Airport old terminal renovation to start this year

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

KALIBO, Aklan – The old terminal building of the Kalibo International Airport (KIA) has been lined up for rehabilitation and renovation this year.

This was revealed by Aklan Rep. Florencio Miraflores after the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) and the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) assured him that the funds would be ready for the terminal renovation.

Miraflores said savings from the expansion of Puerto Princesa airport in Palawan amounting to P50 million of CAAP will be realigned to KIA and P35 million from DOTC will be enough to jumpstart the old terminal construction for 2011.

“The expansion of the airport this year will push through with the realignment of CAAP savings for the renovation of the old terminal at a cost of P120 million,” he said over DyRU Super Radyo Kalibo.

Miraflores has been pushing for airport-projects developments and the completion of facilities of international standard.

Future developments, he said, involve the extension of the runway by 100 meters going to Barangay Tigayon for safer and efficient airport operations.
To settle the controversy of the lot owners near the airport, CAAP is bent to acquire their properties to be sourced from savings of the site acquisition for the installation of instrument landing systems (ILS).
In a related development, CAAP director general Ramon Gutierrez met Miraflores and Kalibo airport manager Engr. Percy Malonesio to assess the KIA last week.

‘Aklan’ commemorative car plate now available to public

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

KALIBO, Aklan – The newest commemorative car plate of Godofredo P. Ramos Centennial Birth Anniversary is now available for sale.
Ramos, known as the Father of Aklan, is best remembered for the passage of Republic Act No. 1414 separating Aklan as an independent province from the province of Capiz. The law was signed on April 25, 1956 by then President Ramon Magsaysay.
To celebrate his 100th birth anniversary on November 8, 2011, the Godofredo P. Ramos Memorial Foundation (GPRMF) in coordination with the Aklan Historical Society and the Aklan Provincial Tourism Council, has lined-up commemorative activities, which includes the printing and selling of commemorative vehicle plates.

Ramos (November 8, 1911-July 17, 1977) was the Congressman of the 3rd District of Capiz from 1950 to 1957 and representative of Aklan in Congress from 1962 to 1965. He was elected governor of Aklan from 1959 to 1961 and was named as Justice of the Court of Appeals from 1971 to 1976.
Kalibo Sangguniang Bayan member Emmanuel Soviet Russia dela Cruz said the commemorative motor vehicle plate is authorized and approved by Land Transportation Office (LTO) until November 8, 2012.
Under LTO rules, vehicle owners are allowed to display valid commemorative plates in front of the car but the regular plate issued to the car must be attached at the rear portion. The commemorative plates should not be used as substitutes for LTO-issued car plates.

LTO only approves the fabrication of commemorative car plates with a certification from the National Historical Commission (NHC) regarding historical significance.

Dela Cruz said the commemorative plates bearing the name ‘Aklan’ and the picture of the late Godofredo P. Ramos are ready and available to the public at the Museo it Akean and the Aklan Tourism Office for P1,200 to raise funds and heighten the awareness for the centennial event.

Aside from circulating the commemorative plates, GPRMF will organize lectures and feature writing contest and will publish materials on the life of the former Aklan governor and congressman.

Echoes From
BY JOHNNY DAYANG

Don Quixote de la Chine

Talk usually veers toward sympathy for OFWs whenever we learn of their travails and sorrows abroad. It wasn't that long ago when public anger reached fever pitch after Singaporean authorities hanged Flor Contemplacion in 1995 for two counts of murder.

But in the case of the three Filipinos originally sentenced to die in China this week, public sympathy and support seem fickle and, in some instances, lacking.

In the coffee shop I frequent, I even overheard two kababayans saying: "Of course, Chinese authorities will hang these Pinoys from the treetops for their audacity to bring illegal drugs to a communist country like China!”
I guess this is the difference between Flor Contemplacion and the OFWs convicted of drug trafficking: While the public is conversant with the harsh treatment suffered by Filipina maids from their abusive employers (hence the outpouring of support for Flor), Filipinos are also very aware of the illegal drug trade and the ills it foists on society.

Thus, to be caught taking or pushing drugs is to become a pariah in the eyes of many Filipinos. Not even pleas that, “poverty led these OFWs to do it,” will change this view.
And this tepid sympathy for the three, as well as for some 75 other Filipinos facing the death penalty in China for “smuggling large amounts of drugs” has placed my friend, Vice-President Jejomar Binay in a quandary.
Binay had to go to China, plead for the lives of Ramon Credo, Sally Villanueva, and Elizabeth Batain before a government still reeling from our mishandling of a hostage rescue that led to the deaths of Hong Kong-based Chinese nationals, and come back to a Filipino citizenry with mixed feelings about government’s handling of the matter.
Such an impossible task, a virtual “Don Quixote de la Chine” – this is what Binay did for those three OFWs.
And now, we hear critics saying the “stay in execution” that Binay wangled from the Chinese government is not at all acceptable.
C’mon guys, give my friend a break. A reprieve, coming so close to Judgment Day, maybe Binay’s “Don Quixote de la Chine” may have a Part 2, one wherein they get to commute death to life.

