Aklan media, men's group condemn Maguindanao massacre
BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

KALIBO, Aklan - Men Opposed to Violence against Women Everywhere, Inc. - Aklan (Move-Aklan) strongly condemns the barbaric massacre that lead to the carnage of at least 57 innocent supporters and journalists in Maguindanao, including two Aklanons - lawyer Cynthia Oquendo–Ayon and her father Catalino Oquendo from Linayasan, Altavas, Aklan.
"We are one with global community in condemning the incident and exacting justice for all the victims. We believe that again, men perpetrated and are behind this bestial acts and the massacre only proved how vulnerable the women are despite our efforts to end violence against women," Move-Aklan president Franklin Quimpo said.
Move-Aklan, established in March 2007, is in the forefront of the campaign to end violence against women and children and to educate a greater number of men of the increasing incidence of violations in the province of Aklan.
Quimpo said, "while they are sustaining their fight for the 18 Day Campaign to End Violence Against Women, we call upon the national government to act swiftly and decisively and bring the full force of the law against all the perpetrators."
Meanwhile, The Aklan Police and Defense Press Corps (APDPC) also joined the national and international media organizations in outrightly condemning the senseless media killings in Mindanao.
"The atrocity in Maguindanao proves that this country is one of the world's most dangerous place for journalists. Most of the attacks against journalists, the Reporters Without Borders revealed, were in the provinces where politicians ruled with guns and private armies," the media group stressed.
APDPC called on President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, the Philippine National Police and the military to employ the full force of the law to prevent the possible outbreak of war between the private armies and bodyguards of opposing political families, the Ampatuan and Mangudadatu, in Maguindanao.
Task Force 211, a Department of Justice-led government task force, should also do decisive action to solve the cold-blooded and brutal killings by the warlords in Maguindanao, the statement said.
"We also join the families of the murdered journalists, who died in the line of duty in the middle of clan conflicts, in calling the Philippine government to bring those responsible for the bloodshed to justice," they said

Pop, crackle and sizzle
BY JINGGOY I. SALVADOR

There yoooouu go. This solves another problem of where to eat and what to eat. Thank God, less pressure for us when someone comes up with a great idea of what to fill our stomachs with. Isn't it quite a heavy task when it is you who is asked to make dinner plans?
In the island of Boracay, if you have scoured the restaurants, carenderia and turo-turo, have tried them once, twice, chosen and marked your favorites, eating out day in and out becomes a dilemma.
You run a thorough mental checklist and do the been-there-done-that routine.
It is a blessing in disguise if you get a dinner invitation from the locals and you somehow appreciate the lutong-bahay in a real bahay and not the home cooking in your hotel or a resto nearby. You suddenly miss home.
Even better if it is a birthday dinner you care going to, and an outdoor barbecue at that. Yum. You feel your stomach growling as you imagine your delicious skewer cooked to perfection over the grill that goes pop, crackle and sizzle.
Nikki did just that in one of her series of birthday bashes in Boracay. She is now a "local" having lived in the island for several years and never got the urge to leave. She is a beach baby, like me.
The menu is very simple, tuna chunks with red and green bell pepper, onion wedge tomatoes and garlic on a skewer braised with curry sauce, skewered cucumbers for the vegetarians, skewered bananas a.k.a. ginanggang, potatoes and sweet corn on the side.
Beer as beverage.
That's it.
There is something about the scent of the smoke from the griller that makes you hungry or is it getting into the good vibe of everyone having a great time around the griller? Whatever it is, this barbecue your own meal is certainly a great idea.
Of course, there is always seconds or thirds; nobody is stopping you, not unless everything runs out. Which was actually what happened. That includes Tita Maria's sumptuous and deadly delicious homemade cassava cake. That, didn't last as well.
Thus, we all turn our attention to the second best thing- the alcohol. Having been filled up, it is now time to start the party.
Beer doesn't count, therefore there has to be rhum, coke, vodka, wine. Like our food, it is concoct your own drink with these ingredients. That's being consistent and sticking to the whole idea of the DIY concept.
Oh well, after so many hours into the intoxication and several rounds of charade and board games, all the calories have been burned and it's back to square one -- hunger strikes once more. Thank God for heavenly souls like Louise L. who just dialed Hey Jude and had those must-try pizzas delivered.
Oh, we broke the rule this time. But it's way past midnight and the effectivity of the whole DIY theme has elapsed. It was good while it lasted.

In the Line of Duty

More than ten working journalists were victims of the recent electoral violence in Mindanao, the worst media killings recorded in one day.

Two days ago, more than 40 people accompanied the wife of Buluan Mayor Ismael Mangudadatu to file his certificate of candidacy for provincial governor of Maguindanao when heavily armed men stopped their convoy near the Ampatuan town.

News of the tragic mass murder of the supporters of Mangudadatu and innocent journalists shocked the media community of this election-related incident, described, as "the most atrocious, beyond comprehension, barbaric attack in recent history."

The Aklan Police and Defense Press Press Corps (APDPC) joins the national and international media organizations in outrightly condemning the senseless media killings in Mindanao.

The atrocity in Maguindanao proves that this country is one of the world's most dangerous place for journalists. Most of the attacks against journalists, the Reporters Without Borders revealed, were in the provinces where politicians ruled with guns and private armies.

APDPC called on President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, the Philippine National Police and the military to employ the full force of the law to prevent the possible outbreak of war between the private armies and bodyguards of opposing political families, the Ampatuan and Mangudadatu, in Maguindanao.

Task Force 211, a Department of Justice-led government task force, should also do decisive action to solve the cold-blooded and brutal killings by the warlords in Maguindanao.

We also join the families of the murdered journalists, who died in the line of duty in the middle of clan conflicts, in calling the Philippine government to bring those responsible for the bloodshed to justice.

Stop media killings!

(Statement of Aklan Police and Defense Press Corps on Maguindanao's gruesome killings)

Take it or Leave it
BY JUN PRADO

Politics: Everybody’s Game

Here in the Philippines, political talk is a game and a pastime where the expert and the novice meet on even terms, unlike in games like golf where handicapping makes up for differences in experience.
One reason is that both the expert and the novice proceed from uncertain promises; both are purveyors of rumors from the different camps.
I have always been appalled by the political kibitzers’ indifference to objectivity. Most are ready to defend to the death their own versions of events as filtered through the prism of self-interest, and long after these beliefs have been discredited.
Elections are the way you get even with the Great Leviathan. This is the Biblical sea monster to which Ernest Hemingway likened the State - or more precisely, the mighty but dull and stupid bureaucracy against whom the citizens stand helpless and impotent.
I believe it’s gonna be March – the time when the fireworks of the campaign will really start cracking and crackling up.
And at this early stage of the barnstorming, different styles and strokes would come like a rabbit out of the magician’s tophat. The candidates’ principal platforms would have been fairly clear by then.
The next tactical targets of the campaign will no doubt be spent in cementing new alliances and aggrupations and in strengthening political organizations down to the barangay levels.
It may be fruitful for many of our voters to understand what the campaign styles and platforms of the different candidates – perhaps as a way of decreasing the percentage of those who are “undecided” as to which candidate to vote for.
Right now, nationwide, three out of ten Filipino voters have not expressed any preference, and if you can compute that against the estimated 49 million voters, what it means is that twelve million voting Pinoys don’t know who to vote for.
We will, of course, faithfully record the issues, the personalities and the human drama in the forthcoming electoral contest. Elections have to do with choices, issues, and the distribution of power. But this is also the continuing national soap opera – and it’s gotta be fun.

Arroyo's Boracay cabinet meeting to focus on rehab plans, economy

PNP on alert
BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

BORACAY - As President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo presides in her second Cabinet meeting in the island resort of Boracay, the Philippine National Police (PNP) remained on full alert after a tight security of the recent Miss Earth 2009 beauty pageant.

The Cabinet meeting at Shangri-La Boracay Resort and Spa will focus on the government's implementation of rehabilitation projects in Metro Manila and Northern Luzon devastated by typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng.

More than 150 policemen from the Boracay Special Tourist Protection Office (BSTPO) and the Aklan Police Provincial Office (APPO) were deployed to beef up security for the arrival of Arroyo and her Cabinet officials in the island.

Police units in the island went on fulll alert a week before the scheduled visit of 80 Miss Earth candidates from all over the world for the November 22 coronation night.

Security remains tight at the Caticlan and Cagban jetty ports, the Shangri-La Boracay Resort and Spa in Barangay Yapak and the Kalibo International Airport in the capital town of Kalibo.

Secretary Ricardo Saludo, executive director of the Philippine Private Public Reconstruction Commission (PPPCC), will brief the President and the Cabinet of the reconstruction efforts and disaster risk reduction measures while the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) will discuss the latest development in the Global Recession Impact News (GRIN).

Other agenda of the Cabinet meeting is the report of Presidential Management Staff (PMS) Chief Secretary Hermogenes Esperon on the status of President Arroyo's State of the Nation Address (SONA) projects on education, economy and the environment (3Es).

Last March, President Arroyo convened her Cabinet at the Boracay Terraces Resort to strengthen the tourism industry. She urged the tourists to visit the premier beach destination amid the global financial crisis, citing, the government will continue to be a strong partner in the promotion of the country's natural beauty spots.

Shortly after the meeting, Arroyo held a "unity walk for tourism" along Boracay’s world famous white beach with her Cabinet members.

Brazil is Miss Earth 2009
BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

BORACAY - Miss Brazil Larissa Ramos was crowned as this year's Miss Earth in the grand coronation night held at Boracay EcoVillage Resort and Convention Center on Sunday evening.
Ramos, 20, a biology student in Universidade Federal do Amazonas, won over 80 earth beauties from all over the world for the prestigious title of Miss Earth.
Prior to joining Miss Earth, Ramos took the title of Beleza Brasil 2009 representing the state of Amazonas and was chosen as one of the finalists in the Top Model competition in Amazona, Brazil from 1,572 applicants conducted by Amazon Empório Magazine in partnership with Karin Models Paris. Ramos is the third Brazilian who won the coveted title of Miss Earth since Priscilla Mereilles in 2004.
Sandra Seifert of host country Philippines was the 2009 Miss Earth Air, Jessica Barboza of Venezuela was Miss Earth Water and Alejandra Echeverria of Spain was crowned Miss Earth Fire.

Major awards were awarded to Miss Tanzania Evelyne Tausi for Best in National Costume, Miss Philippines Sandra Seifert for Best in Swimsuit and Best in Evening Gown, Miss Tahiti Niuriki Teremate for Miss Talent, Miss Czech Republic Tereza Budkova for Miss Photogenic and Miss Switzerland Graziella Rogers for Miss Friendship.

Miss Jamaica Jenaae Jackson won the special award for Best in Eco-Design Wear, Miss Albania Suada Saliu for Best in Use of Indigenous Products Wear, Miss Puerto Rico Dignelis Jimenez for Miss Placenta, Miss Guam Maria Luisa Santos for Pasigandahan Award and Miss Czech Republic Tereza Budkova for Best in Eco-Bag Design Wear.

Other finalists in the 2009 Miss Earth were Alejandra Castillo Munera of Colombia, Pascale Nelide of Martinique, Izabela Wilczek of Poland and Rujinan Phanseethum of Thailand.

The semi-finalists were Magalie Thierry of France, Nonna Diakonidze of Georgia, Shriya Kishore of India, Yeju Park of Korea, Kayleigh O'Reilly of Northern Ireland, Gabriela Rejala of Paraguay, Valerie Lim of Singapore and Chanel Grantham of South Africa.

The beauty pageant is organized by Carousel Productions, Inc. and televised by ABS-CBN Channel 2 and The Filipino Channel. In the 9th edition of Miss Earth, a new crown was unveiled and was designed by Ramona Haar, an environmentalist jewelry designer from Florida.

