.
==Gaga over Pampanga==
*Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/opinion/2014/04/08/tulabut-gaga-over-pampanga-337277
*Tuesday, April 8, 2014
: By  Noel G. Tulabut
AM NOT borrowing the term from the name of a lady singer. That word has always been there. Merriam-Webster says it is an adjective that means "extremely enthusiastic about or interested in something or someone."
Just in case, someone needs a refresher his or her vocabulary. Myself included.
Few days from now, Pampanga will be in the tourism spotlight once again.
First, for the staging of Pilipinas International Hot Air Festival in Lubao, Pampanga from April 10 to 13. The venue is at Barangay Prado Siongco at the western end of Lubao, just near Pampanga-Bataan boundary.
The organizers headed by Noel Castro Jr., who used to figure prominently in the hot air balloon inside Clark as head of the Angeles City Four Wheelers Club which served as chase crew, said that there will be 35 dirigibles that will dot Pampanga’s skies just before the start of Holy Week.
The balloons will include especially-shaped ones like Angry Bird, Superbike, Simba and the Lion.
****
This spectacular event where thousands troop on a yearly basis is courtesy of Pampanga Governor Lilia Baby Pineda who saved the province’s face after the organizers for the Clark balloon fest decided to shelve the event “due to lack of preparations.”
Governor Pampanga actually saved not just Pampanga’s tourism face but also the reported “longest running hot air balloon event in Asia.”
It was also through the effort of DOT Central Luzon Director Ronnie Tiotuico that Pampanga (and the Philippines in general) is having this annual event back. It was actually Tiotuico and former Tourism Secretary Mina Gabor who had started this grand spectacle in Clark about 19 years ago.
Thank goodness that Governor Pineda has taken the cudgels this time, making sure that this event won’t be missed in Pampanga. Of course, Lubao Mayor Mylyn Pineda-Cayabyab is all out in this affair that guarantees tourist arrivals not only in Pampanga but also the neighbor areas like Bataan (where hotels are now fully booked, one newspaper reported) and Zambales.
Tourists, spectators, media and Pampanga’s stakeholders do not mind actually why it is being taken to Lubao. In fact, it is a welcome event too as it is still being held inside Pampanga.
Lubao’s hosting of an event that makes use of air space is also an answer to a possible headache for aircraft that fly in and out of the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport inside Clark. Sooner or later, the airport will really become busy with more airlines mounting increasing number of flights.
****
SANDBOX. The Ayalas are already in Porac. No wonder the town officials have already coined for their place as “the next Makati of the North”.
The lahar-ravaged town is host to a new place for outdoor fun in Pampanga.
The SandBox at Alviera, a mixed-use land development project by Ayala Land Premier at Hacienda Dolores in Porac, Pampanga.
Starting this April 12, Sandbox will open its doors to the public with its features like the first ever Roller Coaster Zipline, Aerial Walk, Adventure Tower (for wall climbing, rappel and free fall), Giant Swing and ATV/UTV rides. On the same day, Bamboo will also rock the place with his concert.
The place is easy to find. You won’t miss it as it is located right at the Porac exit of the SCTEX. It is part of the 1,125-hectare Alviera, that is being developed by Ayala Land in partnership with Leonio Land, Inc.
Sandbox already has the following: The Giant Swing, the country’s tallest swing. Each swing can accommodate three guests at a time and creates the back and forth movement at 10-meter above the ground
The Aerial Walk Challenge is a high rope adventure course of nets and rope walkways. The Aerial walk is a series of activities that will test each users’ agility, balance and flexibility. An active guest can make his way through this course in about 30 minutes.
There’s also Avatar One, the Philippines’ first roller coaster zipline. One doesn’t just zip down the 180-meter (length) course but zigzags along starting from 12 meters high.
The Adventure Tower is a 5-storey structure that consists of various activities such as rappelling, wall climbing, jump off for the free fall, jump off for the roller coaster zip line and the view deck.
The SandBox also offers ATV and mini-ATV rides, a themed kiddie playground with picnic areas, mini-golf, camping sites, a courtyard and an open field for field sports and other outdoor activities.
Bikers will also be in for a treat as they enjoy Alviera’s 5,000 sqm pump track.
The Sandbox is open from Tuesdays to Saturdays, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. For booking guidelines, visit the Alviera website at http://www.alviera.ph/ and on http://www.facebook.com/AlvieraPH.