The Boracay Regency experience: Only the finest
BY BETTINA ZARAGOZA BERNABE

Honestly, I think that almost everyone my age has gone to Boracay. I just turned 22 and I’m glad to say that at last, I am a Boracay virgin no more!
Unfortunately, unlike a lot of people I know who have gone there, I’ve never had the chance to go with my friends and have a crazy wild time of party and play in Boracay. So when the opportunity came to visit the famous and well-sought after summer destination and stay at one of its most premiere beach resorts Boracay Regency, I just couldn’t say no.
Solo flight through air, land and sea
I’ve travelled to foreign places like the US and England before—but never alone. Neither have I ever tried to travel and ride an airplane by myself to visit one of our very own islands here in the Philippines, so flying to Caticlan to get to Boracay was a fairly new and quite a daunting experience for me.
I took a 45-minute flight to Caticlan via the South East Asian Airlines or Seair, and it was strictly a 45-minute flight indeed, with no fuss and no worries. I thought I had the luxury to have a little quiet time inside the plane to let the reality of this whole trip sink in but with how fast Seair flies, I didn’t even notice that my plane was already landing.
Seair is telling the truth when they say they have the fastest flights to get you to Boracay, because from checking in to getting your bags at the arrival area, it was all a surprisingly efficient process.
Boracay Regency’s services boasts of efficiency as well—which I think they really had the right to boast about —because as soon as I stepped out of the Caticlan airport, they managed to bring me to the hotel without making me think about how to get there. They provided the private van to bring me to the port area from the airport and to the hotel, and the speedboat to Boracay island itself. Take note, they’ll take you there on a speedboat. That’s cutting half the time getting there compared to the ‘old school’ boat ride that takes around 30 minutes. All in all, my commute from Makati during rush hour takes longer time because surprisingly, I found myself staring at the sea shores of Boracay in less than two hours!
The best thing about my first trip to Bora
From the very start, I knew that the best thing about this Boracay trip is the chance to experience it all at the Boracay Regency beach resort. It’s not often for anyone to spend a weekend at the first triple-A rated resort located at the center of the famous White Beach that I knew I was going to have the best memories to bring with me when I come home.
Out of the 285 luxurious guestrooms and suites, I got to stay in the Premier room that was good for three or four people, with a single and queen-sized bed. From the small details in the room to the architectural design of the entire resort, you’ll notice that overall it’s a combination of contemporary Asian and Mediterranean themes, giving the hotel a classically comforting yet refreshing feel.
In my bathroom I had a glass-enclosed shower and a bath tub all to myself. A wall with a huge glass window separates the bedroom from the bathroom. This glass window is covered by dark brown venetian blinds which, I found quite interesting because you can pull it up to watch your favorite T.V. show even when you’re enjoying a bubble bath.
I also had my own private veranda which overlooked one of the three crystalline pools Boracay Regency has, which was a square-shaped pool with an elevated jacuzzi in the middle, and a sunken pool bar on the side.
Even with just these amenities, you know that you’re not in for some simple quiet time at Boracay Regency because inevitably you’ll find out it’s where luxury and comfort meets your need for a well-deserved rest and relaxation more than halfway.
The next best thing: wining and dining
Comfort is nothing without convenience, and Boracay Regency truly understands this thought. That is why the resort has a wide array of restaurants and food selections to choose from whether you prefer dining al fresco or indoor style.
Indulge in a buffet feast and literally feel the sea breeze while taking pleasure in the delightful dishes that Sea Breeze Café has to offer. The restaurant serves a wide variety of food every day and for every meal, so you’re sure to find a something new to try every time. If you suddenly miss air-conditioning and would like to take a break from the sun’s heat, try Boracay Regency’s take on Japanese food at Zhu Asian Cuisine with family or friends.
For a relaxed dining experience with a dash of entertainment there’s Gazebo Grill and Mo2 Wave Disco bar to meet your wants and needs –day or night. But if fine dining is what you prefer, Christina’s café is very well recommended for an intimate dinner with your special someone. Romantic set dinners and other wonderful Valentine’s day promos will be introduced this coming February, so make sure to make reservations if you’re going to celebrate love month in Boracay.
Much more to explore
Amazingly, there is still more than just the breathtaking beachfront, grand guestrooms, extravagant fresh water swimming pools and only the best selection of restaurants to get excited about at Boracay Regency because other than all these, the resort also has a gym with the most modern fitness facilities, a VIP lounge, wi-fi internet access, a convention center, and the famous Kai Regency Spa.
Kai Regency Spa is the largest spa in the island, with 22 Asian-inspired suites to accommodate guests of Boracay Regency as well as other visitors. Invest in your well-being through any of the spa’s world-class treatments from massages, body scrubs, facials, hand and foot spa. Bless your rejuvenated soul and end your “me time” with some ginger tea and cookies.
All good things come to an end
With the help of all the wonderful people and amenities at Boracay Regency beach resort, I’m thankful to be introduced to the more tranquil side of Boracay.
I may not have partied till the break of dawn like regular Boracay visitors have, but the least I can say is that if you haven’t stayed at Boracay Regency, I don’t think you’ve ever really experienced Boracay for the utmost rest and relaxation it has offer.
That’s why next time, try to slow down and experience the bliss of being in Boracay from a different point of view, while getting the right value for your well-saved vacation funds and treat yourself to only the finest –you deserve it.

Deped Aklan to consult stakeholders on Enhanced K+12
BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

KALIBO, Aklan - The Department of Education (Deped) Aklan will conduct a consultation and orientation of the Enhanced Kindergarten+12 (K+12) Basic Education Program on Monday morning.
Schools Division Superintendent Dr. Victorina Laroza has invited the stakeholders to gather inputs prior to the implementation of the Enhanced K+12 curriculum program. K+12 means Kindergarten and the 12 years of elementary and secondary education.
Laroza cited the statement of President Benigno Simeon Aquino III of "the need to add two years to the basic education and at least 12 years for the public school children to give them an even chance of succeeding."
"This (Enhanced K+12 Basic Education Program) is in response to the Philippines' commitment of giving quality education and productive life to our next generation of Filipinos," she said.
On Monday morning at Deped's Arthur S. Juada Hall, Laroza will meet representatives of the parent-teachers associations, students, education experts, government agencies, business sector, private elementary and high schools leaders, media and education associations for a consultation and orientation.

In preparation for the National Education Summit scheduled in April 2011, the consultation is conducted to educate the public about the Enhanced K+12 Basic Education Program, to understand the concerns of stakeholders on the program and to provide substantive inputs to the steering committee in the refinements of the education program to address the concerns of the stakeholders.
Under this K+12 program, the Deped is taking steps to enhance the basic education curriculum and the expansion of the basic education cycle. Universal kindergarten will be offered starting school year 2011-2012 and by school 2012-2013, the new curriculum will be offered to incoming Grade 1 as well as to incoming junior high school students.
The target of DepEd is to put in place the necessary infrastructure and other necessary arrangements needed to provide Senior High School (SHS) education by school year 2016-2017.
STUDIES REVEALED
In recent studies, many students who finish basic education do not possess sufficient mastery of basic competencies. One reason is that students do not get adequate instructional time or time on task.
The National Achievement Test (NAT) for grade 6 in school year 2009-2010 passing rate is only 69.21%. Although this is already a 24% improvement over the school year 2005-2006 passing rate, further reforms are needed to achieve substantial improvement.
The NAT for high school is 46.38% in school 2009-2010, a slight decrease from 47.40% in school year 2008-2009.
Three international tests results like 2003 TIMSS (Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study) rank the Philippines 34th out of 38 countries in HS II Math and 43rd out of 46 countries in HS II Science; for grade 4, the Philippines ranked 23rd out of 25 participating countries in both Math and Science.
In 2008, even with only the science high schools participating in the Advanced Mathematics category, the Philippines was ranked lowest.
Worst, only 6 of every 1,000 Grade 6 elementary students are prepared to enter high school. Only two of every 100 4th year high school graduates are fit for college.
NEED FOR ENHANCED BASIC EDUCATION
The Philippines is the only remaining country in Asia with a 10-year pre-university program. Mongolia recently added grades to make basic education 12 years.
Deped said the Enhanced K+12 Basic Education Program will be instrumental in achieving the nation’s vision of a high school graduate. The benefits of the K+12 proposal far outweigh the additional costs that will be incurred by both government and families.

Aklanon artist wins Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Tanaw art competition
BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

Dr. Jaime Laya and BSP Governor Amando Tetangco, Jr. with Gary Custodio (third from left) during the awarding of winners of the Tanaw Art competition at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila. The judges were Mercedes Lopez-Vargas of the Lopez Museum, Dr. Patrick Flores of the UP Diliman College of Arts and Letters, Olivier Dintinger, former director of Alliance Francaise de Manille, visual artist Nona Garcia and art connoisseur Paulino Que / PHOTO BY Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas

KALIBO, Aklan – Aklanon artist Gary Custodio took home the grand prize of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Tanaw Art Competition. He received P500,000 prize money for his work from BSP Governor Amando Tetangco, Jr. and Dr. Jaime Laya, chairperson of the BSP Cultural Properties Acquisition Advisory Committee.

Tanaw, a national painting competition, aims to support the development of Philippine contemporary art and challenge artists to strive for a higher level of artistic excellence.
The winning entry of Custodio, out of 189 other entries across the country, earned the nod of the judges with his watercolor artwork “The Rebuilders.”
Custodio’s entry is on public exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Manila from February 16 to April 16, 2011.
Other winners were Melvin Culaba from National Capital Region (NCR) for his oil painting "Unresolved." He received P300,000 while third placer Brave Singh from Bantay, Ilocos Sur bagged P200,000 for his oil painting entry titled "Pagsabay sa mga Hakbang ng Ating mga Pangarap."
The competition challenges artists to strive for a higher level of artistic excellence and is dedicated to the recognition,encouragement, and support of contemporary art. It endeavours to enhance the BSP art collection by showcasing outstanding works of Philippine contemporary art.
In the website of BSP, the prime financial institution of the country is a known patron of the arts and has in its collection impressive artwork ranging from the 18th century to the present era.
Through the competition, the BSP intends to raise the public’s awareness and appreciation of art and to recognize the artistic excellence of contemporary artists. The competition is open to professional and non-professional Filipino artists who have previously won in national and international competitions and art fairs. Artists are free to explore any subject or theme.

