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Angeles City News November 2017

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City Hall of Angeles City

Dietary supplement is a product that contains vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and/or other ingredients intended to supplement the diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has special labeling requirements for dietary supplements and treats them as foods, not drugs.

Manufacturers and distributors of dietary supplements and dietary ingredients are prohibited from marketing products that are adulterated or misbranded. That means that these firms are responsible for evaluating the safety and labeling of their products before marketing to ensure that they meet all the requirements of DSHEA and FDA regulations.

Angeles city catholic church.jpg
Angeles City Catholic Church
Angeles city crucifixion of the faithfuls.jpg
Sacrifice of the faithfuls by crucifying themselves.

Wars of ancient history were about possessions, territory, power, control, family, betrayal, lover's quarrel, politics and sometimes religion.

But we are in the Modern era and supposedly more educated and enlightened .

Think about this. Don't just brush off these questions.

  • Why is RELIGION still involved in WARS? Isn't religion supposed to be about PEACE?
  • Ask yourself; What religion always campaign to have its religious laws be accepted as government laws, always involved in wars and consistently causing WARS, yet insists that it's a religion of peace?

WHY??

There are only two kinds of people who teach tolerance:
  1. The Bullies. They want you to tolerate them so they can continue to maliciously deprive you. Do not believe these bullies teaching tolerance, saying that it’s the path to prevent hatred and prejudice.
  2. The victims who are waiting for the right moment to retaliate. They can’t win yet, so they tolerate.

Police rescue abducted Korean national

By Cipriano Cabrera (PNA)

MANILA – Operatives of the Philippine National Police Anti-Kidnapping Group (PNP-AKG) rescued a Korean national abducted last Friday inside his residence in Balibago, Angeles City, Pampanga.

PNP-AKG acting director Senior Supt. Glenn Dumlao identified the South Korean as Lee Jung Dae, who was forcibly taken by three other Koreans identified as Cha Jae Young, Cha Dae Sun and Kim Min Kwan and Filipino Raymond Flores.

Lee was rescued by policemen at the parking lot of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) in Intramuros, Manila while being guarded by two of the alleged kidnappers, who, on arrest were caught in flagrante.

Another suspect identied as Kim Min Kwan was arrested by police operatives in a follow-up operation near his condominium unit in Robinson’s Tower I in Ermita, Manila.

Based on the initial investigation of the PNP-AKG, the suspects had conspired together to spot a target and conducted surveillance on the victim, who reportedly owns a restaurant in Angeles City, Pampanga.

The kidnappers demanded P1.2 million as initial ransom and the negotiation was conducted while the victim was inside an unidentified vehicle.

It was Lee’s girlfriend who delivered the ransom money at Marquee Mall in Angeles City.

However, despite payment of the ransom, the victim was not released and was instead transferred to Intramuros, Manila, as kidnappers asked for another PhP1.2 million payment.

Swedish biz exec: CRK has a bright future

By Astrud Q. Aguinaldo

ANGELES CITY – Impressed with the plans on Clark International Airport (CRK IATA code), a top executive of Business Sweden said a “bright future” looks ahead of it.

Ulf Wennblom, Swedish Trade and Invest Council (Business Sweden) country manager, stated this when asked on his assessment of Clark airport during the Philippines Sweden Airport Collaboration on Tuesday at the Oasis Hotel in Barangay Balibago here.

Wennbolm also said Business Sweden is keen to invest within airport projects not only Clark but also in Manila and in other areas such as Cebu.

“I know Clark International Airport will turn into a major hub for the Philippines and we want to take part in that development,” said Wennblom.

“Our group would like to do business partnership here in the Philippines to learn both ways and share our knowledge in terms of Airport technology," he added.

Sweden's Ambassador to Manila Harald Fries led the delegation who are mostly involved with technology, infrastructure and aviation.

“Swedish companies have a long experience with high-technology solutions and environment-friendly solutions. I believe Swedish companies are good partners here in the Philippines,” said Fries.

Among the Business Sweden presenters were: Cavotec, leading airport systems integrator on integrated ground support equipment (GSE); Axis Communications, Swedish based leader in network cameras and video surveillance on Advanced network video solutions.

Other Sweden business presentations include, Volvo buses on terminal buses and transportation, Advanced Surface Movement and Control Systems (ASMC-S), and Remote Tower Technology, Xylem on energy efficient and sustainable wastewater pumping and Roxtec on cable and pipe seals.

Founded in 2013 by a merger of the Swedish Trade Council (Exportrådet) and Invest Sweden, Business Sweden is owned by the Swedish Government and the Swedish business sector, a partnership that provides access to contacts and networks at all levels. The Swedish government is represented by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the business sector by the Swedish Foreign Trade Association.

When asked if Clark's modernization will be in full swing, Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) Acting President and CEO Alex Caugurian said Business Sweden noticed continuous improvement on the facilities and infrastructures in Clark and finds their proposal “appropriate.”

Proven effective and efficient, the airport technology being presented by aviation experts from Sweden Business is now being implemented by various airports globally but for Clark, "it's a thing of the future" according to the CIAC head.

For instance, ground handler support from fuel to ground handling, Clark's practice is "above ground". Based on the presentation, everything is underground including fuel hydrant, clearing and clearing of aircrafts.

"Clark Airport is now becoming the service center main gateway of Northern and Central Luzon," said Cauguiran.

“With the leadership of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) we are now bidding for a construction of a new terminal. Hopefully by year-end we can do groundbreaking and start the construction next year,” said Cauguiran.

Target date of completion for the new airport terminal capable of handling eight million passengers a year is by first quarter of 2020 according to the CIAC head.

Cauguiran also underscored the full implementation of the master plan designed for Clark by French firm Aeroport de Paris.

With over seven decades of diplomatic relations, Sweden’s export to the Philippines has increased over the last few years. About 40 Swedish companies are already present in the country. More are expected to come in the next few years according to the website of Sweden Embassy in Manila.

