Fiesta De Los Toros 2011 Schedule of Activities

Nov. 30, 2011 (Wednesday)
        11:00 AM - Pinangat Festival (Plaza De Roxas)
        7:00 PM - Harana (Plaza De Roxas outdoor stage)

Dec. 01, 2011 (Thursday)

        7:00 AM - Mini Band Competition (Plaza De Roxas open grounds)

         Participating Schools

• Adelaido A. Bayot Memorial School
• Balaytigue Elementary School
• Bilaran Elementary School
• Bulihan Elementary School
• Calayo Elementary School
• Catandaan Elementary School
• Looc Elementary School
• Mataas na Pulo Elementary School
• Nasugbu Christian Faith Academy
• Nasugbu East Central School
• Nasugbu West Central School
• Natipuan Elementary School
• Nicolites Montessori School
• Pantalan Elementary School
• Papaya Elementary School

        7:00 PM - Sing-Galing Barangay Official (Plaza De Roxas)

Dec. 02, 2011 (Friday)
        7:00 AM - Bailar ala Toro (Street Dancing and 5-minute Dance presentation) (Plaza De Roxas open grounds)

         Participating Schools (Elementary)

• Balaytigue Elementary School
• Bucana Elementary School
• Bulihan Elementary School
• Bunducan Elementary School
• Cogonan Elementary School
• Nasugbu West Central School
• Papaya Elementary School
• Wawa Elementary School

         Participating Schools (Secondary)

• Batangas State University - ARASOF
• Dr. Crisogono B. Ermita Sr. National High School
• Dr. Francisco L. Calingasan Memorial Colleges Foundation, Inc.
• Nasugbu Institute

        2:00 PM - Band Exhibition and showdown  (Plaza De Roxas open grounds)
        6:00 PM - Concelebrated Mass (St. Francis Xavier Parish Church)
        7:00 PM - Nasugbu Got Talent (Season 2) (Plaza De Roxas outdoor stage)

Dec. 03, 2011 (Saturday)
        5:30 AM - 1st Mass (St. Francis Xavier Parish Church)
        6:15 AM - 2nd Mass (St. Francis Xavier Parish Church)
        7:30 AM - 3rd Mass (St. Francis Xavier Parish Church)
        7:30 AM - Grand Parade of Marching Bands (Poblacion, Nasugbu)
        9:00 AM - Concelebrated Mass (St. Francis Xavier Parish Church)
        11:30 AM - Mass Christening (St. Francis Xavier Parish Church)
        2:00 PM - Amateur Boxing Tournament (Plaza De Roxas basketball court)
        5:30 PM - Anticipated Mass (St. Francis Xavier Parish Church)
        8:00 PM - Fireworks Display (Plaza De Roxas)
        8:30 PM onwards - Live Band (Plaza De Roxas outdoor stage)

The Nasugbu Fiesta that was last year!

It’s this time again of the year that everyone here in town are busy preparing, decorating and of course practicing not for Christmas but for the annual Nasugbu Fiesta aka Fiesta De Los Toros. The first Fiesta de los Toros, highlighting bull runs was conceptualized to pay tribute to our town’s patron, St. Francis Xavier, a native of Navarre, Spain.  Started last 2006 and celebrated during the 2^nd and 3^rd of December, some of its activities are the Parada de los Torros which features cows and carromatas in a colorful parade, each with distinct theme representing Filipino creativity; Blessing of the cows, through the intercession of St. Francis Xavier  the community prays that the male and female cows will be blessed by God and that good quality Batangas beef may be produced in the future; the Bailar ala Toro, a dance competition participated by various schools in Nasugbu; the Suwagan ng Toros, where paper mache cows ran after spectators of the parade and the Fireworks Display, which is the festival’s last official act.

Here are some of the highlights of last year’s Nasugbu Fiesta De Los Toros:

Students portraying Nuestra Senora Virgen de la Escalera (feast day Dec. 02) and St. Francis Xavier  (feast day Dec.03)

Students from Balaytigue Elementary School dancing on the street

Participants from BSU-ARASOF

Students of Panuca Elementary School during the 5 minute presentation

Spectators at the Old CADP locomotive at Plaza De Roxas

The drums and bugle of Calayo Elementary School 

Opening salvo of Brgy. Papaya Elementary School Mini Band

Lyre exhibition of Brgy. Pantalan elementary School Mini Band

Natipuan Elementary School Mini Band getting ready to perform

Street Dancer of I.B. Calingasan Memorial Institution

This year the Nasugbu Fiesta De Los Toros will start on Dec. 01 (Thursday) until Dec. 03 (Saturday). Almost the same program as last year but i'm still looking forward to it. Hopefully you could visit our town next week and enjoy the beach, the sun and a free festival!

Lakbay Jose Rizal Heritage Trail: Rizal Monument, Rizal Park

                Hello readers. This is it – the start of my Lakbay Jose Rizal Heritage Travel. This post has long been overdue. But because of the recent controversy regarding the “no shoot policy” in Rizal Park and Fort Santiago I think I have to share this now.

