Updates on Aparri International, Inc. Grand Reunion in Manila and Aparri

Tickets for the Aparri Grand Reunion are now available from the following contact persons:

US & other foreign-based  

• Tony Mallari : trmallari@yahoo.com
• Janet de Rivera: jemj52@yahoo.com
• Ferdie Rabaja: jennifer_eight2002@yahoo.com

Philippines

• Rema Tan Manzano
• Titang Manzano Leabres: titaleabres@yahoo.com, (Hse) 046970165 (Cell) 639178129294

Please note that there only 500 tickets available for allocation for your invited guests from the Philippines,  as follows:  250 reserved for US based residents and 250 for RP.  Kindly email your reservations as soon as possible.

Thank you and see you all in Manila!

Updates on Aparri International Grand Reunion in Manila and Aparri

(Isabelo U. Tabanguil Jr., November 7, 2010)

Hi Y'all:

First, I would like to introduce myself.  My name is Isabelo (Jun) U. Tabanguil, Jr....I graduated from the Sacred Heart of Mary's Institution (SHOMI)...Class 1956.  I am the East Coast Area Representative of the Aparri International, Inc.

And second...after all this said, I am now announcing that the time has come for us to "PARTY"! ! !  Philippines...here we come.  The date and place are set: April 29, 2011 at Manila Hotel.  Per minutes of a meeting held in California...the cost for a ticket (US Group) is $100 and (Philippine Group) is P2,500.  Tickets are now ready for distribution.

Please contact:
Mr. Ferdinand Rabaja 
1024 N. Alexandria Avenue
Los Angeles, CA, USA  90029
or call him at (323) 337-2487 (Cell) or email him at jennifer_eight2002@yahoo.com to request for your tickets.

Please act now...your participation is highly appreciated.

God Bless and see y'all in Manila,

Jun

Isabelo (Jun) U. Tabanguil Jr., P.E., BCEE
7746 Talley Ann Dr.
Tallahassee, Florida 32311-9479

Telephone:  (850)309-0858 (Home)
                   (850)728-2939 (Cell)
Fax:            (850)309-1230

Dredging or Black Sand Mining Project Brewing Again in Cagayan

Apparently, there are some activities going on to affect Aparri up to Alcala Cagayan.   The "Dredging" project got a provincial public hearing held on October 27, 2010 and again on November 3, 2010.

Lalloqueno Tagapagmasid wrote:

ANG ISDA AY NAHUHULI SA SARILI NIYANG BIBIG: Ang tunay na intension ng panukalang “DREDGING” ng Cagayan River

(Isang Komentaryo ni Bombo Rogie Sending sa kaniyang Programang Bombo Hanay Bigtime sa Bombo Radyo Tuguegarao 891Khz October 28, 2010, 7:30-9:30AM)

-------

Nakamasid at masusing minamatyagan na naman ng mamamayang Cagayano ang tindig ng bawat Miyembro ng Sangguniang Panlalawigan, ngayon at muling nakahapag sa kanilang harapan ang isa na namang aplikasyon nang pagmimina ng itim na buhangin (BLACK MAGNETIZED SAND o BMS) sa Dakilang Ilog Cagayan na ikinukubli sa isang katanggap-tanggap na pabalat o balatkayo : DREDGING.

Bakit tahasan ko sinasabi na pagmimina ng BSM ang tunay na pakay ng Dae Yeon Corporation, isang Filipino-Korean Company, na may aplikasyon ngayon sa Pamahalaang Panlalawigan para i-dredge umano ang Cagayan River mula Aparri paakyat ng Alcala?

Bakit ayaw ko na paniwalaan ang sinasabi ni Atty. Ramon Tumaru at isang Atty. Cabatan, mga kumakatawan sa nasabing korporasyon, na pagmamahal sa Lalawigan nating Cagayan ang nagtulak sa kanila na i-dredge ang Ilog Cagayan ng “LIBRE”, basta’t ang kapalit ay ilalabas nila ng bansa ang lahat ng mahahalukay na buhangin at iwan ang basura nito?

Bakit hanggang sa ngayon ay pinagdududahan ko ang tunay na intension ng korporasyong ito at kung sino o anu mang grupo ang nasa likuran nito na dredging ang kanilang pakay?

Hayaan niyong ilatag ko ang ilang punto na kahit sinong mamamayang Cagayano ay magsasabing sobra na itong pang-iinsulto sa kakayahang sumuri ni Apo Cagayano nang tunay na pakay ng mga mapanlinlang at nagbabalat-kayong mapagmalasakit na Cagayano.

Una, sa simula’t simula pa lamang ay kwetunable na ang kapabilidad at katayuan ng korporasyong ito.

Katunayan, sa huli nilang pagharap sa pagdinig ng Committee of the Whole ng Sangguniang Panlalawigan noong Oktubre 27, 2010 ay wala naman silang bitbit na datos kung paano nila gagawin ang sinasabi nilang dredging operations.

Iyon na ang pangatlong pagkakataon na humarap sila sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan subalit walang kongkreto at detalyadong datos kaugnay sa kanilang kapabilidad pinansyal at kakayahang teknikal na gawin ang kanilang panukala.

Isinasangkalan pa ang kawalan ng kuryente bunsod ng Bagyong Juan kaya hindi raw sila nakapaghanda.

Tanging ang bitbit ay ang draft ng Memorandum of Agreement na panday nila at ang gusto ay pag-usapan na ang nilalaman nito kahit blangko pa ang lahat sa tunay na kakayahan ng korporasyong ito.

Binibigyan diin natin na wala pa ni isang karanasan sa dredging operations ang nasabing kumpanya.

Pangalawa, kaduda-duda ang pagkatao ng mga personalidad na kumakatawan sa korporasyong ito.

Sino si Atty. Ramon Tumaru? Hindi ba at kapatid ito ni Aparri Mayor Ismael Tumaru na binabatikos ngayon ng Simbahan at ilang sektor sa kaniyang bayan dahil sa pagpayag nito sa pagmimina ng BSM sa kanilang lugar?

Sino itong Atty. Cabatan? Bakit hindi niya masagot ang mga katanungan ng mga Board Members at lagi na lamang ang isinasagot ay “I will refer the matter to the board”?

Bakit ganoon na lamang katapang silang humarap sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan na laway lamang ang bitbit gayong ang sabi nila daan-daang milyong pisong halaga ng operasyon ang kanilang isasagawa?

Bakit tila bara-bara kung umasta ang mga ito? Hindi kaya ang nasa isip nila ay “moro-moro” na lamang ang pagdinig sa Sangguniang Panlalawigan dahil nakatimbre na ito sa taas at ang dulo nito ay ma-aaprubahan din?

Aba, sobra yatang pang-iinsulto na ito? Hindi ba naiinsulto ang bawat kagalang-galang na Miyembro ng Sangguniang Panlalawigan na tila hindi man lamang binibigyan ng respeto ng mga taong ito?

At pangatlo, huling-huli mismo si Atty. Cabatan sa pahayag nito na ang tunay na intension ng kanilang korporasyon ay ang minahin ang BMS ng Cagayan River.

Mismong si Board Member Atty. Romeo Garcia ng Unang Distrito ng Cagayan ang naka-tumbok sa tila hindi na nakayanang pagsisinungaling ng nasabing abogado kaya nagbanta ang nabanggit na Bokal na haharangin niya ang aplikasyon kung pagmimina ang intension.

Ayon kay Atty. Cabatan, kinatawan ng Dae Yeon Corporation, mayroon sila (Dae Yeon) na pending na exploration permit sa Mines and Geosciences Bureau o MGB para sa pagmimina ng BMS sa higit 500-ektarya na bahagi ng Cagayan River.

Ayon pa sa nasabing abogado, HINDI NAAPRUBAHAN ANG KANILANG EXPLORATION PERMIT SA MGB KAYA SILA NGAYON NAG-AAPLAY SA PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT AT NAG-IBA NG “TONO” KUNG SAAN “DREDGING” NGAYON ANG KANILANG APLIKASYON KASI MARAMI ANG TUMUTUTOL SA BLACK SAND MINING.

Mga minamahal kong Apo Cagayano at mga kababayan, HULI ANG ISDA SA SARILING BIBIG! Malinaw pa sa sikat ng araw at bistado ang kanilang tunay na pakay at intension. Ang pagmimina ng blacksand sa higit 500-ektaryang bahagi ng Ilog Cagayan at hindi dredging na kanilang tono.