New Clark City, Clark investment updates, latest developments in the airport were also present by the BCDA, Clark Development Corporation and CIAC, respectively.

Legarda: Fight violence vs women, children

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES CITY -- In observance of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on November 25, Senator Loren Legarda said the battle to stop abuse against women and children is far from over.

In a press statement sent to SunStar Pampanga, the senator said that violence against women is one of the most pervasive human rights abuses in the country despite laws to prevent it.

“It has to be urgently addressed through the combined efforts of government, NGOs (non-government organizations), academe and the private sector by raising public awareness to encourage women in the communities to disclose or report incidents of violence,” she said.

According to the Philippine Commission on Women (PCW), one in five women have experienced physical violence since age 15; six in 100 women reported having experienced sexual violence; four percent of women experienced physical violence during pregnancy; but only three of 10 women have sought help to stop the violence.

Legarda, author of various laws on the protection of women, said that violence against women takes many different forms, including enslavement of women in conflict areas, killing of human rights activists, discrimination in the workplace, emotional abuse, sexual slavery and trafficking of women.

Women in traditionally acknowledged marginalized groups, including refugees, migrants, minorities, indigenous peoples, and populations affected by conflict and disasters, among others, are more likely to face abuse, she added.

“Many victims of abuse choose not to report it due to lack of awareness about their legal rights. We have diligently toiled to enact pieces of legislation to protect the rights of women and promote their welfare. The greater challenge is to effectively implement these laws and educate women on their rights. Women around the country should be aware that they are sufficiently protected by the law,” Legarda said.

Philippine laws for the protection of women’s rights include: the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act (Republic Act 9262), Anti-Discrimination Against Women Act (RA 6725), Women in Development and Nation Building Act (RA 7192), Rape Victim Assistance and Protection Act (RA 8505), Magna Carta of Women (RA 9710), and the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act (RA 9208) and its expanded version (RA 10364).

“Violence against women and children is preventable through strengthened awareness, government funding, strict implementation of existing laws and enhanced inter-agency coordination, both at the domestic and international level,” Legarda said.

Gawad Kalinga housing donor inspired on building dreams

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES CITY -- A donor of three housing units to the Gawad Kalinga said he was inspired by the civic group's vision and mission of building dreams for the less fortunate members of the society.

Louie Reyes, an environmentalist and a former councilor of Angeles City, turned over to the beneficiary, an Aeta family, the house he donated at Sitio Monicayo, Barangay Calumpang, Mabalacat City last Saturday.

"In Gawad Kalinga, they are building dreams. This gave me the inspiration to support Gawad Kalinga since 2013. The stories of dignity and hope was the spark for me. It challenged me to do my part for nation building and ending poverty," Reyes said.

He mentioned in particular Gawad Kalinga founder Tony Meloto, who cares for the poor.

The former city official said he had seen so much suffering in the Philippines.

"I had cry helplessly about it. I blame the government and our leaders. There is so much corruption. There is so much greed in the corporate world. Since 1987, we are back at where we started. This gave me a sad state of our country," he said.

Upon searching for a community to support, Reyes said he was led to Gawad Kalinga in 2013.

A City Council staff in Angeles City and a Couple For Christ member helped Reyes to Brother Jessie Gonzalez in Sitio Target, in Barangay Sapang Bato.

"This was the starting point. This started the journey of my life in Gawad Kalinga. Bro. Jessie told me that Gawad Kalinga is not just providing homes for our brothers and sisters. We are giving them back their dignity and hope. Wow, I said. He blew my mind away. His eyes were sincere and humble. He knew what he was saying because it came from the heart," Reyes said.

The former official, who ran for city councilor and defeated in the last local polls, clarified that the house donation is not related to politics.

"This 2017, I pray dignity and hope to all. Yes, to all," Reyes said.

BPOs, manufacturing continue as top employers in Pampanga, Region 3

By Astrud Aguinaldo

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – Call centers and manufacturing industries have continued to be the top provider of jobs not just in Pampanga but the entire Central Luzon, a leading online job site reported.

JobStreet.com released its annual job trends and salary report focusing on Pampanga and Central Luzon saying that those in the business process outsourcing (BPO) industry provides 46 percent of available jobs in the region during the media launch on Thursday at Best Western Bendix Hotel in Barangay Dolores here.

According to the report, the main employer for fresh graduates is the BPO sector followed by manufacturing and banking.

A close to two thirds or 67 percent of new college graduates are from the BPO and call center industry. On the other hand, health-related specialists are the highest paid fresh graduates in Pampanga with an estimated monthly salary of P27,000.

JobStreet reported the region’s best fresh graduates are from two universities in Pampanga namely: Angeles University Foundation and Holy Angel University.

They are on the list together with the other prestigious educational institutions such as the University of the Philippines System, Ateneo De Manila University and De La Salle University, among others.

In 2016, all Pampanga and Central Luzon employers claim they hired at least one fresh graduate.

However, diversity and dynamism is also seen in the employment landscape in the province and the whole region.

Employment opportunities are also available in retail, eight percent; building and construction, six percent; and banking, four percent, said a report from JobStreet.

“With Pampanga consistently experiencing growth in various sectors, particularly in real estate, manufacturing, and agriculture, it is no wonder why demand for Kapampangan labor has also continuously increased, bringing it with the competitiveness of salaries across all position levels,” said the report of JobStreet.

Pampanga is leading in Central Luzon with its boom and the continuous development of the province’s urban centers: Angeles City, Metro Clark and this capital city.

“We at JobStreet are looking forward to the continuous progress of the province and its employment sector,” said Philip A. Gioca, Job- Street.com Philippines country manager.

Company review onsite is JobStreet’s newest innovation according to Eileen Go, marketing manager, JobStreet. com Philippines.

“It is a venue for employees to post reviews about the company. It is an employee-employer engagement matrix,” Go explained.

“Candidates are discerning now.It is an evolving employment market place and candidates are not only looking for the salary off er but also considering the work culture, working hours, etc.,” she added.