The winners of the competition were determined by a panel of judges: Mercedes Lopez-Vargas of the Lopez Museum, Dr. Patrick Flores of the UP Diliman College of Arts and Letters, Olivier Dintinger, former director of Alliance Francaise de Manille, visual artist Nona Garcia and art connoisseur Paulino Que.

Governor Marquez inducts officers of KBP Aklan
BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

KALIBO, Aklan - Governor Carlito Marquez administered the oath of office of the new set of officers of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) Aklan chapter on Wednesday.

In simple rites held at the conference room of the Governor's Guest House, Marquez swore in RMN DYKR 1161 Kalibo station manager Jerome Vega as the new KBP Aklan chairman.

An elected barangay captain of Camanci Sur, Numancia, Aklan, Vega is the youngest station manager of RMN DyKR Kalibo and the former KBP Aklan performance officer.

The other officials who took their oaths of office were:

- vice chairman Ron Bautista (station manager of DyYM CBIS 98.5 Hot FM Katribu)

- performance officer Eril Ibardolasa (station manager of DyIN 110.7 Bombo Radyo Kalibo)

- secretary Jhinkie Jane Balairos (station manager of 101.1 DySM FM Love Radio Kalibo)

- treasurer Sally Villasis (station manager of ASU-DyMT 100.9 Banga Tambuli)

- auditor Lucy Villaruel (officer-in-charge of IBC DyRG 1251 Budyong ng Kalibo)

- executive secretary Eleanor Reyes (program director of IBC DyRG 1251 Budyong ng Kalibo)

Other members of KBP Aklan were Rodelio Lomibao (officer-in-charge Bay Radio Kalibo 99.3 FM), Allan Palma (station manager Yes FM 91.1 DyTS Boracay), Jonathan Cabrera (station manager of DyJV 106.1 Radio Boracay) and DyIA 95.3 FM Ibajay.

Outgoing chairman Augusto Tolentino is the consultant of KBP Aklan chapter, who himself is a recipient of various awards from KBP.

KBP was organized to elevate professional and ethical standards in Philippine broadcasting, promote social responsibility in broadcasting, work for the advancement of the broadcast industry and protect the rights and interests of broadcasters, seminars and conferences.

It is the foremost broadcast media organization in the country, composed of owners and operators of radio and television stations (Regular Members) and the radio and television stations themselves (Associate Members).

Airport improvements to enhance Aklan’s tourism, says CAAP
BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

KALIBO, Aklan – To promote Aklan as an international gateway, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) is pushing for more airport improvements at the Kalibo International Airport (KIA).
CAAP director general Ramon Gutierrez said KIA is one of the international airports identified in the pocket open skies policy of the Aquino administration.
“The improvements in security and safety will enhance and promote KIA as an alternative international airport. We are anticipating in the years ahead the influx of tourists from mainland China to Kalibo and other regional destinations,” he said over DyRU Super Radyo.
Gutierrez, a member of Philippine Military Academy Class 1978 and an Asian Institute of Management (AIM) masteral graduate, replaced former CAAP head Alfonso Cusi last December.
KIA manager Engr. Percy Malonesio said KIA is the first secondary airport hub outside the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) visited by Gutierrez on Monday.
“CAAP head Gutierrez is in high spirits owing to the increasing number of inbound travellers from other countries. Among his priorities are the safety and security of the passengers and facilities of the Kalibo airport,” he stressed.

Malonesio is also hopeful the agency could deal with the lack of security personnel. KIA is now operating 24/7 due to international flights from South Korea and Taiwan for Boracay, he added.

“Even though we are short of personnel, we prioritized the safety of the travellers. The airport authority is doing everything it can to address the concerns of all who use the KIA,” Malonesio concluded.

Aklan Rep. Florencio Miraflores, chairman of the House committee on tourism, also personally appealed to Gutierrez to upgrade the facilities of KIA noting the expected swell of tourists in the province of Aklan.

The congested airport terminal building, lack of adequate provision of safety facilities and the renovation and development of old passenger terminal were discussed during the meeting of Miraflores and CAAP.

“The heavy rush of foreign and domestic tourists resulted to congestion in the new terminal building. Gutierrez has assured us of the additional funding to be able to finish the renovation of the old terminal building and thereby accommodate expanding passenger traffic,” the solon said.

Boracay wants PBA All-Stars
BY EDDIE G. ALINEA

If plans do not miscarry, pro league stars will invade the world-class beaches of Boracay for the All-Stars weekend in May.
Pro league Chairman Rene Pardo said Aklan provincial officials have made "strong" representations to hold the PBA summer spectacle in the popular tourist resort.
"They’re still arranging it but they are a prime candidate dahil interesadong-interesado ang mga taga-Aklan," Pardo told Malaya in a phone interview.
Only few minor kinks need to be sorted out before the PBA holds its first-ever All-Stars event in Boracay.
"Nagkakaroon ng power problems duon at the height of summer and, of course, there’s the question of whether there will be television coverage. Pero kapag na-assure kami na walang problema at okay ang lahat malamang sa Boracay na nga," said Pardo.
Since it was institutionalized in 1989, the PBA All-Stars has made stops in Iloilo, Cebu and Bacolod but never in Aklan made world famous by Boracay and its beaches of fine, white sand. The island, located some two kilometers off the northwest corner of Panay, is also haven to snorkeling, windsurfing, kite boarding and enthusiasts of dragon boat and beach volleyball.
Aside from the centerpiece North-South event, Rookies-Sophomores Blitz game, slam dunk and three-point shootouts, the PBA’s weekend festivities include street parties and cleanups. Pardo said this time could be different.
"Siguro instead of street cleaning, beach cleaning naman," he stated.
Games could to be held at the Boracay Convention Center that can accommodate 3,000 people and located inside the Boracay Ecovillage Resort.

Mission 2011 Kalibo: Mending Faces, changing lives

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

Mending Faces conducts yearly campaigns "to give life-changing gift to children with facial deformities." In Aklan, more than 30 foreign volunteers treated 37 patients at Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon Memorial Hospital from February 13 to 18 / PHOTOS BY MENDING FACES

KALIBO, Aklan – Mending Faces’ team of doctors, most of them from Colorado, Hongkong and United Kingdom, and the provincial government of Aklan, teamed up in Mission 2011 Kalibo at Dr. Rafael S. Tumbokon Memorial Hospital (DRSTMH) here.

Dr. Rogelio Rivera, Management Consultant of Economic Enterprise Development Department-DRSTMH, said the doctors performed cleft lip and cleft palate surgeries during their stay in Aklan from February 13 to 18.

"There were 37 patients with facial deformities who availed free surgery and medical services from Mending Faces. The core volunteers performed 53 surgeries, which cost roughly $750,000 if they performed the procedures in the United States," he stressed.

Rivera said more than thirty medical and paramedical volunteers - plastic surgeons, anesthesiologists, pediatricians, surgery techs, dentists, nurses and allied health services – also enlisted the help of local surgeon Dr. Oscar Hilario, president of Aklan Medical Society, and nurses of DRSTMH during the three full days of surgery.

The patients were young and they ranged in age from 7 months to 10 years old. The majority of the patients were boys. Two adults from Tangalan, Aklan and Estancia, Kalibo, Aklan were also by treated by volunteer doctors.

The mission was able to serve patients from the neighboring barangays of Kalibo, Banga, Batan, Numancia, Makato, Malinao and Tangalan.
Mending Faces targets to operate more than 60 patients, but, in Aklan, only 37 patients were treated.