Tama si Board Member Romeo Garcia, sa kaniyang tinuran na haharangin niya ang pag-apruba sa nasabing aplikasyon dahil ang tila-intensyon ay i-detour o paiikliin ang pagkatakam nila sa black sand ng Cagayan River na gagamitin pa ang Provincial Government sa pakay nilang pagmimina dahil hindi pa sila nakakakuha ng permiso sa MGB kaya ngayon nagbabalatkayo sila na i-dredge ang ilog natin ng libre kuno.

Walang duda na dapat i-dredge ang Cagayan River dahil sa sobra ng siltation nito, subalit ipagkakatiwala mo ba sa loob ng 25-taon ang gawaing yan sa isang kumpanya na sa simula ay kaduda-duda na ang pakay at bistadong ang hangarin ay minahin lamang ang black sand ng Ilog Cagayan.

Sa mga kagalang-galang nating mga Miyembro ng Sangguniang Panlalawigan, ipagpapatuloy niyo pa ba ang pagdinig sa aplikasyong ito gayong huli na sa sariling bibig ang mga pakay ng korporasyong ito?

Hindi ba ang dapat gawin ay tahasan ng ibasura ang aplikasyon na iyan.

Huwag naman sanang muling gawing isang entablado ang  kagalang-galang na August Hall ng Provincial Board sa napakalinaw na ‘sarwelang” ito.

Minamahal kong Apo Cagayano at mga kababayan… higit tayong dapat maging mapagbantay sa mga panahong ito.

Ipabatid natin sa mga halal nating opisyal na kumakatawan sa atin sa Provincial Board na tayo ay masusing nakamasid at nakabantay sa kanilang tindig sa isyung ito.

Huwag nating hayaang patuloy na niluluray an gating mga likas na yaman para lamang magtampisaw sa sanlaksa-laksang salaping nagpapabundat sa bulsa ng iilan at hayaang masakripisyo ang mamamayang Cagayano.

Huwag naman. Huwag naman.

Prayer Request for Mercedes Donato-Yballe

(Milagros Gavieres, September 20, 2010)

Hi,

Our beloved sister, Mercedes (Ched) Donato-Yballe, succumbed to a heart attack and complications from pneumonia early today, her birthday.  She was an anaesthesiologist at the Manila Doctors Hospital.

She leaves behind husband, Douglas Yballe, son,  daughter and family, and a grandson.

Family requests privacy at this difficult time.

Thank you for prayers.

Mila

"SHOWTIME" Will Conduct Audition In Aparri During September 13 to 18, 2010

Aparri International Grand Reunion and Homecoming

Time:          Friday, April 29, 2011  6:00 pm
Location:    Manila Hotel, Metro Manila, Philippines

Time:         May 3, 2011  
Location:   Balikbayan Night at the town fiesta
 
Time:         May 4, 2011
Location:   Grand Picnic at the beach of Aparri 

There will be an Aparri International Grand Reunion Homecoming in Manila, Phils. tentatively on April 30, 2011 and reunions in Aparri in May after the Manila affair. Headed by Mr. Tarrie Co, 2010 President, the group is so excited to meet and see old friends and relatives and be with them for a night of gifts, dances, laughter and fun, fun, fun!!!! Balikbayans from all 4 corners of the world and Aparrianos in Manila and Aparri and everywhere, you are all invited to join and be together for a "Night to Remember"... For details and tickets, reservations, pls contact Mr. Tarrie Co, Janette Macatiag, Boysie Bermejo, Freddie Meram, Fe Reyes, Tony Mallari, Caesar Reyes and of course Mr. Gin Cababa and Mr. Joe Tan, past Presidents.

Please visit Aparri International Facebook page for more information.

Please Pray for Bonifacio "Boni" Taguba

(Janette Macatiag, Mila Donato-Gavieres, 24 August 2010)

My Fellow Aparrianos and Friends:

I am forwarding email message of Mila Donato-Gavieres from Hawaii; Re: the untimely death of an Aparriano, Boni Taguba. Please pray for the repose of his soul.

----- Forwarded Message -----

Hi,

I got a phone call tonight from Mrs. Rose Taguba, informing me of the death of her husband, Bonifacio Taguba, on August 6. He died from a bad fall while visiting family in Aparri.

"Boni", as he was better known, left behind a wife and six children. He was 78 years old.

Condolence messages may be sent to Mrs. Rose Taguba at 3754 Likini Street, Honolulu, Hawaii  96818.

Thank you and best regards,

Mila

Prayer Request for Arthur R. Mallari, Brother of Tony Mallari

(Janette Jimenez, 5 August  2010)

FELLOW APARRIANOS and FRIENDS:

Please be informed that Arthur R. Mallari, brother of Tony, passed away yesterday morning at his residence in #4 Teodora Park Subdivision, Concepcion Uno, 1807, Marikina City, Philippines. He was 75 years old.

Join us in prayers and condoling his wife Sally and children Amy, Molly, Arvin and Ming. who may be contacted at  the above-residence or at phone no. 0116329988083 or email: atm4563@gmail.com.

His wake is at Funeraria Paz, Quezon City, Philippines.

Let us pray for the eternal repose of his soul.

Thank you.


Note: For further details, you can contact Tony Mallari at his CP # (310) 384-1398.

Farewell To Avelina De Rivera De Leon

Dear Fellow Aparrianos,

It is with deep sadness that we announced that our dear aunt, Avelina "Biling" De Rivera De Leon passed away last Friday, July 23rd at the age of 80.  She is survived by husband, Ponching, daughters, Winnie and Bing-Bing, son-in-law, Amy Tolentino, grandchildren Josef, Kristine, Mike (Kristine's husband), Charles, Roj Mark and great grandson, Iain.

There will be a one night memorial service on Monday, July 26 from 5-9pm at:

GROMAN MORTUARY, INC
830 W. Washington Blvd
Los Angeles, CA  90015
(213) 748-0893

Her body will be flown back to Manila on Wednesday, July 28th.  Funeral Services will be announced later.

You may send your condolences to daughter Bing-Bing  de Leon, 40009 Palmetto Dr, Palmdale, CA 93551,  cell # (661) 965-0453,  home # (661) 947-5287,  or daughter Winnie Tolentino (Philippines), cell # 0917-578-0465.

Delia Pano, Myrna Pano Maalihan, Mito Sotto

Miss Cagayan 2010 is Miss Aparri

Congratulations Miss Aparri, Richeign Jane C. Miña, our Binibining Cagayan 2010!

Killings in Buguey

There are abnormal occurences of violence in Buguey, Cagayan.   Proper authorities should look into these extreme cases of violence happening in Buguey.

THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE TO THE PEOPLE OF BUGUEY.

President Aquino, please look into this and stop the violence.

------------------------------------------------------

FLORO C. TAGUINOD, GMANews.TV
07/04/2010 | 11:55 AM

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya — Three unidentified gunmen shot dead a village official in the northern province of Cagayan Friday but left behind a witness to the crime, a police report said Sunday.

Police have identified the victim as Mardy Foronda, 36, councilor of Quinawegan village in Buguey town in Cagayan province.

Buguey police said the victim was supervising workers at his farm lot at about 5:00 pm on Friday when three male suspects on board a motorcycle fired at him using firearms various calibers.

Foronda died instantly according to the report, but his companion, 49-year-old Eduardo Unday, managed to run for safety as the killers started shooting at him.
------------------------------------------------------
STOP BLACK SAND MINING IN CAGAYAN (Facebook)

Kumpirmadong isa na namang sibilyan ang binaril kahapon sa bayan ng Buguey!  Walang awang binaril si Mr.Tito Lunato ng Brgy San Isidro.   Isinugod sa ospital at kasalukuyang ginagamot.   Pangunahing suspek,bodyguard ng mga Antiporda!  Totoo ba ang balitang me tauhan na ang mga funeral homes sa munisipyu ng Buguey na nag aabang nalang sa mga darating pang biktima??  tsk.tsk.tsk
------------------------------------------------------
STOP BLACK SAND MINING IN CAGAYAN  (Facebook)

Isa na namang buhay ang nabuwis sa bayan ng Buguey! Pinagbabaril at napatay ang isang Rene Baquiran na tga Brgy Balza at napag alaman na dead on the spot sa tama ng cal 45.  Inaalam pa ang motibo sa krimen.  Matatandaang sunod sunod na ang pagpatay sa naturang bayan simula ng maupong muli ang mga Antiporda sa pwesto!!  Ilang ...
------------------------------------------------------
Environmentalists want Cagayan killings probed
CARMELA G. LAPENA, GMANews.TV
05/23/2010 | 12:31 PM

An environmental group called on government to speed up investigations into the killings and violence against anti-mining advocates in Cagayan province.