The host/ presenter of Miss Earth 2009 coronation pageant were Sports Unlimited television host Marc Nelson, model Borgy Manotoc and Swiss model-turned MTV Asia VJ Sandra Marie Go Meier.

More chartered flights from Taiwan seen to boost tourism
BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

KALIBO, Aklan – Taiwan market further boosts its tourism traffic with the opening of chartered flights from Taipei to Kalibo by Philippine Airlines starting December.

By December 9, the flag carrier Philippine Airlines will be using its 150-seater A320 aircraft to accommodate the increasing number travelers from Taiwan to Kalibo.

PAL also operates the twice-weekly direct charter services from Hangzhou in mainland China to Kalibo.
Over 18,000 Taiwanese tourists traveled to the island of Boracay or about 14 percent of the expected 132,000 visitors to the Philippines in the first ten months of the year from only 3,621 in 2007.

Taiwan is among Boracay's top five international tourist markets which was boosted by the regional flights of Mandarin Airlines, TranAsia Airways and China Airlines from Taipei and Kaohsiung to the Kalibo International Airport, the gateway to the country’s premier island destination of Boracay.
The airport handles more than 400,000 passengers yearly, mostly local tourists serviced by Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, PAL Express, Zest Airways and travelers of the twice-weekly flights from Shanghai, China by Shanghai Airlines and Incheon, South Korea of Mandarin Airlines.
In mid-October, Taiwanese carrier Mandarin Airlines also launched its direct charter flights to Kalibo to attract leisure seekers from Taichung in central Taiwan and to allow local travel and tour operators to tap Taiwanese visitors.

To lure more Taiwanese tourists, the Department of Tourism conducted presentations in three big cities of Kaohsiung, Taichung and Taipei, in Taiwan for the upcoming winter months and the Chinese New Year in February 2010.

Boracay, an island resort in the province of Aklan, is considered the ultimate destination of honeymooners and families from Taiwan that offers white sand beaches, great restaurants and modern resorts.

Boracay host to 80 beauty queens
BY ARMIN ADINA

The world famous island paradise of Boracay is the setting of the 9th Miss Earth beauty pageant—with the newly built Boracay Ecovillage Resort and Convention Center as venue for the coronation night on November 22, to be aired at 10 p.m. on ABS-CBN.
Boracay is hosting 80 Miss Earth candidates, now billeted at the Fairways and Blue Water.
This is the first time the Miss Earth finals will be conducted outside Luzon. Its first seven editions were held in Metro Manila, while last year’s was at the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga.
Likewise, this is the first time Boracay is hosting an international beauty contest. Pageant organizer Carousel Productions said it will take full advantage of the magnificent location.
“We will show the beauty of Boracay from sunrise until after sundown. The production will show the pageant night as if it happened throughout the day,” Carousel executive vice president Lorraine Schuck told Inquirer Entertainment during the candidates’ press presentation Nov. 4 in “Mader’s Garden,” the Pasig City residence of beauty guru Ricky Reyes.
At the same press presentation, Schuck revealed another surprise: “The pageant’s official jeweler Ramona Haar designed a new crown, embellished with some 80 gemstones donated by countries participating in the pageant.”
To adhere to the pageant’s environmental thrust, the new crown also used 100 percent recycled precious metals comprised of 14-karat gold and argentums sterling silver. It is estimated to cost $100,000 and will require escorts to guard it wherever it is displayed, said Schuck.
These developments approximate the upgrades that rival beauty tilt Miss Universe made this year. The Donald Trump-owned pageant was held in a resort destination, the Bahamas, and also revealed a new crown.
The Miss Universe contest marked its first back-to-back win with Venezuela’s Stefania Fernandez, taking the title from compatriot Dayana Mendoza.
Hometown bet Sandra Inez Seifert is poised to inherit the crown from outgoing queen Karla Paula Henry, also of the Philippines.
Seifert, a Negros-raised Filipino-German nurse, already snagged two major preliminary awards—Best in Swimsuit and Best in Evening Gown.

SP OK’s Aklan Children’s Code
BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL / Manila Bulletin

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/230400/aklan-provincial-council-oks-ordinance-child-protection

KALIBO, Aklan - The Aklan Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) finally approved the draft ordinance on children on Thursday morning.
As principal author of Aklan Children’s Code, SP member Daisy Sucro-Briones lauded the passage of the provincial ordinance on third reading that will ensure the protection of children against all forms of abuse and exploitation and improve the quality of life of Aklanon children to develop their potentials and participate in community life and nation building.

Aklan Children's Code is one of the landmark ordinances ratified by the legislative council under the leadership of presiding officer and Vice Governor Gabrielle Calizo-Quimpo. Three other ordinances on environment, investments and incentives and tourism were approved by the Aklan SP.

Under the ordinance, the province of Aklan has committed to the implementation of the Early Childhood Development and has created the Council for the Protection of Children to implement programs and projects for children.
Once signed into an ordinance, a comprehensive program for children will be formulated by the province and municipalities for at least a three-year period for the protection, prevention and rehabilitation programs for children.
Other proactive programs for children are parenting orientation courses, health care, recreational and cultural programs and children’s month and children’s day celebration.
A Provincial Council for the Protection of Children (PCPC) chaired by Aklan Governor Carlito Marquez and a Desk for Children’s Concerns under the Office of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development are established for the implementation of the Aklan Children’s Code.

The province of Aklan is also encouraged to establish a 24-hour residential care for Children in Conflict with the Law and Crisis Intervention Center for abused children.
The code was unanimously approved and ratified following a plenary debate on some amendments introduced by Briones regarding the position of a local internet café on the control on children’s exposure to internet cafes.
Briones, however, withdrew her motion for reconsideration and batted for the ratification of the proposed Children’s Code in the final and third reading during the 42nd regular session yesterday.

Meanwhile, ECPAT Philippines, an organization aiming to end child prostitution, child pornography and the trafficking of children conducted an orientation and briefing of the Situational Analysis of the Effects of Tourism on Children on October 21 with the stakeholders.

Take it or Leave it
BY JUN PRADO

Not just common sense

Some bloke asked me what my New Year’s resolution is. “Well,” I said, “this year, I’m determined to face life with a stiff upper lip, a firm chin, my feet firmly on the ground, my head high in the air, my nose to the grindstone, my ear to the ground and my shoulder to the wheel.”

It was their first Valentine date and after a few drinks he thought the time was right. So our hero leaned over and whispered in her ear. “How about coming over to my flat tonight?” She replied, “I suspect my anticipation of your proclivities in the esoteric aspects of sexual behavior preclude such an erotic confrontation. “He scratched his head, “I don’t get it.” “Exactly,” came the ready answer.

If Santa failed to deliver the bonanza President GMA prayed for her pro-poor program, then I believe it’s about the crudest and cruelest way to make the poor feel poorer.

Some pundits claim that Ate Glo’s vaunted cadres of political and economic advisers are losing their luster. They say that instead of being true-blue FOGS (Friends of Gloria) they become its acronym, yeah – foggy!

An early Cabinet rigodon is what they’re asking for. But don’t you think it will be just like changing horses in midstream?

They swear that the only thing you can never say that cashiered Nani Perez of Batangas is a bare-faced politico is his moustache. I really don’t know what’s so special about Nani Perez’s nose – that it has to be underlined!

Why is ABBREVIATION such a long word?

Procrastination is the vile of life, especially if you don’t know how to spell it!

Safe sex? It’s a matter of condom sense! Not just a common sense.

I keep fit by wrestling with my conscience. My wife keeps fit by jumping to conclusions!

It is a recession when your best friend loses his job. It is a depression when you lose yours. It is a recovery when the President loses hers. Impeachment, anyone?

But we really have to hand it to Ate Glo ‘cuz in these dreary days of grey and sleepy pro-packaged politicos, she knows how to rise and shine mustering quick decisions and using tactful alternatives. How I want to dance the Cha-Cha with her.

Miriam Defensor Santiago once told columnist Joe Guevara that she is a self-made woman. “That, Madam Miriam,” Joe reparteed, “relieves the Almighty of a terrible responsibility!”

My bitter half has just started a new unique diet this year. No more eating her own words, no more swallowing her pride and no more quitting her foot in her mouth.

I know a man who gave up smoking, drinking, sex and rich food. He was so darn healthy until the day he killed himself!

So don’t kill yourself by reading this trash!!

READ THE BIBLE!

'Bora'
BY ALDRIN CARDON

I have seen the two faces of Boracay.

Like the mythical Janus, Bora, as today’s youth call the Philippines’ most famous island paradise, has become a jungle, with flashing lights replacing its twinkling stars at night, and the noise of RnB unmistakenly giving it the youthful vibe, which my past continues to haunt with memories of silent nights and mosquito bites.
My paradise is lost.
It was forever gone when the Ayalas bought the big parcel of land where the nipa cottages of my uncle’s family used to stand. Now a mall, so modern one would mistake it for some similar edifice in Makati or Manila, occupies much of the beachfront, which at night, shines with lights of various colors, maybe teasing fish which once nibbled at my feet when my young, carefree skin once dipped in its pristine waters of old, when Escherichia coli was yet a by-word among its local people, when Bora — or Boracay — was still paradise.
What is now a paradise for today’s generation is a completely different one.
The mid-rises for hotels, the apartment buildings, the flashy houses owned by several big names, many among them politicians or former politicians, have transformed my paradise into the jungle it has become.
They called it development, when the concrete houses started to rise, shaming the nipa-roofed cottages that have once attracted the tourists and their dollars. They gave way to modern cottages eventually, giving Boracay a new luster, and attracting bigger groups, mostly locals, who are a different kind of tourists, many of whom have contributed to the island’s desecration, and have caused the foreign tourists to shy away, preferring Bali in Indonesia instead, although not a few claim Boracay is better seen even (and felt) even with eyes closed.
There has been an influx of new residents as “development” came. Manny Pacquiao is even rumored to own one of the most luxurious estates built in one corner of the island.
A golf course was laid out, and there were suggestions to connect Boracay with the main island of Aklan, to which residents and purists protested at, as it would bring an influx of unwanted tourists who would further pollute its air and water.
New government rules have also limited ownership of Boracay’s land, forcing owners and the indigenous Ati’s to sell or transfer ownership of their “excess” properties to evade confiscation or government intervention.
Government, both local and national, has also encouraged investments which came at a dizzying pace, transforming Boracay into Bora, now truly a tourist hub where everything is for sale, where everything is offered at a price.
Boracay has lost its innocence, with its people gladly accepting the changes that had come with many and various problems which would destroy the island very soon.
A boat ride would reveal the difference between what many see as Boracay’s face and what remains of the old Boracay at the back. They are like a quick trip to Tondo and a leisurely drive along the side greens of Bulacan’s highways, where Bora is becoming overcrowded and dirty, while Boracay retains its purity, so clean and quiet and close to Eden.
I remember the first time I set foot in its very fine white sand, and that was many years ago, when just the mere lapping of waves against the front’s big stones evoked serenity. There was a certain stillness in Boracay then that I thought the world had stopped revolving.

Well, it did really, even as we headed into the night in a certain quietness, disturbed only by the chug-a-chug of the generator set giving the Bazoora disco its own life, until everyone had come home to lay peace in bed, or gaze at the stars in the beach that was once truly a paradise.
Today’s Bora no longer sleeps and it has lost its allure with deep eye bags.