SAFE AND CONVENIENT TRAVEL. I can’t wait for the implementation of an integrated electronic payment system at both the NLEX and SCTEX.
It is really convenient and fast taking the NLEX. There is no doubt about it. But that almost perfect driving condition is hampered when motorist connect to the SCTEX where the toll fee payment is still on manual basis. Thus, the long lines of vehicles even on ordinary days. I should know that as I am from the area.
Just the same, the debonair Mon Fernandez, president of Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation which oversees all the tollways (SCTEX, NLEX and Cavitex) said that the MVP-led group of companies will be implementing soon an integrated payment system.
That will be a welcome development as the provision of electronic gadgets for payment (like EZ Pass) will make entry and exit points smoother and faster. For what good does fast and prompt driving and exit at NLEX have when a motorist, all of a sudden finds himself, in a long line of vehicles when interconnecting to the SCTEX?
Just the same, I believe that the improvements at these toll roads are continually being done by Manila North Tollways Corporation (MNTC). Its president Rod Franco has always been on his toes, coming up with more and more innovations not just to make motorists happy and convenient. His primary concern has always been safety of travelers and motorists at both SCTEX and NLEX which are under MNTC. And that is really commendable.
For this coming Holy Week, MNTC will again active role in “Safe Trip Mo, Sagot KO” an annual pro-active measure and program that is geared at having safe travel vis-à-vis the surge of motoring public.
This year, the Cavitex, which is also under the MPTC banner, will already be a part of it.
NLEX will deploy additional personnel to major toll plazas specifically Balintawak, Bocaue, Mindanao Avenue, Dau, and Mabalacat. On the other hand, SCTEX will also have manual lanes at Tarlac and Tipo exits to help ease traffic and CAVITEX will beef up its manpower by deploying additional traffic patrol officers. It will also provide hydration, portalets, and drums of water to serve overheated vehicles.
Franco said additional lanes will be open to speed up the passage of vehicles through the toll gates. The MNTC will also deploy traffic personnel and would also be required to work extra hours to ensure efficient traffic management. Additional patrol cars and traffic enforcers would be dispatched on April 16 to 21.
This is to “help guarantee immediate response to emergency situations and assist distressed travelers,” he said.
==Korean slain in Angeles==
*Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2014/04/07/korean-slain-angeles-337146
*Monday, April 7, 2014
: By sunstar.com.ph
CAMP OLIVAS -- A Korean national was shot death in front of his wife while inside Hansang Mini-Mart and Restaurant along Friendship Highway in Barangay Anunas, Angeles City, Sunday night.
In a text message here, Senior Superintendent Eden Ugale, Angeles City police director, identified the fatality as Sin Jae Hu, 43, a Korean national.
The victim, together with his wife arrived at the said mini-mart and after a few-minutes ordered food, Ugale said.
While the two were eating, an unidentified gunman entered the mini-mart and went towards the back of the victims, he said.
The gunman, armed with unknown caliber, without any reason, shot the Korean national twice at the back of his head and died on the spot, Ugale said.
The suspect fled towards an unknown direction while a hot pursuit operation was launched immediately by Police Station 4. (Ric Sapnu)
==Bar girls’ smear tests should be in gov't agencies==
*Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2014/04/06/bar-girls-smear-tests-should-be-govt-agencies-336967
*Sunday, April 6, 2014
: By  Reynaldo G. Navales
ANGELES CITY -- Bar owners are required to have their women employees regularly subjected to gram staining or smear test to be conducted by government health agencies.
Balibago Chairman Rodelio “Tony” Mamac said their barangay social hygiene clinic is authorized to conduct pap smear test under Sangguniang Panglunsod Ordinance Number 43-10 Series of 1995.
“Malinaw na nakasaad sa Ordinance Number 43-10 na authorized ang barangay social hygience na mag-conduct ng smear sa mga bar girls. Tutulungan namin ang city government na magpatupad sa ordinansang ito,” Mamac said.
The ordinance disallows the charging of payment of bar fine or escort’s fee or similar activity commonly imposed on customers or privilege to take out women employees of night clubs, cocktail lounges, bars, pub houses, beer houses, sing along pubs,karaoke pubs and sauna baths, hotels, motels, and other entertainment recreational establishments.