Environmental network Alyansa Tigil Mina (ATM) also called for a stricter implementation of peace and order to protect anti-mining leaders from violence, as justice has yet to be given to victims in the last few months.

“We have already recorded five deaths of anti-mining activists within the span of six months since November last year," said ATM national coordinator Jaybee Garganera in an article posted Saturday evening on the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines news site. [See: Groups ask govt for quick probe of anti-mining advocates’ killings]

“Right now we fear for the lives of other anti-mining local officials and activists, who remain strong on their position against mining operations in the province especially in Buguey," he added.

The town of Buguey is one of the consistent election hotspots in the country since 2001.

Garganera said the most recent victim of violence in Buguey was San Lorenzo barangay liason officer Adamson Arellano, who was shot in the leg and foot by unidentified men on May 17.

“Arellano is lucky to have escaped death. But it is not the same for the five anti-mining activists who have already died from the brutal killings while their respective families have yet to claim justice," Garganera said.

He said Fula barangay captain William Arzadon died on May 15, when unidentified men shot him while he was on his motorcycle in Buguey.

Conrado Buenaflor, another anti-mining advocate, was shot in front of his own house in Barangay Leron on May 9. He died four days later, ATM said.

Gensun Agustin, one of the leaders of the anti-mining civil society group Alliance of Buguey Community Development Advocates and a member of the Federation of Anti-Mining Advocates in Cagayan, was gunned down on March 1 while on his way home after delivering a lecture on the impact of mining in Buguey.

Anti-mining advocates Pedrito Tabaco and his brother-in-law Alfredo Rabit were also shot down by unidentified men while riding together in a motorcycle on their way home in Barangay Leron Buguey on Nov. 30.

The ATM said mining in Cagayan is a hot political issue, with the recent election there being a battleground between pro- and anti-mining candidates.

“Arellano, Arzadon, Buenaflor, Agustin, Tabaco and Rabit were all known strong supporters of anti-mining Buguey Mayor Ignacio Taruc who recently ran against the son of Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile and another contender for the House Representative seat in Cagayan first district," Garganera said.

The group also noted that in the last election, Taruc got 40.42 percent of the total votes for the congressional seat against 56.23 percent of Juan Ponce Enrile Jr.

Aparri International, Inc. Forms and An Open Letter From - Tarrie Co, President

Please Help Me - Loida Cuevas-Haduca

We have received the following request...

Hello,

I hope you can help me.

My name is Loida Cuevas-Haduca, I am looking for some information about HERMINIA MARCOS.

I was born in Aparri  in 1955, and my father picked me up at one of the Hospitals in Aparri and raised me in Baggao.  My father's siblings all live in Baggao.  I will be going to Baggao/Lal-lo in July 2010.

Any information will be greatly appreciated

Thank you,
Loida Cuevas-Haduca
lchaduca@hotmail.com

Open Letter from Kristle Joyce Pagaduan

Kristle Joyce Pagaduan    May 8 at 6:27am

Hi guys ,

Hope this finds you well.
May 10 Elections is coming. And I am asking for your support this coming elections because my dad is running for councilor . His name is DAVID PAGADUAN and number 18 on the balot.
I believe that he is the kind of person than can help change aparri for the better. He is god fearing and has been tried and tested regarding his principle and belief in the truth and justice.
I hope that you can tell your friends and relatives back home to vote for him this coming elections. =)

Here's a short background of him...

His name is DAVID "dave" PAGADUAN for Councilor.

-- Born to parents Pedro Garcia Pagaduan of Plaza and to concepcion Guillermo Abinan of bukig.
-- Married to Elizabeth "Baby" Buenavides Pagaduan of Aparri w/ 3 children namely: Architect Carlo Pagaduan, Atty. Arsenik Pagaduan, and Kristle Pagaduan a Jr Asst. manager.
-- He is a graduate od bachelor of Arts major in Political Science @ d' university of the East Manila ; finished high school at the Cagayan Valley Iinstitute and Elementary at Plaza and bukig elementary school.
-- Businessman - Proprietor - Manager of Prince Tailoring
-- 2 terms Sangguniang Bayan Member

Organizations:

-- Knights of Columbus -Aparri council 4366
- Grand Knight (3 terms 2005-2008)
- Recipient 2 times of International Double Star Award from
New haven , Connecticut .
- BEC- Langen Agassawa Aparri
- Marriage Encounter Philippines
*Past Chair- Couple 1997 and Coordinator Class 15
- Prex I - St. Peter Thelmo Parish

Thank you very much and again please dont forget to vote DAVID PAGADUAN for councilor - Bantay Bayan Mapagkakatiwalaan. He is for CHANGE and we need to ACT NOW.

Thanks and Godbless!!!

=) Kristle Pagaduan

Election Set-Up Begins In Aparri - National/Local Election May 2010

(Courtesy of Crown Cellular)

(May 3, 2010) PCOS machines for the municipality of Aparri are now ready for delivery to the respective areas tomorrow morning.  Please let us all join and guard the PCOS machines for a credible May 2010 Election.

  
It is now beginning....the wheels of the election process is starting to turn...

Please be watchful and protect your vote.   VOTE WISELY!!!  Kabayan...

That will be your future and your children's future.   Let us all vote for change - for the GOOD of everyone and not just for the ("sakim") few....

Aquino-Roxas Team Visits Aparri

(courtesy of Crown Cellular - Facebook)

For more pictures, please visit this link.

T

The Presidential and Vice-President candidates, Messrs.  Noy Noy Aquino and Mar Roxas recently landed in Aparri (CSU grounds).   They are carrying the tagline "Kung walang corrupt walang mahirap" and spreading this message across our town folks in Aparri.

Mabuhay ka!

Boracay of the North

Crown Cellular says:
Santa Ana, Cagayan may be the "Boracay of the North"
-kabalikat civicom aparri

Anong say ng Aparri...basta kapit kabayan...Aparri pa rin!!!

Aparri International, Inc. New Officers - Formal Turnover and Other Plans

(Mr. Gin Cababa, April 1, 2010)

Attendees of the Meeting

• Cesar and Naty Reyes               
• Jose B. Tan
• Tarrie and Kristin Co                  
• Cecilia S. Co
• Ferdinand and Arceli Meram     
• Lisa Acoba         
• Boysie and Zeny Bermejo         
• Geo Padamada
• Gin and Delia Cababa                
• Ferdinand Rabaja                          
• Romeo and Helen Co                
• Evangeline Cabalda                                      
• Tony and Iris Mallari                   
• Janette de Rivera                                   
• Vener and Vina Villanueva

Outgoing Aparri International, Inc. President, Mr. Jose B. Tan, delivered his short and brief turn-over speech which in turn was accepted by the Incoming President, Mr. Tarrie Co.

Initial Planning: Subject - May, 2011

Mr. Gin Cababa, past president & member of the Board will be going to the Philippines and will make representations for the Aparri International, Inc. on the following:

1. Contact persons in Manila who will be our coordinators for the affair in Manila, tentative date will be April 29, 2011.
2. Have an audience with the newly elected mayor to set a date for the Aparrianos Balikbayan Night in May 2011, possibly  May 2 or 3, 2011.

Cesar Reyes and Jose B. Tan will take charge of the Committee on canvassing Aparrianos who want or plan to go to the Philippines for the affair; also canvass  from travel agencies for the cheapest fare.

Creation of Committees

Souvenir Program. Forms to be distributed by Ferdie Rabaja.

Other Topics

Oath taking of the new officers will be on May 30, 2010 in conjunction with the International CVI "Walay" Alumni affair.

Electronic copy of the by-laws will be sent by Gin Cababa to Tarrie Co.

Letter reminders will be sent to all members regarding membership dues/fees.

Next meeting will be on April 3, 2010 to be held at the residence of Mr. & Mrs. Loreto "Boysie" Bermejo, at 12:00 noon. It will be a "Potlock", so please bring your favorite dish.

Boysie's address:
3923 Ackerman Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90065
Telephone (323) 256-0887

The meeting adjourned at 5 pm, March 6, 2010
Venue: Residence of Mr. & Mrs. Tarrie S. Co

Wanted: Government Leaders - May 2010 Election

   Found this cover page somewhere in the web.               