The mission started in 1998 and every two years, the doctors travelled to Aklan to perform cleft palate and cleft lip surgeries.

Rivera said the next mission trip of Mending Faces is scheduled in 2012 in the province of Antique.

The provincial government through the leadership of Aklan Governor Carlito Marquez and the Rotary Club of Kalibo, for many years, spearheaded the mission of self-funded volunteer physicians and nurses.

In addition, Rivera also thanked Mending Faces volunteer Donna Bandiola LaVigne, who hails from Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan and now based in Broomfield, Colorado for the outreach medical mission.

Changing lives

Mending Faces, headed by chairman Dr. David Charles, has performed more than 400 operations all over the world, especially in Third world countries.

Cleft palates, a condition resulting when tissue in the lips and mouth fail to meet, leaving gaps.
Such deformities cause speech problems, frequent infections, and inadequate nutrition. And then there is the severe social stigma. Children with cleft lips find themselves unable to attend school because they are the targets for extensive ridicule, the Mending Faces stressed.

Automatic weather stations for Aklan to benefit farmers, fishermen
BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

KALIBO, Aklan – The installation of automatic weather stations (AWS) in Aklan would serve as early warning system for typhoons and other extreme weather conditions.
Engr. John Kenneth Almalbis of Aklan Environment and Natural Resources Office (AKENRO) said the Department of Science and Technology (DoST) Secretary Mario Montejo through its weather forecasting arm has initiated the installation of automatic weather stations in 85 strategic sites across the country.
Aklan is among the first provinces identified by DoST for the AWS project that would help local farmers and fishermen prepared for adverse weather conditions, including threats from heavy rains.
In June 2008, the province was badly hit by Typhoon Frank, leaving tens of thousands homeless. Every year, low-lying areas along the Aklan River are periodically inundated by flood waters.

The weather bureau Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), in the first leg of the project, recently conducted onsite assessment and validation to install two sets of automatic weather stations in the campus of Aklan State University (ASU) in Ibajay, Aklan in the north and in the Goding Ramos Park in Estancia, this town, in the eastern areas.
“The state-of-the-art automatic weather stations will measure the atmospheric pressure, air temperature, relative humidity and rainfall amount. The on-time weather data registered by the automatic weather stations will be send to the PAGASA main office and posted for better access by end-users through a website,” Almalbis said.

Each automatic weather station also has sensors to measure wind speed, wind direction and solar radiation intensity and equipments such as 10-meter guyed steel tower, data logger, GSM modem, solar panels and solar panel controller/charger and backup battery.
PAGASA boosts its forecasting capability by increasing the number of weather instruments such as AWS, river sensors and rain gauges. The weather stations, which use developed innovations of technologies, automatically send rainfall data and real time weather updates to PAGASA.

Railway system to enhance Panay’s tourism industry
BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

KALIBO, Aklan – Provincial Planning and Development officer Engr. Roger Esto said the revival of the Panay railway system would develop the tourism industry and further boost Panay Island’s economy.
Aklan Governor Carlito Marquez as chairman of the Provincial Development Council has endorsed the rehabilitation and reconstruction work of the Panay railway system last year. The revival of the Philippine National Railway project was also endorsed by the Regional Development Council (RDC) Region 6.
“The coastal areas and the beach lines are the proposed new routes of the railway system that will support the region’s tourism industry. The consultants of the project are from the Austrian government considering the railway system is the most convenient and safe means of transportation in Europe,” Esto said.
Esto said the proposed railway system in Panay under the built-operate-rehabilitate-transfer plan will link Iloilo, Roxas City in Capiz, Kalibo and Caticlan in the province of Aklan.
Phase I would take the fast-moving train from Iloilo to Roxas City and up to Kalibo for the Phase II project that would encompasses the Kalibo Bakhawan Park, the Calangcang Sports Complex in Makato, tourism sites in Jawili of Tangalan, Ibajay, Nabas and in Caticlan, Malay, Aklan.
“Department of Transportation and Communication (DoTC) being the lead agency is now conducting the price listing of the lands affected by the railway project from Kalibo Bakhawan area going to Makato. They are also in the process of sourcing out the funds for the payment of the right of way,” Esto said.
As this developed, Governor Marquez said the project hopes to give the Boracay-bound tourists from Iloilo a faster and alternative transportation.
“We don’t have domestic flights from Iloilo to Caticlan, which is why, the investor will put up a railway system in Panay Island. The proposed project will pass Roxas City, then Kalibo and eventually Caticlan and which may extend to Antique. In the future, tourism is still the name of the game for economic development for the whole region,” the governor added.

Aklan’s adopted son battles Mexican boxer
BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

KALIBO, Aklan – The adopted son of Aklan faces World Boxing Council (WBC) bantamweight king Fernando Montiel at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada on February 19 (Sunday morning in Manila).
The championship fight between Montiel (43-2-2 with 33 KOs) and Nonito “The Filipino Flash” Donaire, Jr. (25-1, 17 KOs) is scheduled for 12 rounds. The unified 118-pound bantamweight fight is promoted by Top Rank Promotions and will air live by HBO.
The lanky 5-foot-6 Donaire is one of the sport's top-10 pound-for-pound fighters. The 28-year-old Donaire stopped World Boxing Association champion Wladimir Sidorenko in the fourth-round last December 4 to arrange a match-up with Montiel.
The 31-year old Montiel from Mexico, who holds the WBC and World Boxing Organization bantamweight belts, last toppled Hozumi Hasegawa in April last year for a fourth-round technical knockout in Japan.
Two years ago, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Aklan passed Resolution No. 2009-103 adopting the boxing champion from Talibon, Bohol.

“Donaire has shown pride and belongingness to Aklanons by publicly declaring in local radio interviews about the family roots of his Filipino-American wife Rachel. It is but fitting for Aklan and her people to give due honor to the sports heroics of the Donaire couple being one of our own and must share the pride and honors that both brought to the Filipino people and prominently to Aklanons,” the resolution stated.

Donaire’s taekwondo jin wife, Rachel Marcial-Donaire, hails from Numancia, Aklan.

Sports Unlimited: Boracay Funboard Cup 2011
By Jasmine Perez, Multimedia producer, Sports Unlimited