JobStreet.com is a jobs portal started in 1999, based in Malaysia, mainly to connect employers and candidates/ job seekers. It has currently has 22,000 employers nationwide with an average of 80,000 to 100,000 new sign up candidates per month.

Central Luzon has 3,000 jobs available. The jobs portal reported that eight out of 10 candidates go to JobStreet. com to look for jobs.

‘Let us make our cities livable’ – cyclist

By Reynaldo G. Navales

CLARK FREEPORT -- A cycling enthusiast has stress the importance of bicycles in order to have a clean air and livable cities.

Pio Fortuno Jr., head of the Tour of the Fireflies Clark organizing committee, reiterated this few days after the successful bike night ride event on November 18.

Fortuno expressed gratitude to Clark Development Corporation, Angeles City local government, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (Pagcor) and other sponsors which sponsored the cycling event for the environment.

“The very first Tour of the Fireflies in Clark and Angeles City on the night of November 18, 2017 was hugely successful. Thanks to all the volunteers, marshalls, LGU units, CDC units, participants, the people of Clark and Angeles City and a very effective organizing core,” Fortuno said.

“The Firefly Brigade is spreading its wings and had landed in many cities now, and in the Clark-Angeles City area, we are here to stay. Let us make our air cleaner and our cities more livable through the use of bicycles,” he added

Almost 1,000 bikers joined the first Tour of the Fireflies bicycle ride in Clark and Angeles City, according to Fortuno.

“It was a true firefly ride as held it at night and as we meandered down Friendship Highway, the sky exploded with fireworks etching light trails. A glorious, amazing evening for a thousand bicycle advocates in this nascent ride for the city of Angeles and Clark. Let’s do this again,” Fortuno said.

Fortuno earlier urged the people, particularly in Angeles City and Clark, to “bring back the fireflies” which are signs of clean air.

CILA to serve as nexus – new exec

By Reynaldo G. Navales

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Clark Investors and Locators Association (CILA) will continue to serve as the nexus or link between government entities and investors inside the Freeport.

Thus said Dr. Ireneo Alvaro who was voted as top director of the locators’ association last November 17 at the Widus Convetion Center here.

Alvaro also assured that the new CILA leaders “will continue to provide and inform the more than 180 members of the business climate, policy changes, tax holidays, perks and privileges, and other related developments and services.”

Alvaro is the chairman and chief executive officer of the BB Group of Companies and Medal Consortium, which operates hotels and casinos in the country.

Other elected CILA directors include Joselito Mercado of PLDT Clark, Darwin Malinit of Cargohaus Incorporated, Danilo Abad of Wind Tunnel International Incorporated, Hitoshi Kobayashi of Yokohama Philippines Tires Incorporated, and Francisco Villanueva of Demagus Trading Corporation.

Alvaro, who got the highest number of votes during the CILA election, will serve a two year term together with the other newly-elected directors.

SM City Pampanga and SM City Clark shine brightest this Christmas 2017

By Arci Pineda

THE Brightest Christmas celebration happens at SM City Clark and SM City Pampanga, your favorite SM Malls in the country’s Christmas capital.

The celebration kicks off at SM City Clark as we set the night sky ablaze at the Pyro Fest 6.

Pyro Fest began in 2012 with an earnest desire to make the Christmas season a much merrier and a much brighter occasion to celebrate.

Tens of thousands of people flock yearly to witness the grandest pyromusical show in the North of Luzon.

Six years later, SM City Clark reveals more of the world that we already know through Pyro Fest 6: Unravel The World’s Wonders.

More than just the pyrotechniques, the repertoire each day will surely make everyone, both the young and young-at-heart sing and dance along.

The Pyro Fest 6: Unravel The World’s wonders will light up four evenings, November 17,18, 24, and 25, Fridays and Saturdays, 7pm at SM City Clark’s The Meeting Place.

• Asia’s Pop Treasure, November 17
• Europe’s West End Secrets, November 18
• America’s Hollywood Tales, November 24
• Latin American Nights, November 25

Tickets are priced at 100 pesos each which may be purchased at the mall’s selling booth located at the main atrium or one may go to any SM Cinema branch nationwide or simply visit www.smtickets.net

And capping off the celebration, at SM City Pampanga, witness as it turns the tallest Ferris Wheel in the Philippines into the Biggest lantern Of Hope through a grand pyro musical show.

Get ready to be flabbergasted by an amazing fireworks and lights display on the picturesque 213-foot tall whell accompanied with our all-time favorite Filipino Christmas carols.

Inspired by the Giant Parols of Pampanga which symbolize the Star of Bethlehem, the Ferris Wheel is mounted with LED lights with on-ground and aerial fireworks.

By doing so, it transforms into a lantern, making it a symbol of hope for everyone especially during this season of love and sharing.

The Biggest lantern Of Hope happens on December 1, Friday at 6:30pm at SM City Pampanga’s The ampitheatre.

SM City Pampanga and SM City Clark, indeed, give you every reason that makes them your go-to destinations this season, where Christmas shines brightest!

Man arrested for not standing for national anthem at cinema

(ABS-CBN News)

MANILA - A man was arrested on Saturday after refusing to stand while the national anthem was sung inside a movie theater in Angeles, Pampanga.

Bayle Einstein Gonzales, 20, was seated in front of Chargé d'Affaires Elmer Cato when the anthem was sung, but he declined to stand up despite being asked to show respect twice.

In a Facebook post, Cato said he "confronted" Gonzales "for not bothering to rise for the Philippine national anthem" while the rest of the audience did, including foreigners.

"I asked him twice to stand up but he just would not. I just could not let the disrespect of the flag and the national anthem by someone I initially thought was a foreign national pass," he said.

"I was so agitated I was not really able to enjoy the movie. I had to do something to teach this Filipino a lesson. And I did," Cato added.