Boracay hits 547,931 tourists from January to October - DOT
BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

(Akeanon) Masobra tunga sa milyon nga turista , nailistang tourist arrivals sa Boracay sa sueod it 10 nga buean / Bombo Radyo

http://www.bomboradyo.com/other_dialect.asp?ID=119297

BORACAY – Tourist arrivals in the island of Boracay posted 547,931 for the first ten months, data of the Municipal Tourism Office showed.
Domestic arrivals registered 368,968 while foreigners accounted for 28.90 percent or 158,112 of the total tourist arrivals. Overseas Filipinos also tallied 20,851 from January to October this year.
Of the 158,112 foreigners, 36.10 percent or 57,018 Koreans visited the island followed by China with 23,902 and Taiwan with 18,659 tourists.
The three neighboring countries with weekly chartered flights to Kalibo International Airport accounted for 63 percent of the total foreigners in Boracay Island or 99,579 arrivals.
Americans also recorded 10,162 arrivals followed by Hongkong with 5,616, United Kingdom with 4,177, Australia with 4,168, Japanese with 3,983, German tourists had 3,877 and Canadians with 3,126 arrivals.
East Asians from Japan, Korea, Hongkong, China and Taiwan totaled 109,178 tourist arrivals, North America composed of Canada, United States and Mexico numbered 13,410 arrivals, Western Europe countries of Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, France, Austria and Switzerland registered 9,563 tourists and North Europe (Denmark, Ireland, Finland, Norway, Sweden and United Kingdom) with 9,106 tourists.
Last month, tourist arrivals reached 41,035 of which 25,892 are domestic tourists and 14,381 are foreigners. The months of April and May combined for 189,634 tourists while the month of September has the lowest arrivals with 37,113.
Boracay, adjudged by Smart Travel Online magazine as one of the best leisure destinations in Asia, targets to surpass the 600,000 tourists this year in the onset of peak season.

Call of the wild
BY JINGGOY I. SALVADOR

THEY are the infamous wild bunch of Boracay - tall, tanned, tressed and buffed men who prance around the island half naked day in and out 365 days in a year.
Not much clothing needed for these guys.
Heck I don't blame them, if anyone has this gift of physique-a body of a god, they would do the same. Plus it equates no less laundry.
These men are locals or chose to drop everything and uproot themselves from somewhere and decide to live in Boracay and become a local.
I have heard the same stories countless times from islanders who gave up the urban lifestyle in exchange for island living, I have come close to that decision.
Everybody knows them by Bombom boys, probably because they beat drums -- a lot of drums. The synchronized rhythm they create will put you in a trance and get you moving to the beat. Adding a more unique flavor to their music is the sound of the didgeridoo.
But there is more. These music makers will not only dance to their own tunes, they will play with fire as well. With poi, baton, staff or fire sticks, these men can light up the night in so more ways than one.
Thus, like the Pied Piper, once they start playing their tune, form wherever they are, everyone who hears the bom-boms and the tom-toms follow the beat. Is it the music, is it the beautiful bodies gyrating to music or fire-dancing or is it the animal appeal they exude that calls everyone's attention?
Whatever it is, the boys have conjured the perfect formula to their success and they the most in-demand talent Boracay has produced with gigs to just about all the main events in and out of the island.
So what's next?
Having made everyone's event a success hopping from one joint to another, these boys have finally found their own home. A lair far from where the maddening crowd usually gathers when in Boracay at the South end of the White Beach.
They call it the Jungle Bar, they own it, designed it, run it and having a great time doing so.
Jungle Bar is now one of the must go-to joints in Boracay. On nights of the full moon, there is no place you would rather be in. On other nights, this bar is the place of preference to chill in for the locals as well as foreign tourists. This is the inl jungle that is so relaxed, unpretentious, fun, friendly and most of all crazy- in a good way.
It is a long walk along the shore from the usual night scene but a much shorter hike from the tricyle drop off point at the Angol Road. But on a night filled with anticipation ÿof fun and excitement you won't notice the distance, much more at the end of it when you have a couple of that famous "F-ck you, Archie" shooters. Archie happens to be a bombom boy as well.
These are the icons of Boracay, the Bombom Boys and their "trance" music, that great big teardrop lamp- the shining directional landmark at night showing the crowd where Jungle Bar is and the firedancing.
And I thought there were only three. There is another, the drink I mentioned above. One should never leave the island not getting a shot of this potion.Heed the call of the wild. If you follow your instincts, it will surely lead you to Jungle Bar.
(Comments? Suggestions? email me at jinggoysalvador@gmail,com. I promise not to promise to reply right away.)

Pacquiao wins by 12th-round technical knockout

BY FABULOUS FORUM / LA Times

If there was any doubt Manny Pacquiao was the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, he answered that Saturday with a dominating victory over world welterweight champion Miguel Cotto, stopping the Puerto Rican at 55 seconds of the 12th round at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Pacquiao, the only fighter in history to win seven titles in seven weight classes, took control of the fight in the second round and never let up, knocking Cotto down twice.

By the end Cotto was bleeding from cuts near both eyes as well as from his nose and his white boxing trunks with stained pink with his own blood.

Cotto, who clearly hasn't been the same fighter since his brutal 11-round loss to Antonio Margarito in this same ring 16 months ago, spent most of the night backpedaling. In the final round referee Kenny Bayless had to step in and remind Cotto to keep his hands up. When Cotto couldn't do that, the referee stepped in to stop things.
Round 12

This is it--although clearly the fight has been over for some time. The blood coming from the cut near Cotto's eye is gushing now and referee Kenny Bayless has to continue to remind him to keep his gloves up. Finally Bayless steps in to stop with more than two minutes to go.
Round 11

There is a cut next to Cotto's left eye, sending a trickle of blood down that side of his already battered face. Pacquiao has just been too quick and elusive for the bigger Cotto, who still can't solve the Filipino. Freddie Roach's fighters aren't big on defense and Pacquiao isn't backing off know.

At the start of the second minute of the round, he gets Cotto in the red corner and lands several punches, none of which Cotto answerd. Thiirty seconds later they're back in the same corner with the same result. There would be little argument if the fight was stopped now. Cotto may not be defenseless but he has no offense. As the final seconds of the round tick down, Cotto backpedals away as Pacquiao again stops, dropping his hands to his side in disgust. Pacquiao wins the round, 10-8

Round 10
This time it's Cotto who makes the sign of the cross at the bell. His white trunks are now stained with blood and both eyes are nearly swollen closed. The only punches he's able to connect with on a regular basis are left jabs and they aren't doing much damage. Cotto continues to backpedal and Pacquiao continues to chase him.With 42 seconds left, Pacquiao pauses in the center of the ring, drops his hands and takes a deep sigh and if to challenge Cotto to make this a fight instead of a track meet. Pacquiao wins the round 10-9
Round 9

Cotto needs a big punch now. And while Pacquiao knows that he remains on the offensive. Cotto gain keeps the right back, content to lob left-handed jabs. Pacquiao gets off a good three-punch combinaiton early in the round, the again traps Cotto against the ropes three times. The final time, with 87 seconds left, really hurts him. Cotto is ready to go down. It's only a matter of time now. Cotto looks--and is boxing lke -- a battered fighter and Pacquiao can sense that. Cotto is now bleeding heavily from his nose into his mouth. Pacquiao wins the round 10-9
Round 8

The chant is now Let's Go Manny. The Puerto Rican fans answer with a feeble Cotto, Cotto. But like their fighter, their hearts clearly are not in it. Pacquiao is mixing both the right and left hands now. Cotto gets off another straight to Pacquiao's face that stuns him. Cotto may have a problem with his left hand. He doesn't appear to be using it at all. Cotto continues to fight backward and the round ends with him backed into his corner, saved from further damage by the bell. Pacquiao wins the round, 10-9
Round 7

The fight of the year is quickly becoming a rout. Cotto hasn't been the dominant fighter he once was since taking a beating from Antonio Margarito in this same ring in July 2008. But Pacquiao is simply taking him apart. Cotto can't match the Filipino's speed and when the two go toe-to-toe, Pacquiao is the harder puncher as well. Cotto really hasn't landed more than a handful of clean shots since the opening round. Although he nails Pacquiao with the shot to the face in the opening seconds of the final minute. That startles Pacquiao, who takes a few seconds to regroup. But the round again ends with Cotto on the run. Pacquiao wins the round 10-9
Round 6

Cotto needs to get back into the fight but he's not going to try to do it with one punch. With Pacquiao going for the head consistently, Cotto is now able to duck punches. Pacquiao may need to change a bit. With 1:32 left in the round, he gets Cotto on the ropes and gets off a combination but Cotto escapes. Pacquiao gets him again in the middle of the ring with another two shots. Cotto's face is showing the damage, looking red and perhaps a bit swollen.

Pacquiao twice gets Cotto on the ropes in the final 15 seconds and almost gets him down for a third time but he inexplicably stops for just a second, allowing Cotto to recover and the round ends with Cotto counterpunching. Pacquiao 10-9
Round 5

The Filipino half of the crowd breaks into another chant of Manny, Manny, Manny. And this time it's Cotto who is backing away. Pacquiao is fighting forward now. But instead of going to the body of the bigger Cotto, as was expected, he's going straight at the Puerto Rican's head, perhaps hoping to expand the cut under Cotto's eye. Pacquiao appears supremely confident but he makes a mistake with 30 seconds left, throwing a wild punch that leaves his wide open. Cotto can't take advantage, through, and the round again ends with Pacquiao swarming all over the befuddled Cotto. Pacquiao, 10-9
Round 4

Cotto, looking for an opening, gets off a couple of good lefts early in the round but they apppear to have little effect. Pacquiao appears content to bide his time, dancing away from Cotto and making him chase. But he punches as he moves and the two fighters exchange a brutal flurry with less than 90 seconds left in the round.

Cotto gets Pacquiao pinned against the ropes and momentairily gains the advnatage. But Pacquiao escapes and as the two fighers mvoes to the center of the ring, Cotto goes down again. This time, all the way down for a hard left to the chin. He looks hurt and he's bleeding below one eye. Pacquiao 10-8
Round 3

Pacquiao makes the sign of the cross before coming out his corner for the third round. Cotto throws a left that Pacquiao sidesteps and, with Cotto off balance, he stumbles. Although he never falls completely to the canvas, going to one knee, referee Kenny Bayless calls it a knockdown. Pacquiao's speed, which surprised so many other fighers, apppears to be too much for Cotto, who continues to punch at spots Pacquiao just left. Pacquiao wins the round 10-8
Round 2

Cotto continues to push the action. Pacquiao can't seem to get close enough the bigger, stronger Cotto to get in a good shot. But about halfway through the round he finds an opening and delivers a combination. Seconds later Cotto responds, getting Pacquiao against the ropes and delivering a flurry of punches. Although the action is fast, few of the punches seems to be doing much damage. Until Pacquiao gets off a rapid-fire three-punch combination with about 15 seconds left. The crowd is on its feet. When the bell sounds, Pacquiao drops his gloves and stares at Cotto. Pacquiao wins round, 10-9
Round 1

A huge roar went up for the crowd at the opening bell. Cotto startled Pacquiao with a shot to the head about halfway through the round but it didn't seem to hurt the Filipino. In fact, abot half a minute later Pacquiao was on the offensive. The two fighters clinched to start the final minute as the Puerto Rican half of the crowd roars Cotto Cotto Cotto. Cotto misses with a wild uppercut with 14 seconds left as the action picks up. Cotto wins the round 10-9

Pacquiao was the first fighter into the ring. Wearing red trunks littered with logos he went straight to his corner and knelt in prayer. Cotto followed minutes later wearing a scowl and white thunks with red stripes.
MGM’s soldout Grand Garden Arena began buzzing with anticipation for the Miguel Cotto-Manny Pacquiao showdown as soon as the final fight on the entertaining eight-bout undercard ended.
Before a punch has even been thrown, many observers have already christened it the fight of the year. And if the prebout hype is any indication, it may live up to the that billing.
Following the final preliminary bout, the ring immediately filled with entourages representing both fighters, the Pacquiao camp carrying a Philippine flag and the Cotto side unveiling a Puerto Rican banner. A trio of singers performed three anthems -- one for the Philippines, one for Puerto Rico and the final for the U.S., the start of which was drowned out by cheers from some of Cotto's supporters.
Among the 16,000 in the arena -- but not in the ring -- were baseball’s Derek Jeter, basketball’s Magic Johnson, football’s Brandon Jacobs, entertainers Mario Lopez, Will Ferrell, Sean Combs, Mark Wahlberg, Joe Pesci, Mickey Rourke and Jeremy Piven and boxers Shane Mosley and Tommy Hearns.