Amihan season in Boracay means two things-- it’s time to surf and it’s time to fly! Windsurfers and kiteboarders from all over the world flocked to Bulabog Beach to catch the wind, the wave and a lot of great hang time.
The 22nd Niel Pryde Funboard Cup had nautical legend Niel Pryde himself come to the Philippines during the press conference. The celebrated icon considers Boracay as one of his favorite destinations in Asia.
The Funboard Cup has gone a long way from just being a gathering of friends to enjoy the strong amihan wind in Bulabog Beach. Today windsurfers and kiteboarders from Guam, Estonia, Sweden, France and Belgium join our local windsurfers and kiteboarders in this annual event.
Kiteboarders had a field day taking advantage of the glorious amihan wind. Boracay truly is a year-round sports-tourism destination.
This year's top ten finishers in the men's category saw our local riders go 1-2-3 on the podium. 19 year-old rider and national team member Gido Gelito says that winsdurfing has helped the locals here in Boracay. He started surfing at the age of ten and now earns his income by being an instructor. His employer Simone Bartmann is equally proud of him. Marc got to go kiteboarding with his instructor Christopher Awe from the US Coastguard. Despite the partying in the evening, Marc made it a point to get up early in the morning to catch the wind with Christopher.
Riders of team Cabrinha were also at the Funboard Cup to get some piece of the Boracay wind. These kiteboarders are real fearless wind riders.
This fest is the perfect combination of competion and fun. Whippin’ competition by sunrise and Boracay partying by sunset. An 80’s themed party had Marc in his Miami Vice costume, joining the riders dance to 80’s music. The Funboard Cup also had a special fashion show for riders by the riders.
So next time you need a breath of fresh air, catch the wind in Boracay in the next Funboard Cup and be swept away! Bike for Hope
For the 10th edition of Senator Pia Cayetano’s Bike For Hope project, she brought her wheels to the country’s last natural frontier-- Palawan.
An avid sports woman, a former volleyball player and now a dedicated triathlete, Senator Cayetano has channeled her enthusiasm for sports to promoting empowerment for women and children, and to preserving the beauty of nature.
Cayetano were joined by other bikers from Palawan on a scenic 70-kilometer route. The 3-day Bike for Hope event featured Azkals standouts Younghusband brothers give seminars for physical educators on how to teach football. Top Pinay triathlete Annie de Leon was also present to teach the proper technique of running. Together with her fellow bikers, Senator Cayetano continues to spread her message of empowering women not only physically but also mentally and spiritually. It’s definitely a good way to burn calories and to keep Pinay power burning! Plana Forma
The summer season is up ahead-- meaning there’s no more excuse to start working out and shaping up your bodies.
Sports Unlimited discovered another exercise routine to keep our bodies fit for the hot season. Plana Forma is the newest workout to hit the country. Created by former gymnast and dancer Julie Alagde, this fifty-five-minute fun workout combines dance, pilates, yoga, Physique 57 and even sports like boxing.
Dyan and Marc started with a quick warm-up to loosen up their muscles. Then, they got their dumbells for some upper body exercises. It was barely ten minutes and they could already feel their bodies sweat non-stop. Julie told her students that there’s no room for any break. Before they could catch their breaths, she was already teaching them a new routine. The continuous workout makes you easily heat up your muscles and burn not just your calories but extra fats!
After targeting their upper bodies, they then focused on their legs and thighs using the bar and the mat. They also used the strap to flex and lengthen more of their muscles. This dynamic workout aims to strengthen the body and mind. In Marc’s case, he could already feel numbness from his legs.
Next, they were down on their mats to challenge the core. They could feel their abdominals flexing. It was hard yet this is the kind of toughness Marc and Dyan would love to endure. Julie told them that each class is different, which makes this workout all the more exciting.You don’t really know what’s next but follow the beat of the fast music. What makes Plana Forma even more effective is that the class is small so the instructor can correct your posture. Julie was not only helpful but motivated these first-timers to work harder!
So next time you have fifty-five-minutes to spare, challenge yourselves with Plana Forma and shape your bodies into your ideal form!

Sports Illustrated's bikini models grace Boracay beaches

One of the world's leading sports magazines asked some of the planet's sexiest models to lie around on the Philippines' most acclaimed beach.

Boracay is among the exotic locations featured in Sports Illustrated's 2011 Swimsuit Edition. The highly-awaited Sports Illustrated's Swimsuit Edition, which brought fame to several generations of super models from Christie Brinkley to Brooklyn Decker, hit newsstands Tuesday.

The cover features Russian model Irina Shayk on location in Hawaii, but the annual swimsuit issue also shows her and other bikini-clad single ladies in sultry poses on Bora's white-sand playground.

Boracay has long been a favorite frolicking ground for the glamorous. Over the Christmas holidays, actor Mark Salling, who plays "Puck" in the hit TV series Glee, partied in Boracay with Kapuso stars Richard Gutierrez and Solenn Heusaff.

This time, Boracay's beaches hosted models Shayk, Esti Ginzburg, Chrissy Teigen, Kate Upton, and Jessica White. One photo of Esti Ginzburg also shows a local man wearing a colorful Ati-Atihan costume in the background.

The magazine's website also showed videos of the women. Ginzburg was photographed on one of the island's iconic paraws while Jessica White's shots were taken at the poolside of Shangri-La's Boracay Resort and Spa. Thai-Norwegian Christine Teigen, who described Filipinos as "ridiculously sweet," was covered only by powdery white sand and shells of the island in some of her photos. Some of Kate Upton's photos were taken with a bahay kubo backdrop, while others were taken of her on a local fishing boat.

In the video, Upton said of Boracay: "It's beautiful! I grew up in Florida so I know what beaches are like but this beach is not like anything I've ever seen."

The women were not aware which of them would grace the cover of the magazine, as it is part of Sports Illustrated's tradition to keep this information under wraps until it is on sale.

Shayk only learned about her selection as the cover girl at the taping of Late Night with David Letterman. It is Shayk's fifth appearance in the magazine, but this is her first time to be on the cover. The 24-year-old model, who was discovered while riding a train to Moscow in 2004, is no stranger to the limelight, being the current girlfriend of football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.

According to Reuters, Shayk is the first Russian model to grace the cover of the swimsuit issue. For the first time, the issue will also be available not just in print but on iPads, mobile phones and even television with new apps for the digital reader.

This year, Sports Illustrated took Shayk and numerous other swimsuit models including Brooklyn Decker, Cintia Dicker, Julie Henderson, Genevieve Morton and Jessica White to famous beaches around the world for their photo shoots. Shayk is seen sitting on the sandy beaches of Maui in Hawaii for her cover picture.

The edition hits newsstands annually in the dead of North America's winter, offering the tantalizing hope to readers that warmer weather -- and the sunny days at the beach that go with it -- is only weeks away. It is one of the most widely-read magazine editions of the year. - OMG/RAF/KY/JVP/HS, GMA News with a report from Reuters

Church braces for new war on Boracay casino plan
BY NESTOR P. BURGOS JR / Inquirer

BORACAY - The parish priest of Boracay Island has slammed renewed efforts to build a casino in the popular island resort.
Fr. Magloire Placer, priest of the Holy Rosary Parish, said parishioners and community members in Boracay would block attempts to put up a casino on the island.
“We have only learned that the municipal council has passed a resolution endorsing the proposal. There was no consultation among the community,” Placer told Inquirer in a telephone interview on Monday.
The municipal council of Malay on January 25 passed a resolution endorsing the proposal of Cariño Development Management Corporation (CDMC) to build a casino at the 120-hectare Fairways and Bluewater Resort Golf and Country Club at the northern end of the 1,032-hectare island.
In its resolution, the council said the casino would bring additional revenue to the municipality and also attract more tourists.
It said Fairways was an ideal location for a casino because it was “secure, exclusive and self-contained.” Access to the facility would be restricted to only those who would play in the casino.
In a letter on January 3, CDMC president Noel Cariño said the casino operations would be regulated and accessible only to foreigners, members of an exclusive club and resort guests and residents.
Cariño said the casino would bring added income during bad weather when tourists are prevented from engaging in outdoor activities.
Placer, however, said parishioners and other residents of Boracay would hold rallies against the casino.
“The casino may be legal but we are fighting it on moral grounds,” he said.
Placer also questioned the basis for the municipal council approval of the project.
“Is it really needed? The casino needs Boracay to earn money but Boracay does not need a casino. We don’t need to attract tourists anymore because the island is already popular and in fact, getting crowded,” he said.
He said this was the third time in recent years that plans to put up a casino on the island have been pushed.
In 2003, a plan to put up a casino was shelved after Church and community groups held protest actions to block the project.
In 2008, then Kalibo Bishop Romeo Lazo led opposition to another proposal to build a casino on the island.
Councilor Rowen Aguirre, chair of the committee on laws and ordinances, said the council sticks by its endorsement.

Promote competitiveness of weaving industry - Villar

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

KALIBO, Aklan – The thriving weaving industry in Aklan gets a real boost, thanks to a proposed landmark legislation to promote the competitiveness of Philippine textiles.

