William Jones Cup 2015: Laban Gilas PILIPINAS

The 37TH WILLIAM JONES CUP 

is being held in TAIWAN.

Let us support GILAS PILIPINAS!

Below is the complete schedule 

live telecast over AKSYON TV!

PHILINDO: Realization of A Dream to Finally Visit Indonesia

I attempted  several times to visit INDONESIA but to no avail there were different reasons for those attempts not to materialize. The first was in 2012 when I was supposed to go on SCHOOLING in Indonesia but my PASSPORT was processed late. During my second attempt in 2014, I also applied for another SCHOOLING in INDONESIA but the course was cancelled and I was instead sent to Malaysia to take another course. When I took up the BAHASA INDONESIA LANGUAGE COURSE just this June of this year, I lost my chance to compete during the speech competition with free trip to JAKARTA and BALI as a reward, because I had to attend to a call of duty.

This is another chance!!! A great opportunity...

Please PRAY for me for this one to prosper...

THANK YOU...

You can read the stories behind my impending JOURNEY to INDONESIA in my future Blogs...

TERIMA KASIH!

Miko-Miko: Doubly Ralaxing and Delicious

Right at the heart of LUCENA CITY is another nice place to dine and unwind.

MALAYSIAN CHICKEN SATAY @ MIKO-MIKO...
NICE PRESENTATION...EXCELLENT TASTE...

After attending mass on Sunday, just a few steps away from the Saint Ferdinand Cathedral is the MIKO-MIKO restaurant.

It is located along M.L.TAGARAO street. near the entrance gate of the MARYHILL COLLEGE. It is just beside KFC.

RELAXING AMBIANCE @ MIKO-MIKO

Aside from the cool and relaxing ambiance, the restaurant has creative way for food preparation and presentation adding to the complete refreshing dining experience.

REFRESHING DRINK at MIKO-MIKO IN A NICELY DESIGN CONTAINER

Banay-Banay Eatery: Delicious Taste of Success

I have never seen any other restaurants doing the style of accounting the order like that in BANAY-BANAY EATERY. A unique style that is simple yet very convenient both for the RESTAURANT MANAGEMENT and for the CUSTOMERS. You will be charged according to the number, size, color and type of plate, saucer or bowl provided for your food. 

BULALO @ BANAY-BANAY EATERY

It is a SELF-SERVICE RESTAURANT.

Upon arriving at the restaurant, you have to proceed to a queue (usually very long during lunch and dinner time). Get a tray. Then when it is your turn to order, just point or tell the food attendant of the food you like displayed then proceed to a table of your choice. You have also get by yourself spoon and fork, condiments and glass of water. After eating, call a waitress/food attendant for your bill. She will account your order very fast even without asking what you have ordered. Then she will provide you the receipt for you to proceed to the counter and pay the bill.

Another noticeable difference of this restaurant is the availability of adequate food attendants/waitresses for very fast delivery of services for large volume of customers. You will not only leave the place satisfying your hunger but also satisfied by the efficient services. The place also has clean, spacious, and complete equipment COMFORT ROOM.

The RESTAURANT started as a very small carinderia. But today, it has already a 2 storey building as dining area and a large parking space at the back of the building.

The RESTAURANT is situated at the left side of the highway at BANAY-BANAY in SAN JOSE, BATANGAS when you are traveling from LIPA CITY to BATANGAS CITY. The place is open daily until 9:30pm.

You will be amazed about the very affordable price of the food. Your trip will be fully compensated by the delicious and wide variety of menu of Filipino dishes such as BULALO, LECHON, BARBEQUE, ADOBO, FRIED FISH, KALDERETA among others.

BANAY-BANAY EATERY is an example of the delicious taste of success. It has the right formula for PRICE (very reasonable and affordable), PLACE (strategic location), PEOPLE (excellent management and right employees), PRODUCT (delicious and wide variety of food), and PROMOTION (word of mouth).

Mobile ID Team: Delivering OAFA Services Forward

The Philippine Air Force personnel are widely dispersed nationwide. They are assigned to the different PAF Bases, Tactical Operations Group and Unified Commands performing various duties serving our country and people.

The Office of the Air Force Adjutant (OAFA) having the unique function to cater to the needs of the personnel of the Philippine Air Force is delivering its services right at the workplace of the PAF personnel nationwide.