Chief Inspector Aris Gonzales, commander of Angeles City Police Station 4, said the 20-year old violated the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines, which prescribed that "all persons shall stand at attention and face the Philippine flag" when the national anthem is played at a public gathering.

He could be fined from P5,000 to P20,000 and/or be imprisoned up to a year.

LTO Angeles gets ‘physical’ on big clean up, sorting day

(JTD/SunStar Pampanga)

THE Land Transportation Office (LTO) Angeles City District Office, headed by Chief Transportation Regulatory Officer Aida Santiago, on Saturday got “physical” on their second quarter big clean-up and sorting day.

Santiago told SunStar Pampanga that the LTO Angeles City staff did rounds of exercises including runs at the Clark Parade Grounds around 6 a.m. before embarking on the regular big clean up and sorting day.

“It is part of our Gender and Development program and a way of keeping the staff fit and healthy, as well as stress-free, considering the volume of transactions we have each day,” she said.

The district office, Santiago added, exerts maximum efforts to improve its services and deliver utmost customer care and convenience.

During the big clean-up and sorting day, LTO Angeles City personnel came together once more to spruce up the district office’s interior and exterior premises.

"What we do in big clean up and sorting days is all for our customers and clients. We are one in saving the environment and preserving it by properly sorting and segregating old files that need to be discarded done through systematic inventory. Along with that, the office premises are spruced up, cleaned and our gardens kept green as our part in protecting the environment. More importantly, we strictly adhere to and implement the Arta [Anti-Red Tape Act] so we regularly put up signages and workflow posters so our clients will not fall prey to fixers,” she said.

Conducted by LTO Angeles City in accordance with its ISO certifications, the big clean up and sorting day is continuously enhanced to cover most areas of customer care and service.

“We see to it that we provide comfort and convenience to our hundreds of daily clients applying for or renewing their licenses and vehicle registration,” Santiago shared.

“We want our clients to get that experience of excellent service when they transact with us. We want them to be comfortable while waiting for their documents and completing their transactions. And being fit and healthy -- physically and mentally -- is now part of that regimen,” she added.

LTO Angeles City has an air-conditioned lounge, a breastfeeding area, and priority lanes for persons with disabilities, senior citizens and pregnant women.

Santiago said that the LTO Angeles City District, twice conferred the Seal of Excellence by the Civil Service Commission, will continue to conduct and sustain its big clean up and sorting days for the benefit of its clients.

Widus donates cooling fans, sports equipment to CLDRC

(SunStar Pampanga)

CLARK FREEPORT -- Widus Hotel and Casino led by its audit and compliance manager Beverly Anne Conde gave ten brand new electric cooling fans and various athletic equipment to the Central Luzon Drug Rehabilitation Center (CLDRC) last Wednesday, November 8.

“We hope these donations could better serve our community as we try to help make the patients’ stay more comfortable even in the simplest way,” Conde said.

According to CLDRC Program Director Conrado Briton, the center currently homes 311 patients and about seventy percent of which belong to the indigent group.

“Most of the patients we accommodate are not financially capable of sustaining their treatment expenses here that is why we are really grateful for Widus’ generosity in giving electric fans for our dormitory. These would be of great help in providing a more comfortable stay to our patients. I’m also glad they included sports equipment in support to our recreational activities and programs,” Conrado said.

Resident CLDRC psychologist Arlyn Zinampan echoed the same excitement describing the donations which included basketball and volleyball balls, badminton sets and table tennis equipment as “timely gifts” due to their ongoing sportsfest.

“We are very much excited to use these items as we always encourage our patients to engage in different sports and fun recreational activities as a part of their six-month program,” Zinampan added.

CLDRC is a rehabilitation center inside the country’s biggest military reservation in Nueva Ecija for drug users with mild to moderate levels of addiction.

CDC, Clark Water, Manila Water Foundation win ACES awards

By Reynaldo G. Navales

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Clark Development Corporation (CDC), Clark Water Corporation (CWC) and Manila Water Foundation (MWF) were among the 20 Asian companies recognized during the Asia Corporate Excellence and Sustainability (ACES) awards organized by the MORS Group of Malaysia.

The joint efforts of the state-owned firm, locator and a non-government organization to provide a potable water system for the Indigenous People in Central Luzon was recognized recently by an international group. The potable water system project installed is located at the Clark sub zone.

The project, dubbed as “Ahon Pinoy Program in Sitio Monicayo," garnered a spot in the ACES annual award as one of the “Top Community Care Companies in Asia.” Winners were chosen from 180 nominations according to MORS group of Malaysia.

More than 500 residents of the community, mostly IPPs, are now enjoying the potable water courtesy from the joint efforts of the three groups.

MORS Group’s mission is to assist companies, corporate leaders, and eminent industrialists to share a platform to exhibit leadership & sustainability excellence, to learn from market experts across the world, to engage stakeholders and employees in valuable ways, and to embrace a culture of progressive learning. In pursuit of the ultimate vision of championing an Asia that is resilient and united with formidable esprit de corps among industry peers, MORS Group spearheads a series of programs organized across Asia in progressing phases.

In a letter addressed to CDC President-CEO Noel F. Manankil, CWC General Manager Robert Baffrey, invited the state-run firm to be part in accepting an award at the 4th ACES Awards in Singapore.

The awards recognized outstanding entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, small- and medium-sized enterprises, and CSR practices, mostly in south and Southeast Asia.

Roster of past winners include: Ayala Corporation (2016), Manila Water Company, Inc. (2015), Samsung Electronics Southeast Asia & Oceania (2015), SM Prime Holding, Inc. (2014) PT Unilever Indonesia (2014), and Nestle Products Son BHD (2014).

The coveted award was received by representatives from Manila Water Operations and Rommel Narciso, Assistant Vice President for External Affairs of CDC.

OFWs, students benefit from village Wi-Fi project

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES CITY -- Overseas Filipino workers and students of Barangay Balibago here have been benefiting from the high-speed internet connection.