Section 4 of said ordinance states “notwithstanding the prohibition mentioned in the preceding paragraph, all owners, proprietors, managers, or operators of establishments mentioned in Section 1 hereof are mandatorily required to have their women employees regularly subjected to gram staining and other related health tests to be conducted by government health agencies.”
Mamac cited Section 6 of the same ordinance which states that “persons found violating any provision of this ordinance when found guilty shall be sentenced to an imprisonment of not more than one year or a fine not more than P5,000 or both upon the discretion of the court.”
According to Mamac, the barangay council has asked the city council if the ordinance was repealed.
In its reply, the city council stated that Ordinance 43-10 still exists.
Mamac said the barangay council is working hard to prevent the spread of sexually-transmitted diseases and stop human trafficking in the city’s entertainment and commercial district.
==Angeles all set for Lent==
*Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2014/04/05/angeles-all-set-lent-336771
*Saturday, April 5, 2014
: By  Reynaldo G. Navales
ANGELES CITY -- City Tourism Officer Richard Daenos of the Angeles City Tourism Office (ACTO) said Saturday that the City Government is all set for observance of the Lenten Season.
Daenos said that one of ACTO’s main thrusts is to actively support activities being held in the city for the promotion of Angeles’ history, tradition, arts and culture.
Slated to be staged is "Ang Paglilitis ni Mang Serapio" by John Jurado, "Panata and Panalangin" and "Siete Palabras," a reenactment of the passion and death of Christ.
On April to 14 to 16, Kapampangans will be treated to a spiritual journey through culture and the arts with "Panata at Panalangin" (vows and prayers) at the Marquee Park, 5:30 pm. The event is presented by the Sinukwan Kapampangan Training Center for the Arts through the direction of Peter de Vera.
"Panata" is described as a distinct and vivid expression of the Kapampangan devotion to Christ. Several exhibit pieces made of flagellation tools will be in place as “stations”, which symbolize a prayer for several challenges that our society faces today. An interactive presentation and “Magdarame” (flagellation) dance performance is also set to captivate audiences. Admission is free.
The city is also set to stage the graphic re-enactment of the passion, crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ this Lenten week. Now on its fourth year, “Siete Palabras” which means “seven last words”, returns with its two-day presentation format, starting with the portrayal of the “Last Supper” on April 17, Maundy Thursday at the Arevalo Basketball Court in Barangay Lourdes Northwest, to be followed by the traditional passion and crucifixion re-enactment on Good Friday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The event is highlighted by the nailing of three penitents.
The presentation will feature Kapampangan local artists from On Stage School for the Arts under the direction of Jayson Pabalan.
Finally, on April 14 to 18 at the Center for Children and Youth Wholistic Development (CYWD) Mini Black Box Theater in Barangay Malabanias, a Lenten presentation called "Ang Paglilitis kay Mang Serapio" (The Trial of Serapio), which will feature a beggar (Serapio) who was accused and punished for a considered "serious" crime, which forces him to reveal his ultimate secret of survival.
The play, written in the 1960's, is a masterpiece of Professor Paul Dumol, a playright and Don Carlos Palanca Awardee. It will be presented by the Teatro Angeleño by the direction of John Jurado.
Proceeds of the show will benefit the children and youth living in the streets of Angeles City and beyond through the facilitation and cooperation of the Center for Children and Youth Wholistic Development, Inc.-End Child Hunger Philippines projects.
Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan expressed appreciation of the efforts of the event proponents, and believes that such events would help in the promotion of the city’s vast traditional and historical wealth.
“We admire the efforts of the organizers of the events, and we extend our gratitude to them in coming up with these meaningful activities which manifest our reverence for the Lenten Season,” the mayor said.
Pamintuan is known as an ardent supporter of various causes to help revive arts and culture in the city.
==Clark Dev’t Corp, locators complete P1.6M hanging bridge in Mabalacat==
*Source: http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=2431396408002
*Thursday, April 3, 2014
: By Rosa Bianca R. Pamintuan
CLARK FREEPORT, April 3 (PIA) -- Around 100 Aeta families in Sitio Haduan in Mabalacat City are now easily connected to Clark Freeport and the rest of Pampanga and Tarlac following the completion of a P1.6 million hanging bridge.
“The 120 meters long, 1.2 meters wide structure will be vital in transporting agricultural products as well as during emergency medical cases such as childbirth and accidents among others,” Clark Development Corporation (CDC) President Arthur Tugade said.
