The campaign period is already over. The plebiscite is also over and it was a landslide victory for Tacloban. Mark December 18, 2008 on your calendars for its independence day for all Taclobanons.  The sovereign  Taclobanons have spoken and its official, nobody can argue with it.

Out of 57,771 people who voted on the plebiscite over 36,352 favored the reclassification  while only 21,419 disagreed. The turn out of the over all voters went to 56%, currently the highest compared in Puerto Princesa.

Tacloban is the 1st Highly Urbanized City in Eastern Visayas and the 34th in the country. Now the whole nation or even the whole world could recognize Tacloban’s potential to be a metropolis in the future. After 55 years of being a component-dependent city of Leyte its about time we face independence and learn to run our own city.We should be ready for we’ll be experiencing a change in governance. Tacloban will stand on its own feet now with out asking any help from its mother-province, Leyte, and trying to learn to be independent.

Whether you voted Yes or you voted No the plebiscite is now over and its time to be united. Let’s support the decision of the majority. Its time to start all over again for the future of our children. For a better tomorrow let’s be united. Its Christmas and lets enjoy the surprises of HUC.

The future of Tacloban is in our hands now. We should learn to face reality and be more responsible. To all Taclobanons congratulations and good luck! God Bless!

Today, let me take you to the beautiful town of Jaro, Leyte.

Jaro is a 3rd class municipality and is among the forty one (41) municipalities of Leyte with coordinates of 124 46′30″ north latitude and 11 11′30″ east longitude. It has an area of 20,719 hectares forming to almost a square in shape. It is bounded on the north by the Municipalities of Tunga and Carigara; on the south by Municipalities of Pastrana; on the west by Ormoc City and on the east by the Municipality of Alang-alang.

Jaro is an interior town and is a convergent point to the Municipalities of Dagami, Carigara, Alang-alang, Tunga Barugo and Pastrana. It is located along the Daang Maharlika and is between two growth centers – Tacloban City which is a regional and Ormoc which is a major growth center. It is 37 kilometers from Tacloban City and 71 kilometers form Ormoc City.

In the latter part of the of the 18th century, the sitio of the Municipality of Jaro was a vast unexplored wilderness. During the era, pirates used to come to Leyte to capture Visayans to be sold as slaves. The Moros had superior arms that the Visayans could do no other alternatives but to flee to the mountains.

Incidentally, there were two Visayans who rose into fame because of the gallantry in the field of battle. These two were noted for their talisman. Whenever they were informed of Moro attack, they used to lead the encounter. These two valiant men, Bonsilao from Ormoc and Sinirangan from Dagami, because so famous that even the Moros used to withdraw their forces whenever they heard of the presence of these people.

HISTORY BACKGROUND

Bonsilao and Sinirangan later built their resting place on a hill, called Sagca – the hill where the Catholic church of Jaro now stands. The Visayans then seeking protection, flock to this resting place of Bonsilao and Sinirangan and built their huts around the hill. The barrio of Salug was then born. It was called Salug, as it was located near the bank of Cabayungan River[ Salug - a visayan term for river]. Salug became a new barrio of the Municipality of Barugo. The fertile soil surrounding the barrio favored gradual growth of the barrio and later on, it became a “Visita”. Visita for the parish priest of Barugo visits the barrio to hold holy masses and to baptize the inhabitants.

Subsequently, the inhabitants of barrio Salug found a running well at the foot of the hill, the water of which was believed to be medicinal. There was a tree whose roots were leading to the middle of the well. These roots were locally called “Haro” and was used for medicinal purposes.

This famous well became a stepping stone for the expansion of the barrio Salug. People flocking to this medicinal well. Whenever people were asked on where they were going, they would used to say they were going to “Haro”. Thus, began the name of “Haro” for the barrio of Salug.

When the barrio of Salug became a municipality in 1810, it was named Haro and later on the Spaniards change the spelling, making the letter into and became Jaro.

Jaro is the hometown of my father.  When I was small I often visit this place because my grandparents live there and also before we had a small grocery in the market place. Jaro is a beautiful agricultural town  located in the central part of the province. I’m always fascinted with the church on top of the hill that overlooks the town of Jaro and the market place near the wide river.

The main transport in Jaro are pedicabs and tricycles. Every Sunday morning the market place is so busy because its “TABO” time! Jaro is a landlocked municipality therefor the town needs to import marine products from the coastal towns to serve marine taste to its constituents. Jaro has a new multi-million market located near the national road. Before the market area was located near the Binahaan River due to its hazardous location the town officials decided to transfer their market place to a more solid place. There are plans to transform the old Market place into a beautiful boulevard which I hope would push through because it will be a scenic and an icon of Jaro.

Jaro being a spanish town during the Spanish regime you can see old and heritage houses in the town proper.

“an old and delapidated school – built during the American Regime”‘

The Jaro Municipal Hall houses the LGU of Jaro. Its also a heritage town hall built during the Spanish time that has been renovated through the years.

Near the town hall is the newly built monument in honor of Dr. Rizal, the national hero of the Philippines. I was amazed when I saw this structure during the town fiesta. It has fountains and a well designed structure. I hope this is just the beginning of the development happening in my town.