The OAFA conceptualized the conduct of the issuance and renewal of the IDENTIFICATION CARD at the different PAF Bases and Tactical Operations Group instead of the PAF personnel, their dependents and PAF reservists to personally visit the Headquarters Philippine Air Force (HPAF) at Col Jesus Villamor Air Base (CJVAB) in Pasay City for the purpose of securing their ID card.

First day of the OAFA MOBLE ID TEAM @ FAB

The scheme is beneficial not only to the personnel but also to the organization. The personnel and their dependents do not have to spend money and time just to go to the OAFA at CJVAB. It is also an added boost to the morale and taking care of the welfare of the personnel including their loved ones. In the same manner, the personnel do not have to be absent from their respective offices or work stations just to apply or renew the AFP ID card making them more productive and useful to the organization.

second day @ FAB

It was my first time to become part of this noble endeavor to head the team at Fernando Air Base being our first destination for 2015. It was a fulfilling feeling to see happy faces of families coming together to the venue especially the kids being thrilled by the picture taking and to be able to receive the ID card directly from the printer after only few minutes. There are some challenges along the way but the inherent disposition to continuously serve the personnel made us hurdle these concerns. It also become part of lessons learned so that we can continuously enhance our services.

The FERNANDO AIR BASE CHAPEL...

It was also a homecoming for me since I spent most of my years in the service at Fernando Air Base having served in various capacities: Director For Personnel, Squadron Commander of 2 Squadrons, Director for Operations, Senior Tactical Officer, Assistant Chief of Command Staff for Personnel, Command Provost Marshal and Assistant Commandant. It was reminiscing the productive years and remarkable moments in the "SUMMER CAPITAL OF THE PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE". It was also very enlightening to witness the continuous progress of LIPA CITY. The only negative effect is the presence of heavy traffic flow. 

inside the FAB Chapel...thanking the LORD for another SAFE and SUCCESSFUL JOURNEY

During our 2 nights at FAB and after 2 long days, we were able to unwind and had sumptuous dinner at "BANAY-BANAY" eatery at BANAY-BANAY in SAN JOSE, the adjacent municipality of LIPA CITY . The unique way of accounting the order based on the number, size, color and type of plate still amazes me until today. The eatery started as a small carinderia in the 1990's. I was able to first visit the place when I was still a student pilot in 1997. It was still a small place during that time but today it has already a 2 storey building and large parking space. It was one success story of food business. 

When you are in Batangas, include "BANAY-BANAY" eatery in your itinerary. Don't forget to try the "BULALO". We were also able to taste "LOMI" of LIPA CITY once again during our first breakfast and "BONETE" during our last merienda. 

@ BANAY BANAY EATERY

"BONETE"

Going back to the main topic of this blog, the AFP Identification Card is essential to possess not only for the active personnel but especially for the dependents. There are a number of schools nationwide who are offering scholarship grants and tuition fee discounts for the holders of the AFP ID card. There are also discounts for theme parks and some transportation companies.

AFP ID card is also a requirement to avail the medical and dental services at various AFP hospitals. It is also a requirement in availing the services of AFP Commissary.

There are many other PRIVILEGES of possessing an AFP ID card.

We are certainly happy that with the piece of CARD, we can SERVE our very own PERSONNEL and their FAMILIES. 

For the applicants, please take note of the following simple steps in the processing of the issuance and renewal of IDENTIFICATION CARD:

STEP 1 - Submit completely filled-up ID card application form duly endorsed by UNIT ADJUTANT or ADMIN OFFICER (with attached required documents).
*For renewal, kindly attached the old ID card.

STEP 2 - Payment of 55 pesos per ID card.

STEP 3 - Picture taking and biometrics (signature and right thumb mark).

STEP 4 - Applicant is requested to verify the encoded data to ensure its correctness.

STEP 5 - Issuance of ID card.

Note: For STEPS 2 to 5, please wait for your name to be called.


To optimize our presence, we also conducted an INFORMATIVE DRIVE with all the Personnel Officers, Administrative Officers and Unit Adjutants about the functions and updates regarding the services and projects of the Office of the Air Force Adjutant.

After 3 days of stay at Fernando Air Base with extended hours without noon break, we were able to issue around 800 AFP IDENTIFICATION CARDS to Officers, Enlisted Personnel, Dependents, Civilian Employees and PAF Reservists.

It was another accomplished JOURNEY for us, the OAFA MOBILE ID TEAM and for the Office of the Air Force Adjutant.