   Do we have candidates (not parties nor association, I mean individuals with these personal beliefs) in the coming May 2010 elections?

    If you are or you know somebody, please share...  I WILL VOTE FOR HIM OR HER...

    And if there is no one, then I WILL BE FORCED TO CHOOSE THE LESSER EVIL.   Don't like to dwell on the dark side and would rather swim in the light side of things.   I think, this is a better option than doing nothing at all.  Just, my 5 cents....este...5 pesos pala...

Know Your Local Candidates For Aparri, Cagayan - May 2010 Election

For Mayor

    * Pedronan, Diosdado Dela Cruz "Dado"; (PGRP )
    * Peneyra, Norman Barit "Norman"; (LP )
    * Romero, Jessica Gan "Je"; (IND. )
    * Tumaru, Ismael Villamor "Mael"; (LKS-KAM )

For Vice Mayor

    * Alameda, Rommel Gerali "Rga"; (LKS-KAM )
    * Chua, Ernesto Melchor "Emc"; (LP )
    * Suguitan, Victor Rosal "Vic"; (IND. )

For Councilors

    * Abad, Amparo Labbao "Ampy"; (LP )
    * Alariao, Felipe Jr. Riesgo "Jun"; (IND. )
    * Aquino, Jose Meram "Peping"; (IND. )
    * Cartagena, Rodolfo Lucero "Rudy"; (LKS-KAM )
    * Chan, Ireneo Rapanan "Rene"; (IND. )
    * Co, Primitivo Asuncion "Tibong"; (LKS-KAM )
    * De Rivera, Nilo Magabilin "Nilo"; (IND. )
    * Eslabon, Benjamin Pascua "Ben"; (LP )
    * Gan, Ricardo Lorenzo "Boy Gan"; (IND. )
    * Gorospe, Mario Abon "Mario"; (LP )
    * Hernaez, Henson Serapon "Padi"; (IND. )
    * Ignacio, Norman Natividad "Tanney"; (LKS-KAM )
    * Littaua, Lydia Dela Fuente "Lydia"; (LP )
    * Mabbagu, Cesar Furagganan "Pong"; (LP )
    * Malvas, Ramiro Caliwara "Ronie"; (IND. )
    * Oñate, Editha Gozum "Edith"; (LKS-KAM )
    * Oliva, Aurelio Felix Abel "Aurel"; (IND. )
    * Pagaduan, David Abinan "Dave"; (LP )
    * Peneyra, Norman Jr. Bello "Jumbo"; (LP )
    * Siriban, Jimmy Udarbe "Jim"; (LKS-KAM )
    * Tan, Lupo Gorospe "Lups"; (IND. )
    * Tumaru, Shalimar Decierto "Shali"; (LKS-KAM )
    * Umbay, Melie Agbayani "Mel"; (LKS-KAM )
    * Urdas, Windell Cubangbang "Dell"; (LKS-KAM )
    * Valencia, Dominador Agapinan "Dong"; (PGRP )
    * Ventura, Odelon Villegas "Loding"; (LP )

courtesy of  Know Your Candidates.

Current Pictures of Saint Peter Thelmo Parish Church

From Father Adalbert Barut album courtesy of  St. Peter Gozales Thelmo's FB Page.

This was taken last December 24, 2009.  There are more pictures available for viewing.

VIEW MORE

Notable Development in Nearby Town - Cape Engano, Palaui Island

The Cape Engano lighthouse gets a facelift, the start of a series of restorative works that hopes to rebuild the tower from what is left of over a hundred years of existence.

The century-old lighthouse, built in 1887, rests on the summit of a hill at the northeastern most point of Palaui Island in the province of Cagayan.

A Technical Working Group for Palaui Restoration comprised of representatives from the UP-Asian Institute of Tourism and a team of engineers from the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) made initial surveys on the lighthouse on October 25-29, 2005 and has found safety and cleanliness as priorities in the restorative efforts.

Palaui Island is found in the province of Cagayan, part of the area under the development project of CEZA.

“We are starting work on the lighthouse to make it safer and cleaner,” says Gabriel L. Lingan, CEZA Business Enterprise Service Officer . “We hope to prepare it for nature-loving people to enjoy come summertime.”

The Before and After Picture:

READ MORE

Mayor of Buguey, Ignacio Taruc, Says NO to Black Sand Mining

 (courtesy of Facebook)

Incumbent Mayor of Buguey, the Hon. Ignacio Taruc says:

"Saanko nga impalubos ti pannakaminas ti “blacksand” ta “binder” wenno padagsen daytoy iti darat tapno saan nga nalaka nga mayangin wenno iyanud ti dalluyon. Nagdaras iti panagteppang ti igid ti baybaymi ket awan pay iti panagminas anianto la ketdin no maminas? Di pay ket marunaw ti ilimin?"

Chris Piano and Wondrous Paradise like this.

Cedrick T. Daluddung says:
"makomendaran ka iti dayta nga inaramid mo mayor..."
3 hours ago, March 27, 2010

ASIA ’S NEWEST GAMING JURISDICTION

Speech of Jose Mari B. Ponce, CEO of CEZA

(Greet fellow speakers/ organizers of the conference – refer to program or invitation, ex. “Hon. So and so etc.”), fellow participants and esteemed guests, ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon.

It is my honor and distinct pleasure to be here today to share with an audience of repute in the international gaming industry significant developments which have positively affected the Asian market for internet gaming. I am pleased to announce that a new gaming jurisdiction has opened in the Philippines to serve the Asia Pacific region – this Philippine jurisdiction is the Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Freeport – Northern Philippines’ gateway to Asia and the Pacific.

The Cagayan Economic Zone Authority is a government owned and controlled corporation of the Republic of the Philippines created by virtue of Republic Act 7922 to manage and operate the Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Freeport’s 54,118.95 hectare area into a self sustaining industrial, commercial, financial, investment, tourism and recreational center and Freeport. The Freeport is counted as one of the flagship projects of the Philippine government and is envisioned to be a major trans-shipment point for trade in the Asia-Pacific rim, operating as a separate customs territory similar to Hongkong, Singapore, Labuan in Malaysia and Hamburg in Germany.

READ MORE

Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA)

(courtesy of  CAGAYAN NORTH FB page)

Apparently, the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) is already in operation.  It is mandated (RA 7922) to supervise and manage the development of the Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Freeport (Cagayan Freeport) into a self-sustaining industrial, commercial, financial, and tourism / recreational center and Freeport with suitable retirement / residential areas, in order to create employment opportunities in and around the Cagayan Freeport, and to effectively encourage and attract legitimate and productive local and foreign investments.

The Cagayan Freeport was established through Republic Act No. 7922, otherwise known as the Cagayan Economic Zone Act of 1995. From 1997 up to the present, CEZA continues to initiate several projects to promote development in the Cagayan Freeport.

Quick Facts

The Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Freeport (Cagayan Freeport) is located at the northeastern tip of the Philippines surrounded by the waters of Balintang Channel, China Sea and the Pacific Ocean. It covers the entire Muicipality of Sta. Ana and the Islands of Fuga, Barit,  Mabbag in the Municipality of Aparri in the Province of Cagayan - with approximately 54,118.95 hectares of urban, suburban and agro-industrial lands for prime development.

It is strategically located between the Pacific Ocean and China Sea and enjoys proximity to lucrative overseas market such as Taiwan, HongKong, Japan, Korea, and the People's Republic of China. It is in fact situated at the crossroads of international shipping routes between the West Coast of North America, Far East and Southeast Asia.

The Cagayan Freeport operates as a separate customs territory similar to Hong Kong, Singapore, Lubuan in Malaysia and Hamburg in Germany.

The Cagayan Freeport is approximately a 45-minute flight from Kaoshiung Taiwan's largest industrial and shipping center, and only a few minutes longer from Hong Kong.

Contact

Cagayan Office

Administration Complex , Centro
Sta. Ana, Cagayan
Philippines
Tel. No: +6378 8581017

Manila Office

7th Floor, Westar Building
Shaw Boulevard,
Pasig City 1603 Metro Manila
Philippines
Tel. No: +632 6365774
Fax No: +632 6313997
Email: info@ceza.gov.ph

House of Representive Member Bong-Bong Marcos Visits Aparri

Current Deputy Minority Leader in the House of Representative Bong-Bong Marcos recently visited Aparri, Cagayan.  Met with incumbent Mayor Ismael Tumaru, other local government staff and of course, the common town folks.

More pictures found courtesy of this Facebook (FB) link.

