A Year Ago

A year ago (at past 9:00 p.m. of Nov. 9, 2013) a composite group from LGU-Calbayog led by Mayor Ronald Aquino made it to Tacloban. The Calbayog LGU Team was the first group from outside Tacloban to deliver water and relief goods for some residents of the city devastated a day earlier by Typhoon Yolanda.

The Celebrity Hound struck again

Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Mario Montejo was in Calbayog today. Mayor Ronald Aquino tendered a small dinner for him to which I was invited (at the last minuet). Anyway, the most important thing for the celebrity hound in me was this picture with the DOST Secretary.

(A Calbayognon) Filipino priest in Sierra Leone won’t leave Ebola-stricken people

Filipino priest in Sierra Leone won’t leave Ebola-stricken people
By Jennifer Allegado

Fr. Anthony Patrick Santianez, flanked by two Sierra Leone faithfuls, decides to stay with his parishioners despite the threat of Ebola virus. FILE PHOTO/CBCP NEWS/Inquirer Photo

CALBAYOG CITY, Philippines — Relatives of Anthony Patrick Santianez, a missionary priest in Sierra Leone, say they fear for his health and even his life as he has insisted on staying on with his parishioners in the Ebola-stricken West African country.

The priest’s elder sister, Flerdeliza Santianez-Gaviola, who resides in Barangay (village) San Joaquin in this city, said their family worries about him but they have strong faith and believe God would protect him. (read more . . . )

Ray and Ariane's On-site Video

Our group did the on-the-day coordination of the Wedding of Ray Cabasa and Ariane May Napiñas who got married on October 25, 2014. The groom is from Cebu while the bride is from Sta. Margarita.

Ray and Arianne May

Ray Cabasa and Arriane May Napiñas got married today. The Wedding Mass held at the Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral. Reception was held at the Ciriaco Hotel.

Some Images from the 2nd Calbayog Tinapa 101 Cookfest

Here are some pictures taken during The 2nd Calbayog Tinapa 101 Cookfest.

This activity was held at the Calbayog City Convention Center last Saturday, October 11, 2014. Aimed at further promoting Calbayog's Tinapa and to encourage local culinary talents, the event was part of the Tourism Week Celebration which was embedded in the 66th Calbayog Charter Day Anniversary.

Mayor Ronald Aquino was on hand to welcome the various contestants and guests to the event which was particpated in by 14 schools and 4 local caterers. Also present were LGU's Department Heads Chat Gonzaga and Ruben Adona.

The Board of Judges included Marvin Martinez Manager of Hacienda Verde of Tacloban, Chef Leo Ebio, Jr. the current Sous Chef of Ciriao Hotel. and renowned Restaurateur Glenda Barretto.

(Some photos courtesy of Mr. Ian Baldomaro)

Tarangban Falls

I trekked to Bangon and Tarangban Falls earlier today. Yup it was only me and a local (on-site) tour guide. Tarangban Falls is simply beautiful and there I made sure I had my picture taken. 'Twas a good thing I had my tripod with me. How's this for a selfie?

in memoriam Fr. Cantius Kobak, ofm

Typhoon Glenda in Calbayog

Sharing with you two video clips of the Calbayog River which overflowed due to the high tide and the heavy rains brought about by Typhoon Glenda.

From the Seoul Post.

(Here's an article featured in the Seoul Post. It's about Calbayog's version of the It's More Fun in the Philippines Tourism video)

CALBAYOG CITY, June 11 (PNA) -- Calbayog City has produced its own version of the "It’s More Fun in the Philippines" tourism music video of the Department of Tourism (DOT) featuring the scenic spots, destinations, native delicacies, festivals, arts and culture of this locality.

 

City Tourism and Information Officer Ronald Ricafort said that with the go signal from the DOT, they used the concept of ‘It’s more fun in the Philippines’ but localized version with the title ‘The next big thing in Eastern Visayas.’

 

“We know that ‘the next big thing in Eastern Visayas’ title is ambitious but with the help and cooperation of Calbayognons there is a big possibility that Calbayog will be the next center of tourism in the region,” Ricafort said. (read more . . . )

Dayun Kamo sa Calbayog

The first tourism video produced by the Calbayog Tourism & Information Office. It's aimed at giving the viewer a 2-minute glimpse of what Calbayog has to offer: the Waterfalls, the mouth-watering Delicacies, the Pilgrimage sites, Heritage and History, Arts and Culture and as Fiesta and Party Place.

Taragpo 2013

All road will lead to Christ the King College today. Christi Regians will gather for the annual Alumni Homecoming. This year's event is spearheaded by CKC High School Batch 1993.

Joel and April

My group did the On-The-Day Coordination for the Wedding of Joel Belgica and April Ventures. The Wedding Mass was held at the Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral with Rev. Fr. Niceas Abejuela presiding.

Preparing for Typhoon Haiyan

With Eastern Visayas under threat by Super Typhoon Haiyan / Yolanda, Mayor Ronald Aquino earlier today convened the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council for a final coordinative meeting so as to prepare Calbayog for the onslaught of Haiyan. The Mayor's Office will serve as the command center for the CDRRMC.

The track of Haiyan / Yolanda as issued by www.maybagyo.com at 5:00 p.m. today.

The typhoon track issued by Weather Philippines at 1:30 p.m. today.

Gias Turistas de Calbayog

A group composed of some LGU Employees, Hotel Workers, Barangay Folks and Hotel Workers recently underwent a 4-day Tour-Guiding Seminar Workshop conducted by the Department of Tourism in coordination with the City Tourism and Information Office. The group has organized itself as the Guias Turistas de Calbayog. The group is seen here at the City Hall stage after the Charter Day Parade.