FERNANDO AIR BASE,
the SUMMER CAPITAL of the PHILIPPINE AIR FORCE

10 Interesting Things to do in Camarines Sur

CAMARINES SUR is the largest of the 6 provinces in BICOL REGION. The province is made popular by TAGLINES like "HOME OF THE SMALLEST EDIBLE FISH in the WORLD" and "WAKE BOARDING CAPITAL OF THE PHILIPPINES". 

Here are the 10  interesting things to do while in CAMARINES SUR.

1. ISLAND HOPPING AT CARAMOAN ISLANDS

CARAMOAN is one of the 35 municipalities in Camarines Sur. It is composed of amazingly beautiful islands with resemblance of EL NIDO for rock formations and BORACAY for powdery white sand.

To reach CARAMOAN by PRIVATE VEHICLE from MANILA, just drive towards South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) then exit at STO. TOMAS (Batangas) all the way to CARAMOAN passing by QUEZON PROVINCE and northern part of CAMARINES SUR including NAGA CITY. The travel time is about 10 to 12 hours.

To reach CARAMOAN by PUBLIC TRANSPORT from MANILA, board a RAYMOND BUS bound for CARAMOAN or any other bus bound for NAGA CITY, then from NAGA CITY board again another bus bound for CARAMOAN. The travel time is about 13 hours. Fare is about 800 pesos for air-conditioned bus.

ISLAND HOPPING cost 1,500 TO 3,000 pesos depending on the number of islands you want to visit.

2. EXPLORE AGUIRANGAN ISLAND AND SABANG BEACH

SABANG BEACH is part of the town of SAN JOSE. It is the gateway to CARAMOAN and AGUIRANGAN ISLANDS. But there are also portions where you can already enjoy swimming.

This is located in the waters off SABANG BEACH in CAMARINES SUR. The island has refined white sand and remarkable view of MAYON VOLCANO and MOUNT ISAROG.

To reach AGUIRANGAN ISLAND by private vehicle from MANILA, just drive towards South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) then exit at STO. TOMAS (Batangas) all the way to SABANG BEACH (SAN JOSE, CAMARINES SUR) passing by QUEZON PROVINCE and northern part of CAMARINES SUR including NAGA CITY. The travel time is about 9 to 11 hours. 

To reach AGUIRANGAN by PUBLIC TRANSPORT from MANILA, board a BUS bound for SABANG or any other bus bound for NAGA CITY, then from NAGA CITY board again another bus bound for SABANG. The travel time is about 12 hours. Fare is about 700 pesos for air-conditioned bus.

From SABANG BEACH, ride a motorboat bound for AGUIRANGAN ISLAND.

3. WAKEBOARDING AT CAMARINES SUR WATER SPORTS COMPLEX (CWC)

CWC is a man-made water sports complex considered the first world-class watersports complex in the Philippines making Camarines Sur as the "Wake boarding Capital of the Philippines."

The sports complex is designed not only for wake boarding, but also for water skiing and water skating.

It is located in Provincial Capitol Complex in the Capital town of Pili. It is just about 30 minutes drive from Naga City.

CWC offers different accommodations from villas to made shift container rooms.

4. EXPLORE NAGA CITY (THE HEART OF BICOL) INCLUDING NUMEROUS CATHOLIC CHURCHES.

NAGA CITY is the BICOL REGION'S trade, business, religious, cultural, industrial, commercial, medical, educational and financial center. It was awarded as the "Most Competitive  Component City in the Philippines" as well as "the Center of Good Governance in the Philippines".

Some of the places of interests in Naga City are the Malabsay Falls, Nobontolan Falls, Naga City Ecology Park and the Panicuason Hot Springs Resort. 

5. EAT "KINALAS"
   

KINALAS is the bicol version of MAMI. The best KINALAS can be found at Barangay DAYANGDANG in NAGA CITY.

6. BUY BICOL NATIVE DELICACIES

Aside from PILI NUTS, there are other numerous delicacies as good "pasalubong" like the "laing", bicol express, toasted sipao, pansit bato, among others. 

7. EXPLORE MOUNT ISAROG AND ITS SURROUNDINGS

There are many things that can be done at Mt. Isarog and its immediate surroundings. There are hot springs and cold springs. There are waterfalls. You can go on hiking.