Free public viewing of Pacman-Cotto boxing fight

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

KALIBO, Aklan - The provincial government is again offering free live telecast of the much awaited fight between pound-for-pound king Emmanuel Pacquiao (49-3-2, 37 KOs) and Puerto Rican boxer Miguel Angel Cotto (34-1, 27 knockouts) this November 15.

The public viewing for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title fight is sponsored by Aklan Governor Carlito Marquez, Aklan Rep. Florencio Miraflores and aired by Kalibo Cable Television Network, beginning at 8 a.m.

The last free public viewing of Pacquiao boxing match against British champion Ricky Hatton gathered thousands of residents and supporters at the Gov. Augusto B. Legaspi Sports Complex last May.

Filipino boxing icon Pacquiao knocked out Hatton in the second round for the International Boxing Organization (IBO) light-welterweight crown at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Last December 2008, Pacquiao also defeated boxing legend Oscar "Golden Boy" dela Hoya in the 8th round in the welterweight division.

Cotto, the natural welterweight, dominated Michael Jennings in the fifth round last February 2009 at the Madison Square Garden for the WBO welterweight belt and won by split decision against Jorge Courtney in his last fight.

As expected, over 2,500 boxing fans could watch the fight dubbed "Firepower" on wide screens at the Gov. Augusto B. Legaspi Sports Complex while the local government of Kalibo headed by Mayor Raymar Rebaldo also offers free live telecast of Pacquiao's fight at the Kalibo Magsaysay Park.

Two restaurants in the capital town of Kalibo and at APSTA Center courtesy of Aklan Cable Television Network will air the live boxing match for P150. In Boracay Island, hotels and resorts are charging P150 to P495 with free lunch and rounds of beer for their pay-for-view clients for the Pacquiao-Cotto 12-round boxing duel.

At the weigh-in yesterday, Pacquiao, who has won ten straight fights since early 2005, weighed in at 144 pounds while Cotto came in at 145 pounds. If Pacquiao wins against Cotto, the Filipino champion is the first fighter in boxing history to win championship belts in seven different weight classes.

In the undercard, undefeated Mexican boxer Julio Cesar Chavez Jr will be facing Troy Rowland in a ten-round middleweight bout while three-time Puerto Rican world champion Daniel Santos will fight Israeli Yuri Foreman for the World Boxing Association (WBA) super welterweight title.

Vice guv urges Aklan SP to monitor landmark ordinances implementation
BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

KALIBO, Aklan – Vice Governor Gabrielle Calizo-Quimpo has challenged the Aklan Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) members to monitor the implementation of landmark provincial ordinances for tourism, environment and investments.
Aklan Investment and Incentives Code, Aklan Environment Code and the Aklan Tourism Code were enacted by the legislative council under the leadership of Calizo-Quimpo.
“We have yet to see the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) and the implementation of these ordinances. The ball is in the hands of the executive but still the Aklan SP committees should look out that what you passed will be implemented,” she said.
Calizo said the Provincial Technical Working Group (PTWG) could be tapped to finally draft the IRR and to organize the policy making council of the different sectors in tourism, investments and environment.
SP member Rodson Mayor, chairman of the Oversight Committee, has assured his colleagues that he will coordinate with the Office of the Provincial Governor and the PTWG for the drafting and the implementation of the IRR.
“The time frame is a bit unreasonable now since the provincial codes were enacted almost six months ago. I am not remised as your presiding officer to remind that these codes are implemented. It is pointless to approve these ordinances and not been able to implement,” Calizo-Quimpo said.
To fund the operation and function, an initial amount of P1-million is allocated each for the three councils. The money is sourced from the province's annual budget.
The Aklan SP passed the Aklan Investments Incentives Code through General Ordinance No. 2008-007 while its complimentary ordinance, the Tourism Code of Aklan was enacted through General Ordinance No. 2009-003.

Echoes From
BY JOHNNY DAYANG

Moral force: Conscience of the nation

At a time of uncertainties hovering in the horizon, morality is often invoked by men of great will and deeds to steer clear the destiny of a nation.
And nothing comes close to the preponderance of his unshakeable belief than the Moral Force Movement launched by Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno.
Apolitical, the Movement is fundamentally what we Filipinos, in whose hands our collective fate as a people lies, are in dire need of as we continue the struggle for a distinct national identity befitting our cultural heritage, political structure and socio-economic aspirations as part of a global community of nations.
Regrettably, the ugly head of prevarication has reared again as the people now witness the resurgence of old-style politics, the tradition of patronage that has characterized the prevailing campaign in the run-up to next year’s national elections.
Mudslinging, intrigues and all sorts of machinations are back, giving credence to impressions of moral decadence in the conduct of a political exercise.
As Chief Justice Puno has preached from the pulpit of the judiciary, we need a moral force to redirect the nation’s destiny from the abyss of corruption to the zenith of dignity, integrity and social justice.
More than words, there’s a sense of urgency to translate commitments into real, palpable and concrete gains in the uplift of the lives of the people. It goes beyond mere rhetoric.
Thanks to Chief Justice Puno, we have a Movement that has finally come to fulfill its inherent purpose as the conscience of the nation. Basically, the Movement is a litmus test of character when no one is watching.
It is to Chief Justice Puno’s credit that he has withstood attempts by vested interests to drag him into the political fray. He has shunned moves by certain politicians to identify themselves with the Movement for their selfish agenda.
It is for this exemplary leadership of Puno that the Movement has broadened its mass base of supporters as moral stewards and watchdogs – from religious and civil society groups to youth and non-government organizations.
Puno is himself the epitome of what the Movement stands for – neither pro nor anti administration or opposition.
As a moral compass, the Movement is pro-people, a call for truth, respect of the Constitution and upholding the core values of honesty, decency and above all, morality.

Aklan SP nears passage of Children's Code

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

(Akeanon) Children’s Code sa Aklan, madali eon lang nga maaprubahan / Bombo Radyo

http://www.bomboradyo.com/newsdetails1.asp?ID=118472

KALIBO, Aklan – The Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Aklan is expected to approve in third and final reading the provincial ordinance on Aklan Children’s Code in the next regular session.
SP member Daisy Briones, principal author of the proposed code, said the three committees – women, family, welfare and children, laws, rules and ordinances and the health and social services – had endorsed the approval of the Aklan Children’s Code in the second reading in yesterday's regular session.
The code aims to ensure the protection of children against all forms of abuse and exploitation and to advocate their rights and promote their welfare and development.
SP member Selwyn Ibarreta said the province will allocate an initial fund of P1-million to be taken from the 20 percent Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) for the publication of the implementing rules and regulations, training and orientation of stakeholders and promotion of the code to the general public.
A total of six fine-tuning sessions were conducted by the Provincial Technical Working Group (PTWG) and the three committees after the proposed code was referred on August 13, 2009.
“After the fine-tuning sessions, the final draft was presented to the plenary sessions last month and a public hearing was also held on October 28,” Briones said during the 41st regular session of the Aklan SP.
More than 100 stakeholders participated in the public hearing representing the various sectors from the local government units, media, schools, law enforcers, teachers, students, local social welfare workers and parent-teachers associations.
Under the proposed ordinance, the Office of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development will establish a Desk for Childen’s Concerns. The Provincial Council for the Protection of Children (PCPC) and the municipalities will also formulate a three-year comprehensive program for children, including the rehabilitation programs and prevention of children’s rights violations.
In a study in 2006 by the End Child Prostitution Child Pornography and the Trafficking for Sexual Purposes (ECPAT) Philippines confirmed the presence of minors who are victims of commercial sexual exploitation or CSEC in the island of Boracay
ECPAT has recommended for the conduct of information of dissemination and education in understanding CSEC for stakeholders, establish active partnership with the community to identify solutions and to provide basic services and assistance for victims, including psychosocial services and counseling.

Travel Diaries: Inside Boracay's 'number 1' spa
BY REYMA BUAN-DEVEZA

BORACAY - No stay at the beautiful island of Boracay is complete without a relaxing experience at a first-rate spa - and the Tirta Spa comes highly recommended.
Tirta Spa treats its clients to opulent facilities and a peaceful atmosphere through its natural settings and Zen-inspired decor of East Asian sensibility.
The complex boasts of a Zen garden, pavilions, and private suites for spa treatments.
Located at Sitio Malabunot, Manoc-Manoc, Boracay Island (Station 3), "Tirta" (from the Hindu word for "Holy Water") was conceptualized by its owner En Calvert.
Calvert named her spa "Tirta" after her successful retreat in the Himalayas, where she realized the benefits of spiritual healing and hope -- the same things she wants her clients to feel when they visit her spa.
"We have a lot of spas here and abroad but what makes Tirta different from all the rest is its good ambiance and its spiritual touch," Calvert said.
In an interview with abs-cbnNEWS.com, Calvert shared that her "haven of the senses" started from her personal pleasure to give massages and go to spas.
Armed with sufficient knowledge in starting and maintaining a spa business, Calvert opened her spa resort in Boracay in 2007, with the help of a friend who offered her a lot on the island.
Tirta offers packages like the "Before and After Sun" treatments and "Secrets of Egypt" treatments. Services at the spa cost from P2,750 to P3,250 for single treatments and P5,500 to P11,000 for spa packages.
As a world-class establishment, Tirta was awarded several times already. "We started [in] 2007 and in 2 years time, Tirta already received recognition as one of the best spas in Asia," Calvert said.
In 2008, Tirta Spa received the "Most Outstanding Health and Beauty Spa in Philippines" award from the Consumers Union of the Philippines.
In March this year, Tirta bagged a Gold Award as one of the five "Best Day Spa" from Asia Spa & Wellness Festival Gold Awards 2009 that was held in Bangkok, Thailand.
Currently, Calvert is in Singapore as her Tirta Spa has again been nominated for "Spectacular Spas -- Asia Pacific for 2009/2010" by the well-renowned Asia Spa Insitute in Singapore. /abscbnnews.com