In terms of infrastructure, Jaro is not lagging behind. Jaro has a Multi-Purpose Cultural Center that can handle concerts, reunions, and other activities. They also have a library for students.

Jaro’s favorite game is “Cock-fighting”. Not to brag but trust me my family owns a hundred fighting cocks. I’m not a fan of those chickens though.

Jaro is an agricultural town. Its one of the top rice producing towns in Leyte. Upon entering Jaro you’ll see farm lands on both sides of the road. Its also a beautiful site.

Jaro is beautiful town. If ever you have plans to visit this town please don’t hesistate to see its natural beauty. I know you will be satisfied by its incredible beauty.

Jaro-ay Gayud!

All of us are travelers, do you agree? We travel day to day of our lives. Now, what’s the first thing that comes into your mind when you say “Travel”. I don’t know with you but the first thing that went to my mind was my sling bag. Time will come that we have to be more independent and travel alone.  We’ll have to travel alone but of course with our bags on our side. Inside our bags are the things needed for our journey. Bags hold those things for us. It is very important for us. Let me tell you my story.

Since birth I’ve been a curious boy, curious about the world around me. My curiosity led me to traveling to other places here in the Philippines and my bag was always there by my side. Honestly speaking, I never left the house without my bag. Whether its empty or not. Why? Its because for me I feel safer every time I leave our house with my bag. If ever something bad happens to me on the street I’ll use my bag for self-defense (..♫ kung-fu fighting. wa! wa! wa!♫..)!

There was a time when I left for Kalibo, Aklan to attend a press conference. It was my first time to travel alone (with my teachers of course). I brought with me one big hand bag and my favorite sling bag. I carried with me my two bags from the time we rode the bus plying to Ormoc City until we reached the beautiful town of Kalibo. The town was so beautiful I can’t stop taking pictures of the tourist attractions in the municipality. My favorite sling bag was with me every where and every time to secure and store my camera, pens, money, and papers. My friends even asked me why I kept on carrying my bag even if I’ll just go out of our room to get some food and I’ll answer “its my body guard”.

My bag is with all the time. It already reached the clears waters of Guiuan to the white sands of Boracay. I feel more confident to travel alone if i’m with my favorite sling bag I can’t explain why.

As the plebiscite day goes nearer, more and more questions arise from the minds of the Taclobanons about the present move of the city government to reclassify Tacloban from a component city to a highly urbanized city. As citizens of a democratic country we have our rights to express our opinions and feed backs to publicity on a certain matter affecting our society, may it be positive or cynical. Based on my observation, the HUC case of Tacloban caused word war among political figures all over the region and divided the Taclobanons into two those who are in the Yes side and No Side.  Taclobanons should decide as early as now whether they will say YES or say No to HUC.

Generally, our beloved city, Tacloban, surpassed the basic requirements for HUC so our city is already eligible to apply for STATUS reclassification. After the President declared Tacloban as a highly urbanized city the city prepared on the massive information drive all through-out the city and campaign for the YES camp. But in the other camp, political figures that will surely be affected once Tacloban will be a fully-pledged  highly urbanized city introduced the so-called “nightmares of being an HUC” to those people who knows a little about the issue that could forever change the future of Tacloban. In this situation the tendency is that the people will think negative feed backs about this move of the city government. The so called “nightmares of HUC” are all false! I tell you why.

Other people may take the words HIGHLY URBANIZED CITY too literally. They would think that once our city will be reclassified as an HUC it would cause chaotic problems to our city folks like pollution, population increase, traffic congestion, relocation of squatters, demolition, skyscrapers, and everything that an eyesore metropolis has. I would like to remind the people and specially those people who chatters to much about the false effects of HUC that this being a highly urbanized city is merely a change in status from a component city to a highly urbanized city. Tacloban City is a 55 years old component city of Leyte Province and been a HIGHLY URBANIZED city through out the years.

Let’s face it, Tacloban is a growing city and a soon-to-be metropolis of eastern Philippines. We need a proper urban planning as early as know where there are still no high rising skyscrapers, no fly overs, congested roads, snarling traffic, etc and HUC is needed! Lets not compare Tacloban to other highly urbanized cities like Cebu, Iloilo, CDeO, Baguio, Manila, Makati because obviously they are more developed compared to us. Look at the case of Puerto Princessa City in Palawan, it is an HUC but compared to Tacloban we have more urban areas compared to Puerto Princessa but after their application for HUC their exposure was recognized and they were even awarded as the cleanest and the greenest city then why can’t Tacloban do? We are the regional capital of Eastern Visayas, one of the promising regions in the country. Regional Capitals are considered to be growth centers of the Philippines and we can overcome those so-called “problems”.

Yes having a status of a highly urbanized city wont solve the present problems of our city but it will sure help! The whole region is counting on as Tacloban is considered as the leader of development and progress in Eastern Visayas.

If today won’t be the time, then when would it be?

Random pics.

“in Urbanity I trust!”

“meh-heh-heh?!”