8. EXPLORE ATULAYAN ISLAND

Atulayan is situated off the coast of the municiplaity of Sangay. The island is shaped like a snail. To reach the island by public transportation from NAGA CITY, there are buses, van, and jeep bound for GOA, SABANG or LAGONOY, get off in the town proper of TIGAON, then ride a motorbike to NATO PORT for about 15 minutes travel time for P 20 pesos fare per person. The boat ride to and from the island costs P 1,000 person. The boat can accommodate 7 persons.

9. WITNESS THE PENAFRANCIA FIESTA

PENAFRANCIA FIESTA, which is considered the most popular religious event in the Philippines, happens every third week of SEPTEMBER in NAGA CITY. 

The PENAFRANCIA FIESTA is actually a week-long activity that commences on the second Friday of September. There are other activities including the beauty pageant "Miss Bicolandia", the Military Parade, the Civic Parade among others.

10. ENJOY THE WATERS OF PASACAO.

PASACAO is considered the "summer capital" of the province because of it is the most visited swimming sites. It has uninterrupted seashore, a bird watching area, a rock islet amid clear seawater, and rich coral reefs at a fish sanctuary. 


The list will be constantly updated as I continuously explore my HOME PROVINCE of CAMARINES SUR. I was not able to extensively explore the place during my younger years because I was focused attaining my dreams by studying very hard. During weekends and when not in school, I was busy helping my parents for whatever work that would help them.

How did I Successfully Pass all the Time-Pressured Examinations? Here are my 6 simple tips...

Intelligence is not the only essential requisite to successfully pass  time-pressured examinations.

There are other equally significant prerequisites.

I have proven their effectiveness after passing the entrance examinations for the PHILIPPINE MILITARY ACADEMY (PMA),  for the ASIAN INSTITUTE OF MANAGEMENT (AIM) and many other time-pressured examinations along my JOURNEY in LIFE.

Below are my simple tips on how  to spell success in the time-pressured examinations.

1. TIME MANAGEMENT

The key word in TIME-PRESSURED EXAMINATIONS is TIME.

The employment of correct TIME MANAGEMENT is the number one success factor in this endeavor. Do not consume too much time on one item. If you have difficulty in a certain item, skip it and proceed to the next item. But take note of those items then go back when you have still the time. The bottom line is you should be able to reach the last item in the examination to maximize your time covering easy questions and still have time to answer difficult ones. 

Be conscious of the allotted time, compute them in a way that you divide the number of items with the allotted time. This is very important since you can calculate how much time will you spend for each item. It is very important to save time for easy questions so that you can have ample time to spend for the difficult questions.

Move fast but be CAREFUL! Be sure to shade or encircle the correct number corresponding to the question!

If you finish the examinations ahead of time, do not relax! REVIEW your answers! 

2. MINDSET AND MOTIVATION

Our mind is the biggest weapon against any challenge or any endeavor. We should have the proper mindset and motivation that will produce intelligent juices and extract productive insights that are stored in our brain cells. Be confident. Utilize one of the seven habits of STEPHEN COVEY, "Have the END in MIND". Think POSITIVE before and during the examinations. Your objective is not just to pass, but to get high score. Bear in the mind the rewards and benefits of getting high marks. 

If you have prevailing problems or concerns, leave them temporarily outside the examination room. Thinking about your problem will not help but will hinder you from successfully and excellently hurdling the test. Eliminate the excess baggage from your head and from your heart. Empty yourself to have a light journey while taking the examinations.

When I took up the entrance examinations for cadetship at the PMA, I have only one MINDSET. I have to pass this examination in order for me to finish my studies because PMA offers full scholarship plus pay and allowances while studying. Everytime I encountered difficult question, I just go back to my noble intention that is to qualify as PMA cadet to help my parents financially by unburdening them of any expenses for my college education.

3. FITNESS (Physical, Mental & Emotional)

While examinations primarily entail intelligence, physical, mental, and emotional preparations are very important factors to endure the challenging mental activities. Have adequate sleep and take the right meal before taking the examinations. You should have taken your personal necessities before proceeding to the examination room.

4. PUNCTUALITY & PRESENCE

Being on time or ahead of time of examination is very important. If you are far from the venue of the examination, be sure to allot ample allowance for traffic and other disturbances along the way. Reporting early or ahead of time will make you more ready to take the examinations. You have accomplish half of the battle if you come ahead of time eliminating additional stress and unnecessary pressure.

5. CHECKLIST and PREPARATION

Make a CHECKLIST of the things you need before and during the examinations. If there are REQUIREMENTS, prepare them ahead of time to avoid cramming and to eliminate stress that might directly or indirectly affect your performance during the examinations. 