Soothing the soul
BY DINNA CHAN VASQUEZ

These days, any establishment with more than two massage beds can call itself a spa. Kai Regency Spa, located at the Garden Wing of the Triple A-rated Boracay Regency Beach Resort and Convention Center, begs to differ.
Kai is a P50-million luxury spa located in two floors of the resort. It is designed with modern Asian influences and aims to restore the harmony and serenity into the lives of its clients with a wide array of services administered by some of the best therapists in the island, if not the country.
“From the moment you enter into these sacred places until you leave, time seems to slow down and you feel like you are in a journey through depth and beauty. Once the serenity bell chimes, your feet are washed and you are lying on the bed, your subconscious will take in your much-needed break,” says Kai’s brochure.
Indeed, Kai, which means “soothing” in Chinese, is meant to take a person away from the worries of everyday life and bring him or her to a more peaceful place, even for a short time only. Once you enter Kai's wooden doors, time stands still and you enter a peace zone where voices are hushed and movements are relaxed. The interiors were created for a total sensory experience that would help the individual achieve holistic health and wellness.
The spa has 22 rooms with interiors designed for different treatments, which includes the 90-minute Kai Signature Massage (P3,240), which has slimming and warming properties that involves the use of an aromatic thermal pad placed throughout the body, followed by a stroke massage that promotes circulation and improves muscle tone.
The Filipino Hagud (P3,024)is an age-old Filipino massage that relaxes strained and sprained bodies with a series of healing strokes. The treatment utilizes the therapeutic properties of virgin coconut oil, while Hawaiian Lomi Lomi is a deeply revitalizing Hawaiian style of massage using full body techniques applied with rhythmic grace.
Kai is divided into different areas like Imperial Suites, Emperor’s Courtyard, Royal Sanctuary, Dynasty Hall and Tropical Suite, depending on the treatment you are having or whether you prefer privacy or not.
For example, we had the Wellbeing Swedish Massage at The Emperor’s Courtyard, which is a communal massage room, for P1,026. If we had the treatment at Imperial Suites, where we could have had a room to ourself, that would have cost P3,024. Lisa, our therapist, was great with her hands and is one of the best masseurs we have come across. Her strokes were firm but not too hard and the massage left us feeling relaxed and sleepy, not dry and limp as if someone had beaten us up.
Boracay Regency resident manager Dindo Salazar explains that value for money is always on the mind of the resort chairman and president Henry Chusuey.
“He wants luxury to be accessible to more people. Value for money is always important to the company,” Salazar says.
He explains that Kai’s therapists undergo rigid training before they are allowed to “handle” guests.
“I know that they are re-trained periodically to maintain the quality of service at the spa,” Salazar adds.
One of the more interesting services offered by Kai is the Choco Lovers Moisturizing Gommage (P2,160), which gently exfoliates skin and leaves it moisturized and softly scented with chocolate.
The spa also has its soothing rituals like Tranquility (P7,560), which includes a massage, Green Tea Soothing Facial and Anti-cellulite Volcanic Mud Wrap with scrub, and Bliss (P7,020), which includes choices of scrub, Four-Hand Harmony Massage and Whitening Vitamin C Facial.
Kai has also come up with packages for couples, such as Romantic Paradise (P12,960), a 12-hour treatment that includes candlelight rose petal milk bath, aroma hot stone massage, Choco Lovers Moisturizing Gommage and a romantic dinner at Cafe Christina’s, and Ulayaw Package (P12,180), which includes candlelit rose cool bath, Anti-cellulite Volcanic Mud Wrap and Filipino Hagud Massage.
For information about Kai Regency Spa, e-mail kai@boracayregency.com or call (036)288-6111, local 426.

‘Pacquiao's Resort’ probed
BY BEN ROSARIO

Boracay West Cove Resort, now making waves in the tourism industry as “Pacquiao’s Resort,” will be the object of a congressional investigation for allegedly being constructed in a “no-build zone” atop a coral reef.
In a resolution filed Monday, Aklan Rep. Florencio T. Miraflores asked the House Committees on Natural Resources and on Ecology to investigate the accusations made by local officials in Malay town that West Cove was built in a “no-build zone” on Boracay Island.
Local folk in Boracay have tagged West Cove as “Pacquiao’s Resort,” believing that it is owned by the Filipino boxing idol who is slated to fight Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto in another sensational boxing match in Las Vegas on Nov. 15 (Manila time).
In Resolution 1470, Miraflores said residents and resort owners of the world-famous Boracay island in Malay municipality have expressed strong objections over the construction of the resort on Sitio Diniwid.
“Boracay West Cove Resort is owned by a certain Mr. Crisostomo Aquino who is allegedly a close friend of boxing champion Manny Pacquiao and Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Lito Atienza,” claimed Miraflores.
He said that “despite alleged violations of ordinances barring structures on ‘no-build zones,’ the resort continues to operate even without permits from the municipality of Malay and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).”
Miraflores claimed Aquino had admitted that the resort has a pending application for Forest Land Use Agreement for Tourism Purposes (FLAG-T) at the DENR,” thus, clearly indicating that he is still barred from constructing or operating the resort.
If finally released by the DENR, the FLAG-T permit would allow West Cove to temporarily use a total of 10,586 square meters for tourism for a period of 25 years and renewable for another 25 years.
“The area includes forest lands to be used for bathing, campsites, ecotourism destination and hotel sites which could pose potential environmental hazards and put to waste the efforts and resources of the residents to rehabilitate and save Boracay’s environment,” the Aklan solon explained.
Despite the protest, the West Cove management has already opened the resort to the public.
Pacquiao and wife, Jinkee, visited the place twice in the past. The first visit was when the popular fighter and his wife had an alleged spat, and the second was a few months before Mrs. Pacquiao gave birth to their youngest child, Queen Elizabeth.
While he admitted that Pacquiao is a close friend, Crisostomo vehemently denied that the resort is owned by the boxing hero, stressing that people suspected Pacquiao to be the owner of the place because of the latter’s visits.
Crisostomo and Atienza would be summoned by the House committees to air their side on the issue.

'Pacquiao's Resort' rises in Boracay

BORACAY ISLAND – What island folk here thought and called “Pacquiao’s Resort” is not after all owned by Filipino boxing champion Manny Pacquiao.
West Cove, a resort inspired by the world-famous destination Santorini in Greece but is popularly known as Pacquiao’s Resort, is not Manny’s but is owned by businessman Crisostomo Aquino, who is a big fan and friend of the Pacquiaos.
To island folk, however, West Cove is Pacquiao’s Resort.
And they may have reason to think this way. Twice already, Pacquiao was seen here with his family – once, apparently to patch up things with wife Jinky after a spat; and second, to “assemble” their youngest child, Queen Elizabeth.
“I'm the sole owner of the resort, but I don't mind that people think it's Manny's. Biro mo, World Champion ’yun tapos may ganung resort? Madinig pa lang ng mga tao siguradong interesado na makita at pupuntahan talaga,” said Aquino.

He added: “But I want it to be a tribute to our world champion, gusto ko na may mapupuntahan siya (sa Boracay) pag nagretire siya later on. It’s already on our plans to put up a museum in the resort. I want to put all the Pacquiao memorabilia I have collected over the years in our sports bar that is currently being finished.”
Aquino has been a big fan of Pacquiao since the champ's early career.
He met Pacquiao through Frank Nazario in the US back in 2001 and the relationship grew from there.
“There were 12 of us who watched him fight and what's amazing is that all of us felt that it was the start of Philippine boxing history. Noon pa lang nakita ko na ’yung potential ’nung bata. I followed his career and knew that he's really different, kahit na ’nung una pa lang na sunod sunod ang suntok niya and wala pang masyadong strategy. Pero pagsumuntok alam mong babagsak ’yung kalaban,” Aquino excitingly shared.
Made in Boracay Another buzz circling around the hotel is that Manny and Jinky's youngest daughter was conceived in West Cove.
“It was around two years ago nagkakatampuhan sila ni Jinky and dito sila nagkaayos, and kung bibilangin mo nga ’yung buwan malaki nga ’yung possibility na dito ginawa si Queen Elizabeth. I think it was in December of 2007 before the Marquez fight, so I know this place is memorable to Manny,” Aquino said.
If such a theory is true then Manny's daughter was concieved in the hotel's Room 108, the resort's biggest room and of course most sought-after by Filipino guests. But local and foreign tourists don't need the specific room to ignite their flames of passion. All 11 rooms in the resort face the sunset. The ambiance and scenic views are more than enough to act as catalysts for passion in the place.
"Anyone who can prove that their baby was a product of West Cove romance will receive a complimentary three days and two nights stay in our hotel," said Aquino.

P56-M infra project for Aklan ARC underway
BY GRACE QUIMPO

“More than ten years ago today, I pledged never to return to Barangay Tag-osip which is unreachable to vehicles except motorcycles unless something good will come out of the commitment of CARP. . . Today, with the onset of CARPER (CARP Extension with Reforms), also known as RA 9700, we are preparing to implement every Buruanganons dream of reaching the far-flung barangay of Tag-osip” according to Atty. Daniel Martelino of DAR-Aklan
The Department of Agrarian Reform in Aklan facilitated the validation by the Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Support Program (ARISP) III of the proposed projects in the agrarian reform communities in Buruanga, Aklan last November 4 to 6, 2009.
The validation team was headed by Engr. Imelda G. Lamboon, Senior Infrastructure Engineer Jun Mutsomoto, Institutional Development Expert Tomoki Nakamura and Rurak Infrastructure Engineer Rolando Maloles.
The Regional Project Management Office was led by Regional Director Alexis M. Arsenal and the Aklan Provincial Project Management Office headed by Martelino.
Regional and provincial representatives of the National Irrigation Administration and from the Provincial District Office of the DPWH were also present to validate the projects.
The site inspection of the proposed infrastructure development projects includes an irrigation project, three road projects and a potable water system project.
The farm-to-market road recommended for funding is the 5.4 kms. concreting of the El-Progreso – Tag-osip Road from Poblacion, Banga with a 24 Linear Meter concrete bridge with a projected cost of at least P30 million. Counterpart from the LGU would be the rehabilitation of two roads namely the 2.1 km Balusbos-Habana-Cabugan Road and the 2.7 km. Nazareth-El Progreso Road.
The rehabilitation of Buruanga – Habana Communal Irrigation System with a service area of 260 hectares includes rehabilitation of the diversion dam and concrete lining of main canals with the Municipal LGU and Buruanga Irrigator’s Service Association (BISA) jointly managing and operating the project. The project costs P260-million.

LGU has also committed P5 million equity for canal lining, right of way plus organization and management.

Another project is the Habana Potable Water System (PWS) that will benefit the 287 unserved households of the seven Sitios of Barangay Habana. The Municipal and Barangay LGU committed to jointly manage the project.
Institutional components such as the strengthening of the Tag-osip – El Progreso ARBs MPC will be facilitated while the improvement of the production and marketing system for rice and high value crops will be enhanced.

Miss Earth 2009 staging boosts Boracay's tourism
BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL / Manila Bulletin

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/230579/ms-earth-2009-boosts-boracay-s-tourism-status

BORACAY – This island paradise noted for its white sand beaches further boost its status as the premier beach destination with the staging of the prestigious Miss Earth 2009 beauty pageant this November.
Beamed across the world by ABS-CBN Channel 2 and the Filipino Channel, eighty-six earth beauties will vie for the titles Miss Earth, Miss Earth-Air, Miss Earth-Water and Miss Earth-Fire on November 22 at Boracay Ecovillage Resort and Convention Center in Barangay Yapak.
Boracay, an island off the northern tip of Aklan province, offers its enchanting beauty and unmatched grandeur of beaches not only for the Miss Earth delegates from 86 countries but also to millions of tourists from all over the world.

In 2003 Miss Earth finals, the beauties was filmed playing with kids from the island, picking shells, sunbathing, fishing and swimming in Boracay.
In the preliminaries, Evelyne Almasi from Tanzania bagged the Best in National Costume during the Miss Earth 2009 National Costume Competition at the Amazing Philippines Theater in Pasig City on November 4.Miss Puerto Rico Dignelis Jimenez was Miss Psamlstre New Placenta while Miss Guam Maria Luisa Santos received the Pasigandahan Award.

On November 14, the candidates will battle it out in the Swimsuit finals event in Fontana Leisure Park & Casino, Pampanga while on November 16, PAGCOR Grand Theater in Parañaque is the host venue of Evening Gown Competition Finals.
On November 17, the Talent Competition Finals will take place in Coron, Palawan before the world’s loveliest ladies heed off to the island of Boracay for the final rehearsals on November 19 to 21 and the Grand Coronation Night on November 22.
Organizer Carousel Productions, Inc. Executive Vice President Lorraine Schuck said the Miss Earth delegates this year have been spreading the message to live an eco-friendly lifestyle by seriously implementing the 4Rs – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Respect.
The 2009 Miss Earth Beauty Pageant is being supported by Miss Earth Foundation, Discovery Suites, Fairways and Bluewater, Fontana Leisure Parks, Boracay Ecovillage Resort and Convention Center, Alta Vista de Boracay, Mito’s Place Boracay, Patio Pacific Boracay, PAGCOR, Nestle Nesvita and Karilagan International Travel & Tours Corp, Ricky Reyes and COCOLIFE.