Aparri is gaining a lot of national public exposure because of this visit.   What do you think is the purpose of this visit?  The coming May 2010 election and the famous representative has a new political agenda.   Will the  representative from Ilocos Norte be helping Aparri or just be helping himself to get re-elected to another loftier post?   Let us wait and see.

House of  Representative member Bong Bong Marcos is running for Senate this coming May 2010 election.

Keep in mind, there are a lot of major events happening in Aparri and nearby towns...to name a few...

• Black Sand Mining - on a terrible note, a person murdered most likely a result in opposing to quarrying of black sands in Cagayan.
• Wind Generated Power Plant - in the works
• Revitalization of Punta Pier - in the works
• Proposed Economic Zone- serving the ASEAN members
• Reactivation of Aparri Airport

More Cagayan Facts

This information (in pdf format) came from the Philippine Information Agency.

A Profile of  REGION II - CAGAYAN, March 2001.

Anti-Mining Activist Shot Dead in Cagayan

(By Villamor Visaya Jr., Inquirer Northern Luzon, First Posted 03/02/2010)

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan, Philippines—A leader of an anti-mining group in Cagayan was shot dead in Buguey town on Monday afternoon, police said on Tuesday.

Senior Superintendent Moro Virgilio Lazo, Cagayan police director, said Gensun Agustin, 30, was on his way home aboard his motorcycle when two men on another motorcycle shot and killed him in Barangay (village) Calamegatan at 4:15 p.m.

Agustin, an aide of Buguey Mayor Ignacio Taruc, was one of the leaders of the Alliance for Buguey Community Advocates (Albucoda) and a member of the Federation of Anti-Mining Advocates in Cagayan (Famac). These groups are opposing illegal mining in the province and have been conducting information dissemination campaigns and community forums on the impact of illegal mining on the province’s environment.

Agustin died from bullet wounds in the head and body. Investigators found two shells from a 9-mm pistol at the crime scene.

Chief Inspector Edward Guzman, Buguey police chief, said Agustin, on February 22, reported to the police that two men, whom he identified in the police blotter as Junel Singson and Florante Aytona, chased him. Agustin said one of them was carrying a handgun.

Guzman said police have been looking into Agustin’s involvement in local politics and his anti-mining advocacy as possible motives in the attack.

Taruc, who is running for representative in Cagayan’s first district, said Agustin’s involvement in the campaign against the impact of illegal magnetite mining in Buguey might have irked some local leaders.

“This is the biggest factor [behind the killing], I believe. Gensun had denounced some provincial officials for pushing magnetite mining, which is destructive to the environment,” Taruc said.

The magnetite is taken from the black sands of Cagayan’s beaches. Environmentalists fear that the extraction of magnetite, which keeps the sand together, would lead to floods in the province. Environmental officials, however, have denied the existence of magnetite mining on a wide scale feared by environmentalists.

Schedule of Activities for HOLY WEEK 2010, MARCH 28 - APRIL 4

(courtesy of FB, St. Peter Gozales Thelmo Notes)

PALM SUNDAY
March 28, 2010

-regular Sunday masses on the same time slots
(BLESSING OF PALM BEFORE EACH MASS)
-GENERAL STATION OF THE CROSS
(around the town)

MAUNDY MONDAY
March 29, 2010

6:00 PM MASS

HOLY TUESDAY
March 30, 2010

6:00 AM MASS
9:00 AM CHRISM MASS

TUAO, CAGAYAN
5:00 PM MASS

HOLY WEDNESDAY
March 31, 2010

6:00 AM MASS

BISITA IGLESIA
5:00 PM MASS

HOLY THURSDAY
APRIL 1, 2010

8:00 AM TALK ON THE MEANING OF THE LORD'S SUPPER
4:30 PM MASS OF THE LORD'S SUPPER
6:00 PM - 12:00 AM VIGIL/CONFESSION
- please refer at the notes listed below.

GOOD FRIDAY
APRIL 2, 2010

8:00 AM TALK ON THE MEANING OF THE LORD'S PASSION
12:30 AM - 3:00 PM SEVEN LAST WORDS
3:00 PM THE LORD'S PASSION & VENERATION OF THE CROSS
6:00 PM PROCESSION AROUND THE TOWN
7:30 PM - 12:00 MN AGEP

CONFESSION

HOLY SATURDAY
APRIL 3, 2010

8:00 AM TALK ON THE MEANING OF EASTER
8:00 PM EASTER VIGIL
SALUBONG
EASTER BALL
SALU-SALO

EASTER SUNDAY
APRIL 4, 2010

-regular Sunday masses on the same time slots

9:00 AM EASTER EGG HUNTING
9:30 AM BAPTISM


NOTE:

   1. There would be confession during the vigil.

   2. Seven last words will be delivered by the seminarians of Aparri.

   3. We are all in invited to join the "Easter ball & Salu-salo after the salubong.


SCHEDULE OF VIGIL

6:00 - 7:00 AM
AP / DM / CWL / MBMG

7:00 - 8:00 AM
LEGION OF MARY / CPM

9:00 - 10:00 AM
M.E. / BCBP / COUPLES FOR CHRIST

10:00 - 11:00 AM
P.F.T. / LAY MINISTERS

11:00 AM - 12:00 NN
K.C. / ADORACION NOCTURNA / K.C. LADIES CIRCLE

The Proposed View of St. Peter Thelmo Parish Church

For more pictures and details, please visit this FB page.

Northwind Readies Work on Aparri Wind Project

(Alena Mae S. Flores, Manila Standard Today, December 9, 2009)

Northwind Power Development Corp. will start building a 30-megawatt to 40-megawatt wind project in Aparri, Cagayan province costing $60 million to $80 million by 2011.

“The project’s capacity will depend on our resources, also the feed-in tariff,” Northtwind president and chief executive Niels Jacobsen said. The mechanism ensures a fixed power rate for renewable sources of energy during a 12-year period.

“We are hoping to implement [the project] in 2011. But we are measuring, we are already gathering the resources. We are also looking at how much the area can yield in terms of generation,” Jacobsen said.

NorthWind has completed the expansion of the 33-MW Bangui Bay project in Ilocos Norte, the largest wind farm in Southeast Asia.

The $50-million Bangui Bay project sells electricity to the Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative and provides 40 percent of the power requirements of the province.

Jacobsen said the company could even start the project earlier, pending finalization of renewable energy portfolio standards.

Jacobsen said the company was also in talks with various institutions to finance the project.

NorthWind Power’s subsidiary, Northpoint Wind Power Corp.. will undertake the project construction.

Northwind chairman Ferdinand Dumlao said the project had received the support of Japanese, Danish and Spanish investors and creditors.

Wind Power Plant in Aparri, Cagayan

(Newsroom, August 22, 2009)

Wind power developer Northwind Power Development Corp. jump started the survey and data gathering for the intended construction of its planned wind power plant in Aparri, Cagayan.

Ferdinand Dumlao, chairman of Northwind, said its subsidiary Northpoint Wind Power Corp. already set the ball rolling for the 40-megawatt wind farm project estimated to cost around US$ 95 million.  “We have set up Northpoint for the Cagayan project funded with fresh equity. Approvals from the Environment and Natural Resources and Energy Departments and the local government units are being processed,” he said.  Dumlao added the Aparri project in Cagayan is their forefront project this year.  “Still too many work to be done but we are progressing,” he said.

The project received support from Japanese, Danish and Spanish investors and creditors.  The company is also looking at signing the supply contracts with the electric cooperatives in Cagayan.   Recently, NorthWind completed the expansion of the 33-MW Bangui Bay wind project in Ilocos Norte, the largest wind farm in Southeast Asia costing US$ 50 million.  Bangui Bay sells its electricity to the Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative and provides 40 percent of the power requirements of the province of Ilocos Norte.

Meantime, Dumlao said the passage of the Renewable Energy is expected to bring in more investors to the country specifically on wind projects.  The provision in the RE bill that will allow investors to enjoy incentives will help promote wind energy development,” he said.  The government is projecting to harness some 200 MW to 400 MW from wind energy sources in the next 15 to 20 years.

Aside from wind, the Department of Energy is also promoting other renewable energy sources such as geothermal, solar and hydro. (PNA)

Back to Normal - Aparri

Phivolcs lifts tsunami alert for RP; initial waves small
(Sophia M. Dedace and Norman P. Aquino, GMANews.TV, 02/28/2010 | 03:39 PM)

State volcanologists on Sunday afternoon lifted their tsunami warning for the Philippines in the absence of unusual, significant sea level changes near the country’s coasts in front of the Pacific Ocean in the wake of an 8.8-magnitude earthquake that hit south-central Chile on Saturday.