Balibago Chairman Rodelio Mamac said the barangay’s second Wi-Fi connection with an average speed of 140 Mbps (download) and 120 Mbps (upload) was installed at Sitio Hadrian 3.

“For sure, my barangaymates in Hadrian 3 and those within the 350 meter radius in Purok 3 and 4 will be more than happy with this internet speed,” Mamac said.

“Good for families who have relatives abroad, they can communicate anytime they want to and even talk face-on through messenger. Likewise, students residing within the 350 meter radius can do research works without leaving their homes,” the village chief added.

Mamac disclosed that they will implement similar project in Puroks 5, 6, and 7. “This is part of our communication services for the benefit of our constituents.”

The era of ultra lights now in Pampanga

By Reynaldo G. Navales

ANGELES CITY -- Good things are happening in Pampanga tourism.

One such site of activity is the Pradera Verde complex in Barangay Prado Songco where the vast potential tourism site is situated, featuring, among others, a first class golf course, wakeboarding, (future flying site for ultralight and light sport aircraft), a clubhouse and soon, a motor racing oval where local and international racers will participate.

In a business meeting convened by Eric Tan of Codeeric IT Solution on November 8 at the Margot Activity Center (MAC) Barangay Margot, Angeles City, attended by Gen. Henry Sabarre, retired, and head of Matrix Corporate Security Services, Inc., Robert Aquilar and Benjie Pangan, a SunStar columnist, Eric discussed the vision and program of the entities he set up, namely: Philippine Experimental Light Sports Aircraft Training School, Inc., (PELSTATS) and Experimental Light Sport Aircraft and Pilots Association of the Philippines, Inc. (ELSAPAP).

Prior to the meeting, he and the group, together with Lubao Hot Air Balloon and Music Festival Chairman Noel Castro, made an ocular inspection of the site for the ultralight aircraft.

Tan and Sabarre have made preliminary talks with Governor Lilia Pineda regarding the project and the good governor was agreeable to the same, knowing it will boost tourism activities not only in Lubao but also in the entire province.

The team of Tan along with a British safety consultant carried out a preliminary validation as to the appropriateness of the site, the risks involved like the existing electric posts and the structures which could pose danger to aircraft operations (take-offs and touchdowns).

It was decided that the area was wide enough to accommodate the ultralight planes and their accompanying equipment. Consideration was also given as to where other future developments on the site were to be potentially located such as luxury golf homes. Both safety and noise issues were taken into account, modern ultralight aircraft use 4 stroke engines which are extremely reliable, safe, fuel efficient and very quiet.

If plans will push through, Tan and his team will construct a 1,500-foot runway, a hangar along with a pilot lounge/briefing room and training center. The filipino pilots, led by Capt. Richard Ricon and Mark Docomos are qualified and certified by relevant flying authorities and CAAP, with foreign counterpart Wolf Emonds, an FAA certified trainer and examiner.

Moreover, Tan’s team will participate as well on the coming Lubao Hot Air Balloon and Music Festival on March 2018 with two or three planes as a precursor for permanent flight operations on the site.

Angeles City holds first rescue olympics

(PR)

ANGELES CITY -- The Angeles City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (ACDRRMO) spearheaded this city’s first rescue olympics held last Friday, November 10, at the City College of Angeles covered court.

ACDRRMO Chief Francis Pangilinan said that the olympics is a convergence of all barangay-based DRRMCs in line with the Executive Order No. 35 signed by Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan.

“We are envisioning a safer, liveable, adaptive, and resilient community for every Angeleño especially in the face of untoward emergencies and natural disasters,” said Mayor Pamintuan.

“The EO signed by our city mayor has tasked the ACDRRMO to enjoin all villages in the city in forming and activating their own Barangay Rescue and Action Brigade,” said Pangilinan.

The ACDRRMO chief added that a total of 16 barangays that underwent the city’s preliminary series of trainings on basic life support (BLS) are expected to participate in the said Olympics. This is to instill the importance of BLS especially in responding to real-life emergencies and related scenarios.

In his special message, Regional Director Marlou Salazar of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said that the olympics is a clear manifestation of the city’s commitment towards building a disaster-responsive community.

“Skills that are not put into practice will remain theories forever. This [activity] will help the city promote a culture of preparedness in the community,” said Salazar who is also a retired member of the Philippine Army.

“I am encouraging all cities and towns to do the same for preparedness is the only way that we can save and protect more lives,” Salazar added.

The skills-set and abilities of each barangay DRRM teams were judged in three categories which include the conduct of [1] cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for adults and infants, [2] bandaging, lifting and moving, and [3] situational analysis.

The rescue brigade from Barangay Ninoy Aquino emerged as the champion in the said olympics. The group, along with other winning barangays, will receive their cash incentives, trophies and medals during the DRRM Summit which is set on December 11 to 13 in Baguio City.

Aside from the BLS training, the ACDRRMO has been active in capacitating the community through the implementation of Disaster Preparedness Trainings, Earthquake and Fire Drills, Contingency Planning Workshops and workshops on how barangays can come up with their own respective DRRM plans.

Meanwhile, the ACDRRMO is set to forge Memorandum of Agreement with various primary to tertiary private and public schools this November as the city enjoins educational institutions to be emergency-responsive through the conduct of various DRRM symposia.

The said disaster preparedness and emergency response competition was held in partnership with the Department of National Defense and the Philippine Heart Association Incorporated.

Midori makes Aeta kids’ X’mas wishes come true

By Ashley Manabat

CLARK FREEPORT – “Tis the season to be jolly,” as the grand Midori Clark Hotel and Casino launched the second leg of its “Angels’ Dream” project with the lighting of a giant Christmas tree at the hotel lobby on Wednesday.

The Angels’ Dream project is meant to brighten-up the celebration of Christmas of indigenous children living in the surrounding areas of this freeport.

Hotel guests are encouraged to give by picking a child’s wish from the Christmas tree and help fulfill their simple dreams. The children were made to write their wishes on pieces of paper which they hanged on the Christmas tree with the help of the top executives of the hotel and casino.