Aklan’s Product Showcase in Iloilo opens
BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL
(Akeanon) 7th product showcase it Aklan , pagahiwaton makaron sa Iloilo / Bombo Radyo

http://www.bomboradyo.com/other_dialect.asp?ID=117752

KALIBO, Aklan – To showcase the best and finest products of Aklan, the 7th Product Showcase will open on November 9 at the event center of SM City Iloilo.
Twenty seven micro, small and medium (MSMEs) exhibitors will bring their unique and world-class products ranging from piña loomwoven fabrics, specialty delicacies, hand-made paper crafts, processed foods, abaca crafts and nito, gifts and décor, home furniture and furnishings, specialty delicacies, clay-based products and bakery.
The one-week product showcase, which will wrap up on November 15, is a venue for local entrepreneurs in Aklan to showcase their globally-competitive products and services for export and domestic market.
It is organized by Hugod Aklanon Producers Association, Inc., the Department of Trade and Industry-Aklan Provincial Office and the provincial government of Aklan under the leadership of Governor Carlito Marquez.
The fair, right at the center of sprawling SM City Iloilo, offers convenient access for the general public and is expected to provide the participating MSMEs the widest possible exposure for their products and services.
In addition to the product showcase, the Aklan’s One-Town One-Product (OTOP), a priority program of the government to create employment and to promote entrepreneurship in the communities, will also be displayed.
The province of Aklan hopes to sustain its status as a leading supplier of world-class piña and native products and as an investment destination for businessmen and entreprenuers.
DTI-Aklan headed by Provincial Director Diosdado Cadena has organized trade fairs last year for local piña and fiber producers in SM Cebu City (3rd Visayas One-Town One-Product Fair), Kalibo, Aklan (Kalibo Ati-Atihan Product Showcase and 9th Aklan Piña and Fiber Festival), SM City Iloilo (6th Aklan Product Showcase), SMX Convention Center in Mall of Asia (International Food Exhibition 2008), Megatrade Hall in SM Megamall (National Trade Fair 2008), generating domestic sales of P9.7565-million.
According to the DTI, last year’s product showcase generated a total of P2.4131-million through direct buyers and booked orders.

Bombo Radyo partners with Aklan Red Cross for 'Dugong Bombo' blood-letting drive
BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

Blood donors and the Philippine National Red Cross Aklan during the Dugong Bombo project of Bombo Radyo Philippines at Kalibo Plaza Canteen, Kalibo Pastrana Park / PHOTO BY BOY RYAN ZABAL

KALIBO, Aklan - At least 150 blood donors have donated their blood to the Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC)-Aklan through the Dugong Bombo project of Bombo Radyo Philippines at the Kalibo Pastrana Park yesterday.

The blood-letting drive is an annual nationwide campaign in more than 20 cities across the country where Bombo Radyo and Star FM stations operate.

The activity coincides with the birthday celebration of Bombo Radyo president and chief executive Dr. Rogelio M. Florete.

Dubbed, "A Little Pain...A Life to Gain", the Dugong Bombo project aims to promote blood donation to the public and is proud to be involved in the Red Cross campaign to provide a ready pool of blood donors in times of disasters or emergencies.

DyIN Kalibo station manager Eril Ibardolasa has commended the volunteer donors for donating blood and the local sponsors and supporters of the noble project including the Philippine Army personnel from the 12th Infantry Battalion who also took part in the blood-letting campaign.

"This is the biggest Dugong Bombo program in the province, as more and more volunteers donated their blood to such a remarkable cause. You can save lives by donating blood and volunteering at the Red Cross," Ibardolasa said.

Meanwhile, PNRC chairman and Senator Richard Gordon urged more Filipinos to donate blood during the lean months to serve the increasing demand for blood in the country. He said the Red Cross has strengthened the 143 Program in the communities to ensure adequate blood supply in its blood banks.

By 2010, the Department of Health and PNRC are the only organizations authorized to collect and distribute blood.

Echoes From
BY JOHNNY DAYANG

Political Surveys

Though not faring well in opinion surveys, Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro is hardly unperturbed, strongly confident that as next year’s presidential polls are fast approaching, his popularity ratings will soar, given the emerging groundswell of support for him.
As my good friend Congressman Rodolfo G. Valencia of the First District, Province of Oriental Mindoro, has confided, Gibo – as the defense chief is being fondly called by colleagues – has slowly but surely gained significant grounds in this political battle, contrary to what some self-serving surveys say.
To cite an example, the just-concluded mock polls of the House of Representatives showed an overwhelming popular choice by legislators of Gibo not only as the party’s standard bearer, but also as the country’s next president. He is a bar topnotcher and a former congressman representing Tarlac.
Like Valencia, a former Liberal Party stalwart, now a Lakas-Kampi-NUCD-CMD convert, most of the political analysts doubt the accuracy of surveys in gauging voters’ preferences. To say the least, these tend to be biased in favor of those who commissioned and paid for the conduct of opinion polls.
Sentiments are highly fluid and tentative and can fluctuate anytime depending on the political climate.
If we recall, there were candidates in previous elections who failed miserably in opinion ratings. Yet, surprisingly, they handily won with more votes that what pollsters had earlier speculated. And for sure, such pattern of election outcome may prevail again.
Unlike in the past, Filipinos voters are now matured and highly discerning and discriminating, not easily swayed by grandstanding, campaign promises or propaganda barrage.
Not even wealth, celebrity status or purportedly democracy can diminish the people’s untiring clamor for a decent, honest and responsible government they can call their own.
They had learned bitter lessons from electing public officials who turned out to be morally bankrupt, inept and unfit.
This time, it will be a different story. It is likely that voters will go along with presidential aspirants who have proven leadership qualities, long term vision and the noblest interests of the nation in mind and at heart.
While he has the full backing of the party in power, Gibo – who comes from a family of public servants – wants to endear himself to the electorate, preferring to stand on his own merits – youth, idealism and unwavering commitment to serve.

'All-Pinoy' Winter League basketball in Ireland
BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

The heat is on for the 1st Winter League Basketball Tournament at Charlesland in Ireland on November 7.
Organized by Friends of Charlesland (FOC) Ireland, a total of six teams will vie for this year's "Papawis sa Tag-ulan" basketball crown at the newly constructed Shoreline Recreation and Swimming Center every Saturday.
Filipinos legally residing in Ireland, mostly nurses and care assistants will suit up for Xevian, Charlesland, All-Savings, St. Columcilles, Fabrero and Dun Laogshire teams in a double-round robin elimination for a ten-week season.
Tyrone Zabal of Kalibo, Aklan said the FOC, which was established in 2007, is an organization of Filipino families living in Charlesland, Greystones in County Wicklow.
"FOC was primarily formed for family activities like summer fest and christmas parties. The group is planning also to organize the Summer league in April to unify the Filipino communities in the area and to bring the families closer together," said Zabal, who is supported by Lorenz Sadio, Cris Espino and Paul Dagbay in the first-ever basketball tournament of FOC Ireland.
ABS-CBN Balitang Europe-Ireland will cover the opening ceremony on November 7. In the first game, Dun Laogshire battles Xevian while St. Columcilles collides Charlesland in the main game.
County Wicklow is one of the counties of Ireland, within the province of Leinster. Among its main towns include Greystones in the east coast.

Fastrack Aklan River dredging, Aklan SP urges DPWH
BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL / Manila Bulletin

KALIBO, Aklan – Public Works and Highways legal counsel Mary Grace Lim allays fears of the Aklan Sangguniang Panlalawigan members in the significant delay of project implementation of the proposed Aklan River dredging project.
The P100-milion fund sourced from the Calamity Fund of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for 2009 was supposed to start on June 18, 2009 for the dredging and excavation of the heavily silted Aklan River.
Lim said the suspension pending approval of the Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has caused the delay of the initial implementation of the P100-million dredging project.
The project directly supervised by the DPWH regional office incurred a negative slippage of 6.87 percent as of September 2009, although, the project was temporarily suspended pending the approval of ECC application.
”The original plan and scope of work need no ECC since the dredged materials are disposed along the riverbanks, however, with the revised plan between the DPWH and the provincial government, we have to wait for the ECC of DENR for the disposal outside the original areas,” Lim said before the Aklan Sangguniang Panlalawigan members in session yesterday.
Adding to the delay is the underwater investigation reports of a team of contractual divers this week to assess the Aklan River prior to approval and issuance of ECC.
BIG WORRY

Aklan SP member Rodson Mayor, for his part, urged the DPWH to expedite the ECC after typhoon Frank devastated the province and submerged the towns along the Aklan River of mudflows last year.

"Aklanons developed that kind of panic and are worried that the Aklan River would overflow again from heavy rains, forcing evacuations of displaced families as the flood threatened low-lying areas along the riverbank," he said.

Last July, Mayor said, DPWH regional director Rolando Asis, Presidential Assistant for Western Visayas and Aklan Governor Carlito Marquez had discussed the implementation of the dredging project in consultation with the local chief executives.

AKLAN RIVER DREDGING

The project involves the dredging of the existing river width to a maximum 600 meters from the mouth of the Aklan River, an 80-kilometer river from upstream of Libacao with an elevation of 1,320 above sea level transversing to the towns of Kalibo and Numancia near Sibuyan Sea.
The identified disposal areas of the total estimated 202,000 cubic meters of waste materials are to the left and right side easement along the river extending 20 to 30 meters on both banks for 44,000 cubic meters, which could extend up to 400 meters, the enhancement of the beach to accommodate at least 25,000 cubic meters and the alternative site at the mouth of the Aklan River-Sibuyan Sea for 133,000 cubic meters of materials.
The initial plan is to utilize the easement or the existing riverbanks in the disposal and to provide safety measures by providing sand bags to ensure the dredged materials will not go back to the Aklan River.
The proposed width of dredging is from 350 to 600 meters and the depth of excavation is ranging from 0.50 meter to 2 meters depending on the cross-section of the Aklan River.
Lim said the province has requested with DPWH and the winning contractor to dispose the waste materials for beach nourishment near the mouth of the Aklan River.
The contractor, Lim added, could also enter into a service contract with the provincial government using the newly acquired dredging machines to augment the implementation of the dredging project.
The project was awarded to International Builders Corporation last June 2009 for the repair and rehabilitation of Aklan River Control and dredging for 510 calendar days.
DELAY DREDGING PROJECT

Lim said the Iloilo River dredging project sourced from the initial P481-million fund approved by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is also suspended since the DENR has yet to complete the inventory of mangroves within the dredging site.

It was learned that environmentalists questioned the cutting of mangrove trees along the Dungon creek without the necessary permits from DENR.
Meanwhile. Provincial Engineer Victory Fernandez said the dredging machines of the province are operational next month.

US DOJ-led investigative trainings for Aklan cops underway
BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

(Akeanon) US, magapanguna sa training it mga pulis sa Aklan / Bombo Radyo
http://www.bomboradyo.com/other_dialect.asp?ID=117218

KALIBO, Aklan - The Aklan Police Provincial Office (APPO) under the leadership of Senior Supt. Epifanio Bragais, Jr. will undergo Integrated Transformation Program (ITP) trainings in Boracay Island and the capital town of Kalibo this November.
The trainings, facilitated and funded by the United States Department of Justice International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program (ICITAP), will run from November 9 to December 18, 2009 at Casa Pilar Beach Resort in Boracay Island and at the Gov. Corazon L. Cabagnot Tourism and Training Center in Barangay Old Buswang, this town.
Bragais said the ICITAP offers trainings to Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel to enhance their investigative and administrative capabilities with focus on crime scene investigation, community policing and instructor development.