6. EXPERT'S ADVISE & BEST PRACTICES

If you know someone who successfully passed same or similar examinations, ask for tips and guidance. Conduct online research regarding the tips from the EXPERTS to deal with time-pressured tests.

GOODLUCK!

The Beautiful Experiences as Judge for Beauty Pageant

LIFE is a wonderful JOURNEY....and mine is even more BEAUTIFUL...

This is my third time to act as a JUDGE for the BEAUTY CONTEST in my BIRTHPLACE...it is my simple way of at least contributing to the events and activities aimed to help our youth towards empowerment and excellence...

As Chairman of the Board of Judges for Miss Intrams 2015 for
GOA SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL

It is always an exciting role. It is always a beautiful experience...

The first two events were during the GOA TOWN FIESTA in the province of CAMARINES SUR in 2012 and 2013. I was absent for the last two consecutive years since I have other commitments.

It was another opportunity when I was invited for the MISS INTRAMS for the GOA SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL this year. It was an enlightening experience to see young candidates unfolding talents, intelligence and beauty.

Extra-curricular activities like this is a welcome opportunity for young individuals to hone their talents, polish their intelligence and share and enhance their beauty not only physically but as a beautiful person inside and out.

together with other JUDGES and ORGANIZERS

I will always be thankful to the organizers for the invitation for me to grace such occasion. Aside from being given the gargantuan honor for being chosen to become a judge granting that there are many other people who are willing and capable to accomplish such privileged role, it is also certainly a great learning experiences for me having been exposed to the outside world once in a while. It brings additional insight to broaden my understanding about things aside from military service.

The experiences are also an affirmation that I have the eyes to see and appreciate beautiful things because I always selected the deserving winners.

THANK YOU FOR THE BEAUTIFUL AND REMARKABLE TOUR OF DUTY ONCE AGAIN.

together with the other JUDGES and the WINNERS

San Jose and Lagonoy: Homeward Bound

SAN JOSE and LAGONOY are 2 adjacent municipalities in CAMARINES SUR. These towns are closely associated with each other because SAN JOSE is previously just a Barangay of LAGONOY then named "DANLOG". On 1816, it became a separate town.

LAGONOY has 2 origins where it got its name. One is, it came from a medicinal plant "HAGONOY", however since the spaniards cannot pronounce it properly they changed it to LAGONOY. Other origin came from word LANGO, which means "drunk" because men from the place drink too much TUBA (native wine).

On the other hand, SAN JOSE was established under the name PATROCINIO derived from PATRON which means "MODEL". Thus, the name of the town became PATROCINIO DE SAN JOSE, But later, the name was shortened to SAN JOSE.

SAN JOSE is about 492 kilometers south of Manila while LAGONOY is about 495 kilometers.

The following images are taken during my last journey back home. I would like to dedicate this photo essay to the residence of the municipalities of SAN JOSE and LAGONOY especially those who are away from "HOME".

The refreshing RICEFIELDS of CAMAGONG, the Barangay of SAN JOSE connecting the town to LAGONOY. RICE is the major agricultural product of SAN JOSE. Other products are coconut, vegetables, fruit bearing trees and root crops. At the background is the partly hidden MOUNT ISAROG, the highest mountain in CAMARINES SUR.

The majestic SAINT JOSEPH PARISH in SAN JOSE. The patron saint is ST. JOSEPH. There was an instant when the town Mayor of SAN JOSE has a surname of SAN JOSE. Making it a historic era when the name of the town, the Mayor and the Patron Saint are all "SAN JOSE".

My Alma Mater, SAN JOSE CENTRAL SCHOOL, where I had my GRADE 5 and GRADE 6. When I was in Grade 5, I was in Section "CAMAGONG", which is coincidentally the name of our Barangay. 

Old houses...nice view along the main road in the town proper of SAN JOSE.

The bridge connecting Barangay DEL CARMEN and Barangay Sta. Cruz in SAN JOSE. When I was still in elementary and high school, this bridge which had different structure then was a concrete witness to my JOURNEY everyday. I passed by this bridge 4 times a day because I had to go back during lunch time. Our home is about a kilometer away from the school. I walked at least 4 kilometers a day during school days for 6 years (from Grade 5 to 4th year high school). This bridge symbolizes my STRUGGLE and DETERMINATION to achieve something in LIFE. 