In its 3:15 p.m. advisory, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) also said initial waves had been small and most of the Pacific islands already in its path had been spared damage.

"As of 3 p.m. on February 28, the Phivolcs had not received any reports of unusual significant sea level changes within the projected arrival period of tsunami waves in Philippine coasts [between] 1:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.," it added.

Phivolcs issued tsunami alert level 1 on Saturday and elevated the warning to the second level on Sunday morning, advising the public to be on the lookout for "unusual waves" near the coast.

With an engrossed world watching the drama unfold on live TV, a tsunami raced across a quarter of the globe on Saturday and set off fears of a repeat of the carnage that caught the world off guard in Asia in 2004.

But as it crossed the Pacific, the tsunami originating from Chile dealt populated areas — including the US state of Hawaii and Japan — just a brief blow.

The tsunami initially raised fears that the Pacific could fall victim to killer waves similar to the ones that killed 230,000 people in the Indian Ocean in 2004 the morning after Christmas. During that disaster, there was little to no warning and much confusion about the impending waves.

The tsunami was set off by a fierce magnitude-8.8 earthquake in Chile that sent waves barreling north across the Pacific. But Pacific islands had ample time to prepare for the tsunami because the quake had struck several thousand miles away.

In its afternoon advisory the Phivolcs said observations of the passage of the tsunami in nearby countries showed that the waves were small and nondamaging.

Blood Is Thicker

(Cliff Paragua, 21 February 2010)

He surprised me with a text message and a short visit last Sunday.

Regie Tamayo, a cousin of mine, went to our place together with his young charming wife, Lalaine, who was in radiant Cory yellow.

Regie has served Aparri, our town in the northernmost tip of Luzon, as a two-term councilor. At the end of his second term, he intended to leave the political arena to spend more time with his family and continue his studies to become a lawyer.

But such was not his fate, at least for the moment.

He stumbled upon the Kapatiran Party, or the party stumbled upon him. Whichever it was, he ultimately found himself in the thick of preparations for the coming May elections, this time as one of the eight candidates for senator of the Kapatiran Party.

He told me that his friends, and even some of our relatives, took the news with raised eyebrows. Understandably, since launching a senatorial campaign is not a joke. It can’t be done with peanuts, either.

But he said that he believed in the party’s platform – an advocacy for change anchored on four fundamental individual decisions.

Regie mouthed his party’s formula for a way out of the country’s darkness: 1] acknowledge that the root cause of the country’s crisis is moral; 2] admit our share of blame for the sad state of affairs in our nation; 3] as a human activity, politics has moral dimensions; and 4] we have to make a personal decision to change for the better.

Well said, but Regie’s and his party’s formula will most likely not make them score any win in the forthcoming elections, knowing fully well that the game is still largely guns, goons and gold. Besides, I think Regie is no politician, in the sense that this word is commonly defined today. He comes from a different mould. He is an unbridled idealist, wanting nothing but the best for this country.

Only a miracle can get him to the winners’ circle of eight. While he agreed with me that miracles do happen, he is ready to accept his ultimate fate, focusing on the positive side of this exciting experience at this stage of his young life.

As he said, he will most likely be one of the “cellar dwellers” after the PCOS machines have done their job. But I told him that I will reserve one of the eight slots for him in my ballot. Iitiman ko ang hugis itlog niya sa balota ko. Sabi nga nila, blood is .....

Saint Peter Thelmo Parish Church

Gustong maipa-abot ni St Peter Gonzalez sa mga aparrianos...

Ang mensahe ay nasa FB page ni St Peter Gonzalez.   Please visit the FB page.

Only in Aparri

Only in Aparri will you be able to experience having these (some at a certain point in time)...

• miki niladdit
• pandesal diay Sanitary's
• pandesal diay Carry's
• gakka
• ipun
• ludung
• aramang
• karabuyo
• dirty ice cream carts Darling and Pag-asa
• binnek
• bugi
• tarukoys
• miki and arroz caldo at Macatiag's
• unnuk with bagoong and kalamansi
• your "met" is meh, "ket" is keh, "pinakbet" is pinakbeh
• Ybanag, Ilocano
• CVI, ASAT, CSU, Keti, St. Paul or Lyceum
• parke
• sotanghon from Criselda's
• pancit from NewTown's
• pancit con caldo from Marlyn's
• "Plaza" is actually the "palengke"
• green mangoes w/ Monla Mart's bagoong nga aramang
• kadis
• igat
• bunug
• sine at mirienda sa Ryan mall
• unnuk with bagoong and kalamansi
• agkilaw ti lagdaw
• longanisa sa plaza
• pancit ni Bining's (PNB)
• sinanta ken puto 
• cine Paz
• halo halo ni nana Luring

Aparri Trivia

Some interesting trivia about Aparri...

Emiljun Rapada wrote on June 27, 2009, says:

The name Aparri was taken from words "apa" from chinese merchants selling edible cones (like ice cream cone) and the natives who are ybanags say "ari" meaning "no". Later it was coined Aparri. I read this in a fable book about aparri. I forgot the other story. Peace!

Cedrick T. Daluddung replied to Emiljun's post on June 28, 2009, says:

One version is that it came from the spanish word "aparte", a place of priests. It was said, Aparri was then a place of Spanish friars. Well well well...

Nel Mael replied to Emiljun's post on August 11, 2009, says:

ganon ba? naalala ko nung bata ako ang sabi dw ng mga ilokano e APA (away o gulo),, sabi naman ng mga ibanag eh ARI (hindi).. kaya nag halo ang ilokano at ibanag sa aparri.. hehe.. ewan ko lng.. un ang naalala ko eh..

From www.cagayannorth.com

It is believed that Aparri got its name when the civil and religious authorities in Nueva Segovia (now Lal-lo) decided in 1604, to erect a church there for the evangelization of the natives. The many priests who celebrated the first mass there remained to supervise the construction of the church and continue their evangelization work subsequently, the natives referred to their place as "Aparrian", an Ybanag word meaning "where priests resided".

Noting the fast growth of "Aparrian" in population and its strategic location for a sea port, the Spanish authorities in Nueva Segovia again decided on May 11, 1682 to separate the delta from Camalaniugan and Buguey and granted it ecclesiastical recognition and at the same time to elevate the community to the status of a "pueblo" or a township, hence, the word "aparte de Camalaniugan y Buguey". It was not long afterward, the word "aparte" was corrupted into "aparri" by the natives.

Leon Casauay wrote on July 30, 2009, says:

1) Before Aparri, our town's name was Faru (grab from http://litera1no4.tripod.com/gaddang_frame.html)

2) Cagayan river's ancient name was Bannag

3) Ybanag, "Y Bannag" means "of the river". Kaya pala mahilig ako lumangoy.


Taken from Aparri-Reunited Facebook on Aparri Trivia, click on the link for more trivia.

BORN TO BE by Milagros Paredes Palattao

Milagros says to be true sons (and applies to daughters too) of Aparri...

BORN TO BE

From the fields of labor and sweat, he had been brought up
And molded within guidance, discipline, care and love
Raised at the valley of grain at the eastern coastal sea
Into a charming young lad and that - “He was born to be”.

Sibling of thy parents for joy and passion
Honored with a doctorate degree, the utmost of education
Livening the sick and curing ill people
Oh! Just how WONDERFUL is he and that - “He was born to be”.

Serving his life and time for the Aparrianos
For its forty-two barangays through distance and remote barrios
Dedicated within his duty for the poor and for the needy
Oh! Just how COURAGEOUS is he and that -”He was born to be”.

Through rain or shine, although calamity nor fine
His hands are always there to bind with his help for humankind
Listen and stand for goodness
And keeps his distance from wickedness
Oh! Just how HUMBLE and GENEROUS is he and that - “He was born to be”.

He risen Aparri from the rear of its resources
Schools and colleges just right at the door step
Its diversity promoted jobs, growth and progress
Oh! Just how RESPONSIBLE is he and that - “He was born to be”.

Hail the true son of Aparri
Truly DEVOTED within his oath of duty
No magic wand to cast for a perfect APARRI
Thus, he promote……
EDUCATION, JOBS, BUSINESS, STREET LIGHTS, SMOOTH STREETS AND MORE ROADS,
MORE SCHOOLS AND MOST….A MOVING ONWARD …APARRI.