Bragais, who assumed as Aklan police director two months ago, stressed that Kalibo police station and the Boracay Special Tourist Protection Office (BSTPO) are also cited as Model Police Station (MPS) projects.
Three APPO police instructors - Police Officer 3 Jose Rupe Panganonong, APPO deputy Public Information Officer Police Officer 2 Nida Gregas and Police Officer 2 Aubrey Taladtad of the Women and Children' Concern Desk will assist in the ICITAP trainings, he added.

Gregas said ICITAP offers basic and advanced training courses on Narcotics Interdiction for operations and anti-narcotics operatives, Crime Scene Photography with First Responders and Crime Laboratory personnel, Technical Writing and Public Speaking, Human Rights for Desk Officers, Executive Development and Leadership and Restorative Justice and Juvenile Justice.

Last year, ICITAP conducted Model Police Trainings throughout the country on law enforcement operations to strengthen community relationships and to upgrade the capabilities and improve the services in the police station level.

Aside from comprehensive trainings to support the ITP, the ICITAP has been working closely with APPO by donating specialized equipments for the Aklan policemen. A three-storey new police building inside the Camp Pastor Martelino is being constructed to complement the ICITAP technical trainings and assistance.
Meanwhile, the APPO held its first Imam/Muslim Leaders Summit at Camp Pastor Martelino last week to address issues and concerns in the province.

Bragais said the summit for Boracay and Kalibo Muslim Associations and policemen assigned in Salaam desks also promote bilateral working relations with the Muslim community.

"They (Muslim community leaders) assure us their willingness and partnership with the PNP in the campaign against criminality," the police director said.

Yiassou!
BY JINGGOY I. SALVADOR

If you hear this word when strolling along the white beach path of Boracay, smile back and say yiassou. This is hello in Greek and chances are you are in front of a Greek restaurant.
A stone's throw away form D'Mall towards Station 1 is the spot that used to be Caribo, a Mediterranean themed restaurant but now this is where Zuzuni, a Greek bistro, stands.
A white edifice blending with the white sand with an idyllic view of the crystal clear waters of the ocean, everything about the place spells Greece, so Mykonos, and if you just daydream a little, you might just think you are indeed in the Mediterranean.
With so many restaurants, along with hotels and other retail commercial brands, cropping up like mushrooms along the shores of this famous island, the food joints have now to deal with niche specialties.
You have to be different and stand out from the rest to be able to survive in the now cut throat businesses of Boracay.
The best venture is the one you love and know best they say. For Zuzuni, a Greek restaurant plus a couple of rooms for rent on the second level (maximizing the opportunity is always best) is the logical choice- the owner is- ta-dah- Greek!
Zuzuni's interiors are far from Greek though, but it is very striking. The interior wall is in stark contrast with the all white color of the structure. It is accented in a brick red hue with an assortment of framed mirrors donning the wall.
As said, the interior designer is OC and each suspended mirror was measured at an appropriate distance from each other, from the ceiling and from the tip of fixed backrest of the seats abutting the wall. Just a trivia, you might want to take notice of this detail when you make it to this joint.
But it was food that we came here for. Everything on the well-appointed menu was tempting but I have to go for the regular diners' recommendation and yes, the best-sellers. Dishes served in here are not entirely Greek, some are fusion dishes which makes it more exciting to the palate.
And it was a fusion dish I ordered. Not a fan of feasting on meat, I just had to try the lamb adobo, upon suggestion of course. The rest of the gang ordered, the Greek sandwich, gyros, the resto's famous signature dish, the Z burgur, and the chicken ala kiev-there must be something Greek in there to end up in the menu.
Like I said, the Habagat weather can either whet up your appetite or turn you into a couch potato or both. An early hearty dinner and walk home after the feast is advisable if you want to burn a few of those calorie intake before you turn into your slothful state in your room.
Over all, the Greek episode was a good one. I will surely be back in this joint and would want to try the rest of the items in the menu. But in the mean time, everyone has to have the island potion- alcohol- before heading home, which might be the next day. That is ample time to burn the calories I was talking about.
To great food and fabulous company, efcaristo! That's "thank you" in Greek. (Some dish shots from Zuzuni website)
(For comments and suggestions, e-mail me at jinggoysalvador@gmail.com. I promise not to promise to reply right away.)

Aklan guv hails EEDD’s contribution to development
BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

KALIBO, Aklan – Aklan Governor Carlito Marquez hailed the contributions of Economic Enterprise Development Department (EEDD) to the development of the province.
EEDD is an independent department created by the Aklan Sangguniang Panlalawigan to generate additional revenues for the projects and programs of the provincial government.
“Aklan, to be classified as first class province by the Department of Finance before year end, is allocating P392-million EEDD annual budget for the operation of the provincial government by 2010,” Marquez said.
The budget is 20 percent higher than the approved budget of P327.249-million for 2009.
Marquez said the provincial government is optimistic that Caticlan and Cagban ports, two major tourism assets in Malay, Aklan, would earn P80 million this year.
The jetty ports, for October alone, generated at least P4-million, a slight decrease compared to the P4.5-million collections last year owing from cancelled pump boat trips from Caticlan to Cagban ports due to bad weather.
From January 1 to October 27, the jetty ports collected P66.970-million. A total of 33,648 tourist arrivals also visited the country’s premier tourist destination last month.
Two hospital districts in Altavas and Ibajay, the Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon Memorial Hospital in the capital town of Kalibo and the Mines and Geosciences Development Services, among others, are included in the EEDD.
“The collections from sand and gravel quarry permittees from January 6 to October 28 totaled P4.70-million that could reach P5-million by December, thanks to our mines inspectors,” Marquez said.
Meanwhile, the governor said the province will implement the Modified Position Classification System for government personnel next year to provide more benefits through monthly salary increases
Asst. Department Head Rex Buencamino stressed the EEDD has created mandatory positions and granted additional benefits for the provincial government workers since 2006.

Las Piñas Boys Choir 'Salamat' concert on November 6

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

KALIBO, Aklan – World champion Las Piñas Boys Choir (LPBC) goes to Kalibo for a provincial tour to share its world-class talent and music on November 6.
Celebrating its 40 years of existence, the world class Las Piñas Boys Choir will perform at Saint John the Baptist Cathedral dubbed ‘Salamat, A Celebration of Glorious Heritage (1969-2009)’ to feature the choir’s musical achievement and continuing legacy.
The Philippine Tour in Aklan is an opportunity to experience, appreciate and enrich the Filipino ethnicity in promoting and preserving the nations advocate for the love of Philippine Music and Arts.
This November, the 20-member choir from St. Joseph Church in Las Piñas also performs in Bohol, Cebu, Iloilo, and Bacolod City in Negros Oriental in the Visayas for their Salamat (salamat at alamat; thanksgiving and origin) tour.

The choir was proclaimed as world champion in the Children’s Choir Category in the 5th World Choir Games, the largest choir competition of the world last July 9 to 19, 2008 in Graz, Austria besting more than 450 choirs and 20,000 singers from 93 countries including United States, Greece, Estonia, Great Britain, Russia and South Africa.

The feat of Las Piñas Boys Choir in the World Choir Games, held every every two years in different countries, exhibits the excellence of the global Pinoys whose dedication and commitment to their craft bring honor and pride to the country.

It also got the Silver Medal in the Musica Sacra Category participated in by professional and adult choirs of around 40-80 members. Another choir group Kilyawan Boys’ Choir of Quezon City was declared champion in the prestigious international competition in Choral Acapella Performers of Contemporary Music category.

LBPC is under the artistic direction of Prof. Armando Salarza and the choir members are George Angeles II, Bernard Paolo Caro, Alvin Joshua Cayetano, Josiah de los Santos, Justin Claude Fernandez, Jadlae Aivan Fernandez, Joseph Vincent Gregorio, Carl Paolo Hernandez, Japheth Juanillo, Herman Manalang, Jhansseen Martinez, Dhonel Martinicio, Alwyn Dominique Panoso, Rupert Kim Pastrana, Ramon Paolo Quintero, Chazz Reyes, Karlo Reyes, Francis David Salonga, Joshua Gabriel, and Samiley and Joe Sengson.

The management team is headed by Msgr. Albert Venus, proud son of New Washington, Aklan and Fr. Didoy Molina. The choir is supported by arranger and accompanist Alejandro Consolacion II and staff January Hernandez and Norie Salarza.

LPBC was founded in 1969 by a Belgian priest Rev. Fr. Leo Renier, an assistant parish priest at St. Joseph Parish, to complement the historic Bamboo Organ.
In 1974, LPBC earned first place in the Third National Competition of Children’s Choirs. At the Cultural Center of the Philippines, they joined in performances and productions such as Bernstein’s Mass (1976), Brahms’ Requiem (1978), Puccini’s La Tosca with the San Francisco Opera (1979), Mozart’s Magic Flute with the Opera Company of Boston (1983) Bizet’s Carmen (1985) and Britten’s War Requiem (1992).

250 families of Kalibo fire evacuated at Aklan Sports Complex

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

KALIBO, Aklan - Close to 250 families were evacuated at the Aklan Sports Complex as temporary shelter of Kalibo fire victims.
Pete Ruiz of the Provincial Public Safety and Management Office said Aklan Governor Carlito Marquez ordered the opening of Aklan Sports Complex as evacuation and relief center.
The two-hour blaze destroyed P10-million in property and more than 400 houses were razed to the ground in the heavily populated area of C. Laserna yesterday afternoon.
A total of 1,124 people sought refuge to Aklan Sports Complex after the mid-afternoon fire of still undetermined origin struck their houses made of light materials while others set up tents near the Kalibo-Numancia bridge.

Aklan Sports Complex in Capitol grounds can accommodate 2,500 people and served as the provincial disaster coordinating area for rescuers and fire volunteers.
"Mostly children left homeless are evacuated in Aklan Sports Complex and are attended by our rural health unit and social workers. Local police are also deployed in affected C. Laserna area to prevent looting since fire victims are complaining of the rampant looting what was left of their belongings," Ruiz said.

A child staying in the Aklan Sports Complex was brought to the Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon Memorial Hospital for treatment after the victim showed signs of dehydration. A municipal auxiliary police identified as Marlon Maribojo was also injured when he fell from a house he tried to rescue from fire.

Ruiz said firefighters from Ivisan, Sapian, Roxas City, Pontevedra and Dumalag in Capiz province, Culasi and Pandan in Antique and fire and rescue team from Kalibo International Airport responded to the fire alarm and helped the Bureau of Fire Protection-Aklan to control the blaze, the worst fire incident that hit the capital town this year.

Fire razed 500 houses in Kalibo
BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

KALIBO, Aklan - More than 400 families were left homeless by a two-hour fire that hit the interior portion of the heavily populated area of this capital town today.

The fire broke out at around 2 p.m. with fire fighters from the neighboring towns of Altavas, Numancia, Balete, Ibajay and New Washington helping the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP)-Kalibo to control the blaze.
Kalibo mayor Raymar Rebaldo said the fire gutted houses made mostly of light materials that swept the C. Laserna area.
"We have yet to determine the origin and the estimated damage of the fire. The cause of the blaze is under investigation," he said.

The fire quickly spread throughout Purok 5, 4, 3 and 2 destroying the 500 shanties in the second fire reported in C. Laserna area since January 2005.
Firemen from Capiz and Antique provinces and the Kalibo airport firetruck also came to help but were hampered by narrow alleys, thick smoke and strong winds leading to the interior portions of C. Laserna.