Children from the Haduan Negrito Elementary School, Marcos Village Elementary School, Sapang Bato Elementary School and the Monicayo Child Development Center were feted by no less than the officials of Midori, Eaglesky and the soon to open Aqua Planet led by their managers Vic Chan, Manny Aure, James Lee, Kim Lansang and Rafael Suarez, respectively.

Certificates of Appreciation were in turn handed by the school principals to the property and gaming executives as a gesture of their gratitude. The Aeta children also gifted them with fruits, vegetables and root crops cultivated in their villages.

Lunch was later served at the hotel’s Toscana Restaurant.

WMRI launches pacemaker program in US, makes AC as cardiac center in CL

By Ashley Manabat

ANGELES CITY – Representatives from this highly urbanized city were in Michigan, USA on Monday to attend the 64th anniversary of the World Medical Relief, Inc. (WMRI) which was highlighted by the launching of a medical program that calls for the recycling of heart pacemakers and their eventual distribution to patients in developing countries, including the Philippines.

City Councilors Edu Pamintuan, who represented his father, Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan, and Joseph ‘PG” Ponce were on hand not only to attend the WMRI anniversary but also to start a process by the WMRI to make this city as a “Cardiac Center” in the region.

The two councilors were joined by WMRI volunteer Noel G. Tulabut, Clark Development Corp. communications manager.

The WMRI medical program dubbed, “My Heart, Your Heart,” is “a joint initiative by medical experts, health institutions and patrons of charity that could help save thousands of heart patients all over the globe,” the WMRI said in a statement on Wednesday.

My Heart Your Heart was formally launched during the 64th Anniversary and Gala Dinner of WMRI at its US headquarters in Michigan attended by leading cardiovascular experts, WMRI Ambassadors of Health from various countries, benefactors, sponsors, officials and volunteers of the charitable organization.

Dr. Kim Eagle, prime mover of the program and director of Cardio Vascular Center of the University of Michigan, said WMRI has been chosen to serve as pacemaker center.

“We are working with WMRI to create what we believe to be the first pacemaker recycling center in the entire world,” he said. Eagle is considered as a “master cardiologist” by his peers in the US.

Eagle described WMRI as “an outstanding global charity organization.” He said more than a million heart patients all over the world die each year for lack of pacemakers.

A pacemaker is a small device that’s placed in the chest or abdomen to help control abnormal heart rhythms.

This device uses electrical pulses to prompt the heart to beat at a normal rate.

The National Cardiovascular Data Registry estimates that from 2010 to 2012, some 63,500 devices were explanted or removed from deceased patients annually in the US alone.

He said the My Heart Your Heart program has received 25,000 units of pacemakers as of the present. WMRI president and CEO George Samson, a Kapampangan from Mabalacat City, said the program would enable the organization to achieve the mission of “helping God’s sick poor” as envisioned by its founder Irene Auberlin in 1953.

“Imagine what we can do to help needy people who don’t have money to get these devices. Brand new pacemakers cost anywhere from $10,000 to $25,000,” he said.

“We are glad to be a part of this program where sick people who don’t have access to these life-saving units could be helped,” Samson said.

Eagle has assured that pacemaker recycling is safe and that the US Food and Drug Administration has approved the process to compare new and used pacemakers.

“It works and it’s safe. We developed a system to test devices. Make sure it would react to the conditions the human body may go through,” Samson said.

He added that they have published papers on how to properly remove, analyze, sterilized and repackaged pacemakers.

CCA bests PH’s ‘biggest’ private schools in JPIA nat’l competition

(PR)

ANGELES CITY -- Students of the City College of Angeles (CCA) taking up Accounting Technology won big time in various categories during the National Mid-Year Competition of Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants held recently in Plaza del Norte, Ilocos Norte.

CCA bested all schools, both public and private, offering accountancy programs in the Philippines, and emerged as champion under the General Information Quiz Bee. The group is comprised of John Cyril Rivera, Christopher Mendoza and Cris John Baquing.

On the other hand, Corlil Mae Meneses, Jonnie Dale Regala and Nixon Kevin Manalo won second runner up under the Tax Case Study competition.

A total of 12 regions competed in the said national mid-year competition.

According to CCA President Dr. Richard Daenos, unlike other participating regions and delegation to the competition which include a mixture of accountancy students from various schools, the group sent by Central Luzon are students all coming from CCA.

Aside from the CCA, four (4) institutions also emerged as top contenders of the competition which include De La Salle University, University of the Philippines, University of San Carlos, and St. Louis University.

“Our students from CCA have been reaping awards and winning competitions left and right for the past months. These accolades are testaments to our vow of providing quality education to every Angeleño youth,” said Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan.

“We salute all our students and our teacher-coaches who have painstakingly devoted their time to win the competition. May our students continue this winning streak for the greater glory of God and for the city,” Pamintuan added.

The NFJPIA was created in 1983 under the auspices of the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants to serve as a link between the accountancy students and their professional counterparts.

Being the only national organization of accountancy students, it is tasked with organizing its members into a relevant sector of the business community.

Meanwhile, a resolution congratulating the CCA delegates is set to be handed over by the City Council sponsored by Councilor Amos Rivera.

Robinsons Angeles kicks off Christmas season

By Princess Clea Arcellaz

ANGELES CITY -- With just 47 days before Christmas, officials of Robinsons Angeles over the weekend lighted up its giant Christmas tree located at the mall facade to usher in the Yuletide season.

The annual tradition of lighting up the 14-foot Christmas tree with glittery decors and sparkling lights kicked-off the festive activities lined-up by the mall management to the delight of its loyal shoppers.

“We are jump-starting the holiday season here in Robinsons Angeles with a series of activities anchored with our mall mission that is to give joy and love to our customers,” said Robinsons Land Corporation Central Luzon Manager Jodee Paulette Arroyo.

Colorful and glittery decorations, huge balls and long wreaths and ribbons installed around the mall also added to the merry and joyful Christmas vibes.