It will also serve as an easy access for tourists visiting the area’s falls and those who want to hold medical missions.
“More importantly, this will totally eliminate the danger of crossing by foot during rainy season,” Tugade added.
Construction was possible through the joint efforts of CDC and locators Fontana Hot Spring and Leisure Parks and BB International, which is set to develop a P2 billion theme park inside the Freeport. (CLJD/RBRP-PIA 3)
==Haduan Falls in Pampanga now accessible to tourists==
*Source: http://balita.ph/2014/04/02/haduan-falls-in-pampanga-now-accessible-to-tourists/
*Wednesday, April 2, 2014
: By balita.ph/2014
CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga, April 1 — The Haduan Falls which is situated in Barangay Marcos in Mabalacat City is now accessible to tourists following the construction of a hanging bridge.
The Clark Development Corporation (CDC), Fontana Hot Spring and Leisure Parks and BB International funded the completion of the Haduan Hanging Bridge to help improve the lives of the indigenous peoples (IPs).
The hanging bridge links the Aeta community to Clark Freeport and the rest of Pampanga and Tarlac which is the only way used by the tribesmen to transport their commerce outside their community.
The construction of the bridge is part of CDC’s Corporate Social Responsibility and its commitment to alleviate the lives of the IPs living in the contiguous areas of the Freeport.
The hanging bridge, constructed by the CDC's Engineering and Maintenance Department, has a total budget of P1.658 million wherein the Fontana Hot Spring and Leisure Parks has contributed P500,000 and the BB International has donated another P500,000.
The hanging bridge is 120 meters long and 1.2 meters wide.
CDC president Arthur P. Tugade is optimistic that with the completion of the hanging bridge, more local and foreign tourists would be inclined to visit the Haduan Falls.
"We expect more tourists to come and visit Haduan Falls as it is now can be accessed through the new hanging bridge," Tugade said.
But most of all, he said the bridge is vital in transporting agricultural products as well as in emergency medical cases like childbirth and accidents, among others.
"It will also render an easy access for donations, medical missions from various agencies and will totally eliminate the danger of crossing by foot during rainy season," Tugade said.
At present, there are more than 100 families residing in Sitio Haduan. (PNA)
LAP/ZST/RKM/PS
==Lubao hot-air balloon festival filling up hotels in Bataan==
*Source: http://businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/en/news/regions/29891-lubao-hot-air-balloon-festival-filling-up-hotels-in-bataan
*Tuesday, April 1, 2014
: By Joey Pavia / Correspondent
CLARK FREE- PORT—The more than 150 hotels in Balanga City and others in Bataan are almost all booked next week in time for the staging of the  Philippine International Balloon Festival in Prado Siongco, Lubao town, Pampanga.
Gov. Albert S. Garcia of Bataan, who was recently interviewed, said the celebration of Bataan Day on April 9 prompted those who want to attend the hot-air ballon festival to book early in the hotels and inns in the area.
The hot-air balloon festival is set from April 10 to 13 at a 250-hectare world-class tourism estate with a wakeboard in Barangay Prado Siongco. The venue is some 3 kilometers away from Dinalupihan, the only landlocked town of Bataan.
Garcia said tourism officials of the provincial government reported to him that the hotels are fully booked for the event.
“I don’t mind where the venue of the hot-air balloon festival is as long the tourists are happy and comfortable,” Garcia said.
“But I am glad that it’s near Bataan because we will get some of the tourists to see and stay at our beautiful province,” he added.
The event—described as one of the biggest tourism events in Luzon by the Hotel and Restaurants Association of Pampanga—made Garcia asked for prominent investors to establish “bigger hotels” in Bataan.
“Our hotels are not enough as the hot-air festival is nearing. We must complement our beautiful beaches with big hotels,” Garcia said.
In nearby Zambales province, Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino said the decision to transfer the venue of this year’s hot-air balloon festival from the Clark Freeport  to Lubao town proved to be more advantageous as it will spread the benefits from Pampanga to the neighboring provinces of Bataan and Zambales.
Paulino made the assessment after the city’s tourism department reported an increase in hotel bookings in time for the festival next week.
“Our city would be one of those that will benefit directly from the hot-air balloon  festival because of our proximity to venue,” Paulino said.
SM Supermalls joined this year’s festival by setting up ticket booths in all its branches nationwide. Each ticket costs P200.
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