                I have this once in a lifetime chance of going near the Rizal Monument at Rizal Park in Manila 5 months ago. Not just touch the mausoleum, but actually photograph it point blank. Incidentally, this was during the 150th Birthday celebration of Dr. Jose Rizal last June 19, 2011.

            The Rizal Monument was planned and constructed during the American colonial period of the Philippines in the early 20th century.

             Built by virtue of the United States Philippine Commission  Act No. 243, dated September 28, 1901, the Rizal monument was approved by no less than United States President Theodore Roosevelt. The act stipulated the allocation of land in the Luneta to build the memorial, near where Rizal fell when he was executed by the Spaniards on December 30, 1896. It also specified that the monument bear the statue of Rizal, as well as serve as the final resting place of his remains. To fund the project, a Rizal committee was set up to raise funds from public solicitations. The committee—whose members included Paciano Rizal (Rizal’s brother), and Tagalog novelist Pascual Poblete–was also tasked to hold a design contest for the future monument.

             Famous Italian Carlo Nicoli of Carrara, Italy won the design  competition with bozeto no.21  entitled “Al Martir de Bagumbayan”. However, for some reason the contract went instead to second-prize winner Swiss sculptor Richard Kissling, for his bozeto No. 9 entitled “Motto Stella.

             On the sixteenth death anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal on December 30, 1912, as the monument was nearing completion, the remains of the national hero was transferred through a solemn procession from the Ayuntamiento to the Rizal monument. A year later, on December 30, 1913, the monument was unveiled to the public.

              Now going back to the issue about the “no shoot policy”, the  Department of Tourism (DOT) together with the National Parks Development Committee (NPDC) and Intramuros Administration (IA) released an official statement last Nov. 16, 2011 that there is no “no shoot policy” implemented at the two historical parks within the City of Manila. The NPDC and IA together with DOT administered the Rizal Monument as well as the whole Rizal Park.

              The issue about the “No shoot policy” I believe has been overblown. I’ve been to Rizal Park many times and there are regular photographers (with professional cameras) in site. The security guards/tourism police don’t actually allow photographers go beyond the perimeter “fence” – about 20 meters from the mausoleum. But that’s just it, we can shoot anytime but not for commercial purposes, which is understandable. Even though it’s a public park, there are still processes to follow.

            Now going back to the Lakbay Jose Rizal Heritage Trail, this is just  my first post of the actual places on the passport. No better way to start the trail than to the Philippines’ “zero” kilometer mark.

             I was supposed to go to Calamba, Laguna that day for the unveiling of the tallest Rizal Monument in the world, but due to very bad weather I decided to just go to the Rizal Park instead. Good choice for me, because they let people go beyond the "fence" to offer flowers and to take pictures. I was able to go around the monument and took a shot of every side of it.

                A rare opportunity indeed and I wasted no time. Fortunately the rain stopped a bit and I was able to go around Rizal Park(my first actually). And the most important thing, I got this:

                  One down, 26 places to go....;-)

sources: My Rizal 150, Wikipedia, Official Gazette

Pic of the Week! (No more)

          Every end is a new beginning. And I'll be ending my Pic of the Week section to introduce my newest photo blog: (click picture to redirect you to my newest blog)

     
          Be inspired with quotes and sayings of famous personalities, authors, and newsmakers combined with 3 sets of pictures. From natural wonders to man-made things, and even events, this will be the showroom of the world in my eyes! Follow it as you followed this blog. Thanks and happy blogging to all...;-)

Wandering Juan Music Video Contest

          Calling all jetsetters and filmmakers: The Philippines’ largest airline, Cebu Pacific Air (CEB) begins its search for the best travel video, and plans to give away amazing travel packages through the Wandering Juan Music Video Contest. With the Tourism Promotions Board (TPB), marketing arm of the Philippine Department of Tourism (DOT), as CEB’s major partner, the contest is aimed at boosting domestic tourism, as the airline currently has the most extensive route network in the country.
          Starting December 1, 2011 until January 31, 2012 Wandering Juans can share their fun travels and adventures around the country by submitting a music video to CEB’s YouTube Channel.
          “We all have reasons why we love a certain place here in the Philippines, and this is the chance to showcase that. With the help of video and music, more people can get to appreciate the undiscovered, the fun and the exciting places the Philippines has to offer,” says Candice Iyog, CEB Vice President for Marketing and Distribution.

          By the end of two months, CEB and TPB will select three winners to receive amazing travel prizes. The winner for the best music video will get six domestic airline tickets along with a 3 days /2 nights stay in Boracay Regency Beach Resort and Spa in Boracay for six.

          The second place winner gets four domestic airline tickets and a 3 days/ 2 nights stay in Club Paradise in Coron, Palawan for four. The third placer will win four airline tickets and a 3 days /2 nights stay in Pearl Farm Beach Resort in Samal Island, Davao for four.

           The video with the most number of “likes” on CEB’s Youtube Channel will emerge as the Wandering Juan Voter’s Choice winning two airline tickets to any domestic destination.