Senator Manuel Villar is mounting a big push to help entrepreneurs as he introduced Resolution No. 362 for the Senate to conduct a study on the mechanisms to strengthen the Philippine weaving industry and to preserve this rich cultural heritage.

Vilar said the Philippine products are in need of development assistance in the form of product design, new production machinery and weaving technology, the adoption of a system to facilitate technology transfer and marketing methodologies must also be set in place to aid the weavers in coming up with competitive products.

The various textiles that exist in the country such as the Abel Iloko from the Ilocos, Pina and Raffia from Aklan, Hablon from Iloilo, Abaca and Sinamay from Bicol and the Visayas and the indigenous woven products such as theT'nalak among the T'boli, Dagmay to the Mandaya, Inabal to the Bagobo, Inabu to the Manobo, Mabuel to the B'laan, and Habulan to the Higaonon, all found in Mindanao, are a testament to Filipino ingenuity and creativity.

These are traditionally used as blankets, tube skirts (patadyong and malong), upper garments or blouse, sling bags, placemats and napkins and other decorative and functional items.
“These entrepreneurs require additional capitalization in order to enhance the market potential of their products, assistance in the form of bank referrals, including assistance on loan packages for small and medium scale enterprises and investment matching must be provided as well as making available information on engaging in joint venture projects and partnerships in order to improve the competitiveness of the industry," Villar added.
Villar said the pattern, style and the weaving and coloring methodology of traditional textiles are unique testaments to the indigenous genius of the Filipino, they form a rich cultural heritage which must be preserved through the institution of legal frameworks for the protection of traditional knowledge in the country.

The Philippines' textile industry comprised of four key sectors: production of yarn from fibres (spinning); produotion of fabric from yarn (weaving, circular knitting, warp knitting and raschel); decoration of fabrics (dyeing, printing and finishing); and production of fabric directly from fibre (non-woven fabrics).

House OKs creation of Aklan's two districts, now in Senate hands
BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

KALIBO, Aklan - The House of Representatives approved on third and final reading House Bill 3860, a measure that seeks for the creation of two congressional districts for Aklan.
Rep. Florencio Miraflores (Lone District, Aklan) filed the measure for the reapportionment of the lone legislative district of Aklan last year.
The proposed legislative measure has been endorsed to the Senate on February 2 this year for deliberations by the Senate Committee on Local Government chaired by Senator Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos, Jr.

Miraflores, a former three-termer Aklan Governor and now in his third-term as congressman, is the chairperson of the committee on tourism, vice chairperson of the committee on accounts and member of the House committees on appropriations, energy, local government, ways and means, natural resources, science and technology.

The bill, which replaced House Bill 1006, was filed by Miraflores on December 12, 2010. The plenary approved on second reading the Committee Report No. 427 of the committee on local government chaired by Negros Oriental Rep. George Arnaiz on January 19, 2011.
The proposed re-districting of the lone district of Aklan was subsequently approved by members of the 15th Congress with 219 affirmative votes, no negative votes and no abstentions, during the plenary session on January 31, 2011.

In the Congress Journal No. 52 stated, "On successive motions of Pasig City Rep. Roman Romulo, there being no objection, the Body proceeded to the approval on Third Reading of the following House Bills, printed copies of which were distributed to the Members on January 24, 2011, pursuant to Section 58, Rule X of the Rules of the House, Item No.2, House Bill No. 3860, entitled: “An Act Providing for the Reapportionment of the Lone District of the Province of Aklan."

'REAPPORTIONMENT'

Aklan province, composed of 17 towns, has a 2007 Census population of 495,122 and a projected 2010 population of 522,179.
Under Section 5(3), Article VI of the 1987 Constitution, each congressional district created by Congress, must be supported by a minimum population of at least 250,000.

The Lower House is also mandated to reapportion the legislative districts within three years following the return of every census. Since its restoration in 1987, no general apportionment law has been passed, despite the publication of four censuses in 1990, 1995, 2000 and 2007.

Unlike the creation of local government units which is ratified in a plebiscite, the reapportioning or redistricting may be done by Congress to ensure equal representation, subject to constitutional requirements.

Once concurred by Senate and made into law with the signing of President Benigno Simeon 'Noynoy' Aquino III, the redistricting of Aklan would mean bigger share of national services and resources through the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) and stronger representation in the Congress with two legislators.

The redistricting will take effect fifteen days following its publication in a newspaper of general circulation.
Last year, the chamber under Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr. also approved the creation of new districts in Maguindanao (2007 NSO census, 822,039), Iloilo City (2007 NSO census, 418,710) and Bacolod City (2007 NSO census, 499,497).

Governor Marquez denies casino proposals in Caticlan,

nix casino operations in Aklan

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

KALIBO, Aklan - Governor Carlito Marquez has denied media reports that the provincial government is entertaining the proposals to put up a casino in the proposed reclamation project in Barangay Caticlan in Malay, Aklan.

Asked about the report, Marquez clarified that there were no such proposals from the proponents of the casinos and if there were plans, the provincial government will express its sentiment and continuing opposition on the operation of casino in Aklan.

'Thumbs down'

Marquez restated his stand over RGMA DyRU Super Radyo Kalibo against the establishment of casino in Caticlan, the jump-off point to the popular beach destination of Boracay, saying, aside from casino, the provincial government also opposed in the past the existence of illegal numbers game and gambling facilities anywhere in the province.

In the mid-2000s, Catholic church officials and civic leaders here earlier joined hands in opposing the establishment of casino gaming by Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) in Boracay Island.

The protesters cited the long-term corruption and destruction to the values and lives of children in the island once the casino facility operates in the island resort.

In the pastoral letter read during masses, former Kalibo Bishop Gabriel Reyes exhorted his flock to oppose casinos, which he said are "often the cause of the impoverishment and breaking up of families.Casinos promote enslavement or addiction to the passion of gambling. They weaken the moral strength of people."

At present, the provincial government of Aklan has an ongoing 2.6 hectares reclamation project in Caticlan, the site of the future Aklan Marina complex.
Once fully developed, the Marina tourism project could improve the tourism services in the existing Caticlan jetty port and boost the local tourism industry.

Pinoys to showcase Ati-Atihan in Ireland

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

KALIBO, Aklan - Filipinos will join the National Day of Ireland, the feast day of Saint Patrick, on March 17 in the capital city of Dublin.

Expected to draw 650,000 spectators, this year's Saint Patrick's Day parade is the grandest and the greenest celebration in Ireland. The Dublin Saint Patrick's Festival will begin with the festival parade on March 17 until Sunday of March 20.

Spearheaded by Filipino Community Network (FCN), a partnership initiative of all Filipino-related communities, organisations, associations and groups in the Republic of Ireland, Pinoys will showcase the Ati-Atihan festival starting at Parnell Square North

FCN Cultural Committee chairperson Maria Ednalyne Golpo said the organization will pattern the Ati-Atihan concept of the rowdy Kalibo Ati-Atihan festival. Every Saturday in Dublin, the Ati-Atihan participants and drummers are holding practice sessions prior to the festival parade.

Saint Patrick's Day has come to be associated with everything Irish: anything green and gold, shamrocks and luck. Saint Patrick is also credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland. Being a religious holiday as well, many Irish attend mass, where March 17th is the traditional day for offering prayers for missionaries worldwide before the serious celebrating begins.

Meanwhile, FCN was established to build a strong and vibrant Filipino community and to promote its heritage, fosters unity, and encourages cooperation, collaboration and networking with government organisations, non-government organisations and other cultures.

Other activities of FCN this year are the Grand Santacruzan on May 21, Philippine Independence Day (Fiesta sa Nayon) on June 11, every Saturday of August for students (Primary, High School and College) Buwan ng Wika, Penafrancia Festival (Fluvial Parade) on September, and Paskong Pinoy on December 10.