No casualties or major injuries were reported, the authorities said.

Rebaldo also instructed the Municipal Social Welfare and Development (MSWD) to provide temporary shelter, food and medicines to the displaced families.

Meanwhile, Pete Ruiz of Provincial Public Safety and Management Office, Senior Superintendent Epifanio Bragais, Jr. and Kalibo police chief Senior Insp. Arnold Laguerta and fire volunteers responded to the fire alarm to maintain peace and order and traffic.

Fire victims said the fire apparently started in Purok 5 from a kitchen while cooking in an open-flame and it was left unattended.

Rebaldo said the victims would be temporarily housed in Kalibo Magsaysay Park and Kalibo Pilot Elementary School while some displaced families put up their shelters using materials salvaged from the burned houses near the Aklan River bank

HELPLESS

Nading, a 50-year resident of Purok 2, could only watch helplessly as the fire razed her home. She saved her clothes and her two children out of the house when the fire easily spread.
Another victim identified as 45-year old Linda embraced the Sto. Niño wooden statue while the fire engulfed her shanty in Purok 5. She was unhurt.

BIG HELP

Ruiz said at least 12 firetrucks from the neighboring towns, fire volunteers and the quick-response teams from the Aklan Police Provincial Office responded to the fire incident.

"The fire is out in about two hours in C. Laserna area, but damaged at least P5-million in properties by the fire since most houses are constructed of light materials," he said.

With the fire incidents, Ruiz encouraged the local government units to put up fire hydrants in strategic areas for fire protection in densely populated areas.

Aklan Governor Carlito Marquez said the Aklan Sports Complex is ready to accommodate the displaced families, especially those left with nothing.

Philippine National Red Cross also extended assistance to the fire victims, a radio report said.

DENR drawing up list of Boracay violators

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is set to come up with a list of violators of environmental laws in Boracay within the first week of November “to facilitate the filing of appropriate administrative as well as criminal charges” against them.
In a memorandum issued last Oct. 26, DENR Secretary Lito Atienza ordered Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) director Julian Amador to “identify all establishments that continuously failed to comply with environmental laws,” including existing rules and regulations that the department is enforcing on the 1,006-hectare resort island.
“I have a standing order to our people to go after the violators, whoever gets hurt,” he said. “Anyone proven to have violated the laws will go to jail.”
He also directed the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau and the EMB regional office in Iloilo City to check allegations that a Boracay resort has been built on top of coral reefs.
Atienza gave Amador two weeks to submit a “comprehensive report” giving full details of violations, saying the move was “to ensure that no further environmental damage occurs within and around the island of Boracay while various issues concerning its protection and conservation are being assessed.” / The Philippine Star

Kalibo celebrates founding day on November 3
BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

KALIBO, Aklan - The town of Kalibo, one of the oldest municipalities in the country, commemorates its founding anniversary on November 3.

Mayor Raymar Rebaldo said the observance of the founding rites has evolved into a celebration of independence of this town of Kalibo, the home of many historical and eco-tourism spots.

The first set of activities will be highlighted by a thanksgiving mass at Saint John the Baptist Cathedral in the morning followed by Lahi ng Laro demonstration games at the historic Kalibo Pastrana Park and the blessing and inauguration of the redesigned Gomburza Shrine and Memorandum of Agreement signing at the corner of Veterans Avenue and J. Magno.

"A proposed Plazoleta in front of the Kalibo Municipal Town Hall and the Department of Education Office will be set up. We will be transforming the Plazoleta into a venue of municipal activities and programs," Rebaldo said during the regular Kapihan sa Aklan sponsored by Aklan Media Forum, Aklan Press Club and the Publishers Association of the Philippines, Inc.

A Foundation Day commemorative program, 'Happy Birthday' Kalibo Concert at Kalibo Pastrana Park and the opening salvo of the 2010 Kalibo Ati-Atihan Festival will highlight the historic event in the evening.

Rebaldo enacted Ordinance No. 2005-049 on October 6, 2005 declaring November 3, 1571 as the town’s Foundation Day and instituting the celebration of Kalibo Day every November 3.

In a research output of Profesor John Barrios of the Kalibo Council for Culture and the Arts (KCCA), the date November 3, 1571 in the notarized Spanish document dated June 2, 1576 was the first written date relating to the Spanish colonial administration in Aclan/Calivo under the encomienda system instituted by the first Governor and Captain-General Miguel Lopez de Legazpi.

"The date November 3, 1571, as it appeared in the notarized Spanish document dated June 2, 1576, was the first written date relating to the Spanish colonial administration in Aclan/Calivo under the encomienda system instituted by the first Governor and Captain - General Miguel Lopez de Legazpi,” he said.
In his output research entitled “Calivo: The Founding of a Town,” Barrios also spelled out that “although Juan Fernandez’ Monogratias de los Pueblos de la Isla Panay points to 1581 as foundation year of Kalibo, investigation would reveal that it was only the date of acceptance of the Agustinian fathers of the convent of Aclan and its respective visitas.”

Sweet victory for Goodwill Bowling Cup champ
BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

KALIBO, Aklan – Alpha Media demolished Judiciary I, 666-594, to capture the 1st Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Aklan Media-Judiciary Goodwill Bowling Cup at Q-Zone Bowling Center here.
Alpha Media team captain Joselito Edwin Ramos of the Philippine Information Agency rolled 162 pins and southpaw Jethro Laserna of Aklan Media Forum tallied 150 for a 72-margin against top-ranked Judiciary I in the finals.
Ron Bautista of RGMA DyRU Super Radyo also contributed 144 pins, Alwin dela Cruz of IBC DyRG Budyong had 116 and Ronel Barrida of RGMA DyRU Super Radyo scored 94 for the Alpha Media.
Judiciary I relied on Samuel de Pedro with 144, Cris Gubatina had 125 and Greg Tanesa posted 120, Efren Galvan with 104 and George Wendell Villanueva with 101.

Alpha Media also gets revenge against Judiciary I, who had managed to beat them, 647-581, in the eliminations.

Judiciary II repulsed the challenge of Charlie Media, 618-479, in the battle for third place.
Ramon Manuel Mayor topped the Judiciary II with 136 pins while Danilo Yap added 127 and Alvin Mindanao had 130. Mariz Peralta also tallied 124 pins and Judge Lollie Ureta-Villaruel finished with 101 for Judiciary II.
With the victory of Judiciary II, Charlie Media felled 139 pins en route to drop its four straight defeats starting from the single round-robin eliminations.
Arnel Relampago of Kalibo Cable Television Network posted 124 pins, Ronnel Irodestan of CBIS Hot FM had 101 while the trio of Lucy Villaruel of IBC DyRG Budyong, Hagbong dela Cruz of Aklan Reporter and CBIS Hot FM honorary station manager and Kalibo mayor Raymar Rebaldo combined for 254 pins.

Bravo Media bannered by veteran journalist Odon Bandiola wound up fifth and IBP-Aklan in sixth in the final standings.
Meanwhile, Charlie Media led the six-team bowling cup with 3257 six-game total to grab the Highest Team Score award. Mayor of Judiciary II got the Highest Individual Score (193) and Judge Ureta-Villaruel on the women’s side with 141 pins at the close of the six-day goodwill bowling tournament.
The weeklong bowling cup was supported by IBP-Aklan, Publishers Association of the Philippines, Inc. Aklan Media Forum, Aklan Police and Defense Press Corps, Aklan Press Club, Aklan United Media Association and the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines.
It is the first of a series of tournaments that will promote camaraderie, understanding and sportsmanship and bring together the lawyers, tri-media and the judiciary through annual a friendly game of bowling.

Rock the Kasbah
BY JINGGOY I. SALVADOR

Habagat, sea breeze blowing above normal. There is something in the beach air that somehow whets our appetite.
What is there to do on a slow weekday night when the island of Boracay is devoid of the weekend flurry but to go on a food trip?
That's exactly what my island posse did -- gave in to the call of our bellies.
Off the busy district of D' Mall and the island's main road, this beach front restaurant at Station 1 is in "seclusion" if you are one who is not used to hiking the shoreline from the usual dining spots along the Station 1 and 2 strip.
It is best if you are with company who knows what cuisine they want to dive in when the question of where to eat pops up.
Everyone knows that that is quite a difficult situation to settle when several taste buds have to be satisfied. But if it's a localized citizen of Boracay recommends, then that's what the "tourists" should do.
Health conscious couples Kim and Nikki are fans of this joint, the Kasbah restaurant, a small dining spot in the Fridays and Discovery Shores area that serve Turkish dishes.
Quite an effort to go to on a rainy and windy night. But foodies are never denied of their appetites, thus we braved the elements.
Kasbah's enclosed dining area can pack 20 guests and the rest can enjoy the food al fresco. But on nights like these, no way that can happen. Habagat spells lesser clients so filling this off-the-usual-dining-path rarely happens. Well, at least I think so.
Turkish lamps and mirrors adorn the all whit interior with some items off the menu are for sale -- meaning non-edible products. Kitchen is open if you want to observe how your order is prepared. Pretty much a simple and unpretentious Mediterranean joint.
We were honored with the presence of the house goddess named Josa who came down from her throne and waited on us.
Aside from the favorite orders of the rest, she suggested a few more of their bestsellers that we should try.
It was the basic mezes (starters) of humus and pide, lentil soup and entrees of mixed kebabs of seafood and chicken, kouskous for me and herbed rice for others plus more seafood in curry sauce for the rest of the gang. A serving is good for two.
The rain never dampened the lively conversation amidst the enjoyment of good cuisine. We made the dining experience last as long as we can but not no avail. The spread was just to tasty- to the last bite.
Having rocked the Kasbah with our hearty laughter and appetites, we bid farewell to the goddess Josa, we head on our next stop -- the bars.

Alpha Media, Judiciary I dispute Goodwill Bowling Cup title
BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

Games Today (Q-Zone Bowling Center)

6 p.m. Alpha Media vs Judiciary I (championship)
Judiciary II vs Charlie Media (3rd place)
7:30 p.m. Awarding Ceremony

KALIBO, Aklan – Alpha Media and Judiciary I downed separate rivals in the cross-over semifinals to arrange a title showdown in the 1st Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Aklan Media-Judiciary Goodwill Bowling Cup today at the Q-Zone Bowling Center here.
The fiery trio of Cris Gubatina, Efren Galvan and George Wendell Villanueva carried the load for Judiciary I, combining for 460 pins to beat Charlie Media, 693-539, a whooping 154-margin in the semifinals, to clinch the first finals slot.
Greg Tanesa also chalked up 122 and Samuel de Pedro had 111 for Judiciary I.
Marlon Salvador of Kalibo Cable Television Network rolled 134, Ronnel Irodestan of CBIS Hot FM scored 137, Hagbong dela Cruz of Aklan Reporter with 128, Winston Carillo of Western Visayas Explorer had 121 and Arnel Relampago of Kalibo Cable Television Network compiled 119 for Charlie Media.
Ron Bautista of RGMA DyRU Super Radyo powered the Alpha Media over Judiciary II, 690-627, with his tournament-high 164 pins, to advance to the finals.
Joselito Edwin Ramos of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) contributed 153, southpaw Jethro Laserna of Aklan Media Forum had 135, Alwin dela Cruz of IBC DyRG Budyong posted 123 and Ronel Barrida of RGMA DyRU Super Radyo with 115 for the Alpha Media.
Danilo Yap led the Judiciary II with 163 pins backed up by Ramon Manuel Mayor with 145, Alvin Mindanao had 119, Mariz Peralta tallied 108 and Judge Lollie Ureta-Villaruel had 92 pins.
Alpha Media and Judiciary I will meet at 6 p.m. today to dispute the title in this tournament while Charlie Media and Judiciary II battle for third place.