          To join, interested contestants can submit their music video entries (in mpeg4/mp4 format) by visiting Cebu Pacific’s YouTube Channel, (http://www.youtube.com/user/cebupacificair). Look for the official Wandering Juan Invitation to Join video, go to comments and click on “Create a Video Response.” Starting December 1, 2011, contestants can upload their video entry with a short description of the video with their complete name, contact number and email address. A contestant may submit as many entries as they want. However, a contestant may only win once.

          “Tourism is everyone’s business, and this is our chance to boast of what our hometown or favorite Philippine city can offer. By creating videos, taking photos and going online, we are welcoming domestic and foreign tourists to the Philippines,” said DOT Secretary Ramon Jimenez.

          “Together, we can help share the beauty of the Philippines to more people. We invite everyone to join Cebu Pacific’s Wandering Juan Music Video Contest, and be our partner in showcasing the wonders of the country,” says Domingo Ramon Enerio III, officer-in-charge of the Tourism Promotions Board.

          To qualify, videos must show CEB airplane/s in the music video.  The 2 to 4 minute video entry must be made in 2011 and must not have been previously shown or awarded in public. Before appearing on the CEB YouTube Channel, all video entries and comments will be screened by CEB representatives.

          Any travel-loving Filipino resident can join the Wandering Juan Music Video Contest. If the contestant is below 18 years old, he/she must submit a signed letter of consent from the parents or legal guardians.

          Music video entries will be judged based on creativity (25%), travel message/ story (25%), promotion of destination (25%), technical execution (10%), and overall impact (15%).

Reblog from Cebu Pacific Air

Pilipinas, Tara Na! v.3.2

               After the debut of the 3rd version of Pilipinas, Tara Na! music video last October, the Pilipinas, Tara Na! Facebook fan page received some negative commentaries. One reason, the editor of the video mistakenly put photos/videos of the places described in the lyrics differently not just once, but four times. The four are the following as mentioned by Mr. Ivan Henares in the comments:

• Mansion ng Silay but Siliman University in Dumaguete is shown
• Lumang simbahan ng Paoay but Laoag's sinking belfry is shown
• Vinta ng Zamboanga but you have the images of the paraws of Boracay
• Boating sa Loboc but you show shooting the rapids in Pagsanjan

               It was nice that the following mistakes was edited. Now the more accurate 3rd version of the MTV.

PILIPINAS, TARA NA! v.3

Words by: Rene Nieva

Composed by: Mike Villegas and Rico Blanco

Arranged by: Angelo Villegas

Ikaw ba'y nalulungkot

Naiinip, nababagot

Ikaw ba'y napapagod

Araw gabi’y puro kayod?

Buhay mo ba'y walang saysay

Walang sigla, walang kulay?

Bawa't araw ba'y pareho

Parang walang pagbabago?

Tara na, biyahe tayo

Kasama ang pamilya

Barkada at buong grupo

Para mag-enjoy ng todo.

Halika, biyahe tayo

Nang ating makita

Ang ganda ng Pilipinas

Ang galing ng Pilipino.

Nakita mo na ba

Ang mga windmills ng Bangui

Lumang simbahan ng Paoay

At mga mansyon sa Silay?

Namasdan mo na ba

Ang mga vinta ng Zamboanga

Bulkang Taal, Bulkang Mayon

Beach ng Boracay at La Union?

Tara na, biyahe tayo

Nang ating malaman

Ang kahalagahan

Ng pagbibigayan.

Halika, biyahe tayo

Nang ating makita

Ang ganda ng Pilipinas

Ang galing ng Pilipino.

RAP:

Mula puno’t dulo

Ng archipelago

Ang sasalubong sa ‘yo

Mga ngiti ng bawat tao

Pagtanggap sa bisita at pagpapasaya

Sa Pinoy ay wala nang tatalo pa!

Naranasan mo na ba

Ang mag-wakeboarding sa Camsur

Ang mag-boating sa Loboc at sa

Underground River ng Puerto Princesa?

Natikman mo na ba

Ang Sisig ng Pampanga

Duriang Davao, Bangus Dagupan

Bicol Express at Lechong Balayan?

Tara na, biyahe tayo

Ang Maykapal ay pasalamatan

Sa lahat ng biyayang 

Natanggap ng ating bayan.

Halika, biyahe tayo

Nang ating Makita

Ang ganda ng Pilipinas

Ang galing ng Pilipino.

Nalibot mo na ba

Ang puno’t dulo ng Luzon

Aparri thru Calabarzon

All the way to Sorsogon?

Naki-parada ka na ba

Sa Higantes sa Angono

Bulaklak sa Panagbengga

At Parol sa San Fernando?

Tara na, biyahe tayo

Lumingon sa pinanggalingan

Nang tayo’y makarating

Sa ating paroroonan.

Halika, biyahe tayo

Nang ating makita

Ang ganda ng Pilipinas

Ang galing ng Pilipino.

Tara na, biyahe tayo

Upang ating matamo

Ligaya at pagkakaibigan

Kaunlaran, kapayapaan.

Halika, biyahe tayo

Nang ating makita

Ang ganda ng Pilipinas

Ang galing ng Pilipino.