The cultural events were adopted during the first community leaders general assembly meeting in the Philippine Embassy on January 28, 2011 by FCN, the umbrella of all the Filipino organizations and associations in Ireland.

Echoes From
BY JOHNNY DAYANG

Days after the Court of Appeals 6th Division junked the two murder cases against Senator Panfilo Lacson in connection with the Dacer-Corbito double murder case, I am reminded of this quote from noted African spiritual leader and novelist Bishop Desmond Tutu:"If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor."

I am not an impartial observer in the Dacer-Corbito double murder case. Publicist Salvador "Bubby" was a very close, highly cherished, personal friend of mine. I regard his daughters as my own and have been one with them in the quest for justice for Bubby and his driver.

For a while, it did seem that justice was at hand. After almost a decade, the court finally issued an arrest warrant against Senator Lacson, the man identified by former Lacson aide Cesar Mancao as the mastermind in the Dacer-Corbito double murder.

But Lacson fled the country on January 6, 2010. He told the media he left because the charges against him were false; a trumped-up charges of the Arroyo administration that was persecuting him for his blunt exposes on then President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.

Almost nine months after the Arroyo administration had been replaced by the administration of President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino, Lacson remains successful in evading the law. By some strange occurence, law enforcers continue to seem incapable and inept at apprehending the senator and former chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

And now suddenly, 13 months after a warrant for his arrest was issued, Senator Panfilo Lacson is freed by the Court of Appeals of all charges in the Dacer-Corbito double murder case.

The Aquino government did not welcome the CA decision. Justice secretary Leila M. de Lima announced the manhunt for Lacson stays, adding that the DOJ is filing a motion for reconsideration with the CA.

Malacanang said it would consult with De Lima on the best course of action to take in the light of the CA decision.

It is my hope that the Aquino administration would do right in the Dacer-Corbito murder case. The signs seem promising enough. There is no neutrality in justice. As Mr. Tutu said, to be neutral is to take the side of the oppressor.

Boracay from Above!

Rainy can be a letdown for those who want to soak in the brilliant sun, powdery white sand, blue skies and sea of this famous landmark in the Philippines. But it doesn't have to be peak season to enjoy the uniqueness of Boracay Island.
I stayed in Bora for five straight days of rainfall. It gives an otherwise new perspective of life in the most popular party place. It allows you to creatively explore beyond sun basking and sailing. So I set out to do something new in Bora other than the usual snorkeling, food binge, parasailing, massage-craving, island hopping, partying, celebrity watching and fire dancing.
It was raining heavily as we landed in Caticlan, where only small aircrafts courageously touch down, but not before dropping into thick, white mist of heavy clouds to land on one of the trickiest, shortest runways of the country. They spotted me right away at the arrival area-a bedraggled, shivering lone woman grasping an umbrella, luggage and camera bag, with an expression on the face that said, "Why am I here at this time of year?"
First off, the best way to enjoy Boracay at a 360-degree vista is not to stay in familiar coastal resorts but to aim for higher grounds. Hotel Soffia Boracay was the perfect host to my exploration, situated in the elevated Barangay Yapak.
Fetched by the hotel's amiable manager, Tony, I was whisked off to a ferryboat, to a vehicle going uphill, where a white-washed set of casitas and Mediterranean-inspired hotel stood in dreamy splendor, overlooking the island. I felt like singing on a set of "Mama Mia", transported in Greece.
Hotel Soffia's quiet beauty took my breath away immediately; the seascape view of White Beach from my balcony; the cool breeze that earned its moniker, "Tagaytay of Boracay"; to the glorious infinity pool that offers golden sky, sunset and blue horizon while sipping on sweet, lemongrass drink.
F&B manager Art sweetly fusses over you from breakfast to dinner, so be assured of fresh garden salad on your plate, thanks to a vegetable garden in the backyard.
At twilight, fruit bats and endangered flying foxes come out of caves in Barangay Yapak, soar overhead in thousands, covering crimson skies. A free 10-minute shuttle service to the beach is offered every hour, but party noises down the stations don't reach the hilltop. It was exquisite silence, as wifi allowed me to blog and write stories from the porch, even when it was raining.
What made up for my wet vacation, however, topped my list of exciting adventures. Hotel Soffia's owner, Archie Po (a pilot who owns Boracay Helicopter Adventures) and sister Millet Po Artillaga (recently retired banker), treated me to a one-of-a-kind experience, an aerial view of the island.
(Sir Archie and I first met during the maiden flight of Asian Spirit from Davao to Palau back in 2006. This cool, low-keyed guy used to own Asian Spirit, and now LionAir, owning a huge number of choppers and jets).
A young pilot in his 30s, Captain Dennis Figueroa (a Mindanaoan too), was the best air guide a photographer could ever ask for. Given the circumstances (gray skies, drizzle, windy atmosphere), he was cheerful and accommodating and made sure I was able to capture shots I was looking for.
If not, he would head back to the same angle so I wouldn't miss a great composition. He would go lower for me to shoot the famed Willy's Rock, or catch the sailboats, and even landed on the quieter Puka Beach with fewer guests around. The four-seater Robinson 44 Raven II was like a purring cat in his skilled hands.
In the next few days, sunrise or sunset didn't show up, as the downpour never let up. Navigating the streets of Bora with good friend Rubi de Vera was like invading flooded alleys of any rain-soaked city, except that you don't really expect torrents in a world class tourist destination.
It was seeing the other side of Bora for the first time -- stormy, dark, uncooperative. Yet, when I headed for a seaside diner down Station 2, the shoreline teemed with perspiring Asians, Americans, Europeans and Pinoys, determined to enjoy wet climate in the tropics.
Make sure you head for the remote Tree House Resort at the far quiet end of Station 3 for after dinner drinks and round of delicious pizza and sisig!
Unfazed by the weather, Dennis and I scaled heights over Bora, having fun identifying landmarks from above (check out other fine islets beside Bora). I have discovered amazing scenes otherwise unnoticed on land.
Boracay Helicopter Adventures (owned by Lionair in Pasay City) is situated in Sitio Cagban Helipad, Barangay Manoc-Manoc. They offer varied tours from airport transfers, beach and island tours, VIP/Sunset tours to charter flights. The rates vary but to give you an idea, a beach tour for 10-minutes cost Php3,500.00 per person for 2-3 in a flight.
I still hope to fly the skies for a good aerial sunset. Hotel Soffia remains a winner in my undiscovered hideaway list, as I have already missed the warm staff I have grown fond of in my stay.
Imagine having slept so soundly alone, even while knowing that I was the only guest in the 59 rooms the first night I came in! In my last day, I was boarding the small plane flying out to Manila, when Capt. Dennis texted: "The sun is finally out!" I vowed to come back for it soon.

Aklan hosts national inter-province chess fest,
world class woodpushers vying in April tourney
BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

KALIBO, Aklan - The province of Aklan is hosting for the second time the National Inter-Province Chess Championship on April.

Provincial Sports Coordinator Wilfredo Neri said world class woodpushers will join the five-day annual inter-province chessfest from April 1 to 5 at the Gov. Corazon L. Cabagnot Tourism and Training Center in Barangay Old Buswang, this town.

Neri said the annual competition is organized by the National Chess Federation of the Philippines (NCFP) and supported by the provincial government of Aklan under the leadership of Aklan Governor Carlito Marquez.

The grand team winner will receive P100,000 and trophy while the first runner-up will also pocket P70,000 and the third placer will receive P50,000, respectively.

The fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth placers will receive P30,000, P20,000, P10,000, P9,000 and P8,000 respectively.Also getting cash prizes are the ninth placer with P7,000 and the 10th placer will be given P6,000.