Mabbalo
from sunny Queensland

Cagayan A Possible Free Trade Zone With China-ASEAN Countries

Cagayan should take advantage of the zero-tariff trade that started with China this year, Jack Enrile who is running for congress in the Cagayan’s first district, said Monday.

“We are at the forefront of this window of opportunity with the full establishment of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area (CAFTA) last January 1,” said Enrile, economic and developlment consultant to his father, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, and the province of Cagayan.

“We have the geographic edge, being in the northernmost point of the country, and thus the nearest to China,” said the young Enrile who is seeking a congressional seat in Cagayan’s 1st District.

“Once fully implemented, the CAFTA will see more than 7,000 zero-tariff commodities traded between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China,” he said. “While it may also flood our markets with Chinese goods, free trade also means the chance for us in Cagayan Valley to sell to the Chinese mainland.”

“Imagine, it’s one of the world’s largest free trade areas,” Enrile said, adding “we are well positioned, having the Cagayan Special Economic Zone, the country’s emerging power house.”

“We have fiber-optic, wireless global connections; cyber industrial parks and business process call centers multimillion-peso resorts and theme parks – all just a short hop from the world-class Port Irene international freight and shipping yard in Aparri and an international airport in Lallo town, with connections to China,” Enrile said.

“For these reasons alone, not to say of our agricultural produce, we can easily tap into the market for 3 billion Chinese consumers, and for that matter other ASEAN economies,” he said.

ASEAN groups the Philippines, Indonesian, Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia and Myanmar.

Black Sands (Magnetite) Processing Facility in Dodan, Aparri

(Bernardo Magara, Jr. (BMMJ), Says;)

My Fellow Aparrianos:

They (contractor, money maker, sakim, kapal muks and dirty mindedness politicians) have built a black sand extraction machinery (pro-mining equipment) located at Dodan, Aparri, Cagayan.

This facility is used to totally separate the pure particles known as black sands which is to be used as one of the component of raw materials in producing steel locally known as ”landuk” and further processed abroad (KOREA or any other country to whom they  have contracted to process their product).

MABALIN YU APO A BISITAEN TI BARANGAY DODAN, APARRI NU ADDA MET LAENG INPATAKDER DA NGA SAND EXTRACTION EQUIPMENT/FACILITY…

THANK YOU KAKABSAT…

TAMAYO para sa SENADO!

Mga mahal kong Kababayan:

Ako po si Reginald “Regie” Balisi TAMAYO ng Aparri, Cagayan tumatakbong SENADOR sa ilalim ng Ang Kapatiran Party.

Kagaya po ninyo ay pangarap ko ang mamuhay sa isang ligtas, makatarungan, at maunlad na bansa. Subalit hindi ito matatamo kung hindi tayo magkaisa at isulong ang nararapat na pagbabago. Simulan natin ito sa ating tamang pagpili sa mga kumakandidato sa ngayon. Iboto natin ang may plataporma, ang may malasakit sa bayan, ang makakalikasan, at ang may takot sa Diyos.

Ngayong halalan, manindigan tayo sa tama. Huwag nating balewalain ang ating prinsipyo. Ito ang paraan para maitama natin ang katiwalian sa bayan, ang pagsasamantala at pagmamalabis ng mga ilang namumuno sa atin. Gawin nating layunin ito sa buhay, tanda na mahal natin ang ating bayan.

Palaging sinasabi na ang kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan. Tayo rin ay pag-asa ng bayan dahil tayo ang naghahanda ng bayan na kanilang kinamumulatan. Bigyang pag-asa ang kabataan na mamuhay sa bayang ikakarangal nila.

Malawak ang karanasan ko sa lokal na pamahalaan at may sapat na edukasyon. Bitbit ko ang mga pangaral ng aking mga magulang, mga turo’t gabay ng aking simbahan, higit lalo ang mga pangarap ninyo para sa ating bayan. Ito ang magiging inspirasyon ko na malingkod sa inyo bilang Senador na walang bahid na pagsisinungaling at panloloko.

Tulungan po ninyo ako at hindi ko po kayo bibiguin. Tama na tayo ay mangarap! Tama na tayo ay mag-kaisa at magkabigkis-bigkis at isulong ang tama para sa bayan!

Salamat po at nawa’y pagpalain tayo ng Poong Maykapal.

Gumagalang,

Reginald “Regie” Balisi TAMAYO
Para SENADOR
Ang Kapatiran Party
0916-2513562/0928-2886878
http://reginaldtamayo.blogspot.com
reginaldtamayo@yahoo.com

- AB Philosophy, UP Diliman 1985
- MA Education, Lyceum of Aparri
- MBA, Lyceum of Aparri
- 6-term Municipal Councilor of Aparri, Cagayan
- Executive Assistant IV, Office of the Vice Governor
- Former Dean, Liberal Arts, Lyceum of Aparri
- Former Dean, Student Affairs, Lyceum of Aparri
- Special Assistant to the Executive Vice President, Lyceum of Aparri
- Lecturer, Graduate School, Cagayan State University
- Deputy Grand Knight, Knights of Columbus Aparri Council 4366
- Chancellor, Knights of Columbus Aparri Council 4366
- Prex Member
- Marriage Encounter Member
- President, Pugad Lawin Philippines, Seabreeze Base Call Sign “Java”
- Faculty President, Lyceum of Aparri
- Outstanding Councilor of Cagayan Awardee - given by Philippines Councilors League Cagayan Chapter
- Freelance Journalist
- Columnist, Northern Forum (Tuguegarao City), Guru Press (Tabuk City)
- Author, Barangay First, Empowering the Sangguniang Kabataan

- 45 years old, married to Lalaine Jarabe-Tamayo, with 4 children Regina, Reiner, Riazel, and Ricci

A P A R R I - Poem by Milagros Palattao

(dedicated to the batch of 50's & 60's)

Where the memories of my childhood shall never fade-
Where my footprints shall stay where ever i may-
A portrait of golden ray from the eastern breeze-
Through the western sun down with divine picturesque.

Cast a line on thy crystal shore-
Shall bring a smile into the modest home-
Spirit of thy livelihood is alive and adorn-
With amazing vast blue waters- is a truly adore.

My vision from yester-years shall forever exist-
Elegant ladies and smart prominent varsities-
Graceful dancers in MAY festivities-
Where are they now…..just the good memories.

Best for the best throughout a final night-
COMPARZA costumes were fashionable and bright-
The SUMMER TIME dancers with their cling delights-
Against the MAY TIME dancers with their gorgeous alights.

Home of the known,the prominent, the beauty and the diligent-
Brought up within thy heart with love and patience
Although humble YOU may-YOU had brighten my way-
Into what and where am I know and thanks to YOU I may say.

Gone were those days of my youth-
Though afar-my heart remain for you as I should-
My footprints shall stay forever- I would-
In my beloved APARRI….THE LAND OF MY ROOTS.

written by:
milagros palattao-maura,aparri-Queensland Australia- Tottenham London, England- Feb.5,2010

Government Execs Hit For "Cover-Up" Of Mining In Cagayan

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya–Anti-mining groups in Cagayan scored officials of government for allegedly staging a cover-up of alleged illegal mining operations in the province, which, they said, was exposed by the recent grounding of a Korean ship as it was to ship a cargo of magnetite sand out of the country.

Gensun Agustin, convenor of the newly-formed federation of anti-mining movement in Cagayan, slammed the “protection” that government authorities there in order to conceal illegal mining and quarrying operations on the riverbed of the Cagayan River and the province’s northern coastline, allegedly by foreigners.

“The situation has become very clear: illegal mining has been going on in Cagayan but people in government, who are supposed to be the first to stop these operations are the ones scrambling to protect these aliens who are exploiting our natural resources,” he said.

Agustin assailed the alleged conspiracy among government agencies, which include the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau and the provincial environment office, in a “desperate” effort to cover up the ongoing illegal mining activities in Cagayan.

“They always tell us that we should provide proof that indeed there are mining operations. But when we present to them mounds of evidence, such as photos, video footages and witnesses’ testimonies, they are so quick to dismiss all these proofs,” he said.

But by divine intervention, Agustin said, government men’s claim that no mining is ongoing in Cagayan was belied when a North Korean ship, MV Nam Yang 8, reportedly loaded with about 2,816 tons of magnetite sand bound for China, malfunctioned off Claveria town in Cagayan.

It soon drifted westward and ran aground near the shore of Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte.