The bridge actually underwent a major transformation. It was still elevated during my school days and even when I was already in the military service. It became my reference point that our HOUSE was already near whenever I was traveling back home. There was an instance when I went home from Manila one day that I was not aware that it was already reconstructed to a flattened bridge. I was waiting for that sudden up the hill feeling in order to signal for the BUS to stop, but it didn't came until the bus reached its TERMINAL in LAGONOY. I was asking the conductor, "MAY BAGO NA BANG DAAN?" Then he replied, "WALA PO". So amid my amazement, I just avail a JEEPNEY bound back home.

The view of RICEFIELDS at CAMAGONG with the PUBLIC CEMETERY at the background. I have vivid memories because I experienced working in the ricefields from planting up to harvesting rice. The view of this cemetery is just normal for us because we saw it almost everyday and sometimes, we also passed by inside the cemetery to visit our grandfather and our small ricefield. We called place of our grandfather as "KANYOGAN" because of the presence of numerous coconut trees. But there were also other fruit bearing trees such as "LANGKA (JACK FRUIT), BAYABAS (GUAVA)" among others.

My ALMA MATER, then CAMAGONG COMMUNITY SCHOOL, now CAMAGONG ELEMENTARY SCHOOL where I had my GRADE 1 to GRADE 4. 

SABANG BEACH, the port where motorboats going to CARAMOAN are stationed, is part of the municipality of SAN JOSE. MALASUGUI FESTIVAL happens every last week of MAY at Barangay SABANG.

The BOUNDARY between the municipalities of SAN JOSE and LAGONOY.

The wonderful view along the road in LAGONOY. If SABANG BEACH in SAN JOSE is the gateway for travel by water, this road leads to the land travel towards CARAMOAN PENINSULA.

The road leading to the other coastal municipalities of PARTIDO DISTRICT (4TH DISTRICT) of CAMARINES SUR including CARAMOAN.

About 497 kilometers south of MANILA, part of LAGONOY. Wonderful view.

At LAGONOY BRIDGE with the MOUNT ISAROG at the background.

The captivating view of a river at LAGONOY with the partly hidden MT. ISAROG at the background...

The SAINTS PHILIP and JAMES THE APOSTLES PARISH in LAGONOY...

The RIZAL PARK in LAGONOY with the huge "BROOM" at the side.

SAMHOD FESTIVAL is celebrated during the first week of MAY in time for the town fiesta celebration. SAMHOD is the bicol term for 'WALIS-TAMBO" or "BROOM".

The LAGONOY municipal hall just infront of the RIZAL PARK.

"DIOS MABALOS PO" is the bicol term for "SALAMAT PO" or THANK YOU.

LAGONOY and SAN JOSE will always be important part of my existence wherever I go, whatever I will be or whoever I become in the future.

Naga City: Journey to the Heart of Bicol

The best and most rewarding trip is the JOURNEY way back home...

NAGA CITY has a very special SPOT in my HEART...

It was the PLACE that opened AMAZING LIFE OPPORTUNITIES for me...

NAGA CITY is called "QUEEN CITY OF BICOL" and also as "THE HEART OF BICOL". There are many reasons for that. Aside from it is the CENTER of COMMERCIAL transactions in BICOL as shown by the presence of HUGE MALLS, TRANSPORTATION HUBS and other big establishments, it is also the heart and soul of SPIRITUAL activities in BICOL REGION being the venue of the annual PENAFRANCIA FIESTA and the location of numerous churches like the BASILICA MINORE. NAGA CITY is also the location of highly competitive schools such as ATENEO DE NAGA UNIVERSITY, UNIVERSITY OF NUEVA CACERES, COLEGIO DE STA. ISABEL COLLEGE among others. Although LEGAZPI CITY is the BICOL REGIONAL CENTER because majority of GOVERNMENT offices in BICOL are situated there. 

NAGA CITY is an independent component city and has 27 Barangays.

"KINALAS" is just one of the best reasons to always come back and visit NAGA CITY. If BATANGAS has LOMI, LAGUNA has BUKO PIE, QUEZON PROVINCE has PANSIT HABHAB, BICOL REGION especially NAGA CITY has "KINALAS". You can taste the best JUMBO "KINALAS" in Barangay DAYANGYANG along CORREGIDOR St.

A taste that will perfectly welcome you to THE HEART OF BICOL REGION.