Each team is allowed four regular players or one alternate for a maximum of five players. However only one titled player (GM, IM, FM or NM) is allowed per team.
Neri said Filipino Grandmasters Wesley So, John Paul Gomez and Darwin Laylo will be seeing action against titled and untitled chess players across the country.

NCFP, headed by president/chairman Prospero “Butch” Pichay, is the governing body of chess in the country.

Last year, the province also hosted the weeklong National Inter-Provincial Chess Championship in the capital town of Kalibo. More than 30 teams bannered by highly rated players saw action in the prestigious inter province team championship.

Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA)-A captured the 2010 national inter province chess title while four teams – Rizal, Tagaytay, Makati and Boracay-A shared second to fifth places.

Meanwhile, Neri also announced the staging of the annual Governor's Cup Inter Municipal Basketball from March 18 to April 13 and the Inter Department Sportfest on April 5 to 15.

Aklan is celebrating its 55th anniversary as an independent province by virtue of Republic Act No. 1414 signed by President Ramon Magsaysay on April 25, 1956.

DPWH denies delay in Aklan river project
The Philippine Daily Inquirer

This has reference to the news article “Aklan dads urge probe of P96-M dredging project,” by Nestor P. Burgos Jr. (Inquirer, 12/28/10)
According to Regional Director Evelyn T. Barroso of the Department of Public Works and Highways-Region VI, contrary to the allegations that the project has been delayed, the dredging work on Aklan River was 93.75-percent complete as of Dec. 15, 2010, which means it was at the time 47.64 percent ahead of its target completion date.
The immediate construction of Sabo structures upstream, the dredging and the river improvement in the middle trenches were recommended by the DPWH Flood Control and Sabo Engineering Center Project Management Office after Typhoon “Frank” in June 2008. Also, to ensure transparency, representatives of the provincial government of Aklan, the DPWH central office and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources were allowed to observe the project surveys. The revision of the disposal site locations near the river mouth was delayed because the Environmental Compliance Certificate for the project was issued only in May 2010.
Director Barroso also clarified that there was no irregularity in the conduct of the bidding process, as the DPWH Central Bids and Awards Committee Task Working Group conducted an eligibility check on all bidders who submitted their letters of intent, and the procurement process was conducted in compliance with Republic Act 9184 (Government Procurement Reform Act).
Lastly, the allegations of provincial board member Rodson Mayor have been clarified by DPWH Region VI before Aklan’s Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

- ELIZABETH P. PILORIN

Chief, Public Information Division

Department of Public Works and Highways, Manila

Boracay is the best

COMMONSENSE BY Marichu A. Villanueva (The Philippine Star)

Based on the latest weather monitoring by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), most parts of our country will continue to experience rains and strong winds. In fact, Pagasa issued “gale warning” to affect the entire southern Luzon, Visayas and the eastern seaboard of Mindanao.
A “gale warning” by Pagasa refers to strong winds we locally call as amihan. Fishermen and people who use small boats and other light transport seacraft are advised not to sail out to sea, especially those in the eastern seaboard.

Due to the La Niña phenomenon, or long wet season, our weather experts have alerted us that summer months this year would be much shorter. Pagasa predicts early onset of rains to start early in May.
Since the last Christmas holidays, and up to now for the first few weeks of the new year, we experienced intermittent rains here in Metro Manila. While there was no typhoon situation, torrential rains that have been hitting Albay, Camarines, Leyte, Samar, and all the way to Davao del Sur have caused flashfloods and landslides. The bad weather has lately also reached Palawan.
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council reported the flashfloods and landslides have so far killed 53 people as of yesterday and more than P1 billion worth of damaged crops and public infrastructure. A pro-active Governor, Joey Salceda implemented pre-emptive evacuation of residents in flood-prone towns and areas susceptible to landslide that have reduced unnecessary loss of lives.
The weird weather season we are having is basically traced to climate change that affects the rest of the globe. In fact, while I was in Bali, Indonesia last week, it was humid all day long but rains poured heavily in the evenings.
The nearby Queensland in Australia was also suffering from the most serious case of flooding for the first time due to heavy rains. Heavy rains have likewise caused so much flood in Brazil.
In the United States and Canada, the people there are experiencing another worse winter season. That’s why, top executives of Canada-based Research in Motion, the mother company of Blackberry (BB) excitedly related to us they escaped the winter and enjoy the warmth in Bali where they held the First BB Development Conference in Asia.
There was not much tourist traffic in Bali, as I was told, because it’s the off-peak period. Tourists come in droves to Bali during the summer months.
It was my first time to come to Bali. I had so much expectation about Bali. So on my last day there, I took a dip on the beach. But it disappointed me no end. Boracay is still the best, with its white and fine sands and crystal blue water.
When I arrived in Bali for the BB DevCon Asia, I had the weird experience of going through x-ray scanner before newly arrived passengers are allowed exit out of their airport. I have traveled in many other countries but this was the first time that I experienced this kind of redundant screening of luggage and suitcases at the exit of the airport.
Selamat jelan! That’s the farewell greeting in the local Bali dialect as you enter their airport grounds. The security checks have become a way of life for tourists and travelers. For all the hassles, it makes us all feel safer that way.
Actually, it should be no surprise if security authorities at the Bali airport observe such extra tight check of goods and people coming in to their country. After all, they experienced one of the deadliest terrorist attacks. The Bali bombing on Oct. 12, 2002 nearly crippled their tourism business which is the chief source of their economic wealth.
The three separate bombing attacks in the tourist district of Kuta killed 202 people (including 88 Australians, 38 Indonesians) and injured 240 others. A local Indonesia terror group known as Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) carried out these bombing attacks in Bali. Yes, they are the same JI terrorists who have sneaked into the Philippines via Mindanao. Some of these “wanted” JI terrorists were reportedly behind the training of our locally bred terror group called Abu Sayyaf bandits.
This sad episode in Bali has obviously been laid to rest. This is evidenced by the renewed robust tourist traffic in their island by Australians and other Westerners who love to spend their vacation and bask at the beaches of the tropics. The experience of Bali on how it became the tourist capital of Indonesia is the favorite example of Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim in promoting the “open skies” policy.
Before I left Manila, I heard the Tourism Secretary being interviewed over DZRH radio station where he explained the ongoing efforts by his Department to promote the concept of “open skies” in pocket basis like what the Indonesian government did that propelled Bali as a major tourist destination in their country. The Indonesian government allowed other foreign airlines to serve direct flights only to Bali but Jakarta airport remains as the primary port of entry for the rest of their country.
“Bali is a good example. They now have more than three million tourists,” Lim cited. He recalled Bali did not have that much tourist arrivals until they adopted this policy of allowing more airlines to come in.
Lim said they are implementing the same concept of “pocket open skies” that would allow other foreign airline companies to enter in secondary international airports in the Philippines like Clark in Angeles City, Pampanga, or in Cebu or Davao international airports.
“Open skies signals we’re open for business. The sky is the limit, so to speak, for them to the see the Philippines as a good destination,” Lim pointed out. The Tourism Secretary disclosed that starting next month, Jin Air of Korea, All Nippon Airways of Japan and Air Asia are coming in under this “open skies” policy on pocket basis.
Lim pointed out this would pose a healthy competition to the so-called “legacy airlines” in our country like the Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific and usher in better services and lower fare.
We flew to Bali via Singapore. There is no direct flight from Manila to Bali. But I could only envy Bali with the constant stream of flights coming in to and from their island. If indeed Bali’s “open skies” did wonder for Indonesia’s tourist capital, Boracay’s wonders should hopefully do the same for the Philippines.