“After this (mishap) was exposed, people in government are now one in saying that everything–from the working papers of the Korean crew, to the load of magnetite sand–is in order, but they could not show proof,” he said.

These recent development, Agustin said, has emboldened groups to unify and form a multi-sectoral movement that will lead efforts to oppose any mining activity in the province.

The federation, which was organized Saturday, is composed of people’s organizations from Cagayan towns that said to have been affected by illegal mining and quarrying operations, namely: Santa Ana, Gonzaga, Santa Teresita, Buguey, Aparri, Camalaniugan, Lallo, and Baggao.

Sought for comment, Mario Ancheta, MGB Cagayan Valley director, however, denied the allegations.

“There is no cover up here. We are just making our findings based on what we see from our validation activities, and from what we saw, there are no ongoing mining operations anywhere in Cagayan,” he said.

He maintained that the magnetite cargo was allowed to be shipped out of the country and was covered by an export permit issued by Gov. Alvaro Antonio.

He said Nam Yang 8’s load of black sand was part of an “old stock” that was allowed to be shipped out, despite a cease-and-desist order earlier issued by former Environment Sec. Lito Atienza on all mining operations in the province.

However, Fr. Christopher Coballes, Aparri parish priest, disputed this claim.

“There is no such thing as ‘old stock’ in Lallo; we have looked everywhere and nowhere have we found mounds of black sand awaiting shipment. (Nam Yang 8’s) cargo is freshly extracted sand,” he said.

For his part, Roberto Adap, Cagayan’s environment officer, would neither confirm nor deny that the magnetite shipment was covered by a shipping permit.

“I would rather suggest that you visit my office and take a look at the documents, then you make your own judgment whether the papers are sufficient for the cargo to be considered legal,” he said in a phone interview.

Ancheta urged anti-mining groups to document all mining activities that they discover and file a formal complaint.

“We cannot simply act on the basis of verbal reports and text messages. Everything should be made official,” he said.

Interview With Mayor Ismael Tumaru

(PIA Press Release, January 6, 2010, Tuguegarao City)  In an effort to further boost the business and tourism industry in this northern tip of Luzon, the municipality of Aparri, Cagayan is firm in its goal to complete the rehabilitation of its seaport until 2015.

In an interview with Mayor Ismael Tumaru over Tipon-Tipan sa PIA program, he said he is optimistic that all the port facilities are already operational by 2015.

Mayor Tumaru said with the rehabilitation of the seaport, more investors and tourists will come to their place, additional businesses will be established, and more jobs will be created. “It’s a big contribution to the economy of our municipality,” he added.

Tumaru said the government will not spend for the rehabilitation because the development of the seaport would be undertaken on a build-operate transfer (BOT) scheme by a Taiwanese – owned company.

An estimated budget of 50 million US dollar is needed to complete the rehabilitation.

The town’s chief said the port’s existing pier which is already being used as basketball court will be dredged.

“There is a need to remove the accumulated sand to maintain adequate depth for safe and efficient vessel operations,” Tumaru stressed.

“The dredged materials will be used in the reclamation of the port and in the construction of other port facilities,” Tumaru added.

Aside from the seaport rehabilitation project, the municipal government of Aparri is also aiming for the completion of their airport rehabilitation by the end of this year.

Tumaru said the existing 600 meter airport will be expanded to 1,000 meters. (TCB/PIA 2)

Aparri Airport in Maura

On May 11, 2009 during the Fiesta of Aparri, the Maura Aparri Airport was re-opened.  Cyclone Airways made the symbolic inaugural flight to our very own airport.

Mayor Denies Aparri As Source Of Magnetite Sand

(PIA Press Release, January 5, 2010, Tuguegarao City)  Mayor Ismael Tumaru of Aparri, Cagayan has explained that the magnetite iron sand loaded in the capsized vessel off the coast of Claveria town did not come from his municipality as being perceived by his constituents and other officials.

Tumaru said the ill-fated MV Namyang 8 was docked only in Aparri port, the nearest port from Catayauan, Lal-lo, Cagayan to where the black sand were extracted.

"May I please clear that the capsized vessel was only anchored in Aparri port and the black sand that caused its sinking did not come from my town, it came from Lal-lo," Tumaru said.

The issue became controversial when the Korean vessel MV Namyang 8 capsized few hours after it left Aparri port before New Year. Based on the police report, the ship capsized due to the weight of the magnetite sand which was mixed with water when the ship had encountered big waves.

Mayor Tumaru also showed the letter sent to him by the corporate secretary of San You Philippines Mining Trade Inc., Florante Paat, asking for the consideration of the mayor for the temporary anchorage of 2 barges being utilized in the loading of the magnetite iron sand from Catayauan, Lal-lo to a newly arrived cargo vessel "Namyang 8".

"This letter proves that the magnetite sand loaded in Namyang 8 came from Lal-lo and not extracted within our coastal zones", Tumaru added.

Tumaru further stated that there is no dredging operation in his area of responsibility.

On the other hand, Lal-lo Mayor Maria Olivia B. Pascual confirmed that the black sand came from her municipality but she cleared that the sand were old stock, extracted before the issuance of cease and disease order (CDO) from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

"The sand was old stock and it was being processed here before the issuance of a CDO from DENR… no mining or dredging operation now in Lal-lo", Pascual said.

She further explained that they allowed the transport of the sand because it was being permitted by the Philippine Port Authority (PPA), Bureau of Immigration (BI) and the taxes were already paid to the barangay, municipal and provincial government.

Pascual stated that it was extracted from a dredging activity done before the issuance of a CDO, when the Sangguniang Bayan of Lal-lo approved the conduct of dredging operations to clear the waterways in the Cagayan River as one way to resolve flooding in the area.

She further cleared that 40 percent of the proceeds went to the barangay, 30 percent to the municipality and 30 percent to the province.

The Mayor also appealed to some politicians not to add political color to the issue at hand.(Oliver B./PIA 2)

Nominations for Officers and Directors of Aparri International, Inc.

Dear Fellow Aparrianos,

We would like to remind you of the forthcoming Valentine's affair and elections on February 6, 2010 at Normandie Casino. You are all enjoined to attend and participate in this undertaking in order to ensure a smooth transition of affairs for the new set of officers to be elected , and at the same time enjoy the night with ballroom dancing.

We are also requesting you to fill in the attached nomination form with your favorite candidates to be sent or emailed to Elnora Florendo soonest, preferably before month-end.

Your usual prompt attention and cooperation will be very much appreciated.

Sincerely yours,
Joe B. Tan


Attached letter:
Dear Fellow Aparrianos:

The term of office for the current officers and directors of Aparri International, Inc. is coming to an end. So we will be having an election on February 6th in conjunction with our annual meeting and Valentine’s Day Dance.

This letter is to solicit nominations from you for our next set of officers and board members. Please fill out the below form to make your nominations. You can then return it to the Secretary and Nominations Committee chairpersons. Alternatively, you can print out the form and fill it in by hand and then mail it to the current Secretary at:

Elnora Florendo
1658 W. 153rd Street
Gardena, CA 90247

After your nominations are received, the Nominations Committee will compile them, make further nominations if needed, confirm that your nominees will accept the nomination and serve, and present the final compilation to the Board of Directors who will then charge the Elections Committee with drawing up a slate and conducting the elections. The elections will take place at the general meeting on February 6, 2010. A more detailed notice of elections will be sent out at a later date.

Nominations are for:
President
First Vice President
Second Vice President
Treasurer
Secretary
Auditor
West Area Representative
East Area Representative
Other Area Representative

Mayoral Candidate for Aparri (May 2010) - Dr. Jessica Romero

(Essey) Hello to all my co-Aparrianos. Hope everyone is well.

I just want to inform every Aparrianos or to anyone who’s not aware yet about Doctor Jessica Romero that she is running for Mayor in our beloved town. It is time for a change and I believed that she’s going to be a very good leader. I urge everyone who’s voting at this time to vote wisely and do not vote for someone who’s buying their vote. “Huwag tayong masilaw sa pera” na ipinamimigay nila and for sure at the end kayo din ang magdusa. Napakatagal na silang nakaupo bilang namumuno sa town natin pero walang pagbabago.

Let’s give Doctor J. Romero our support to become the next Mayor in Aparri, Cagayan. “VOTE FOR HER”!!! For all of us hoping to see changes for their next visit like me, I would love to see a new and progressive APARRI, CAGAYAN. GOD BLESS US ALL!!! I am sorry kung meron man akong nasagasahan.