“now this is what you call a golden angel”

During the Hermanidad of my mom recently in Paranas, Samar there was a procession of the VIrgin of the Holy Rosary or Virgen del Rosario whom the festivities are dedicated to. We walked around the streets of Paranas and of course I took pictures of the procession. And here it is! Enjoy!

“shower her down with petals”

“my sister”

“the procession in the coastal area”

Everyone knows about the ever famous San Juanico Bridge. To those who don’t, San Juanico Bridge is the longest bridge in The Philippines and probably in South East Asia. It stretches about 2.16 kilometers in San Juanico Strait, the narrowest strait in the world. San Juanico Bridge connects the Tacloban City in the Leyte side and Sta. RIta in the Samar side.

It was constructed during the time of former President Ferdinand Marcos. The construction of the 21.9 million-dollar bridge began in 1969 and was completed in 1973 with the help of the Japanese engineers. It was formerly called the Marcos Bridge.

“Welcome to the Historical Leyte”

“Welcome to the Majestic Samar”

“isn’t she a beauty?”

For me its the most beautiful bridge in the Philippines. Every time I pass in that bridge I just can’t help it but to smile and put a grin on my face. Why? I feel proud of being a pure-blooded Waraynon. I thank God that He chose to put this magnificent work in our place. So thank you God!

Paranas is a third-class municipality in the province of Samar. Its a beautiful coastal town and it is the hometown of my mother. Before we seldom visit this town because of the bad road going to Paranas. It would take us 3 to 4 hours I think just to reach the town. With my frequent visit to the municipality to do some favors I was impressed to see the improvement of the road network going to that town.

Like every Local Government Units in the Philippines each one has its own parish and patron saint. The church in Paranas is a well-preserved, century-old church made out of stone whose patron saints are Sts. Peter and Paul. The church is located on the coastal part of the municipality and considered as the center of religious works in the town. Here are my shots of the church.

Traveling is a great opportunity and its one of the best way of learning. You’ll get the glimpse of the history of a specific place or learn about the people living there. And if I were you grab it and be ready for an adventure.

Yes I’m not a grown up yet nor a registered voter in this city but I’m a concerned citizen whose only wish is to live in a progressive city. The city mayor, through Mayor Alfred Romualdez said that everyone can campaign for the reclassification of the city to be a highly urbanized city. Therefor, I’m here to campaign for this reclassification because I know that this move of the city government will benefit not only the city of Tacloban but the whole Eastern Visayas too.

According to the Local Government Code of 1991 a city is eligible to bid for reclassification as a highly urbanized city if it will be able to meet the 2 important requirements which is, first, an income of at least 100 million and second, a population of at least 200,000. To tell you guys Tacloban City even surpassed those requirements. Why? It is because as of 2007 our city was already earning almost 600 million and our population already reached 217,199 (according to the 2007 Population Census). So that means we are already eligible to bid for reclassification as an HUC.

Everything has its disadvantages and advantages. In the case of Tacloban to be an HUC there are more advantages compared to DISadvantages. Tacloban City is a component city of Leyte Province and now is experiencing a boom on business industry how much more if Tacloban will be reclassified as an HUC. Business will grow, better delivery of basic serves, more infrastructural projects, beautification projects, malls, parks, call centers, etc – all of these will come to the city if we will be an HUC. We will have our own congressional district to represent our city in the congress. We will be separated from the Province Of Leyte administratively meaning we will no longer be under the supervision of the Province. Our relation with the National Government will be strengthen and we will be under the supervision of the President. Her projects for the city we be delivered faster compared before. We will never be neglected again!

I believe on the capabilities of Tacloban because it is the regional capital of Eastern Visayas. Slowly Tacloban will transform into a peaceful, prosperous, progressive, and beautiful city. I believe on the spirit of the Taclobanons because we were known to be strong in heart and faith. We stick ed together and stayed in these city in times of danger and hazard.

The President already declared Tacloban as a highly urbanized city next step and the very last step will the plebiscite. It is where Taclobanons will decide whether YES or No for this reclassification of the City. But I’m optimistic that the YES vote will win!

Taclobanons will approve to anything if they know it will be beneficiary to them and for their beloved city. I say YES TO HUC-hood of TACLOBAN! YES TO URBANIZATION!

I attended a party last Saturday. I was one of the early birds in the party. I got bored of waiting for my classmates to come so I took pictures of things around me. For my today’s post the starring are the Kuchara (spoon), Tinidor (fork), and Baso (glass). I enjoyed what I’m doing so I decided to make a love story of them. Let’s start.

THE KUCHARA AND TINIDOR LOVE STORY

“Tinidor (fork): I’m waiting for my princess”

“Kuchara (spoon): Where’s my prince?”

“Tinidor (fork): Thank you God I saw her!”

“Tinidor (fork): Will you be my first and my last?”

“Kuchara (spoon): Yes!”

“Kuchara (spoon): I love you so much my prince! Please don’t break my heart.”

“Tinidor (fork): Don’t worry, I won’t, cause I wouldn’t find someone like you again”

The Baso Story

“Baso (glass): Which one among those girls will I choose?”

“Baso (glass): So many choices”

“Baso (glass): Please be mine? Your different and I know you’ll put a difference on my me”