And since it is the season of giving, Robinsons Angeles also continued its annual activity of treating orphaned children from Tuloy Foundation Pampanga.

Arroyo said that around 30 children were treated to an afternoon of fun in an amusement park and fastfood restaurant. The beneficiaries also received early Christmas packs from Robinsons Angeles just before the lighting ceremony.

“The gift-giving to less fortunate children is an annual tradition of Robinsons Land, not only here in Angeles or Pampanga but all over the country. This is Robinsons’ way of giving to our host communities,” she said.

To complete the festive mood, Robinsons Angeles invited various artists of Ivory Records to serenade the mall goers and shoppers with some lively and soulful music.

The mini-concert was highlighted by the performance of Kapampangan artist Jonas David who sang his newest single “Mamasku Ta Pampanga.”

The hit single, which is now available in digital stores Spotify and Apple Music, showcases the beauty and uniqueness of celebrating Christmas in Pampanga which amazed the audience in Robinsons Angeles.

“We had a tie-up with Ivory Music family and we were happy to provide a spotlight for very talented artists, especially our very own Jonas David who uses his music to promote the Kapampangan culture and tradition,” Arroyo noted.

She noted that Robinsons Angeles shares the same vision and goal with David in urging Kapampangans and non-Kapampangans as well to go back and visit Pampanga and experience its unique celebration of the yuletide season.

AC fetes rich culture of chorale music in largest CL meet

By Gianne Samson AUF (OJT)

ANGELES CITY - The biggest chorale gathering in Central Luzon dubbed, Angeles City Chorale Festival, was held recently at the Holy Angel University (HAU) here.

The festival was organized by the HAU Chorale, Tarlac Chamber Choir and the Divine Majesty Male Choir and their Choir Master, Eric Robert Santos.

The event celebrated the “magnificence” of the Filipino musical talent as it featured the composition of composer/arrangers in the like of Maestro Eudenice V. Palaruan, Normita Rio-Pablico, Jude Edgard C. Balsamao and Maestro Joy T. Nillo.

“It started four years ago with only six participating choirs and is now growing bigger and bigger every year. This chorale gathering can be said as the largest chorale event in Central Luzon as it was participated by 13 of the finest choirs across the country with the special participation of the University of the Visayas Chorale,” said Santos.

The Chorale Festival had also featured the University of Santo Tomas singers, the Ateneo chamber singers and the world-renowned Philippine Madrigal Singers in the past years.

The organizers said they are aiming to make the Chorale Festival even bigger in the coming years as they promote the richness of Filipino Music, particularly the chorale music in this city and in the whole country.

Experience Pampanga like a local

By KAREN GALARPE (LA, GMA News)

Everybody’s Cafe, Aling Lucing’s Sisig, Clark — these establishments could very well be the gateway to Pampanga. But what do you do in the province when you've done all these?

When a dear friend suddenly had two weeks' vacation leave to use up ASAP, I and a couple other friends found ourselves tagging along with her to Pampanga. We were going to visit two of our other friends living in the province, who gladly toured and introduced us to little known establishments that were favorites among locals.

Those looking for a quick getaway near Manila may want to go to these places for a food-and-art trip.

Start with good food

At the mezzanine level of Toyota Angeles, just a stone's throw away from Marquee Mall in Angeles City, is 2292 Cafe, where we had brunch.

Run by The Pan Bakeshoppe, the cafe’s cakes and baked goods are sure hits. Trust me, the ensaimada, served hot and oozing with butter and cheese, is a must-try. Not to be ignored is the calamansi muffin — not sour, not that sweet, just the right flavor.

They also had savory items, of which we tried the ham and cheese omelet and the tapsilog, which were great accompaniments to our never-ending kwentuhan.

Boodle fight

Neneng’s Kamayan is that big bahay kubo sitting on the main road in Guagua. It was already past 2 p.m. when we arrived. There was hardly a lunch crowd left, but one can imagine this place to be full at night when the beer flows, the band plays, and the smell of inihaw entices when you pass by.

There were long tables and little huts at Neneng’s. We chose a long table near a huge electric fan to keep us cool from the midday heat.

Make no mistake, the thing to order here, especially when you’re a group, is the BFF aka Boodle Fight Feast. It's good for six to eight persons, or more if you’re not big eaters).

There are actually three BFFs on the menu, but diners can create their own BFF combination.

Our group chose BFF 3 (P2,000) because It had the most food: sinigang na ulo ng salmon sa miso, mixed veggies with buro, grilled pusit, nilasing na hipon, crispy pata, chicken barbeque, and steamed rice.

Our two Kapampangan hosts of course wanted the Manilenos to try their local delicacies, and so they ordered the exotic stuff for us to try. Aside from the BFF meal, we had the Pindang Damulag (P175) which is tocinong kalabaw, Adobong Pugo (P184), which is comparable to fried chicken, and kilawin na hipon, which was marvelous and refreshing on that hot day.

Pasalubong shopping

We were full but that didn’t stop us from shopping for pasalubong and because Pampanga is a food haven, that would be ... food, what else?

Our hosts took us to this unassuming house on Maglalang Street in Sta. Rita, which turned out to be where the favorite turrones de casoy and sans rival of generations of Kapampangans are made. 

There was no sign at all, save for the “Open” signage at what looked like a sari-sari store. I guess it didn’t need a sign; residents knew and loved what they sold.

A peek through the grills of the counter showed goodies such as mamon tostado, merengue, cashew tarts, polvoron, uraro, sampaloc, marzipan, and yema, aside of course from the tin cans of turrones de casoy and the boxes of sanz rival (the store spells it that way).

The goodies are sold under the brand Ocampo Lansang Delicacies. We met Ramon Lansang, a nephew of the late Felisa O. Lansang, who told us that his aunt and her friends learned the recipes for turrones de casoy, sans rival, and other baked goodies from a Dominican sister back in the 1920s. They each put up a business, but to date only Mrs. Lansang’s business survived.