NAGA CITY is one of the 2 cities in CAMARINES SUR. The place is accessible by LAND and AIR TRAVEL. By PUBLIC LAND TRANSPORT, there are a number of either air-conditioned or ordinary buses bound directly for NAGA CITY. By AIR, there are daily trips to NAGA AIRPORT. The AIRPORT is located in the town of PILI, the capital of CAMARINES SUR. The land travel time from MANILA to NAGA CITY is 9 to 10 hours. The fare ranges from P400 (ordinary bus) to P600 (air-conditioned bus) and up to P800 pesos (FIRST CLASS BUSES).

"MAOGMA" means HAPPY or "MASAYA"

NAGA CITY is also dubbed as "ANG MAOGMANG LUGAR" or "THE HAPPY PLACE."

This monument is situated infront of the NAGA CITY PUBLIC MARKET.

The description of the MONUMENT.

The JESSE ROBREDO COLISEUM is located near the BICOL CENTRAL STATION (PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION TERMINAL).

SM CITY NAGA is located near the JESSE ROBREDO COLISEUM and BICOL CENTRAL STATION.

The BICOL CENTRAL STATION. There are buses bound for the different parts of BICOL REGION and going to MANILA.

The SAN FRANCISCO CHURCH is the first CATHOLIC CHURCH in NAGA CITY and one of the oldest churches in BICOL REGION. This church was my usual place of worship for me during Sundays when I was still taking up an ENGINEERING Course at the UNIVERSITY OF NUEVA CACERES...

Inside the SAN FRANCISCO CHURCH, I again prayed and thanked the LORD for another SAFE JOURNEY...

The marker with description of the SAN FRANCISCO CHURCH...

Right infront of the SAN FRANCISCO CHURCH is this familiar monument for the residence of NAGA CITY, "LABINLIMANG MARTIR NG BICOL"

The MARKER and the names of the 15 BICOLANO MARTYRS... 

Then I visited my former SCHOOL, the UNIVERSITY OF NUEVA CACERES (UNC) for 2 years when I took up an ENGINEERING COURSE from 1989 to 1991. The school was also the venue where I took up the ENTRANCE EXAMINATIONS for CADETSHIP for the PHILIPPINE MILITARY ACADEMY. I also first saw HONORABLE JESSE ROBREDO inside this campus during his first term as MAYOR of NAGA CITY. He was also an INSTRUCTOR of the said school.

I have an information that the school is already under new management.

Displayed at the heart of the city is this tarpaulin adding another achievement for the highly successful and progressive city...

Congratulations NAGA CITY...

While STROLLING at the city proper, I noticed this backdrop at a stage. Understandably because my visit was just 3 days after the CEREMONY ACCORDED for him in the celebration of his 3rd DEATH ANNIVERSARY. Unlike other politicians or public figures, the ADJECTIVES written at the TARP are PERFECT DESCRIPTIONS of him.

Just across the street is the PLAZA RIZAL, the place allotted for the monument of our NATIONAL HERO. Two personalities with great contributions for our country.

Then I headed towards the NAGA CITY PUBLIC MARKET, the "NAGA CITY PEOPLE'S MART". Probably this is the BIGGEST PUBLIC MARKET in the whole country. I already visited almost all the PUBLIC MARKETS in the country but I haven't seen as BIG as the NAGA CITY PUBLIC MARKET.

The entrance of the gigantic NAGA CITY PUBLIC MARKET. The gateway to numerous products of BICOL REGION from consumer goods to other items.

Inside the PUBLIC MARKET are various products from different parts of BICOL REGION including "PASALUBONG"

Some of the local products being sold at the PUBLIC MARKET...

The special "KINALAS" of Barangay DAYANGDANG in NAGA CITY only at 35 pesos. KINALAS is the BICOL version of MAMI.

After satisfying my cravings for KINALAS, I visited the famous BASILICA MINORE...

NAGA CITY is also famous for the PENAFRANCIA FIESTA which that happens every 3rd week of SEPTEMBER to honor "INA"...

Just few meters away from BASILICA is the ETERNAL GARDENS where you can found the JESSE ROBREDO burial marker. August 18 is recently proclaimed as WORKING HOLIDAY in the PHILIPPINES to HONOR the great contributions of JESSE ROBREDO to our country especially as the SECRETARY OF INTERIOR AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT (DILG).

What I explored this particular visit is just the BIRD'S EYE VIEW of NAGA CITY. 

In the near future, I will visit and feature about the FULL VIEW of NAGA CITY.