Our host said the sans rival is placed in a box that is wrapped with the same gift wrapper design the store has been using since he was young. It’s the same traditional buttery recipe passed on through generations and if you’re craving for real honest-to-goodness no frills sans rival, theirs fits the bill.

From something sweet, we turned to something salty; it was time for some chicharon.

Galan’s General Merchandise in Guagua is home to fat, sinful, salty, crunchy, and malaman chicharon (P125 for ¼ kilo) that you won't be able to stop eating, even with and perhaps especially when you have a cholesterol problem.

If the fatty chicharon isn’t to your liking, there’s a simpler leaner chicharon available nearby. On the road in Guagua leading to Capas, Tarlac, across the Km 94 Death March marker, there is an eskinita you have to walk on to get to an apartment where they sell Leslie’s chicharon, the type sold on buses at three packs for P100. When we arrived, the workers were putting the freshly cooked chicharon in packs. Of course, we had free samples to eat.

History, art, culture

The thing with Pampanga is that everything seems accessible. On our way to Galan’s, for instance, we passed by an old mansion in Guagua near the church. Looking elegant despite the untrimmed grass on its yard, the house built in 1932 is still intact and charming. No wonder it became the site where "Tanging Yaman" the movie was filmed.

Were it not for a friend’s eagle eyes, I would have missed seeing the Km 94 Death March marker by the roadside across the eskinita to Leslie’s since sand from a construction site blocked it partly from view. This was special to me, because there is no doubt my paternal grandfather Arturo P. Galarpe, an Army soldier, passed this way during World War II. He survived the Death March from Bataan to Capas, Tarlac.

We then went to Bacolor church which was half-buried by lahar when Mt. Pinatubo erupted in the 90s. What is now the church sanctuary was actually the choir loft. The church’s high windows were now on floor level, and outside, in the church’s backyard, verdant grass grew on top of the lahar. There is a cemetery beside the church, but now all that is gone, and relatives can no longer find the tombstones of their loved ones.

Because it was almost dinnertime, we were delighted to be taken to what we thought was an old house turned into a restaurant. It turned out to be a museum, and a special one at that.

This was the Bale-Balayan Museum of the Poor in Barangay Sta. Teresita in Angeles City. Established by dance artist Peter de Vera, the museum was envisioned to expose the disadvantaged youth to arts and culture.

We were met by Chris, one of the teachers in the museum. He called for the children wards —referred to as Anak Bale-Balayan—and soon they enthralled us with dance and song, taking us on a cultural trip from Luzon to Visayas to Mindanao as we moved about the rooms of the museum.

Using traditional ethnic musical instruments such as angklung, kulintang, and agong, the kids performed as if they were on a huge theatrical stage, eager to showcase what they knew and impart to us what they felt burning in their hearts.

Then they asked us to perform with them. Assigning each one of us an angklung which plays a specific note, we performed "Atin Cu Pung Singsing", that traditional Kapampangan song, leaving us breathless with wonder at the end at what we had just done. 

But wait there’s more. At the garden by the gate, they sang again, giving us a piece of homework: If we see a streetchild knocking by our window or begging on the street, we should give them something to help them survive the day--not money, but food for sustenance.

Then they asked each of us to give them our words of wisdom, and though unprepared and tongue-tied, we did, telling the wide-eyed kids to study well, love their parents, be the best they can be, and help society be better. In appreciation, they gathered us all in a group hug, and had that hug lasted a minute longer, I suspect we all would have cried.

Chinese dinner

Our hearts full, it was time to feed our bodies for the long trip back home. Our hosts took us to Fortune Hong Kong Seafood Restaurant on McArthur Highway in Balibago, Angeles City.

Over plates of traditional Chinese food and buchi and cups of tea, we processed what we just experienced. Hands down, the Bale-Balayan visit was the highlight of the day. It was an unexpected stop but a fulfilling one as our hearts were stirred to inspire other youths to reach their full potential.

What can we do? One of us said she always keeps food in her car and gives them away to street children knocking on her window. Another friend, the artist in our Varsitarian batch back in college, said he will draw something and give it to the museum. We discussed the homework given us, and we agreed to comply.

Soon it was time to head home. Outside the restaurant, the bar girls and their dates were walking on the streets, and on a dim road we passed by, there were hookers on standby for clients. On NLEX, traffic, even at that late hour past 9 p.m., was heavy. And though it took longer for us to go home, we were all grateful for a road trip that not only filled our tummies but stirred our hearts as well.

Clark Development Corporation donates classrooms in Porac

By Reynaldo G. Navales

CLARK FREEPORT -- The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) is donating a two-storey school building to Manibaug Libutad Elementary School in nearby Porac town.

A memorandum of agreement (MOA) was forged by the CDC, Municipality of Porac and the Department of Education (DepEd) Central Luzon for the project.

The MOA signing was led by CDC president Noel Manankil; Jaime Capil, punong barangay of Manibaug Libutad, Porac; Sylvia Fernandez, principal of Manibaug Libutad Elementary School; and CDC assistant vice president Rommel Narciso.

The six-classroom structure, amounting to P7 million, is expected to be completed within two years.

Teachers and students of Manibaug Libutad Elementary School expressed thanks to the state-owned agency for the donation.

The project, according to them, will provide opportunity for young people to have a good education and bright future.

The new building will house the school clinic, library and classrooms for Grades 3 and 4.

Through CDC’s design and quality control, the new classrooms will be more conducive to learning and will be constructed in accordance to the child-friendly school system of DepEd, Manankil said.

Also present in the MOA signing were CDC VP for Business Development and Business Enhancement Group Eva Tejada; CDC VP for Engineering Services Alveen Tabag; CDC VP for Legal Affairs; CDC VP for Admin and Finance Alizaido Paras; CDC Communications Manager Noel Tulabut; Community Affairs Officer IV Ma. Rose Mandap and other officials of CDC and DepEd-Central Luzon.

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